Congratulations KINDER !!!

We had a blast of a celebration last Dec. 7, 2012 as St. Ambrose celebrates Family Day. The 3 day celebration started with a Thanksgiving Mass Dec. 5, 2012 at 7:30am. The next day, Dec. 6, 2012 , the Daddys fight it out with a basketball tournament. In the afternoon there was a medical mission sponsored by Nursery RV Bautista's dad, Dr. Vern. Since Wed & Thurs, in between the festivities, there was the Sharing of Blessings, as food & other items were distributed to Barangay 177. 

The Family day kicked off with performances by the Pre-school Department. After the morning games, each team celebrated with a potluck picnic. More more & more games. All in all it was a very happy occasion.

Happy Happy Birthday to Teacher Det & Happy 7th Year Foundation day to our beloved St. Ambrose School !

Turning Veggie "yucky" into Veggie "Yummy"

1. Combine vegetables and favorite fruits: 

Grape salsa Ingredients:
2 cups seedless grapes, quartered or halved
1/2 red onion diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered or halved
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons lime (or lemon) juice
1 teaspoon chopped oregano
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
dash of ground cayenne pepper (optional) 

Directions: Gently toss the grapes, onion, lime juice, vinegar, and herbs together in a medium bowl. Check the salt and acid levels and make adjustments. Add the tomatoes just before serving. Serve with chips, pita, or veggies!

2. Use Vegetables at Containers

 
Vegetables can be so much fun to use as containers! Kids will flip over this fun way to serve a favorite nutritious dip, then they can eat the bowl too! 

3. Make it Mini 

Sometimes mini is a really good thing. A regular sized baked potato can look enormous to a small child. These smaller ones are more their speed and can be dressed up with all kinds of fun toppings to fit the mood.
Get the recipe

4. Play with Your Food 

Show kids that vegetables are accessible by letting them dressing up stuffed peppers and pumpkins with pieces of cut up vegetables. They'll totally dig the fun faces and learn about flavors in the process. 

5. Use Veggies from Scratch 

If your kids want to start from scratch making their food getting them involved with something vegetable based like this cool veggie sushi. They'll be able to transform their vegetables into something pretty and fun to eat making them all the more accessible. 

6. Get Imaginative

 
Never understimate the idea of using your imagination to present vegetables in an awesomely fun way. These cute vegan bento boxes are chock full of great ideas for turning vegetables into figures familiar to your kids! 

7. Colorful Crudite in the Fridge 

Sometimes it can really help kids to see that simple raw vegetables are bursting with color and flavor. By keeping a crunchy assortment of veggies in a rainbow-like arrangement in the fridge they can reach in for a yummy snack whenever they like. Leaving it in the fridge also gives them the independence to make healthy snacking choices. If a particular vegetable is gone first you'll know it is a family favorite! 

For more ways to help your kids enjoy veggies, visit Babble!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas at Ambrose Begins

Tomorrow is Dec. 1, 2012 , only 23 days to go and it's Christmas. At my daughter's school the lobby is already getting decorated by beautiful ornaments. The Tree is out, the fireplace is lit.  And just by the door as classes was about the end, you can't help but admire how the hanging lantern is illuminated as the sun is about to say goodbye. So simple, yet so breath taking. 

Let the children play . . . outside

IF YOU are a parent who is terrified of letting her child crawl on the floor out of the fear that he will eat dirt, then you may be doing him a disservice after all. Many doctors are of the opinion that exposing kids to dirt may have health benefits.

Immunologists believe that children exposed to germs and animals are less likely to develop modern diseases such as diabetes, Crohn’s disease, asthma and heart problems.

"Our lifestyles are slowly getting westernised. Our children are now growing up in 'hyperclean', sterile environments resulting in under developed immune systems because of inadequate exposure to bacteria," senior consultant of paediatrics at Rockland Hospital, Dr Vandana Kent, said. This draws attention to the paradox in Western healthcare.

Old epidemics, such as cholera, having disappeared from advanced nations, a set of new ailments — including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis — have become more common. Many of these seem linked to our immune systems.

Rob Dunn, an eminent professor of biology and the author of The Wild Life of Our Bodies , urges us all to adopt a radical approach to the 'hygiene hypothesis'. He believes that our lives have become too clean and that this is making our immune systems so disoriented that they over- react massively to harmless everyday substances, such as house dust.

