Author Archives: Ed

Bullying Prevention

What Works in Bullying Prevention

The most effective programs to reduce bullying start with training and take a comprehensive approach (best practices) involving collaboration between students, parents, the school (educators) and community. There is positive change in culture and climate when all parties become involved stakeholders and take personal responsibility for standing up, speaking out and eliminating bullying.

Giving students a voice and making them part of the process empowers them and creates sustainable change.

What You Should Know About Bullying

Bullying peaks in middle school but starts as early as preschool with children using relational aggression. Research states the devastating effects of bullying are long term and far reaching, not just for the child who has been a target of bullying but for the bystanders and person who bullies as well. No longer can we say to our children ignore it. Over 100,000 students carry guns to school.

Bullying is no longer about the strong picking on the weak in the schoolyard. Physical assault has been replaced by 24 hour per day seven days a week online bashing. Savvy students are using instant messaging, emails, chat rooms and web sites they create to humiliate a peer. No longer can parents count on seeing the tell-tale signs of bullying (black eye, bloody lip, torn clothes). The damage done by cyber bullies is no less real and can be infinitely more painful. ( 2004 I-SAFE survey of 1,500 students) In this age of technology we must foster and maintain channels where students can directly communicate with counselors, parents, teachers and community members.

Most bullying occurs when adults are not present. We need to break the code of silence. The Secret Service Initiative Study found that school shootings are rarely impulsive acts. Rather, they are typically thought out and planned in advance. Other students knew the shootings were about to occur but did not alert an adult. In addition, prior to most shootings an adult saw a behavior that caused concern but did nothing.

Students should feel comfortable reporting a bullying incident. No child wants to be labeled a snitch or rat. Children need to know reporting an incident will be handled properly and their confidentiality respected. Everyone needs to be educated and trained to accomplish this. Training should include administrators, teachers, parents, students, bus drivers and anyone who is in contact with children.

Health Benefits of Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are not really nuts but are the edible seeds of about 20 different species of pine cone. They have been eaten as food since the Paleolithic period and today are most commonly eaten as an ingredient in pesto sauce.

Here are six health benefits of pine nuts.

Weight Loss

Even though they are high in fat, eating pine nuts on a regular basis can boost your weight loss efforts because they contain pinoleic acid, which research has found to be an effective appetite suppressant. Pinoleic acid works by triggering the release of two hunger suppressant hormones, cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

Cardiovascular Support

In addition to good circulation, pine nuts also contribute to a healthy heart. They are a great source of monounsaturated fats, which have been linked with lower cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart attack. They are also high in vitamin E, vitamin K, copper, iron, and manganese, all of which help the cardiovascular system.

High in Iron

Pine nuts are a great source of iron, which is a key nutrient for many processes of the body, including circulation and nerve regulation. The copper they contain helps the body absorb more of the iron.

Anti-Aging

The antioxidants in pine nuts slow down the aging process because they help to remove free radicals from the body. When higher levels of free radicals are present, signs of aging will increase and those free radicals may also cause cancerous cells to grow. Eating foods high in antioxidants, such as pine nuts, will reduce the risk of these health concerns. The copper in pine nuts also contributes to their anti-aging arsenal.

Eye Health

Pine nuts contain lutein, an antioxidant that is crucial to the prevention of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. They also contain vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, another important eye vitamin.

Energy Boost

When you are feeling tired or fatigued, pine nuts can give you the boost that you need because they contain protein and magnesium. It has been found that magnesium helps to improve symptoms of fatigue and it is also beneficial for tension release and muscle cramping alleviation.

Health Benefits of Celery

Health benefits of celery are – they are rich in vitamin C, they lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, reduce high blood pressure, and promote health.

Celery contains amino acids, boron, calcium, chlorine, essential fatty acids, folate, inositol, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, sulfur , zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. Celery is also a salad ingredient, which contains fiber.

Celery is a crunchy vegetable that belongs to the umbelliferae family.

The health benefits of celery include the following

Reduced blood pressure: Celery contains a chemical that can lower levels of stress hormones in your blood. This allows blood vessels to expand, giving your blood more room, thereby reducing pressure.

Reduced cholesterol: Eating celery daily may reduce artery-clogging cholesterol

Good antiseptic: Celery seeds help in uric acid elimination. So, celery is good for people with bladder disorders, kidney problems, cystitis etc. Celery seeds also assist in avoiding urinary tract infection in women.

Healthy joints: Celery is good for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain around the joints. Celery sticks contain a diuretic substance, which help to remove uric acid crystals that build around joints.

Prevents cancer: Celery contains phthalides and polyacetylenes. These anti cancer components detoxify carcinogens. Celery also contains coumarins that enhance the activity of certain white blood cells.

Improved immune system: Celery is rich in vitamin C; therefore it boosts the immune system.

Relief from cold: Because of the presence of vitamin C, taking celery gives you relief from cold.

Reduces severity of asthma: Vitamin C prevents free radical damage and thus reduces the severity of inflammatory conditions like asthma.

Cardiovascular health: Presence of vitamin C in the roots of celery promotes cardiovascular health. Roots

Diuretic activity: Celery is rich in both sodium and potassium. These minerals help in regulating fluid balance.

Relief from migraine: Presence of coumarins gives relief from migraines.

Treats rheumatism: Celery extracts, which contain85% 3nB, are effective for treating arthritis and muscular pains.

Good for diabetic patients: Celery leaves are also eaten for treating diabetic conditions.

Relief from ophthalmologic disease: Dripping celery tea drops on eyelids is good for ophthalmologic affectations.

