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Parentown KidSmart

Kidsmart – December 2015

No matter who you’re buying for this holiday season, your shopping list is sure to be long and complex. Simplify it with these holiday hints, which feature something for everyone on the list. From gifts that keep on giving, month after month, or the latest in handheld functionality to a stylish classic and tasty treats both sweet and rich in flavor, this guide has you covered – right down to shipping your gifts to their intended recipients. For the Reader in Your Life Books can make great gifts … but how do you pick the right title for the booklover on your list? With a Book of the Month gift subscription, you can delight the readers in your life by letting them choose. Each month, members get to select from five new hardcovers specially chosen by a panel of well-known judges. Whether you give a 3-, 6-, or 12-month membership, your gift will last well beyond the holidays. Handheld Reliability Meets Functionality Stylish, sturdy and smart, the waterproof Kyocera Hydro WAVE sports a large, beautiful 5-inch display and is designed to protect against everyday phone hazards. The Android-powered smartphone’s durable design is certified to U.S. Military Standard 810G for shock and is waterproof for up to 30 minutes in up to one meter of water. The latest in the Kyocera Hydro Series, Hydro WAVE weaves affordable reliability with enticing functionality and is available through T-Mobile and MetroPCS. Holiday Shipping Made Simple Whether you’re mailing Christmas cards or sending gifts to loved ones across the country, you want a good value for your holiday shipping. The U.S. Postal Service makes it easy to schedule a free package pickup and even offers free Priority Mail boxes. You’ll also get end-to-end tracking so you know exactly when your package will arrive. Visit USPS.com or stop into any U.S. Post Office to complete all your mailing needs this holiday season. Dry-Aged Holiday Perfection Be sure to please even the most discriminating steak connoisseur this holiday season with an artisan Bone-In Ribeye from Chicago Steak Company. Cut French-style, this ribeye undergoes a six-week dry aging process and is abundant in marbling and rich in flavor. A Sweet Gift for the Holidays Just in time for the holidays, find chocolate covered Gratify Gluten Free pretzels in four limited edition flavors: luscious White Chocolate and Peppermint, delectable Dark Chocolate and Peppermint, decadent Milk Chocolate and Peanut Butter and rich and creamy Dark Chocolate coated pretzel twists. With flavors and textures so delicious, you’ll be surprised to know they are gluten free. A taste so good, you’ll put on your Gratify face. An Iconic Gift from the Past Take style up a notch for the guys on your list this holiday season. One of the most recognizable tennis shoes of all time is back. The Stan Smith by Adidas Originals features premium leather, perforated stripes, a terry sock liner and a contrasting heel tab. Choose Fairway Green for the ultimate throwback look, or find other colors and styles of this iconic shoe for adults at Foot Locker stores and online.

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Parentown KidShape

Kidshape – December 2015

From the nursery to the playroom, playtime should be safe and fun. But experts say that beyond these considerations, these spaces should incorporate elements that promote early childhood development. “Infancy and preschool years are a crucial time of children’s lives, when they are developing new motor, cognitive, language and social skills,” says Dr. Lise Eliot, Early Brain Development Expert and Expert Panel Member at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. “Toys should provide multi-sensory experiences that engage and cultivate a love of learning from a very young age, while delivering the developmental benefits appropriate for each child’s age and stage.” Ways to Nurture Early Childhood Development To encourage growth and enrich children’s play experiences, Dr. Eliot and VTech offer these tips: • Include books in the playroom and read often to your child. Doing so will demonstrate well before the school years begin that reading is not just for classroom, but also a recreational activity that can and should be done for fun. Look ahead by adding books that will be age-appropriate in the future. • Development happens extremely rapidly, so seek out learning toys that grow with children. For example, the Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train, which teaches letters, numbers, colors and vocabulary, can be used for floor play or a ride on. Once babies are on their feet, it can be transformed into a walker or a wagon that can be pulled, helping to build motor skills. • Kids are never too young to develop an appreciation for music. Babies can start by playing with tambourines, maracas, toy keyboards and other fun musical toys. Child-sized instruments can improve hand-eye coordination and rhythm, and set kids up for lifelong musical inspiration. • Create safe zones in your house where kids can have free reign to play and explore. “The more opportunity children have for physical exertion and exploration, the better for the development of both their minds and bodies,” says Eliot. • Focus on giving preschool age kids a head start on their education. Provide them with fun ways to get started, such as the Write & Learn Creative Center, which features animated demonstrations to teach proper stroke order for uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as drawing activities to inspire skills and creativity in young artists. • Foster language and social skills by spending time each day playing together. The interactions you share are key to cognitive and emotional development as well as social and emotional growth. Research has proven that early two-way conversations with babies and young children are critical to their own speech and reading development. To encourage social skills and prepare young children for preschool, set up play dates with friends. For more playful ideas, parenting tips and information about early childhood development, visit www.vtechkids.com/milestones. By incorporating these elements and toys that nurture a range of critical cognitive and physical skills, you can make playtime not only fun, but functional

