Allergies Getting You Down?

Well, it's springtime again. The air is warming up, the sun is shining and the sky is blue, and the plants and trees are in full bloom. Beautiful image right? Well if you suffer from seasonal allergies, not so much. For those of us who suffer through the beautiful spring and early-summer months, here's some information for you.

WebMD has some overall tips and ideas about allergies here. Even more interesting, is this pollen count indicator. You can click on the link, enter your zip code, and it will give you a four-day forecast of the pollen count for your area.

With these kinds of tools (and a good anti-histamine), there's no reason you can't make the most of your springtime, with or without allergies!

Contributing: Chris Giovarelli
Photo: Drouu

Spice Up Your Monday Nights

We all know the basic Family Home Evening formula: song, prayer, lesson, game and don't forget the dessert. But sometimes as children get a little older (and families a little bigger), they start to lose interest in this weekly program. Parents if you need some new ideas to keep you kids interested, here are a few ideas for children of all ages:

Down on the Farm

Are you ready to get your hands dirty? If you live in a rural area, arrange to visit a local farm. Some farms let visitors practice milking cows or explore wheat fields, while orchards will often allow them to pick they own apples or peaches. If you schedule this trip in the fall, you might even find hay rides or corn mazes for the family to enjoy. Younger children can learn about the different animals and plants, and older children may be interested in how the food gets from the farm to their table. Finish off the evening with a treat made from the produce you picked yourself.

Sporting Good Time

Rain, snow and sleet can't stop true sports fans. When the clouds roll in, head to an indoor sports arena in your area. Many of these complexes feature batting cages, swimming pools, basketball courts, ultimate Frisbee fields and other places to stretch your legs.

To create a little friendly competition, divide your family into teams and compete for silly prizes. As you race from one event to the next, you'll get the heart pumping and the blood racing. If this event is a hit, invite other families to join in the fun.

Explore the Local Library

Encourage your children to love reading while they are young, and they will love it for life. You can encourage a habit of lifelong learning by visiting the library often. Many libraries offer children’s reading programs or book clubs. If you prefer, you can start a family book club, allowing older children to read on their own while Mom and Dad read chapters to the younger children before bed every night. Discuss the story as a family. Another idea is to go to the library and find books for each other to read. Ask a librarian for help finding new books for your children.

Natural Wonders

Whether you live near rocky mountains, sandy beaches or the Great Plains, there's a nature preserve or national park nearby. Go beyond the backyard and explore more of our great planet. Pack a picnic lunch, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. Join a guided tour, or head out on your own with a book of local flora and fauna. To incorporate arts and crafts, bring along chunky crayons and white paper. Ask your children to collect an assortment of leaves, and then create leaf rubbings using the colors of the rainbow.

Science and Space Adventures

Have an aspiring astronaut or mad scientist in your midst? Plan an outing to a nearby science museum or planetarium. To appeal to little ones with little attention spans, many museums have launched hands-on exhibits that teach kids about everything from insects and fossils to earth-friendly lifestyles.
If stars are more your speed, plan your visit around the next eclipse or lunar event. The planetarium's giant telescopes and space experts will help shed some light on these natural phenomenon. Check out the schedule in advance to see if there are special events or IMAX films of interest.

Contributing: Janessa Cloward
Photo: Benjamin Earwicker

New ADHD Findings

Inconsistent short-term memory performance is a strong symptom of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, according to a new study by Dr. Julie Schweitzer of the University of California, Davis. Schweitzer conducted the study while at the University of Maryland.

"Our study helps explain why working memory may be fine at one moment and poor at another, just as one day a child with ADHD seems to be able to learn and focus in class and on another day seems distracted and not paying attention," Schweitzer said in a press release.

In the study, 25 children with ADHD and 25 children without the disorder were asked to perform a number of tasks on a computer. The researchers found that those students with ADHD had considerably less consistent response times, however the study indicates that their rate of correct responses was not any lower.

These findings indicate a measured reason for the seemingly contradictory and erratic focus of those with ADHD.

In a related, though not affiliated study, federal researchers, funded by the National Institute for Mental Health, have reported that the use of drugs to aid children with ADHD is typically only helpful for the first 24 months. The study also found that long-term usage of ADHD drugs may suppress growth in children.

While the study's findings should not be considered definitive, it does continue the heated, two-sided debate of what some consider the over-medication of America's youth. The study also contradicts an earlier study on the same topic.

Approximately 2.5 million American children and teenagers take ADHD medication.

Contributing: Chris Giovarelli
Photo: H. Valdez

Springtime = Outdoor Party Time

It may be snowing in Provo as I write this entry, however in the weeks and months to come, the inevitable spring weather will arrive and with it, will come our increased desire to be outside. Along with a desire to be outdoors, we will probably seek for ways to enjoy it with those close to us.

If you'd like to kick-off the spring time with a party, but aren't quite sure of the size or theme you'd want to pursue, Country Living online has provided ten fun ideas here. On the same site, you can find BBQ ideas and other outdoor suggestions.

