Zone’in Workshops

Recommended Reading

The following books were instrumental in my formation of both the Zone’in, Move’in and Unplug’in programs and the Foundation Series Workshops. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following authors for their profound work and insight into what can be often a very confusing and troubling area, children with Sensory Processing Disorders.

– Cris Rowan

Virtual Child The Terrifying truth about what technology is doing to children

by Cris Rowan, Published by Createspace of Amazon
www.virtualchild.ca

Children now use an average 7.5 hours per day of entertainment technology, but what at what cost to their developing neurological systems?

21st century children are plagued with the following health issues:

• One in three children enter school developmentally delayed
• One in four have obesity
• One in six have a diagnosed mental illness
• Half of grade 8′s are illiterate

To what extent are these child health issues related to technology overuse, and what is going to happen if parents, health and education professionals continue to ignore the warning signs that children are simply using too much technology?

Virtual Child – The terrifying truth about what technology is doing to children offers readers research referenced information regarding the impact of technology on child physical, mental, social and academic performance. Virtual Child provides innovative tools and techniques to enhance child growth and success, while managing balanced use of technology. Creation of global Balanced Technology Management Foundation Teams will serve to ensure that every new millennium child achieves a healthy, productive and sustainable future.

Cris’s best read:

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Defecit Disorder
by Richard Louv, Published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, Division of Workman Publishing.

This is a ground breaking work about the staggering divide between children and the outdoors and accurately and passionately links the absence of nature in the lives of today’s “wired” generation to some of the most disturbing childhood trends: the rise of obesity, attention disorders and depression. This is the first book to bring together a body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. This book assisted in the formation of my Zone’in and Move’in programs, and supports my theory that we have not evolved as the human species to adapt to the loss of nature in our lives over the past hundred years. More than just raising alarm, Richard Louv offers practical solutions to heal the broken bond between children and nature.

“Luke’s case for a drug-free nature cure for many modern ills is to tantalizing to ignore”
– Auducun Magazine

“Parents, educators, therapists and city officials can benefit from taking seriously Louv’s call for a nature/child reunion.”
– Scientific American

For Occupational Therapists and Other Allied Health Professionals

Reflexes, Learning and Behavior: A Window Into The Child’s Mind
by Sally Goddard, Published by Fern Ridge Press.

Reflexes, Learning and Behavior highlights research by Peter Blythe at the Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology regarding a physical basis for learning and behavior problems. Dr. Blythe found that detection and analysis of primitive postural reflexes may be used as a valuable tool for physicians, psychologists, teachers and parents to find out why a child is not performing at age level. This research impacts not only how these experts perceive each child, but also helps them to determine what interventions will be most effective.

Sally Goddard, Director, Researcher and Therapist at the Institute, has taught many school districts to take advantage of this knowledge in the classroom. Since the Institute’s way of thinking is backed by decades of neurological research that proves that the brain is indeed plastic, teachers in Sweden, Germany, Australia and United States are applying Goddard’s knowledge. They find that when children have the basic equipment for learning, teaching methods becoming more effective and the children blossom. Then, if a child still lags behind, they are learning to answer the question “Why?” and can help that child to succeed.

Sensory Integration: Applying Clinical Reasoning to Practice with Diverse Populations
by Rosann C. Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Susanne Smith-Rolly, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Published by Pro-Ed Publishing.

Sensory Integration: Applying Clinical Reasoning to Practice with Diverse Populations is a user friendly book that guides therapists in the process of linking sensory integration theory with practice. Dr. Janis Burke, a noted Theoretician, Researcher, and Educator suggest that both new and experienced therapists will find valuable and useful information that can be readily applied to their practices in homes, schools and communities.

The text helps therapists “put all the pieces together” and provides hundreds of sensory based activities in a useful, accessible format. The first-of-its-kind book supports all kinds of pediatric practice by illustrating application of sensory integration principals to children with a wide range of diagnosis, including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X Syndrome, high risk infants, children from deprived environments, and children with visual impairments. Readers are provided with a systematic method of clinical reason that takes them through the intake, assessment, and intervention process, including evaluation of outcomes.

