December 5, 2011
Keeping Children Safe! by Jill Starishevsky
I am been doing teleclasses for parents and educators on how to keep children safe from predators. I am doing a live talk in NYC on 12/8 at the Museum of Motherhood. Please let your contacts know. They can register for the free event below.
Thanks in advance.
Jill Starishevsky
Prosecutor, Child Abuse/Sex Crimes
Author, My Body Belongs to Me
http://www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com
646-262-7418
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/talking-kids-sexual-abuse-10255396 http://keepingchildrensafe-efbevent.eventbrite.com/
February 17, 2011
Slobber Alert: Turn Your iPhone Into A Baby Toy
Great Blog about where we are going with the babies and small cell devices 
….
I have a very good friend who is a nanny. Almost every time I see her, her iPhone is either scratched or has a broken screen because she lets the children she cares for play with it. It’s really no surprise. As we know from this study…
via Slobber Alert: Turn Your iPhone Into A Baby Toy.
February 6, 2011
There’s a Crocodile in Our Pickle Jar
Children’s Story for the young ones…
Artie has written over 20 children’s stories, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Although he has a passion for film and writing, he also has a different career in Human Resources by day… it is amazing how far your passion can take you. This story speaks to children’s eating habits. We laid it out here Artie’s 9th published story…
The Story
“Alex, your brother ate everything on his plate. Why don’t you be a good boy too and eat your dinner?”
“But I’m not hungry,” said Alex.
“Okay, I guess you won’t be hungry for sweets then,” said Alex’s Mom.
Alex’s Mom walked over to the countertop and brought over the most mouth-watering, tasty looking dessert you ever did see.
“Okay, who wants a piece of chocolate cake?”
Read more
October 5, 2010
Thoughts On Conception Through Art
“Before I fell pregnant I started to think about all of the women that I know who have struggled with conception. I am interested in superstition and how to instill my seemingly innate luckiness into an object that I could distribute to others. I wanted to create a symbol that embodied the essence of fertility. I began to paint this symbol with Japanese ink on Sumi paper. Then I fell pregnant…”
Conception is a 60 ft scroll of japanese rice paper that has been painted in a meditative state with a recurring symbol of fertility. This symbol has been distilled from various cultural/historical symbols of fertility such as the Venus of Willendorf, the circle (of life) and the celtic spiral. The sculptural form is itself a spiral and will be sectioned and distributed as lucky talismans to people who wish to conceive at the conclusion of the show.
Tara de la Garza
www.taradelagarza.com
Conception is a 60 ft scroll of japanese rice paper that has been painted in a meditative state with a recurring symbol of fertility. This symbol has been distilled from various cultural/historical symbols of fertility such as the Venus of Willendorf, the circle (of life) and the celtic spiral. The sculptural form is itself a spiral and will be sectioned and distributed as lucky talismans to people who wish to conceive at the conclusion of the show.
Tara de la Garza
www.taradelagarza.com
RIPE: conception and perception
Anonda Bell and Tara de la Garza
Opening reception Oct 23rd 7-10pm
Closing reception Dec 11th 7-10pm
Gallery Aferro
73 Market st, Newark, NJ
May 18, 2010
Sugar…. I like it… do you?
This whole Health Care Debate has me in a tizzy. The question becomes even when we have health care for all, are we looking at the fine print, and more importantly, what is the real issue here. Much of this issue is the state of our health in the nation. Juvenile diabetes is up, Up, UP!! Why you say,… well just take a walk into one of your weekly birthday celebrations. 
It is not enough for the children to run around and have little piece of cake. But now they must be provided with soda, juice, and goody bags full of sweets. No parent would ever deny a child more soda if they are thirsty, especially if it would make them look bad to other parents (do you know what is in a can of soda?)… and you know, these kids get thirsty. I guess water is hardly an option anymore unless the child specifically asks for it. Even at family celebrations, it is only polite to be serving cake, ice cream, and pastries for dessert. Dessert is taken to the next level and the snacks on the shelf in the grocery store qualify for the same category as desserts when I grew up. Parents profess to be aware, but when it comes to this celebration and that celebration we give in… it seems like every day!! I do not claim to be perfect… far from it. All I am saying is there is a lot of talk among parents agreeing on this but when it comes to focusing on your own children and family, it is hard to adjust. That is when the health of our children gets worse, and worse.
Get Informed -
Google It:
http://www.state.nj.us/health/fhs/shapingnj/partners.shtml
http://www.whale.to/v/sugar_q.html
http://www.facebook.com/SmartHabitsFans#!/SmartHabitsFans?v=wall
Get Cerebral:
http://www.techjackal.net/other/2010/04/22/sugar-is-not-so-sweet-for-your-health/
http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v10/n6/full/oby200266a.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63J69U20100420
http://www.princeton.edu/pr/news/02/q2/0620-hoebel.htm
April 18, 2010
Your child may not need that booster shot and the law is on your side.
I have a beautiful four and a half year old boy with autism. In our case he showed signs since birth, but was not diagnosed until after the age of two, after his initial MMR vaccine. After so much angst, expense, tears and most of all, effort we were making progress towards healing him. Our son Emerson, “Little Em” was finally starting to say words and look us in the eyes, then came time for his MMR booster shot. We were sick to our stomachs wondering if this booster would cause regression and thwart all our efforts. The vision of injecting him with something that could hurt him further literally brought tears to my eyes. After much research I found a few things out about the MMR “booster” and what our rights are in the State of New Jersey.
