Go Green Kids & Parents Magazine by GGK MEDIA

June 2018

Create lasting memories on summer vacation

Easy ways to create your personalize garden

Green

The benefits of child's play extend beyond exercise

5 ways gardening and plants can reduce stress

trash into treasure

kidsMAGAZINE & parents What do neckties, yoga poses & vegetables have to do with my eyes?

Go Green Kids & Parents Magazine Publisher Charlene Alvarez Charlene3w2@gmail.com Gogreenkidsandparentsmagazine@gmail.com

Executive Editors Aaron G Katherine Ant Kathrine Pac Vanesa Bauer

Graphics Aaron Alvarez

Regional Manager Steve Mingle 954.548.1576

Corporate OďŹ&#x192;ce 954.548.1291 Go Green Kids & Parents Magazine is published by GGK Media. All rights reserved. Neither Go Green Kids & Parents Magazine, nor itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directors, officers or employees, are responsible for content or accuracy or advertising appearing in this publication nor for the content or accuracy of articles from third-parties printed in this publication. All photography and letters sent to GGK media or Go Green Kids & Parents Magazine will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially.

The New Family Involvement for Change

Go green kids & Parents Magazine

Welcomes

Kara Buehler

Lil Green Gardner Instructor

Growing up in South Florida, the environment was always a central focus of my life. Swimming in the ocean and climbing ancient oak trees was where I felt at home-- I knew that this wasn't how most people were raised and I was grateful. I also understood that nature couldn't always protect itself and we had to do whatever we could to fight for it. Simple things like picking up garbage at a park or riding your bicycle instead of driving a car really can make a difference! Now that I have three children of my own-- Forrest, Reef and Hawk, passing along this information is critical. Children are born with an innate sense to help and nurture and they feel a great amount of pride when they do. They are so eager to learn and their eyes are always glimmering with curiosity and enchantment. Watching them grow has given me a renewed sense of hope, something that's needed very much right now. If we can give our children and their peers the resources and time they need, the possibilities are infinite and they really can make the world a better place. 2

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If we want to see a change for the world we must start from the very beginning. We must teach our children to be curious learners about nature and their environment by walking in ways of kindness for the earth, and each other. We must become the new families of change by participation and example in every way. We must teach and demonstrate the importance of understanding sustainability as an entire connection of relationships in cultures and individual communities. Human and non-human connecting as a whole in one connection and one home in unity. It is imperative that we become families that live in harmony for a better world and future for all children. Our Mission at “Go Green Kids Worldwide, Inc,,” is to encourage and teach a generation of global citizens who are knowledgeable about and inspired to take responsibility for the sustainability and awareness of the world, and to become a cultured and diverse citizens of the new green world of accountability and works for a greener future for all. We hope to achieve these goals by your participation in words, works, and deeds in every-way and every age.

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Contents

6-9 You Need To Know

June 2018

THIS MONTH Flower Fruit Animal Green

11 Easy ways to create your personalize garden

23 creating

14 5 ways gardening and plants can reduce stress

memories

25 The benefits of child's play extend beyond exercise

17 trash into treasure

27 What do neckties, yoga poses and vegetables have to do with my eyes?

20 Tips to keep your pet healthy in the heat

29 5 simple things you can do to promote literacy at home and beyond

“We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees.” ~Qwatsinas (Hereditary Chief Edward Moody), Nuxalk Nation

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Flower Rose

You Need To Know THIS MONTH

A rose is a woody perennial flowering plant of the genus Rosa, in the family Rosaceae, or the flower it bears. There are over a hundred species and thousands of cultivars. The rose has more meanings than one can count! A pink rose means perfect happiness, while a red rose means “I love you.” A white rose signifies innocence and purity, while a yellow rose conveys jealousy or a decrease in love. A bouquet of roses means sincere gratitude, whereas a single rose amplifies the meaning of the color (a single red rose means “I REALLY love you”). https://www.almanac.com/content/june-birth-flowers

Did you know: The rose is the state flower of the US states Georgia, Iowa, New York and North Dakota.

