Parents and Children Celebrating Summer Together

By Christina Wallerstein
PlayWorks.net

As summer comes, let's resolve to celebrate the season by slowing down and savoring what makes summer the season we dream about all winter.

Outdoor activities are a hallmark of summer, and children and adults alike delight in getting out of the house and into the sunshine. What better time for families to play and learn together?

Plant annuals, then cut flowers to bring indoors. What says summer better than vibrant marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias? Each comes in a variety of sizes, heights, and colors. If space is limited, plant a color pot of your favorites.

This will entail a trip to a nursery. Allow time to wander among the plants, learning the names of plants you like. Take snapshots of favorite flowers as well as pics documenting how your garden grew and plan on recalling your summer gardening adventure by making a one-of-a-kind scrapbook once cooler weather forces you inside again.

Children too young to print can dictate commentary; anyone who likes to draw can add garden inspired drawings.

Favorite blossoms can be laid between sheets of parchment paper and pressed between the pages of a thick book for a "straight from our garden" treasure.

Grow vegetables. Harvest and delight in the flavor of homegrown tomatoes, even if your garden is a pot on a patio. Check out square foot gardening, lasagna gardening and vertical gardening techniques for easy and bountiful harvests. One family nearby has successfully turned their urban parkway into an amazing intensive garden with a wide variety of vegetables, including corn and pumpkins, as well as giant sunflowers. I delight in walking by and watching their garden grow.

Visit your local farmers' market and breathe in the fragrance of locally grown fruit ripe from the tree. Most farmers offer samples, allowing shoppers to savor the flavors before choosing their favorites to take home.

Studies show that children who participate in the growing of food gain an appreciation of where the food they eat comes from and are more willing to eat healthy foods. Meeting farmers and sampling their produce can spark an interest in fresh food and lead to more adventurous eating. Consider inviting your child(ren) to select ingredients for a simple meal that family members prepare and enjoy together.

Lie on the grass and watch clouds float overhead...Search for a four leaf clover...
Make daisy chains and clover necklaces...Watch butterflies flit among flowers...Chase fireflies...Run through sprinklers on a hot summer's day...

Take a walk in the rain. Just the thought of that makes me envious, living as I do where summer is the dry season.

Mix up a solution of 12 cups of water, 3 cups of liquid detergent, and 3/4 cup of corn syrup, and blow bubbles. Look around for everyday objects suitable for bubble making. Here's one idea: those green square plastic baskets from the produce section of the supermarket.

Play hide and seek...Run in a sack race...Jump rope...Shoot marbles...Throw jacks, then unwind and sip ice cold lemonade...Make popsicles from fruit juice and ice cream from your favorite summer fruits...Laze away an afternoon with a good book, ideally in a rocker on a porch with an iced tea by your side, if you're lucky enough to have a porch...Take a nap in a hammock under a shade tree, if you get the chance.

Play games outdoors on a picnic table. My favorite is Think-ets, a game of tiny treasures stored in a small cloth drawstring bag. Just naming and talking about each one is fun, but that's just the beginning. Soon you'll be choosing favorites, alphabetizing, discussing similarities and differences, and playing memory games, as one trinket goes missing or another gets added or one shifts position, all while eyes are closed. No peeking allowed. Think-ets inspire creative imagination and storytelling and tuck easily in a pocket for take anywhere fun. [You can find these at playworks.net].

At Playworks, we prefer cooperative games, believing that learning to work together cooperatively beats competition when family and friends come together to play.

I recently discovered Family Pastimes, a family owned and operated company in Canada that specializes in such games. We're adding their best children's games to our website, www.playworks.net, and invite you to see for yourself what sets these games apart. I can tell you that any board game that can be played repeatedly and enjoyably by children and adults alike is a treasure. I recommend Max for starters. It's fun for all and provides ample opportunities for learning, thinking, and problem solving.

Whatever else you decide to do this summer, spend time with family and friends, sharing simple meals and making memories. Breathe deeply, smell the roses, jasmine, honeysuckle, or whatever fragrant plants grow where you live, and celebrate summer. It will be gone all too soon.