He believes our healthy future lies in what he calls, 're-wilding our bodies' and that we should be able to convince ourselves that our bodies are still in the natural state of our ancestors: roaming bug-infested forests and living in unsanitary hovels. We can do this, he says,  by having worms living in our guts.

"We have gone from lives immersed in nature to lives in which nature has disappeared but our bodies continue to expect to meet our old companions, the parasite species with which they tangled for generation upon generation,” Dunn said. It might sound disgusting, but research scientists across the world are taking this idea very seriously. Tests have shown when parasitic worms are put into the digestive systems of mice, it could stop them from getting irritable bowel disease. 

"It's just how a vaccine works. It first introduces foreign substances in our body and then prepares it to develop antibodies. Similarly, when we are exposed to bacteria as children, our body learns to fight infections. We build an army of soldiers to fight diseases,” Dr Kent said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rules on hiring kindergarten teachers tightened

By Kim Arveen Patria | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom – Mon, Nov 19, 2012

 

The government has tightened rules on hiring kindergarten teachers, as it highlighted the importance of improving the quality of early education.

Following last year's rollout of universal kindergarten education in public schools nationwide, DepEd has released additional guidelines in choosing and deploying early education teachers.

"We must adhere to quality standards in preparing our young learners..." Education Secretary Armin Luistro said in a statement.

"[I]t therefore follows that our teachers must be equipped with the required standard as regards competence and qualifications," he added.

Related story: DepEd: There's a bully in you and me

DepEd Order 81 Series of 2012 requires kindergarten teacher applicants to hold degrees in early childhood education, preschool education, family life and child development, or elementary education with specialization in preschool or early childhood education or majoring in teaching early grades.

Secondary education degree-holders may also apply, provided that they have additional diploma in early childhood education including practice teaching in kindergarten education.

Also qualified are graduates of other related courses but who have at least 18 units in early childhood education and child development.

Aside from relevant education, teacher applicants must also have passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers or the Professional Board Examination for Teacher.

 

They should also not be more than 45 years old, DepEd noted, adding however that teaching experience in kinder or preschool in either public or private schools will also be considered as additional qualifications.

In other news: DepEd chief to teachers: keep Christmas party simple

DepEd is currently hiring teachers who "shall be deployed in public schools where there is an existing kindergarten program with a large population of five-year old children."

Luistro added that a kinder teacher will handle two three-hour classes per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with each class having at least 25 children.

"In a school where there is only one kinder class, the teacher shall handle another class in a nearby school," Luistro said.

Trick or Treat 2012: A Roundup of Halloween Parties in the Metro and Key Cities

Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of its original title "All Hallows' Evening"),^[5] also known as All Hallows' Eve,^[6] is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows. Most scholars believe that All Hallows' Eve was originally influenced by western European harvest festivals and festivals of the dead with pagan roots, particularly the Celtic Samhain.^[6][7][8] Others maintain that it originated independently of Samhain.^[9]

Typical festive Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (also known as "guising"), attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.

Christian influences

Snap-Apple Night (1832) by Daniel Maclise.
Depicts apple bobbing and divination games at a Halloween party in Blarney, Ireland.

 

Halloween is also thought to have been influenced by the Christian holy days of All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows, Hallowmas or Hallowtide) on 1 November and All Souls' Day on 2 November.^[28] They were a time for honoring the saints and praying for the recently departed who had yet to reach Heaven. All Saints was introduced in the year 609, but was originally celebrated on 13 May.^[29] In 835, it was switched to 1 November (the same date as Samhain) at the behest of Pope Gregory IV.^[29] Some have suggested this was due to Celtic influence, while others suggest it was a Germanic idea.^[29]

