Trip to Virginia – Big Success!!!

by: Heather Quillen

Trip to Virginia – Big Success!!!  Dr. Lisa and I just returned from a terrific trip to Virginia to continue spreading the word about YoMedics and our flagship program, Kids Journey to YoPower for Life!  We met with some really exciting, dedicated people who share our commitment to health and wellness for children and families.

We participated in the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference – Focus on Obesity by exhibiting our program and talking with docs from all over the country.  As you can imagine, the majority of physicians attending this conference were particularly interested in addressing the obesity challenge and upon reviewing our program found it to be truly multi-disciplinary, comprehensive and engaging for children and parents.  Something we are certain of, however, it’s great to hear from a group of professionals from the pediatric field.

While in Virginia, we met with a wonderful pediatrician, Dr. Bell, from Richmond.  She serves on the VA Board of Medicine with a great friend and supporter of YoMedics, Ret. Brig. General Clara Adams-Ender.  Dr. Lisa and I had the opportunity to meet with them and discuss our plan.  Dr. Bell, along with several other pediatricians, will be participating in our pilot and through our program helping children achieve and maintain optimal weight and wellness for a lifetime!

Others exciting folks we met in VA include a dynamic, dedicated woman who started her own non-profit organization DEON.  We are looking at ways in which we may be able to help advance our shared goals of wellness and health.  Be sure to check out her important work at www.deonintervention.org.

Another really interesting and amazing person we met was a brave member of our armed forces, Colonel Mike Bihr. Our dear friend, Gen. Clara, organized a meeting for us to discuss the possibility of bringing YoMedics healthy lifestyle program to military families and returning veterans.  We sincerely hope to have an opportunity to work with wounded warriors and their families to assist in the process of reintegration.  Wellness for veterans and their families is so critically important and something YoMedics is committed to bringing to their lives!  More news to follow and we’ll keep you updated on our progress with the military.

As I mentioned, lots of docs were really interested from the AAP Conference. We had physicians from multiple states sign up to participate in our pilot program starting after the first of the year.  We’ll keep you updated on our progress! Be sure to read Dr. Lisa’s blog, as she discusses the exciting details of our upcoming pilot.  Be sure to contact us to find out how you can participate in your area!

Life is a gift!  Be patient even when you don’t think you have the time.  Remember to be grateful every day and you will have more things to be grateful for – guaranteed!

Kids Journey to YoPower for Life

- Dr. Lisa Ramey

YoMedics™ is pleased to announce that we will be piloting Kids Journey to YoPower for Life starting January 2009. This is great news since it will allow us to trial the childhood weight management program to determine and make any changes needed to better serve our participants. I have very interested patients in my private medical practice that are excited and look forward to giving their children the gift of health. Follow along on our website, www.yomedics.com, and I will keep you posted on our participant’s progression.

What A Wonderful World!

- Heather Quillen

That’s right, what a wonderful world. I know it may seem a little challenging to see and believe that right now. There are a lot of things happening that may not bring this old Louie Armstrong classic to mind. However, now more than ever is the time to focus on the wonderful things in our lives. It is so important to remind our children and ourselves how fortunate we are and how many things we have to be grateful for in our lives.

Setting the example by having a positive, grateful attitude can really improve the mood and atmosphere at home, school and work. Kids need to be reassured that even in tough times, they are loved and appreciated. Family activities and holiday traditions can really strengthen bonds and encourage genuine holiday spirit. If you don’t already have set traditions, make up your own. They can be great fun and not a lot of money!

The need to buy more “stuff” to feel satisfied and happy is part of what has gotten us all to this very challenging time. I think we can all agree, it’s not “stuff” that makes us truly happy. It’s our family and friends, it’s love and good health that really matter. Focus on these “gifts” and be sure to discuss this with your children this holiday season and beyond. It is so important for them to really understand.

Actions speak louder than words. Do something kind for a neighbor or friend, make it a family effort. Kids learn by doing and participating. We decide how we respond to challenging times and situations. When children see their parents handling life with grace, maturity and a positive outlook, it gives them a sense of security and wellbeing. It also gives them a great role model, that’s YOU!

So however you celebrate the holidays, remember to be grateful for the “gifts” in our lives. Love your family and friends, enjoy the season and life! Can’t you just hear Louie Armstrong now, what a wonderful world……….!

Central Florida Veg Fest

-Lisa R. Ramey, DO

This weekend I took my two children to the Central Florida Veg Fest. It was my first veg fest I had attended. It was great. There was no admission cost. There were multiple vendors from the humane society to organic baked goods to organic lawn care companies. My kids were able to paint a small ceramic pot and then plant an herb in it. We learned some great ways to help our environment.

 My intent of going was to try some samples of great vegetarian dishes from the local restaurants. I really liked this idea because it allowed me to get my kids to take a bite of some new foods without a large expense. Some samples they liked such as the vegetarian thai spring rolls and the cranberry and almond bulgur salad. They were not big on the slice of sweet potatoe pie that we tried. The main objective was that they enjoyed going, learned some new things, tried some healthy foods and I did not have to spend a lot of money for a fun morning out.

