Glamaour Era
N
ot surprisingly, 44 percent of U.S. adults say they felt more excited about science when they were kids, reports the
State of Science Index, a global study commissioned by 3M examining the general population's attitudes toward science. Maintaining students' interest in science during the middle school years is crucial to increasing the likelihood they'll pursue STEM careers. That's important, since studies show our nation will need to produce an additional one million STEM workers between 2012 and 2022 alone.
What's the answer? Creating a rich culture of STEM education in schools requires professional development, suggests Cindy Moss, vice president of global STEM initiatives for curriculum developer Discovery Education. She points to research showing teachers need 80 hours of cumulative targeted professional development before effectively teaching STEM-promoting classes.
“Many educators in our country believe we need to accelerate our approach to STEM education," Moss says. "There are three to four million STEM job openings in the U.S. right now, and companies can't ď€ nd American workers with the skills they need. Fifty percent of everybody's jobs right now are STEM, and they're predicting that in the next 10 years about 75 percent of all jobs will involve STEM."
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ind role models. If a child doesn't know anyone working in STEM, he or she may be unable to imagine a career
in such roles. Introduce him or her to people actively working in such elds, then encourage discussion and/or job shadowing. Teachers might bring in speakers who can answer candid questions about the rewards and challenges in their elds - including signicant demand and attractive pay scales.
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eek achievement opportunities. Introducing children to engaging events like the annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist
Challenge may spark their sense of competition and passion for STEM. The annual contest, which is accepting submissions until April 19, invites innovators in grades ve through eight to develop one- to two-minute videos describing their ideas for creative solutions to tackle everyday problems. The top 10 nalists receive a summer mentorship with a 3M scientist, and the winner will receive $25,000. Last year's winner, Gitanjali Rao, developed a device that measures lead levels in drinking water, inspired by the recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
*K
eep participating. Reducing involvement in your child's daily academics once he or she enters middle school may backre. One
study shows middle schoolers maintain a more positive attitude toward science when their parents continue to display interest. The Rao family, for example, frequently visits museums and holds game nights focusing on problem solving. "We encourage our children to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely and understand real-world issues," notes Bharathi Rao, Gitanjali's mother. "We hope we can instill the value of compassion while helping them understand they have the power to create change."
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iscourage snap decisions. During adolescence, Moss notes, kids struggling to gure out who they are can easily form inaccurate
perceptions of their academic weaknesses. Reassure your child one challenging assignment or bad grade need not rule out a future career. "Kids often make up their minds by sixth grade whether they're capable of doing science and math," says Moss. "We have denitive evidence that by age 6, girls have already started to internalize negative stereotypes that science and math are not for girls." In reality, she notes, understanding science and math simply requires more thinking for some people than others; it's not a skill based on gender.
HOW TO INSPIRE
YOUR TEEN TO EXPAND EXPANDTHEIR THEIRHORIZONS HORIZONSAND AND
FIND FIND THEIR THEIR PASSION PASSION
As
a parent you naturally want to give advice and steer them in the right direction, but you also know it's a tricky balance. It's their life, after all, as they'll often remind you.
So
how can you help? Encourage them to explore different interests, with no strings attached. Look for activities beyond the usual choices. Research extracurricular programs at your school, in your community, even overseas so they can see the breadth of what's out there. Expose them to a range of possibilities and see what they pick.
D
oes your teen already have a clear focus? Look for innovative programs that allow them to dig even deeper in real-world settings. Or
maybe your son or daughter is shy or stuck in a rut and needs a gentle nudge to try something new? It's amazing how a change of scenery can inspire students and tap hidden talents. Over time they'll gravitate toward one thing or another, and the journey will be rich with selfdiscovery. From local to global, there are many valuable paths that help spark new interests while building self-knowledge, conď€ dence and 21st century skills along the way. Global clubs and activities spark interest in the world at largeMost high schools offer a range of extracurricular opportunities to get involved in a topic of interest or try out something new, from sports and theater to robotics and debate. Many offer programs with an international theme as well. After-school language clubs provide a chance to practice conversational skills in a relaxed environment while joining in cooking and other cultural activities. And bonding with other language enthusiasts inspires many to want to travel to experience different cultures ď€ rst-hand! Larger high schools offer more languages, from French, Spanish and German to Mandarin, Arabic and Japanese, while teens with more limited offerings can often ď€ nd regional programs a bus ride away.
