Autism 5 Times More Common Among Low Birth Weight Babies: Part 3

Beyond Vaccines: 5 Things that Might Really Cause Autism

Jan 7, 2011
7:28 PM ET
By Rachael Rettner, MyHealthNewsDaily Staff Writer

"People are going to manifest the disorder in different ways, and that could be because there are different sets of genes, [or] different sets of environmental factors," that contribute to how the disorder presents itself, said Alycia Halladay, director of research for environmental sciences for Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy organization that funds autism research.

Here are #1-2  findings and ideas from scientists about what might really cause this mysterious condition.

1. Genetics
There is strong evidence that changes in our genes contribute to autism.  For one thing, the disorder is highly heritable. Families that have one child with autism have a 1 in 20 chance of having a second child with autism, according to the National Institutes of Health. This is a higher risk than in the general population. And twin studies have found that if one twin has autism, the other twin as a 90 percent chance of having the disorder.

Research has also shown that the genetic changes that contribute to autism don't have to be inherited — they may also arise spontaneously.

In total, scientists have identified about 20 genes that may be involved in autism spectrum disorder, Halladay said. While these genes are located all over the human genome, they share a common theme, she said. Many have a role in brain development, brain growth and the way brain cells communicate.

For example, a recent study found that children with a genetic mutation on chromosome 17 were 14 times more likely to develop autism than those without the mutation.

2. Pesticides
Exposure to pesticides has also been linked to autism. Some studies have found that pesticides may interfere with genes involved in the central nervous system, said Dr. Alice Mao, an associate professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Scientists think that chemicals in pesticides may adversely affect those who are genetically predisposed to autism, leading them to develop the full-blown disorder, Mao said.

"Maybe they were born with a vulnerability to autism, but then exposure to the pesticides might have cause the presentation of autism," Mao told MyHealthNewsDaily.

Tomorrow read about #3-5 possible reasons for the increase of autism.

Autism 5 Times More Common Among Low Birth Weight Babies: Part 2

Autism 5 times more common among low birth weight babies

By Cory Hatch
 

Could better prenatal care reduce autism's prevalence?

The research confirms what physicians have known about premature birth and autism, said Dr. Craig Erickson, chief of the Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center at Indiana University School of Medicine. Autism can likely develop when premature birth combines with other factors such as environment and genetic predisposition, he said.

"It's not surprising that autism would be a risk factor," he said. "The nice thing about this study is that they had a long follow-up period. By [21 years of age] you really know if people have autism or not."

Next, researchers hope to compare brain images of those low birth weight babies in the study. Head ultrasounds are now routine for premature babies, Pinto-Martin said. "The first thing we're doing is to go back and look at the rate of brain injury and brain hemorrhage in the entire cohort," she said.

The research suggests a need not only for better prenatal care to reduce the number of premature babies, but also a need for early diagnosis and intervention for people with autism. "Some of these young adults thanked us when we gave them the diagnosis," Pinto-Martin said. "They said, 'I always felt odd and I never knew why.' That was very moving for us."

The idea that vaccines cause autism has received yet another blow, with a new article in the British Journal of Medicine declaring the 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield, which originally found an autism-vaccine link, an "elaborate fraud." The article is the latest criticism of a theory that has been widely discredited. But if vaccines are off the table, what does cause autism?

While scientists are still investigating the issue, they say the disorder likely has a number of causes involving both our genes and our environment, or some combination of the two. For instance, people may have underlying genetic susceptibilities to autism that are triggered by something they encounter in the environment.

Making things even more complicated is the fact that autism, which is characterized by problems interacting and communicating with others, is not a single disorder, but a range of disorders that may have various causes. [See a time line of events: Vaccines and Autism: How the Truth Unfolded]

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Come back tomorrow and read about the 5 things that may cause austism.

Autism 5 Times More Common Among Low Birth Weight Babies: Part 1

Autism 5 Times More Common Among Low Birth Weight Babies

By Cory Hatch
 
Babies born with low birth weights are five times more likely than the general population to be diagnosed with some form of autism, new research suggests.


The study is the first in the United States to look at the prevalence of autism diagnoses in the smallest babies. Advances in medical science have helped more lower birth weight babies survive, so the findings could help explain the increase in people diagnosed with autism disorders, the researchers said.

Premature babies are often born with low birth weights, though full-term babies can also have the condition.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and School of Medicine identified 1,105 children who weighed less than 4 pounds, 6.5 ounces (2,000 grams) at birth who were born between Oct. 1, 1984, and July 3, 1989.

Sixteen years later, researchers were able to reach 623 of those children, and used a questionnaire to screen them for autism spectrum disorders.

When 189 of the children turned 21 years old, 60 percent of those who screened positive for an autism spectrum disorder, and 24 percent of those who screened negative, were clinically diagnosed with the condition. All in all, the rate of autism spectrum disorders among the study participants with low birth weights was five times higher than the general population.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Difficulties
People with the disorders have difficulty communicating, difficulty interacting in social situations, and restrictive or repetitive interests, said study co-author Jennifer Pinto-Martin, a researcher with the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and School of Medicine.

Those with mild autism spectrum disorders, such as people with Asperger's syndrome, "may only want to talk about one subject," Pinto-Martin said. "They're perfectly functional. They can go to college. They can hold a job."

Lower functioning people with autism spectrum disorders may have no social interactions at all. "You may see them sitting in a corner, rocking back and forth," Pinto-Martin said.

Researchers think that brain hemorrhaging or bruising associated with low birth weight or premature babies could explain the higher rate of autism spectrum disorders.

"Our first hypothesis is that it's related to brain development," Pinto-Martin said. "Preemies have something called neonatal brain injury. In some cases, it's just like a bruise and there is really no consequence. In other cases, there is more of a long-term effect."

Medical interventions that keep premature babies alive could also play a role, Pinto-Martin said. "To keep them alive, there is a lot of technology involved," she said. "They have them on machines that help them breathe. They have them on lots of medications."

