Mick's Emotions

It's been a while, since I've written about mindset.  The following topic has been a concern of mine for quite some time... since the start of this blog, in fact.  Something on the radio this week reignited the spark for it, and in light of recent events, it's fitting.

We all know our kidderz watch us closely.  It doesn't matter what we say, as much as much as what we do.  Sometimes we don't see how much those wee ones copy us.  It might take a comment from an unrelated observer, before we step back and observe that tyke ourselves.  Then we truly discover the consequences of our behaviors, as we watch our little shadow play out movements, speak words, and even react exactly as we know we would... if we can admit it.

Unfortunately, I'm not perfect... and I'm seeing it mirrored in my kidderz.  Ugh.

We have the ability to form in our children what reactions they have in stressful - even terrifying - situations: For instance, terrorist acts.

What I heard on the radio this week was a quote from a doctor, in regard to how best to talk to our children about this type of event:  Teach them that they should be vigilant and alert, but not timid.

That is a great way to put it.

The initial event that got this topic going a couple of years ago was Hurricane Irene.

All around us, people were hyped up.  The media got everyone going.

I'm not saying we should not prepare.  Definitely, we need to be informed and have a plan of action.  However, I could see it getting so bad that children were terrified.

I love the line from A Bug's Life, when Mr. Soil says: "Do not panic, do not panic!  We are trained professionals. Now, stay calm."  

That is kind of the gist of the message from the doctor on the radio.  No, we parents are not trained professionals (though we wish we were trained as professional parents sometimes), but we are in charge of our family's well-being, and we are our children's teachers.


Moments like these are great learning opportunities.

During the hurricane:

Were hubby and I uncertain of the right decision of whether to stay or evacuate?  Yes.

Was I a bit scared?  Yes.

Did we take precautions?  Most definitely.

Was a backup plan in place?  Uh-huh!!!  You'd better believe it!

However, instead of falling into the defeatist attitude of "we're doomed," and running around in a panic, not thinking clearly, we chose to follow through with my birthday wish for that week:  Have some family photo booth fun!

We had to change it up a bit, since it wasn't a good idea to be outside in the crazy weather, which meant going to the mall's photo booth wouldn't be an option.  So, we gathered all our hurricane emergency supplies, huddled together in our tiny downstairs bathroom, as our "fallout shelter," and enjoyed a photo booth experience.

Yes, the picture you see here is the actual result of our silliness.  The kids loved it... and so did the parents.  We did not forget what was happening all around us, and we did keep up-to-date on the storm, etc., but we also passed the time much more pleasantly than we could have.

Granted, there were some very serious conditions, in which people were terribly affected.  Those are times of crisis, when plan becomes action.  Wisdom is necessary.

Until it gets to that point, though, we can remain lighthearted.

In whatever situation, we can have hope and joy.

Can we teach that to our kidderz?  Yes, we can!

Do you choose to go into panic mode, get your kidderz all riled up, and teach them that the way to handle a crisis is through confusion, chaos, and drama?

OR...

Do you choose to remain calm, formulate a plan, and teach your kidderz to be vigilant and alert, rather than timid?

"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold."

2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV)

~

Mick’s Kids with Chiropractic

It’s Tuesday!  It’s chiropractic appointment day! 

To my kidderz, it’s second-nature to head to the chiropractor’s office.  My husband and I made sure we all were under chiropractic care since long before they were born, to use my son’s words from this brief interview I'm sharing.  The grandparents still remember watching my daughter as a toddler scurry onto the adjustment table, lay face down, and say in a muffled voice, “I ready!”

We want to teach our children healthy habits to build a foundation for a good, long life.  So why not include chiropractic in the mix?

As a Christian family, we build our home on a strong foundation in Christ and our faith in the saving grace and love of our awesome Creator God. 

