State to mom: Stop baby-sitting neighbors' kids

What about this silly law?

State to mom: Stop baby-sitting neighbors' kids
IRVING TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Each day before the school bus comes to pick up the neighborhood's children, Lisa Snyder did a favor for three of her fellow moms, welcoming their children into her home for about an hour before they left for school.

Regulators who oversee child care, however, don't see it as charity. Days after the start of the new school year, Snyder received a letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services warning her that if she continued, she'd be violating a law aimed at the operators of unlicensed day care centers.

"I was freaked out. I was blown away," she said. "I got on the phone immediately, called my husband, then I called all the girls" — that is, the mothers whose kids she watches — "every one of them."

Snyder's predicament has led to a debate in Michigan about whether a law that says no one may care for unrelated children in their home for more than four weeks each calendar year unless they are licensed day-care providers needs to be changed. It also has irked parents who say they depend on such friendly offers to help them balance work and family.

On Tuesday, agency Director Ismael Ahmed said good neighbors should be allowed to help each other ensure their children are safe. Gov. Jennifer Granholm instructed Ahmed to work with the state Legislature to change the law, he said.

"Being a good neighbor means helping your neighbors who are in need," Ahmed said in a written statement. "This could be as simple as providing a cup of sugar, monitoring their house while they're on vacation or making sure their children are safe while they wait for the school bus."

Snyder learned that the agency was responding to a neighbor's complaint.

Granholm spokeswoman Liz Boyd said the agency was following standard procedure in its response. "But we feel this (law) really gets in the way of common sense," Boyd said.

"We want to protect kids, but the law needs to be reasonable," she said. "When the governor learned of this, she acted quickly and called the director personally to ask him to intervene."

State Rep. Brian Calley, R-Portland, said he was working to draft legislation that would exempt situations like Snyder's from coverage under Michigan's current day care regulations.

The bill will make it clear that people who aren't in business as day care providers don't need to be licensed, Calley said.

"These are just kids that wait for the bus every morning," he said. "This is not a day care."

Snyder, 35, lives in a rural subdivision in Barry County's Irving Township about 25 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. Her tidy, comfortable three-bedroom home is a designated school bus stop. The three neighbor children she watched — plus Snyder's first-grader, Grace — attend school about six miles away in Middleville.

Snyder said she started watching the other children this school year to help her friends; they often baby-sit for each other during evenings and weekends.

After receiving the state agency's letter, she said she called the agency and tried to explain that she wasn't running a day care center or accepting money from her friends.

Under state law, no one may care for unrelated children in their home for more than four weeks each calendar year unless they are licensed day-care providers. Snyder said she stopped watching the other children immediately after receiving the letter, which was well within the four-week period.

"I've lived in this community for 35 years and everyone I know has done some form of this," said Francie Brummel, 42, who would drop off her second-grade son, Colson, before heading to her job as deputy treasurer of the nearby city of Hastings.

Other moms say they regularly deal with similar situations.

Amy Cowan, 34, of Grosse Pointe Farms, a Detroit suburb, said she often takes turns with her sister, neighbor and friend watching each other's children.

"The worst part of this whole thing, with the state of the economy ... two parents have to work," said Cowan, a corporate sales representative with a 5-year-old son and 11-month-old daughter. "When you throw in the fact that the state is getting involved, it gives women a hard time for going back to work.

"I applaud the lady who takes in her neighbors' kids while they're waiting for the bus. She's enabling her peers to go to work and get a paycheck. The state should be thankful for that."

Amy Maciaszek, 42, of McHenry, Ill., who works in direct sales, said she believes the state agency was "trying to be overprotective."

"I think it does take a village and that's the best way," said Maciaszek, who has a 6-year-old boy and twin 3-year-old daughters. "Unfortunately you do have to be careful about that. These mothers are trying to do the right thing."

