When I read Three Cups of Tea, I didn't really know what to expect - but I couldn't put the book down. I love the mountains - something about the air, the beauty, the majesty grabs me in a way nothing else can. This story, while set at altitudes few people can handle, is not just about climb on Pakistan's K2, it is about a man who single-handedly made schools for girls in these villages a reality. Greg Mortenson deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. He co-founded The Central Asia Institute to help fund schools, bridges, water works, and women's centers. He also founded The Pennies for Peace organization to educate American children about the world beyond their experience. His monumental efforts to bring schools to the villages of Pakistan - those remote villages that exist at the top of the world, in the shadow of the Karakoram Range, are awe-inspiring. Read the book. You will be amazed. Schools for girls...what a concept.
Community activism works. One example of how individual people can bring about positive change, is a grass-roots company,
Mama's Hot Tamales. Mama has grown her company into a small business and workforce development program that is helping to bring Angelenos together one tamale at a time. She has targeted MacArthur Park -- located in Central Los Angeles, as a destination worth saving, and is harnessing her formidable resources to encourage the community to get involved to revitalize it. Weed and seed is a program based on the concept of weeding out the negative acitivites such as crime and apathy, and seeding in positive activities such as community safety events, recreational, health and community celebration festivities. Visit her website to see how you can help, and get involved.
www.mamashottamales.com
With health care costs ever escalating, flu viruses whipping around the country, and type 2 diabetes on the rise, parents need all the help they can get to keep their children healthy. Prevention is the key. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend some basic steps to protect children and families from illness. One of these steps is to get the flu vaccine. Teaching kids (and adults) to cover their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing is another step - and finally, getting everyone to wash hands often will go a long way toward reducing the spread of germs. Based on a recent University of Arizona study, it only takes one child coming home from school with the flu to spread flu germs to 60% of your household surfaces - so disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (like phones and door knobs) can help protect the rest of the family.
Exercise and healthy eating habits are vitally important. Studies show that type 2 diabetes has increased. With type 2 diabetes, the body doesn't respond properly to insulin. Children who are inactive, overeat, and/or who have a family history of diabetes are at greatest risk of developing this illness. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children with diabetes do not need to be on a special diet, but special attention must be paid to good nutrition, and regular and frequent eating.
An important part of health promotion, is making sure all children have health insurance. Regular check-ups, routine doctor visits, and regular dental care are essential for overall health. If your child is uninsured - sign her/him up today. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has information on health insurance programs - many of them free -- in your state. www.insurekidsnow.gov and www.coveringtheuninsured.com .
Also, as we consider ways to promote health and prevent illnesses, it's essential that we focus not only on acute medical problems, but also on mind-body wellness and overall psychological health. It is critical that we reach out for support if our children or other family members are struggling with behavioral, cognitive and/or mental difficulties, like depression, and ADHD.
Visit these websites to learn more about health promotion and illness prevention, and to discover ways to encourage Healthy Habits for your family.
www.mentalhelp.net
www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov
www.nmha.org
www.aap.org