Continuing that theme of building on a strong foundation, “The Weekly Sticky” this week ties it all together:

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A house that's built on a strong foundation lasts.  The same goes for your health.  If you want a healthy body for life, you need to start with a solid foundation of health care that can support it for a long time.

Chiropractic's foundation is its Principle, which acknowledges we all posses an intelligent, vitalistic force within us that maintains our existence and keeps our bodies working in perfect order.  When this Power is allowed to express itself 100%, we have health.  When the Power is interfered with, we have Dis-Ease.  Eating properly is important, and so is exercise… but if the Power doesn't flow, your house will crumble.

Health built on a foundation of drug therapy is risky and cannot stand for long.  Health built on a foundation that works with the innate wisdom of the body, can weather any storm.  What foundation is your health standing on?

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“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine
and puts them into practice
is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose,
and the winds blew and beat against that house;
yet it did not fall,
because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine
and does not put them into practice
is like a foolish man
who built his house on sand.”
Matthew 7:24-26 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up Moms

This is dedicated to all the moms out there!

Being that this blog from a mom’s perspective has the goal to help families live healthier, and because it’s my mother-in-law’s birthday, today’s post is dedicated to moms.

I asked some friends of mine (who in the recent past have discovered a new lifestyle including running) for some words of wisdom, from a healthy mom’s perspective.  Enjoy!

Jenny writes:

♪♫ Happy birthday, Mom W!♫♪

“My experience with healthy family life really evolved out of my own up and down weight.  I did not start out teaching my girls healthy habits.  I admit they have eaten their share of frozen chicken nuggets and fries.  I was not much of a cook early in their lives.  As I learned more about how I needed to eat to feel better and maintain a healthy weight, I also learned how to cook.  This is not always greeted with enthusiasm by my kids, but they have learned to try new things and even grown very fond of many great healthy dishes.  Lets face it, cooking at home is so much better and cheaper.  Oh and letting my kids help in the kitchen has increased their awareness of what they eat and gotten them more excited about it. I also was very aware, as a mother of girls, that I needed to lead by example.  There are frightening statistics on teen and preteen girls and eating disorders.  So I wanted to lead by example.  I cook healthy, eat regular meals, and work out at least a few days a week.  I also discovered that a one month membership to the Y was cheaper than one evening out to dinner and a movie with my family.  As a family, we discovered the beautiful area in which we live and do some hiking.  I won't say we never eat out or enjoy a less than healthy treat but we do so in moderation.”

Stay tuned for Shannon's writing:
“[Shannon's awesomeness entered here!]”

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Some quick ideas for healthier nutrition for the family can be found in the resource I have used for the past year to get my family to our current improved state of health, which is the Maximized Living Nutrition Plan book by B. Lerner, BJ Hardick and K. Roberto.  It has similarities to the Paleo Diet or Raw Diet or Primal Diet… but it is less raw, much better, yummier, easier to follow, and more family-friendly.  Have fun exploring!

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A fellow blogger Carla Gardiner of CarlaJGardiner.com posted an article that fits well with today’s Mick’s up Life:  Why Do People Sabotage My Health Plan?  Enjoy… and become inspired! 

Attribution Statement: This article (Why Do People Sabotage My Health Plan?) was first published at CarlaJGardiner.com.  To receive your own FREE "Secret to Turning Back the Clock" video, go to CarlaJGardiner.com and claim your free video NOW!

Carla J Gardiner is an ex-banker turned entrepreneur who built an auto transport brokerage and dispatch center from the ground up. With half a days training and little else Carla learned the business inside and out the hard way…by doing it. Her passion and purpose lies with the people she works with daily; the client, dispatcher, broker and truck driver. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new division of her company; a part-time business to to properly train, encourage and mentor others in turning back the clock and regaining youthful health.

