KCKidsFun

Next month marks the release of a new children’s book, Wallie Exercises.  I read the book to my children (ages 8 and 3) and they really liked it.  My timing couldn’t have better (for me, that is)– especially since I’ve single-handedly eaten the equivalent of 96 Christmas cookies in the last week alone.  Every time I think we’ve gotten to the bottom of the plate…a neighbor stops by with a lovely plate of cutouts and thumbprints!!

The book follows Wallie, the lovable, lazy dog who prefers to stay indoors and sleep over romping, running and playing outdoors. One day, Wallie’s shirt won’t go DOWN and his pants won’t go UP.  (Sound familiar, Christmas cookie addicts?!?!)  He happens upon Edwin the Exercise Elephant, who introduces Wallie to warm-ups, hydration, working out, working hard and sweating.

The book ends with several suggestions for fun exercises your little kiddos can do, to be just like the exercising Wallie!  It’s a darling, visually engaging book and is a great way to introduce or reinforce a fit, healthy lifestyle– even at a young age.

Wallie Exercises will be released in Jan. 2011, but it’s currently available for pre-order on www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and www.activespudpress.com.  The hardcover lists for $15.95 and especially appeals to 4-8 year olds.

One of the unique things about this children’s book (further upping the credibility in this reader’s mind) is the fact that the book is authored by a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and personal trainer.  Steve Ettinger, C.S.C.S. runs a private training company in New York City.  He’s always enjoyed staying active–and his commitment to children really shows in his book. Prior to dedicating himself to fitness full time, Steve earned a psychology degree from Boston University and even worked as a children’s behavior therapist.  Bottom line:  he gets fitness.  And he gets kids!

But wait!  There’s more.  There exists a Kansas City connection to this whole story!  Wallie Exercises was illustrated by Pete Proctor, who graduated from Baldwin City’s Baker University with a degree in Elementary Education.  The KC native (who still lives here with his wife and 2 children) enjoys painting, music, fishing and travel.  You can learn more about this former middle school science teacher at www.peteproctor.com.

As you may know, one of our advertising partners is Kansas City Allergy & Asthma Associates.  I asked the physicians to guest-author several posts that would be of particular interest to our readers with young families.  Asthma (and allergies) happens to be something I think about daily at my house.  My son is a severe asthmatic, and I am constantly aware of the weather, the health of other kids at school and his activities (amongst other things!)  This first post addresses seasonal flu.  Flu shots are widely available now, and 2010’s dose has combined the seasonal vaccine with the H1N1 vaccine.  Only one shot this year!  Be well!

PREVENTING THE FLU: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent res-piratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

Here are some helpful tips from the CDC:

1.  Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2.  Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3.  Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4.  Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

6.  Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Content source: From the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, www.cdc.gov.

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KCAA now has regular seasonal flu vaccines available as of Oct. 1, 2010.

Current patients who have seen their physician in the last year may get their regular seasonal Flu Vaccine on a walk-in basis at any of our allergy injection clinics (except Saturdays), or at their next scheduled fall visit.

Other Helpful websites: (Links also at: www.kcallergy.com)

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu –  www.kdheks.gov/H1N1 –  www.kcmo.org/health

KCAA Physicians: Gerald L. Goldstein, M.D.; Scott J. Frankel, M.D.; Jeffrey A. Wald, M.D.; Mark R. Neustrom, D.O.; and Derrick R. Ward, M.D.

KCAA Physician Assistants and Nurse Practioner: Monica Apollo, P.A.-C; Loretta Heinen, M.S., P.A.-C; Kristy Mohn, M.S., ARNP

It’s hard to believe that the annual observance that is Earth Day is now in its 40th year!  Earth Day (April 22 of each year) aims to increase public awareness of the environment.  Millions of people throughout the world gather each year to mark the event by learning about pollution and global warming, cleaning up parks and streams, and teaching others about how to protect our greatest gift–the Earth.

You can use Earth Day as a great “teaching moment” for your child(ren)…and there are lots of local activities planned to help you do just that!  Here are a few that I came up with; feel free to email me with any others you may know about.  HAPPY EARTH DAY 2010!

• The Power & Light District will hold the second “Green the Core–Earth Day Fest” downtown on Friday, April 24, 2010. From 11am until 2pm, local businesses and nonprofits will host programs and presentations. First 500 guests receive a free insulated water bottle, courtesy of KCPL!

• Johnson County Community College’s Student Environmental Alliance will celebrate Earth Day with Going Green 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, 2010, in the Commons Building Corner Lounge and Courtyard. The event is free and open to the public. Students will be promoting awareness of environmental issues, ideas and actions. Located at College Blvd at Quivira, Overland Park, KS.

• The Olathe Chamber of Commerce hosts an Earth Day celebration at Olathe Public Library.  630pm on April 22, 2010.  A panel of experts will discuss local efforts to make our region more sustainable and how everyone can make our city more energy efficient. No pre-registration needed.

• Recycle while you shop!  Target recently installed community recycling stations inside each of its 1740 stores.  Stations have deposits for items such as plastic, glass, aluminum cans, small electronics like MP3 players and cell phones and ink cartridges.

• Bridging the Gap is a local action and education non-profit focused on connecting the environment, economy and community.  Check out Bridging the Gap to help keep KC beautiful!

• Whole Foods Market/ 119th and Metcalf and 91st and Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. Saturday, April 24, 2010.  12-4PM.  Free compost pick-up beginning at 9am until it’s gone!  4pm bike raffle, bike donated by Leawood Bike Shop and Trek! Raffle tickets will be sold all month at the registers benefiting Friends of the Arboretum.  2-4pm Kids Club! Kids come decorate a flower pot, plant a seed to take home and watch it grow. Come meet other local companies that are green too!

• click here for some great Earth Day ideas, courtesy of kaboose.com!

• You might want to consider incorporating the following into your family’s week or month:  plant a tree, create a garden, step up your recycling efforts, involve your neighborhood in cleaning up a nearby pond, river or stream…or simply keep the car at home and try walking everywhere for a day!

*images courtesy of kaboose.com