"The rate of premature birth and premature survival has gone up dramatically," she continued. "It may well be that, because we are better and better at keeping these preemies alive, we are contributing to the increased prevalence of autism."

Teaching Your Child How To Use 911

One of the challenges of being a parent is arming your kids with the skills to handle the obstacles life presents. Teaching them how to use 911 in an emergency could be one of the simplest — and most important — lessons you'll ever share.

Talking About 911 With Kids

Not that long ago, there was a separate telephone number for each type of emergency agency. For a fire, you called the fire department number; for a crime, you called the police; for a medical situation, you called an ambulance or doctor.

But now 911 is a central number for all types of emergencies. An emergency dispatch operator quickly takes information from the caller and puts the caller in direct contact with whatever emergency personnel are needed, thus making response time quicker.

According to the National Emergency Number Association, 911 covers nearly all of the population of the United States, but check your phone book to be sure that 911 is the emergency number to use in your area.

Everyone needs to know about calling 911 in an emergency. But kids also need to know the specifics about what an emergency is. Asking them questions like "What would you do if we had a fire in our house?" or "What would you do if you saw someone trying to break in?" gives you a chance to discuss what constitutes an emergency and what to do if one occurs. Role playing is an especially good way to address various emergency scenarios and give your kids the confidence they'll need to handle them.

For younger children, it might also help to talk about who the emergency workers are in your community — police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, and so on — and what kinds of things they do to help people who are in trouble. This will clarify not only what types of emergencies can occur, but also who can help.

When to Call 911

Part of understanding what is an emergency is knowing what is not. A fire, an intruder in the home, an unconscious family member — these are all things that would require a call to 911. A skinned knee, a stolen bicycle, or a lost pet wouldn't. Still, teach your child that if ever in doubt and there's no adult around to ask, make the call. It's much better to be safe than sorry.

Make sure your kids understand that calling 911 as a joke is a crime in many places. In some cities, officials estimate that as much as 75% of the calls made to 911 are non-emergency calls. These are not all pranks. Some people accidentally push the emergency button on their cell phones. Others don't realize that 911 is for true emergencies only (not for such things as a flat tire or even about a theft that occurred the week before).

Stress that whenever an unnecessary call is made to 911, it can delay a response to someone who actually needs it. Most areas now have what is called enhanced 911, which enables a call to be traced to the location from which it was made. So if someone dials 911 as a prank, emergency personnel could be dispatched directly to that location. Not only could this mean life or death for someone having a real emergency on the other side of town, it also means that it's very likely the prank caller will be caught and punished.

How to Use 911

Although most 911 calls are now traced, it's still important for your kids to have your street address and phone number memorized. They'll need to give that information to the operator as a confirmation so time isn't lost sending emergency workers to the wrong address.

Make sure your kids know that even though they shouldn't give personal information to strangers, it's OK to trust the 911 operator. Walk them through some of the questions the operator will ask, including:

Where are you calling from? (Where do you live?)

What type of emergency is this?

Who needs help?

Is the person awake and breathing?

Explain that it's OK to be frightened in an emergency, but it's important to stay calm, speak slowly and clearly, and give as much detail to the 911 operator as possible. If they're old enough to understand, also explain that the emergency dispatcher may give first-aid instructions before emergency workers arrive at the scene.

Make it clear that your child should not hang up until the person on the other end says it's OK, otherwise important instructions or information could be missed.

More Safety Tips

Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind:

Always refer to the emergency number as "nine-one-one" not "nine-eleven." In an emergency, a child may not know how to dial the number correctly because of trying to find the "eleven" button on the phone.

Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street so that police, fire, or ambulance workers can easily locate your address.

If you live in an apartment building, make sure your child knows the apartment number and floor you live on.

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy near each phone for your kids or babysitter. This should include police, fire, and medical numbers (particularly important if you live in one of the few areas where 911 is not in effect), as well as a number where you can be reached, such as your cell phone, pager, or work number. In the confusion of an emergency, calling from a printed list is simpler than looking in the phone book or figuring out which is the correct speed-dial number. The list should also include known allergies, especially to any medication, medical conditions, and insurance information.

If you have special circumstances in your house, such as an elderly grandparent or a person with a heart condition, epilepsy, or diabetes living in your home, prepare your child by discussing specific emergencies that could occur and how to spot them.

Keep a first-aid kit handy and make sure your kids and babysitters know where to find it. When kids are old enough, teach them basic first aid.

3 Easy Ways to Stay Happier

3 Easy Ways to Stay Happier

According to an article from health.msn.com,  mental-health expert give 3 easy ways on how to keep anger, anxiety and depression at bay through everyday habits.

 

1. Good Sleep

Research shows that people who go without enough good sleep (generally considered at least six hours a night) are up to six times as likely to become depressed as those who get good sleep.

2. Good Exercise

Particularly aerobic exercise. The best evidence to date — based on the analysis of fourteen random controlled trials — indicates that to prevent, and even effectively treat, depression with exercise requires three thirty-minute sessions per week of aerobic exercise at 60 to 80 percent of maximum heart rate (i.e., typically between 110 and 160 beats per minute) for at least eight weeks.

3. Good Food

Up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, both of which show promise in contributing to mental well-being. Tuna, mackerel, and salmon are good sources for omega-3 fatty acids, as are dark green vegetables, flaxseed, nuts, and soybeans. For sources of B12, look to seafood and low-fat dairy products. Carbs have also been found to raise the level of serotonin in your brain, but it's best to stick with low-fat, whole-grain sources.

Tip#38: Make Sure Your Child Has Acceptable Behavior at School.

Teachers report that the most frustrating behavior they have to deal with is disrespect. This is when students are interrupting others, shouting out answers, or talking back to adults. Disrespectful students cause more interruptions, and forces the teacher to put lesson plans on hold to deal with them. Nearly half of the teachers say they spend more time controlling their classroom then teaching. This brings us to tip #38.

Tip#38: Make sure your child has acceptable behavior at school.