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Parentown KidSmart

Kidsmart – November 2015

Homeowners are often advised to keep the home neutral and avoid decorating with anything too bold or personal. But in order to make a house your home, the decor should reflect your personality and style. The good news is you don’t have to make permanent commitments. Paint is an easy and cost-effective way to infuse color and patterns that transform the aesthetic of a room or piece of furniture. Regardless of whether you’re a masterful weekend warrior or first-time do-it-yourselfer, paint projects don’t have to be time-intensive or overwhelming – a little paint and creativity can go a long way toward refreshing your space. “The key to achieving professional-looking results is using the right tools,” said interior decorator Martin Amado. “That’s why I start all my painting projects by going to Lowe’s to pick up high-quality paint brushes, a can of paint and 3M Safe Release Painter’s Tape with Advanced Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector.” Amado suggests these painting projects you can accomplish with just one can of paint: 1. Color block your furniture. Take the dining room from drab to fab by painting the bottom halves of table legs and chairs in a bold, solid color. Change the look each season to impress guests on every occasion. 2. Invent your own artwork. Unleash your inner artist and create unique designs on canvas or fiberboard. Use painter’s tape to make abstract designs and add your favorite paint color before finishing each piece with a decal or monogram. 3. Enhance your tired armoires. Play dress up with your furniture, and give armoire doors a makeover. Paint a colorful border around the front of the door and adhere adhesive hooks in the middle for a stylish, yet functional, new piece. 4. Skip store-bought photo frames. Instead of purchasing frames for your gallery wall, paint basic shapes directly on the wall. Mount artwork or photos onto the painted backdrops for a picture-perfect place to preserve your favorite memories. 5. Design a lavish headboard for less. Save money and instead splurge on style by painting a “frame” on the wall just above your bed. Rectangular shapes work best for most beds and you can get creative by trying patterns such as stripes, chevron and diamonds. 6. Install faux panel moulding. No moulding? No problem! Buy inexpensive frames and paint them the same color as your baseboard trim. Adhere the frames to the wall (without the backing and glass) for a simple, yet dramatic, look. 7. Make a statement (wall). Pick your favorite pattern trends and bring them to life on one wall of the living room or bedroom. If you’re not ready to take on patterns, bold and bright colors will do the trick. For more tips to transform your rooms with paint, visit www.3MDIY.com. Siempre se aconseja mantener la decoración del hogar neutra y evitar las cosas demasiado atrevidas. Sin embargo, para hacer que una casa se convierta en tu hogar, la decoración debe reflejar tu personalidad y tu estilo. La buena noticia es que no tienes que hacer compromisos permanentes ya que una manera fácil y rentable de agregarle color y transformar la estética de una habitación o un mueble es usando pintura. Independientemente de que seas un experto, o si es la primera vez que decides hacerlo tu mismo, los proyectos de pintura suelen ser sencillos y no toman mucho tiempo. Un poco de pintura y creatividad pueden ayudar mucho a renovar tu espacio. La clave para lograr resultados que parezcan profesionales está en utilizar las herramientas adecuadas», dijo el decorador de interiores, Martín Amado. «Es por eso que comienzo todos mis proyectos de pintura con una visita a Lowe para comprar brochas de alta calidad, una lata de pintura y cinta de pintor 3M Safe Release Painter’s Tape con protección avanzada para proteger las esquinas». Amado sugiere los siguientes proyectos de pintura que puedes hacer con sólo una lata de pintura: 1. Dale color a tus muebles. Haz que tu comedor pase de ser sombrío a ser fabuloso, pintando las mitades inferiores de las patas de la mesa y las sillas de un color llamativo. Puedes cambiarle el color cada temporada para impresionar a tus invitados en cada ocasión. 2. Crea tu propia obra de arte. Descubre al artista que tienes dentro de ti y crea diseños únicos sobre un lienzo o un tablero de fibra, utilizando cinta de pintor para realizar diseños abstractos y una pintura de tu color preferido. Luego terminar cada pieza con un monograma. 3. Arregla tus armarios para hacerlos más interesantes. Ponte creativo con los muebles y dale un cambio de imagen a las puertas de los armarios. Píntales un borde colorido en la parte de al frente de la puerta y colócale ganchos adhesivos en el medio para obtener una pieza nueva, elegante y práctica. 4. Evita comprar portarretratos. En lugar de comprar marcos de fotos para la pared, hazlos tu mismo pintando formas básicas directamente. Instala obras de arte o coloca fotografías sobre fondos pintados para crear un lugar ideal donde puedes exhibir todos tus recuerdos favoritos. 5. Diseña un cabecero espléndido sin tener que gastar una fortuna. Ahorra dinero mientras le das estilo a tu hogar, al pintar tu propio cabecero en la pared, justo por encima de tu cama. Las formas rectangulares funcionan mejor para la mayoría de las camas y puedes ponerte creativo al intentar pintar patrones como rayas, formas en V y diamantes. 6. Haz tus propias molduras. ¿No tiene molduras? ¡No hay problema! Compra marcos baratos y píntalos del mismo color de la base de las pared. Luego coloca los marcos en la pared (sin la parte trasera ni el vidrio) para darle un aspecto simple y elegante. 7. Exprésate en la pared. Inspírate en las ultimas tendencias, escoge tus patrones favoritos y dales vida en una de las paredes de la sala o del dormitorio. Si no te sientes listo para crear patrones, los colores fuertes y brillantes también funcionarán.