By the end of the 12th century they had become holy days of obligation across Europe and involved such traditions as ringing bells for the souls in purgatory and "souling", the custom of baking and sharing soul cakes for "all crysten christened souls".^[30] Groups of poor people, often children, would go door-to-door on All Saints/All Souls collecting soul cakes, originally as a means of praying for souls in purgatory.^[31] Similar practices for the souls of the dead were found as far south as Italy.^[32] Shakespeare mentions the practice in his comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1593), when Speed accuses his master of "puling [whimpering or whining] like a beggar at Hallowmas."^[33] The custom of wearing costumes has been linked to All Saints/All Souls by Prince Sorie Conteh, who wrote: "It was traditionally believed that the souls of the departed wandered the earth until All Saints' Day, and All Hallows' Eve provided one last chance for the dead to gain vengeance on their enemies before moving to the next world. In order to avoid being recognised by any soul that might be seeking such vengeance, people would don masks or costumes to disguise their identities".^[34] In Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, Nicholas Rogers explained Halloween jack-o'-lanterns as originally being representations of souls in purgatory.^[27]

In Britain, these customs came under attack during the Reformation as Protestants berated purgatory as a "popish" doctrine incompatible with the notion of predestination.^[28] This, coupled with the rising popularity of Guy Fawkes Night (5 November) from 1605 onward, led to Halloween's popularity waning in Britain, with the noteworthy exception of Scotland.^[35] There and in Ireland, they had been celebrating Samhain and Halloween since at least the early Middle Ages,^[12] and the Scottish kirk took a more pragmatic approach to Halloween, seeing it as important to the life cycle and rites of passage of communities and thus ensuring its survival in the country.^[35]

Brain Food

Brain boosting food 1: Oily fish

If you struggle to remember what day it is or what you had for dinner an hour ago, consider stocking up on the ultimate brain food, oily fish. Omega-3 fatty acids – found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines – are invaluable for just about every part of our body, and it seems our brains are no different. Researchers from the University of Kuopio in Finland found that eating oily fish three times a week reduces the risk of brain problems by 26 per cent and prevents against memory loss. 

Brain boosting food 2: Dark, leafy greens

Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli are packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, which are essential to keep your body and brain in good health. They are also a good source of folate, which can help to speed up information processing and memory recall. Research results published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also indicated that the folate found in leafy green vegetables can help to protect against cognitive decline in old age. 

Brain boosting food 3: Eggs

Egg yolks are nutritional powerhouses packed with many vitamins and minerals essential for good brain function.  This cheap and versatile ingredient is a good source of iron, which is essential for creating red blood cells which carry oxygen to the brain, helping to keep your mental faculties sharp and to keep you alert and focused. Eggs are also a good source of vitamin B12 – a deficiency of which can lead to memory loss and confusion – and iodine, which has been shown to improve problem-solving abilities even in only mildly deficient children. 

Brain boosting food 4: Green tea

As your brain is made up of around 80 per cent water, keeping it properly hydrated is vital for helping it to function at optimum levels. However, if you’re not a fan of regular water, swapping it for a cup of green tea could have added benefits for your brain. A Korean study has found that green tea can help to increase mental alertness and enhance your memory. Researchers have also found that the antioxidants found in green tea can help to protect the brain and reduce risk of dementia. 

Brain boosting food 5: Chocolate

No, it’s not just wishful thinking – chocolate really is good for you! While chomping on bars of milk chocolate is unlikely to improve your IQ score, dark chocolate is rich in brain-boosting chemicals, called flavonoids, which can enhance your cognitive skills. Research has found that flavonoids induce the creation of new neurons in the brain and also improve their ability to form new memories. Studies also show that flavonoids improve blood flow to the brain. One study of adult women found that when given flavonoid-rich chocolate drinks, the blood flow to participants' brains increased within two hours and they performed better on a complex mental task. Read more on realbuzz.com...

 We have to keep up with our small ones :) they are learning new things everyday, we don't want to be obsolete LOL

The good teacher explains.
 

The superior teacher demonstrates.
 

The great teacher INSPIRES.
 

We all have great teachers in our lives, even in our family, church and work.

We are proud of you. Happy World Teachers' Day!

To all teachers, thank you for all your sacrifice and patience. May God reward you for the great job you are doing and give you strength to continue.
James 3:1 "Don't be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards." (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language)

Happy Teachers Day !

Teaching our kids the value of Money

Instilling good money habits in your children is arguably one of life's most important lessons. Fortunately, with today's technology, there are many ways to make learning about money fun for kids of all ages.

Teaching your kids about money should start as early as possible. "As soon as your child starts asking for things, I think it's time for them to understand that things cost money," says Anton Simunovic, founder of ThreeJars.com, a website dedicated to teaching kids about money management.

