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Books, Going Healthy, Health, Lifestyle, Parenting

I Can Be an Ultimate Ninja “Hit the Buzzer” – How All Kids Have Ninja Power Within

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As American Ninja Warrior fans, we have been captivated by so many Ultimate Ninjas and learning about the obstacles they overcame to reach their goals. As parents, we love seeing how excited our kids are to watch people from all over and of all ages push through their hardships while supporting each other along the way. Some of our favorite Ninjas, Jesse Labreck and Mike Silenzi, along Jeff & Jackie Piejak, founders of Ultimate Ninjas, published a book, “Hit the Buzzer (I Can Be an Ultimate Ninja)”, to reach out to kids and let them know that they can follow their dreams too.

This is the description on the book’s Amazon page:

Ever thought about the incredible feats achievable with sheer determination?

Hit the Buzzer (I Can Be an Ultimate Ninja) is an inspiring journey alongside a young boy who dreams of becoming a ninja. Eager and determined, Liam dives into the world of ninja, only to discover that the challenges he faces are far tougher than he ever imagined.

With unwavering support from his mentors, Coach Jesse and Coach Mike, Liam learns that true strength lies not just in physical prowess, but in the spirit of resilience and determination. Through persistent effort, frequent training, and unwavering positivity, Liam begins to conquer the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his path.

This heartwarming tale is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of setting ambitious goals. Join Liam as he discovers his inner ninja spirit, teaching readers of all ages the invaluable lessons of resilience, optimism, and the limitless potential that lies within us all.

In this book, you will:

  • Witness the protagonist’s unwavering determination, showcasing the transformative power of persistence even in the face of daunting challenges.
  • Discover how optimism, even in the darkest of moments, can fuel courage and inspire remarkable achievements.
  • Learn the strategies to set realistic yet ambitious goals, and witness the incredible transformations that occur when determination meets purpose.

This book is a celebration of the indomitable human spirit and the extraordinary feats one can achieve with unwavering determination. Get a copy now!

Here’s a recent editorial quote:

“Treat yourself to an inspirational tale of overcoming the odds. With indomitable will, resilience, and perseverance, humans are capable of mastering whatever they set out to do. This message is beautifully incorporated in Hit the Buzzer — a picture book for young readers. Authors Mike Silenzi, Jesse Labreck, Jackie Piejak, and Jeff Piejak tell a heartwarming tale that showcases the power of the human spirit and how it gives us the strength to conquer our doubts and fears. Anyone who has ever played sports or participated in any athletic activity as a kid will be able to relate to Liam. As a reader, you can’t help but root for him. I also loved how coaches Mike and Jesse offered him the necessary support and encouragement to achieve his dreams. The illustrations by Alejandro Echavez make the story even more enjoyable for the young reader. This is a motivational book parents that should definitely introduce to their children. Highly recommended.” — Readers’ Favorite 5-star review

Give it as a gift, get it for your kids, or do both, but know that this will be a fun and powerful way to get kids to be more active and maybe set some of their own goals to work towards.

Going Healthy, Health, Lifestyle, Parenting

Ten tips for a healthier and safer home for growing kids

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As our children grow, the dynamics of our homes change dramatically. No longer are they confined to cribs and playpens; instead, they become explorers of their environments, walking, running, and turning every nook and cranny into a new discovery. This shift brings with it a pressing need to reassess our homes’ safety and health standards. The transformation isn’t just about baby-proofing drawers and covering sharp corners; it extends to ensuring the very air they breathe and the systems that maintain the home are conducive to their health and safety. While some upgrades are crucial for safeguarding against accidents, others are essential for ensuring the overall well-being of our little ones.

Here are ten pivotal tips to make your homes safe and the environment healthy for your growing kids.

