Friday, February 24, 2012

Jett Reading Out Loud

Here's Jett reading out loud at 23 months old:


At this point, Jett can read anything. But he's too young to make all the correct sounds, like "L" and "N", etc. He loves to read wherever we go. (That's why the grocery store is his favorite place since everything is labeled.)
(My husband was only supposed to get my hand in the video....)

Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiY1_Za7ZPY&list=HL1330148854&feature=mh_lolz

Related Posts
Alphabet Tactile Quilt
Changing Minds Foundation Protocol 


Interested in better supporting your child with Down Syndrome's cognitive and physical development?  Start here


Friday, February 10, 2012

2013 DS Conference Cruise




2013 Down Syndrome Cruise Conference,
Mission Possible: Sailing to Solutions 

 
 February 25th  – March 2nd , 2013 

to Labadee, Haiti and Falmouth, Jamaica!  
Bring your family for a one of a kind, life-changing experience. Learn proactive
solutions with an emphasis on nutrition, bio-medical intervention and innovative
therapies that address real issues and provide viable answers. This unique Cruise Ship environment offers you the extended opportunity to network with like-minded families. You can attend and discuss informative sessions, all while enjoying a fantastic vacation experience. 
Call 1-855-DSCRUIZ to secure your spot.

To see videos of success stories, go to the bottom of the page.

Informative Speakers  
 
Dr. Norm Schwartz, Integrative medicine specialist with over 30 years experience and an extensive background in treating complex chronic health problems.  Formerly medical director of Integrative Medicine for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare in Milwaukee, WI, he is now in private practice helping individuals and families dealing with ADHD, autism, Down syndrome and neurodevelopmental disorders using biomedical treatments.

Kent MacLeod, the founder of NutriChem, an award-winning pharmacist with over 30 years of experience in delivering patient centered complementary health care based on an Orthomolecular approach to health and wellness. He has researched, formulated and tested a broad range of nutritional formulas and supplements including a NutriChem vitamin line formulation for Down Syndrome. Author of Down Syndrome and Vitamin Therapy.

Linda Kane, Neurodevelopmentalist, parent of adult with DS, believes the potential of an individual is determined by the opportunities presented to them.  Linda travels extensively around the USA seeing families, lecturing and teaching. She has worked with thousands of individuals during the past seventeen years. Learn more at hope-future.org
 
Dr. Teresa Cody, parent of teen with DS, started Changing Minds Foundation, which suggests a protocol of treatment for many of the problems and symptoms in Down syndrome.  The foundation is dedicated to spreading the information of the latest scientific discoveries for those with Down syndrome and has plans to support research.   
 
Laurette Janak, parent to adopted teen with DS and Autism, independent researcher, speaker and advocate. Part of her work included coordinating a study on metabolic biomarkers and impaired methylation capacity in children with autism published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2004.

Kristen Morrison, parent to child with DS, author, creator of informative website: Naturally Better Kids, founder of the Grow Foundation for Naturally Better Kids shares methods which make it possible for children with neurological challenges to achieve potential beyond traditional expectations.

Geralyn Spiez, parent to child with DS, Master's level Occupational Therapist, author of Redefining the Reality of Down Syndrome; Baby's First Year and blogger of The Down Syndrome Action Plan.


Cyndi Ringoen, parent to son with a chromosomal disorder, neurodevelopmentalist, President of The International Association of Neurodevelopmentalists (ICAN) and owner of CAN-DO. Cyndi's has a wide-range of education including two degrees in psychology, The Bowen Technique, Rhythmic Movement and Samonas Sound Therapy.

Dr. Gregory De Silva, surgeon, clinical researcher and parent, will discuss evidenced based medicine and how it relates to DS treatment. He will also discuss DS cognition research.   

Lori Burgess, MS CCC SLP; Brea Maday, MA CCC SLP; and Shannon Desilets, PT will explain and demonstrate how Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI R) represents an effective, original addition to traditional interventions for Down syndrome. 


 
Bring your family for a sun-filled, fun-filled enriching experience! 

Cruise Highlights
Sailing Date: February 25, 2013
Five nights on board the “Liberty of the Seas” Royal Caribbean cruise

Monday, February 25th departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Departing 4:30 pm)
Tuesday, February 26th Cruising at Sea
Wednesday, February 27th Labadee, Haiti (Arrive 7:30 am, depart 3:30 pm)
Thursday, February 28th Falmouth, Jamaica (Arrive 8:30 am, depart 4:30 pm)
Friday, March 1st   Cruising at Sea
Saturday, March 2nd   Fort Lauderdale, Florida  (Arrive 7:00 am)


Cruise Details
Royal Caribbean offers excellent Youth Programs, which are staffed by
experienced, college graduates.  The children’s programs run most of the day, with breaks for lunch and dinner.  Since the children will be well cared for, parents can more easily participate in seminar presentations, network with other families and enjoy entertainment on board the ship including spa services.  Families can also explore together the exciting ports of Labadee, Haiti and Falmouth, Jamaica.
 