Teach your child that paying attention and being respectful is expected behavior. Teach your child that sitting up straight, making eye contact with the teacher, folding hand hands while listening, and not daydreaming will increase their concentration. Set example for your child by being a good listener yourself. Maintain eye contact as you speck to your child, show interest in what your child is saying, and do not interrupt the child when they are speaking.

According to Stacy DeBroff, author of "The Mom Book Goes To School", you can increase your child's concentration skills by playing games:

1. Ask your child to recite as many colors, states, songs, animals, pop singers, or football players, as possible in 30 seconds.

2. Have your child describe what he smell when you are cooking, what he sees on the way to school, and what instruments are in songs on the radio.

3. Play the take-away at the dinner table. Everyone close their eyes except one person, who removes an object form the table. Then the others open their eyes and guess what is missing.

4. Practice listening skills by making up stories together in the car. Take turns adding one sentence at a time, and see how long you can make the story.

5. Work on classroom manners by playing school at home. Play the badly behaved student, waving your hands in the air to be called on and shouting out answers, as a way to comically get the point across.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

From: Best Education Possible, LLC and Debra West

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving. Please remember to say a prayer for our soldiers serving overseas and their families. Also, think about all the people and things you are thankful for and share that with your loved ones  One other thing to remember today, keep every child in your thoughts today because every child deserves the "Best Education Possible" and chance to make their dreams come true. Get involved.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Thanksgiving Cards Activity

Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 24th. This is a time our country stops and takes time to contemplate on all the blessings of the year and feast shamelessly. With so many people having hard times in this economic climate, we must remember there are still many blessings to be thankful for.


This year why not make it special and do something everyone can participate. Have everyone in the family or friends make a Thanksgiving Card on Thursday, before dinner. They can use whatever materials they choose. It can be as simple as a piece of paper or as elaborate as what your imagination will come up with. Every participants will write down (1) thing they are truly thankful for this year. After Thanksgiving dinner, everyone will share their cards in whatever creative way you come up with. Here are a few suggestions on sharing the Thanksgiving Cards:

1. Share cards out loud in a group setting before dinner.
2. Have a contest on the most creative card.
3. Give prizes for most meaningful card.
4. Pick partners and share cards and have partner share the most memorable entries.
5. Share cards out loud after Thanksgiving meal.
6. Put cards in a pile and guess whose card is being shared.
7. Share 1 or 2 most meaningful Thanksgiving entries.
8. Only have the children and young people share cards.
9. Come up with your own creative way of sharing cards.
10. Make it a new family tradition on sharing Thanksgiving Cards!

I hope this gives you something to think and share during Thanksgiving. Hopefully, your children will really enjoy this activity and it will give your family and friends an opportunity to communicate and become closer. It will also be a way to communicate positive feelings with one another, along with stopping to think about all the wonderful blessings you can recognize on a daily bases and throughout the year. Get your family started on this Thursday and have fun with the Thanksgiving Cards Activity!

Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments: Part 3

Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments

Sep 7, 2010
1:33 PM ET
By Amanda Chan, MyHealthNewsDaily Staff Writer

Autism spectrum disorders affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others and behave appropriately in social situations. Approximately 1 in 110 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Diagnosis

The only way to diagnose an autism spectrum disorder is through behavioral observation and testing. An infant may begin showing signs of autism by 18 months or younger, but a reliable diagnosis is usually made around age 2 or 3, according to the CDC.

It's also possible for children to appear to be developing normally for the first few months or years of life, and then suddenly lose their language skills and become aggressive or withdrawn, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Those most at risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder are boys, siblings of people with autism and people who have other developmental disorders, such as Fragile X syndrome, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Treatments
Experts agree that early diagnosis – and therefore intervention – is helpful in improving development in a child with autism. Early intervention therapies may include helping the child learn to walk, talk and interact with others, according to the CDC.

There is no cure for autism spectrum disorders. However, there are behavioral and educational therapies to reduce symptoms.

"Some programs focus on reducing problem behaviors and teaching new skills," according to the Mayo Clinic, whereas "other programs focus on teaching children how to act in social situations or how to communicate better with other people."

Some therapy programs include occupational therapy, speech therapy and sensory integration therapy.

Medications are also available to help control symptoms of autism. Antidepressants can treat anxiety and antipsychotic medications can treat behavioral problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments: Part 2

Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments

Sep 7, 2010
1:33 PM ET
By Amanda Chan, MyHealthNewsDaily Staff Writer

Autism spectrum disorders affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others and behave appropriately in social situations. Approximately 1 in 110 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of people with autism spectrum disorders are poor social skills, problems with language and strange behavior. However, no two people with autism are alike, and symptoms can vary, according to the Mayo Clinic.

People with autism may not respond to their name or make eye contact, they may have an aversion to cuddling or holding, and they may seem unaware of hurting others' feelings, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Language difficulties include talking later than age 2, loss of ability to say words or sentences, inability to make eye contact when asking for something, robot-like speech, inability to keep a conversation going and repeating words verbatim without understanding how to use them.

Behavioral oddities may include repetitive movement, specific routines and disturbance by changes to the routines, constant movement, sensory processing issues and fascination by parts of an object, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Come back tomorrow and read about the diagnosis and treatment for autism

Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments: Part 1

Autism: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments

Sep 7, 2010
1:33 PM ET
By Amanda Chan, MyHealthNewsDaily Staff Writer

Autism spectrum disorders affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others and behave appropriately in social situations. Approximately 1 in 110 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Autism spectrum disorders are divided into three categories: autistic disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).

Autistic disorder is characterized by language delays, problems with communication and unusual behavior. Intellectual disabilities are common in people with autistic disorder.
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Asperger Syndrome is a mild form of autistic disorder. People with Asperger's, have problems with social interaction and unusual behavior, however, they don't usually have impaired language skills or intellectual disabilities, according to the CDC.

People with PDD-NOS may meet some criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger Syndrome, but their symptoms are fewer and milder. They may only have trouble with social interaction, the CDC said.