Dr. Irna Blanche, a Master Clinician and Educator notes that this is a “must have” book for any therapist using sensory-based methods in their practice working with children.

Observations based on Sensory Integration Theory
by Erna Imperatore Blanch, PhD., OTR, FAOTA, publisher Pediatric Therapy Network.

In this two part DVD and workbook assessment for Occupational Therapists, Dr. Irna Blanch brings a unique perspective and sense of authenticity to Sensory Integration Assessments. This assessment closely follows Dr. Blanch’s work with Dr. Jean Aires and offers Occupational Therapists, and other related allied health professionals specializing in pediatrics, the opportunity to develop skills in a non-standardized assessment of Sensory Integrative function. The observations demonstrated in this program can be utilized for a broad range of children of varying ages and developmental levels in a variety of situations, eg. clinic, school and home.

Sensory Integration Theory and Practice
by Anita C. Bundy, Shelly J. Lane and Elizabeth A. Murray, published by F. A. Davis Publishing Company.

The classic text book for Sensory Integration practitioners, providing authoritative information on theory, assessment, intervention and research related to Sensory Integrative dysfunction. The second edition explores research first pioneered by the late Dr. Jean Ayres incorporating many new case studies and offers the reader accurate information regarding neurological base of sensory integrative disorder, and offers an in depth explanation regarding sensory modulation and praxis issues. A good overall text book for those therapists seeking research based sensory integrative therapies.

The Brain’s Sense of Movement
by Dr. Alain Berthoz, Published by Harvard University Press.

For those who are interested in the neuroscience of movement, Dr. Berthoz describes how human beings perceive and control bodily movements. In his view, perception and cognition are inherently predictive, functioning to allow us to anticipate the consequences of current or potential actions. The brain acts like a simulator that is constantly inventing models to project into the changing world-models that are corrected by steady, minutes seen back from the world. This interpretation of perception and action allows Dr. Berthoz to focus on the psychological phenomena largely ignored in standard tests: proprioception and kinaesthesis, the mechanisms that maintain balance and coordinate actions, and basic perceptual and memory processes in children’s navigation of their world. Dr. Berthoz is a professor and directs the laboratory of physiology of perception and action in France.

Touching: The Healing Significance of the Skin
by Dr. Ashley Montague, Professor of Anthropology and Anatomy, Published by Harper and Row Publishing Company.

If ever there was a book that substantiated the essential need for touch, using ethnological and ethnographic data, research and laboratory investigations, this is it. Utilizing her findings in psychology, biology and zoology, Dr. Montague produces that characterizes touch as a neglected sense and describes why touching is as basic a human need as breathing, eating and resting. Without touching, healthy human development is not possible. Dr. Montague’s book is a cornerstone for the importance of tactile input, and is an integral adjunct to Sensory Integration Theory and training for Occupational Therapists who work with children and adults alike.

For Teachers and Parents

Early Intervention Games: Fun, Joyful Ways to Develop Social and Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum or Sensory Processing Disorders
by Barbara Sher

A resource of fun games for parents or teachers to help young children learn social and motor skills. Barbara Sher, an expert occupational therapist and teacher, has written a handy resource filled with games to play with young children who have Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other sensory processing disorders (SPD). The games are designed to help children feel comfortable in social situations and teach other basic lessons including beginning and end, spatial relationships, hand-eye coordination, and more. Games can also be used in regular classrooms to encourage inclusion.

When the Bow Breaks: The Cost of Neglecting Our Children
by Sylvia Ann Hewlett (1992), Published by HarperCollins Publishing Co., Toronto.

Sylvia Ann Hewlett is an economist, consultant, lecturer and a volunteer with homeless children and has written a powerful, extensively researched and often shocking book that explores the plight of the vast number of our children today. She delves into a multitude of problems – substance abuse, emotional instability and broken homes that contribute to parental and public neglect. Hewlett also outlines ways society can help to rectify this situation, including educational reform, changes in the workplace, and government policies. The author’s approach to the harsh reality of neglect stirs the emotions and will no doubt cause a public reaction. This book is of great interest to professionals and general readers, as it is a well documented; compelling study that fully analyzes a nation wide problem.