Because of the high calcium content, celery calms the nerves. So, eating celery helps people to be calm. Celery acts as an antioxidant too. All parts of celery including seed, root and leaves, can be used. Drinking celery juice before meal will help you to reduce your weight. Celery has many other nutritional benefits: Eating celery regularly helps to avoid diseases of kidney, pancreas, liver and gallbladder; neuritis, constipation, asthma, high blood pressure, catarrh, pyorrhea and dropsy, brain over work, acidosis, anemia, obesity and tuberculosis. It also helps in the improvement of teeth.

Precautions: Celery seeds contain volatile oils, flavonoids, coumarins and linoleic acid and are therefore not good for pregnant women because they may cause contractions in the uterus.

Papaya Nutrient Packed

The health benefits of fruits and vegetables can not be equated to that promised by nutritional pills and supplements. Nutrition experts advocate generous intake of fruits for optimum health as these food items are loaded with all the benefits. Fruits are goldmine of vitamins, minerals and fibre and are ideal to consume at least 4-5 servings in a day. Since they are in the natural form, account for largest part of water and 100% bad cholesterol free, it’s much easier for the body to process and absorb the vitamins and minerals from the fresh fruit.

Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables contain varying amounts of antioxidants such as vitamin C as well as carotenoids and bioflavonoids, two classes of phytochemicals that scientists are studying extensively for their health-promoting potential. In addition, a new scientific base is emerging to support a protective role for this group of fruits and vegetables in prevention of cataract formation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diverticulosis, and possibly, hypertension.

“Papaya” is recommended to be one such pick from the group of Yellow and orange fruits, which promises abundant health benefits. It is a melon like fruit with yellow- orange flesh with dozens of small black seeds enclosed in skin that ranges in color from green to orange. Papaya has high nutritional benefits. It is rich in Anti-oxidants, the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, “these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer.” In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. Vitamin C and vitamin A, which is made in the body from the beta-carotene in papaya, are both needed for the proper function of a healthy immune system. Papaya may therefore be a healthy fruit choice for preventing such illnesses as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu.

This highly loved tropical fruit was reputably called “The Fruit of the Angels” by Christopher Columbus. In the 20th century, papayas were brought to the United States and have been cultivated in Hawaii, the major U.S. producer since the 1920s. Today, the largest commercial producers of papayas include the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Gluten refers to a group of proteins that are difficult for humans to digest. One group of proteins called gliadin is thought to do most of the damage to the intestinal lining. Glutenins are another group of proteins found in gluten and thought to be associated with autoimmune skin diseases and asthma. Gluten proteins are extremely resistant to intestinal digestion, despite grinding, cooking, processing and digestion.

•Papaya contains the digestive enzyme papain and therefore valuable for aiding digestion.

•The unique protein-digesting enzymes; papain and chymopapain have been shown to help lower inflammation and to improve healing from burns in addition to helping in digestion of proteins. The antioxidant nutrients found in papaya, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, are also very good at reducing inflammation.

•The ripe fruit is easily digestible and prevents constipation.

•Case studies indicate that this food taken alone for two or three days has a highly beneficial tonic effect upon the stomach and intestines.

•The juice of the papaya aids in relieving infections of the colon and has a tendency to break down pus and mucus reached by the juice.

• May help prevent cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue (ripe papaya). Papaya’s fiber is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells. In addition, papaya’s folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer

• Prevents nausea (includes morning sickness and motion sickness)

• The seeds are antihelmintic, for expelling worms and they are given with honey. Chew and swallow two teaspoonfuls of seeds after each principal meal (three times a day).

•Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a good source of vitamin E and vitamin A (through their concentration of pro-vitamin A carotenoid phytonutrients), three very powerful antioxidants.

• Papayas are also a good source of fiber, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels.

Papa John’s Health Tips – Importance of Carbohydrates

Despite the claims of diets that promote cutting back on carbohydrates, these macronutrients are one of the most important components of the foods you eat. This category of foods includes sugars, starches and fiber. You can get carbohydrates from grains, vegetables, fruits and dairy. Carbohydrates should make up about 45 to 65 percent of your caloric intake. Getting too few carbohydrates can lead to unpleasant side effects and even to major complications if carbohydrate restriction lasts a long time.

Functions

Carbohydrates are your body’s main energy source. Every gram of carbohydrates you consume contains about 4 calories. When you consume carbohydrates, the enzyme amylase converts them into glucose, the primary fuel that the body uses to power all cellular activity. The heart, brain, kidneys and muscles all need carbohydrates to function. Excess carbohydrates can be stored in the liver and muscles for later use after being converted into glycogen.

Immediate Side Effects

When you restrict carbohydrates from your diet, you are likely to experience side effects as your body tries to adapt and make up for the sudden lack of fuel. You are likely to experience mood swings, nausea, dizziness, weakness and depression as a result. As your body goes into ketosis, a state in which fat and protein is burned for fuel instead of carbohydrates, your body will produce compounds called ketones that can show up in your saliva and cause bad breath. You might also notice that your thinking gets foggy as your brain runs out of glucose to fuel its normal activity.

Complications

Long term complications can develop if you deprive your body of adequate carbohydrates for long periods of time. Your body might begin to break down muscle tissue to act as fuel. As the levels of ketones rise in your bloodstream, your blood can become more acidic, placing stress on your kidneys and other organs. Because many of the foods containing carbohydrates are rich sources of other nutrients, you might also develop nutrient deficiencies if you stop eating carbohydrate-containing foods.

Considerations

Many foods containing carbohydrates are also the source of dietary fiber. Fiber is the indigestible component in carbohydrate-containing foods. Fiber works in the body to lower cholesterol, modulate blood sugar, reduce constipation and hemorrhoids and help prevent some types of cancer. You should try to get about 14 g of carbohydrates for every 1,000 calories you consume, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.