But what lessons should you start with? Neale Godfrey, author of Money Still Doesn't Grow on Trees: A Parent's Guide to Raising Financially Responsible Children, suggests beginning with the concept that money must be earned. "There's no entitlement program in life," she says. "Kids need to know that they can't just whine for a toy in a store and automatically get it."

As kids begin to learn about money, parents shouldn't feel intimidated. "The topic of money shouldn't be something that's taboo," says Jayne Pearl, author of Kids and Money Guide to Learning Capital. If you're uncomfortable talking about it, she says, it won't be an enjoyable experience for the kids.

You should also be careful not to argue about money in front of your kids. "If the parents are constantly arguing about money, their children are going to view money as a source of stress," says Jon Gallo, who coauthored the book The Financially Intelligent Parent with his wife, Eileen.

Starting to feel a little less anxious? Here are six more ideas for making money fun for kids:

1. Use cash.  "Let your kids hold the money and see the money leaving their hands."

2. Utilize a piggy bank for the 21st century. A traditional one-slit piggy bank doesn't teach kids much about money management.

"A lot of times, piggy banks make kids very distrustful," she says. "If kids can't see through it, they don't trust that the money is in there." So Beacham developed the Money Savvy Pig, a see-through piggy bank with four slots: save, spend, donate, and invest. With the Money Savvy Pig, kids learn that money isn't just accumulated to buy things.

3. Take advantage of the Web. The Internet is full of age-specific money games for kids. Just last year, Sesame Street and a bank teamed up to create fun videos and games that teach kids about money. Many children will find it easy and exciting to learn about money from Elmo and his friends.

Pearl recommends Doughmain.com, which has an array of child-friendly tools and games centered on money.

4. Let them play games. Beacham says games are an excellent tool for approaching the topic of money with kids. "Games become something you can use to open the discussion, so it's not always you preaching about money," she says. Grade-school children can play Planet Orange at OrangeKids.com. In the game, kids travel through the planets by completing certain jobs to earn money for gas.

MassMutual, a financial advisory group based in Springfield, Mass., developed Save! The Game, an app for the iPad and iPhone that teaches kids the difference between wants and needs—a critical financial lesson, says Pearl.

However, Simunovic of ThreeJars.com expressed one concern: "I'm not a huge believer that games are going to teach our kids a whole lot about the way money is used in the real world."

5. Empower them to manage their own money. Let your child play an active role in how money is used by offering them an allowance. But consistency is important: Many parents promise an allowance to their kids but don't deliver. If parents forget to pay the allowance, children learn that money promises can be broken. Beacham says this can potentially lead the child to think somewhere down the road, "Hmm, maybe I don't have to pay my credit-card bill on time this month."

Pearl adds that while an allowance can be tied to certain household chores, it shouldn't be used to discourage bad behavior (i.e., for every day you don't kick your brother, I'll give you P10).

6. Encourage them to give back. Giving to charity is fun for kids because they are instinctual givers, says Beacham. In addition to having your child donate money (to a charity of their choice), make philanthropy more enjoyable by getting the whole family involved. Volunteer together or participate in a fundraiser at the neighborhood park.

Above all, don't be afraid to talk to your kids about money. Says Godfrey: "Our kids see us handling money every day, but we often forget to talk to them about what we're doing."

for more how to raise our kids stuff check out savvy living

5 simple de - stress tips for moms

Fortunately, most mothers enjoy being with their family, and so the rewards are far greater than the amount of stress. Nevertheless, for a mother to be effective in raising her children, she should know when to call a halt to take c are of her personal needs. She needs to let her family know that she is more than a mother, and needs “me time.”

Here are ways to de-stress even if your kids are milling around you.

1. Keep a schedule

This isn’t just for your benefit so you can schedule your daily activities, but also because children need structure in their lives, and if they are young, it prepares them for school. As a mother, the less you need to worry about what to do next, then the less stressed you are.

2. Time out time for mums

The urge to spank, shout or scream comes when you are too stressed and tired. To avoid these kinds of situation, recognize the signs and leave the room. Make sure your children will be safe before you take your “time-out.” Just a few minutes will make a huge difference in your mood.