M
odel UN is another valuable program that teaches students about the world around them, and builds conď€ dence as well as
leadership and communication skills. A new activity picked up on a whim may turn into a lifetime source of joy or even a career. If options are limited at school, branch out. Urge your teen to get involved in the local community, meet new people, and bond with others who share similar interests. They'll see what's out there in the bigger world while demonstrating to colleges and employers that they're engaged beyond the standard classroom requirements. Service programs help teens gain valuable perspectiveWhen teens offer their time and talent to nonproď€ ts and worthy causes, they gain more than just real-world experience for their college resumes. They gain maturity, perspective, practical skills and a greater appreciation for what they've got. Volunteering can be customized to one's own interests, whether it means walking dogs at an animal shelter or building a website for an environmental group. Adventurous students can take it one step further by participating in service programs abroad. Whether working to raise social awareness, lending a hand with environmental and conservation project, or mentoring underprivileged youth, teens grow exponentially during a summer far away from their usual routine.
Study
abroad transforms the way a teen looks at elds of study - and lifeStudying
abroad is not just for college. More and more high school students are making the leap overseas for summer programs or for a semester or gap year. As many students, parents and guidance counselors have discovered, this is an opportune time to develop valuable lifelong skills, learn a new language and discover career interests in a way that is not possible in an everyday classroom environment. Perhaps the ultimate opportunity for personal growth, studying abroad also expands communication skills and helps students understand different cultures and ways of living. Not sure study abroad has crossed your teen's mind? Surf the web together for resources and get on mailing lists for brochures. CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), a nonprot that operates high school study abroad programs in more than 30 global destinations, is a good place to start. Transported to a world far different from their own, teens nd themselves fully immersed in a new topic and a foreign culture. Programs range from three weeks in the summer to a full semester or academic year. Planning ahead is key. By involving a teacher or counselor in the discussion early on, you'll ensure a smooth transition to and from the study abroad experience. It also gives you more time to plan nances and research scholarships to make the opportunity possible. Do your research sooner rather than later: Organizations like CIEE offer scholarships based on merit and nancial considerations, but be sure to check the application deadlines so you don't miss out. To learn more about CIEE's Global Navigator High School Study Abroad program and available scholarships, visit ciee.org/globalnavigators.
W
hether you are a ď€ rst time parent or have
welcomed an additional child into your family, parenting is a world ď€ lled with love, happiness and self doubt. Children, unfortunately, do not come with an instruction manual and it is quite normal to question your actions on a daily basis. Here are some handy hints to help make being a mother or father a little less confusing.
W
hen bringing a new
baby home from the hospital, accept a little help from friends and neighbors. Friends can help by preparing a dish that you can keep frozen for a quick meal. Neighbors might be willing to chip in with a couple of errands or housekeeping duties. Taking advantage of the extra help will give you some rest and bonding time with your new baby.
I
nstead of buying a baby bath tub, just use the
kitchen sink. The kitchen sink is the perfect size and depth to bathe your young child in. It's also a great height so you won't end up with a sore back after bath time. When your child outgrows the kitchen sink, they'll likely be ready to move on to the regular bath tub.
F
eel free to breastfeed your baby for comfort. Many
believe that breastfeeding for comfort will make the baby associate food with emotional comfort. Offering the breast actually encourages your baby to turn to you instead of things for support. The breastfeeding is just one component of the bond that helps your baby feel better. This will provide crucial emotional security and stability as they develop.
S
ometimes, unpleasant disciplinary actions must be handed down. "First,
feelings; then discipline," is a highly effective approach that begins with a positive statement that acknowledges the child's feelings (right or wrong) and then explains your reason for setting the disciplinary consequences. This can help reduce the levels of resentment following the action.
O
ne of the most important tips for all parents to remember is patience.
