Little Swimmers Get Hungry and Thirsty!



Wow! What an exciting day we had with our Summer Fun Campers. After lunch we loaded up the bus and headed to Meadowbrook Pool where the sparkling blue water had all us shrieking with delight in anticipation of jumping in the water for a couple of cool, fun filled hours. It was so amazing to watch the children imagine so many different ways to play and become comfortable in the water. What a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to spend time getting to know the children and to see how unique and special each child is.



The afternoon ended with everyone climbing out of the pool very thirsty and sooo hungry. We were provided water and a much needed snack. As always, with each new experience, my world of wondering why, has led me to question: “Why are we soooo thirsty and hungry after swimming?”  So on to the internet I go for some research. This is what I found:

“Question: "I'm always famished after I go swimming. What makes this happen?"

Answer: Researchers don't know exactly why this occurs, but they suspect that it's because the cooler temperature of the water causes your body to lose heat and the blood vessels in your skin to constrict. This prevents the release of certain hormones that suppress appetite during and soon after exercise, says Rudy Dressendorfer, PhD, an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta's Human Performance Laboratory in Edmonton.

One study conducted by Dressendorfer and his colleagues found that people who exercised in colder water consumed 44 percent more calories following their workout than those who expended the same amount of energy in warmer water. But you don't have to fall prey to after-swim hunger. Dressendorfer says that you can reduce it somewhat by taking a brisk 15-minute walk to warm up your body immediately after you get out of the pool.

Originally published in Fitness magazine, February 2006” http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/tips/expert-advice/why-am-i-always-hungry-after-swimming/


“Why Swimming Makes You Hungry

This hunger has physiological reasons.

1. Water draws heat from your body faster than air. Your child’s body uses energy to keep warm, and the heat loss triggers his body to create insulation in the form of fat. Both of these things send a message to his brain that his body needs fuel.

2. Swimming, like any other exercise, makes your child thirsty, but because he’s not sweating, he can become dehydrated without realizing it. Some of what your child perceives as hunger when he gets out of the pool may actually be thirst.

What to Do about It

Have a warm drink ready for your kids as soon as they get out of the pool after your swimming lesson, before they have a snack. It will help them warm up and satisfy any thirst that’s masquerading as hunger. After that, give them a snack.”

http://teachyourkidstoswim.com/2010/08/09/mystery-solved-why-swimming-makes-you-hungry/

So, swimmers, enjoy your happy summer days, drink plenty of water, and have a snack! Oh, and don't forget the suncreen!


Colleen Carman, Finance/HR Director

A MOTHER’S LOVE: Attachment and Social Development

Do you think the seven-month-old child in the photo above is already in the process of developing social skills? Actually, she is. At this stage in her development, Izabela has learned to form attachments to her primary caregivers. These attachments were formed through the literally thousands of interactions between mother and child; for each time Bella has had a need, demonstrated through fussing or crying, her mother or other caregivers have responded to alleviate the need or discomfort. Bella has learned to trust that her needs will be met, and from this trust, attachment has formed. Bella will rely on her ability to form attachments throughout her entire life.

A baby foal will find its balance, stand and begin to walk within hours of birth. Human beings are totally dependent on their caregivers for over a decade, and do not achieve full independance for almost two decades. It is an enormous responsibility to care for another human being. Our ability to interact socially and get along on our own in the world is greatly dependent on these early interactions.

Katherine Generaux , Community Inclusion Director and grandmother of Bella

Brain Development

Why is talking to babies so important?  Its because that is what helps build those connections that babies need for learning.

A newborn's brain is about 25 percent of its approximate adult weight. But by age 3, it has grown dramatically by producing billions of cells and hundreds of trillions of connections, or synapses, between these cells. While we know that the development of a young child's brain takes years to complete, we also know there are many things parents and caregivers can do to help children get off to a good start and establish healthy patterns for life-long learning.

Affordable Family Vacation

• Consider camping. If you are really pinching pennies or just want to keep your kids away from the computer screen for a week. Pitch a tent rather than book a room. It's a great way to experience the national parks. 

 

• Travel after peak season. This might not be an option if you have school-age children. Families with infants and toddlers can take advantage of discounted rates by traveling in the fall. Caribbean and Mexican resorts and hotels are much cheaper from April or May through the fall. Some have kids-stay-free promotion for children certain ages during this time. 

 

• Pick vacation spots within driving distance. In addition to saving money, you'll minimize the times you'll hear that inevitable question coming from the back seat: "Are we there yet?" 