3. Eat Properly

An unhealthy diet will also lower your anxiety trigger point, so try to maintain a good healthy diet. Avoid food that will make you feel sluggish like salty, fatty foods. If you are eating on the go, then you are also probably gaining or losing weight the wrong way. Take the time to feed yourself and your family properly. It will help you keep alert, energized, and less inclined to be sickly.

4. Bond with other mothers

There is nothing quite like exchanging notes with other mothers. You get valuable tips and inside information on baby and child products, schools, teachers, and extra curricular activities. If you’re surrounded by kids all day it’s nice to have some time to chat with other adults. Even if the whole conversation is about the kids, you’ll feel.

5. Quality Time with Yourself

An on-the-go mother can be stressful for the children and husband. You could be teaching them the wrong things by constantly running around. If you were a child, would you want a hyper-active mum? Take some time off to enjoy being a woman, and teach your kids that it’s okay to treat yourself once in a while to some nice things. Take yourself in for a massage or book that facial that you’ve been wanted to get for so long. After all, you deserve it.

 More from : unlimited modern living ideas

 

Secrets to have some "Mommy Me" time

1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NAP TIME.

Make nap time mandatory for your kids, and take advantage of it. The precious 30 to 60 minutes when the kids are asleep gives you just enough time to read a chapter or two of your current book or get some shut-eye yourself. Both you and your child will feel energized after this momentary rest. 

2.INTRODUCE PUZZLE TIME.

Puzzles are a wonderful and educational way to get your kids out of your hair for a couple of hours. It encourages them to exercise their analytical and problem-solving skills, and it also gives you time off to talk with a friend on the phone or have a relaxing coffee break. 

3. BE THE FIRST CUSTOMER AT THE KIDS SPA.

If you really don't have time to go to a spa, why not have your kids pamper you? Make it a game for them and tell them you are their spa customer. Allow them to comb your hair, massage your scalp and back, and maybe even polish your toe nails. This way, you get them busy with something, and you also have a great time being indulged.

4. LEAVE YOUR KIDS AT MALL DAY CARE CENTERS WHILE YOU SHOP.

If you want a couple of hours to shop without having the kids tug at you for ice cream or a new toy, you may want to avail of the services offered by the playground/day care places in the mall. There are many activities in these centers that will keep your kids busy for hours, and the day care staff will make sure your tots don't get into too much trouble. You, on the other hand, can take your sweet time doing some much-needed retail therapy.

5. HAVE THEM BOND WITH THEIR GRANDPARENTS.

Don't your parents love being with their grandchildren? Then why not take them up on their offer to look after the kids for you? Whether it's for an entire weekend, a day, or for just a couple of hours, this should give you just enough time for a night out with your lady friends, a romantic getaway with your hubby, or an out-of-town day trip without having to worry about the little ones. 

6. TRY THE BABY SWAP.

Talk to a neighbor or a friend about having a baby swap. On a designated day of the week, each of you will get to have a day off from the kids while the other takes on the responsibility of looking after them. It's clearly a win-win situation, as your kids can spend time with other children and you and your friend can look forward to a full day of "me" time. 

7. DISTRACT KIDS WITH MOVIE MAGIC.

Schedule an afternoon or morning movie session for your kids; just pre-select the movie before letting them watch it. Make sure this film has educational or moral value to make sure it's time well-spent. Take this time to do some home exercises or learn a new craft online. 

8. HIRE A SITTER.

Do you have nieces or nephews who are old enough and responsible enough to take care of your kids? Or maybe your eldest is in her teens and able to take on the responsibility, with a little help from the helpers and yayas. Why not hire them as baby sitters for the afternoon? You can leave the house knowing that your children are with somebody you trust, and you can go to the gym or do a bit of shopping for yourself.
 

9. PLAY THE QUIET GAME.

Remember the movie Up? We could learn a thing or two from Russell's mom. She would play what she called the Quiet Game with him, where the objective was to not talk for the longest possible time. Whoever broke the silence would lose. Play this with your kids when you need to relax on the couch for a bit or want to read your magazines in peace.
 

Why have just 1 child

We were blessed by the kind Lord with a daughter after 10 years of marriage, she's our eldest & our youngest, she's our only one. Others say it's rather lonely, & the child tends to be spoiled rotten. Most only child are generalized ... generalized wrong.