Children are very illogical depending on the phase of development and this can be really difď€ cult for many parents to deal with. Sometimes, they will have a tantrum for no real reason and you will have to ď€ nd a way to just ride it out.
I
n the years to come you will look back on your early days of parenthood
and laugh at the mistakes and fears. In the interim each day with your child is a blessing and a joy. Cherish them and know that you are not alone in the concerns that you face but will always ď€ nd support so that you do not have to face them alone. Dr.Norman Mike M
C
hildhood and adolescent vaccination is considered by many to be one of the
greatest public health accomplishments of the 20th century, but based on the results of a new study by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), there is still more work to do to ensure children and teens are protected against the diseases vaccines were developed to eradicate. The Blue Cross Blue Shield: Health of America Report shows childhood vaccination rates climbed 12 percent among young commercially insured members. Data shows 69 percent of young BCBS members born in 2010 were upto-date on their CDC-recommended vaccinations by the age of 2 years and 3 months compared to 77 percent of children born in 2013.
T
he study also found that the rate of documented vaccine refusal - in other words, doctors charting parental refusal of vaccines for their
children - went up by nearly 70 percent for children born in 2013 compared to those born in 2010 (4.2 percent versus 2.5 percent, respectively). The result of vaccine refusal can be dangerous, not only for the child who is vulnerable to diseases like measles and diphtheria, but for the community at large. It played itself out in Minnesota last year, when a measles outbreak in the Twin Cities exceeded the total number of cases reported in the entire U.S. the year before. Health ofď€ cials didn't have to look far for the cause. Spread of the highly infectious disease started in the state's SomaliAmerican community.
A
ccording to the Minnesota Department of Health, the vaccination rate among
Somali-American children dropped from the high 80s to a low of 42 percent last year in response to the anti-vaccine movement's targeting efforts, fueling the outbreak. But the disease wasn't conď€ ned to the Somali community. It spread throughout the Minnesota public school system as well, infecting non-vaccinated children. The disease is nothing to take lightly. At the low end, it causes fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat and a rash, but it can be deadly, spawning pneumonia, blindness and even encephalitis. One especially alarming complication lurks in the brain for years after a person has recovered and mysteriously reawakens, causing seizures, coma and death. No one who has contracted that complication has survived.
I
t's not just childhood vaccines that parents are refusing. According to the BCBSA report, only 29 percent of adolescents received a ď€ rst dose of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine before their 13th birthday. The HPV vaccine rates lag far behind other adolescent vaccines, meningococcal and Tdap, which have rates of 72 percent and 82 percent, respectively.
A
nd that's a problem. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31,500 people die every year from
cancers caused by HPV. It's a heartbreaking statistic, especially because the American Cancer Institute estimates that, if all teens were vaccinated against HPV, cervical cancer would be eliminated within one generation.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO
T
he key to protecting children and teens from diseases like measles, rubella
and HPV is vaccination, according to the CDC. Talk to your child's doctor about the safety and beneď€ ts of vaccination, if you have any doubt. Vaccinate your children according to the CDC-recommended Seven-Vaccine series: Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP), Heamophilus Inuenza (Hib), Hepatitis B (Hep B) Polio (IPV), and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). Vaccinate your adolescent against HPV, Meningitis and DTaP. For more information, or to download the Health of America report, visit www.bcbs.com/healthofamerica.
A
mong the many products for storing toys, the classic toy chest is one of the most classic and
traditional. Styles of toy chests can range from a simple wooden box to a beautiful piece of storage furniture that looks good in any room of the house. When selecting a style among the numerous toy storage products available, key considerations are (1) the location where the toy box will be placed (2) the toy chest's structure and safety characteristics and (3) the future use of the toy storage product.
W
ill the toy chest be placed in the
child's bedroom? Will it be placed in a play room? Or will it be placed in a living room, recreation room or perhaps even the kitchen? A child's bedroom or play room are often the preferred locations. These locations often have a decor with a theme which should be considered along with the child's interests. For example, a girl with a love for princesses would do well with a princess-themed toy chest while a boy who dreams of being a reghter would love one with a re truck theme. Almost any theme can be found with a little research. If another room in the house is the intended location, keeping with the decor of that room is a tting approach. A toy chest in a standard wood nish that matches other furniture in the designated room is often the best selection. A living room with cherry wood decor for example would be a great location for a cherry nish, bench-style product.