 

Visit this link and check out this beautiful cabin my 

family and I enjoyed this month for and affordable $225 weekend rate!
Mouth of Wilson, Virgina Affordable Cabin Rental

 

 

 

Michelle Macon, Program Coordinator 

Get in the Water, Ducky

For the last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to replace the mundane and grueling rigors of treadmill or walking workouts with the glorious, luxurious, and simply divine experience of swimming. Being an avid swimmer all my life, I knew how much I loved being in the water but never thought about the benefits from a “wellness” point of view. We all have heard from Norma how she lives for time in the water. She relates that it calms her, gives her the opportunity to reflect on her day, and has reshaped her body like no other exercise.


I am truly amazed that two weeks of daily “water workouts” have made such a difference in my mental and physical wellbeing. My body aches have subsided, I am able to handle stress better, and I have firmed up and lost a few pounds.


So, curious as I am, I had to research to see if what Norma related to us and what I was feeling had a physiological basis. From the Discovery Fit & Health website here is one of the 10 health benefits derived from swimming:

“William Wilson wrote in the 1883 book, "The Swimming Instructor": "The experienced swimmer, when in the water, may be classed among the happiest of mortals in the happiest of moods, and in the most complete enjoyment of the happiest of exercises."

Wilson probably didn't know this in the 19th century, but all that happiness was likely due to the release of feel-good chemicals known as endorphins -- one of swimming's most pleasant side effects. In addition to a natural high, swimming can also evoke the relaxation response the same way yoga works on the body. This is due in large part to the constant stretching and relaxing of your muscles combined with deep rhythmic breathing. Swimming is also a meditative exercise, with the sound of your own breathing and the splash of the water acting as a mantra of sorts that can help you "drown out" all other distractions.

Aside from the metaphysical benefits of swimming, research has shown that it can actually change the brain for the better through a process known as hippocampal neurogenesis, in which the brain replaces cells lost through stress [source: Borchard].”

To review all 10 health benefits from swimming, click this link: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/aging/anti-aging-tips/10-health-benefits-of-swimming10.htm

Try it, you'll like it....go see all the little duckys swimming in the water!

HOW TO ASSIST YOUNG CHILDREN WITH MAKING FRIENDS

Have you ever noticed that some children have an easy time making friends while other children struggle? Children who make friends easily generally have the following skills:

• Gives suggestions (play organizers)

• Shares toys and other materials

• Takes turns (reciprocity)

• Is helpful

• Gives compliments

• Understands how and when to give an apology

• Begins to empathize

Suggestions for assisting children to develop these skills are:

• Provide opportunities for children to interact

• Pair a child with limited social skills with a child who is very competent at social interactions

• Priming – Offer suggestions and prompting in advance of a social encounter

• Model interactions for and with the child

• Reinforce positive interactions with praise


Katheirne Generaux
Community Inclusion Director

Special Instruction

 

I have the privilege of providing early intervention to this wonderful little boy each week.  He was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  ASDs begin before the age of 3 and last throughout a person's life, although symptoms may improve over time. Some children with an ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms might not show up until 24 months or later. Some children with an ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html. 

In the video, I am working with this child on several of his goals.  I am working on gaining joint attention.  This happens when the child is engaged interacting with the adult or another child.  In this case, I am following his interest to gain his attention and engagement.  He absolutely loves play dough.  I label and describe different features of the activity.  The more joint-attention-activity games you play with the child, the more he will start to initiate play and attempt to include you in the play activity. Any attempt on the part of the child is an opportunity to use words to describe and label the actions of the play. 

In this video you will see this child learning to take turns, attempt to say "ball" and "snake", follow directions "give me five", make eye contact, and imitating what I do.  This child was not able to do any of this just 2 months ago, but with weekly sessions and parent follow through, he is on the way to full engagement and talking.  It's exciting!


Norma Honeycutt, Infant Toddler Family Specialist 

The Farmer's Market

What a wonderful sight...fresh fruits and vegetables ready to eat.  I remember the days that mom would load us kids in the station wagon for our weekly trip to the Farmer's Market.  I am sure not everyone has had that experience but now we have the opportunity to relive those days or introduce our children to an alternative to the grocery store.

Every Saturday and Wednesdays, Salisbury operates a wonderful "market day" where residents can once again buy fresh food for their tables.  The experience goes beyond purchasing food.  We have met many interesting people selling their wares from farmers with produce, eggs, and meat; horticulturists with flowers and plants; and even some creative bakers and seamstresses.

We learned that there are many small growers in our area that have used technology to gain valuable customers.  You can place your order online at their websites and pick up your purchase either day.  Most fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs are pesticide free with no hormones or antibiotics added.

Try something new this Saturday...enjoy the outdoors, see earth's bounty, and make new friends. 

See you there!

Pickin' Berries is SO MUCH FUN!!!

Ella and her grandfather enjoyed some together time recently at Wetmore Farms picking strawberries! She searched and searched for just the perfect ones filling up her container.