I'm trying to get together funding for people and children affected by the disasters throughout the world now. My heart bleeds for them. I want to send out some of my big stash of Wai Lana yogi bars too, i'm sure these vitamins from Wailana will be welcome as well. I have some Red Cross friends flying over.

Heart burn

Sometimes I just experience bad heart burn.

I've been taking some of Wai Lana's digestive supplements to help this, and so far so good. I especially like the Wai Lana goji juice. It tastes fantastic.

I've been reading more about some heart burn causes too. Here are a couple of them:

Why am I in pain?

Heartburn is as American as apple pie—more than 60 million people experience it at least once a month. For some people—those with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD—heartburn can be a constant companion.

Some heartburn triggers are obvious: chili dogs, chocolate cake, Thanksgiving. But heartburn doesn’t stop and start with food alone. If you have constant heartburn, it's time to track down the real culprit.

Click through this slideshow to find some sneaky—and often overlooked—causes of heartburn.

Smoking

As if anyone needed another reason to quit: Smoking makes GERD worse.

Smoking can weaken the valve between the stomach and esophagus (so stomach acid flows back into the esophagus); cause fat-digesting bile salts to migrate from the small intestine to the stomach; and cut down on saliva, which normally flushes stomach acid out of the esophagus and contains a natural acid-fighter, bicarbonate.

How do you spell heartburn relief? Q-U-I-T. (If you need help, visit our smoking cessation center.)

25 foods to avoid

I think this is a great article: 25 Foods You Shouldn't Eat. Very insightful! I've been keeping tabs of these healthy articles and teaching the kids how to eat healthy. It was a bit challenging in the beginning but now they are starting to get used to it.

They just love Wai Lana's Goji Juice. I don't blame them either! It's definitely one of the best tasting, healthy juices I've ever had.

Not much else happening here. It's been busy. Nobody is sick now, which is great. Flu season is never a fun thing to go through!

Stay happy and healthy everyone! Do your Wai Lana Yoga and eat your veggies :)

Wanted dead: Tobacco

Tobacco remains one of the biggest killers worldwide. It's predicted that over 6 million will die of lung cancer next year. An aunt of mine was just diagnosed with lung cancer a few days ago- and she never even smoked herself, but her late husband did- and yes, he died of lung cancer. It's a tragic fact that so many people care so little for themselves and for their loved ones that they would light a cigarette without thinking twice.

I'm focusing on helping my aunt get through. We are waiting for more tests to see how far gone it is and what the options are. Lung cancer is a very painful- as you can imagine, and having seen her husband go through it was painful enough- and now this. Please pray for her.

I also have a friend who's been trying to kick the habit. I told her about Wai Lana yoga - and how yoga can help to kick the habit. She said it's helping her quite well now.

Getting sick

I've been very tired these days. So much to do all the time. I feel like I've got a cold coming on. I'm loading on my Wai Lana supplements and juices.

This is pretty nice to know:

Breast-Feed Infant Son

by Tom Henderson (Subscribe to Tom Henderson's posts) Sep 15th 2009 5:00PM

Just six months ago, Robbie and Susan Goodrich of Marquette, Mich., were expecting their second child.

Now Robbie Goodrich is the single father of two young children as he mourns the death of his wife while some two dozen women visit his house in shifts to breast-feed his infant son.
Nursing Moses

Life turns on a dime, Goodrich realizes, but this crosses the border into surreal. "I've spent the past few months getting used to the fact that this is reality now," he said.

He certainly never expected to become famous. Yet his story has been written up in everything from his hometown newspaper, The Mining Journal, to the June 15 edition of People magazine. Reporters keep calling him for quotes. At least six television producers have approached him about starring in a reality show.

"It would be a really boring show," Goodrich said.

Besides, he said, there's no way he would be put his infant son, 2-year-old daughter, and 11-year-old stepdaughter through that media meat grinder. "It doesn't care who you are," Goodrich said in an interview with ParentDish. "You're just a commodity."

The idea of two dozen women taking turns breast-feeding a widower's baby is apparently a sensation.