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Parentown KidShape

Kidshape – November 2015

A child’s development at an early age sets the stage for future success, and interactive play can have a big impact. Not only does it expand a child’s imagination and social skills, but it can also help develop gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and hand and finger strength. With success at play, children not only build muscle skills, but also cognitive skills that lay the foundation for aptitude in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. And the best part? Parents can easily provide these benefits during daily routines. When incorporated throughout the day, interactive play can be beneficial for both parent and child. Small, but meaningful, everyday tasks can help your child develop and grow. Continue to have fun and encourage your child along the way as you watch his or her confidence and skills increase.

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Parents

Kidsmart – October 2015

It’s no secret that spending time outdoors is good for your health and well-being. From taking in fresh air during a walk through the park to taking advantage of the outdoor recreation facilities in your community, getting outside does a body good. In the context of the nation’s obesity epidemic, parks and recreation spaces provide outlets for Americans to have much-needed physical activity with swimming pools, bike trails and various sports fields. Some communities even feature parks with amenities to encourage year-round use, such as plazas that feature ice skating rinks in the winter. Beyond the mental health benefits associated with physical activity, spending time outdoors is good for the body, as well. Countless studies show the health benefits of nature when people who have been suffering from stress, sickness, or a trauma can spend quiet contemplative time in gardens or take to the mountains or woods to heal. In some communities, particularly in urban and low-income areas, playgrounds afford the only interaction many children have with nature. People who live in communities that are walkable, have access to bike trails and are near parks and green space have higher levels of health than those in communities lacking those amenities, according to Dr. Richard J. Jackson, former director of the National Center for Environmental Health and star of the PBS series “Designing Healthy Communities.” What you may not realize is that significant work and planning goes into creating outdoor spaces that promote physical and mental well-being. Landscape architects help communities maximize opportunities for daily exercise like walking and biking, as well as places that optimize mental and physical restoration, such as therapeutic gardens. Consider these tips to make the most of the active living designs, such as parks and plazas, in your community: • Mix up your routine so you take advantage of fresh scenery. Choose the path lined with trees shimmering their autumn colors or take a route that lets you appreciate the late season blooms in a manicured flower bed. • Get fit by exploring. The park closest to home may be most convenient, but venturing out to discover new outdoor recreation areas is a great way to keep active while enjoying a daily dose of nature. • Blend education and activity. Learning about the animals, such as birds, and all the vegetation that inhabit your favorite park makes it rewarding to enrich the body and the mind. • Think outside the box — box building, that is. Many parks and community centers offer outdoor versions of classes traditionally held inside. Yoga, aerobics, swimming, even group walks are possibilities worth exploring. • Remember to practice smart hydration: protect the environment by carrying a refillable water bottle that lets you keep thirst at bay and your body temperature in check. To learn more about how landscape architects design the environment to work for you, visit asla.org/design. Intensifique su cuerpo y su mente al aire libre No es ningún secreto que pasar tiempo al aire libre es bueno para su salud y bienestar. Desde tomar aire fresco durante una caminata por el parque hasta aprovechar las instalaciones recreativas al aire libre de su comunidad, salir afuera le hace bien al cuerpo. En el contexto de la epidemia de obesidad de la nación, los parques y espacios recreativos brindan medios a los estadounidenses para realizar la tan necesaria actividad física con piletas de natación, senderos para bicicleta y varios campos deportivos. Algunas comunidades incluso cuentan con parques con infraestructura para alentar su uso todo el año, como plazas que tienen pistas de patinaje sobre hielo en el invierno. Más allá de los beneficios de salud mental asociados con la actividad física, pasar tiempo al aire libre también es bueno para el cuerpo. Innumerables estudios muestran los beneficios de salud de la naturaleza cuando las personas que han estado sufriendo estrés, una enfermedad o un trauma pueden pasar un momento contemplativo de tranquilidad en jardines o ir a la montaña o el bosque para sanar. En algunas comunidades, particularmente en áreas urbanas y de bajos recursos, los parques infantiles brindan la única interacción que muchos niños tienen con la naturaleza. Las personas que viven en comunidades transitables, tienen acceso a senderos para bicicleta y están cerca de parques y espacios verdes, son mucho más saludables que las personas que viven en comunidades que carecen de infraestructura, de acuerdo con el Dr. Richard J. Jackson, antiguo director del Centro Nacional de Salud Ambiental (National Center for Environmental Health) y estrella de la serie de PBS “Cómo diseñar comunidades saludables.” Lo que tal vez no entienda es que se destina mucho trabajo y planificación a la creación de espacios al aire libre que promueven bienestar físico y mental. Los arquitectos paisajistas ayudan a las comunidades a maximizar las oportunidades para ejercitarse diariamente como caminar y andar en bicicleta, así como los lugares que optimizan la recuperación mental y física, como los jardines terapéuticos. Considere estos consejos para aprovechar al máximo los diseños para la vida activa, como parques y plazas, en su comunidad: • Mezcle su rutina para poder aprovechar los paisajes naturales. Elija el sendero cubierto con árboles que relucen sus colores otoñales o tome una ruta que le permita apreciar los últimos florecimientos de la estación en una cama de flores muy cuidada. • Póngase en forma explorando. El parque más cercano a su hogar podría ser el más conveniente, pero aventurarse a descubrir nuevas áreas recreativas al aire libre es la mejor manera de mantenerse activo mientras disfruta de una dosis diaria de naturaleza. • Combine la educación y la actividad. Aprender acerca de los animales, como los pájaros, y toda la vegetación que habita en su parque favorito hace que sea una experiencia gratificante para enriquecer el cuerpo y la mente. • Piense con originalidad: sea creativo fuera de su edificio. Muchos parques y centros comunitarios ofrecen versiones al aire libre de clases que tradicionalmente se realizan en el interior. Yoga, ejercicio aeróbico, natación, incluso caminatas grupales son posibilidades que…

