Health Care Reform?

Maybe I'm missing it, but in all the heat generated by the discussion about health care reform from the politicians and media I don't see much about the one thing that will make the biggest, longest lasting difference: 'self care' reform.

I saw this billboard on I-88 heading East into Chicago from Aurora. It was sponsored by the local health care provider in the Western Suburbs - Dryer Medical. It said: "Busy yourself with your life. We'll attend to your health". No, thanks. That's how we got into this mess.

Many health indicators are going in the wrong direction - obesity rates, adult onset diabetes among children, Alzheimer's disease, and many more. Even if we could 'fix' the problem of who pays for what coverage we'll never be able to afford it for the long haul as we all get sicker and sicker -unless we change the direction of many trends. We are paying way to much for preventable diseases.

I lead a workshop for school faculty and for parents about brain research, but it is generally about health - take care of the brain and you've taken care of your whole body.

What does this have to do with faith formation in the home? I call the workshop: "Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength" . Parents pass on many things to their children. One of them is a view on stewardship... how we use what we have been given by God. The base gift is life itself and how we care for that, or not, says much about how we are able to worship God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

We continue to be impressed by the approach Dr William Sears takes. He is all about prevention, and gives very understandable information and very easy steps to make significant changes in family lifestyles so we can give God our best. As is the case with many books and web sites, there is often also a pitch. Much to learn from Dr Sears but you will also find a pitch for his supplements and more. We affirm his information without endorsing his products. If I was going to endorse anything it would be the products we have taken since Becky got cancer, way back in 1992. We eat as healthy as we can, we exercise and we take food supplements. And we have both essentially stopped getting sick with the flu, cold bug etc. How's that for a product pitch? ;)

Check out some info from Dr Sears on junk food and the brain.

Boredom

This also comes from the Walsh Twitter.

Interesting evidence from brain research that 'boredom' marks the start of the creative process, of imagination, of some good stuff... if we can let the 'boredom' happen for a while. We are so afraid of the phrase: "I'm bored". Can't wait. Fix it fast. Boredom is bad.

Wait it out a bit and get to the other side. When kids - and adults - learn that there is good stuff on the other side of 'boredom' they'll be more willing to stick it out. Parents, check out my blog on willpower. We need it when the 'boredom' dragon roars.

Countdown to Kindergarten

This is one of the links from the Walsh Twitter. Happens to be based in MD but I think this is bigger than that.

Countdown to Kindergarten - the page has a great link for parents... I like the fact that this gives parents the tools to help their children learn through everyday activities. Kids learn by watching. Kids learn by doing. What better than to learn by watching and doing with their parents. Everybody wins.

Dr David Walsh

Follow Dr David Walsh on Twitter for some excellent connections to practical info and ideas for parents.

"Put on your own oxygen mask first..."

You know what they say in the pre-flight speech about parents putting on their own masks first and then the masks for their kids.

That is a good idea for parents to do in their family life. And the 'oxygen mask' is ramping up your willpower. It takes lots of willpower to be a good parent! When we are worn out and tired and stressed we just don't have the gumption to stick with the "no" that our kids often need to hear.

I came across a very interesting article that is mainly about Alzheimer's prevention. And it is not a new drug. It is a lifestyle change.

Two places to check out:
The web site for Dr Vincent Fortanasce, a neurologist who has written a book called "The Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription" . He is not selling anything (except perhaps his book). Just telling the truth about how costly our lifestyle has become. He talks about "pre-Alzheimer's" in kids... yes, in kids. It is about lifestyle, how we eat, exercise and sleep.

Here is the second link, to a great Q and A session with him. About the second question into the article he talks about willpower and how it is connected to serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals our bodies readily make... when we eat well and exercise.

And once we have our own "oxygen mask" on, we can have the willpower to help our children eat well and exercise too. God calls us to give him our best. Going back to the basics will help.

Shout Out

Thanks to Rich Bimler for mentioning Fitz Family in a recent article he wrote called: "Fewer Gifts, More Presence" as part of The Inside Track from Church Volunteer Central.

Check out the resource (you can sign up for The Inside Track to come to your inbox). And check out Fitz Family Ministries as a possible ministry opportunity in your church or school: performance, workshops, speaking...