tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5673068326463410532024-02-06T21:09:08.579-08:00Carmel HealthA Blog created for the students at Carmel Catholic High School.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-27940085371640459882012-06-14T14:44:00.001-07:002012-06-14T14:44:22.319-07:00Using Apps To Make Me A Better Teacher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xIwPvHElrX7n-dehmZWgQ2SCJwXfZEO-OocRDlysdRqFu4XCuzKHLl1-RZmHP0FN16dd8YCIvz8BhdJF4b5bTdLMxFGvAOunnTzUfwPI4g2MoUQbvDA-g9TRPjQvqOFENIDStn9X1Bo/s1600/apps+picture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xIwPvHElrX7n-dehmZWgQ2SCJwXfZEO-OocRDlysdRqFu4XCuzKHLl1-RZmHP0FN16dd8YCIvz8BhdJF4b5bTdLMxFGvAOunnTzUfwPI4g2MoUQbvDA-g9TRPjQvqOFENIDStn9X1Bo/s320/apps+picture.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
It was reported in the press recently that 71% of recent phone sales were smartphones and with smartphones now becoming the norm, if you don’t currently own one, you soon will. I use my phone so frequently that I would be lost without it, and increasingly I find myself using it for educational and professional development purposes.<br />
My phone wakes me in the morning, and the calendar function keeps me organized. I check my emails before breakfast and listen to podcasts on my journey to work. The stopwatch is used in class to time activities and the movie recording capability is handy for recording my students to allow for performance analysis. But the best thing about this smart device is the ability to download applications, or apps. These apps are software that allow you to perform a specific function and I want to share with you some of the apps that have allowed me to improve my classroom teaching and professional development.<br />
<b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scanlife-barcode-reader-qr/id285324287?mt=8">SCANLIFE</a></b> The Scanlife app allows you to scan QR codes and access the information to which they link. I paste QR codes to the bottom of packets and homework assignments to encourage students to access relevant research articles.<br />
<b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teen-bmi-find-out-how-your/id343906707?mt=8">TEEN BMI</a></b> The Teen BMI app allows students to enter their sex, age, height and weight to calculate their BMI in a very user friendly manner. The app provides enough data to promote class discussion about body mass index and the validity of using this measurement in society.<br />
<b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/everyday-health/id405045158?mt=8">EVERYDAY HEALTH</a></b> Linked to their extensive website this app provides daily bite sized health information with a section specifically targeting teenagers. In addition to a ‘Pharmacist Q&A’ and a ‘Mom says’ area you can learn how many calories are burned when performing certain tasks. Want to burn 51 calories? Take a 15 minute walk.<br />
<b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stitcher-radio/id288087905?mt=8">STITCHER</a></b> Podcasts are radio broadcasts that can be downloaded onto your device to be listened to at your own pleasure. When travelling in my car I listen to podcasts on a range of topics from sport (<b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/espn-pti/id147232181?mt=2">ESPN:PTI</a></b>), to education (<b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/espn-pti/id147232181?mt=2">EdReach</a></b>), to food (<b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/npr-topics-food-podcast/id91643852?mt=2">NPR Topics:Food Podcast</a></b>). The BBC produce some awesome shows and another favorite of mine is <b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519?mt=2">Freakonomics Radio</a></b>. These podcasts help with my professional development and make me a more informed teacher. Had enough of consuming podcasts then why not make your own? You can check out my class podcasts at this link: www.tinyurl.com/carmelhealthpodcast<br />
<b>RSS READER</b> There is so much information out there that it can be overwhelming trying to find it. By using an RSS reader you can set up the parameters and the software will go out and find the things in which you are interested. I use <b><a href="http://scoop.it/">SCOOP.IT</a></b>, <b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zite-personalized-magazine/id419752338?mt=8">ZITE</a></b> and <b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flipboard-your-social-news/id358801284?mt=8">FLIPBOARD</a></b> and read the sources articles at my leisure.
<b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/twitter/id333903271?mt=8">TWITTER</a></b> I’ve written at length on the value of Twitter to all teachers for professional development. Twitter allows you to communicate with your own personal learning network of experts from around the globe. You can follow me on Twitter where I tweet as @carmelhealth. I found each of the following excellent links on Twitter.<br />
1<a href="http://bit.ly/ypFTmz">000 recommended app sorted by subject area</a><br />
<a href="http://ow.ly/bkL4f%2093">Android apps to try this summer</a>. All subjects.<br />
<a href="http://read.bi/KNTSDL">Apps to get more done</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/sQsIWE">Top 10 Special Ed Apps </a><br />
<a href="http://stitcher.com/s?AAFAACiPR">Edreach podcast regarding apps. </a>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-54616348151326502232012-05-03T06:41:00.001-07:002012-05-03T06:43:45.523-07:00Carmel Health App<iframe width="300" height="600" style="border:0px;" src="http://ibuildapp.com/embed.app.widget.php?token=111145-208940-182219-3785083cd8d18d3bcc9622e5e06f504b"></iframe>
Check out the Carmel Health App. Follow <a href="http://ibuildapp.com/web-Carmel_Health">this link</a> on your smartphone and then add it to the homepage of your phone. This will then operate like an app allowing you to check out the @carmelhealth tweets, the blog, the podcasts on i-tunes and the scoop.it site that highlights Carmel successes in the news.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-32658214308238472972011-12-12T06:18:00.001-08:002011-12-12T06:55:31.821-08:00And The Winner Is...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_x4oUA1WnprrorVfbaC_ZUsAIiVwZPdafcHth3_Zp-BOBvbEcG45OIrCcghQy4OWGHeYtiXP-LgW1MPci5TBhInRM7NmyMcsGV2VHW4_de9dLEwZU4bP2tOXhyXMqk8fayDh4C3LnKI/s1600/healthy-plate-by-usda.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_x4oUA1WnprrorVfbaC_ZUsAIiVwZPdafcHth3_Zp-BOBvbEcG45OIrCcghQy4OWGHeYtiXP-LgW1MPci5TBhInRM7NmyMcsGV2VHW4_de9dLEwZU4bP2tOXhyXMqk8fayDh4C3LnKI/s200/healthy-plate-by-usda.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685254325792370546" /></a><br />I find that of all of the topic areas that I cover in Health class, it's the nutrition unit that students react most positively to. It's also the topic area that hopefully they think about on a daily basis. Every day they get to choose what to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I enjoy those moments in the cafeteria when I see students of mine standing in line for the less healthy (cough!) food items and with the raise of one eyebrow (a la Roger Moore) I can guilt them into making a healthier choice.