Fruit Blueberry

You Need To Know THIS MONTH

According to a 2014 report by US Department of Agriculture, Washington was the nation's largest producer of cultivated (highbush) blueberries with 96.1 million pounds, followed in order of "utilized production" volume by Michigan and Georgia, Oregon, New Jersey, California and North Carolina. In terms of acres harvested for cultivated blueberries in 2014, the leading state was Michigan (19,000 acres) followed by Georgia, Oregon, Washington and New Jersey. Hammonton, New Jersey claims to be the "Blueberry Capital of the World, with over 80% of New Jersey's cultivated blueberries coming from this town. Every year the town hosts a large festival that draws thousands of people to celebrate the fruit. The wild blueberry is the oďŹ&#x192;cial fruit of Maine.[2

Did you know: Blueberries are a good source of vitamin K1, vitamin C, manganese and several other beneficial plant compounds like anthocyanin. Consuming blueberries on a regular basis may help prevent heart disease, improve brain health and help moderate blood sugar levels. 7

Animal Bumblebee

You Need To Know THIS MONTH

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the rusty patched bumblebee an endangered species — the first such designation for a bumblebee and for a bee species in the continental U.S. The protected status, which goes into eﬀect on Feb. 10, includes requirements for federal protections and the development of a recovery plan. It also means that states with habitats for this species are eligible for federal funds.NPR 7 Bee Species Have already been added to The US Endangered Species List. The US government has announced that seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees have oﬃcially been added to the endangered species list, which means they're now the first US bee species to earn federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Did you know: If bees didn’t exist, humans wouldn’t either. Out of the 100 crop species that provide us with 90% of our food, 70% are pollinated by bees (source). It’s that simple. 8

Green initiative

You Need To Know THIS MONTH

June 2, 2018

World Environment Day June 5th Worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.

5 June 2018

June 8th

World Day to Combat Desertification June 17th

Great American Backyard Campout

June 23rd

Connect with nature and wildlife.

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Easy ways to create your personalize garden (BPT) - All

around the country, first-time gardeners and seasoned pros are jumping into the growing season. No matter where you live, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in an apartment in the heart of the city or a house with a spacious backyard, vegetable and herb gardening is a fun, relaxing hobby that is easy to enjoy. What makes vegetable and herb gardening such a popular pastime is that each person can make their own space to fit their needs. Whether you're into growing the most unique plants, a foodie looking for exciting new veggies, or just want more green in your life, you can create a unique garden just for you. For a look at the top trends, and how you can garden to fit your needs, the experts at Burpee Plants offer the following insights to help spark your own edible garden creativity. Trend No. 1: Fresh herb flavor Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like a fresh-cut sprig of parsley, basil, rosemary or any number of other herbs to liven up a meal. With Burpee's indoor herb collection, gardeners get to enjoy the convenience of having a selection of popular herbs on hand and ready for any meal, no matter the season. The fresh flavors and scents of home-grown herbs can be enjoyed in so many ways, even in infused waters or DIY projects. The indoor herb collection is a perfect solution for those who might not have outdoor gardening space but crave the benefits that fresh herbs provide.

Trend No. 2: Fun and inventive veggies Vegetable gardening is a great way to explore foods you may not have heard of, like Dragon Roll Shishito Pepper, which has become a hit on menus across the country. Milder than a jalapeno with great umami flavor, 1 in 10 peppers is spicy-hot for an intriguing meal experience. They're easy to grow in planters on patios or in the ground, making them the perfect choice for foodies. Trend No. 3: Organic vegetable and herb gardening Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s common for people to look for organic food when grocery shopping. Likewise, more gardeners want to be sure the food they are growing is organic. This means using organic fertilizer and plant food, as well as growing certified organic vegetables and herbs. The organic label means these plants are free from chemical additives, which is better for the environment and for you. From sweet bell peppers and ripe tomatoes to crisp cucumbers and juicy strawberries, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing the source of your food. Whether you're new to growing your own food or a seasoned gardener looking to expand your tastes, Burpee has unique and exclusive flavors to make your vegetable garden a success. And now is the perfect time of year to get started.

www.broward.org

The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is a local government agency that works in collaboration with residents, property owners, businesses, and other community organizations to foster redevelopment within the CRA District. Among our priorities include public safety, beautification and infrastructure improvements, economic development, affordable housing, downtown marketing, and historic preservation.