First, the MMR booster is not a booster at all. The initial vaccine inoculates approximately 94 to 95% of the population receiving it. The booster is later administered across the board to simply increase the percentage up a few points to about 97 to 98%. So out of 100 children who initially receive the MMR, about 95 already have enough antibodies and do not require the follow up shot. Secondly, you are allowed to get what’s known as a titer test. This is a blood test to measure the amount of antibodies in the blood stream. If they are high enough, your child is exonerated from the follow up MMR vaccine. All day care facilities and schools must accept this and cannot prevent your child from attending if your child passes the required antibody levels on the titer.
Don’t Be Surprised If Doctors Are Resistant.
In our case we waited until we were in the doctor’s office to receive the booster when I notified the nurse who came in with the vaccine that we wanted a script for a titer. She became quite flustered and insisted that the booster was required. I calmly requested to meet with the doctor. He complied without hesitation, but what I find so disturbing is even with the knowledge of my son’s condition, I still had to garner this information elsewhere. Long story short, my son’s antibodies were high enough and he did not require the booster. I can’t say that vaccines had any ill effect Little Em, but after all we have been going through we didn’t want to risk anything.
Because of Little Em’s autism we meet so many other parents in the same situation, with the same pit in their stomach when it comes time for booster shots, but to my surprise they don’t know of the titer. Why isn’t this common knowledge? With all the concern over vaccines how come school authorities and doctors don’t advertize this choice? Sadly I think it’s part economics, and part that the public is used to lining up like lemmings when it comes to doctor’s orders (imagine how much less money the Pharma companies would make if 95% of the population didn’t get their booster shots because they didn’t need it.)
The titer test is available for the following vaccines:
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria, Tetanus
- H. Influenza (HiB)
- Hepatitis A
- Chicken Pox, (Varicella – zoster)
- Influenza A and B
- Polio
- Pneumococcal vaccines
So if you’re up at night worried about an upcoming vaccine shot for your child, research your state laws and see if a titer test is available. And spread the word. With autism now affecting 1 in 100 children, (1 in 66 if it’s a boy) everyone now knows someone who affected by this condition. Who knows, at the very least you may help save another parent from that awful pit in their stomach.
January 24, 2010
Staying Healthy During the Pregnancy Yields Benefits
Staying Healthy during Pregnancy yields Benefits afterwards: written by Niva Herzig, PT
Staying healthy while you are pregnant is not only beneficial to your baby, but to you too. This holds true whether it’s your first child or your tenth. What does staying healthy mean? A combination of proper diet, exercise and sleep.
Just because you are pregnant, doesn’t mean you need to double your caloric intake. In fact, caloric increase only needs to occur during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and by 300 calories. Take in fluids regularly in order to maintain hydration, especially when pregnant during warmer months and during exercise. Continue eating meals consisting of all food groups and keep sugars at a minimum. Include in your diet fruits and vegetables, whole grains and protein. Remember to eat foods rich in Calcium, Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin C. Be aware of foods that may harm your baby such as unpasteurized cheeses or raw fish and meats. Make sure all meats are cooked and are not eaten raw to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria. Additionally, minimize the intake of caffeine. Once your baby is born, remember to continue eating a well balanced diet and increase fluids especially if breast feeding. For more specific issues and concerns speak with your physician or consult with a nutritionist.
Staying active is very beneficial to you and your baby. Read more
January 16, 2010
Things to do Before Your BABY Arrives
Select a Pediatrician
Choosing the right pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you make prior to your baby’s birth. Getting personal referrals from friends and family is one of the best ways to narrow down your options before you start searching for further information. Consider both the logistical and philosophical aspects of the practice and pediatrician. Make sure all of the doctors you’re considering are taking on new patients and will accept your health insurance. Take time to speak or meet with prospective doctors.
January 8, 2010
What is Viacord? What Stem Cells?
Most expectant parents & grandparents are not aware that they can save their baby’s cord blood, and these precious life saving cells are simply thrown away at birth
. Read more
January 5, 2010
Tanisha Day
Interview with Tanisha Day on going back to the workforce.
[display_podcast]
Factors to consider before going back.
As seen on MommysFriendsOnline.com- Websites for "Girlie" AccessoriesI just had a baby girl and a friend shared with me some fun websites to order some special "girlie things." I especially love the large flower headbands! These sites offer the most precious accessories. Add some glam to your little one's wardobe...check out these websites www.Poshlittletutus.com www.pinkbowtique.com… […]
- Essex County Turtle Back ZooHave a wild adventure at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo! Essex County 8th Annual Open House Saturday, June 5th- 10am to 2pm- Free… […]
- Celebrate Mother's Day Weekend at Ventimigla VineyardsMother's Day Winetrail… […]
- Summer ReadingI'd like to suggest a New York Times Best Seller, "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" for your 3rd or 4th grade readers. As a reading teacher, I highly recommend the book. Your child or student will not put it down! You can find the series at Barnes and Noble, but I think Amazon.com has the best prices. Make sure your child has their reading books read […]
- Family Day: Cherry Blossom FestivalSunday. April 18th: Bloomfest Enjoy a family day in the pink park! A packed schedule of events includes cultural demonstrations, children's activities, live music, a crafter's marketplace, food, and more. FREE ADMISSION. 11am to 5pm. Most activities take place around the Essex County Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in Essex County Branch Brook Park, […]
- Websites for "Girlie" Accessories