<br />In class we used the Government diet analysis tool found at www.mypyramidtracker.gov This assignment revealed that the website, although free and easily accessible, has its faults. Users plug in their diet and the site will analyze the contents of the foods letting you know how healthy, or otherwise, your diet may be. However,if you eat ethnic or cultural foods you probably won't find these on the site. Also if you make your own foods then you also will find the site lacking.<br />As is common every year the results are always cause for much discussion with students realizing that their diet isn't as healthy as they thought. I asked students this semester to condense all of the information and reflect upon their diets....in less than 140 characters. The student submissions were of a very good standard and can be found at this link.<br />With an i-Tunes gift card being awarded to the best submission I can reveal the top three answers, as chosen by teachers, peers and some of the people that follow @carmelhealth on Twitter.<br />1. "<span style="font-weight:bold;">Through My Healthy Plate inputs I learned that my fat, sodium, sugar & calorie intake is better when I eat meals with my family</span>" I felt that this reflection was particularly good as not only did it show evidence of dietary analysis but that it also showed how improvements could be made. Eating together with the family, particularly when eating at home, is so beneficial to our physical, mental and social health. What's that old adage? The family that eats together stays together?<br />2. "<span style="font-weight:bold;">Many ppl, including myself have been tricked w/the so-called healthy foods. In order 4 me 2 improve my diet I need 2 b more careful</span>" This reflection again showed greater reflection and was particularly health literate. I agree that food manufacturers can do so much more to educate us as consumers but perhaps this isn't in THEIR best interest. If we had better information to make healthier choices would we buy less of the profit-making, addictive junk food? I think so.<br />3. "<span style="font-weight:bold;">I should watch my fat & salt intake while aiming to eat more fruits & vegetables, because my diet is mostly just proteins & grains</span>" This response identifies both the strengths and weaknesses of this individuals diet. Proteins and grains are essential components of the healthy plate but it is important that a balanced diet also includes fat and salt. Although those latter two foods are needed to a much lesser extent, they do both allow our body to work more efficiently.<br /><br />What is your diet like? Are there foods that you eat that maybe you could make a healthier choice? What impact has your family diet had on the health of your family? Please feel free to share your comments below.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-10515041458111011912011-11-22T10:07:00.000-08:002011-11-22T10:24:33.968-08:00Great Food Podcast - And Others<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliUvkA_L3FeW9HUevaKoBMpva3vGdhjbZm8oCwo-vA_whVo7aI0tH3jeeV3UQ1xfHu32QYnAjd2NvOMFUsM4cAgAjRd5Yg5FHS6MlmB3HC_0Akw5IRrGCQ5NWd0mtUie49-DlQV-DQMQ/s1600/Radio+4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliUvkA_L3FeW9HUevaKoBMpva3vGdhjbZm8oCwo-vA_whVo7aI0tH3jeeV3UQ1xfHu32QYnAjd2NvOMFUsM4cAgAjRd5Yg5FHS6MlmB3HC_0Akw5IRrGCQ5NWd0mtUie49-DlQV-DQMQ/s200/Radio+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677887517694590242" /></a><br />Every morning on my drive to school I plug my smart phone into my car (well, I use one of those plastic tape cassette adapters) and use the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stitcher-radio/id288087905?mt=8">Stitcher app</a> to play podcasts. Mostly I'll listen to sports related podcasts but I do listen to some more obscure shows (when my wife isn't in the car). One of my favorite's is the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b017c8gr">BBC4 Food Programme</a> They discuss food related issue and the recent episode talked about food politics comparing the differences on both sides of the Atlantic. <br />The good thing about the podcasts are that they are free and can be accessed readily and if you subscribe to them online you can play through your ipod/phone etc.<br />If you are interested, other shows that I listen to include <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/5-live-football-daily/id261291929">5 live Football Daily</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/farming-today/id261779638">Farming Today</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/espn-pti/id147232181">ESPN:PTI</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/espn-around-the-horn/id252251368">ESPN:Around The Horn</a>, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519">Freakonomics Radio</a> and <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/the-naked-scientists-podcast/id443432336">The Naked Scientists</a>.<br /><br />Do YOU listen to podcasts? Which ones? Do you use any health related Apps? Please share them in the comments box.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-66905498133063124232011-10-24T07:38:00.000-07:002011-10-24T07:42:56.600-07:00Mental Health Brochures<a href="http://www.youblisher.com/p/193034-Mental-Health-Brochures/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.youblisher.com/files/publications/33/193034/200x300.jpg" alt="Mental Health Brochures"></a><br />Once again my health classes have produced some fantastic tri-fold brochures on a mental health disorder of their choice. They researched the disorder, found appropriate images, discussed symptoms and strategies, and then provided further sources of information. All this, and they produced QR codes for the first time.<br />Here I share just 5 of the many examples of student work that will go on display in the classroom.<br />Click on the image above and you will be taken to a <a href="http://www.youblisher.com">youblisher</a> document where you can scroll (with sound) and zoom in on the text.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-65065268123427613872011-10-19T06:13:00.000-07:002011-10-19T06:26:41.274-07:00Blood Donation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QBPiMrByTPQ-dNyjcjaJNyRYoTTj50t76NnflAzQdb7vMEQWQWj3LHvFES98OiIKShrwwhKLiOhBwH0AP9QOrPyVaW1nse1PkAzrNCd75hONh7fTvmAgz23C5ZDQl-4myA-PbtiErUA/s1600/lifesource_logo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 40px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QBPiMrByTPQ-dNyjcjaJNyRYoTTj50t76NnflAzQdb7vMEQWQWj3LHvFES98OiIKShrwwhKLiOhBwH0AP9QOrPyVaW1nse1PkAzrNCd75hONh7fTvmAgz23C5ZDQl-4myA-PbtiErUA/s200/lifesource_logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665193699497408722" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.lifesource.org/">LIFESOURCE</a>, Chicagoland's blood center will be visiting Carmel High School on October 28th for our next blood drive.<br />Did you know that 60% of the population is eligible to give blood and yet only 5% of the national population actually donates?<br />If all blood donors gave 2 to 4 times a year, it would help prevent blood shortages.<br />4.5 million Americans would die each year without life saving blood transfusions.<br />ONE DONATION CAN SAVE THREE LIVES!<br /><br />Check this link for <a href="http://www.lifesource.org/donatingFaqs.asp">frequently asked questions</a> or see Miss Capelle for more details.