The Hurried Child: Growing Up Too Fast Too Soon
by David Elkind (2007), Published by Da Capo Press, New York City.

David Elkind has often been referred to as the voice of parenting reason, calling our attention to the crippling effects of hurrying our children through life. He shows that by blurring the boundaries of what is age appropriate, by expecting-or imposing-too much to soon, we force our children to grow up too fast, to mimic adult sophistication while secretly yearning for innocence. Dr. Elkind provides a detailed, up to the minute look at the internet, classroom culture, school violence, movies, television, and a growing societal instability to show parents and teachers where hurrying occurs and why. He offers parents and teachers insight, advice and hope for encouraging healthy development while protecting the joy and freedom of childhood.

Endangered Minds: Why Children Don’t Think – and What We Can Do About It
by Healy, Jane (1990), Published by Simon and Schuster Publishing Company, New York.

An awesome ‘text book’ and a ‘must read’ for all educators and parents regarding the escalating educational crisis for our children resulting from TV and videogames. Dr. Healy reviews neurological research and analyzes current educational practices, and makes numerous recommendations for how to get our educational systems and our children back on track.

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addition
by Maté Gabor, Published by Knopf Canada Publishing, Toronto.

Dr. Maté’s book eloquently offers a more sympathetic and informed view of human addictions. Dr. Maté looks at the root causes of addiction, applying a clinical and psychological view to the physical manifestation and offering some enlightening answers for why people inflict such catastrophe on themselves. He takes aim at the hugely ineffectual US led war on drugs, challenging the wisdom of fighting drugs instead of aiding the addicts.

Holding Time
by Martha G. Welch, MD (1989), Published by Simon and Schoester, New York.

In this fascinating book written by Dr. Martha Welch, child psychiatrist and president of The Mothering Center at Cos Cob, Connecticut describes a technique called ‘forced holding’, where the mother holds the child close to her on her lap, as if she were nursing the child, and doesn’t let go! Even if the child squirms and screams, the mother hangs onto the child, maintaining essential eye contact and repeating to the child ‘I love you’ over and over again. While this technique has met mixed reviews, it does offer interesting information regarding the mother child connection, and offers families with children with Autism an alternative technique for establishing bonding.

Running on Ritalin: A Physician Reflects on Children, Society, and Performance of a Pill
by Lawrence H. Diller (1999), Published by Bantam Publishing.

Dr. Diller, a Pediatrician explores the escalation of diagnosis of American children with ADHD and treatment with Ritalin, and highlights how research often obscures social or environmental factors. Dr. Diller points out that it is misleading to hold that Ritalin’s success in treating ADHD children means that ADHD can be reduced to biological phenomenon, to chemical imbalance. Diller convincingly suggests that part of the reason that many wish to portray ADHD as a purely ‘neurobiological’ disorder and Ritalin is the ‘cure’ is political. As victims of biology, children and adults diagnosed with ADHD become legally entitled to rights not given to others. But so what? If Ritalin helps those diagnosed with ADHD perform better, what difference does it make whether it treats the causes of ADHD or just the symptoms? Diller’s answer is that America should be concerned because the 700% increase in Ritalin use points to societal imbalance that prescribing the drug covers up: “The surge in ADHD diagnosis and Ritalin treatment is a warning to society that we are not meeting the needs of our children”. Whether or not one entirely accepts Diller’s argument is that American psychiatrists have ignored the evidence against Ritalin’s effectiveness as a cure for ADHD, this is an important book for anyone interested in the narcoticising of America’s youth.

The Well Balanced Child: Movement and Early Learning
by Sally Goddard Blythe, Published by Hawthorne Press.

The Well Balanced Child is a passionate manifesto for a “whole body” approach to learning which integrates the brain, senses, movement and play. This fully revised edition includes a new chapter on what parents can do to help their children reach their full potential, physically and mentally. This practical, inspirational resource will help parents and educators to understand:

• Why movement matters
• How music helps brain development
• The role of nutrition, the brain in child growth
• How to help children with learning and behavioral problems.