PlayWorks.net offers one of the most extensive arrays of therapeutic toys anywhere, specializing in toys kids with autism as well as for all kids in general.

Choose to Be A Health Role Model To Your Children

The Wellness Column

Presented by Scott Herman, D.C.

What “health-care attitude” are you teaching your children? One of the most valuable lessons a parent can impart to his/her children is to focus on prevention when it comes to staying healthy. This may sound like common sense, but it means battling the traditional “sick-care” model of health popular in today’s society — a system that focuses on the symptoms of disease rather than the underlying causes.

The good news is that this antiquated system is slowly being replaced by a more personal, wellness-oriented approach. And chiropractic is on the forefront of this health-care revolution!

To learn more about the chiropractic approach to wellness, call Dr. Scott Herman, a chiropractor and holistic-care provider, at (954) 917-4343 or check out his website atwww.tropicalchiropractic.com. Dr. Herman is a noted health speaker and a member of the Doctor's Speaker's Bureau. If you would like Dr. Herman to speak to your local business or organization, please call at (954) 917-4343. Upcoming topics include: De-Clutter for Optimal Health and Happiness, Chiropractic Alleviates Auto Injuries and Hypothyroidism.

The Need to Advocate for Special Needs Children and Caregivers – What We Can All Do

By Leah Postelnik

When my husband, Yomin Postelnik, found out that his state representative, Ellyn Bogdanoff, was about to go on to run for state senate, he decided to stand up to replace the void that would be left behind. The current state rep is very much in tune with the needs of the special needs community and Yomin felt that it was important to continue that record. Of course, there are many other issues that he feels strongly about, but special needs has a deep importance to him.

Yomin explains that special needs advocacy is an area that is particularly important, due to the fact that those who are most in need of a voice are most preoccupied with the noble and special task of caring for their loved ones.

He explains the need for advocacy as follows: There are many special interest groups, some of little benefit to society and others that do, in fact, campaign for causes of value. They are all, however, spearheaded by energetic people who can devote large amounts of their time to their cause. Even advocacy to combat certain diseases, that we hope and pray no one will ever know first hand, benefit from the first hand advocacy of those who have been affected by them and have recovered.

Special needs advocacy is entirely different in this regard. Advocacy is generally initiated by parents or providers who work tirelessly for the wellbeing of their children and who have little time for political maneuvering. That is why being a voice for the special needs community is so important and why those who are sensitive to the issues facing special needs parents, guardians and provider agencies need to take a lead role and run for office or advise those who do.

Yomin decided to take the plunge and opened his campaign with the websitewww.ABetterFlorida.com. His platform encompasses the needs of the district and what he feels are common sense solutions, but special needs advocacy is a central part of his mission.

Whether you’re a conservative, a liberal or a moderate; whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, a member of any other party or a member of none, if you care about special needs and have expertise in this area or a desire to assist those who do get involved in the legislative process.

There is work to be done. Autism insurance discrimination must end and testing for autism must be covered. Many kids can be mainstreamed through early detection and treatment. It’s the right thing to do and besides, it will save the system, the insurance companies and the government a substantial amount in the long run.

Advocacy for special needs parents must be made less cumbersome. Red tape must be eliminated and the system made more effective. Most importantly, the education system must adhere to basic standards of treatment for special needs kids and never ostracize children who need extra encouragement or attention.

These are not conservative or liberal issues. They’re basic decency issues that need to be addressed. Common sense also dictates that everyone benefits from most of these solutions being implemented.

But these issues have rarely been on the front burner or at the forefront of public discussion due to the simple fact that those who seek their advancement are also the most time consumed, caring for the needs of their own family.

That’s where you come in. If you have time and the ability to run for public office, please do so – as the improvements that informed voices can bring to these areas cannot be overstated. And if you don’t have the time or the ability to run yourself, advise a politician or a campaign that is receptive to the needs of autism and of the special needs community in your area. The difference you may offer can be profound.