<br />Are you eligible to donate? Check <a href="http://www.lifesource.org/donatingQual.asp">this link</a>.<br /><br />If you have donated blood before, I am very impressed. If you haven't donated before please consider doing so. What a wonderful feeling knowing that you have contributed to saving the life of another person. At the last blood drive we collected <span style="font-weight:bold;">125 UNITS</span>. Can we beat that this time around?Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-54614525129043269702011-10-04T09:53:00.001-07:002011-10-04T09:57:20.807-07:00Jordan Burnham - Unbreakable<iframe width="500" height="284" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bfj3Suuk4Tk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Teaching the mental health unit can sometimes be tough, but when I am able to share stories like the one here, it makes the lesson so much better. I show some Jordan Burnham footage to my students to demonstrate the effects of depression and to open up the discussion of the topic of suicide.<br />This ESPN documentary is a great production. Take the time (15 minutes) to watch this and please share your thoughts in the comments section.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-4799291005880781052011-09-08T12:09:00.000-07:002011-09-08T12:29:03.498-07:00Great Smartphone App<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnf1zfTmQBDXeFmZJj_DoDLwEfRYj7DI8B0SDIsucycA2OHrejsfA-5Jc5rDe-ws3svBoWmVY3dbPcSZrXD7u45ch_Mrw2BqoYRYNl9naxH-QENg7Xe3O17WfctK0B20NQQBZ_dhunIc/s1600/everyday+health.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnf1zfTmQBDXeFmZJj_DoDLwEfRYj7DI8B0SDIsucycA2OHrejsfA-5Jc5rDe-ws3svBoWmVY3dbPcSZrXD7u45ch_Mrw2BqoYRYNl9naxH-QENg7Xe3O17WfctK0B20NQQBZ_dhunIc/s200/everyday+health.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650072497105355986" /></a><br />I am increasingly impressed with the range of health-related apps that are available for phones and tablets. The best ones among them provide great health information at your finger-tips and among those is the "Everyday Health" app that one of my students shared with me this week in class.<br />The "Everyday Health" app is a spin off from their website <a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com">www.everydayhealth.com</a> <br />The app includes healthy tips, a health A-Z, a Doctor Q&A, and some great food and fitness tips. Scrolling through one of the options I noticed the following information. If I wanted to burn 50 calories I could do any of the following:<br />Take a walk for 15 minutes, vacuum for 10 minutes or jump rope for 5 minutes.<br /><br />The app is free and definitely useful. If you use any other apps that make you healthy then please recommend them in the comments section below.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-56281676832856333062011-08-21T20:46:00.000-07:002011-08-21T20:54:04.109-07:00Txtng & Drivng...It Can WaitOn my journey to school for the first day of the new academic year I looked in the rear view mirror and noticed that the car behind me was driven by a student of mine. I was horrified that for the entire journey she was more interested in her cell phone than paying attention to the road.
<br />I recently watched the excellent 10 minute video on the At&T website which ties in to their campaign to encourage drivers NOT to text while driving. Please take the time to watch the video and forward it to your friends and family.
<br /><iframe width="500" height="311" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DebhWD6ljZs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
<br />Tips for Teens:
<br />Be smart. Don’t text and drive. No text message is worth being distracted while you drive. Be in control.
<br />Remember it’s your phone. You decide if and when to send and read texts so take control. Consider turning your phone off, setting it to silent or even storing it in the glove box before hitting the road.
<br />Be caring. Never send a text message to a friend who is driving to meet you, or to anyone you know is likely behind the wheel.
<br />Be a BFF. Friends don’t let each other text and drive. Visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/att">www.facebook.com/att</a> to take a pledge not to text and drive, and encourage your friends to do the same.
<br />Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-40415610895375968772011-08-19T06:28:00.000-07:002011-08-19T06:32:44.877-07:00Internet SafetyIt's the start of the new school year and all of our students will be watching this great video on internet safety. I was with a class of freshman girls yesterday, and after having watched the video they were asked if they knew anyone who had shared a similar experience to the one that was portrayed. At least 1/3 of the girls raised their hands.
<br />This is a great video to watch and share with friends and other students.
<br /><iframe width="500" height="311" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4ovR3FF_6us" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-22035014783027204312011-05-17T11:29:00.000-07:002011-05-17T11:33:19.376-07:00Jamie Oliver - TedX Video<iframe width="500" height="314" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GWFWO335VQc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />I love these TedX videos and here one of my food heroes presents his views on the poor state of nutrition here in America. He makes it sound so easy to solve the issues....and perhaps it is.<br />Jamies Food Revolution returns to ABC in June.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-61903965005003873932011-05-13T11:30:00.001-07:002011-05-13T13:21:51.685-07:00Safe Haven Law<p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qJY6AHPs8Tk9EQewGE4ZI6qlvB1aDcKIPGXsNSpA4sJb61lRWk-3XGRIS5pxiLQ5ugSRRc5Zt3jjtMSpuep0LeIuAeE5UjsZN2skt0DDDP31XgDxP6rsUu7VK2geJjdTxZMZ7_lVyXU/s1600/220px-Safe-haven-sign_2007.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606270776925398306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qJY6AHPs8Tk9EQewGE4ZI6qlvB1aDcKIPGXsNSpA4sJb61lRWk-3XGRIS5pxiLQ5ugSRRc5Zt3jjtMSpuep0LeIuAeE5UjsZN2skt0DDDP31XgDxP6rsUu7VK2geJjdTxZMZ7_lVyXU/s200/220px-Safe-haven-sign_2007.gif" /></a></p>Illinois School Code requires that ALL school health education classes MUST teach the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. Also known as the <em>Safe Haven Law</em> this act has saved the lives of newborn babies that might otherwise be abandoned by their parents.<br /><br />From 1991 to 1998, the incidence of newborn abandonment in public places increased 62% across the country. Dramatic accounts in the media highlighted the problem. In March 1998, a baby was found by two 13 year old boys who saw a body floating in 14 feet of water in the California Aqueduct. The red-haired, 20 inch girl was tagged Baby Jane Doe No.21 and given the name 'Grace'.<br /><br />Similar issues across the country prompted states to follow the lead of Texas and provide some form of <em>Safe Haven law</em>.<br /><br />The <em>Safe Haven Law </em>in Illinois allows a parent to safely relinquish an unharmed infant anonymously, without fear of prosecution.<br /><br />This law provides a safe alternative to parents who might be under severe emotional distress or unable to provide for the basic needs of the infant.