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Parentown KidShape

Kidshape – October 2015

Dyslexia affects as many as 17 percent of school children in the United States, making it the most commonly identified learning issue according to the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. In Canada, between 15 and 20 percent of the population has dyslexia, says The Reading Clinic in Ontario. In spite of its prevalence, dyslexia is still widely misunderstood. What is dyslexia? The Mayo Clinic notes that dyslexia is marked by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words. Dyslexia is more than just seeing letters or words backwards, as it also may be characterized by difficulty comprehending rapid instructions and remembering the sequence of things. Some people with dyslexia may have trouble seeing and hearing similarities and differences in letters and words. Many children with dyslexia read below the expectations for their age. Dyslexia warning signs. Parents who are concerned about dyslexia can recognize some early warning signs, including: delayed speech; difficulty learning and remembering names of letters; reading or writing showing repetitions, additions, transpositions, omissions, substitutions and reversals in letters, numbers and/or words; complaints of feeling or seeing movement in words while reading or writing; reading and rereading with little comprehension; and difficulty putting things into words. What causes dyslexia? Doctors and researchers have yet to identify a single cause of dyslexia, but genes and brain differences do play a role. Dyslexia often runs in families, and certain genes are associated with reading and language processing issues. Many people with dyslexia have above-average intelligence, but other differences in the brain may be apparent through scans. According to the organization Understood, an organization aiming to help parents of children with learning disabilities, the planum temporale area of the brain plays a role in understanding language. It is typically larger in the dominant hemisphere (the left side of the brain for right-handed people) than in the less-dominant side. However if a child has dyslexia, the planum temporale is probably about the same size on both the left and right sides of the brain. Schools and parents can do much to help children with dyslexia succeed in the classroom. Accommodations in class, such as extra time on tests or word-prediction or dictation software, can help immensely. Children also may benefit from smaller group instruction, as well as a multisensory approach to link listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition to these steps, adults can boost confidence in children with dyslexia. Enabling kids to explore hobbies and experience successes both in and out of the classroom can help youngsters improve their self-esteem.