Despite controversy around the subject, there is no evidence that links vaccination of a child with the development of autism, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Come back tomorrow and read about the symptoms of autism.

Healthy" Holiday Food to Avoid

"Healthy" Holiday Food to Avoid (And Healthier Foods to Eat Instead)

Find out which holiday foods you think are healthy and really aren't.
By Nicci Micco, M.S., Editor-at-Large

The holidays are here and with them come a multitude of parties. All of them, no doubt, will have a buffet table packed with delicious holiday treats.


Your tactic for avoiding temptation may be to steer clear of all the special treats and divert yourself with only healthy foods. Great in theory, but not so perfect in practice. Lots of foods that are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are also full of calories. And when you're mindlessly munching as you're mingling, those calories can add up fast.

Don't assume that just because something is healthy it is also low-cal. If you like the healthy treats that sometimes show up at holiday parties, that's great! Have them—in moderation. If you'd rather sample some of the special seasonal treats, just put two or three of the most delicious-looking hors d'oeuvres on your plate and enjoy. Before you head out to party, check out these surprisingly unhealthy holiday calorie bombs and better bets to choose instead.

1. Surprising Food to Avoid—Mixed Nuts

Yes, nuts of all kinds are full of heart-healthy fats and the various types provide good amounts of other nutrients too (e.g., calcium, folate, selenium, vitamin E). But grab a couple of small handfuls and you're easily getting a half cup—nearly 450 calories and 40 grams of fat!

Better bet: Go ahead and have one small serving of a spiced-nut mix that feels more like a treat.

2. Surprising Food to Avoid—Veggies with Ranch Dressing

Hanging near the crudité tray is a great way to keep calories in check—so long as you stay away from the ranch (or blue cheese) dressing, which delivers a devastating 150 calories and 16 grams of fat per two tablespoons. Yes, I said two tablespoons.

Better bet: If you're just eating to eat (not that I advocate that... but it happens), go for the vegetables, unadorned. Or put a small scoop of hummus on your plate. It has a more reasonable 50 calories and 3 grams of fat.

3. Surprising Food to Avoid—Cheese and Crackers

On any ordinary day, you'd know that cheese is a high-fat, high-cal choice—but when those simple little cubes are sitting there amid all the holiday treats, they start to look like a good choice. Beware: If you grab five of those little 1-inch cubes, you've just housed 345 calories. Add a small handful of crackers to that and you're easily at 500 calories.

Better bet: If you truly want cheese and crackers, limit yourself to a few—say five crackers (about 80 calories) and top each with a very thin layer of a cheese spread (think: goat cheese or even cheese ball).

4. Surprising Food to Avoid—Spiced Cider

It's an office party and you're staying away from the spiked punch for various reasons. But if you're trying to be festive with a couple cups of spiced cider (240 calories), you're doing just as much damage as you would if you were having a glass of wine—from a calorie perspective anyway.

Better bet: Stick to 1 cup of cider, then switch to seltzer with lime.

How To Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose Quickly

How to get rid of a stuffy nose quickly

How to get rid of a stuffy nose quickly? Many drugs that promise to get rid of it quickly at a price that is not cheap. Even if these drugs successfully relieve stuffy nose, but still cause side effects such as dizziness or dry mouth that make them feel uncomfortable.

One way how to get rid of stuffy nose quickly, cheaply and without complications is by inhaling steam. To thin the mucus in the nose and sinus cavity and relieve the blockage, breathe steam.

The way, boil water in a pan and inhale the steam for several minutes. Be careful, do not get too close because it can cause severe skin burns. Sometimes, when there is inhaling vapors that cover the head with a towel to form a tent. This method is also useful to liquefy phlegm in the chest. Bathroom with a steamy hot shower can also relieve breathing.

Another alternative how to get rid of stuffy nose quickly, do eucalyptus oil steam therapy. Take a bowl of hot water and drops of eucalyptus oil to taste. Then place it in your room. The aroma can relieve your breath. Keep in mind, when your nose stuffy due to colds, do not be too frequent use of inhalers. This could make Konka nose becomes small. Even damage the cells in the nasal cavity that could interfere with the functioning sense of smell.

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Tip #37: Know the Difference Between Teasing and Bullying

Kids poke fun at one another. It's just what they do. Our instinct as parents may be to immediately stop the behavior and try to protect our kids from it, but, some teasing is critical to our children's social development, and some teasing can be considered bullying. That brings us to tip #37.

Tip #37: Understand when you child is being teased or bullied.

When kids make fun of their friends without aggression or any intention of hurting their feelings, it's called positive or productive teasing. This kind of behavior, says Mill, a communications professor at the University of Alabama, helps kids build relationships and use humor to address taboo topics or handle sticky situations. According to Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, 60 to 70 percent of the teasing young kids do is positive.

Teasing Vs. Bullying

1. Teasing is misunderstood because it is often confused with bullying, which has a strictly negative impact.

2. The way to distinguish between the two is by intent.

3. The goal of teasing is to create a closer relationships and make connections.

4. The goal of bullying is to harm.

5. Teasing turns into bullying when kids use it to gain greater social status.

6. It has been found that 4-5 year old will bully to increase their social power.

7. Even the most positive teasing turns sour if it goes to far.

Definition: Teasing Vs. Bullying

When both people are equal in size, intelligence, and age and are having fun, it's teasing. But when the two aren't equal and one is more poplar, bigger, or powerful, the exchange is out of balance, it's bullying.

If your child tells you his/her classmates called him/her ugly, don't just jump in to assure them they are beautiful, says Mills. "As soon as you do that, you've let them become victimized." Instead, listen to what they say, and then help them come up with a plan to address it the next time it happens. If you want more information, don't ask your child directly if he's being teased. Instead a question that can be answered in the second or third person. How do kids joke around these days? Or, what is teasing for kids today?

Tip #36: Get to Know the PTA Officers and Their Objectives for the School Year.

Another important person that you need to get to know at your child's school is the PTA president and other officers. These people can help you with most questions and can help advise you on handling many situations at the school. This brings us to tip #36.