W
hile wooden toy chests offer the strongest structure, sometimes plastic or even collapsible canvas units are
all that are needed. Certainly, a toy box that will be a permanent xture in the home is best selected among the sturdier, wooden products. However, some rooms in the home are amenable to plastic or even collapsible type toy boxes. If a parent wants to teach a child respect and responsibility for their possessions, selecting a toy chest that can serve as a special place for a child's treasures can help being teaching that child at an early age that special things have a special place and require special care taken. That said, a parent would only want a special place for their child's toys if it was safe. Best safety practices for include a slow closing hinge, a gap between the lid and sides of the box to prevent little ngers from getting caught. Parents should avoid any chest that locks to avoid a child being trapped inside. Finally, the sturdier the material with which the chest was produced, the less likely it is that the toy chest will collapse or fall over.
W
hen selecting from among the many toy chests available today, one ď€ nal and important consideration is
what the future holds for that chest. Will the toy storage product remain in the same home or will it be passed down to the next generation when the child starts a family of their own? Toy boxes that remain with the parents can often be re-purposed as a storage chest of some sort. A blanket chest, a toy box for grandchildren, a pet toy container, or even a tool chest are all real-life examples of what a child's toy chest became. Chests that remain with the child as they move on can either be passed down to the next generation or can also be re-purposed for other uses like a hope chest, a dorm storage bench or even a storage box for not-yet-needed wedding gifts or other supplies in a storageless, small apartment. When making the original toy chest purpose, at least some thought should be given to what the future use of the toy storage unit will be once the child grows up. While there are other considerations when purchasing a toy storage product, this article discusses three of the key considerations. Location, structure and safety and the future are important things to think about when buying a toy chest for your child. Paula Appleton is a child at heart! She spent several years in the telecommunications industry but now likes to spend her time playing with her two children. She enjoys children's decor and home organization among other pursuits. She helps out with a website that sells toy chests and related products. Paula encourages you to browse their products today!
As the days grow longer and the snow begins to recede, homeowners will once again venture outdoors to get their yards and lawn into tip-top shape for summer fun. But just like your lawn has been hibernating over the long winter, so too has your lawn mower and other small engines. Even if you properly winterized your mower, there are a few things you'll need to do to ensure it works like it should. To get there, follow these five steps.
1.
Freshen up with a new tank of gas. It only takes 30 days for the gasoline in your mower to start to
break down, which can harm your engine. If you have any gas left in the tank from the fall, empty it with a siphon and ď€ ll the tank with fresh fuel straight from the gas station. For optimal results, use ethanol-free gas (E0).
2.
Don't forget to check the oil. A
new season means new oil. This will ensure your motor will run smoothly and it will go a long way to prevent overheating. Be sure to check the owner's manual to make sure you put in the right kind of oil and the proper amount.
3.
Two components to clean and
replace. Along with keeping your mower fed with fresh gas and oil, at the beginning of each season there are two components to either clean or replace: the spark plug and the air ď€ lter. To inspect the spark plug, simply clean the area around the cylinder and use a wrench to remove the plug. Check for any damage or black coating, and if the plug appears damaged, replace it. As far as the air ď€ lter goes, it's best to start each season with a new one. Consult the owner's manual for reference on how to do this and always consider using genuine parts from the manufacturer.
4.
Sharpen the blade. A dull lawnmower blade rips and tears blades of grass in your lawn, making them more prone to disease
and discoloration. A sharp blade helps promote a greener, fuller and healthier lawn. Most local hardware stores or small-engine shops offer blade-sharpening services.
Maybe you need a new engine? If you've gone through all the maintenance tips above and you're still having problems with your mower, it's probably time for a new one. When making a purchasing decision, focus on the most essential component: the engine. Ideally, you want an engine that offers minimal maintenance, easy starting and smooth, effective operation. The Kohler 5400 Series is a new option featuring a Triple-Balance System, which signiď€ cantly reduces vibration for a more comfortable ride. To learn more about how the right engine can improve the performance of your mower, visit www.KohlerEngines.com.