1. Imaginative Minds

"No bickering, no having to buy multiple of things to be 'fair', eating out, travel and other entertainment is less expensive, only children are often very good at playing on their own and have great imaginations." -Melanie Sheridan

2. More Attention

"I have more attention to give to her and her special needs." -Nancy Nally

3. Cheaper Fun

"…admission to any kind of attraction is cheaper and it's easy to find 'family four-pack' deals so they can bring a friend." -Caitlin Madden

4. No Drama

"No fighting with siblings and not hearing, 'Mom, he touched me.' Also, no hand me downs!" -Teresa Olvera

5. More for Her

"I can afford to give her more." -Jessica Bern

6. Global Fun

"We can travel a whole lot more!" -Ana Flores

7. Exclusive Love

"He will never have to 'worry' that I love his sibling more than I do him, nor will he have to vie for my attention or love." -Issa Mas

Other Curious reading are For more reasons to love having an only child, visit Disney Baby!

Surprising stuff that makes us OLD

Despite accusations that being a mom causes aging, here are some simple facts that begs to differ :

1. Low fat diets

Many of us switch to low fat diets to help shed excess pounds. However, cutting out good, healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids could negatively affect the speed and way in which you age. Omega-3 fatty acids – present in oily fish, walnuts and flax seeds – are essential for keeping you looking and feeling young. Not only do they help keep skin supple and wrinkle-free, but they help boost brain health, keep your heart in good condition, and can even increase your lifespan.

2. Your pillowcase

You may think you’re indulging in a bit of beauty sleep when you hit the hay at night; however the opposite could in fact be true. If you regularly sleep with the same side of your face pressed against a cotton pillow case this may cause creases on the skin which can eventually turn to fine lines and wrinkles. To help stay youthful overnight try sleeping on your back instead, or switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to create less compression wrinkles and help maintain skin’s moisture levels.

3. Soap

While you may think that soap is your skin’s best friend, this is actually not the case. The reason for this is that your skin has an acid mantle which is a natural protective barrier of the skin. When you wash with soap – which is generally alkaline – it can remove this protective layer of oils and dry out the skin, eventually leading to wrinkles. While it is not advisable to stop washing entirely, try swapping the soap for a PH-neutral and chemical-free cleanser, and bear in mind that there is such a thing as over-cleansing your skin.

4. Your job

While having a job is pretty essential for most of us, it can also be one of the biggest causes of premature ageing. Firstly, work is a big source of stress for many people, which research has found can increase risk of heart disease and speed up cell ageing. Secondly, spending too many hours in the workplace can mean you have little time for essentials such as exercise, proper meals and sleep. To help minimize damage, try to avoid working exceptionally long hours and make the most of your evenings and weekends as times to relax.

5. Listening to an iPod

Hearing loss is a common symptom of ageing, yet many of us may suffer from diminished hearing early on due to listening to loud music through headphones. While listening to music sparingly and at a moderate volume is unlikely to do you much harm, a study has shown that listening to music on headphones for an hour can temporarily affect people’s hearing, while some researchers have suggested that listening at full volume could put you at risk of permanent damage.

6. Sugar

Eating too much sugar is clearly bad news for your waistline; however sugar consumption is also up there with sun exposure and smoking when it comes to the major causes of wrinkles. When blood sugar levels are high, a process called glycation occurs which damages the collagen in your skin. Once damaged, the normally springy collagen hardens, leading to wrinkles and sagging.

7. Central heating

Many of us spend a fortune on anti-ageing skin products, yet we may regularly accelerate skin ageing without even being aware of it. The central heating and air conditioning systems that many of us use at home and at work can severely dry out skin, leading to premature ageing and wrinkles. To help keep skin youthful and soft, try turning down the heating and wearing more layers to stay warm. Keeping a glass of water in the room can also increase humidity, while wearing a protective face cream can help relieve dryness.

8. Too little (or too much) exercise

The benefits of exercise are immeasurable for keeping you looking and feeling young. Not only does a lack of exercise shorten your life and increase risk of obesity and heart disease, but exercise can also keep your brain young by protecting against Alzheimer’s, boosting your mood and leaving you feeling alert and energized. Furthermore, increased blood flow to your skin can help keep your complexion clear, bright and youthful-looking. On the flipside, while we should all make an effort to stay active, too much exercise can cause stiffness in joints and increase risk of arthritis.