<br /><br /><ul><br /><br /><li>Distressed birth parents can legally and anonymously relinquish an unharmed newborn.</li><br /><br /><li>Provides a safe place for newborns.</li><br /><br /><li>Protects the parent(s) from arrest or prosecution for abandonment.</li><br /><br /><li>Does not require that names be given when the unharmed infant is safely relinquished.</li><br /><br /><li>Babies are handed in to an staff member at any hospital, police station, sheriff office, fire station, or emergency care facility.</li><br /><br /><li>The parent has 60 days to reclaim the infant, after counselling and an inquiry. <strong>After 60 days, parental rights are terminated.</strong></li><br /><br /><li>Parents can voluntarily complete a medical and family history questionnaire for the newborn. This could be very useful for the child and the adoptive parents.</li></ul><br /><br /><p>Remember, parents don't have to use the Safe Haven law. They could also consider a traditional adoption or an open adoption where records are kept and the possibility of future contact with the child is maintained. Public assistance and food stamps can help those who might be too poor to look after a child. The Family Services Agency can help young mothers afraid of the reaction of their parents.</p><br /><p><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEXeTBKTa0yj5VNC4NRw-K7irw3haG53oFGiGUbb7EPiV-7vEalsEgr_V4THGvopjlXVx3lbwVvsr8LtSilH6If0xJi-87OWfCX32HzqBQM7crNBgaYtLaIWEzQz98pojZ7qQBrUtPno/s1600/safe+haven.png"></a><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tERzidI_V38" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-2147184251978847562011-04-18T08:39:00.001-07:002011-04-18T09:26:39.333-07:00Hands Only CPR<iframe title="YouTube video player" height="283" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SX8VfIRSo2o" frameborder="0" width="450"></iframe><br /><br />It's that time of year when my students receive CPR instruction and this time around things are a little different. Current accepted theory suggests that 'hands only CPR' is equally effective and lay people are more likely to perform CPR if they know that they don't have to perform the 'mouth-to-mouth' component. In class we showed<a href="http://youtu.be/EcbgpiKyUbs"> this video </a>but I thought that the Matthew McConaughey video clip might be more memorable for our students. For more information you could visit the <a href="http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=22f388a2e2ccb210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD">American Red Cross </a>website.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-43123664549914487782011-04-13T10:01:00.001-07:002011-04-13T10:37:12.521-07:00Voting With Your Fork<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NSzpwq1ykNPEC7nkPnQ-xqdujJNXomSkF365nB1TDFQ5Z-h7c3GgergzBTiF0ytAcs-d4aUFQ0996NRvTC-Kr2kb-IJB_uPxdpMtopCdJJUyf7Hq5Oy51mJ4w3_pmjt_5mzBwuJ7TGk/s1600/vote+with+your+fork.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595121883762818418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NSzpwq1ykNPEC7nkPnQ-xqdujJNXomSkF365nB1TDFQ5Z-h7c3GgergzBTiF0ytAcs-d4aUFQ0996NRvTC-Kr2kb-IJB_uPxdpMtopCdJJUyf7Hq5Oy51mJ4w3_pmjt_5mzBwuJ7TGk/s200/vote+with+your+fork.gif" /></a> Those that know me know that I advocate for healthy foods as often as possible. I encourage my students to make healthy choices as often as they can. I also let them know that they can still eat 'fast food' occasionally but they should aim to select the less harmful items. <br /><div></div><br /><div>In this short post I have included some links that you can check out if you want ideas to improve your diet:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Buy from a <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/csa/">CSA</a>. This will allow you to purchase locally grown, organic and seasonal produce. This boosts the local economy, reduces the use of pesticides and air miles, and will make you feel a lot healthier. You can collect the foods from the farm, or a local location. I just signed up to a CSA offered by "<a href="http://www.gentleman-farmer.com/description">The Gentleman Farmer</a>".</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Support your local farmers market. Out here in the suburbs we are lucky to have access to locally grown farm produce. I regularly visited the farmers market in Palatine last year, and the nearest one to school is in Libertyville. It's a little early to know exact locations and times but they will be printed online and in the Chicago Tribune. Check out this <a href="http://www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/Illinois.htm">link</a> for the latest information available.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>One of my food hero's is Jamie Oliver the British TV chef and food advocate. I think he's great not because he's English, but because he believes that we should all have access to affordable healthy foods, particularly in schools. His second season of the <em>Food Revolution</em> has just started on ABC. You can watch the episodes online at this <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/jamie-olivers-food-revolution">link</a>. You can also sign up for Jamies Food Revolution online and you will be sent further information about local food events in your community.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I show the excellent documentary <em>Food Inc</em> in class. <a href="http://michaelpollan.com/">Michael Pollan</a>, the food journalist who appears in this movie, has written some excellent <a href="http://michaelpollan.com/books/">books</a>. If you can you should find time to read one of the following: "Food Rules: An Eaters Manual", "In Defense of Food: An Eaters Manifesto" and "The Omnivore's Dilemma" (which is also available in a young readers edition).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Other quick tips that I can recommend include:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Stop drinking soda and other sweetened drinks.</div><br /><div>Eat at home, preferably together as a family, instead of eating out.</div><br /><div>Encourage your school to stop serving junk foods.</div><br /><div>Consider having 'Meatless Monday', go without meat for one day a week.</div><br /><div>Try growing your own herbs, vegetables or fruit.</div><br /><div>Read food labels. Demand to know what is in your food.</div><br /><div>Advocate for better food information in your school and community.</div>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-59926520574039418412011-03-23T05:29:00.000-07:002011-03-23T05:41:58.945-07:00The Epidemic Of Unhealthy Food<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4eWsdGkQo0frezz764ts9HIsTBWjtpEOwAG0wZ24Vbj7boTSsez7Ez-4BwMELgGrM2w8wko0MSDM_DxluuJHPL5LVf3LsWawv2iSzSnLnmyOlrGkkoRaRtCkOJZYfshUYK17WNJYlFY/s1600/Obese+America.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 155px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587253688473407106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4eWsdGkQo0frezz764ts9HIsTBWjtpEOwAG0wZ24Vbj7boTSsez7Ez-4BwMELgGrM2w8wko0MSDM_DxluuJHPL5LVf3LsWawv2iSzSnLnmyOlrGkkoRaRtCkOJZYfshUYK17WNJYlFY/s200/Obese+America.jpg" /></a><br /><div>As a Health teacher it really inspires me when I hear of students taking the lessons learned in class and applying them elsewhere. The nutrition unit that we have just completed is one of the topics that seems to inspire many students and their families. At this time of year I receive emails from parents saying that they have changed their eating habits based on the advice of their child.