Choosing the Right Toys for Special Needs Children

By Christina Wallerstein
Founder, Playworks.net


Choosing toys for children can be a daunting task. The choices seem endless, and advertising aimed at children often means parents are flooded by requests for the latest new toy. Then there are practical considerations: developmental appropriateness, play value, quality, durability and cost.

Most importantly, one needs to think carefully about the individual child's special needs, talents, and, perhaps most important of all, their preferences. I suspect we’ve all shared the following experience: We choose what we think is "the perfect toy" only to find that our child never quite takes a liking to it. It's a disappointment that cannot entirely be eliminated, despite our best efforts. It just underscores the challenges we face when we're shopping for toys.

The best toys for any child are those chosen after observing the child at play. What do we learn from watching and playing with our children? Their preferences, what comes easily, and what challenges, and even frustrates them. With these insights, we can better evaluate toys and make more successful selections.

Remember the adage that one person's passion is another's poison? Well, the same is true about toys. I recall clearly how one toy that some parents and professionals at a conference on autism lauded as the "perfect" toy was lambasted by others. Each had a reason for their position, as will be clear as we explain why.

This toy, called a Rainbomaker©, allows the child to simulate the sound of rain without getting wet! The child can shake, turn, and twist the 16" tube, watching colorful beads cascade through levels making a gentle falling rain sound. The multi-colored beads create a prism of color as they tumble down the tube.

Here's the deal. Some children like motion and sound. They respond positively to the movement of the beads and the sound they make, experimenting and discovering how different movements create softer or louder sounds. They observe the different color beads and how light passing through the tube affects their brilliance.

Unfortunately, some children become so fascinated by these effects that they repeat their motions over and over, and become agitated when "time's up" and they must stop and move on to another activity. Other children are so sensitive to sound that Rainbomaker is absolutely not a choice.

For children with sensitivities to light and motion, a huge issue for many with autism spectrum, parents need to choose quiet toys that provide opportunities for exploring cause and effect and enhancing motor skill. Stringing, lacing, and threading activities might engage these children. Along the way, they will explore colors, shapes and sizes, perhaps creating patterns and learning about different textures and weights. Beads can be sorted and counted as well.

Think about the properties of the materials used to create the beads and laces. Wood feels different and weighs more than plastic. By interacting with toys from different materials, the child learns about those materials. When sharing the activity with an adult, the child can also gain language to describe both the toys and his play.

Sometimes if a toy, such as Rainbomaker, is a favorite, but one that causes the child to refuse to stop playing, teachers will turn a negative into a positive, "making a deal" with the child that they can play with the toy for a specific period of time after they complete a required task. Let’s say the assignment is sorting by color and shape but the child doesn't like to sort. The desire to create the sound of rain can be strong enough to win his or her cooperation. Of course, the success of this plan depends upon adhering to the agreement. And that's a whole other "learning experience."

For an excellent selection of toys for special needs and all children, feel free to visit www.playworks.net, email info@playworks.net or call (877) 579-9300.

Must Read Books to Help You Advocate for Your Child with Autism…Now and Tomorrow

By Denise Meissner

Occupational Therapist, parent and co-founder QCharm, LLC

Think about your child’s signs of developmental difficulty, the challenges your child experiences and how your child’s challenges are testing your parenting skills. Are you feeling like you are “in over your head?” Are you exhausted from providing and anticipating your child’s safety, educational, communication, social and behavior needs?

As a mother of a child with Autism, there are many skills and lessons that my son’s developmental difficulties forced me to learn the hard way. Even though I am an Occupational Therapist by trade, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by my son’s behavior, communication, social, and sensory issues. To make matters worse, I was blown away by the task of advocating for his evaluations, diagnosis and treatments. I thought, “If I am an OT and have a mother-in-law who is a Physical Therapist (who specializes in early intervention) and I am struggling to care for my child, just imagine how hard this must be for other parents!”