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Parentown KidSmart

Kidsmart – September 2015

Sprouted grains have been popular among health food junkies for years, but they’ve only recently hit the mainstream, popping up everywhere from breads and cereals to restaurant menus. This hot new healthy ingredient has loads of nutritional benefits and is increasingly easy to find. But what exactly are sprouted grains? A sprouted grain is the beginning of a grain seed’s life cycle, before it becomes a mature plant. Given just the right temperature and moisture conditions, the outer layer will split open and a young shoot will sprout out of the grain, releasing vital nutrients and enzymes stored inside. Grain seeds are similar to long-term storage packages, designed to keep their goodness locked inside until conditions are right to grow a new plant. According to the Whole Grains Council, the sprouting process can increase the amount and availability of some vitamins (notably vitamin C) and minerals, making sprouted grains a potential nutrition powerhouse. “With the attention paid to gluten-free, a dark cloud has been surrounding whole grains for several years,” said registered dietitian, Kashi nutrition partner and author, Toby Amidor. “Unless you have celiac disease or other individual needs, whole grains — including sprouted grains — are an important part of a healthy diet.” “Sprouted grains are a delicious way to add fiber and essential minerals such as iron, zinc or magnesium to your diet,” continued Amidor. “They aren’t just for the serious health food aficionados anymore — many new packaged foods feature these unique and nutritious grains.” Eating real, pure foods is at the core of a healthy lifestyle. By taking a closer look at packaging while at the grocery store, you can find items made with wholesome ingredients and positive benefits. These days, many grocery stores carry a variety of nutritious options on their shelves as well. “People don’t always check the nutrition label while they’re shopping,” says Amidor. “Take a moment to pause and read the labels to get the full picture and really understand the foods that are going into your grocery basket and onto the family table.” For tasty and nutritious food and recipe ideas, check out www.kashi.com and for additional nutrition information on whole grains, the Whole Grains Council is a great resource. The scoop on whole grains What are whole grains and what makes them so healthy? Simply put, they are small, edible seeds that come from grasses such as wheat and barley. Whole grains can be ground, cracked or flaked, and still retain their benefits. Here are three ways whole grains have a positive impact: • Healthy Weight: Packed with nutrition in the form of vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and fiber, whole grains contain some of the best elements to keep you on track when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Research supports the notion that eating healthy amounts of fiber, which are found naturally in whole grains, helps people manage their weight. • Happy Heart: Consuming more plant foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, has been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease. • Positive Energy: Because whole grains are complex carbohydrates and they naturally contain fiber, they give you more nutrients per calorie than refined carbohydrates. It’s a better way to fuel your day! Nutrients unlocked Sprouted grains are a great way to obtain the essential minerals and fiber that help you feel good: • Iron carries oxygen. • Zinc nourishes skin. • Magnesium helps support bones. • Fiber aids digestion. Sprouted grains in your diet The daily recommended intake of whole grains is 48 grams, and the nutritional advantages of sprouted grains make them a great option to achieve this daily goal. Here are some ways to incorporate sprouted grains into your positive eating routine: • Sprinkle them into salads or stir fries. • Check grocery aisles for products with sprouted grains, like Kashi’s new Organic Promise Sprouted Grains cereal. • Use sprouted grain flours in your favorite baked goods or homemade pasta. Durante años, se han popularizado las semillas germinadas entre los amantes de las comidas saludables, pero son masivas desde hace muy poco tiempo y se encuentran en diversos alimentos, desde panes y cereales hasta los menús de los restaurantes. Este nuevo ingrediente saludable tiene muchos beneficios nutricionales y cada vez es más fácil encontrarlo. ¿Qué son exactamente las semillas germinadas? Una semilla germinada es el comienzo del ciclo de vida del grano antes de convertirse en planta. Con la