5 ways gardening and plants can reduce stress

- In today's busy world, we're continually searching for new ways to slow down and unwind. This has led more people to discover the calming benefits of gardening and how incorporating plants into decor provides a way to reduce everyday stress. (BPT)

Studies have shown that indoor plants clean the air by removing 87 percent of airborne toxins in 24 hours, and can make people more relaxed. In fact, the very act of planting and maintaining a garden provides relaxing stress relief in today's busy world. With such pronounced benefits, there are many reasons people who live in crowded cities and spacious suburbs have taken up gardening. For a closer look, green industry experts at RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) offer these five ways gardening can help you create a stress-relieving sanctuary at home. Add a fiddle leaf fig to your living room With large, waxy green leaves that look like a fiddle, the photogenic fiddle leaf fig adds a stunning pop of green to any living space. The trees thrive in bright to medium light and prefer room temperatures. Water them only when the surface of the soil is dry or when the leaves start to wilt; you'll know your tree is happy when its leaves are perked up toward the sun. Caring for the tree energizes your mood and in turn, its healthy green leaves liven up your home. Grow an herb garden in your kitchen Home chefs and foodies alike know how important it is to have fresh herbs on hand. Rosemary, mint, sage and basil thrive in small terra cotta pots on your sunny windowsill. They not only add the finishing touch to a meal or a refreshing drink, but tending your herbs helps to relieve daily stress while enticing you to experiment with new healthy recipes featuring your homegrown harvest.

Monitor the air quality with aloe vera plants Most people know about the medicinal properties in aloe vera plants. Most of us have slathered some on after getting a sunburn. In addition, they're great for purifying the air. They can also serve as a monitor of air quality because they will display brown spots if something isn't quite right. Aloe vera thrives in sunny spaces and at room temperature, so make sure to position it near an interior window to help maintain a healthy plant.

Put a snake plant in your office or wherever you're most busy Offices and cubes can be some pretty sterile spaces, which can make it hard to stay motivated or feel content during the work day. There are a million and one reasons for putting a plant in your office, and because you need to focus on the work at hand, you need a stress-free plant. When it comes to caring for a plant, it doesn't get much easier than a snake plant. These beautiful plants grow in a wide-range of lighting conditions and at any normal room temperature. They offer a low-maintenance boost of zen, producing oxygen and, because sometimes you go on vacation, can go weeks without water.

Liven up your shaded bathroom with a peace lily The dark leaves and curvy white blossoms on a peace lily are easy on the eyes and easy to grow. Perfect for those less-well-lit areas of the house, peace lilies thrive in shade and can withstand a variety of temperatures. Looks aside, they're known for reducing both airborne toxins and mold, making them the perfect plant for bathrooms or other damp areas of your home. The wellness benefits of caring for and being around plants are endless. The next time you're feeling stressed, spend some time in the garden or take a stroll through a park to enjoy the greenery and the natural comfort that comes with being surrounded by plants. To ensure they stay healthy and vibrant, visit www.debugthemyths.com where the experts at RISE offer more tips and advice on how to care for the plants in your garden and home.

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14-year-old scientist aims to solve the energy crisis From students to leaders:

reaking barriers to win the war against kids hunger in rural America Corner

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easy projects to

trash into treasure Crafting is a great way to relieve stress and express your creative side - and fortunately, you don't have to be a master craftsman - or spend a fortune on materials - to have fun and enjoy the benefits. (BPT) -

"A great way to get into crafting is by 'upcycling' - bringing new life into items you already have," said Dinah Wulf, author and blogger of the website DIY Inspired. "Some of my favorite projects can be done with ordinary household items and just a dab of glue." Here are four easy "upcycled" projects to get your creative juices flowing. A cork cell phone stand? Wine-not?! Wine corks make excellent crafting material, so instead of throwing the cork away once the bottle is empty, put them to use by creating a stand for your smartphone. All that's needed for this cute project is 24 corks and a sturdy, quick-drying glue like DAP RapidFuse All Purpose Adhesive. Start by stacking the corks in a pyramid shape, applying just a thin layer of the glue to where the corks meet. Press each bond together for 30 seconds to ensure a strong hold. Next, just add one extra row of corks at the bottom for the phone to rest on, and repeat with the adhesive. Allow to cure for 30 minutes. In less than five minutes, you've created a unique resting place for your phone that keeps it handy while you work at your desk or look up recipes in the kitchen.