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“A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life…. 
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
‘Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-31 (NIV)

~

Mick’s in the Age Factor

With all the fun gadgets at their fingertips, it continually gets more difficult to get the kidderz up and moving, but we want to teach them good habits for a lifetime of health, don’t we?  Let’s not curse our children into a sedentary life of dis-ease.  Let’s figure out ways to incorporate exercise into our  lives AND theirs.  Let’s set a good example. 

It’s hard to believe, but kidderz have shorter attention spans for structured exercise than we adults do.  So, what better way to find a fitness routine that works for the family than to look into short-duration exercise.  The benefits are mentioned in Mick's up Exercising.  One of the forms of short-duration exercise is P.A.C.E., developed by Dr. Al Sears.  He says of one of his patients, “after she dropped 30 pounds of fat and shed over 25 inches, her whole family joined in.  Now they all do P.A.C.E. together. ” (Power for Healthy Living)

Yes, you can truthfully say kids get incidental exercise throughout the day, but when they get a healthy dose of exercise, it’s not only good for them… we also reap some added benefits: “Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges — from running to catch a bus to studying for a test.” (Kids' Health)

Not only do we benefit from exercise when the kidderz benefit, but we can be like kids again ourselves!  “Exercise is one of the most natural ways to ensure release of more HGH.  However, it is regular and intense workouts that work better in place of longer workouts.” (Articlesbase)

Why do we want the HGH?  What is HGH?

HGH: “[Human] Growth Hormone and testosterone are effective and you’re supposed to make them yourself – and you will if you apply the power of short duration, high output exercise.  While studies show that ultimately, low intensity exercise does nothing for hormones – and can even produce bad hormones – short duration, high intensity can literally take years and pounds off your body.  The impact of exercise and the damaging effects of aging could be greatly reduced if you learn how to use exercise to induce a “good” hormone response.  Doing this type of exercise, you’ll also see fat that was hard to dislodge, begin to go quicker. Studies have shown that when you crank up the intensity for a short period to the point where you can feel the burn, growth hormone is released in such a way that better regulates fatty acid through your metabolism.  Again – exercise is natural, safe, and has NO SIDE-EFFECTS.  It’s the TRUTH!” (Maximized Living)

HGH = Human Growth Hormone = promotes organ growth and is an important regulator of fuel metabolism in both health and disease (The Endocrine Society) = looking younger!

Remember my reference to the magical age of 30 in Mick's in Oxygen?  Check this out: “The production of HGH slows down after the age of 30, and this is supposed to be the main cause of aging.” (Articlesbase)  You want to look younger, don't you?

Whatever your age, exercise is important.  So, get moving... fast... and take your family with you!  Remember... It doesn't have to take long.  You'll even have time for a board game and sitting at the table to eat together.  You can start a new tradition!  Mix it up!  Have fun!

Ladies:
On Friday, we’ll look at why we want testosterone.  Have no fear!

Get empowered!  Here’s a head start on more research and a couple of fun links to share with your kidderz*:

Be a kid again!

Kaboose*
Anti-Aging
Healthier Talk
Maximized Living
Tiny Body Clocks
Why Exercise is Cool*
Healthy Aging Review
Exercise for Children - Medline Plus
A Family Culture of Maximized Living
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
HGH and Exercise - Increase HGH with Exercise


I definitely do not encourage use of any type of drugs.  There are sites out there promoting HGH supplements.  The best way to boost your HGH is naturally through exercise.  There are special cases, but those are for doctors to advise.  Get a 2nd and 3rd and 4th opinion!  Don’t forget:  See what a chiropractor would say.  They are doctors, too!

“Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.“

Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

~

Mick's up on the Sniffles

This seems to be sniffles week, so we'll finish it off strong!

You know how it goes.  Kidderz are the ones blamed for getting the sniffles and fevers and bringing them home (or from the teachers' point of view:  to school) for us adults to end up sick, too.  As the old saying goes, "Misery loves company!" 

It seems we're doomed.  It's just part of the process.  It has to happen… but isn't there a better way?