Note, there is also the ability to connect staterooms but on a first come availability basis.  Also, the number of staterooms in each category will be pre-set with fewer Grand Suites, Junior Suites and Balcony staterooms.  

All staterooms are available to be reserved with an initial deposit of $300 per person (with a credit card).  Final payment is due November 15, 2012.  We encourage you to book at your earliest convenience, to ensure you receive the best stateroom choice for your families’ needs and to ensure the success of this conference.  This includes a $50 per person conference registration fee for the 1st & 2nd passenger only, per stateroom. Call 1-855-DSCRUIZ to reserve your stateroom.

Benefits and Features of the Liberty of the Seas – 5 night Western Caribbean Cruise
 
Entertainment
• The DreamWorks Experience
• Saturday Night Fever: The Musical
• 3D theatre with first-run movies
• Outdoor poolside movie screen
 
Dining Experiences
• The Cupcake Cupboard
• Chefmakers Cooking Academy
• Vintages wine bar
 
Kids & Families
• Royal Babies and Tots Nursery
• ImagineOcean! Puppet Show
 
Ship Features:  FlowRider surf simulator, H2O Zone aqua park, full-size boxing
ring, barber shop, cantilevered whirlpools, ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall,
Royal Promenade, 9-hole miniature-golf course, golf simulators, theme bars,
Johnny Rockets and other specialty restaurants, and much more.

Casino Royale:  Eight Blackjack tables featuring Wheel of Madness and 3 Caribbean Stud Poker tables, 2 Roulette wheels, 1 Craps table, 1 Let It Ride table, 325 state-of-the-art Slot Machines ranging from $0.05 to $5.00, free casino lessons.  (Vegas-style gaming rules.)

Fitness Center:  The Fitness Center is a world-class facility that offers everything
from kickboxing to yoga and features state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment.
Some specialized fitness classes may have an additional charge.

Dining Options
• Main Dining Room
• Chops Grille  **
• Jade Sushi
• Johnny Rockets  **
• Portofino Restaurant  **
• Sorrento’s Pizzeria
• Windjammer Café
**  Speciality restaurants where additional charges apply 

Call 1-855-DSCRUIZ . We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have.

Please email or call:

Rosalie Newell-Wagner
Parent of a child with Down Syndrome 

President of the BC Down Syndrome Society
rosaliewagner@cruiseshipcenters.com
250-540-6529 
Toll Free Booking Number:  1-855-DSCRUIZ (1-855-372-7849)  http://www.rosalienewellwagner.cruiseshipcenters.ca/Promotions.aspx


Success Stories of Treated Individuals with Down syndrome
Emmanuel Bishop on You tube


Related Posts



Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Where to Find Healthy Food Near You


Sometimes healthy, organic food is hard to find and expensive. To make it a little easier on you, I've gathered links to great resources to help you find healthy food no matter where you are.

Where to Find Locally-Grown Foods

Here's a list of helpful resources from Dr. Mercola's newsletter:
  • For a listing of national farmer's markets, see this link.
  • Another great web site is www.localharvest.org. There you can find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies.
  • Subscribe to a community supported agriculture program (CSA). Some are seasonal while others are year round programs. Once you subscribe, many will drop affordable, high quality locally-grown produce right at your door step. To find a CSA near you, go to the USDA's website where you can search by city, state, or zip code.
  • Eat Well Guide: Wholesome Food from Healthy Animals is a free online directory of sustainably raised meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs from farms, stores, restaurants, inns, and hotels, and online outlets in the United States and Canada.
  • Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is dedicated to sustaining agriculture and promoting the products of small farms.
  • FoodRoutes. Their "Find Good Food" map can help you connect with local farmers to find the freshest, tastiest food possible. On their interactive map, you can find a listing for local farmers, CSA's, and markets near you.
  • For an even more comprehensive list of CSA's and a host of other sustainable agriculture programs, check out this link to his Sustainable Agriculture page.
Where to find Food Co-ops
I belong to two local food co-ops where I buy my produce, milk and some fermented foods. It's a great way to purchase fresh, safe food at lower costs.
Green People
Co-op Directory Service
Local Harvest

Where to find Healthy Grocery Stores
Your local grocery store may have a section for healthy food. But there are grocery stores that can better cater to your needs. Be sure to bring your Organic Food Coupons when you shop. (Also visit Commonkindness.com to find organic coupons and give to Down Syndrome OPTIONs at the same time!)
Organic Store Locator
Organic Grocery Stores
Organic Food Stores Worldwide

Where to get Healthy Milk & Dairy
Real Milk Locator

Where to get Healthy Meat
Local Harvest 


Healthy Dining Out
I do have a guide to eating healthy guide I put together for when you visit Disney World in the Orlando, FL area that I need to share as well.
Organic Food Database
Local Harvest’s Restaurant Finder
Worldwide List 
An article on healthier menu items at chain restaurants.

Related Posts

Nutritional Page