Music is a part of our everyday lives. Ritualistically, music has touched us throughout the history of humanity to celebrate life events and bond together as people. Even singing together on a long car ride can become a family tradition that creates comforting memories that return to us throughout our lifetime. Rhythm and playing musical […] The post How Music Therapy Can Compliment Treatment for Children with Cancer appeared first on Thank You for Helping Kid's With...

Music is a part of our everyday lives. Ritualistically, music has touched us throughout the history of humanity to celebrate life events and bond together as people. Even singing together on a long car ride can become a family tradition that creates comforting memories that return to us throughout our lifetime. Rhythm and playing musical instruments even without formal instruction brings a sense of empowerment and humanity to us all. Having our children play musical instruments recreationally is a great outlet for our natural musical instincts. Adding instrumental instruction and regular playing plays gives a sense of ownership to a child’s expression as well as enriches their developing mind and sense of confidence.

When looking at alternative cancer healing treatments there are effective and active arts based treatments that especially appeal to children’s creativity and imagination. They have also proven very effective to quell boredom and the monotony of extended hospital stays. Music Therapy is an effective supplementary treatment for children with cancer and most hospitals offer integrated music therapy individually, in groups with other ailing children and family sessions.

As cancer treatments cause  pain and discomfort,the effect pain has on the human spirit and the feeling of control over ones body and mind can be an added obstacle in recovery. The goal of music therapy is to relieve pain and improve coping skills with treatments as well as improve a sense of self and control through creativity and connecting to feelings through musical expression. A consultation with a licensed music therapist in correspondence with your clinician can help you to set up a program to benefit your child’s healing.

Children, and especially teens,  that suffer from many of the developmental after effects of cancer treatment like ADHD, facing the stress of future infertility, growth hormone disorders or physical limitations, for example, successfully find the outlet of music as a way to bond and connect with their peers. As well as the personal satisfaction that comes with reaching out to the world through creativity and performance.

Consider bringing a little music into your family’s healing routine. Unusual portable instruments like a kalimba, an electronic portable keyboard or an electronic app can be an active form of musical expression. Speak to your treatment facility about options for music therapy and follow your own inspiration! Experiment with what your child responds to…be it world beats, jazz, classical, rock ‘n’ roll or pop. Set specific music time aside for the family and let the music act as bonding time for healing and expression.

Please reference
Related Links
American Music Therapy Association
http://www.musictherapy.org/

Certification Board for Music Therapists
http://www.cbmt.org/

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When you Donate Car NY, you help us assist families with kids with cancer learn about and find the safest, most effective treatments. You also help us educate the public about cancer prevention. Please consider donating your car NY (or in any state) today to the American Children’s Cancer Association.  And find out if you qualify […] The post Kids: Wear Helmets, Adults: Donate Car NY :) appeared first on Thank You for Helping Kid's With...

When you Donate Car NY, you help us assist families with kids with cancer learn about and find the safest, most effective treatments. You also help us educate the public about cancer prevention. Please consider donating your car NY (or in any state) today to the American Children’s Cancer Association.  And find out if you qualify for our $200 VISA Gift Card thank you gift! Thank you.

Every year more than 300,000 kids are brought to the hospital emergency room as a result of cycling accidents. Many of these cases involve head or traumatic brain injuries or even death. Adults and children alike can reduce the risk of serious head injury by 85 percent by wearing a properly fitted and approved safety helmet. The US government has created a safety standard for bike helmets. When you are purchasing a helmet be sure that it has a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).  The helmet should fit properly. Many hospitals and national sports equipment retailers have helmet fitting days, but any local bike shop can be of assistance. Hats should never be worn beneath the helmet that they can compromise the fit and effectiveness. Chin straps should be buckled at all times and fit snugly to keep the helmet straight on the head and covering to forehead.

If you Donate Car NY, you help us to share health and safety information like this with the
public.

Helmets should be worn as well as any other appropriate safety equipment for many outdoor activities that could expose your child to head trauma like skating, scootering, skiing and snowboarding. If your child should suffer a traumatic head or brain injury you must be sure that he or she refrains from all sports activities until you have full clearance from your family physician.