9. Drinking from bottles and through straws

You probably know that what you drink can affect your looks, but you may be surprised to hear that how you drink can also influence how well you age. In fact, sucking on straws and drinking out of sports bottles causes the same pursing action – and therefore the same fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth – as smoking. Try drinking directly from the glass whenever you can to help keep the wrinkles at bay.

10. Watching TV

While we all know that spending hours in front of the television is bad for your waistline, you may not know that it can also shorten your lifespan. Researchers from the University of Queensland found that for every hour you watch TV you may shorten your life by as much 22 minutes. Furthermore, research has suggested that watching TV could increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

6 Drinks that Fight Age

With all the "things to do" & chores to run, it's not often that we forget the little things, and before we know it we're already so lost in our daily activities that we end up tired, exhausted & looking old. Here are some simple tips to keep us looking young - and when I say simple I mean as simple as the things we drink the whole day which we take for granted. This stuff could mean less wrinkles guys !


These six drinks fight aging. See what they are and when to down them.

WATER
When to Drink: At the Alarm

Guzzle water, Dr. Lodge suggests. Hydrating will help beat that groggy feeling and make your skin look its glowy best (both now and later in life), says David E. Bank, M.D., a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York.

COFFEE
When to Drink: At Breakfast

Coffee may help your heart and (if you take it black) metabolism, and it reduces risk for some types of cancer, studies show.

GREEN TEA
When to Drink: At Lunch

Sip tea. Green kick-starts metabolism and can help fend off breast cancer, says Jonathan R. Cole, M.D., medical director of the California Health and Longevity Institute. Black may lower blood pressure, research from the University of Western Australia suggests.

HOT COCOA
When to Drink: P.M. Snack

Hot cocoa (have it over ice if you can't take the heat) has more antioxidants than does coffee, red wine or green tea, a study from Cornell University reveals. Great for your heart and skin.

RED WINE
When to Drink: At dinner

Enjoy a glass of red wine: Piceatannol, a compound your body makes when you drink vino, could stunt fat-cell growth (woot!), the Journal of Biological Chemistry reports.

MILK
When to Drink: Before Bed

Grab milk-your skeleton will love the calcium, and your muscles will love the protein. You'll wake up even stronger.

To know more check out Self Magazine Yahoo Lifestyle Entertainment

10 simple ways to boost our childs self esteem

1. Take every opportunity to showcase your child's accomplishments. Whether it's artwork on the fridge or a trophy on a bookcase, allow your child to see how much their hard work and dedication matters. Dr. Sears recommends parents, "Discover [each accomplishment], encourage it, frame it, and display it."
2. Encourage your child's opinion. Your child's opinion - free from judgment - matters. Scholastic recommends involving your child in discussions about your household as well as current events. Confidence in sharing their opinion will encourage them to speak up for themselves and causes they believe in.
3. Improve your own self image . Our kids learn from example and if we're always down on ourselves, chances are they'll grow to mirror our negative behavior. According to Dr. Sears, "Children translate your unhappiness with yourself to mean unhappiness with them," and further suggests that older children feel responsible for their parents' happiness. Discover new ways to bring personal joy into your life and spread the happy!
4. Provide gentle nudging. Scholastic says that kids often need gentle nudging on tasks they're afraid of doing wrong. Patience and guidance go a long way in ensuring a child's success.
5. Give your child responsibilities. Ownership and pride go hand in hand. Dr. Sears says,"One of the main ways children develop self- confidence and internalize values is through helping maintain the family living area, inside and out. Giving children household duties helps them feel more valuable, besides channeling their energy into desirable behavior and teaching skills." Parents, make that list and get started!
6. Allow your child to problem solve. As parents, we're often too eager to solve our kids' problems. Scholastic recommends allowing our kids to practice problem solving outside of the school environment to better enable them to solve problems at school in the future. Facilitate problem solving discussions with your child and allow them to arrive at a solution.
7. Provide a sense of belonging. Your child holds an important place in your family, as well as your heart. According to WebMD, "A sense of belonging helps a child to participate in learning new things; learning makes a child feel confident in making contributions; making contributions helps secure a feeling of belonging. This cycle helps establish and strengthen a child's self-esteem." Take opportunities to remind your child.
8. Encourage your child to try new things. Trying new things can be scary, especially for a child who fears doing things wrong. Scholastic reminds us that kids need to try all kinds of different things to build personal preferences and gain valuable experience. Encourage your child to try new things and support him when he does.
9. Watch those labels - Dr. Sears states, "Every child searches for an identity and, when found, clings to it like a trademark." So while your child may indeed be shy, asthmatic, or learning disabled, manage the condition and focus on creating esteem-building labels instead.
10. The most we can ever expect from our children is their personal best. According to Scholastic, kids who are complimented on their efforts are more likely to seek out challenging tasks.