 Look in the Friday section of your local newspaper and try some new adventures. It is a great way to have fun with your family, try new things, learn new things and be outdoors. I think some people are very hesitant to spend a lot at the grocery store for something “healthy or organic”. People don’t want to spend the money on something they may not like. A festival such as the Veg Fest was perfect for trial and error. Don’t be so hesitant, the more organic and vegetarian we try the more we like.

Keep it positive

-Heather Quillen

Wow, it’s challenging to keep your positive attitude when there are so many things to be so concerned about.  However, it is really important for you to take time for yourself and make sure your stress level is under control.  Kids are so intuitive and can really read your emotions.  No big surprise, they will absolutely key off of you and your attitude.  Keep it positive.  Getting enough exercise and sleep is huge too. It’s about being committed to a healthy lifestyle for your children and you.  You will be better able to respond to life’s challenges and help your children to also!

 Remember, we are the adults, their role models and safety net.  Be aware of your conversations around your children and how you respond to them.  There are ways of letting kids know the family needs to be mindful of how their money is spent without scaring them.  It is best to be honest with your children about your family’s situation, if you need to move into a different home or take another job.  However, be certain to reassure your kids of your love for them and don’t share more information than is really necessary.  Otherwise, kids might blow it out of proportion or worry needlessly.

 Be sure to take time with your children and truly focus on things you are all grateful for in your lives.  Maybe reach out to a neighbor who could use your help or your compassion. Helping others and remembering what we are grateful for is an important and beautiful gift to give your children and it’s a wonderful reminder for us too!  A positive attitude and living a healthy lifestyle really do make a difference. Live with joy, love with all your heart and be kind and compassionate at every opportunity.  As Gandhi said, be the change you want to see in the world.

Halloween Treats, What to Do?

-Dr. Lisa Ramey

Halloween can be a difficult time for parents. Children will eat as much candy as they can as fast as they can. Here are a few tips that my husband and I use during Halloween.

We put a note on our door by the candy bin that each child can take one piece of candy, knowing that some will abide by that rule and some will not. As we walk with our children from house to house we tell them that they can take one piece of candy from each house. Either my husband or I physically walk to the door with our children to make sure that rule is followed out. The kids have to walk from house to house, when they are too tired to walk then it is time to go home. Walking also gives them exercise. We also inform them that when the bag is too heavy to carry then it is time to go home. Our kids have trick or treat bags that are appropriately sized. Don’t buy something that is too large.

When we get home, the candy is examined for safety and then placed in one large bowl. They can have 1-2 pieces per day, but only after they have eaten their 5 fruits and vegetable servings for that day. Talk to your kids and let them know why this is so important. We also request that they go brush their teeth after they have eaten candy.

Each year after Halloween I also take some of the candy to work for staff to help it go away. I tell my kids what I am doing, and again, use that time to teach them that they do not need so many sweets. Sweets are a treat and not to be eaten often. This concept also helps them understand the concept of sharing.

YoMedics™ Kids Journey to YoPower for Life!

Keeping your kids, your family and your life on track can be challenging enough, but add traveling to the mix and its sheer mayhem, I mean joy! It really does not have to be too painful for you or your little darlings.

From our home in central Florida, my nine year old son and I just went on a trip out West for him to attend a Suzuki Violin Institute Summer Program. We traveled with another Suzuki violin mom and her 8 year old daughter. Long plane rides, airports, rental cars and lots of driving with an 8 and 9 year old could prove to be daunting, trying to keep them hydrated, fed with reasonably healthy food and entertained – impossible? Not so!

Now granted, the other mom my son and I were traveling with is definitely on the health train and she and her daughter are loaded with family fun ideas. So our discussions about where we ate, snacks for the kids and activities, were pretty much in sync. Hint, get some really interesting books for summer reading for both you and the kids and leave the Game Boys at home. Encourage the kids to keep a journal for their summer adventures and get one for you too! With a little planning and creativity it can be done.

It really does help, when traveling with another family or just your own to think ahead about food choices, snack options and beverages. Not to mention trying to make sure you and your kids get enough sleep with all the activities, excitement and different surroundings in the mix!

We really had to be careful with keeping the kids hydrated too as we were in the desert, hiking, climbing and white water rafting, as well as the violin camp. They even reminded us in camp of studies showing the importance of hydration and sleep for kids’ brain development and learning abilities. Really important stuff, to be sure!

Remember, kids can consume a lot of calories in sugary drinks with little or no nutritional value. So plan ahead, pack your own snacks in reusable containers and bring your own water bottles to refill to stay hydrated. You’ll save money and give the planet a break too without creating waste. You can make better, healthier choices for your family and the planet while setting a good example for your kids!

Wow, that may seem like a lot to think about, but really it’s all the things we need to think about for our everyday life. Kids learn healthy “habits” just as they learn unhealthy ones. You choose - teach healthy habits for a lifetime of health! YoPower for Life!

By: Heather Quillen