The good news is that there are numerous treatment approaches, assistive devices, advocacy groups, books, programs, and other resources to help parents both care for their child’s current needs and prepare for future needs. The other side of this good news is that there is so much information that over-the-top exhausted parents barely have time to brush their teeth, much less research their options. This article highlights books written by experts in the field (professionals and parents) which offer techniques and insights critical for advocating and managing today’s challenges and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

I am focusing on books because they can be accessed and referenced at your convenience. Plus, some can be purchased new or used (since saving money is essential these days). To start, Dr. James Ball, in his book Early Intervention & Autism, spells out day-to-day issues, how to benefit from early intervention services, and how to select from the variety of treatment techniques. Dr. Ball also equips the reader with 10 Behavior Rules To Live By, Must Have EI Goals & Objectives, and 7 Effective Teaching Strategies. With over 20 years of experience working with and advocating for the autism community, Dr. Ball provides practical and necessary information.

Another set of books which offer practical and necessary information include: The Child With Autism at Home: The Home Life Guide-350 Tips For Work &Play by Kathy Labosh and LaNita Miller; What You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Child with Autism by Jonathan Levy; The Autistic Spectrum Parents’ Daily Helper-A Workbookfor You and Your Child by Philip Abrams and Leslie Henriques, and Raising a Child With Autism by Shira Richman. Although each child and each family situation is unique, there are frequently used techniques (ie. visual cues, environmental structure, verbal cues, and behavior management) that work to improve a child’s ability to communicate, socialize, and cope with daily tasks and challenges. These books are a great resource to help you help your child.

For more in depth information on visual strategies and how to use them at home and in the community, several books stand out. From the creators of the Picture Exchange Communication System (Andy Bondy and Lori Frost), the book Topics in Autism: A Picture’s Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism explains how to improve your child’s ability to communicate (ie. to initiate communication with others and express their needs, to understand and cope with changes in their daily routine, and to cope with boundaries/limits often encountered during the day). ThePECS system incorporates one of the most researched treatment approaches, which is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Please see http://www.pecs.com.

Another expert in the field, Linda Hodgdon, has several books, DVD’s and workshops regarding the importance and the use of visual strategies. Two of her books offer a wealth of information. They are: Visual Strategies For Improving Communication-Practical Supports for School and Home and Solving Behavior Problems in Autism-Improving Communication with Visual Strategies. Parents and professionals will be discover many ways in which to improve your child’s communication needs and ways in which you can become a more effective communication partner. Check out her new website, http://www.autismfamilyonline.com.

Finally, as parents we may place our needs near the bottom of the To-Do list. Please take time to care for yourself so that you can more effectively care for your child and your family. Consider reading It’s All About Attitude by Kathy Almeida and Gayle Nobel, Silent Angel-The Joys and Challenges of Raising an Autistic Child and Keeping Your Marriage Alive in the Process by Tim and Melody Ravert, Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome by Juanita P. Lovett, and The 7 Best Things Happy Couples Do by John Friel and Linda Friel.

In summary, to effectively advocate for your child, continuously equip yourself with knowledge. These books are excellent resources and starting points.

Denise Meissner may be contacted at info@qcharm.com, www.qcharm.com.

Sauna Detox

By Bob Morgan

Owner of Heavenly Heat

For centuries, cultures around the globe have used one form or another of sauna bathing as a means of physical cleansing and renewal. Using saunas to deeply cleanse the body makes perfect sense, as our skin is the body’s largest organ and an it’s organ of elimination.

Saunas have become a vital tool for home and clinical detoxification, for both adults and children – and they are powerfully effective. Through the skin’s secretions of sebum and sweat, a broad spectrum of both toxic chemicals and heavy metals are excreted.

Saunas utilize the body’s eliminative functions by inducing a state of mild hyperthermia. That simply means that the sauna raises body temperature modestly, like a mild fever does, to induce sweating, thereby instigating the cleansing process. Interestingly, many parents have reported that their autistic child’s cognition and eye contact improves noticeably when they have a mild fever, and the sauna induces what could be described as a brief, light, artificial fever.