B
efore medicine and pharmaceuticals lled our
remedy box, food and food ingredients were considered healing agents. Hippocrates was wise in his understanding of the special powers of food, beyond satisfying our appetites: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." There are many cultures that rely on herbal remedies and natural foods for everything from soothing an upset stomach to lifting our spirits when we're down, to calming jittery nerves and even fending off colds and u. Many of the best cosmetics tout ingredients to smooth skin, prevent aging, block the sun, reduce inammation and minimize pufness. There are four common herbs that have been used by many cultures and that are found in many of our kitchens.
1)
Turmeric is a commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic practices. In Hindu, the bright
yellow color of turmeric is associated with the sun. In India, turmeric is used in wedding and religious ceremonies and is thought to bring good fortune. Not only is it said to brighten our spirits, but it has also been found to have some anti-inammatory properties, which are healing for the body
2)
Ginger, a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-ď€ nd root, is considered a very healthful
spice in the same family as turmeric. It is rich in many healthy components and has a strong aroma caused by the compound gingerol. Ginger has a long history of use in traditional and alternative medicine. It is most commonly used to soothe a stomach ache and combat nausea, and is frequently used by women to prevent morning sickness during pregnancy. Like turmeric it also has anti-inammatory properties and can be helpful in reducing pain caused by osteoarthritis and menstruation.
3)
Another popular spice is cinnamon, which is known for its healthy antioxidant properties and delicious sweet taste. It may help to
reduce inammation and be heart healthy. It may also be helpful in regulating blood sugar levels within the body, and even have some protective effect against developing colds.
4)
Chamomile is a ower that has historically been associated with relaxation and calming. Many different cultures have used it
alongside lavender as a soothing beverage to enjoy before bedtime. Many of these ingredients can be found in our pantries, and including them in our diets is as simple as incorporating them into recipes or brewing up a delicious cup of tea. Herbal teas are a delicious and probably the easiest way to introduce these ingredients into our daily lives. Sipping tea throughout the day provides a natural break. Many tea drinkers proudly sport their mugs to stay hydrated, refreshed and alert. Tea itself (from the plant Camellia sinensis) contains many healthy compounds such as polyphenols, which are great antioxidant compounds. Studies with this phenomenal beverage are linked to many areas of health and wellness. It's no wonder that tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. People drink tea proudly knowing they are not only enjoying something delicious, but also giving their wellbeing a boost.
Bigelow Tea has long understood the art of blending top-quality ingredients in their teas and has recently introduced a new line called Bigelow Benets, which takes the concept of herbal tea one step further by carefully crafting a tea bag with an enticing mix of benecial herbs, owers and fruits that supports your daily health. The avorful combinations include Cinnamon & Blackberry, Peach & Ginger, Chamomile & Lavender and Turmeric Chili Matcha to name a few. Designed to add everyday value to a regular healthy lifestyle, each contains ingredients that are commonly thought to help safely support and enhance life's everyday moments and bring the wellness benets of ancient civilizations to your teacup. For more information about Bigelow Benets, visit bigelowtea.com/benets. So next time you are looking to have a more healthful lifestyle, or just a good night's sleep, look no further than your tea cup.
Easy tips from blogger, TV personality and mom, Ali Fedotowsky-Manno The holiday season is the most wonderful (and busy) time of year. While the season means plenty of quality time spent with loved ones, it can also bring chaos and stress when it comes to buying gifts, coordinating travel and planning family functions. Luckily, there are some simple ways to tackle the holidays with conď€ dence. Just ask mom, TV personality and blogger Ali Fedotowsky-Manno. “It's easy to feel overwhelmed this time of year and, I tend to take on way too much. That's why I depend on Total Wireless to get me through it all with my smartphone, so I can focus on spending time with the people I love."
1.
Plan Ahead: Planning ahead doesn't just mean buying all your gifts early. Instead
of scrambling to bake cookies or wrap presents right before a holiday party, I like to make checklists of things I can prepare ahead of time. That way, I can actually enjoy holiday get-togethers, whether I am a host or a guest.