Whether you have a yard of your own, head to a park, or a community commons area, the ideas on their site can be adapted to meet the needs of a large party or an intimate gathering. If you're anything like me, you are eagerly awaiting sunshine and shorts weather. Hopefully some of the ideas listed on Country Living's site will provide some inspiration for a spring time kick-off. If you've got any ideas, please leave a comment!

Contributing: Chris Giovarelli & Beth Hansen
Photo: Wim Demortier

Common Infant Bath Products Found to Contain Carcinogens

A number of popular infant toiletries contain potential cancer-causing agents according to a new report from a non-profit advocacy group.

The Washington Post and a number of other news outlets reported the findings yesterday. According to the WP, "Some of the biggest names on the market, including Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo and Baby Magic lotion, tested positive for 1,4-dioxane or formaldehyde, or both, the nonprofit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics reported."

This report raises concerns, as we seek to safeguard our young ones against possibly dangerous chemicals--at any level.

You can read the entire Washington Post article here, or you can read the report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics here.

Contributing: Chris Giovarelli
Photo: Tracy Woodward

BYU Study: Video Gaming Negatively Effects Relationships

A new study connects young adults’ use of video games to poorer relationships with friends and family – and the student co-author expresses disappointment at his own findings.

Brigham Young University undergrad Alex Jensen and his faculty mentor, Laura Walker, publish their results Jan. 23 in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence.

The research is based on information collected from 813 college students around the country. As the amount of time playing video games went up, the quality of relationships with peers and parents went down.

“It may be that young adults remove themselves from important social settings to play video games, or that people who already struggle with relationships are trying to find other ways to spend their time,” Walker said. “My guess is that it’s some of both and becomes circular.”

For the record, Walker did not stand in the way of her family’s wish for a Nintendo Wii. Jensen had hoped to find some positive results as justification for playing Madden NFL.

Study participants reported how often they play video games. They also answered a battery of questions measuring relationship quality, including how much time, trust, support and affection they share with friends and parents.

But the researchers say video games do not themselves mean “game over” for a relationship because the connection they found is modest.

“Relationship quality is one of a cluster of things that we found to be modestly associated with video games,” Walker said. “The most striking part is that everything we found clustered around video game use is negative.”

Statistical analyses also revealed that the more young adults play video games, the more frequent their involvement in risky behaviors like drinking and drug abuse. Young adults who played video games daily reported smoking pot almost twice as often as occasional players, and three times as often as those who never play.

For young women, self-worth was low if their video game time was high.

And despite heavy involvement with the research, Jensen does not admit the results to his own family. For now he holds out hope that future research will exonerate consoles or games designed for multiple players.

He’s also curious how video games may affect young couples. Nearly three-fourths of college-aged men in the study played video games regularly. By comparison, just 17 percent of their female counterparts played more than once a month.

“The gender imbalance begs the question of whether chasing a new high score beats spending quality time with a girlfriend or wife,” Jensen said.

Walker teaches in BYU’s School of Family Life. Her colleagues Larry Nelson and Jason Carroll are co-authors on the study.

The new study stems from Project READY, a broad effort looking at young people and the transition to adulthood. The project began in 2004 with an extensive survey of college students around the country. Researchers are beginning another phase of the project that will follow a new batch of students over time. Reports by Project Ready researchers have been published in academic journals such as Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Journal of Adolescent Research, Journal of Family Psychology and other peer-reviewed publications.

Contributing: Joe Hadfield
Photo: Jaren Wilkey/BYU

To Preschool or Not to Preschool?

Will preschool affect the long-term success of your child? It appears the jury is still out on the exact answer; however a 2007 report seems to indicate that children who attend preschool may have a greater likelihood of continuing their education and even being more successful at it.

Children that attend preschool have a higher high school graduation rate, require less special education and in the long-run are less dependent on government welfare, according to a 2007 report by Preschool California, a nonprofit advocacy group which helps young children find better access to high-quality education.
Among other things, the group’s studies show that preschool helps children grow accustomed to a classroom atmosphere earlier, facilitating heightened performance in areas such as literacy later on.

In a 2003 report for the Council of Chief State School Officers, Senior Project Associate of Early Childhood and Family Education, Jinhee Lee gave insight into the effects of early education.

“A student’s achievement in high school can often be traced back to his or her participation in preschool,” Lee said. “This is especially true for high-risk students who have participated in high-quality preschool programs.”

While the aforementioned examples suggest that preschool is vital in the long-term success of young children, there are some who feel that pre-kindergarten education isn’t necessarily the catalyst for high performing students. Barbara Frank, a mother and author of several books on homeschooling, including, Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers, stresses the point of not putting your child through school too early, or for the wrong reasons.
In an online article, Is Preschool Necessary? Frank states, “My issue is with the parents who believe preschool is the only way to raise an intelligent, successful child, or who buy into that so they can do their thing.”

Frank calls attention to the fact that while preschool advocates may indicate that early education may produce successful students, it doesn’t have a monopoly on stimulating a child’s progression.

