Mind and Body

Project: Homework Success

2012-01-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over and it's back to the daily routine. The kids are running off to school, attending after school activities and then the dreaded homework! How do you instill good study habits that promote, success! The American Occupational Therapy Association has come up with a Homework success tip sheet. Check it out!
http://www.aota.org/DocumentVault/Backpack/44389.aspx

How Healthy Are Your Bones?

2012-01-19T05:50:00.000-08:00

Keeping your bones healthy should be at the top of your wellness list whether we are young or old. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and break. This is not just a disease that effects women but men also. Find out more information about what foods can make your bones stronger.
http://www.nof.org/aboutosteoporosis/prevention/foodandbones

Smart Tip while Using My Smart Phone

2012-01-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my day to full fill my Jury Duty obligation. So the question was; "What should I bring with me to keep entertained while waiting for my number to be called". Snacks, H2O, reading materials, knitting project, and my smart phone. Perfect I was all set. Well, when I exhausted the first four items on my list I turned to my smart phone and started to play my "new" favorite game. Shanghai Lite. Two hours later still playing, and while trying to beat my times I notice my eyes are beginning to blur and shoulders and neck begin to ache!

Occupational Therapy practitioners who specialize in hand therapy and ergonomics have put together a great new tip sheet on "Using Smart Phones Wisely " to prevent this very thing from happening. Occupational Therapists can teach you different strategies in positioning your phone and body, fit you with a splint if needed, make recommendations on equipment, treat your condition and teach you exercises to strengthen your body.
www.aota.org/News/Media/PR/2011/Smart-Phones.aspx
Next time you are in this situation contact your local Occupational Therapist and he or she might be able to teach you a few "smart tips" .

Oh, BTW, I didn't get picked for Jury Duty after all.

Yoga isn't just for Adults

2012-01-06T12:22:00.001-08:00

2011 gave me a wonderful opportunity to teach Pretzel Kids Yoga classes in my studio to children ages 18 months - 8 years old. Yoga isn't just for adults! We forget that our children live in a fast-paced,over structured world and face daunting challenges at school, home and with their peers. In addition they may experience difficulty dealing with their ever - changing bodies and emotions. So what do they do when the pressures get to great? They plug themselves into the computer, itouch, or ipod. As a result, there is an increase in obesity secondary to lack of movement, lack of face to face social skills, and less optimal emotional health are just to name of few issues .

Through yoga, children will learn self care tools, relaxation and breathing techniques; they will gain physical and mental strength and flexiblity all while having fun with their peers. So give your children the gift of yoga!