A dazzling jewelry box for hidden treasures For an easy, budgetfriendly crafting project, Dinah recommends scouring flea markets and garage sales for old ceramic boxes. With a little dressing up, they make the perfect jewelry box for you or a young one. Start by spray-painting the box in your desired color. Once dry, embellish with rhinestones or old figurines - even old decorative salt or pepper shakers. Simply dab a bit of adhesive on the item, then press into the box for 30 seconds to seal. It's the perfect gift for the little princess in your life. A bird feeder to tweet about One of Dinah's favorite projects is creating an eye-catching bird feeder made from an old saucer and teacup. It's a great way to repurpose old dishes that you no longer use, while also bringing some whimsy to the backyard. Simply lay the cup on its side on top of the saucer, and check to see where the cup and saucer touch. Next, apply the adhesive to these two areas to set and press together for 30 seconds. To keep the cup from rolling as it sets, place two small items on either side. After it cures for 30 minutes, it will be ready to fill with bird seed and hang. A marvelous mug makeover We all have that favorite mug for our morning coffee, but with heavy use, it's easy for the handle to chip or break in two. Instead of throwing it away, apply a bit of adhesive to the exposed ends and press together for 30 seconds. Your favorite mug is as good as new! Don't have a favorite mug? Apply word tiles or other fun accessories to a basic ceramic mug to create a one-of-a-kind treasure that you'll look forward to using each morning. Just be sure to apply adhesive only to the exterior of the mug, as many glues are not food safe, and hand wash your newly created masterpiece. Beyond crafting for fun, use your new-found crafting skills to repair other household items such as flower pots and picture frames. Your first instinct may be to trash the pieces and shop for replacements, but by vowing to repair your items instead of replacing, you can save significant amounts of money, as well as hang on to irreplaceable heirlooms and items with sentimental value. RapidFuse All Purpose Adhesive is a cost-efficient solution, as it bonds to virtually everything, sets in 30 seconds and fully cures in 30 minutes. In less time than it takes to find a replacement, you can be enjoying your old items once again. marvelous mug makeover

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Tips to keep your pet healthy in the heat (BPT) -

Spring is here, summer is approaching fast and it’s time to get outside and start taking advantage of the warmer weather. Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, has a few tips and tricks on how to keep your pet happy and healthy in the heat. Before you start your jogging treks, hiking excursions or bicycle touring with your furry partner by your side, it’s important to understand these spring/summer safety measures to keep your pet happy and safe. Easing into exercise After sitting around all winter, it is not a good idea to jump right into a full exercise regimen full speed ahead. The best approach to get your pet ready for more activities outside is a gradual introduction into exercise. A game of fetch is a perfect way to get your pet up and moving. The Chuckit! Launcher and Locator Sound Ball provides an easy way for your pet to increase their stamina, with the added entertainment of retrieving a ball that emits an audible pulse sound every few seconds to help pet parents and dogs locate the ball in any terrain after launch. If your pet enjoys chasing ground pursuits (think rabbits and squirrels), the Chuckit! RingChaser is a great option to satisfy their instincts. Again, short bursts of chasing and retrieving are a fun way to get your pup back into shape. It’s also critical to choose the best time of day to exercise — and noon is not it. The best time to enjoy your pet’s company is early in the morning or early in the evening. Keep in mind that in the evening after the sun is down, the pavement can still be pretty warm, as it retains heat for quite a while. Where possible, try to exercise on a grassy or dirt surface to avoid burning or irritating their paws. 20