Tip #36: Get to know the PTA officers and their objectives for the school year.

The PTA's National Standards for Family-School Partnerships is very simple.Your school's PTA officers should be able to tell you their goals for the year. Below are a six step program that the National PTA suggest you can follow to stay on track with parent involvement at your school and PTA.

1. Make all families feel welcome. Greet other parents at school activities and events. If needed recruit bilingual parents to greet and interpret for families whose first language isn't English. Offer families activities at low cost or no cost and try holding meetings in various community locations (such as the local library, community center, or churches).

2. Communicate effectively. Design and print "Happy Grams" as an easy way for teachers to regularly report positive behavior and/or achievements to parents. Consider using color-coded lines or footprints on hallway walls or floors, to help direct parents to the office, library, or parent resource center. Include two-way communication mechanism, such as a question-and -answer section or mini survey, in each edition of your newsletter. Distribute calendars so parents can record upcoming events, assignments, and dates to check with teachers on their child's progress.

3. Support student success. Create a checklist and tip sheets for effective parent-teacher conferences. Invite teachers and professionals from the community to speak at meetings. Provide parents involvement tips and suggestions.

4. Speak up for every child. Match new families with a buddy family that knows the ropes. Plan workshops on how to ask the right questions about children's progress and placement. Involve parents in ongoing training on topics such as effective advocates, identifying and supporting learning styles, and fostering student achievement.

5. Share power. Working in partnership with principals and identifying ways the PTA/parent group can support one or more goals of the school improvement plan. Host a forum for candidates running for public office and focus on issues that affect children, families, and education. Get to know elected officials at all levels of government.

6. Collaborate with the community. Reach out to senior/retired citizens and invite them to volunteer at the school. Work with the local newspaper to promote special events that are happening at the school. Invite school alumni to make donations to the school or volunteer time.


These are some of the PTA's national standards for 2010-2011. Find out what your local school's PTA standards are for this school year. It will help you to get involved and stay informed.

Best STEM Toys Ages 9+: Part 3

With the Holiday Seasons right around the corner, below are some suggestions for educational toys that can be fun and intellectually stimulating.


Best STEM Toys ages 9+
ReCon 6.0 Programmable Rover

Young scientists and inventors will love these 2011 Golden Apple Awards winners created for older kids.

By GreatSchools Staff

Appeals to ages 9-13

What it teaches: introduction to computer programming

Lurking inside the brains of all science-fiction-loving children, there’s an overwhelming desire for their very own robot that’ll do whatever their young masters command: Telling pesky younger siblings to stay out of their bedroom, delivering a hand-written note, and even taking out the trash.

Aside from doing chores, this mighty little toy will make a robot-obsessed child's dreams come true. Kids can program this big-as-a-breadbox robot to walk and turn, talk, and deliver small items. Big fun! One tween tester, enthralled with the toy, spent many quiet hours getting it to do his bidding. He was disappointed, though, that there weren't more fun features "like a hidden camera." As well, he bemoaned that the programming instructions weren't more detailed.

On that note, parents, consider yourself warned: Unless you have a mini in-house Bill Gates, you may be spending a lot of time figuring out how to get Rover to walk the robot walk and talk the robot talk.

Bottom line: A nice "starter" robot for science-fiction and computer-science lovin' kids.

Best STEM Toys Ages 9+: Part 2

With the Holiday Seasons right around the corner, below are some suggestions for educational toys that can be fun and intellectually stimulating.


Best STEM Toys ages 9+
Sustainable Earth Lab

Young scientists and inventors will love these 2011 Golden Apple Awards winners created for older kids.
By GreatSchools Staff
Appeals to ages 8-13

What it teaches: climate science principals, laboratory practices, and earth science fundamentals

Having trouble explaining to your child why the world is getting warm and sea levels are rising? Do you know how CO2 affects the atmosphere? It may be daunting, but our children need to know the fundamentals of climate science so that they can be smart stewards of a rapidly changing planet.

Conversations about the dangers of global warming may not really end up teaching kids that much if they don’t understand the science behind the news. Sustainable Earth Lab, a multi-faceted science kit, will go a long way toward making your child more knowledgeable about climate science than your average well-educated adult.

Bottom line: An ingeniously designed kit that prepares your child to be a great citizen of the planet.

Best STEM Toys ages 9+: Part 1

With the Holiday Seasons right around the corner, below are some suggestions for educational toys that can be fun and intellectually stimulating.


Best STEM toys ages 9+
Math Magic


Young scientists and inventors will love these 2011 Golden Apple Awards winners created for older kids.

By GreatSchools Staff

Appeals to age 7- 13

What it teaches: math concepts and fundamentals

Brow furrowing may be a common response to opening a present with the word "math" so prominently printed on the box. This was a bit of an impediment to many testers who chose other, less explicitly academic toys over this one. But once we opened the box and began unpacking its many little tricks and games, the kids soon recognized this was more playing than studying. In fact, its collection of brain teasers, miniature card games, and magic tricks exemplify what an innovative teacher might do on a Friday afternoon for a fun break — building brain cells and having no end of fun to boot.

Bottom line: A great way to teach kids that math isn’t about worksheets, it’s magic..

Anyone Can Get The Flu!

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Anyone Can Get Influenza

According to an article from facesofinfluenza.com , on average, 1 out of 5 Americans suffer from influenza every year.6,7 In addition, influenza and its related complications result in approximately 226,000 hospitalizations in the US each year.1 Depending on virus severity during the influenza season, deaths can range from 3000 to a high of about 49,000 people.8

We all are at risk for contracting influenza. The results for some will be lost work or school days. But for those at highest risk, the results can be more serious – leading to hospitalization and even death. The best way to prevent influenza is with an annual flu shot.1

Combined with pneumonia, influenza is the nation's eighth leading cause of death. Influenza is serious – get vaccinated.

1. Influenza Symptoms

Influenza symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur, but are more common in children than adults.

2. Complications of Influenza

Complications of influenza can include viral or bacterial pneumonia and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. Children may experience sinus problems and ear infections.