Well, I Wonder: Childhood in the Modern World. A handbook for parents, carers and teachers.
by Sally Schweizer, Published by Sophia Books Press.

Given the fast pace of modern life, traditional qualities associated with childhood-imagination, play, wonder… Fun! – are in danger of being left behind. Surrounded by technology and pressured into early learning, the modern child is often bounced between “entertainment” of television and computer games and the premature intellectualization of early reading and school tests.

Sally Schweizer calls for a new evaluation of childhood and an awakening to the real needs of children. As the mother of four, and having spent more than three decades working in education (as a kindergarten teacher, teacher trainer and advisor), she is well qualified to ask questions and offer solutions.

Well I Wonder is packed with practical advice, antidotes, humour and delightful quotes from the children Schweitzer has taught. Her approach is based on the study and practice of Rudolf Steiner’s educational philosophy, but she writes from personal, first hand knowledge gained from her long experience. Schweitzer guides the reader through the stages of childhood development and explains children’s need of daily rhythm, movement and play.

She emphasizes the importance of guarding the quality of imagination, and indicates the significance of festivals and celebrations. She offers helpful tips and wise advice throughout this well illustrated book, which also features an eight page color section on the evolution of children’s drawings.

Physical Activities for Improving Children’s Learning and Behavior: A Guide to Sensory Motor Development
by Billye Ann Cheatum and Alison A. Hammond, Published by Human Kinetics Press.

Few problems cause more concern for parents and teachers than a child who appears to have a learning problem or a behavioral disorder. It is even more difficult when no specific cause or reason for the problem is given. Now, with the help of physical activities for improving children’s learning and behavior, you can learn about the possible underlying causes for a child’s difficulty and select from 99 fun filled activities proven to promote sensory motor development. Authors

Cheatum and Hammond, who have a combined experience of more than 40 years in special physical education field, explain the complexities of sensory motor development in easily understood language. More than 130 photos and illustrations show the developmental processes in activities, helping you to understand and implement the information presented.

All of the activities can be used at home or in the classroom and require little or no equipment. Whether a child shows signs of clumsiness or hyperactivity, or performs motor skills below age level, Cheatum and Hammond provide activities to help them overcome their learning and behavioral difficulties. With this book you can ensure you are giving your children the extra help they need to be successful in and out of the classroom!

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior
by Temple Grandin, published by Scribner Publishing Company.

This book is deeply moving and a triumph on many levels, not the least the understanding of Autism and the discoveries of a gifted human being. Temple Grandin uses her vast knowledge acquired from attaining a PhD in animal behavior, and wonderfully combines this with her experiences as an adult woman with Autism, to yield a book rich with insight and complexities of children with Autism. Animal lovers, parents and teachers of children with Autism, as well as therapists will be thoroughly charmed by this book.

Indigo Children: The New Kids Have Arrived
by Lee Carroll and Jan Tober, Published by Khay House Publishing.

An insightful book offering information regarding Indigo Children and offers a very positive and empowering explanation for some of the attributes we are seeing in “today’s child”. This book offers an alternative view of children with ADHD and accurately questions use of Ritalin with these children, and offers effective alternatives to medication.

Parenting a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder; A Family Guide to Understanding and Supporting Your Sensory-Sensitive Child
by Christopher R. Auer, M.A. and Susan L. Blumberd, PhD., Published by New Harbinger Publications.

Finally a book written by a parent with a child diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder! This book describes the symptoms of SPD and offers an overview of what it means to live with and care for a child with the condition. It provides a range of activities that help strengthen family relationships, improve communication about the disorder, and deal with problem situations and conditions a child with SPD may encounter. Throughout, the book stresses the importance of whole-family involvement in the care of a child with SPD, making sure that everyone is given the attention they need. Finally, you’ll read real life stories providing ideas you can put to work in your own family.