Keeping cool and staying hydrated What we love so much about our dogs is how loyal they are and how much they want to please us. This can be a problem when it comes to potential overexertion, as they will keep going just to be with us, even though they may be overheating. Moreover, many dogs and cats can overheat from lying around the house or backyard as well. When leaving pets outside during the spring or summer, make sure that shade and fresh water are always available. There are many devices available that can provide water automatically or on-demand, like the Petmate Replendish Waterer, which provides a constant flow of fresh water throughout the day for pets even when the pet parent isn’t home. If you’re out and about with your pet, consider the Replendish To-Go Water bottle that conveniently includes a travel bowl for your pet. For longer excursions, or for hotter climates, wet a bandana and place it in the freezer the night before so it will remain nice and cool a little longer. Also, make regular stops in a shady area to allow both of you to catch your breath. Indoor dogs and cats also need to escape from the heat. Make sure the house isn’t kept too warm. Keep at least one room cooler by leaving the shades or drapes closed. Enough has been written about pets and parked cars, so I’m sure you are all aware of that potential deadly hazard. Don’t do it, not even in the shade or “only for a few minutes.” Enough said. Limitless possibilities, while on a leash You and your pet are finally enjoying the great outdoors, and the fun activities with Fido are endless. Our pet nation has a huge population, and it’s important to be a good citizen. Remember to respect other pets’ “space” and boundaries, and don’t assume every dog is dying to play with yours. Wherever you and your pet decide to roam, be mindful of the local leash laws. You don’t want to turn a fun outing into an emergency room visit for you or anyone else. If you’re heading off to a park or hiking area, make sure you have everything you need for your trek. Travel treats and water bottles are always a good idea to keep with you, to make sure you and your pet are well fueled and hydrated. Keep essentials, like your keys, lip balm, waste bag, etc., all in one place with the Petmate Zipp Leash that features an expandable pouch built right into the leash to hold all dog-walking basics while on the go. Regardless of whether you choose to run, romp, hike or trek, spring and summer are great times of year to bond with your pets. I encourage all of you to get outdoors, enjoy the warmth and sunshine, and to include your four-legged kids in your activities. Just remember to play it smart and keep them safe. 21

lasting memories on summer vacation

5 tips for creating lasting memories on summer vacation - There’s a lot to love about summer: School's out, everyone’s wearing flip-flops, the trees are a brilliant green and you tend to grill out more nights of the week than not. (BPT)

For families across the nation, one of the best parts of summer is taking off on a vacation. It’s rare that everyone can sit down and eat every meal of the day together, see new things, discover unexpected adventures or explore a different way of life, but on a great family vacation, these things happen several times a day. The hardest part of any vacation can be deciding where to go. You want to find a place kids and adults will love, and have an experience that will create lasting memories for years to come. To help narrow down your family vacation plans, here are five things to keep in mind when planning: 1. Seek out unique experiences. The beautiful thing about traveling with kids is being able to celebrate their “firsts.” That magical excitement they have when they first feel the beach between their toes or see the ocean for the first time will warm your heart. This is why so many families head to a seaside getaway. In Myrtle Beach, South 23

Carolina, you'll find these and many other opportunities for “firsts,” such as kayaking along scenic rivers to see wildlife, spotting a dolphin and for the brave, zip lining. Your kids' excitement will be contagious. 2. Act like a kid with your kids. Though you have adult responsibilities, that doesn’t mean you can't act like a kid now and then. Build time into your itinerary for you to jump into the ocean, build sandcastles, float down your hotel's lazy river or eat ice cream like it’s going out of style. Being an adult is great, but acting like a kid is better. 3. Let everyone pick a fun thing to do. You don’t have to do all the planning on your own. In fact you shouldn’t. Let the kids help to plan activities for your vacation. For instance, when visiting Myrtle Beach many parents present a list of kid-friendly activities to their little ones — such as the SkyWheel and Ripley's Aquarium — and let them decide which one to visit. Allowing your kids to participate in the planning process like this helps to give them a sense of accomplishment, and feel like they made this vacation happen.