temperatura y las condiciones de humedad ideales, se abre la semilla y sale un brote, que proporciona los nutrientes esenciales y las enzimas almacenadas. Las semillas son similares a las de los paquetes almacenados, y mantienen sus beneficios hasta que las condiciones sean ideales para hacer crecer una nueva planta. Según el Consejo de Granos Integrales, el proceso de germinación aumenta la cantidad y disponibilidad de algunas vitaminas (especialmente la vitamina C) y minerales, por lo que las semillas germinadas son una fuente de nutrición. “Debido a la atención por los productos sin gluten, los granos integrales han quedado relegados durante años”, afirmó Toby Amidor, nutricionista registrada, autora y asociada de nutrición de productos Kashi. “A menos que padezca una enfermedad celíaca u otras necesidades específicas, los granos integrales (incluidas las semillas germinadas) son una parte importante de una alimentación saludable”. “Las semillas germinadas son una manera deliciosa de agregar a su alimentación fibras y minerales esenciales, como hierro, zinc o magnesio”, continuó Amidor. “Ya no son solo para los aficionados a los alimentos saludables; muchos productos envasados contienen estos granos únicos y nutritivos”. Comer alimentos naturales y puros es la base de un estilo de vida saludable. Si mira atentamente los envases en el supermercado, encontrará productos elaborados con ingredientes saludables, que le aportarán importantes beneficios. Muchos supermercados también tienen diversas opciones nutritivas. “Las personas no siempre leen la etiqueta de información nutricional cuando hacen las compras”, informa Amidor. “Dedique unos momentos a leer las etiquetas para conocer los alimentos que pondrá en su cesta de compras y en la mesa de su…

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Parentown KidShape

Kidshape – September 2015

Bells will soon be ringing and parents may experience a sense of déjà vu for the first several weeks of school. That’s because the early part of each new school year is commonly spent reversing the effect of “summer brain drain” — when kids lose skills they mastered the previous year. According to a recent survey by DSM Nutritional Products and Pop Warner, 78 percent of parents are concerned about students’ difficulties retaining what they learned in school throughout the summer. A majority of surveyed parents understand the role of nutrition in physical and academic performance, but don’t make the connection to nutrition’s role in preventing brain drain. While many parents encourage their children to take vitamins and minerals to supplement nutrition, nearly half admit they aren’t clear about which nutrients support children’s brain health. What’s more, maintaining a well-rounded and healthy diet and taking vitamins and other essential nutrients that support brain health ranked significantly lower than other strategies parents use to prevent brain drain, such as sports and academic activities. Nutrition plays an important role in brain health year-round, says Elizabeth Somer, a nationally acclaimed registered dietitian, nutritionist and author. To help keep your students’ minds sharp as they head back to school, consider these tips from Somer: Eat fatty fish twice a week for dinner or supplement omega-3s. Omega-3s are highly concentrated in the brain and important to brain health, yet according to research published in the British Medical Journal, the average American diet contains less omega-3s from seafood than most other developed countries. Children and adults should get the recommended two servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, per week. Offer a variety of healthy food options in the house. Giving children choices teaches them to take care of their bodies and empowers them to make better food decisions in the future. Stock the kitchen with lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as baby carrots, berries and bananas for snacks, and broccoli, green peas and mashed sweet potatoes for dinner. The nutrients in these foods are important for the brain. Along with calcium, low-fat milk supplies vitamin D, which is a nutrient essential for brain development. Consider taking a multivitamin. No one eats perfectly. It is important to talk with your physician or registered dietitian about whether you or your children could benefit from a multivitamin. According to research published in The Journal of Nutrition, only 10 percent of Americans get the nutrients they need from their food, and supplementation can help fill that gap. Visit www.VitaminsinMotion.com to learn more about the important role of essential nutrients for health and wellness.