For additional references check out :

12 Ways to Help Your Child Build Self-Confidence | Ask Dr. Sears®

10 Tips to Prevent Common Colds

Benz got sick. She wasn't able to attend school at St. Ambrose for weeks. It's so terrible how a simple cold could escalate into fever & cough but what we take for granted is that prolonged colds with cough & fever can be something very very serious like Ear Infection. This condition is very painful & very dangerous.

Here are some tips to prevent the common colds.

The common cold is arguably the most common illness in humans. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is also one of the most common causes of work and school absenteeism, with up to 22 million school days lost each year in the U.S. Colds are caused by viral infections. Over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms of varying severity.

Viruses that cause colds are spread from person to person through tiny droplets of mucus that enter the air from the nasal passages of infected persons and are inhaled by others. Colds can also be spread by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by contact with infected persons and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

While it is impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds, there are steps you can take to reduce your and your family's chances of becoming infected with a virus that causes colds:

• Wash your hands often. This is probably the single best measure to prevent transmission of colds. Especially after shopping, going to the gym, or spending time in public places, hand washing is critical. Frequent hand washing can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching surfaces used by other people. You can also carry a small tube of hand sanitizer or sanitizing hand wipes when visiting public places. Teach your children the importance of hand washing too.

• Avoid touching your face, especially the nose, mouth, and eye areas, if you are around someone with a cold or have been touching surfaces in a public area.

• Don't smoke. Cigarette smoke can irritate the airways and increase susceptibility to colds and other infections. Even exposure to passive smoke can make you (or your children) more vulnerable to colds.

• Use disposable items if someone in your family is infected. Disposable cups can be thrown away after each use and prevent accidental spread of the virus from sharing of cups or glasses. This is particularly important if you have young children who may try to drink from others' cups.

• Keep household surfaces clean. Door knobs, drawer pulls, keyboards, light switches, telephones, remote controls, countertops, and sinks can all harbor viruses for hours after their use by an infected person. Wipe these surfaces frequently with soap and water or a disinfectant solution.

• If your child has a cold, wash his or her toys as well when you are cleaning household surfaces and commonly-used items.

• Use paper towels in the kitchen and bathroom for hand washing. Germs can live for several hours on cloth towels. Alternatively, have separate towels for each family member and provide a clean one for guests.

• Throw tissues away after use. Used tissues are sources of virus that can contaminate any surface where they are left.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. While there isn't direct evidence to show that eating well or exercising can prevent colds, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, with adequate sleep, good nutrition and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight infection if it occurs.

• Control stress. Studies have shown that people experiencing emotional stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts.

LINK

What is a Link ? A Link is a Connection, a Relation, a Bond.

Letter To Partners Dear Parents Through the years we have forged a partnership with you. To enhance this partnership we are providing you with this journal as a venue for constant communication.

St. Ambrose School has their very own “Link”. It is a journal used to connect teachers and parents. It’s like going to the billboard to find out what’s happening ! I really like it ! It’s such a big help from simple daily activities such as home works, quizzes & projects, to all sorts of parent’s concern. It is a complete set of school contingency making the teacher – parent relationship to be more open.

For the teachers to address significant areas like, test & quizzes, project requirements & other classroom activities, there is the LETTER OF CONCERN. For the parents to discuss their concern is the APPOINTMENTS. In case of the need to fetch your child early, there’s the REQUEST FOR EARLY DISMISSAL. And if in case your child gets sick, the EXCUSE LETTER. Last but not the least, which is one that every parent doesn’t wish to get is the TARDY SLIPS.

So you see, St. Ambrose is a “Fair” School. Channels are open. Communication is two way. Doesn’t it feel great to go to sleep at night knowing that the next morning our children are going to wake up excited to go to school ? And not screaming & shouting (,")