BARBADOS: Climate Change and Health Risk- DEAL With it! KUWTJ Edutainment
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5xM1fsngX0?rel=0&w=853&h=480]Even if you have never watched Keeping up with the Joneses KUWTJ before now (are you under a rock?!) you will LOVE this message on climate change and health risk. Dengue, Gastro…. no mo’!
Learn MoreArt Therapy and Autism
Here we share a video from RealLookAutism which demonstrates the use of Art Therapy as a tool in improving social interaction, vocabulary building, decision making skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills. Not every child is a “fit” for Art Therapy, but this young fellow certainly is engaged in the process. Does you child gravitate towards any art form? DO you think it is important to offer children a variety of experiences in Art? [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc2J6WZvfUY?rel=0&w=853&h=480] Learn MoreHIV and Caribbean Children
The problem is clear.
The questions we ask today are: WHO should be solving this problem and HOW will we cure this pervasive multi-faceted surge on our future? Are our parents, grand-parents, families, teachers, guidance counsellors, paediatricians, obstetricians, psychologists, pastors, or government officials equipped to see the problem for what is really is? Can any or all of these persons make a real difference?
We are a region in jeopardy. Where should we turn?
Thanks Rhonda Blackman for this Barbadian perspective.
Learn MoreIS AUTISM REALLY A PUZZLE? THE POWER OF A CAMERA
I thought my experience with this little boy (whose name I was unable to get) was very profound as it never involved “words” but the true understanding of non-verbal communication and the strength of understanding its power when dealing with someone diagnosed with Autism.
On April 2, 2013, JASA (Jamaica Autism Support Association) put on a presentation at UWI addressing the prevalence of Autism and research that had been done in Jamaica. There was a little boy there who notable made a lot of sounds which for some may have been highly distracting. I discovered later that he had Autism. I happened to have my camera with me taking pictures of the speakers. I saw him through the corner of my eye, etching his way over to me with smiling eyes but would return to where his mother sat. He repeated this action a couple of times. Finally he came over pointing to my camera lens. His ‘words’ sounded like babble but I understood it clearly. He was talking in the best way he could to me about the camera and wanting to play with it. This moment organically evolved as I naturally encouraged him to stand in front of me, placing the camera cord on his shoulders while we explored the camera allowing him to take pictures. He returned to his mom and funny enough he started making the loud sounds again. She immediately sent him back to where I was sitting, which I found amusing. He came over and we explored the camera some more with me telling him how to use the camera. My words may have been too complex but he stayed with me holding and using the camera. Eventually he returned to his mother but was noticeably quieter in his interaction with her.
Later on, I moved to the front of the room to take more pictures of Kathy Chang, Dr. Samms-Vaughan & Dr. Garbutt. We all could hear this little voice shouting (his words were not specific) and running up to where I sat. He came up to me still shouting and touched the camera. It was as if he was saying, “Lesli I want to see the camera”. I allowed him to explore it and took his hand and we walked to the banner entitled “April is Autism Awareness Month” and had him takes pictures with the camera. We returned to the presentation and he was extremely calm compared to before. This little boy was probably no more than three years old and had never met me before but somehow connected and “communicated” with me through the camera. While this may not have been an art therapy session, it was clearly an indication of the power and awareness needed to understand the different ways in which a person diagnosed with Autism may communicate. In this case the camera served as a powerful tool.
Lesli-Ann Belnavis, Art Therapist, Caribbean Tots to Teens
Learn MoreJAMAICA: Free public forum dedicated to children and their well-being.
Knowledge is power! Come, learn, share.
Learn MoreExclusion versus Empowerment
Taking a serious look at teenage pregnancy in Jamaica. What is the crime? Who are the victims?
Learn MoreKIDS FOR EARTH HOUR | IWIYW I will if you will
How are Caribbean kids raising awareness this EARTH HOUR 2013. Please share your story with us.
Panagiotis is the youngest I Will If You Will participant to date, and he plans on giving up chocolate (and he really really loves chocolate) if 50 people green their balconies. We think he is definitely IWIYW hero material! Balcony ‘gardens’ not only beautify urban cities, but also help absorb CO2. And if you have the space, try growing your own little sustainable garden!
KIDS FOR EARTH HOUR | Earth Hour.
earthhour.org/blog/kids-earth-hour
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M904CXTC31A?rel=0&w=853&h=480] Learn MoreTEDx: Art Therapy- changing lives, one image at a time.
We enjoyed this presentation by Cathy Malchiodi. Her experiences as an Art Therapist are very instructive.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHu6909NTTc?rel=0&w=853&h=480] Learn MoreAn Attitude of Gratitude
How do we shape the minds and hearts of children to be grateful and content?
Learn MoreHealthy Holiday Beverages
IT’S CHRISTMAS AGAIN… and Christmas time represents family, fellowship, food and fun. This year will be no different for many of us, and of course, there is always the temptation to over indulge. Children are always a big part of Christmas festivities and while we want them to have a Merry Christmas and make many memories we also want them to stay healthy. Depending on your family favourites and your holiday traditions the drinks our children will consume this Christmas will range from sorrel to hot cocoa with marshmallows, ‘chawkit’ tea and everything in between.
SORREL is a good source of Vitamin C & flavonoids, provide powerful antioxidants that helps to improve the body’s immune system
COCOA is also high in antioxidants and provides important vitamins & minerals, so drink up & enjoy.
Keep in mind the importance of good nutrition along with portion control. There is always the temptation to over- indulge when celebrating, especially with children who are free and happy. Parents need to be aware of this and make adjustments to some of our traditional recipes, for example use:
- low-fat milk or nut milk in place of whole milk in Eggnog; Ponche Creme or Cocoa Tea
- fresh fruits in place of can or bottle juices.
Portion control is also important. Use a smaller “Christmas” cup so that your child will not feel cheated. Try this trick on yourself! Offer a serving of
- 4 ozs or 1/2 cup of hot cocoa and
- 6 oz – 8 oz of sorrel
during the day depending on the age of the child.
Start a new Christmas tradition in your kitchen. Let your child help to make these two fruit smoothies It will be FUN and they will also enjoy drinking them.
Cherry Banana Smoothie
1 ripe Banana
1 cup low-fat milk or nut milk
2 maraschino cherries ( to give color & taste)
Blend, serve with crushed ice.
Sparkling Pineapple Yoghurt Smoothie
2 slices pineapple
1 cup low-fat milk
1/2 cup Cherry yoghurt or ice-cream
Blend, then
Add sparking water and serve cold.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS
From your Nutritionists: Enid & Kerry
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