<br />One of my students, Maggie, wrote a paper in English class about the problems that she saw facing America and attitudes to food. Please take the time to read her paper below and post some feedback as she becomes the second guest blogger on this site!<br /><br />America has a diverse culture. It is a culture of many countries, all melded together. America is also a culture of food, as diverse as our origins. A culture of food that has now become reliant on the principle of convenience and quantity. A culture of food that is making us slowly grow fatter and fatter. This way of life now so common in our country must be reversed before it is too late. We need to get rid of this unhealthy balance for three reasons: for our health, for our economy, and for our communities. </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html#State">Obesity in America has been on the rise at an alarming rate</a>, especially in children. In 1985 less than 10% of Illinois’ population was obese. In 2009, 26.5% of the population was obese. That is a huge gain, but is still nothing compared to some other states, of which over 30% of the population is now obese. Our culture of fast food and high fructose corn syrup are causing us to grow bigger and bigger. If a person is obese, they’re often a few pounds heavier than the average person. But, the underlying problems of obesity are the most worrying. These include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Obesity reduces the average person’s life expectancy by 6 to 7 years. Eating such unhealthy food often leads to obesity, which can lead to deadly consequences. </div><div><br />Part of the reason America has become addicted to unhealthy foods is because it is so common in our economy today. The government heavily subsidizes corn, which leads to the heavy use of unhealthy sweeteners, like high fructose corn syrup. The average American consumes about 60 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup every year. It’s is most every kind of food imaginable, even ketchup. Since our unhealthy food is subsidized, it is often much more expensive to buy healthy food. The balance between healthy and unhealthy food has been upset, and we are now paying the price for it. For example, a burger at McDonalds can cost just $1, while the average price for a pound of strawberries is $1.50. Although that 50 cents may not seem like much, to a struggling family it can be the deal breaker. </div><div><br />This plague of unhealthy food deeply affects our communities. How many times have we seen small, family owned grocery stores go out of business, while the big superstores grow and grow? In those stores there is a plethora of unhealthy choices. It has also been found that the rate of obesity is higher in poorer communities, especially in immigrants. This clearly shows the endless loop of having to choose the cheap, unhealthy food and the consequences which leave the poor in even more poverty and with their health compromised. This in turn causes the poor to no longer to be able to pay for their medical bills, which often leads to the loss of their jobs and livelihood.<br />It is almost unavoidable to not consume unhealthy food. It is cheap, convenient, and everywhere we look. It is just disgusting when you think about it, and something needs to be done. </div><div> </div><div>We need to start in our own school. It reflects the current attitude of our country today. We need to be able to ask for labels on our food, and make a wise and healthy decision. We need to re-balance the prices of food in our cafeteria, so that people don’t have to sacrifice healthy options just because they are expensive. We need to expand the time we have for lunch, so that we won’t just spend the time in a line for the healthy choices and spend more time eating. By starting in our own school, we can slowly spread our healthy habits to others, and hopefully reverse the epidemic of unhealthy eating that is all too common in our society today. </div>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-36086813926786154102011-03-10T07:32:00.000-08:002011-03-10T07:58:49.714-08:00Mental Health - Examples of Student Work<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="450" height="283" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Do7bBMnyKHs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />At the end of our mental health unit my students are asked to research a mental health disorder of their choice. They have to inform their peers of the symptoms, coping strategies and treatments. They also have to provide further sources of information from the school and local community as well as on a national scale.<br />Some students chose to present their work in the form of a movie and the link above is a great example.<br /><br />Most students presented their work as a brochure. If you click the image below it will open in a separate window. You can then use the arrows in the bottom right hand corner to scroll through the brochures.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youblisher.com/p/102401-Color-Mental-Health-tri-folds/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.youblisher.com/files/publications/18/102401/200x300.jpg" alt="Color Mental Health tri-folds"></a><br /><br />You can also hear a student presenting his information on depression in the latest of our podcasts. Click the link at the top of page or subscribe to us on iTunes. Remember, you can also read our Twitter tweets by following @carmelhealth.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-39768222548469890372011-03-03T11:35:00.000-08:002011-03-03T11:46:14.579-08:00High Fructose Corn Syrup - How Bad Is It?<iframe title="YouTube video player" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oqgtSi4fLzI" frameborder="0" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />You may have seen the ads running on TV recently that tell us that High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) isn't any worse than sugar and in moderation is fine as part of a balance diet. But what do you really think about HFCS?<br /><br />HFCS is a popular, cheap sugar found in our sodas, fruit-flavored drinks and processed foods. It's everywhere. Don't believe me? Try and find a processed food that doesn't contain it. Michelle Obama has stated that she tries to avoid giving foods to her daughters that contain HFCS.<br /><br />Some scientists believe that our bodies react differently to HCFS than other sugars. Whatever the facts, and research on both sides of the arguement is growing, the facts still remain that:<br /><br />Consumption of large amounts of sugars are linked to weight gain, dental cavities, poor nutrition and an increased risk of heart disease.<br /><br />With sales of HFCS products on the decline as Americans become wise to the fact that this added ingredient might pose a health risk, the Corn Refiners Association are petitioning the regulators to rename HFCS as "corn sugar".<br /><br />What do you feel about this? Do you think that renaming the product might confuse consumers and make them think that it is a healthier product, or do you think that this move is a step in the right direction to educate us about the foods that we eat?