3. How Influenza Spreads

Influenza viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something contaminated with the influenza virus and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.

Get Moving!

According to an article in the March 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, get one sweat every day and your health should get better.

1. If you're sick of the gym, try a fun alternative that burns more calories than walking (246 calories per hour for a moderate pace). Ballet or swimming laps burns 422 calories; biking or playing Ping-Pong, 281.

2. Take a break. You may burn more fat when you divide a 60-minute workout into two 30-minute sessions with a 20-minute rest in between.  The boost may even continue post-exercise.

3. Get your hands dirty. Gardening gives you aas much of a workout as walking or golf, a recent study reported.  Plus: The weight-bearing motions involved in digging and pulling weeds can strengthen bones and muscle.

4. Do it to music.  Tunes that are in sync with your workout rate help keep you going up to 15 percent longer, British researchers found. 

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

Men and women have fought and died for our freedom, so you can get the "Best Education Possible".  Take advantage of every opportunity. Be Informed! Be Aware! Be Involved! Happy Veterans Day!

Always,

Debra West

Thank You Veterans

Happy Veterans Day

I want to thank all the men and women who served and are serving in the armed forces. You continue to  keep our country safe and give us the freedoms we all enjoy.  One of the privileges  we should enjoy is  that every child should receive the "Best Education Possible".  Thank you veterans for making it possible!  Now we all must continue to make sure children are receiving the best quality education we can give.

Yours in Education,

Debra West

Warning Signs That Your Child May Be Overscheduled

Warning Signs That Your Child May Be Overscheduled
Ask yourself these questions to check if your child's getting enough downtime.
By Martha Brockenbrough

There may not be a "right" number of activities for every child, but ask yourself these questions to check if your child's getting enough downtime.

1. - Does he act grouchy, mopey or irritable?

2. - Can she fall asleep at bedtime?

3. - Are his grades slipping? Does he finish his homework?

4. - Has she started overeating?

5. - Does he zone out in front of the TV?

6. - Is she complaining of stomachaches, headaches or mysterious illnesses?

7. - Does he grumble about being bored?

8. - Is she overanxious about getting approval from authority figures

9. - When you're heading out the door, does he throw a tantrum or "lose" equipment?

10.- Does she pick fights with her siblings or complain you don't love her as much?

11.- Can he keep track of where's he's supposed to be?

12.- Is her schedule draining you or your family members?

If your child exhibits a few of these behaviors on an ongoing basis, you may want to re-examine his after-school schedule.

Mom's Homeroom columnist Martha Brockenbrough is a former high school teacher whose students have been published in The New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor and elsewhere. She has written three books, one on parenting, one on grammar, and one for children. For nearly a decade, she wrote an educational humor column for the encyclopedia Encarta, and she founded both the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar and National Grammar Day. She is the social media director for readergirlz.org, a teen literary organization that has won a National Book Award for innovation. Martha has taught creative writing to elementary school students and has two daughters in elementary school — who almost always remember to put their homework in their backpacks.

Best STEM toys ages 6 to 8: Part 3

With the Holiday Seasons right around the corner, below are some suggestions for educational toys that can be fun and intellectually stimulating.


Best STEM toys ages 6 to 8
The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy


From treasure hunts to microscopic views, these 2011 Golden Apple Award winners will educate as much as they entertain.
By GreatSchools Staff

Appeals to ages 6+

What it teaches: astronomy, cosmology, navigation, hands-on learning

This simply elegant learning kit from the ingenious Klutz team packs a world of learning into one tidy box that includes a telescope, sundial, night-sight flashlight, star and moon maps, and scores of activities. Constructed out of stiff paper and simple lenses, the telescope is fairly easy for a child to assemble (although kids may need some adult help) and get working. The sundial is also a cinch to assemble and to use — no batteries required. Our kid testers enjoyed assembling the telescope and the sun dial, and figuring out exactly how they worked and why.

The kit also includes a Lunatic Wheel for Moon Gazers, a Galactic Passport your child can use to record the phases of the moon and constellations she's observed, easy-to-use star maps, and a plethora of fascinating facts about the sun, moon, and planets.

Bottom line: Everything to launch your child into a hands-on galactic adventure.

Autism 5 Times More Common Among Low Birth Weight Babies: Part 1

Autism 5 times more common among low birth weight babies

By Cory Hatch

Babies born with low birth weights are five times more likely than the general population to be diagnosed with some form of autism, new research suggests.


The study is the first in the United States to look at the prevalence of autism diagnoses in the smallest babies. Advances in medical science have helped more lower birth weight babies survive, so the findings could help explain the increase in people diagnosed with autism disorders, the researchers said.

Premature babies are often born with low birth weights, though full-term babies can also have the condition.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and School of Medicine identified 1,105 children who weighed less than 4 pounds, 6.5 ounces (2,000 grams) at birth who were born between Oct. 1, 1984, and July 3, 1989.

Sixteen years later, researchers were able to reach 623 of those children, and used a questionnaire to screen them for autism spectrum disorders.

When 189 of the children turned 21 years old, 60 percent of those who screened positive for an autism spectrum disorder, and 24 percent of those who screened negative, were clinically diagnosed with the condition. All in all, the rate of autism spectrum disorders among the study participants with low birth weights was five times higher than the general population.

Autism spectrum disorder difficulties



People with the disorders have difficulty communicating, difficulty interacting in social situations, and restrictive or repetitive interests, said study co-author Jennifer Pinto-Martin, a researcher with the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and School of Medicine.

Those with mild autism spectrum disorders, such as people with Asperger's syndrome, "may only want to talk about one subject," Pinto-Martin said. "They're perfectly functional. They can go to college. They can hold a job."

Lower functioning people with autism spectrum disorders may have no social interactions at all. "You may see them sitting in a corner, rocking back and forth," Pinto-Martin said.

Researchers think that brain hemorrhaging or bruising associated with low birth weight or premature babies could explain the higher rate of autism spectrum disorders.