Together with their teacher, Kain and Alex compare whose strawberry is bigger! Much more than just picking took place at the patch that day. 

Christian shows off his wonderful work! All of the children thoroughly enjoyed their day at the strawberry patch, picking, counting, comparing and seeing all of the other things that the farm has to offer at the market. They got to see watermelons, potatoes, onions, squash and cucumbers too!

Deborah K. Howell, Assistant Director

WHY AM I SO FAT?

I saw this photo a couple years ago. Rather than walking one flight of stairs, some patrons of this fitness center choose to take the escalator instead. Hilarious! Yet, as photojournalistic commentary, this picture makes a good point about the lifestyle most of us are living today. My grandparents certainly did not need a gym membership in order to participate in activities that burned calories at an intense rate, because they burned plenty of calories during the course of their day. Lacking today’s modern conveniences, and growing much of the food for the dinner table, my grandmother would have thought of a gym membership as frivolous and silly. Grocery stores, later replaced by supermarkets, did not offer large quantities of processed foods. Food choices were more limited, and meats and produce were foods of choice.


Like everyone, I have inherited the genetic predisposition of my biological relatives. While my predecessors burned far more calories every day and typically ate smaller portions and non-processed foods, I spend over 20 hours a week sitting at a desk and countless additional hours at home, sitting in front of my laptop. In addition, I am constantly seduced by commercials advertising the convenience of processed and fast foods that are supersized. Today’s chicken breasts arrive on my plate having been loaded with hormones to expedite maturity and increase size.

It’s no wonder that we are fatter today than our predecessors were a mere two generations ago.

Katherine Generaux, Community Inclusion Director

HOPE

My youngest son, Micah, graduated from high school on Saturday.  I found myself reminiscing about all the years that lead up to this important day.  Micah was born after 23 hours of labor and 4 hours of pushing.  Nineteen years ago, they used metal forceps to pull him out which left him with palsy in half of his face.   This went away after 6 months, but was only the beginning of the many challenges he would have to overcome.  At 2 years old, he began banging his head because he was so frustrated that he couldn't be understood.  This followed with 10 years of speech therapy to improve his intelligibility.  At four years of age, he was diagnosed with ADHD and began medication.  School years were challenging to say the least.  I can recall more than one conference about his behavior and learning problems.   I remember his kindergarten teacher telling me he didn't know his letters and me knowing that he did.  You see, he could point them out, but just couldn't name them.  There was also the time when he failed his spelling test because his speech was so bad and he spelled it like he heard it.  Finally, in the second grade we decided to give Micah what I call "the gift of time", an extra year in school so that he didn't have to struggle so much. 


I remember the endless IEP meeting; feeling like a lone fighter for my child in rooms full of educators.  Teachers telling me he talked too much, couldn't keep up with anything, and was very disorganized.  I remember praying he would pass his classes and celebrating when he made 4's on the end of grade test.  Let's not forget the never ending doctor visits to discuss medication and strategies to help Micah not worry about the dates on food, washing his hands constantly, and other anxieties that often go along with ADHD.  Mostly, I remember the endless nights on my knees praying for patience, wisdom, and healing.


Wasn't it just yesterday that Micah was in the 7th grade and refused to take his medicine anymore?  It sure does seem like it!  I told him that if he could control his behaviors and make good grades, he wouldn't have to take it again.  That was the last year he ever took it.  He found his passion in sports and once he found it, it flowed over into every area of his life.  He also found solace in spending time with God and between sports and church, his life was blossoming.

Fast forward to Saturday, graduation day for my baby!  He actually graduated with an orange tassel for distinguished because of his grades.  I sat there thinking of all of the families that I serve with children with special needs and how hopeless they feel at times.  I have walked that journey and am here to tell you there is HOPE!  Just look at my Micah. 

A proud mom, Norma Honeycutt, 
Partners In Learning, Executive Director

Pre-K Graduation, then what Parents...Keep Volunteering

On Thursday, June 9th, 50 children graduated Pre-Kindergarten from Partners In Learning Child Development Center. Throughout the year, many families volunteered in our classrooms and our adminstrative offices. It is our goal for families to continue making these connections with "home" and "school" when their children enters the school system.



Whether your kids are just starting kindergarten or entering the final year of high school, there are many good reasons for parents to volunteer at school. It's a great way to show your kids that you take an interest in their education, and it sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause.

Madison Nicole Macon.

My favorite color is green.

My favorite food is apples.

My favorite thing to do at school is learn.

When I grow up I want to be a teacher.

Madison Nicole Macon.

Michelle Macon, Program Coordinator



For the last four weeks several of our admin staff, teachers, and community members, have been attending the "Eat Smart, Move More, and Weigh Less" program.  A program designed to inform, empower, and motivate participants to be mindful as they make choices about eating and physical activity.