<br /><br />Check out the video above and then vote in the poll on the right hand side of this screen. Your comments are also very welcome.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-63562965926644481882011-02-22T09:30:00.001-08:002011-02-22T09:43:55.019-08:00Mental Health<a href="http://www.youblisher.com/p/97743-Mental-Health-Informational-Pamphlets/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mental Health Informational Pamphlets" src="http://www.youblisher.com/files/publications/17/97743/200x300.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My Health students are encouraged to see mental health as an integral part of their overall health, their wellness. It's a subject that can sometimes be seen as difficult to talk about but it's students of this age that most need to be aware of the issues. 5,000 teenagers take their own life each year and my students immerse themselves in the mental health assignment to go with this topic.<br />Students have to research a mental illness and produce an informational pamphlet that gives information on the causes, symptoms and possible treatments for those afflicted with the illness. They also have to provide further sources of information including school based, community based and on a national level.<br />I have used <a href="http://www.youpublisher.com/">www.youpublisher.com</a> to allow this semesters students to look at just a few of the good examples of work that were produced last semester. If you click on the image above it will allow you to scroll through some pamphlets.Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-86586030233732280212011-02-16T11:11:00.000-08:002011-02-16T11:45:21.250-08:00Wise Up This Winter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIniLfcr9axlEhAB9U3Jgq1TX3NlFAl0BwYzxyvASuSMqgi40vYwCNcRZNQXNZJGdsK0izKF4JVwVEneUTurpw_P473o7-5vTI-jXxmaqfe-soUPmA8VmF9jbbL7DHLMCQmBu9U0ywlg/s1600/flu.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574367472739511906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIniLfcr9axlEhAB9U3Jgq1TX3NlFAl0BwYzxyvASuSMqgi40vYwCNcRZNQXNZJGdsK0izKF4JVwVEneUTurpw_P473o7-5vTI-jXxmaqfe-soUPmA8VmF9jbbL7DHLMCQmBu9U0ywlg/s200/flu.jpg" /></a> <em>This is a guest post from a recent graduate from my Health class. Jessica T is now in Journalism and she wrote a health related article for the latest edition of "Crossroads".</em><br /><br />Sick and tired of being sick and tired? As the temperature drops, so do our immune systems. Follow these healthy tweaks to amp up during the cold and flu season.<br /><br /><u>Chicken soup<br /></u>Chicken soup helps break up congestion and hot chicken vapors have been proven more effective than hot water vapors in clearing out the cold in your nose.<br /><br /><u>Stay hydrated with water</u><br />Our body works best when it is hydrated. "If we lose body fluids due to sickness then it would make sense to drink water", Health teacher Andrew Milne said. "These same fluids might also reduce congestion." Stay away from diuretics such as tea and coffee. Diuretics increase the excretion of water from the body.<br /><br /><u>Grapefruit</u><br />Grapefruits are a good source of Vitamin C. It strengthens the immune system. It can cure a fever and is rich in fiber.<br />*Try sprinkling it with a pinch of sugar.<br /><br /><u>Q & A with Health teacher Andrew Milne</u><br />Q. Why do people get sick during the winter?<br />A. There's no real scientific reason as to why this might happen. There is less sunlight, and so we produce less Vitamin D, which may affect our immune system. Another theory is that we spend more time indoors, and so we are exposed to other people's germs more frequently.<br /><br />Q. How does the weather affect our health?<br />A. I'm going to be so bold as to suggest that it doesn't. Germs survive less in cold environments so theoretically there should be less germs about.<br /><br />Q. What can we do to prevent / lessen the risks of colds & flus?<br />A. I recommend boosting your immune system with Vitamin C and <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12462910">Zinc</a>. Stay away from people that have colds and flu. If you have a cold or flu, <a href="http://www.plastekgroup.com/WhyDontWeDoItInOurSleeves.php">sneeze into fabric</a> instead of on your hands or uncovered. Wash hands frequently so that you don't contaminate surfaces. If you are sick - stay at home.<br />Tip from nurse Kathy Hunter - take a multi-vitamin...it can give your immune system that extra 'boost' needed to stay healthy.<br /><br />Q. Ways to stay physically fit this winter?<br />A. Stick to your normal fitness routine. If the weather allows, get outside - fresh air and sunlight are in short supply this time of year! Get a group of friends together so that you can motivate each other to stay fit. And yes - playing the Wii and similar games can help you burn calories.<br /><br /><em>What do you think of Jessica's article? Do you or your family have any tips for staying healthy during the winter months. Please post your thoughts or give Jessica some feedback.</em>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-11559962386487751392011-01-26T10:32:00.000-08:002011-01-26T11:16:49.899-08:00Why Study Health?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZMPsa_7arN1JFV7sdg6OALU7iEc9xu3B8EU0Hh9qwFqdTguIXbJau7o9l08CpTvZfd0XiEvPz3rGdNtktLyYzDRyxOb4ZF9vjim-Zw4kC6AZ73Bxi1NboLF79VgcWmqeyaGlMLTRWNk/s1600/Health-Starts-Here-logo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 163px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566574557326760050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZMPsa_7arN1JFV7sdg6OALU7iEc9xu3B8EU0Hh9qwFqdTguIXbJau7o9l08CpTvZfd0XiEvPz3rGdNtktLyYzDRyxOb4ZF9vjim-Zw4kC6AZ73Bxi1NboLF79VgcWmqeyaGlMLTRWNk/s200/Health-Starts-Here-logo.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>When I was a College student, at <a href="http://www.exeter.ac.uk/">Exeter University</a>, studying Physical Education we were encouraged to justify the position of our subject on the school curriculum. Little did I know back then that my teaching career would take me from England, where PE is one of only four <strong>compulsory</strong> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12243936">subjects</a> taught in school, to America where there are States that<strong> do not require</strong> students to particpate in PE at all.</div><br /><div>I no longer wear a tracksuit and am now based in a classroom teaching health, a mandatory subject, but I still maintain that ALL teachers of ALL subjects should be confident in justifying the merits of their subject. </div><br /><div>My health classes teach students about physical, mental & emotional and social aspects of health. They learn how to embrace healthy lifestyle factors and become aware of things that influence their health. They learn strategies that allow them to maintain and improve not only their own health but also that of friends and family. Students are encouraged to spread the word of health out into their community and advocate for the health needs of others.