2.
Stay organized: As my family grows, I've learned how easy it is to get lost in the
clutter of holiday wish lists, activities, events and travel, and a paper to-do list is way too easy to lose. My smartphone has become an essential tool that gives me the conď€ dence to tackle the holiday season. I create lists for each family member, keep track of my holiday to-dos, coordinate travel and schedule reminders in my calendar for holiday events and parties.
*
The 30-Day cycle for Shared Data Family Plans begins on the
day the ď€ rst line/device is activated. Any line(s)/device(s) activated later in the ď€ rst 30-Day cycle will receive only the number of days remaining in that cycle. A month equals 30 days. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions of service at TotalWireless.com
*
To get 4G LTE speed where available you must have a 4G LTE
capable device and a 4G LTE SIM card. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Please always refer to the latest terms and conditions of service at TotalWireless.com Prices do not include fees or taxes
3.
Shop anywhere: Honestly, I
probably do 95 percent of my shopping online. Holiday shopping in-person means dealing with bumper-to-bumper parking lot trafc and crowds that never end. Great plans from Total Wireless and my smartphone gives me the condence to shop from the palm of my hand, wherever I am.
4.
Focus on what really
matters: When I make time for family, friends, exercise and sleep, my mood is one hundred times better. Taking the time to unwind is so helpful - I like to take walks with my family or even just snuggle in bed with a cup of tea! Take some time to slow down, breathe and remember this time of year is about the people you love.
T
otal Wireless gives you the
condence you need to break free from the hassles of the holidays. Its four line Shared Family Plan is just $25/line per month with Unlimited Talk & Text, plus 25GB of shared* data, keeping the entire family connected on America's largest and m o s t d e p e n d a b l e 4 G LT E † network.
Fitness is central to your well-being and ability to enjoy life to the fullest, however it's easy to get stuck in a rut. How do you ď€ nd new interest and motivation so you're ready to maximize the warm weather months?
Dan
Gaz, physical activity and assessment program manager at the Mayo Clinic Healthy
Living Program, says there are many things people can do to get a jump-start on their health and wellness. “Fitness doesn't have to be complicated or boring," says Gaz. "There are many creative ways to implement ď€ tness activities into your life that are both fun and invigorating."
Gaz suggests five simple ways to get a jumpstart on summer fitness and energize your workout routine:
Gaz
says getting outside your comfort zone can be
benecial to your health. "Trying something new helps keep your tness plan fresh. Plan a visit to the local farmers market to pick up produce. Sign up for a 5k run, or look at your local community education or rec center class catalog and sign up for activities. The social dynamics of these types of events benet mental as well as physical health."
“Getting outdoors is rejuvenating," Gaz says. "Taking a walk in nature is a nice change of pace that is good for the body and mind." You can go for a walk, run or take a stroll around a local park. "Just being outdoors shakes things up and you may ď€ nd higher levels of energy as you breathe in the fresh air. Plus, getting a daily dose of vitamin D from the sun does the body good."
“It's
no secret when you work out with other people they tend to hold you accountable, but there's also more benet than just
that," says Gaz. "When you take an exercise class, join a running club or biking group, you may end up pushing yourself harder. The people next to you become your exercise advocates and suddenly, you'll have the desire to keep up and do more. This can accelerate reaching your tness goals."
"Anything you can do to break up the monotony of sitting is a good thing." Try being creative in commuting and how you travel throughout the day. "If possible, walk or bike to work or the grocery store. You can also take the bus, get off a couple blocks early and walk the rest of the way. A little planning ahead of time can help you accomplish multiple things at once: You're getting exercise, completing an errand and reducing your carbon footprint."
"You may only have a few minutes a day to dedicate to exercise, but that doesn't mean you can't make a big impact," says Gaz. "Being purposeful with your choices is important. For example, use intervals in your workout routine to maximize outcomes. If you enjoy walking, do a brisk 30 or 60 seconds, then walk slower for the same period of time before pushing yourself again. This type of interval training is simple, yet highly effective. It works similarly for other activities like swimming, biking and running."