When exposed to any form of heat stress, the primary aim of the body’s heat-control system is to protect the nervous system and the vital organs from overheating. The heart rate and blood pressure rise mildly for a brief period in order to shunt the warming blood outwards, away from the vital organs. The peripheral blood vessels then dilate to accommodate the suddenly increased load, and then blood pressure levels off and declines. The mild surge in blood flow facilitates waste removal from tissues and improves the delivery of oxygen and vital nutrients to the cells. This enhancement of oxygen transport makes a combination therapy with HBOT worthy of the practitioner’s consideration.

Through tissue dilation, increased blood flow, and elevated tissue temperatures, some fat-stored toxins are mobilized during the sauna session, and cleared from storage. Much of this material is then excreted through the skin, and some is eliminated through the kidneys and bowels.

Additionally, the mild hyperthermic effects of the sauna include the stimulation of numerous immune responses, and the raised body temperature can be lethal to some bacteria and viruses. We have heard encouraging reports of lyme disease patients responding well in saunas. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, said: “Give me a fever and I will cure any illness.”

Heavenly Heat creates the ideal sauna detox environment for children and the chemically sensitive. Each sauna is built entirely with low-allergen white poplar wood and tempered safety glass, without the use of plywood, laminates, or wood glue - all of which can outgas into, and contaminate, the air of a sauna. We also include parental controls of the infrared intensity, along with a weekly progress chart for children, to assure a mild, safe, controlled environment in which youngsters can feel comfortable. Most kids love their new “playhouse” and greatly enjoy sauna time.

Much is made these days of the health benefits of far-infrared, or FIR saunas. The truth is that FIR can enhance and accelerate the sauna detox process, and can be highly beneficialif the sauna is designed and built properly. But, that is a big “if” as many are built quite improperly for a detox environment, with strong adhesives, concealed plywood, high electro-magnetic fields, etc.

On the other hand, any properly built sauna, when used in a moderate, safe manner, can be a vital detoxifier. Scores of 9/11 rescue workers are currently receiving enormous detox benefits in several sauna programs taking place in NYC using regular saunas. Blue and gray sweat, apparently laden with heavy metals, has been reported as pouring out of some of them. Traditional saunas can be used clinically if kept dry, and with the temperature limited to the low range and to the very low range for children.

Jenny: “Heavenly Heat rocks!!”

Jenny McCarthy with Bob at the fall,

‘07 DAN! Conference

Bob Morgan is the owner of Heavenly Heat Saunas. Visit www.heavenlyheatsaunas.com, call (800) 697-2862 or email Info@HeavenlyHeatSaunas.com.

Note: When saunas are used clinically, or to treat specific ailments, a full regime is implemented that includes patient monitoring, along with supplementation of fluids, electrolyte minerals, and particular vegetable oils, etc. One should not use a sauna for any medical purpose without appropriate guidance by a physician.

Some Plastic Toys Could Be Harmful to Your Children’s Health

The Wellness Column
Presented by Scott Herman, D.C.

The holiday season is upon us, and everyone is searching for the perfect gifts for the children in their lives. But it’s important to always put safety first when buying children’s toys, especially plastic ones. A wealth of research reveals that a type of plastic known as PVC, which is used in many soft plastic baby toys, can leach harmful chemicals into children’s bloodstreams through their saliva.

And studies show that these chemicals are linked to cancer and kidney damage — and may interfere with reproduction and development.

Doctors of chiropractic are extremely concerned about the long-term effects of toxic chemicals on children and urge parents to avoid toys that contain PVC.

To identify a PVC-based toy, look for the three-arrow recycling symbol with the number 3 or the initials PVC. If you aren’t sure whether a product contains PVC or PVC parts, call the manufacturer’s question or comment line.

To find out more about chiropractic care and avoiding toxic chemicals, call Dr. Scott Herman, a chiropractor and holistic-care provider at (954) 917-4343 or check out our website at www.tropicalchiropractic.com. Dr. Herman is a noted health speaker and also a member of the Doctor's Speaker's Bureau. If you would like Dr. Herman to speak to your local business or organization, please call at (954) 917-4343. Upcoming topics include: Chiropractic Is for Seniors Too, The Piriformis Muscle: A Hidden Cause of Low-Back Pain, Vacation for the Health of It! and Cortisone Worsens Joint Pain.