But Goodrich said it all began in a blur. He and his wife were professors at Northern Michigan University. He taught history, and she taught modern languages and literature. Susan Goodrich died Jan. 11 from an amniotic fluid embolism after giving birth to their son, Charles Moses Martin Goodrich (called simply Moses).

No words can describe how he felt, Goodrich said. "It was pure blackness."

Both Goodrich and his wife were strong advocates of breast-feeding. Laura Janowski, a family friend who was already nursing her own 4-month-old daughter, asked if he would like her to breast-feed Moses as well. Almost instinctively, Goodrich said, he answered yes.

Marquette is a college town of about 20,000 on the shore of Lake Superior in what Goodrich said is not so much rural as "rugged." The community is close. Everyone knows everyone else -- or least knows someone who knows someone. Plus, as a professor, Goodrich has a high profile.

His story spread quickly. Susan Goodrich's best friend, Nicoletta Fraire, took charge of organizing the team. Now some 25 women drop by the house to either nurse Moses personally or provide pumped breast milk. They've become a community.

"They don't just drop by for five minutes and leave," Goodrich said. "These are loving, nurturing women. They're proud of what they're doing. They're proud of the community, and they're proud of their new micro-community."

Team member Carrie Fiocchi told the Savannah Morning News in Georgia on Aug. 17 she realizes Moses isn't her baby, but the bond is inescapable. "He definitely feels like family."

"I felt like I was doing this for Susan," team member Kyra Fillmore said in the same article. "It's really emotional because, while it's nice to hold a newborn, I think to myself, 'It shouldn't be me.'"

Although the women's love for his son touches him, Goodrich said it is bittersweet for him. "Every moment of joy has sorrow in it." He still grieves the loss of his wife, but tries to put on as brave a face as possible. "The crying goes on in private," he said.

He echoes Fillmore's feelings about the breast-feeding. "It's a reminder of the loss," he said. "They're doing something that Susan would do."

Goodrich said all the publicity makes him and the women in his newfound extended family a little uneasy -- especially him. "They're the ones doing something special."

It's good to know there are still a lot of people caring enough to do this!

Another great piece of news is, all of Wai Lana Yogi bars and Yoga DVDs are on 20% sale

Wanted: Mothers for the Congress

I recently signed the Mom Congress. I encourage all concerned mothers to sign it too! It's a great opportunity to have your voice heard in the congress. This will affect our children. As parents, we are naturally concerned about our children and their well being.

This is one reason I make sure my kids are doing yoga with Wai Lana Little Yogis. I know they will be living their own lives and making their own decisions. I want them to be able to have everything they need to stay healthy, and be healthy. I trust that Wai Lana Yoga can do that for them, as it's done it for me. Of course I don't force the issue on them, and I am thankful that they actually enjoy doing their yoga and always ask to do it even on days I've forgotten to put the tapes on.

Happy living!

More sugar guidelines

Here's some news on sugar guidelines. Yet another reason to switch to eating Wai Lana's Yogi Bars.

New Sugar Guidelines: Not-So-Sweet News for Your Heart

In a shocking surprise to most of us dietitians, the American Heart Association (AHA) stood up to the food industry earlier this month and essentially made eating and drinking a lot of items in the supermarket off-limits.

Why? Because sugar has just earned a spot on the AHA’s black list, joining saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium as negative nutrients that need to be limited for your heart’s sake.

The AHA’s new recommendations on added sugars in our diet are the strictest of any major health organizations’ guidelines. Added sugars, by the way, are sweeteners that are used primarily in processed packaged foods and beverages—think sodas, cereals, and desserts. Added sugars are not the same as natural sugars, which are naturally present in fruit, 100% fruit juices, dairy products, and vegetables.

The AHA recommends that added sugar intake be limited to 100 calories (25 grams, or 6 teaspoons) per day for women, and to 150 calories (about 37 grams, or 9 teaspoons) per day for men.