Other cycling safety measures to keep in mind:

If you or your child’s helmet is put to the test, replace it with a new one. They do not work as well after a serious crash.

Be sure that your child’s bike is the correct size and height. Your child’s feet should touch the ground when straddling the bike in a standing position.

Regularly check that the chain is oiled, the brakes are responding, the tires are sufficiently inflated and all wheels, pedals and handle bars are tight.

Be sure your child wears covered shoes with laces that are double knotted and pants legs etc. are free from getting caught in the chain.

Be sure that your child’s bicycle is fixed with a bell or horn.

Dress your child in light colored clothing and be sure there are reflectors on the bike. Also have fun with decorating the helmet with reflective stickers – helmets come in all sorts of great colors and designs but encourage your child to personalize his or her helmet!

Be sure to teach your child traffic rules, including stop signs, riding with traffic, using bike lanes when available and using indicating hand signals when turning. Young children (under 10) should not cycle in the street and should use sidewalks only.

Park bike paths are safe places that families can ride together. Teach your children when passing walkers or other bikers they should always do so on the left and announce their passing as “On your left!”.

Tell your child to look out for obstacles that can cause mishaps like wet leaves, potholes and deep puddles.

For long rides, be sure your child has a bottle of water. There are many types and models that fix to the bicycle itself.

We hope you enjoyed this article. Please consider sharing our offer about Donate Car NY, with you friends and family. Thank you.

References:

https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/kphel.html

http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/children/fact_sheets/young_children_1-4_years/bicycle_safety_1-4_years.htm

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When you make your Car Donation NY, (or any other state) to American Children’s Cancer Association, you help us assist families with kids with cancer kids with cancer learn about and find the best, most effective alternative treatment options. We also accept your Car Donation NYC. By Amanda Stambuldzys Kids love smoothies and with managing […] The post Smoothies: Quick Way to Eat Well During Treatment Schedule appeared first on Thank You for Helping Kid's With...

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You can help us assist families with children with cancer, learn about (and find) the safest, most effective treatments available. Please donate your car, truck or any other vehicle to the American Children’s Cancer Association today. We accept your Car Donation NY and Car Donation NYC (and everywhere else in the U.S.) by phone: 1-800-Give2Kids (1-800-448-3254) or […] The post Quick Snack Packs & Meals for Families Managing a Busy Treatment Schedule appeared first on Thank...

(1-800-448-3254) or online.

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Help us educate parents of children with cancer determine the safest, most effective treatments. Your kind car donation helps us with our Mission (in NY, NJ, or any other state) — and if we accept your vehicle for our VISA program, you’ll receive a $200 VISA Gift Card and free Vacation Voucher. Call us today at 1-800-Give2Kids (1-800-448-3254) for […] The post Help Prevent Cancer in Children: Things to Avoid appeared first on Thank You for Helping Kid's With...

Help us educate parents of children with cancer determine the safest, most effective treatments. Your kind car donation helps us with our Mission (in NY, NJ, or any other state) — and if we accept your vehicle for our VISA program, you’ll receive a $200 VISA Gift Card and free Vacation Voucher. Call us today at 1-800-Give2Kids (1-800-448-3254) for more information, or to donate your vehicle!
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Always Buy Organic.

Nine (or more) different cancers are linked to certain pesticides. Look for the USDA-certified organic seal when purchasing.

There are some fruits and vegetables that are especially heavily sprayed with pesticides, while others aren’t, and don’t needto be purchased as organic. See more info about both kinds, in this post.

Serve Children as Many Fruits and Vegetables as Possible

Kids love berries, carrots, and other sweet fruits and veggies. But if they re started eating them early on, they will adapt to the taste of all kinds of vegetables… even broccoli.

Add Fiber to Your Diet

A child’s diet that is full of whole fruits and vegetables will go a long way towards providing good fiber intake.
Here is more information on other ways to add fiber, and how much.