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Parentown KidSmart

Kidsmart – August 2015

For most homeowners, sunny skies lead to more time spent enjoying nature in your coveted outdoor spaces. If you’ve considered revamping your open-air landscapes, let this be your season to bring the elements of beauty and design to the environment. Homeowners who want to enhance both the aesthetics and efficiency of their outdoor spaces are not alone. In fact, a recent survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), found that sustainable and low-maintenance designs are top trends among residential landscape projects. “The good news is that consumers care about designed landscapes that are attractive, easy to take care of and eco-friendly,” said Nancy Somerville, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. “The survey shows that homeowners increasingly see opportunities to improve the environment right in their own backyard.” The study, which asked landscape architects to rate the expected popularity of outdoor design elements, points to a great demand for ecologically sensitive projects intended to preserve the environment, conserve water and reduce landscape maintenance. Here are the top five project types with the expected highest consumer demand: • Native plants (85 percent) • Native/adapted drought plants (83 percent) • Food/vegetable gardens (79 percent) • Fire pits/fireplaces (78 percent) • Low-maintenance landscapes (78 percent) Go with a pro If you’re ready to breathe these top design ideas into your outdoor spaces, consider hiring a pro. Here are the top five reasons for hiring a landscape architect for the job: 1. A landscape architect is well equipped to design an outdoor living space that will add value to your home, extend your living space and allow you to enjoy all that nature has to offer in a controlled setting. From arbors to fountains, they can create a space that is both inviting and environmentally sustainable. 2. Hiring a landscape architect is a terrific investment for your home. Research from Virginia Tech shows that landscapes literally grow in value over time, while traditional home additions or remodels start to lose value the minute the dust settles. 3. Landscape architects are licensed professionals who often work with landscaping or other construction companies to install their designs. Think of the fashion designer imagining an outfit while a clothing manufacturer makes the apparel, or an artist designing a wall poster that’s printed by another company. 4. Landscape architects are trained to think about landscapes as systems. They will assess your property’s problem areas as well as possibilities and create a solid plan that addresses both the big picture and exact details of how your landscape will look. They will handle all the details, saving you time and stress. 5. Landscape architects will deliver a finished project that you will love and that will comply with regulations and codes. It will be a special place that you and your family and friends will enjoy for years to come. For more landscape ideas for your home, and to find a professional in your area, visit www.asla.org. Para la mayoría de los propietarios de vivienda, los cielos soleados permiten disfrutar más tiempo de la naturaleza en sus codiciados espacios al aire libre. Si ha considerado la renovación de sus paisajes al aire libre, deje que esta sea su temporada para acercar los elementos de belleza y de diseño al medio ambiente. Los propietarios que desean mejorar tanto la estética como la eficiencia de sus espacios al aire libre no están solos. De hecho, una encuesta reciente llevada a cabo por la Sociedad Americana de Arquitectos Paisajistas (American Society of Landscape Architects, ASLA), descubrió que los diseños sostenibles y de bajo mantenimiento constituyen las principales tendencias entre los proyectos de paisajes residenciales. «La buena noticia es que los consumidores se interesan por los paisajes diseñados que sean atractivos, fáciles de cuidar y respetuosos del medio ambiente», dijo Nancy Somerville, Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva y Directora Ejecutiva de ASLA. «La encuesta muestra que los propietarios ven cada vez más oportunidades de mejorar el medio ambiente en sus propios patios». El estudio, solicitado a los arquitectos paisajistas con el fin de evaluar la popularidad esperada de elementos de diseño al aire libre, apunta a una gran demanda de proyectos ecológicamente sensibles destinados a preservar el medio ambiente, conservar el agua y reducir el mantenimiento del paisaje. A continuación, se detallan los cinco principales tipos de proyectos con la máxima demanda esperada de los consumidores: • Plantas autóctonas (85 por ciento) • Plantas autóctonas/adaptadas a la sequía (83 por ciento) • Huertos (79 por ciento) • Hogueras/chimeneas (78 por ciento) • Paisajes con bajo mantenimiento (78 por ciento) Consulte a un profesional Si está listo para adoptar estas excelentes ideas de diseño con el fin de dar vida a sus espacios al aire libre, considere contratar a un profesional. A continuación, las cinco principales razones para contratar a un arquitecto paisajista para el trabajo: 1. Un arquitecto paisajista está bien equipado para diseñar un espacio vital al aire libre que agregará valor a su hogar, ampliará su espacio de vida y le permitirá disfrutar todo lo que la naturaleza tiene para ofrecer en un entorno controlado. Desde pérgolas hasta fuentes, estos profesionales pueden crear un espacio, tanto acogedor como ambientalmente sostenible. 2. La contratación de un arquitecto paisajista es una excelente inversión para su hogar. La investigación de Virginia Tech muestra que los paisajes crecen literalmente en valor con el tiempo, mientras que las adiciones o remodelaciones de casas tradicionales comienzan a perder valor en cuanto se asienta el polvo. 3. Los arquitectos paisajistas son profesionales certificados que a menudo trabajan con compañías de paisajismo o con otras empresas de la construcción para instalar sus diseños. Piense en un diseñador de moda que imagina un traje mientras un fabricante de ropa confecciona ropa o en un artista que diseña un cartel para pared que otra compañía imprime. 4. Los arquitectos paisajistas están capacitados para pensar en paisajes como sistemas. Evaluarán las áreas problemáticas de su propiedad así como también las posibilidades, y crearán un plan sólido que aborde tanto el panorama general como…