The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life
by Michale Gurian and Kathy Stevens, Published by Joffey-Cass Publishing Company.

This wonderful book chronicles the reality that our boys and young men are falling behind in school and life, receiving the majority of C’s and F’s given all students, they create 90% of the classroom discipline problem. 80% of all high school dropouts are boys, millions of American boys are on Ritalin and other drugs, three out of four learning disabled students are boys, and colleges are struggling to retain male students. This startling trend is not only bad for boys, but also for parents, communities and for humanity’s future in general. The Minds of Boys fills a great void for parents and educators by offering practical ways to change the developmental course for boys at risk.

Awakening Children’s Minds: How Parents and Teachers Can Make a Difference
by Dr. Laura E. Berk, Professor of Psychology, Published by Oxford Press.

In this state of the art book about child rearing and early education, Dr. Berk shows how parents and teachers play a part in the development of competent, caring, well adjusted children. In particular, she argues that adult-child communication in shared activities is the foundation of psychological development. These dialogues enhance language skills, reasoning ability, problem solving strategies, the capacity to bring action under the control of thought, and a child’s natural and moral values. In addition to providing clear roles for parents and teachers, Berk also offers concrete suggestions for creating and evaluating quality educational environments-at home, in childcare, in preschool, and in primary school-and addresses unique challenges helping children with special needs.

Scattered Minds: A New Look at the Origin and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder
by Dr. Dabor Maté, M.D., Published by Vintage Canada Publishing Company.

Dr. Maté in Scattered Minds delightfully demonstrates the following:

• ADHD is not an inherited illness, but a reversible impairment, developmental delay. ADD circuits in the brain who’s job is emotional self regulation and attention control failed to develop in infancy.
• “Tuning out” and destructibility are the psychological products of life experience, from utero onward.

Dr. Maté allows parents to understand what makes their ADD children tick, and adults with ADD to be an insight into their emotions and behaviors. Dr. Maté presents a program of how to promote this development in children and adults alike.

The Out-Of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction
by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A., Published by Perigee Publishing.

One of the first and leading guides to parents and teachers of children with Sensory Integrative Dysfunction, and offers a drug-free approach to offer new hope for struggling children. This book offers practical help to parents and teachers who wonder why certain children just don’t “fit in”, and offers detailed and practical help for children with Sensory Integration problems.

The Out-Of-Sync Child has Fun; Activities for kids with Sensory Integrative Dysfunction
by Carol Stock Kranowitz M.A., Published by Penigee Publishing.

This is a practical followup book to the Out-Of-Sync Child and is chalk full of a number of games and fun filled activities to help your “Out-Of-Sync child” strengthen their sensory processing skills. This book features more than 100 playful activities that are SAFE – Sensory -Motor, Appropriate, Fun and Easy – to help develop and organize child’s brain and body. These activities work at home, school and out in the world to add a few more smiles to your child’s face.

The GoodEnough Get In Sync
by Carol Stock Kranowitz M.A., Published by Sensory Resources, LLC.

A delightful book geared for 8-12 year old children with Sensory Processing difficulties to help them understand more about this disorder, and how their sensory systems develop. The GoodEnough are a family of 5 who have varying degrees of Sensory Processing disorders, as well as a naughty dog, and this book portrays how they get “In Sync” after a tough day.

Sensory Secrets: How to Jump Start Learning in Children
by Catherine Chemin Schneider, OTR, Published by Concerned Communications Publishing Company.

Sensory Secrets provides important information to expand our understanding of children, their behaviors and learning. It’s a “must read” for everyone who spends time with children. Sensory Secrets is a great book for parents of young children with Sensory Processing Disorder who are preparing their children for an academic environment.

Technology and Children’s Health

Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television
by Jerry Manzer, Published by Quill Publishing Company.