Secure Furniture and Electronics

One of the first steps in child-proofing your home for the mobile phase is securing furniture and electronics. Heavy furniture, like bookshelves and TVs, poses a tipping hazard that can be fatal. Secure these items to the wall using furniture straps or anchors. Similarly, ensure that electronics are out of reach or firmly secured to prevent them from being pulled down. This simple yet effective measure can prevent numerous accidents and injuries, making your home a safer space for your curious explorers.

HVAC and Plumbing Health Check

The systems that run our homes, such as HVAC and plumbing, often go unnoticed until a problem arises. However, for a home with growing children, ensuring these systems are functioning properly is essential for both safety and health. A malfunctioning HVAC system in extreme climates can lead to dangerous indoor temperatures, while a leaky plumbing system can cause mold growth and structural damage. Regular checks and maintenance by professionals who provide heating, cooling, and plumbing services can prevent these issues, ensuring your home remains a safe haven.

Non-Toxic Materials

Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of toxic materials and chemicals. This susceptibility makes it crucial to use non-toxic materials wherever possible. Opt for paints, finishes, and carpets that are low in VOCs to maintain cleaner indoor air. Additionally, when choosing new furniture or renovating, selecting materials that do not emit harmful gases or chemicals can significantly impact your children’s health and safety.

Safe Storage Solutions

As kids grow, so does their curiosity, especially towards things they shouldn’t touch. Safe storage solutions for hazardous items like medicines, cleaning supplies, and sharp tools are essential. Utilize high shelves and cabinets with childproof locks to store these items securely. Ensuring that these dangerous items are out of sight and reach can prevent accidental poisonings and injuries, contributing to a safer environment for curious hands.

Indoor Air Quality

The quality of air inside our homes can significantly affect our children’s health, particularly in their development stages. Beyond maintaining a clean HVAC system, employing air purifiers, controlling humidity, and ensuring regular air circulation can improve indoor air quality. These measures are crucial in preventing respiratory issues and allergies to provide a healthier living space for your family.

Child-Friendly Furniture

As toddlers grow, every corner of the house becomes a new territory to conquer. Selecting child-friendly furniture is crucial in this adventurous phase. Opt for pieces with rounded edges and soft corners to minimize the risk of injuries. Furniture that is sturdy and won’t easily tip over is essential for curious climbers. Additionally, ensure that materials used in furniture are non-toxic, as young children tend to put their mouths on surfaces. This proactive approach to choosing safe furniture not only prevents accidents but also contributes to creating a nurturing environment where children can explore freely and safely.

Adequate Lighting

Adequate lighting in a home does more than just illuminate spaces; it ensures safety for growing kids who are always on the move. Ensure that your home is equipped with sufficient lighting, particularly in play areas, staircases, and outdoor spaces, to prevent trips and falls. Natural light is also vital for children’s health and development, so incorporating elements that allow for plenty of sunlight can have a positive impact. Night lights in hallways and children’s rooms can provide comfort and guidance during the night, preventing accidents and promoting better sleep.

Safe Play Areas

Designating safe play areas within the home is essential for children’s safety and parents’ peace of mind. These areas should be strategically located where parents can easily supervise kids and away from hazards such as stairs, kitchens, and heavy furniture. Soft flooring materials like foam mats can cushion falls, and ensuring the space is free from small objects that could be choking hazards is critical. A safe play area not only provides a secure environment for children to enjoy their toys and activities but also encourages independence and creativity within safe boundaries.

Emergency Preparedness

Teaching children about safety and having a plan in place for emergencies are crucial aspects of creating a safe home environment. Families should discuss and practice fire escape plans, and children should know basic personal information and how to dial emergency numbers. Keeping a list of emergency contacts and medical information in an accessible location can be lifesaving in critical situations. Additionally, homes should be equipped with working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.

Regular Maintenance Checks

Regular maintenance checks are the backbone of a safe and healthy home environment. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers should be tested monthly to ensure they are working properly. Checking for potential hazards such as loose railings, cracked windows, and electrical issues should be part of a routine home safety audit. By keeping up with these checks, parents can prevent accidents and ensure that the home remains a secure environment for their children to grow and explore.