"Our first hypothesis is that it's related to brain development," Pinto-Martin said. "Preemies have something called neonatal brain injury. In some cases, it's just like a bruise and there is really no consequence. In other cases, there is more of a long-term effect."

Medical interventions that keep premature babies alive could also play a role, Pinto-Martin said. "To keep them alive, there is a lot of technology involved," she said. "They have them on machines that help them breathe. They have them on lots of medications."

"The rate of premature birth and premature survival has gone up dramatically," she continued. "It may well be that, because we are better and better at keeping these preemies alive, we are contributing to the increased prevalence of autism."

Best STEM toys ages 6 to 8: Part 2

With the Holiday Seasons right around the corner, below are some suggestions for educational toys that can be fun and intellectually stimulating.


Best STEM toys ages 6 to 8
Zoomy Digital Microscope

by GreatSchool staff

From treasure hunts to microscopic views, these 2011 Golden Apple Award winners will educate as much as they entertain.

Appeals to age 5-15

What it teaches: scientific observation, biological exploration, technical skills

Microscopes are an awesome tool for scientific discovery – no matter your age – but cheaper versions made for kids can be arduous to use. Little kids often have trouble coordinating the focusing of the lenses and seeing through a tiny aperture. But this handheld microscope projects its images onto a computer screen, thereby allowing kids to explore micro realities via a large image that’s easy to see, share, and discuss.

Our testers loved the versatility of this toy which seemed to drive their curiosity in all kinds of unforeseen ways. Fingerprints? Cool. Dust bunnies? Yeah. Housefly wings? The flies the limit.

Bottom line: A tool that offers kids a way to explore an otherwise inaccessible world that’s right under their fingertips.

Best STEM toys ages 6 to 8: Part 1

With the Holiday Seasons right around the corner, below are some suggestions for educational toys that can be fun and intellectually stimulating.


Best STEM toys ages 6 to 8
Geomate Jr.

by GreatSchools staff

From treasure hunts to microscopic views, these 2011 Golden Apple Award winners will educate as much as they entertain.

Appeals to ages 5-8

What it teaches: navigating and using a compass, exploring the outdoors, following directions, using technology

Catch the geocaching wave! This global phenomenon is a terrific way to bring out the explorer in young kids, and whether you live in city or suburbs, give them a true sense of adventure – along with getting them outside and moving. Not too shabby.

Turning the entire country into a giant Cracker Jack box, the device comes preloaded with 250,000 “treasure” locations nationwide. When you turn it on, Geomate finds your location and instantly locates the closest "geocache," sending you on your way to find a small treasure — coins, toy jewelry, plastic jewels, a note — that are hidden in, say, the crook of a tree, under a rock, or behind a brick in a wall. Worth noting: This easy-to-use handheld is better for younger than older kids who (as with one of our 10-year-old, tech-savvy testers) don't find it high-tech or sophisticated enough. (For older kids and adults, you can use a smartphone and an app to Geocache.)

Bottom line: A wonderful device to get the whole family outdoors and energized about going on a modern treasure hunt to search for some pirate booty. Argh.

Coffee Perks

How much coffee do you drink everyday? Is coffee bad for your health? Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., a registered dietitian and associate editor of nutrition for EatingWell magazine wrote an article about 5 health reasons to not quit coffee.

1. Coffee is good for the heart. People who drinks coffee of 1 to 3 cups a day have lower rates of stroke than non coffee drinkers, an effect linked to coffee’s antioxidants. Coffee is the biggest source of antioxidants in American diets for it has more antioxidants per serving than blueberries. These known antioxidants help suppress the damaging effect of inflammation on arteries. Immediately after drinking coffee, blood pressure and heart rate are elevated but over the long term, antioxidants activate nitric oxide causing the widening of vessels and eventually lower the blood pressure.

2. Coffee diverts diabetes. One of coffee’s antioxidant called chlorogenic acid and quinides play another role in boosting your cells’ sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. Studies revealed that people who drink 4 or more cups of coffee each day may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Other studies have shown that caffeine can blunt the insulin-sensitivity boost, so if you do drink several cups a day, try mixing in decaf occasionally.

3. Coffee is good for the liver. According to some research, the more coffee people drink, the lower their incidence of cirrhosis and other liver diseases. One analysis of nine studies found that every 2-cup increase in daily coffee intake reduced liver cancer risk by 43 percent. Again, it’s those antioxidants—chlorogenic and caffeic acids—and caffeine that might prevent liver inflammation and inhibit cancer cells.

4. Coffee boosts brain power. Studies suggest that drinking between 1 and 5 cups a day may help reduce risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Coffee’s antioxidants may ward off brain cell damage and help the neurotransmitters involved in cognitive function to work better.

5. Coffee can alleviate headaches. Studies show that 200 milligrams of caffeine which is the approximate amount in 16 ounces of brewed coffee, provides relief from headaches and migraines. Though how caffeine relieves headaches isn’t clear yet, scientists do believe that caffeine boosts the activity of brain cells, causing surrounding blood vessels to constrict. According to Robert Shapiro, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of neuroloy and director of the Headache Clinic at the University of Vermont Medical School, the constriction of the blood vessels helps to relieve the pressure that causes the pain.

With these five good reasons, it doesn’t mean coffee doesn’t have any pitfalls. Some people may be caffeine sensitive and may get jittery or anxious after drinking coffee. Habitual drinkers usually develop tolerance to caffeine that eliminates this problem. Coffee can also disturb sleep, especially to the elderly. Cutting some caffeine and drinking coffee earlier in the day can curb this effect. Finally, unfiltered coffee can raise LDL cholesterol, so always use a filter when preparing coffee for health reasons.

So if you like coffee and can tolerate any dose of caffeine, enjoy it….without the guilt.

Smile Savers

According to an article in the March 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, brushing, flossing, and eating right keep your teeth strong and promote overall health.  Below are 4 tips from that article:

1. Make it tea for your teeth: Fruit drinks, sodas, and citrus juices (like orange) have sugar and acids that wear away tooth enamel.  The better dental choice , as safe as just plain water, is tea without milk, lemon, or sugar.