This book from the 70′s is the first ever to advocate that the medium of television is not reformable. It’s problems are inherent to the technology itself and are so dangerous-to personal health and sanity, to the environment, and to democratic processes-that TV ought to be eliminated forever. Personal experiences and meticulous research, Manzer ranges widely over aspects of television that have rarely been examined and never before joined together, allowing an entirely new, frightening image to emerge. The idea that all technologies are “neutral” benign instruments that can be used well or badly, is doubtful. Speaking of TV reform is, in the words of the author, “As absurd as speaking of the reform of the technology such as guns”. One has to wonder why we as a society continue to burry our heads deep in the sand when information regarding the adverse effects of television technology has been around for over 40 years.

“The case against TV has never been made more effectively. It should be read by all addicts and anyone contemplating participation in the destruction of the mind to which TV leads.”
– Ashley Montague, Anthropologist and Author of The Nature of Human Aggression.

Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology
by Neil Postman, Published by Vintage Publishing Company.

With characteristic whit and candor, Neil Postman launches a trenchant-an harrowing-warning against the tyranny of machines over man in the late 20th century. He postulates that we live in a time when our physical well being is determined by Cat Scan results, and believes that facts need substantiation of statistical study. Mr. Postman believes that we live in a Technopoly-a self justifying, self perpetuated system where in technology of every kind is cheerfully granted sovereignty over social institutions and national life. Mr. Postman’s previous book titled Amusing Ourselves to Death chronicles our transformation from a society that uses technology to one that is shaped by it. Technopoly is a disturbing, passionate cry filled with the humane rationalism, and asserts that technology, placed within the context of our larger human goals and social values, is an invaluable instrument for furthering the most worthy human endeavors.

Endangered Minds: Why Children Don’t Think – And What We Can Do About It
Dr. Jane M. Healy, PhD., Published by Simon and Schuster Publishing Company.

Dr. Healy beautifully traces the root of America’s escalating crisis in education, examining how television, videogames and other components of popular culture compromise our children’s abilities to concentrate to absorb and analyze information. Drawing on neuropsychological research and analysis of current educational practices, Dr. Healy presents in clear and understandable language:

• How growing brains are physically shaped by experience
• Why television programs – even supposedly educational shows like Sesame Street – develop “habits of mind” that place children at a disadvantage at school
• Why increasing numbers of children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder
• How parents and teachers can make a critical difference by making children good learners from the day they are born.

“Provocative, scholarly, and timely. Society may actually be changing our children’s brain for the worst.”
– Louise Bates Ames, Jeselle Institute of Human Development.

Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children’s Minds-For Better or Worse
by Dr. Jane M. Healy, PhD., Published by Simon and Schuster Publishing Company.

In his comprehensive practical and unsettling look at computers in children’s lives, Dr. Healy questions whether computers are really helping or harming children’s development. Once a bedazzled enthusiast of educational computing but now a troubled skeptic, Dr. Healy examines the advantages and drawbacks of computer use for kids at home and school, exploring its effects on children’s health, creativity, brain development, and social and emotional growth. Dr. Healy profiles how educational government are allocating scarce education funding to wire every classroom to the internet, and describes how software companies turn out “educational computer programs” even for preschoolers while school administrators cut funding and space for books, the arts, music and physical education to make room for new computer hardware, our children’s health and wellbeing are put in jeopardy. Dr. Healy eloquently points out that few people stop to consider the computers, used incorrectly may do more harm than good.

“If Jefferson, Bach and Einstien had been reared on PC’s, would we now have the Declaration of Independence, The Pashion According to St. Matthew and the Theory of Relativity? Not likely, if arguments marshaled by Jane Healy are correct, failure to connect sounds like a wake up call for teachers and parents who believe that computers alone with solve our educational problem. The bottom line: adult attention rather than Gigabytes is what makes children grow.”
– Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Author of Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience and Creativity.

Everything That Is Good For You: How Today’s Popular Culture is Actually Making Us Smarter
by Steven Johnson, Published by Riverhead Books Publishing Company.

An interesting “devils advocate” read, social and cultural critic Steven Johnson proposes that the technology culture we use every day, has been growing more and more sophisticated with each passing year, posing new cognitive challenges that are actually making our minds measurably sharper. This book supports my theory that technology is not bad if used with respect, knowledge and balance. I think as a society we need to consider the recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding limiting TV and videogame use to no more than one to two hours per day, with no technology prior to the age of two years.