4. Stay where the fun is. When trying to decide where to stay, narrow your options down by considering how close you are to dining, attractions and other activities in the area. There’s nothing like being able to step outside of your hotel room and take a walk on the beach, collect sand dollars or build a sandcastle. Of course, lodging with an indoor water park will get an A+ from your kids. 5. Plan enough, but don’t overdo it. While an itinerary is great and can keep everyone on schedule, make sure to include time for relaxation or spur-of-the-moment activities. Be flexible. Sunsets, sandcastles and 100 other perfect memories often happen at the spur of the moment. Many times, the best part of a vacation is the surprise you never planned.

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Sunshine, blue sky, an ocean, sandy beaches, plenty of adventures: A great summer vacation has all the things you need to make a lifetime of memories. Best of all, no matter how much you plan, you’re bound to find surprises that exceed your expectations.

The benefits of child's play extend beyond exercise (BPT) - When you think about the most important part of a child’s school day, what comes to mind? Is it reading? Science? Math or history? What about recess? Children will likely mention recess as their favorite part of the day, and new research shows that this free time is actually a fundamental component to their future development and host to numerous educational opportunities. Yet, if there are such benefits for children in recess and unstructured play, why are school districts everywhere reducing it? More than just exercise Researchers for years have hypothesized about the link between the reduction in free play and the rise of childhood obesity, but new research also indicates a link between children’s ability to engage in free play and their overall development. A recent meta-study by the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, commissioned by Landscape Structures Inc., finds that “children’s early experiences and the settings they inhabit play a powerful role in shaping the adults they will become.” The meta-study also finds that unstructured play provides children the opportunity to practice key social, cognitive and physical skills. The research draws from a wide body of social scientific analyses, case studies and examinations of play and playground behavior. Educators, child psychologists, playground designers and the American Academy of Pediatrics all contributed to the report. 25

The findings show that when left in unstructured play, children spend roughly 80 percent of their time on the playground engaging in important activities such as social, physical and pretend play. Any or all of these activities have been shown to further a child's future development. The manner in which playtime is spent is nearly as important as the amount of time spent. Welldesigned playgrounds have proven to be a uniquely flexible play setting with equipment that supports social and imaginative play while also supporting children with diverse needs and ability levels. Toddlers, for example, appreciate the physical challenge of climbing a few stairs while older children will set their sights on the taller portions of the structure. However, at the same time that the benefits of unstructured play are being expounded, the research shows the time spent in open play is under attack. Threats to play come from myriad sources, including restrictive school and work schedules, safety concerns, organized after-school activities and the rise of passive entertainment options including television and video games. These factors combined are seen as the key reasons childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unstructured play has dropped by 25 percent since 1981. Pushing back for play While the importance of classroom lesson plans can never be discounted in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational path, the opportunity for recess and open play should not be seen only as a break. Landscape Structures' research findings show children actively learn while in play and that the skills they learn here cater to their continual development. The educational lessons don't end when the bell rings for recess; they simply become a lot more fun. To learn more about playground solutions for your area, visit playlsi.com/. 26

What do neckties, yoga poses and vegetables have to do with my eyes? Most of us know lifestyle changes can improve our overall health. Exercising more, eating more vegetables and not smoking all have an effect on blood flow in the body, which can affect our overall health. (BPT) -

What many don’t realize is that when blood flow is blocked or slows down, the health of our eyes can also be affected. That means that wearing neckties too tight or doing certain yoga poses, such as the downward dog, can increase pressure in the eyes, which can lead to an eye disease called glaucoma. Glaucoma has few warning signs, and is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60. Being overweight or having high blood pressure can increase a person’s risk for another common eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. Vision loss — or even worse, blindness — can negatively impact the quality of life, independence and the ability to do daily things such as driving, reading or seeing grandchildren. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that individuals 65 and older get an annual medical eye exam with an ophthalmologist, which is a medical doctor who specializes in medical and surgical eye care. Through comprehensive eye exams, ophthalmologists can check a person’s eyes for hidden signs of eye disease, which may have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Once diagnosed, ophthalmologists can provide treatments to help prevent vision loss.

Avoid inverted postures in yoga. Studies show head-down positions can increase eye pressure and are not recommended for glaucoma patients. There are plenty of yoga exercises that don’t have this effect.

