Bully

For the longest time, you were either one of two things in school, the bully or the bullied.  As times change, and with them people too, this is becoming less of a norm, and more intolerable.   The movie, Bully, opens in select theaters today, with a clear message that will resonate the world around.  While its getting press and media attention for refusing an MPAA rating, the opening of the film is hoping to garner a different kind of attention.

The film is a heart-wrenching eye-opening documentary, solely focused on the epidemic of bullying in America's public school system.  It's insightful, raw, and sympathetic view of the lives of five public school students who are constantly targeted by bullies, provides a harsh reality most adults have forgotten, and most kids live everyday.  

The goal of this movie is not only to shed light on the ever-growing problem of bullying, but also to let kids everywhere know that it does get better.  And whether or not you take your kids to see this movie, the idea of it alone warrants a conversation with your child as to how they perceive school.  You may learn some things they never knew how to express.

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"There's nothing wrong with you. There's a lot wrong with the world you live in."-Chris Colfer

The War Against Childhood Obesity

As a part of Nutrition Month, experts are spending an increased amount of money, energy, and resources to educate children and parents on the effects of childhood obesity.  Childhood obesity is a growing issue in the United States as one third of children are overweight or obese.  Here are the facts.


-Overweight means having excess body weight in regards to a person's height.  Obesity occurs when a person has excess body fat.  They are the result of a "caloric imbalance" where too few calories are expended for the amount of calories consumed.


-Childhood obesity has both short-term and long-term effects on health and well-being.


                *Obese youths are more likely to have risks for cardiovascular disease such as high                                           cholesterol or high blood pressure.
                *Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes.
                *Obese children and adolescents are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, bone and     joint problems, and social and psychological problems.
                *Obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese adults.  This increases their risks for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and osteoarthritis.
                *Being overweight or obese leads to a higher risk of developing several types of cancers including, cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, ovary, cervix, prostate, and Hodgkin's lymphoma.


-Obesity and overweight can be prevented in many ways:


                 *Engage in healthy lifestyle habits which include healthy eating and physical activities.
                 *Schools play a particularly important role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.
                 *Many communities have places available to get additional informaiton and learn about healthy eating.  Visit a community center, YMCA, library, etc. for guidance on engaging in a healthier lifestyle.

#WordsofWisdom

"We can all agree that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, all children should have the basic nutrition they need to learn and grow and to pursue their dreams, because in the end, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children...These are the basic values that we all share, regardless of race, party, religion.  This is what we share.  These are the values that this bill embodies."-First Lady Michelle Obama

Healthy Eating=Brain Power

As we round out Nutrition Month, we'd like to make sure we leave you with resources you can enlist to make nutrition an important part of your daily routine for you and your family.  Here are a few choice sites full of great information:


1. www.nutritionexplorations.com
Great resource about child nutrition for parents, educators, and nutritional professionals.


2. www.nutritionforkids.com
Nutritional books, handouts, and other resources by dietitian Connie Liakos Evers


3. www.mypyramid.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture


4. www.nutrition.gov
Extensive site covering just about everything you need to know about nutrition for children and adults.


5. www.eatright.org
American Dietetic Association


*http://www.kidswithoutstuff.com/2011/03/inspiring-quotes-top-nutrition-quotes.html

#WordsofWisdom

"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art."-La Rouchefoucauld


Happy  Nutrition Month!

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"It's kind of fun to do the impossible."-Walt Disney

Education World: What eBooks Mean for School Libraries: Part 1

Education World: What eBooks Mean for School Libraries: Part 1

#WordsofWisdom

No matter what age, life is an adventure. Make sure to take time and enjoy yours.


"Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: I'm with you kid. Let's go."-Maya Angelou

Techie Tools

One of the coolest mobile apps on the market, Keep Calm and Carry On, is a mantra that has become quite addictive.  The app takes the inspirational posters from the UK during WWII, and allows you to add your own twist to them.  You can create a gallery of posters that can be shared through Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and a host of other social networking sites.  Use stock posters, create your own, or use quotes stored on the app.  However you choose, have fun, share with friends, and brighten someone's day!

#WordsofWisdom

This week, each day, we are picking a quote from a classic children's book. Up first? Where the Red Fern Grows.


"Lying back in the soft hay, I folded my hands behind my head, closed my eyes, and let my mind wander back over the long two years.  I thought of the fisherman, the blackberry patches, and the huckleberry hills.  I thought of the prayer I had said when I asked God to help me get two hound pups. I know He had surely helped, for He had given me the heart, courage, and determination."-Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern Grows.

#WordsofWisdom

Today is the great Dr. Seuss's birthday! A literary genius, Dr. Seuss has created many timeless children's stories that are loved by many.  So today, pick your favorite.  Read it to yourself, or to a friend. Today is a great day to get a great book, and remember all the little things Dr. Seuss never wanted us to forget.


"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact.  And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed). Kid, you'll move mountains."-Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Remembering Black History Month

Over the weekend I took a trip to Atlanta and was privileged to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.  It was awe-inspiring to see how the acts of one man have permeated through the years, and will continue to have a lasting effect on our great nation.  

What struck me the most, was how tirelessly Dr. King fought for his dream of what this nation could be.  Day in and day out without fail, Dr. King and his supporters fought for the cause to bring whites and blacks together.  Day in and day out, that's how you create history.  Whether it is events from the past, or the actions we take today for a better future, we are creating America's history.

Regardless of age, race, or gender, many people have helped shape our nation, just like Dr. King.  And while February has been relegated as Black History Month, the acts of fearless Americans against injustice should be celebrated everyday. White, black, Spanish, Asian, Arab Americans, etc. have all held significance in this country, working diligently for a better nation for us all.  So while it is humbling to know we have a month where the efforts of black Americans are appreciated,  we should all look to Dr. King's example as it holds true everyday.

"Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and we allow freedom ring--when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children--black men, and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics--will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Keeps these words in mind always, and this will help black history resound everyday.