Why the change?
Most of us now eat about 355 calories (88 grams, or 22 teaspoons) of added sugars each day, which is almost a 20% increase over the past three decades. When you consider that a 12-ounce can of soda or one cup of frozen yogurt packs in 8 teaspoons of sugar, meeting the new restrictions will make many foods and beverages off-limits.



(ISTOCKPHOTO)The sour truth to all this sweet stuff in our diet, according to the AHA report, published in the journal Circulation, is that several studies have linked high amounts of sugar intake to insulin resistance, hypertension, high triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes. While most food manufacturers would argue otherwise, the bottom line is that sweets may taste great, but they don’t add positive nutrients to our diet. In a nation of overfed and undernourished individuals, sugary foods need to be limited.

The AHA’s conclusion: There is sufficient evidence to link excessive sugar intake to the pandemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Tricks to limit added sugars
If you have a sweet tooth, you can probably make use of these tricks I use to limit added sugars and make sure I don’t blow my overall daily calorie budget.

Eat natural, whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as added sugars are primarily in processed foods. This is especially true for snacks, as between-meal noshes are often sugar-laden.
Since added and natural sugars aren’t distinguished from one another on nutritional labeling, it’s not possible to calculate exactly how much you’re getting each day. But as a general rule of thumb, the more processed a food is, the higher percentage of its sugars are added—especially if it’s not a fruit or dairy product, which may contain a mix of both.
For a better idea of the added sugar content, look at the ingredient list on packaged foods. If any of these are among the first three ingredients, the food is sugar-rich: brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, sugar (dextrose, fructose, glucose, sucrose), high-fructose corn syrup, honey, invert sugar, malt sugar, molasses, raw sugar, syrup.
Choose foods labeled low-sugar, sugar-free, or sugar-reduced.
Pay particular attention to the foods and beverages listed below, as they are the most common sources of added sugars in the diet.
Major sources of added sugar in Americans’ diets

Regular soft drinks: 33% contribution to total added sugar intake
Straight sugar and candy: 16%
Cakes, cookies, pies: 13%
Fruit drinks and “-ades” (not 100% fruit juice): 10%
Dairy (watch out for sweetened yogurt and ice cream): 8.5%
Grain-based foods (watch out for cinnamon toast and sweetened cereals): 6%

Time to get healthy right? I'm getting more Wai Lana yoga and pilates

Staying on the safe side

I've been wanting to make everything safe here. Another family member of mine got diagnosed with cancer again. I'm just starting to get paranoid. I've been researching on different things that can cause cancer, including plastic. Yes, that's right- water bottles are important. But be sure you're buying the right type of metal water bottles.

I've changed all of our yoga mats to Wai Lana Green. No more MSG here at the house, not even the yummy chips. Thank god for Wai Lana Whole grain chips!!

I'm sure all the families out there who have a loved one with cancer also go through the same worries and concerns. What a toxic world we live in - and so unaware of it too!

Going green

It's almost ironic sometimes, how I have these run ins with people who are either totally into going green, and who have all the green products you can think of- Wai Lana green mats, solar powered water heating systems, organic clothes, bamboo towels and what not.

Then there are those people who leave their AC on along with all the lights in their flats when they go off for a month long vacation or business travels. They eat wherever and whatever they please, and basically maintain a don't ask- don't care, don't want to know attitude towards the state of our environment.

Where to find the balance here? I think it's a matter of just educating people about the need for them to do their part, if they want to be able to continue living in a not so crazy-toxic world, and if they want their kids and grandkids to be able to play and romp in beautiful parks and etc. I gave one of the people I know one of Wai Lana's eco baskets, and because she liked it so much, she started asking about the green movement and is now trying to cut meat from her diet! I think that's a superb move to support the environment.

Happy living!

Autumn

Autumns' nearly here now and I'm looking forward to it. I'm planning to try out all of Wai Lana favorite soup book recipes this fall and winter. I'm sure I'll have plenty to try yet, and will find a few favorites myself.