2. Listen to your hygienist: In a two-week study of identical twins, one brushed and flossed, the other simply brushed.  The flosser developed significantly less plaque causing bacteria than their brush-only siblings.

3. Spoon up some culture: In a new study, people who consumed at least 1/4 cup of yogurt or a lactic acid drink every day were less than half as likely to have serious gum disease.  The magic ingredient? Probiotics, researchers believe.

4. Get plenty of fruits and vegetables: The higher your consumption of folic acid from food (produce is a great source), the lower you risk of bleeding gums, research shows.

Tip #35: Get to Know the Principal of Your Child's School.

For a school to truly be effective and successful, a very important ingredient is the leadership of the school, and that is the principal. The principal must have a vision for the school,, and that he/she can get the faculty, staff, parents, and students to buy into that vision. This brings us to tip #35.

Tip #35: Get to know the principal of your child's school.

Principal: The principal runs the school and sets the tone and culture for the entire school. The principal solves problems, creates rules, polices the students, manages the staff, acts as mentor, evaluates classrooms, and most importantly, constantly communicates and empowers everyone from teachers to parents to the school board. Find out if there is a meet the principal time or set up a small breakfast with some other parents and get to know the principal. Ask him or her questions about the school and the vision for the future. This meeting should tell you a lot about the school and how it is being managed.

To find out the type of questions you should ask the principal, order my book, "A Parent's Handbook: How to Get the Best Education Possible K-6 Grades, from http://www.besteducationpossible.com/ . I hope everyone's school year is off to a good start and you are trying to do something everyday to make sure all children are getting the "Best Education Possible".

Best STEM toys ages 3 to 5: Part 3

With the Holiday Seasons right around the corner, below are some suggestions for educational toys that can be fun and intellectually stimulating.


Best STEM toys ages 3 to 5
Kaleido Gears

Created for young learners, 2011 Golden Apple Awards winners masterfully lay a (fun) foundation for science, math, and technology.
By GreatSchools Staff

Appeals to age 3-6

What it teaches: small-motor skills, fluid intelligence, engineering fundamentals about interconnected parts

Little hands need activities that satisfy the need to move and think simultaneously and Gears is a toy that helps kids do both while still seeming like a real toy – not a piece of curriculum. Its bright gears fit together in any number of ways to allow kids to explore how interconnected parts can create different effects. For children who are obsessed with mechanical and transportation toys, this one allows for a close-up look at how gears and wheels work in an open ended, playful way. For the visual child, the multi-colored parts can inspire mini-design projects about how colors fit and mesh together.

Some of our parents were concerned that the small pieces holding gears in place might be choking hazards for children under age three, but the toy engaged our little testers and inspired a lot of curious quiet play, something no doubt many parents would welcome!

Bottom line: A hands-on STEM toy that helps with fine-motor skills and interactive mechanical exploration.

Best STEM toys ages 3 to 5: Part 2

With the Holiday Seasons right around the corner, below are some suggestions for educational toys that can be fun and intellectually stimulating.


Best STEM toys ages 3 to 5
My First Lego Set

by GreatSchools staff

Created for young learners, 2011 Golden Apple Awards winners masterfully lay a (fun) foundation for science, math, and technology.

Appeals to ages 3-7

What it teaches: building, constructing, following instructions, small-motor skills

Legos are timeless and you'd be hard-pressed to find a kid who’s not interested in playing with them. This particular set is a perfect gateway set for younger children who might be overwhelmed by a larger, more complex one (with even more than the 200+ parts in this one).

Our youngest tester needed pretty constant adult guidance as she strove to build a village, but luckily this toy comes with instructions for quick-gratification constructions like two-pieces flowers and a five-piece cat. When they feel ready, pint-sized builders can progress to more complex construction projects, such as the house and windmill. Finally, when they really get the hang of it, free-form building ensues — and this wondrous motor-skill-and-imagination combo can captivate even wee ones for up to 30 minutes.

Bottom line: The Danish toy company’s name says it all: “Lego” is based on the Danish phrase meaning “play well.”

Best STEM toys ages 3 to 5: Part 1

With the Holiday Seasons right around the corner, below are some suggestions for educational toys that can be fun and intellectually stimulating.

Best STEM toys ages 3 to 5
Citiblocs (Cool and Hot Color Set)

Created for young learners, 2011 Golden Apple Awards winners masterfully lay a (fun) foundation for science, math, and technology.

by GreatSchools staff

What it teaches: structural engineering basics, pattern recognition, cause-and-effect, collaboration, problem-solving, creative thinking, small-motor skills

We in the business of reading studies on what drives learning know blocks are one of those toys that pack an evidence-based punch. (Block play is associated with later math competence among other academic gains.) But Citiblocs’ multi-colored wood blocks surprised even us with their universal popularity. All the kids (and truth be told, adults) loved these colorful reinventions of a toy that is so deceptively simple, irresistible, and age-proof. (So much so that two sister testers battled over who got to keep her set: 7-year-old sister: “They’re mine. My sister can only play with them if she asks.” 11-year-old sister: “But that’s not fair. I love them, too.”)

All 100 of the precision-cut blocks are identically shaped – narrow rectangles (4.5 x.75 x.25) that scream “build, create, collaborate!” For our younger testers, this toy had staying power: They played for long periods of concentrated time to construct things they were proud of. Our older testers worked in teams to create building games, intricately shaped towers, and domino-effect boobie traps.

For the browsing adult, some of the other block brands with multifarious shapes may seem more “fun,” but the simplicity of Citiblocs are really their secret to success. They are similar to two other precision-cut brands Kapla and Keva Planks, but more affordable. Finally, the cool and hot color schemes – one with natural wood mixed with blues and greens, the other with reds and yellow – are so stylin’ that you’ll be less likely to be annoyed when your child allows them to take over the living room.

Bottom line: Blockbuster STEM learning in an old-fashioned classic form.