For those concerned about the cost of an exam, the American Academy of Ophthalmologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EyeCare America program may be able to help. More than 5,500 dedicated volunteer ophthalmologists provide eye exams and care, often at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible patients. Since 1985, the program has helped nearly 2 million people in need. EyeCare America serves U.S. citizens or legal residents who do not belong to an HMO. To be eligible for the EyeCare America seniors program, an individual: * Must be age 65 or older, and * Have not had an eye exam by an ophthalmologist in three or more years. To be eligible for the EyeCare America glaucoma program, an individual: * Must not have had an eye exam within the last year, and must be at an increased glaucoma risk due to age, race and/or family history. Many sight-stealing conditions can be prevented or slowed down with proper care and making simple lifestyle adjustments such as: 1. Avoid inverted postures in yoga. Studies show head-down positions can increase eye pressure and are not recommended for glaucoma patients. There are plenty of yoga exercises that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have this effect. 2. Avoid tight neckties. Researchers say that a too-tight necktie may increase the risk of glaucoma by increasing blood pressure inside the eyes. 3. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially green, leafy ones. One study showed that people who ate more leafy vegetables have a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. Why? Nitrates in green vegetables can be converted to nitric oxide, which can improve blood flow and help regulate pressure inside the eye. 4. Exercise regularly. According to the National Eye Institute, eating a healthy diet and getting exercise have been shown in earlier studies to protect against AMD. A recent study showed that people who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity appear to have a 73 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. This is because blood flow and pressure inside the eye may change with exercise. For more information about EyeCare America or to see if you or others are eligible to be matched with one of its volunteer ophthalmologists, visit www.aao.org/eyecareamerica. EyeCare America is cosponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support from Alcon and Regeneron. 28

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5 simple things you can do to promote literacy at home and beyond What was your favorite childhood book? Chances are, you can come up with a title right away. That's because books create powerful memories of stories and characters that inspire kids' imaginations and will be treasured for a lifetime. (BPT) -

Our Services If you can dream it, we can plan it! Our team completely understands the importance of putting together a seamless and memorable event.

Unfortunately, some children grow up with limited access to books, meaning they're unable to create those memories so many people take for granted. A lack of books in the home is also linked to lower reading scores and less success in school, according to research by the Family and Community Engagement Research Compendium. Even more concerning, an Annie E. Casey Foundation report found students who can't read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma than proficient readers. Society as a whole pays a high price for low literacy. It costs the U.S. at least $225 billion each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment, according to the National Council for Adult Learning. Here's the good news: this problem does have a solution. Having books in the home has been proven to improve children's reading performance, cause them to read more frequently and for longer lengths of time, and improve overall attitudes toward learning. It's clear that promoting literacy in your home and in your community are worthwhile investments of your time and money. Wondering where to start?

5 simple things you CAN Do cont.

Build reading into the routine: When the kids are small, it's easy for many parents to create the nightly ritual of story time. Don't stop just because they've started school and are reading on their own. Commit to sitting down every night to read together. Or, make reading into an event the whole family can enjoy by reading a chapter book out loud. When the kids see you reading books too, you set a great example. Ask questions: Asking children questions while you read together helps them develop critical thinking skills. For example, you might ask, "How is the family in this book like our family?" or "The girl in this book likes to swim. What do you like to do?" Give books as gifts: The next time you celebrate a holiday or child's birthday, consider giving the gift of a book - especially a title or two that you loved growing up. Be sure to make time to read at least one of them together. It's a great way to bond. Share, share, share: One way to spread literacy is to help make books more available in your community. Every year or so, go through your book collection with the kids and decide which titles should be given a new home. They can be donated to schools and public libraries, or given to other groups that make books available for free or little cost to young readers. Even better, when you buy a book, purchase a second copy to donate or give away. Support literacy causes: Many companies and nonprofit groups are dedicated to promoting literacy on a larger scale. Check out The Literacy Project - a Pizza Hut campaign benefiting First Book that provides books and other educational resources to kids in need. The program has helped millions of children across the country "start a new chapter" through reading. Doing your part can be as simple as making a donation!

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