<br /><br />One of the early assignments that I set my classes is to write an essay justifying the place of health class on the curriculum and I am always pleased with the responses. </div><br /><div>As an extension of that assignment I am now inviting responses to the question "Why should we study health?"</div>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-90097279472473577362011-01-19T12:50:00.000-08:002011-01-19T12:51:35.815-08:00I Couldn't Have Put It Better Myself<object width="400" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4SJ3T6EM3qU?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4SJ3T6EM3qU?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="250"></embed></object>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-43607383124624564992011-01-10T10:51:00.000-08:002011-01-10T11:23:13.656-08:00Feeling Tired? Me too.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlAJ5yZpxJOttEpp4AQrTqvmYlD-JtYG411M7K6G3dV1zxFolrRhRMan2Fg1vGy6AqdNO1nTXO28qVj_EF3zBcds0-TJ-Asb1MecTUBY4YLeH7sUH4jwCjhE9tVuKqMce_baAhbuzzeI/s1600/Sleep.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560632030876073938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlAJ5yZpxJOttEpp4AQrTqvmYlD-JtYG411M7K6G3dV1zxFolrRhRMan2Fg1vGy6AqdNO1nTXO28qVj_EF3zBcds0-TJ-Asb1MecTUBY4YLeH7sUH4jwCjhE9tVuKqMce_baAhbuzzeI/s200/Sleep.JPG" /></a> As I made myself a strong coffee this morning at 5am I pondered the words of Benjamin Franklin - "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise".<br /><br />Recently my students were asked to set health goals and post them on this blog. If you scroll down you will notice that improving their current sleep patterns is a common goal. We ask so much of our students nowadays and it's no wonder that after school, homework, sports, drama, music and social commitments that a recent survey suggested that only 15% of teenagers got more than 8.5 hours on school nights.<br /><br />The average American gets 7.5 hours of sleep per night which is significantly less than the 9 hours that their Grandparents would have got. Scientists now suggest that we should get 8 to 8.5 hours of sleep, with<strong><em> teenagers needing between 8.5 - 9.25 every night in order to perform to their best. </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />I did some research to find out the implications of having less sleep than needed. What can my students prevent if they were to catch a few more zzzzz's each night?<br /><ul><li>'A' grade students get 15 minutes more sleep on average than 'B' grade students who get 15 minutes more sleep than 'C' grade students. With sufficient sleep we are more prepared to learn, we concentrate better and solve problems more effectively.</li><li>Tired students are more likely to reach for sugary or fried foods to counteract their drowsiness. They are also more likely to use stimulants, including caffeine or nicotine.</li><li>Our body repairs when we are sleeping. Students who do not get sufficient rest are more prone to developing pimples.</li><li>Tired students are also more likely to report higher levels of depression.</li></ul><p>The <a href="http://www.sleepfoundation.org/">National Sleep Foundation</a> report that <strong><em>drowsy drivers kill 100,000 people every year</em></strong>.</p><p>Latest research is now linking sleep deprivation to obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and impaired immune function! In fact a Harvard study suggested that women with less than 5 hours of sleep were 40% more likely to develop heart disease.</p><p>So in order to help my students who are aiming to get more sleep that they do currently, here are my tips to catching the fast train to Sleepville.</p><ul><li>Develop a regular sleeping habit. While I appreciate that other committments might prevent you from getting to bed at the same time each night, if you only spend 6 hours in bed you can only hope to get 6 hours of sleep. Spend more time in bed.</li><li>Large meals eaten within 3 hours of bedtime are likely to interfere with sleep.</li><li>Get off Facebook! Our biological clock misinterprets the blue rays from TV's computers and cell phones as daylight. This then keeps us awake while we are trying to sleep. Try and make your room as dark as possible.</li><li>A quiet, relaxing bedroom, without distractions from music, TV, cell phones and annoying siblings will promote peace and eliminate stress and chaos.</li></ul><p>Do you have any sleep tips? Did you set a sleep related goal this year. how successful have you been? Is your lack of sleep affecting other areas of your health triangle? Post a response below or take part in the sleep quiz at the top of this page.</p>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-43050092698589497382010-12-31T14:05:00.000-08:002010-12-31T14:43:00.724-08:00Happy New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgjsx-PngxTUxp7I-iT4qJFxgsOAxHfhfFGiqs9Cf0RXA3ZXHEJj-_-IcyN8jFxBahpM1HOnjZRrXi3BX-qIyMf43gWhLT5fcoOULc7Uh5iUn-wppAfHP_dri0uHHzb5Rs2RPm1APzzg/s1600/new+year.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556971879164137682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgjsx-PngxTUxp7I-iT4qJFxgsOAxHfhfFGiqs9Cf0RXA3ZXHEJj-_-IcyN8jFxBahpM1HOnjZRrXi3BX-qIyMf43gWhLT5fcoOULc7Uh5iUn-wppAfHP_dri0uHHzb5Rs2RPm1APzzg/s200/new+year.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Happy New Year to you and your family.</div><div> </div><div>With a new semester upon us, this is a time to reflect upon the best (and worst) of 2010 and to look forward to the fresh start offered to us by 2011.</div><div> </div><div>Just before Advent, the Administration at CCHS gave teachers a book of daily reflections. The reflection for the New Year asked us to consider choosing a theme for 2011. Would this be The Year of Quiet? The Year of Daring? The Year of Healing? The Year of Love?</div><div> </div><div>Whether you decide to choose a theme or not, it is possible that you will be encouraged to set yourself a New Year's Resolution. This will be a commitment to improve your life, attitude or behavior in some way. Popular goals might be to lose weight, gain muscle, improve grades, give more time to charity, be nice to your siblings or improve your school grades. Whatever you choose, this is a time to set a positive goal or improve a habit that you have developed.</div><div> </div><div>In health class we learn that following <strong>SMART</strong> guidelines we can increase our chances of achieving our goals. <strong>SMART</strong> is an acronym that reminds how to set the best type of goal.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Specific.</strong> Our goal should be specific, not general. <em>Why</em> have you set this goal? <em>Who</em> will help you? <em>When</em> will you work on achieving the goal? <em>What</em> constraints will need to be overcome?</div><div> </div><div><strong>Measurable.</strong> You should be able to measure your success, or your path towards achieving your goal.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Attainable.</strong> When you plan out the steps, and establish a time frame you are more likely to achieve your goal. Goals that once seemed difficult will become more attainable as you grow and change your behaviors to ensure success.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Realistic.</strong> Your goal will be realistic if you <em>believe</em> that it can be accomplished. Are you <em>willing</em> and <em>able</em> to achieve the goal?</div><div> </div><div><strong>Timely.