Why Early Interventions?

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Lyn Newton

Student performance, test scores, and overall academic success have been a focus and a concern for teachers and school administration for years. Groups of children, individuals, and teachers have been tracked for some time now. Also, for some time now students who are struggling have receive a type of intervention such as one on one help or tutoring. However, what is different in today’s schools is the level and age at which students are being targeted. Until recently, teachers and schools tended to focus mainly on the children who were taking the test (which usually begins at about third grade). … Continue reading →

Check Your Homelearner’s Eyes and Ears!

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Tricia Edgar

We trundled over to the health center yesterday to get my daughter’s eyes and ears tested. I knew that her ears were fine, but I just wanted to make doubly sure. Her eyes I was a little doubtful about – while she has great distance vision, unlike her mother, her reading vision was a little off last time we checked. It turns out it is still borderline, so we are off to the eye doctor to get it sorted out. When babies are born, they are really good at seeing what they need to see, which is their mother’s chest … Continue reading →

C-Section Rates Are Higher Than Ever

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Kim Neyer

I can’t believe how common cesarean sections are these days. According to an article published on businessweek.com, nearly one in three deliveries are via c-section. That is a scary number. Women’s bodies are meant to delivery vaginally and cesareans should only be performed in emergencies. The fact that the cesarean rate is approaching one third means something is seriously wrong with our health care system. Cesareans are more likely to happen when labor is induced. Unfortunately, induction is happening with more and more frequency, and for all the wrong reasons. The general rule of thumb when it comes to labor … Continue reading →

Toddler and the Dentist

Posted on June 6, 2010 by Crissy Brown

I don’t remember the exact date I went to the dentist for the first time. However, my first dentist memory is forever branded in my mind because I needed two fillings. I freaked out. I remember crying and protesting. The dentist grabbed my face and told me to calm down, so he wouldn’t injure me with the Novocain needle. I’m pretty sure I was in elementary school already when this happened. Texas Health Steps, which oversees how often children in state custody are seen by medical professionals, sets the first dental visit at six months old. I took the last … Continue reading →

How Much Water to Drink in Labor?

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Pattie Hughes

In the eleven years since I got pregnant with our first baby, I’ve often laughed at changing recommendations. Both during various pregnancies and with each baby there seems to be a new recommendation or a change from past ones. Recent research may lead to changes in drinking water during labor. With my kids, the nurses always started by asking how “well hydrated” I was when I got to the hospital. Eventually, they’d want to give IV fluids to “keep me well hydrated.” Similar advice is seen in pregnancy literature everywhere. As a result of these recommendations, women often begin drinking … Continue reading →

Education Week in Review: February 16 – February 29

Posted on March 1, 2008 by Lyn Newton

Welcome back to a wonderful weekend wrap up of education topics and issues. The past couple of weeks have been a little slow on my part. Therefore, this week’s review will detail the two past weeks. The weeks’ discussions have ranged from school lunch to history, to teaching proper etiquette to girls. Check out below for any discussions that you may have missed. Tuesday, February 19 School Cafeterias are Losing Money More and more children are bringing their lunch to school. Children are becoming dissatisfied with the choices and taste of school lunches. Cafeterias are being forced to offer more … Continue reading →

The Safety of Home Birth

Posted on January 5, 2007 by Pattie Hughes

As soon as you tell your family and friends that you plan to give birth at home, the issue of safety will come up. The people in your life mean well. They are concerned for your safety and your baby’s health. We have been conditioned to believe that a doctor attended birth in a hospital is the safest option for child birth. What we have to realize is that the birth industry is big business. Doctors have a lot to lose if women all decided to return to the home and the care of a midwife, as has been the … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Choosing a Healthcare Provider

Posted on December 9, 2006 by Sara Denomme

So you’ve gotten a positive test result. What’s the first thing you think of? For many women, one of their first thoughts is about getting in to see a doctor. So, you run to the phone and try to make an appointment with an obstetrician. The interesting thing is, although you are eager to get some care, most doctor offices will probably hold off on seeing you until 10 weeks or so. At that time, your hormone levels will be consistent enough to get certain blood readings, and the baby’s heartbeat is more likely to be heard via doppler or … Continue reading →

The Benefits of Home Birth

Posted on November 20, 2006 by Pattie Hughes

There are benefits to having a baby at home, for many women. The mother benefits during labor and in her ability to bond as a family with her baby and other children. The baby benefits by bonding with mom and may have less risk of infection after birth. If you are considering a home birth, make an appointment with a midwife to determine if you are a good candidate for home birth. As long as you are healthy and your pregnancy is not complicated, you may be able to give birth at home. There is increased bonding time for the … Continue reading →