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!

Guest Expert  - Michelle L. Gaines, Ed.S

Catch yourself

The moment you feel yourself slipping, take action right away to get back on track. If you catch yourself quickly, you won’t fall very far.

It’s great when you can stay disciplined and focused for long periods of time. At some point though, you’ll get distracted and stray a little bit off course.

That’s not the end of the world. Don’t beat yourself up just because you’ve momentarily lost your focus.

Instead, give genuine thanks for how far you’ve already come. And then step right back on to the path you’ve set for yourself.

Being disciplined doesn’t mean being perfect. Remember that what really matters is what you choose to do right now.

Even if you slip back one step for every two steps you take forward, you’ll still be moving steadily ahead. Catch yourself, get back up, keep going and you’ll get there.

– Ralph Marston

 

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.

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……….!

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.

Heather Quillen and Lisa R. Ramey, D.O., co-founders of YoMedics™ contribute to a blog on www.yomedics.com that offers helpful tips and insights for parents about healthy living for kids

Orlando, Fla. – October 1, 2008- Heather Quillen and Lisa R. Ramey, D.O., co-founders of YoMedics™ recently launched http://www.yomedics.com, which features, among other things, articles and blogs relating to the health and well-being of children.  YoMedics™ is a company committed to improving our children’s future health through our actions of prevention today via an educational, fun and innovative approach to healthy lifestyle choices.  

 The blog section on the website is one of the most popular.  With Heather and Dr. Lisa both mothers of two, they offer invaluable insight and tips to help keep your kids healthy, educate them about the importance of healthy choices, and offer ideas for helping your kids lose weight, if needed.

Recently, Dr. Lisa and Heather Quillen wrote about topics ranging from healthy ideas for Halloween, to helping your children deal with the stress of family economic problems.  Dr. Lisa offered the following tip about Halloween candy: “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.”  In the recent blog about economic issues, Heather Quillen wrote, “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.”

These are just two of the recent blog postings on www.yomedics.com that are proving to be an invaluable source for parents to help deal with the health of our children.  To read these blogs and receive the free 10-day E-course called “10 Days to a Healthier Lifestyle,” please visit http://www.YoMedics.com

About YoMedics™: 


YoMedics™ is an innovative health and fitness organization founded by two mothers, health advocate and educator, Heather Quillen, and pediatric physician, Lisa R. Ramey, D.O. The dynamic health duo understands the key to fighting the growing health problems plaguing our society is through education. In the YoMedics™ child weight loss program and child optimal weight program, children are led through an entertaining journey for twelve weeks that uses characters and games to help them develop the tools they need to make healthy lifestyle choices now and later in life. The weight loss programs for children offer a way to be healthy and have fun at the same time. Through health and nutrition education today, YoMedics™ is building a brighter future for tomorrow’s leaders.

For more information, please visit http://www.Yomedics.com

-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.

-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.

Michelle Gaines, Ed.S

Physical Education Resource Teacher

• 1992 United States Olympic Track & Field Team Alternate
• 1996 United States Olympic Track & Field Team

 The Question: What is the Best Way to Reduce Stress?  Exercise!  Exercise is one of the best ways to control stress.  Physically active people are less likely to experience stress-related symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches and muscle tightness.  Teach children how to be aware of stress in their body and how to diffuse it effectively. 

 Exercise, exercise, exercise.  Getting physical activity every day is just as important as eating right.  Exercise helps kids do better in school and builds their self esteem.  Make sure your children are getting one hour of exercise every day.  They can play sports, dance or plan fun activities to do with their friends outdoors.  Remember, kids learn by example.  Take responsibility for your health too and set a good example for your children.

Fitness Tips

 Before and after.  You and your kids can organize a before or after-school club to get more athletic with friends or family. A healthy body equals a healthy mind.  Everyone likes to feel good.  Find friends and neighbors that want to join you and schedule the time and place each day of the week.  You can rotate leaders every week or month who get to decide what the group will be doing on your planned days.  What a terrific family activity!

 Measure up.  Find something to measure for you and your kids, whether it is how far or how fast they/you run, walk, bike, climb or how many minutes they/you can hold a balance pose.  YoMedics uses a fitness program that is based on yoga style poses, cardiovascular and isometric exercises, Yomagination.  Try a variety of activities. Chart your starting level and measure your progress several times over the next 3 months as you continue to practice your skills.  Your reward is your accomplishment!

 Find an Activity You Enjoy.  Everyone should be active.  There are options for all different interests.  There are team sports, individual sports and general physical fitness activities.  Kids should learn to develop exercise as a lifelong habit. 

 Here are some good exercises to try and home.  You can do these yourself, with your family or friends.  You decide and KEEP MOVING!!!!

 1

2

Orlando, FL – Heather Quillen and Lisa R. Ramey, D.O., health advocates and co-founders of the health and fitness organization, YoMedics™, will exhibit at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Chicago, IL, August 29 – 31, 2008. The conference will allow the opportunity to promote their healthy lifestyle alternative for kids, the12-week child weigh loss and optimal weight program, “YoMedics™ Kids Journey to YoPower for Life!”

“The conference is a great way for Lisa and me to promote our Flagship program, YoMedics™ Kids Journey to YoPower for Life!, which provides a whole health approach to weight management and wellness,” Quillen said. “We are actually working on specifications for the franchises now and our flagship program is available to pediatricians nationwide. This conference will allow us to showcase the benefits of the program to potential clients and partners.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics Conference invites pediatricians and health care workers from across the country to continue their medical education and help them improve their practice with technical exhibits, meetings and many networking opportunities.

For more information about YoMedics™ and weight loss for kids, please visit www.YoMedics.com.

About the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Founded in 1930 by 35 pediatricians, The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization now made up of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the health and well-being success of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Members include pediatricians, pediatric medical and surgical specialists who work in hospitals, offices and clinics across the country, Canada and Mexico. For more information on the American Academy of Pediatrics, please visit www.aap.org.

About YoMedics™:
YoMedics™ is an innovative health and fitness organization founded by two mothers, health advocate and educator, Heather Quillen, and pediatric physician, Lisa R. Ramey, D.O. The dynamic health duo understands the key to fighting the growing health problems plaguing our society is through education. In the YoMedics™ child weight loss program and child optimal weight program, children are led through an entertaining journey for twelve weeks that uses characters and games to help them develop the tools they need to make healthy lifestyle choices now and later in life. The weight loss programs for children offer a way to be healthy and have fun at the same time. Through health and nutrition education today, YoMedics™ is building a brighter future for tomorrow’s leaders.