Conclusion

Creating a safe and healthy home for growing children requires thoughtful consideration and proactive measures. These steps not only prevent accidents and illnesses but also instill a sense of security and well-being in your home. As our children grow and explore, our homes must evolve to meet their needs, safeguarding their journey every step of the way. Remember, the safety and health of our homes directly influence the well-being of our little ones, making these efforts invaluable in creating a nurturing environment for them to thrive.

Going Healthy, Health, Lifestyle

Opioid Use Disorder: How Does It Occur and Who’s at Risk?

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How dangerous is opioid use? Well, we’ve followed statistics on the opioid epidemic for decades, but instead of getting better, the numbers show it’s actually significantly worse.

The change in drug overdose fatalities from 1999 to 2021 has increased more than six times. In 2021, almost 107,000 people died from an overdose, and more than 75% of those deaths were related to opioid use.

If you or someone you love is using opioids, even if they’re prescription like Vicodin or Oxycodone, you or they are at risk of an addiction and overdose. And if you even suspect there may be a reliance on them, look for an opiate addiction treatment in Thousand Oaks or nearest you.

Even short term opioid use is dangerous. Educating yourself on how an opioid use disorder occurs and who is at risk may just save your life.

What is Opioid Use Disorder?

Anyone who takes opioids can develop an addiction to them called opioid use disorder. However, just because you take a prescription painkiller after a surgery or for an occasional acute pain relief, this doesn’t mean you’re an addict.

The problem is that it’s impossible to determine whether a short course of this medication will make you dependent on it or not. There’s no hard and fast rule that says “these type of people are more likely to become addicted.” With opioids, it could be anyone.

Misusing these drugs, whether legally or illegally, accounts for nearly 100 deaths in the US every day.

Why Are Opioids So Addictive?

Some substances, like alcohol or marijuana, can be addictive, but most people who use them socially don’t become addicts. On the other hand, the odds of becoming dependent on opioids skyrockets with every use.

What’s the difference between these and other drugs? Opioids trigger the reward center in your brain, releasing powerful hits of endorphins like dopamine that convince you that you feel amazing. This effect has a co-consequence of taking away your feelings of pain and depression, but the results don’t last long.

If they have to choose between taking an opioid and being in constant, life-altering pain or sadness, it’s easy to see why so many people choose the opioid.

Yet, there’s a catch. Like with any drug, your body eventually builds up a tolerance to opioids. The dosage that once put you “on top of the world” when you first started using barely makes a dent in your pain soon after. When you build up this numbing effect to the drug, you need to take more and more to get the desired results. If you don’t, you may have withdrawal symptoms like increased pain, anxiety, and fatigue.

Who is At Risk?

A huge red flag that you have opioid use disorder is that you need more to get the results you want. But there are other risk factors that you should be aware of that make you more likely to become addicted to opioids, such as:

● Taking opioids in any form other than which you were prescribed them,

● Taking too much medicine in a short time,

● Taking more than the prescribed dose,

● Using opioids for more than a few days,

● Taking opioids young, particularly as a teen or in the early 20s,

● Having a history of substance misuse,

● Having a stressful environment at home or at work,

● Taking part in other risky behaviors

● Using tobacco regularly.

Although all of these factors can apply to any gender, women tend to have more long-term pain, being prescribed opioid medications in high doses for long periods.

To prevent this disorder, if you must use opioids, limit your use to no longer than three days to manage your pain after a broken bone or surgery. Ask for the lowest possible dose, and tell your doctor not to agree with you if you ask for a higher dose or a refill. Alternatively, ask if any other medication is available that would provide similar effects without the extreme risk of addiction.

If it’s too late and you think you or someone you know has an opioid use disorder, don’t wait. Contact an opioid treatment center today to find out how you can get help.