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Parents

Kidshape – August 2015

As summer vacation winds down, thoughts turn from jaunts to the beach to readying for a new school year. To-do lists include many of the typical tasks that precede going back to the classroom, including shopping for new clothes, purchasing school supplies and finishing summer reading assignments. Another essential requirement parents must find time for is completing their children’s health screenings and immunizations so youngsters can return to school. Health screenings may include, but may not be limited to, routine physical exams, eye exams and dental cleanings. Each school district may have its own set of health requirements that must be met in order for children to attend school. Many schools require that children are up-to-date with all immunizations before they can begin a new school year. While the issue of vaccinations has inspired debate in recent years, parents should recognize that many schools will only exempt students from receiving certain vaccinations due to religious reasons. For a list of state vaccination requirements and possible exemptions for schools in the United States, visit www2a.cdc.gov/nip/schoolsurv/schImmRqmt.asp. Students who have specific learning disabilities or medical conditions that require classroom modification should obtain recent documentation from any therapists or specialists prior to beginning a new school year. Doing so facilitates the process of setting up procedures within the school while ensuring children have what they need to excel in the classroom. All parents may want to ask doctors to provide copies of medical and immunization records so that schools will have the most recent copies on file. Parents should schedule eye examinations well in advance of the first day of school so they have ample time to fill new prescriptions for youngsters before school begins. This ensures kids won’t be starting off on the wrong foot because of vision problems that could already have been addressed. Parents of adolescents or students on the verge of adolescence may want to address the subject of bodily changes before the school year begins anew. Address which changes can be expected, including the start of menstruation for girls. This will help children better understand what is happening when they witness changes in themselves and fellow classmates and give them a chance to receive accurate information rather than gossip from their peers. Keep in mind that health screenings conducted in advance of the school year may not preclude students from school-sponsored screenings. Schools may offer their own vision and hearing screenings and may take physical measurements to ensure students are growing on schedules in line with normal development.

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