blog technical problems: front page whackiness

We're temporarily having technical difficulties with this blog's front page. If you do not immediately see blog posts here, then go to the blog post archive and select a date. Hot topics on this blog include:
Pain Relief issues like wrist pain and carpal tunnel symptoms, stretches for back pain, exercises for neck pain
How hip-hop stars are giving troubled kids a brighter future
One swimming woman's journey across the Atlantic
The latest stem cell studies and future research needs
Eating healthier and consuming less
Natural pain relief methods and alternative medicine
Recovery from injuries: for athletes, work-related injuries, hobbyists
Therapeutic effects of play for children
Healthy weight loss: goal-setting, changing your mind about weight loss
Starting a new exercise program and selecting the best home gym equipment for your fitness goals

Hip-Hop, Chess, Mentors give kids brighter futures

Hip-hop celebrities are reaching out to troubled kids with chess. This is an excellent way to teach children how to slow down, how to problem-solve, and improve their self-confidence.

In this video, see how hip-hop stars and rappers like RZA teach kids' life lessons through chess:



The Hip-Hop Chess Federation is a shining example of the power to improve a child's life through a game. I'd love to see this organization (and others like it) flourish and thrive, and save more kids!

School play-time is critical to children's health

Children's play-time has many health benefits, including improving their ability to focus in class.

Pediatric psychologist Carolyn Landis, of University Hospital's Case Medical Center in Cleveland, describes the reduction in gym time, recess, physical education class and time, and the detrimental impact it's having on their health. Watch this video to hear about these dramatic changes in children's health:



Sleep, energy, vitamin D, social interactions, and outdoor experiences are all being negatively impacted when children don't play. These have far-reaching consequences, beyond the impact on their school-work.
Our schools should be teaching healthy habits as much as possible, in every way possible! This means MORE gym-time, recess, time outdoors and P.E. time!