In my research, I found an awesome site:  International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA, Inc).  This site is all about helping your kidderz be at their 100%.  Remember from Mick's Signals: Central Nervous System at 100% = Immune System at 100% = Kidderz at 100%.

When is it best to start kidderz under chiropractic care?  You'll find the answer at the above ICPA link.  If you want to read more, check out the article on Chiropractic: The Answer for a Healthy Pregnancy and Healthy Baby!

"If a woman is pregnant her needs are increased, because the nervous system of a woman directs the creation of the fetus and the embryo to begin with. When a woman receives adjustments during her pregnancy, there is also better delivery, less back pain, healthier children, and less chance of a miscarriage" - Sir Jay Holder, M.D., D.C., Ph.D., of Miami, Florida

Are your kidderz beyond that stage already?  Well, have no fear!  Get them started today!  It's never too late for chiropractic to have a positive impact on a life.

Kids Having Fun
at the Chiropractor's Office

Look for a principled, corrective-care chiropractor near you, and get your family on your way to combatting those sniffles!

In the meantime:
Remember to load up on that Vitamin D3 over the weekend, and then we'll touch on it some more next week, as we get into the family's nutrition!  Have a restful, healthy, fun, family-oriented weekend!


"Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD."  Psalm 102:18 (NIV)

~

Mick's up Grandparents

"Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6 (NIV)

Yesterday was Grandparents' Day!  Did you let anyone in your life know how much you appreciate them as grandparents, whether natural or adopted?

There are such fond memories in our family.  Grandparents have always been an important factor on both sides.  Christmases at the Lanning house were always special, as all of us 15+ cousins reconnected.  Long summer days spent on the Johnson Farm with the horses, kittens, dogs, and cows, were filled with activity.  Grammy never let us be idle.  My brother learned some of his best baking and gardening skills there.  Somehow, those traits missed my genetic makeup. 

Grammy sledding at age 85 with my children

When it comes to grandparents, my dad and father-in-law have something in common.  They didn't know theirs, because the grandparents died either before they were born or soon after.  Realizing what they missed is what makes the grandparents in our lives and the lives of our kidderz so much more important.

My husband and I were blessed with grandparents all during our growing-up years, and even into the adult years.  My great-grandparents were around long enough for me to remember family gatherings at their house.  My husband and I see how blessed our kidderz are to have all four of their natural grandparents alive to spoil them and watch them grow.  It's even more special that our kidderz have great-grandparents to love on them.

The last of my husband's grandparents passed away in Ohio one month before we started dating, so I never met them.  I was looking forward to getting to know Grandpa and Grandma, but their opportunity to meet Jesus in heaven definitely takes the cake!  So, that left Jay with no grandparents to spoil him… but the Johnson clan was ready for the task!   A wonderful bond developed between them, and Jay has been proud to call them his Pappap and Grammy, too, for the past 16 years.

It is so comforting to know we have parents praying for us every day.  Who doesn't need someone to pray for them?  Remembering that, I pray every day for our parents and grandparents.  I look forward to many more winters of watching my Grammy slide down the snowy Pennsylvania hill on cardboard with the kidderz, as well as a bazillion New York summers full of kidderz and activities with our parents.

Listen now to the stories your grandparents and parents have to tell.  Take all the advice you can from them, while they are here.  They are full of wisdom!  Make a recording, if you can.  We never know when the last story will be told.

Go ahead!  Make some memories!

Remember:  There are always grandparent-types nearby, if you need to adopt a grandparent!

Celebrate grandparents throughout the year with these ideas:
Cool Mom Picks

Links describing the History of Grandparents' Day:
National Grandparents Day
Legacy Project
National Grandparents Day History
Grandparents.com
Wikipedia

"The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old." Proverbs 20:29 (NIV)

"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness."  Proverbs 16:31 (NIV)

Have you noticed grandparents seem younger these days?  You can be one of those young grandparents by keeping your health!  Try making 80 the new 40!