I was reading CNN's Autumn of Change page a while ago and it made me rather wistful.

It's wonderful Wai Lana has so many new products. I can't wait to try out the "Yoga is for everyone" instructional DVDs. I think it's a great idea and just what we all need.

Healthy snacks

I've been into these healthy snacks recently. I just got myself some of Wailana's whole grain chips, - I got lemon chili and and my favorite flavor, BBQ.

I also got some pecan lara bars. I wish Wailana would make some pecan yogi bars.


It's great to have healthy snacks that don't feel or taste so healthy. :D

Back to school!

It's been a tiring day for me. It's hard to get everyone ready for school. Have to buy so many things. I'm just glad I can rest tomorrow. Thank God for weekends! And labor day sales. I got an email today from Wai Lana about a 50% off discount on all Wai Lana Supplements until September 14th. I need no other prodding. I am deathly worried that my kids or friends might get the swine flu or any flu at that- over the next few months. I've been doing everything I can to prevent that from happening, so this is perfect timing.

Not to mention, I am really looking forward to trying this fat burner and the goji. I've been a huge fan of goji since I started learning more about that wonder berry!

Asthmatic? Stay away from these things..

I've has asthma as long as I can remember. Mine is caused by allergies. Thankfully now that I've been doing neti with Wailana yoga and pilates mats pots it's basically gone away.

Here are some good things to avoid for your health's sake:

1. Fireworks
2. Cigarettes
3. Airbags
4. Flour
5. Gas applications
Gas appliances

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a byproduct released by gas appliances, has been linked to asthma symptoms in children.

A 2008 study followed 150 asthmatic children in Baltimore over a six-month period; it found that children who lived in homes with higher levels of NO2 had more frequent wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. (Most studies in adults have failed to find a similar effect.)

NO2 can aggravate asthma even in the relatively small amounts generated by gas stoves, heaters, and fireplaces. Properly venting appliances can help avoid unsafe NO2 levels, experts say.

6. Candles
7. Printers

Laser printers and photocopiers emit ultrafine particles that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. A 44-year-old secretary featured in the journal Allergy, for instance, experienced asthma and allergy symptoms for about 15 to 20 minutes each time she started to make photocopies.

Other types of printers have been known to cause respiratory symptoms as well.

In 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine published an account of a 62-year-old woman who began to cough and wheeze at work, where she sold lottery tickets in a small kiosk. Her doctors concluded that the ink used in the ticket printer was making her sick. When she stopped working in the kiosk, her symptoms disappeared.

8. Plastic

On a side, I just love Wai Lana Little Yogis Granola! I just got a box of it. :)

Wake up with yoga

Some days I just feel like all the energy was sucked out of me - kind of like a deflated balloon. It's hard to pick myself up or get myself to do anything, but with all the things I constantly have to do, I have no choice but to drag myself through the day and do things.

If I didn't do Wailana Yoga, I doubt anyone would see me half as much!

Here's a little quickie which is excellent for boosting your energy. It works for me, I'm sure it'll work for anyone!

If you need an energy infusion, try Camel Pose with Wai Lana. It opens your chest so your lungs are able to take in more oxygen. Plus, the act of bending backward is believed to stimulate your adrenal glands, revving you up. Do this move a few times a week—or whenever you need a little lift.

How-to: Kneel on your shins so your calves are hip-width apart and parallel to each other. Place your hands on your lower back so that your palms rest on the tops of your buttocks, your fingers are pointing up, and your elbows are hugging in. Draw your belly in and tailbone down to stabilize your lower back. Lift your chest directly up and away from the floor, tilting your head back.

If you feel comfortable, reach back and take hold of one heel with each hand (as shown), pressing down to create further lift in your chest. Stop if you feel any pressure in your lower back. Hold for 5–15 breaths, then come up smoothly by firming your belly and returning your hands to the tops of your buttocks. Sit on your heels to rest; repeat the move up to 3 times.