The Coachella Valley has a tremendous resource available for local children experiencing speech and language challenges. It is the Scottish Rite Childhood Language and Learning Center in Palm Desert. Since its inception in 2004, the center has graduated more than 250 children who receive free one-on-one speech therapy with certified professionals. Many people do not… Read more »
Autism now affects as many as 1 in 68 children and adults.1 Those diagnosed may have a wide range of developmental delays, as well as difficulties with communication, motor and language skills, and certain repetitive behaviors that limit their social interactions.2 There are many theories on which therapies best help affected children become more integrated… Read more »
In the last 15 years, a growing number of professional athletes have tried to remain competitive in their sport through the use of sports supplements and energy drinks. Unfortunately, this has trickled down to our youth. A national study done by the Kellogg’s Group in 2012 showed that 40% of all kids skipped breakfast. Of… Read more »
Following the most recent U.S. measles outbreak which began at Disneyland, the vaccine debate has been ignited once again. Whether to vaccinate along the recommended schedule, along an alternative schedule, or not at all, is a heavy decision that needs to work for each family based on their risk factors and what they’re comfortable living… Read more »
Although it is my belief that therapy should be a mandatory requirement for all school-age children and their parents, I am readily aware that this could be an idealistic belief. Like adults, children can greatly benefit from having an objective and empathic listener to help mentor and provide them with direction. Most children face problems… Read more »
In recent years, medical research has shown that an increasing number of children are Vitamin D deficient. Currently, 1 in 10 children in the U.S. is estimated to be Vitamin D deficient, and 60 percent of children have suboptimal levels of this vital nutrient.1 Vitamin D is primarily necessary for building strong bones in growing… Read more »
Cold and flu season is now upon us and as parents, knowing what to do ahead of time can alleviate unnecessary stress and discomfort for our little ones. The first part of combating winter illnesses is of course prevention. This time of year, it is essential to continually remember to wash hands prior to eating,… Read more »
When kids are involved in the choice, they are more inclined to take part. That is the philosophy behind FIND Food Bank’s Kids Summer Feeding Program: Don’t just feed the children, make them part of the selection, education and preparation. Teaming with valley Boys & Girls Clubs and local YMCAs, FIND’s summer program delivers produce… Read more »
As we start a new school year in the Coachella Valley, many parents are seeking ways to help their children cope with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to a National Survey of Children’s Health conducted in 2011-2012 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 11% of school-aged children in the U.S. have… Read more »
First 5 Riverside (Riverside County Children & Families Commission) has launched a program to help child care providers throughout the county improve nutrition, physical activity and family habits through free training and materials. Working with those who care for children throughout the day, the program aims to help create healthy habits for babies, toddlers and… Read more »
In 1932, Edith Morrey was 20 years old. You may know Edith as the “Grande Dame of Fashion” whose chic clothing boutique, the first on El Paseo, helped launch the famed street. At 20, she lived in Portland and it was there she would attend the most impactful event of her life. That year, she… Read more »
Awareness surrounding the use and benefits of probiotics has exploded in recent years. If people aren’t seeking an oral probiotic at their local health foods store, they are reading the back of yogurt labels in search of active cultures. Further, fermented foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi (kimchee) have seen their popularity increase due… Read more »
Kids and teens from the Boys & Girls Club of Indio are learning about gardening and nutrition through hands-on experience. Last summer, they worked with Marriott International and the University of California Cooperative Extension to build raised garden boxes which they filled with seedlings. This year, they expanded their gardens to add a larger… Read more »
We know that stress can be detrimental to adult health, but what about children? Significant research now suggests that American children are indeed experiencing stress at new levels: suicides among adolescents have quadrupled since the 1950s; only 36 percent of 7th graders agreed with the statement “I am happy with my life“; and in the… Read more »
Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint among pregnant women. According to the American Pregnancy Association, nearly 50% of all pregnant women will suffer from LBP, either during pregnancy, or during the post-partum period.1 Many women experience LBP with their first pregnancy, and the majority of sufferers state that it hinders their daily activities.… Read more »
There is something special about the face of a smiling child. You can see happiness shine in their gleaming eyes. But sometimes children are born with eyelid malpositions that minimize that shine and interfere with visual function. When this occurs, even our littlest family members may require medical evaluation and care. The good news is… Read more »
As I look at three generations in my family–my mother, myself and my daughter–I find that proper nutrition and exercise are woven into the fabric of our family. My focus on fitness, contemplative practices such as meditation and yoga, and conscious eating are practices handed down from my mother, which I am now imparting to… Read more »
We often think of hearing loss as a problem related to aging. However, hearing loss affects people of all ages, from birth through adulthood. Hearing loss affects two in every 100 children under the age of 18. If their hearing loss is undetected, there will be delay in initiating proper treatment and intervention. This may… Read more »
Michelle Hernandez lost her Dad when she was 15. Michelle and her mom were left to cope alone. Fortunately, they found Mourning Star in Palm Desert, one of the nation’s top grief and bereavement centers specializing in helping children, teens (ages 3 to 18) and their families develop healthy coping skills after the death of… Read more »
Witnessing children striking yoga poses is more than just cute; it can be the catalyst to a lifelong practice. Parents and schools are becoming aware that yoga benefits children physically, mentally, and soulfully. The practice is orienting children to a discipline that is rejuvenating for the body and soul. Yoga is playful and allows children… Read more »