In the end, each family must decide what is best for each of their children. Depending on a child’s maturity and a myriad of other variables, formal schooling may be ideal from the young age of three or put off until kindergarten. Laura Davis and Janis Keyser, authors for the online parenting magazine, iVillage, wrote, “[Preschool attendance] is a very personal decision, it is important that parents don’t feel pressured about making the decision.”

Contributing: Tijs Sirrine
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

A "Secret Garden" Revealed

If you and your family happen to find yourselves near Trolley Square in Salt Lake with some time on your hands, you may be interested in an often-overlooked public park that is the only designated "visionary art environment" in the state of Utah.

The Gilgal Sculpture Garden located at 749 E 500 South. was the artistic vision of Thomas Child, a Salt Lake City resident who built the garden beginning in 1945 until his death in 1963.

The garden boasts a dozen sculptures and various other engravings, all created by Child in order to produce a space that could take individuals away from the world and into a place of solace. The area was a labor of love for the man, who used unique technique to create the various art pieces. The garden's interesting sculptures mostly revolve around religious themes and have been a source of mixed opinions since the site was opened to visitors (especially the Sphinx with Joseph Smith's face on it).

Speaking of the images and messages communicated by his work, Child said, "You don't have to agree with me, you may think I am a nut, but I hope I have aroused your thinking and curiosity."

Currently a restoration project is underway to repair some of the sculptures that have suffered damage from exposure and vandals over the years. More information and a photo tour of the garden can be accessed at the sculpture garden's Web site.

The small public park is open daily April-September from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and October-March 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weather permitting.

Contributing: Chris Giovarelli & Kari Newman
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Up for the Trek?

Have you ever sat in Sunday School wondering what it would have actually been like to cross the Great Plains with the early Mormon Pioneers? What were the real challenges they faced, especially when crossing with families? What was it like traveling all of those miles by wagon or on foot? And what was the big idea behind those frilly bonnets the ladies wore? Well, whether or not you tend to daydream in your Sunday classes, the BYU Department of Recreation Management and Youth Leadership is providing an opportunity for would-be pioneers to get a glimpse of what a Mormon Handcart Company would have gone through.

From their site:

The Mormon Trail Handcart Trek 2009 allows individual participants and family groups to re-create the historic trail. Participants will wear pioneer style clothing and camp each night along the trail. All participants will also participate in various academic courses and special events, such as daily devotionals and dances.

The Trek is divided into two sections:

• Spring 2009: 27 April–20 June, 2009, Iowa City, Iowa to approximately North Platte, Nebraska.
• Summer 2009: 22 June–26 August, 2009, approximately North Platte, Nebraska to Salt Lake Valley.

A unique opportunity is available for a limited number of families to join the Mormon Trail Handcart Trek that takes place April 27 through August 26, 2009. Families who apply for participation in the trek will be research subjects in an on-going project by BYU faculty and students that focuses on how “wholesome recreational activities” strengthens families. Along with being part of the daily handcart trek, participants will be involved in research methods that include in-depth interviews, observations, and journaling.

Family participants are invited to join the trek for a week at a time beginning on a Sunday and ending the following Sunday. Sundays are non-travel days and facilitate an opportunity for families to more easily transition into the trek company and to spiritually benefit by being included in Sabbath day worship on two Sundays. If desired, families may apply for multiple weeks. Due to the logistics involved with this type of event, applications will only be considered for those who can participate for the entire week. No applications for partial week participation will be accepted.

All meals and support services are provided. All trek participants will tent camp each night. No accommodation is available for RV use. Expect to walk and help pull handcarts (approximately one per 10 people) from 15-25 miles per day.

Only 80 spots per week are available for family participants. APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR FAMILY PARTICIPANTS IS MARCH 1, 2009, but slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Costs for the week-long family trip are:

• Ages 13 and up: $250 per week
• Ages 4-12: $200 per week
• Ages 3 and under: Free

Please click here to visit the program site for more information.

Contributing: Chris Giovarelli & Kari Newman
Photo: BYU Museum of Art

Breastfeeding Should be Prolonged

According to a recent BYU study, not enough moms are continuing to breastfeed for the recommended first full year. The recommendation comes from The American Association of Pediatricians, but the study found that only 36 percent of moms breastfeed past six months. A mother's milk, when available, is the best for babies, as it is easily digested and provides antibodies that prevent ear infections and other illnesses.

Read the release and what various news outlets published about the study here.

Contributing: Chris Giovarelli
Photo: Colleen Harker

Give a Little Attention to the Younger Kids

If you are the youngest in your family, you probably felt like your parents didn't spent quite the same amount of time with you as they did with some of your older siblings (of course we probably got away with more things than our older siblings did). According to a BYU study, your perception is true. BYU researchers found that first-born children received about 3,000 more hours of quality time with their parents between the ages of 4 and 13 than those siblings who come after them and pass through the same age window.

And the kicker is, that isn't even counting the first few years of life when the first child in inevitably coddled and pandered more than any other.

If you've just had your second or you're on to many more, remember to spend some one-on-one time with each of your children, as suggested by the Church's Home and Family Resource page.

Read the release and various stories on the study here.

Contributing: Chris Giovarelli
Photo: Jaren Wilkey/BYU