Most parents with special needs children agree that holidays can pose unique challenges, and Halloween is certainly no exception. There are many parts of the day that can be difficult for children with special needs to enjoy. However, with a little planning and preparation, parents can find unique and creative ways to keep Halloween from getting too scary!

Consider the Costume

There are a dizzying array of costumes available, but parents of children with special needs should keep a few things in mind when helping their child pick their Halloween apparel. If your child has physical needs or uses assistive devices, make sure…

With popular companies such as BarkBox, Meowbox, and PupBox, your pets can enjoy their own monthly subscription boxes full of toys and healthy treats. Before signing up, it’s crucial you understand what each box offers and how it will benefit your pets needs. Subscription boxes are a great way to introduce your pet to new products you wouldn’t otherwise pay full-price for. Recognize your pets likes and dislikes. If your dog has dietary restrictions, they might not benefit from particular boxes. Monthly deliveries are also convenient for those who lead busy lifestyles. Most subscription boxes contain a combination of both…

It is common knowledge that exercise is good for the heart and makes people more attractive, while enhancing muscle mass and aiding in weight loss. Dr. Tarnopolsky states, “If there were a drug that could do for human health everything that exercise can, it would likely be the most valuable pharmaceutical ever developed.”

Exercise not only has physical health benefits, but it also greatly supplements mental, nervous, and psychological health. Getting the heart rate up and performing dynamic movements increases brain power.

The brain on exercise results in better learning ability, stress relief, anxiety reduction/ reversal, mood enhancement (depression aid)…

The average adult will normally lose approximately 2 quarts of water per day through perspiration, waste removal and other functions. Add hot weather and/or enough exercise to break a sweat and the amount of water needed to stay hydrated quickly increases. The body loses water via the skin by perspiration, kidneys by urine, the lungs by exhaled water vapor, and the intestine by feces.

The human body is roughly 60% water. Human lungs are 90% water, muscles are 75%, bones are 22%, blood is 83%, and the brain is 75% water. Some functions of water include regulation of body temperature…

Children with special needs can benefit from routine physical activity from exercise programs or team sports. The parents of a special needs child should make sure that she participates in a school’s physical education class or a local park’s recreational programs.

Benefit 1: Improving the Body’s Muscle Strength

A child with special needs should engage in physical activity at least three times a week to build her muscle strength in her arms, legs, and torso. Activities such as playing baseball can help a child use her shoulders and arms to hit a ball before using her legs to run around a baseball field.

Benefit 2: Socializing Skills Will Improve

By participating in team…

Modern greyhound racing got its start in California in 1919. At this time, the invention of a mechanical lure made it easy to encourage the dogs to run around a racetrack. Spectators quickly began betting on the dogs, and a new industry was born. Unfortunately, where there is money to be made, people often succumb to their coarser instincts. In greyhound racing, that meant developing cruel practices designed to breed and train dogs who become viewed and treated as commodities rather than living creatures.

What is Greyhound Racing?

The greyhound breed has a strong prey drive, and dog racers use this to encourage the…

Stretch of the Month

Modified Frog! How to — Kneel on floor, sitting butt on heels and hinge at hips to fold upper body over thighs, arms stretched forward. Separate knees as widely as you comfortably can. Crawl upper body forward without lifting torso until elbows are bent 90 degrees below shoulders. Hold for 8–10 breaths.

Exercise of the Month

One Footed Mountain Climber! How to — Start in push up position. Place one foot on ball. Rapidly pull alternating knees toward chest. Switch legs on ball and repeat on opposite leg. Keep hips in line with shoulders only moving the lower body.

Nutrition Tip

Snacking on something healthy every…

Lisa Landman is an accomplished professional with a Doctorate in Psychology. Throughout her career, Lisa has served in many fields including client services, teaching, administration and human resources. Furthermore, she started her own fitness company. Lisa’s diversity of work experiences have equipped her with the means to thrive in any situation. Conclusively, Lisa views herself as an entrepreneur who can meet any difficulty head-on with dedication and commitment.