Eat More Fish

Most parents have a concern about mercury content, and radioactivity in fish (and rightfully so). However, there are still safe and healthy fish to feed your children. They include:

Anchovies
Catfish
Clams
Flounder
Haddock (Atlantic)
Hake
Herring
Mackerel (N. Atlantic, Chub)
Mullet
Oysters
Perch (Ocean)
Plaice
Pollock
Salmon (Canned)
Salmon (Fresh)
Please note: Buy salmon “wild caught”, if at all possible. “Farm raised” salmon is far less desirable (although it is getting better than it used to be — please see this article).
Sardines
Scallops
Shrimp
Sole (Pacific)
Squid (Calamari)
Tilapia
Trout (Freshwater)
Whitefish
For more safe fish, please see this website.

Drink Green Tea

Your kids might love this healthy beverage with a little raw honey added to it, either cold or hot).

Green tea contains antioxidants (polyphenols), which:

- helps strengthen the immune system,
- may protect cells from DNA damage,
- and activate enzymes that slow down or curb tumors

Get Sufficient Vitamin D

Higher blood levels of Vitamin D have been shown to be associated with lower rates of a number of cancers. Make sure your children receive plenty of healthy sunshine.
If you live in colder climate with less sunshine in winter,
supplement with Vitamin D.
Ask your naturopathic doctor about the best dosage for your child. Regular medical doctors may not be able to correctly advise you on this, as they tend not to be well informed in nutritional therapies.

Kids (or Adults) Should Never Eat Trans Fats

Trans fatty acids is a manufactured oil that is used in many commercially baked and fried foods.

They increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Look on the ingredient label, and don’t buy anything containing “partially hydrogenated oil”, which is another name for trans fats.

Help Your Child Keep Toxin-Free

1. Use cleaning products that only contain organic ingredients;
2. Filter tap water (Berkey Filters are among the best –and have an option to filter out fluoride)
3. Avoid BPA and BPS (in most plastic packaging AND inside of cans).Look for plastic containers with the recycling numbers 1, 2, or 4, and cans labeled BPA-free.

Be Wary of Ionizing Radiation and Electromagnetic Fields 

In an early draft of a report issued in the spring of 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States recommended that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) be classified as a class B carcinogen. The report concluded:

“In conclusion, several studies showing leukemia, lymphoma and cancer of the nervous system in children exposed to EMF’s, supported by similar findings in adults in several occupational studies also involving electrical power frequency exposures, show a consistent pattern of response that suggest a causal link.”

There is plenty of evidence in the scientific literature that electromagnetic fields (from cell towers, electroninc devices, etc.) can be a worrisome and possibly, major cause of cancer.

Avoid x-rays (ionizing radiation) for your children if at all possible. Here is why.

Cellphones and Kids May Not Mix

Mobile phones have been classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” At the time of this writing, the final word is not out yet on the safety of childhood cellphone use.
However, it would be prudent to minimize your child’s use of cellphones, based on preliminary findings. Also, as an alternative, regular (corded) land lines are absolutely safe (but NOT cordless phones, which are even worse than cellphones).

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When you make your Car Donation NYC, Donate Your Car NY, or in any other state, to Give2Kids, you help us help kids with cancer find and receive the safest, most effective treatments! Please donate today. Give2Kids (American Children’s Cancer Association) is doing our best to get the word out about how the food and drink our children consume, the […] The post 9 “Foods” to NEVER Feed Your Kids appeared first on Thank You for Helping Kid's With...

When you make your Car Donation NYC, Donate Your Car NY, or in any
other state, to Give2Kids, you help us help kids with cancer find and
receive the safest, most effective treatments! Please donate today.

Give2Kids (American Children’s Cancer Association) is doing our best to get the word out about how the food and drink our children consume, the air they breath, the skin products they use (shampoos, soap, etc.) and everything else that goes in, or on them, strongly determines their overall health, and protection against, or vulnerability to,
environmentally influenced disease conditions such as cancer and
other serious disorders.

Here are the top nine foods your children (or you) should never eat:

1. Microwave Popcorn

I’ve placed this at the top of the list, as microwave popcorn is one of the worst health offenders (with the exception of this this one).

Microwave popcorn bags are lined with PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which leaches into the popcorn when heated. Blood tests have shown that PFOA contaminate the blood; they can disrupt the endocrine system, which negatively affect sex hormones. The EPA has ruled PFCs as “likely carcinogens,” and has stated that PFOA “poses developmental and reproductive risks to humans.” More info.