The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation Of Life
by Dr. Robert O. Becker, M.D., Published by Quill Publishing Company.

The Body Electric tells a fascinating story of our bioelectric cells. Dr. Becker, pioneer in the field of regeneration and relationship to electrical currents in living things, challenges the established mechanistic understanding of the human body. While Dr. Becker explores the theory that electricity is vital to life, he also offers insight and knowledge into the detrimental effects of electromagnetic radiation, and low frequency radio waves, found in today’s technology of TV use, computers, cell phones and electrical appliances. An interesting read for those people who are seeking definitive evidence regarding relationships of too much electricity and learning difficulties such as the causal links between living under power lines and learning difficulties.

Crosscurrents: The Parallels of Electroputions and the Promise of Electromedicine
by Dr. Robert O. Becker, Published by Penguin Incorporated.

Dr. Becker does an awesome job in illustrating how electromagnetic fields are putting our health at serious risk, profiling how research and their findings correlates electromagnetic radiation increases cancer, birth defects, depression, learning disabilities, Chronic Fatigue Sydrome, Altzheimers, AIDS and Sudden Infant Death Sydrome. In this groundbreaking book Dr. Becker explains how new and nontraditional healing techniques such as acupuncture, homeopathy, visualization, hypnosis and electrotherapy work through an invisible common source – the body’s electrical system. Dr. Becker offers practical ways to protect ourselves in our home, schools and offices from the hazardous effects of electromagnetic pollution and teaches us how to engage the healing energy of electromagnetism.

Taking Care of Yourself

Cris has started this section in an effort to care for the caregivers.

The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health – and What You Can Do About It.
by Shawn Talbott, PhD, FACSM, Published by Hunter House Publishers.

First edition of The Cortisol Connection signaled a revolution in our understanding in the effects of stress hormones like cortisol, and explain the relationship between chronic stress, high levels of cortisol and the breakdown of the body’s health reserves. In this carefully designed Sense Program, Dr. Shawn Talbott presents simple guidelines for reducing stress, lowering cortisol levels, improving long term health and reaching and maintaining desired weight. Research in the past five years has shown that there is more, and this new edition contains 25% new material including:

• New biochemistry research, and updated stress self test and a weight reduction plan
• Two new chapters about the relationship between cortisol and testosterone and corisol and HFD, the body’s fat storage enzyme that shows the big part they play in stress response and weight gain.
• Refinements of the Sense Program based on controlled studies with patients who have used it for over five years.

Dr. Talbott has long maintained that lowering cortisol is as important to health and longevity as lowering cortisol. This book explains why. With the information in this book you can start now to reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, avoid weight gain and take more control of your health.

SENSE Cortisol reduction plan:
Stress Management – Exercise – Nutrition – Supplementation – Evaluation

The G.I. Diet: the Green-Light Way to Permanent Weight Loss (Revised and Updated With Forty New Recipes)
by Rick Gallop.

For years we’ve been told that a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet is the way to lose weight and stay trim. But anyone who has diligently followed that regimen knows that it doesn’t work. Rick Gallop, former president of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, tried it, along with countless other diets, and ended up back where he started: twenty pounds overweight. Frustrated, he set out to find a diet that was healthy and that would actually work. When he came across the Glycemic Index, or G.I., he realized he’d found the magic bullet.

Developed by Dr. David Jenkins, a professor of nutrition at the University of Toronto, the G.I. measures the speed at which your body breaks down food and converts it to glucose, which is used for energy or stored as fat. When losing weight, it is critical to avoid foods that have a high G.I., because they are digested too quickly by your body. With Rick Gallop’s G.I. Diet you won’t have to calculate the glycemic ratings and calories because he has done that for you, by listing foods in one of three categories: foods to avoid, foods to eat occasionally, and foods that you can eat as much of as you want.

With recipes, snack ideas, a pull-out shopping list, tips on dining out and strategies for maintaining your new weight, you’ll never have to pick up another diet book!