</strong> You should set a time limit on your goal. Achieving it 'someday' just doesn't cut it. By putting a time limit on the goal you are preparing yourself to make changes in your behavior to achieve. Once the goal is achieved, you can reward yourself...and set yourself another goal. Remember, people who regularly set and achieve goals are more successful in life.</div><div> </div><div>I wish you all the best in achieving your New Year's Resolution. If there is anything that I can do to assist you setting or achieving your goal please do not hesitate to ask me. <strong>If you are setting a goal, consider posting it on this blog as a comment.</strong> The more people that are aware of your goal, the more people you have to motivate you towards achieving it.</div><div> </div><div>Consider this question asked in my book of Advent reflections, "What are we doing with the life God gave us?". </div><div> </div><div> </div>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com105tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-56604761621633691522010-12-15T06:19:00.000-08:002010-12-15T06:40:15.990-08:00Mr Milne's Guide To Surviving Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYfXv3iQ5OIh7hHPTBMsv6q0OgfgBpYAZ29mwLK6XlQ2OTdHbNnkrXgWq8TR3sh09hrF12p6MAKKxtfaEBVEwczfEPUoVSsqxzY_UCry8sxy2V-udI85vcUPqJKOwJNDqXnPnFVxBLec/s1600/Christmas.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550918814733573890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYfXv3iQ5OIh7hHPTBMsv6q0OgfgBpYAZ29mwLK6XlQ2OTdHbNnkrXgWq8TR3sh09hrF12p6MAKKxtfaEBVEwczfEPUoVSsqxzY_UCry8sxy2V-udI85vcUPqJKOwJNDqXnPnFVxBLec/s200/Christmas.jpg" /></a><br /><div>With the finals (almost) over, and one semester of (good) grades already safely stored on Edline, you can now relax from the pressures of school and look forward to Christmas. Hopefully you will have time to relax, reflect, and refresh yourselves for the challenges that await you in 2011. However, Christmas can be one of the most stressful times for the family and so here is my guide to surviving the holidays. With the house full of family members, perhaps including siblings who have been away at College, it's possible that so many people packed into a confined space can cause a few frustrations. Plus, if your parents are hosting Christmas celebrations, they too might be under pressure to make this a memorable occasion so here are my tips to make things run smoothly:</div><br /><ul><br /><li>Be aware of how others in the house are feeling. If you sense that they are stressed, ask if there is anything that you can do to help. When we do good things for other people we feel happy also, and so here is a great win-win situation for everyone.</li><br /><li>Enjoy the food! Don't worry too much about possible over-indulgence. You don't want to offend the person who has prepared the food and don't feel guilty about gaining weight. Research that I read recently suggested that most people only put on 1lb at Christmas. However, I also read research that said that 10% of Americans gain 5lb in weight when you include Thanksgiving AND Christmas. I say just enjoy the food. Make healthy choices, take the low fat option if possible and enjoy the protein rich turkey!</li><br /><li>Be safe! With ice and snow predicted, the roads aren't the safest of places at this time of the year. The police will be out in large numbers trying to identify those drivers who might have 'celebrated' a little too excessively so be aware of this. Be careful of other drivers, and please don't accept rides from anyone that you think might have been drinking.</li><br /><li>Christmas offers you a great opportunity for reflection. Take time over the next few weeks to give thanks for all of the great things in your life. You can reflect on those who are no longer with us, and include those that are suffering in your prayers. Enjoy all that your faith has to offer you over this time of religious celebration.</li><br /><li>Finally, set yourself some goals for 2011. What do you hope to accomplish over the next 12 months and how do you hope to do so? What steps can you put in place now to ensure that you are more likely to achieve these goals? Share your goals with your family and encourage them to do the same - this gives you a great opportunity to provide support for each other.</li></ul><br /><p>I've had a great 2010 and look forward to all that the New Year has to offer. </p><br /><p>Have a wonderful, stress free Christmas with your friends and family!</p>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-567306832646341053.post-83763819617631464842010-12-09T10:26:00.000-08:002010-12-09T10:31:40.137-08:00One Cigarette Is One Too Many<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2At6ZAHpLqYOCg3ssBN2yuXw5uUYXCg7E3ia5sFlgMqvwKExLJVQT0-Wbj95uMObcM68B6qVjZVJMxlUFCLPzOx5ecJywEI2LK3wBFdmYDBKAMQJlQ0_nX7RVSp_loXXdsa7ynst89Vs/s1600/smoking.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548751849913773746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2At6ZAHpLqYOCg3ssBN2yuXw5uUYXCg7E3ia5sFlgMqvwKExLJVQT0-Wbj95uMObcM68B6qVjZVJMxlUFCLPzOx5ecJywEI2LK3wBFdmYDBKAMQJlQ0_nX7RVSp_loXXdsa7ynst89Vs/s200/smoking.jpg" /></a><br /><div>The latest Surgeon General report regarding the damage that tobacco smoke causes has once again raised discussion about smoking. Considering that there are over 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke it is perhaps no surprise that over 440,000 Americans die from tobacco-caused illnesses every year. Now the Surgeon General, Regina Benjamin, is reporting “that one puff on that cigarette could be the one that causes your heart attack”.<br /></div><br /><div>Smoking is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, aortic aneurysms and peripheral arterial disease.<br /></div><br /><div>Smoking is responsible for more than 85% of lung cancers. It has also been directly linked to 13 different cancers including esophagus, trachea, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix and acute myeloid leukemia. Lung cancer, nasal irritation, heart disease and reproductive problems are also risks associated with tobacco products.<br /></div><br /><div>Despite the fact that 46 million adults smoke, and tens of millions more are regularly exposed to second hand smoke, <em>1,000 teens still pick up this nasty habit every day</em>.<br /></div><br /><div>However, it’s not all bad news. Banning smoking in public places has resulted in a 41% reduction in the number of people hospitalized for heart disease. When smokers quit, the risk of a heart attack drops sharply after just one year. Stroke risk falls after 2-5 years; risks for cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half after 5 years; and the risk of dying of lung cancer drops by about half after 10 years.<br /></div><br /><div>If anyone that you know needs to quit, you can tell them that it’s never too late and with modern programs it’s in fact easier to quit now than at any time in the past. Tell them to speak to their doctor or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW and get started on a quit plan. Local residents can also check out <a href="http://www.tobaccofreelakecounty.org/">http://www.tobaccofreelakecounty.org/</a> </div>Milneshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14013379322945736075noreply@blogger.com1