Some PFCs have also been associated with other health dangers, such as:

- Infertility
- Thyroid disease
- Cancer
- Immune system problems
- Increased LDL cholesterol levels

2. Processed Meats (Hot Dogs, Bologna, etc.)

Meats you’ll find in your local deli typically are made from animals injected with antibiotics, growth hormones, and other drugs to artificially
fatten them up, keep them disease free and more profitable. These same meats usually also contain other chemicals (such as sodium nitrite) and artificial flavorings and dyes. All processed meats should be completely avoided because they raise your child’s risk of cancer. There is NO safe amount of processed meat. Please look instead for local providers of fresh organic, grass-fed or pastured beef, chicken, etc, and/or salmon,
which are all much healthier options. Please note: if your budget allows, it is best to buy wild caught salmon (as opposed to farm raised). Here is more information to help you make a determination.

3. Margarine

Margarine and other fake butters are unhealthy for children in many ways. They contain trans fats (which is very bad for the heart), free radicals (which can be toxic to cells), emulsifiers and artificial preservatives, and toxic solvents such as hexane. Raw milk butter, when made from grass-fed cows, is rich in beneficial conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is known to help fight cancer and diabetes.

4. Vegetable Oils

Many parents are not aware that vegetables oils (such as soy, corn, canola) create oxidized cholesterol in children’s arteries, which increases their risk for coronary artery disease as they grow older.

The healthiest oil to cook with is organic coconut oil, because it’s a healthy saturated fat which withstands the heat of cooking, without becoming chemically altered. For more information, please click here.

5. Tomato Sauce in the Can.

BPA is a toxic chemical linked to reproductive abnormalities, neurological effects, heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes,
heart disease and more. To avoid this hazardous chemical, avoid canned foods entirely and stick to fresh fruits and vegetables, or switch over to brands that use glass containers instead—especially for acidic foods like tomatoes.

The plastic lining of cans contain BPA, which is a toxic chemical linked to brain disorders, higher risk of breast and prostate cancers, reproductive aberrations, heart disorders, diabetes and more. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, are more likely to leach the BPA into the
food. Make sure, instead, to always use fresh fruit and vegetables, and/or only buy food in glass containers.

6. The Following Non-Organic Fruits and Vegetables…

It is especially important that the following fruits and vegetables only be consumed when organic, as have been found to be the most heavily sprayed with pesticides (these are the “top” 15 most sprayed. The see the rest of the list, please click here):

http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/list.php

Apples
Celery
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumbers
Grapes
Hot peppers
Nectarines (imported)
Peaches
Potatoes
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet bell peppers
Kale
Collard greens
Summer squash

7. Regular Table Salt

As most of us know, we must consume salt — it is essential for life. But what is not generally known is that table sale (and the salt found in processed foods) is not healthy.

Processed salt is mostly (98%) sodium chloride, the rest being made up of man-made chemicals. These include ferrocyanide and aluminosilicate,  neither of which are good for you or your children.

Far superior is unrefined salt, the best being Himalayan salt. It is pure, and not polluted with industrial toxins and heavy metals.

8. Unfermented Soy Products (Soy Protein Isolate)

Parents have been mislead for years about the “benefits” of soy. Unfortunately, soy as it is consumed in processed foods is far from healthy.

95% of American grown soybeans are genetically modified, and sprayed with the toxic pesticide glyphosate, exposure to which can lead to miscarriage and birth defects.

Fermented soy (tofu, tempeh, etc.) can be far healthier — but read the label to make sure it is not processed.

Here is just one of thousands of studies, which, combined, show consuming unfermented soy can lead to to digestive distress, malnutrition,
thyroid illness, immune-system disruption, reproductive/sex hormone disorders , cognitive decline, and infertility — as well as cancer and heart
disease.

9. Artificial Sweeteners

Regular refined sugar is bad enough for kids. but artificial sweeteners, such as Aspartame, can be as bad, or worse.

Studies have demonstrated how aspartame and saccharin cause higher weight gain than table sugar.

The body converts aspartame into formaldehyde, which is toxic to DNA and sensitive proteins.

 Much of this article used information found here.

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