We all are amazed and it really hits home when we see the visuals, such as the picture with a can of soda next to 17 teaspoons of sugar or a double blueberry muffin with 1000 calories next to a regular portioned muffin with 160 calories.

We are learning to read the nutrition labels on products to see visually just how much fat, sugar, and sodium we consume in fast food or ready to eat meals.

To learn more visit the Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less website.

BODY IMAGE

The picture above shows four Pre-K students lined up on the playground, waiting for their turn to use the slide. Though these girls are all within a few months of the same age, the last girl in line, Ceci, clearly dominates this group in size. In fact, during her well-child visits Ceci has, without exception, scored in the 90+ percentile for both height and weight since infancy. Cecilia is a healthy child who loves fruits and vegetables and participates in active play throughout the day. Since I am aware that our culture has some well-defined biases regarding body size, I worry that Ceci may eventually develop body image issues.

WebMD offers the following information for parents on this subject:

• 30% of girls aged 10 to 14 are dieting

We should:

• Help children understand that their bodies will change and grow

• Help children understand that there is not one “ideal” body shape

• Adults should watch what they say about their own bodies as well as the comments they make about other people’s bodies

• Avoid stereotypes, prejudices, and words like ugly and fat

• Help children focus on their abilities and personalities rather than their physical appearance

• Promote physical activity and exercise. Girls who play sports tend to have higher levels of self-esteem and healthier body images. “Be fit, not necessarily thin, and you will be healthy for life.”

Can You Spare a Dime?

When I was a little girl, I was a bit obsessed with acquiring money.  Most of the time I had to earn it by doing odd jobs around the house.  A jaunt to the trash can with a bag of garbage earned me a quarter.  Filling a five-gallon bucket of magnolia "grenades" got me a dime.  Once, I scoured the roadside for bottles and cans that I could cash in for the deposit money.  Of course, most of the items I gathered were plastic and therefore not subject to deposit.  I didn't know that at the time, though.  It's not as though I needed to buy anything in particular, but I wanted the security that a little jingle in my pocket provided.

I remember waking up early on a Saturday morning to go "yard-saling" with my mom and grandmother in Alabama.  My grandmother would scan the paper and circle the sales that she planned on going to.  I would put on my tattered shorts and T-shirt, in an attempt to look like a destitute child incapable of affording anything at the sale.  The words of my grandfather would resonate as I approached an item for sale in the yard of some stranger, "Never pay sticker price!"  The item in question was a mini-stapler complete with a refill of tiny staples.  I wanted that joker so badly, but it was marked $1.00.  In my most pitiful voice, I asked the lady running the sale if she would take less than a dollar.  "Sure", she said, "how about 50 cents?"  That sounded like a deal to me!  I reached into my pocket and proudly pulled out a dollar bill and patiently waited for my change.  It only occurred to me in later years what a scam I was running on this lady!  I had the full amount to pay for the stapler, but those wise words of my grandfather encouraging me to get a good deal were too powerful to ignore.

I wonder, given the current state of the economy, how are folks teaching their children about money?  Are parents encouraging their children to earn and save?  Do children still receive an allowance?  How much do children receive in allowance and what chores must children complete in order to get that money?

"We are Family"

Family is one of the most important aspects of life. Spending time together will help to build a deeper relationship, instill family values in children, teach children important life lessons, and build a stronger family unit. These family roles should be exercised to resolve and improve family issues. If a family follows these roles it will make them stick together through the rough and fun times.

Michelle Macon, Program Coordinator

Let's move baby



Parents and educators are looking for new ways to help children become active physically.  They want to engage children in fun and rewarding exercise that will become a lifelong habit.  They know that physical activity has a tremendous impact on a child's physical, intellectual, and emotional development.

On a recent segment of the "Today Show", CBS brought in Fitness Expert Minna Lessig to educate and demonstrate exercises for preschoolers.  She advises that children are never too young to learn good exercise habits and has recommended activities to involve children.  Watch this segment at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/05/30/earlyshow/contributors/minnalessig/main510635.shtml

"The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) recently issued exercise guidelines recommending that everyone from babies, to toddlers, to preschoolers set aside time for physical activity.



Infants need daily activity and should not be confined to a small play space. Infants should be encouraged to sit, stand, and walk. Toddlers should have 30 minutes a day of adult-guided activity such as dancing or chasing a ball. Preschoolers (ages 3-5) need at least an hour.

The key to getting kids to exercise is capturing their imagination so that its fun for them to participate. Since most children have short attention spans, a kid’s fitness workout should be almost circuit training style, moving quickly from one activity to the next so that they don't get bored.

Have fun and PLAY, PLAY, PLAY!!