Health Hacks to Keep You More Active and Mobile

Did you know: 1 in 5 veterans return home from conflict and live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My grandfather was one of these vets. It’s very traumatic for the returning vet as well as the families. Meet Bill Jones, Chief Warrant Officer 2, U.S. Army & Wounded Warrior Project ® Alumnus.
From an outsider’s perspective, Bill Jones has an inspiring success story. From his own perspective, Bill simply sees himself standing on the shoulders of those who have helped him over the years. Now he wants to help others as much as he can.
“Wounded Warrior Project ® (WWP) impacted my life exponentially,” says Bill. “I went from being very unstable to being able to overcome the triggers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and feeling empowered for a better life.”
Bill served in Iraq and Afghanistan and like many of his fellow service members, he never had time to process the realities of war.
“You go from one mission to the next, where the next traumatic event happens, and then to the next event, on and on,” says Bill. “You can’t deal with it, so you don’t. You bury it. When you eventually come home, it all surfaces.”
Bill says WWP Project Odyssey ® helped him transform from hopeless to hopeful. The teambuilding approach of this outdoor, rehabilitative retreat gave him the confidence he needed to heal and motivated him to get involved with the WWP Warriors to Work ® program. Through Warriors to Work, Bill was chosen from thousands of applicants as a camera operator with the Def Leppard and KISS tour. Traveling with the band was a dream come true for Bill, but there were unexpected challenges and benefits to being in a concert environment.
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“It forced me to deal head-on with my fears of crowds and loud noises,” says Bill. “The prolonged exposure helped me re-train my mind to understand they were not a threat. None of this would have been possible without the Warriors to Work program.”
Bill is quick to point out the positive effects of his recovery extend to his family and beyond.
“As I improved in my healing process, my family and I have grown closer together. The support has been incredible. Through Wounded Warrior Project, no warrior should ever have to give up.”
Today, Bill is dedicated to helping other warriors who are living with PTSD. He serves as a WWP Peer Mentor and manages a personal Facebook page called “The Prisoner Within – A Look into PTSD.”
“I want to dispel the myths associated with PTSD. Healing comes in many ways for a PTSD survivor, but recovery doesn’t mean that everything is all better. The key is to get help. Stand on the shoulders of those who care, and you’ll be strong enough to help someone else. Regardless of what side of PTSD you stand on, you are not alone.”
Join Wounded Warrior Project ® (WWP) and participating retailers and brands until November 20 as part of the ‪#‎BelieveInHeroes‬ campaign and Support the Brands that Support our Heroes. It’s something so easy to do! http://wwpbelieve.org
This blog post was sponsored by Wounded Warrior Project ® for Believe in Heroes but the opinions are all my own.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Preferably sooner rather than later, your child will need to regularly visit a dentist. This is so said experts can ensure that your child isn’t suffering from dental hygiene or growth problems, which can often cause pain, infections, and sometimes serious health concerns. However, it is a very common issue for a child to be afraid of this visit to the dentist.
Even if you opt for the top dentist in your area, one with an absolutely fantastic demeanor around children, it can be hard for children to separate the worries of their imagination from the reality in front of them. This means that as a loving parent, giving them a comfortable push in the right direction can be an astonishing and confident means of getting them the help they deserve.
Allowing your child to remain brave at the dentist will not only allow them to get the treatment they need, but it will help them learn to deal with fears that might be irrational, generally improving their bravery over time. After all, a child is never helped by being overly sheltered, but can truly grow by being exposed to things that they might have otherwise feared (at least in a healthy, constructive manner).
Let us see where you, as a doting parent, should begin:
Make The Dentist Human
Do not refer to the dentist as ‘the dentist’. This can make them seem like a cold professional, almost non-human. Of course they are not, but in the mind of a child, it’s that difference that can, ironically, make all the difference. It’s important to be realistic regarding how children think. If they remain ‘the dentist’ then they could be anything, as cold and as worrying as the scariest tools in their disposal. A child might imagine a blank room where you will not be around to protect them.
Instead, you may choose to say ‘today we’re going to pay Mr. Johnson a visit!’ Of course, they might have a doctorate, in which case it’s important to get the name correct. However, as soon as you put a name to a person, it seems as though they’re going to be cared for. ‘To see the dentist’ is often a worrying phrase also, suggesting that perhaps there is a problem that has caused this impromptu trip to come up that day. Instead, saying ‘Mr. Johnson is going to make sure your teeth are healthy and grow nice and strong!’ will designate said medical professional as an ally, as someone who only cares for the health and wellbeing of your child. You may not think a young mind able to make a massive distinction out of these things, but you’ll be surprised.
Your tone will communicate plenty of information, too. A happy, buoyant tone, almost as if this is a celebration, will show them that there’s nothing to fear because this is a positive experience. You might even talk about how nice the Dentist is, and how you trust them. If you used to attend the same practice as a child yourself, mention that fact. It will show them that there’s truly nothing to worry about.

Parents magazine today revealed the Top 10 Best Hotel Chains For Families, perfect for family road trips, holiday travels or weekend getaways. Parents’ magazine editors and travel experts evaluated 60-plus hotel brands across the country to identify chains offering families great space and comfort, high satisfaction ratings, affordable rates, and entertaining kids’ programs. The full article is available in the November 2015 issue of the magazine and on Parents.com.
According to Parents, the year’s best hotel chains for families include:
Best Budget Chains
Residence Inn – With 650+ U.S. locations, the hotel offers extensive in-room amenities and a seasonal “Residence Inn Mix” program, featuring food-truck fare, restaurant pop-in tastings, and a backyard BBQ, depending on the night and location. (Fall rates for a Studio Suite start at $84 per night; residenceinn.marriott.com).
Hyatt Place – Perfect for keeping kids healthy on vacation, these properties offer a free breakfast buffet which has expanded in most locations to include more nutritious options, many packed with fruit, veggies, and protein. (Fall rates for a room with two queen beds start at $134 per night; hyattplace.com).
SpringHill Suites – Known for its roomy living areas and creative breakfast options, the chain’s special touch lies in a showcase of more than 2,000 pieces of artwork displayed throughout its lobbies. (Fall rates for a suite with two double beds start at $79 per night; marriott.com/springhillsuites).
Hilton Garden Inn – The hotel’s redesigned rooms are more family-friendly than ever, providing more counter space, clothes storage, charging stations, and seating. Hate waiting in line? Use the HHonors app to check-in and choose your room from your smartphone – you may decide on a room near the indoor pool, for instance – then swing by the front desk for the key. (Fall rates for a room with two queen beds start at $129 per night;hiltongardeninn.com).
Wingate by Wyndham – With starting rates of less than $100 per night (and free breakfast!) in many areas, you can’t beat the price of a standard room here. The brand also has a unique loyalty program that allows you to redeem some of your points for discounts on your stay. (Fall rates for a room with two double beds start at $129 per night;wingateatlanta.com).
Best Mid-Priced Chains
Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton – Every room is a suite here, so forget about splurging on an upgrade for more space and privacy. Additional perks include a free nightly snack and drink reception, training for all staff on interacting with kids, and a new program offering baby care essentials at some locations. (Fall rates for a suite with two double beds start at $189 per night; embassysuites.com).
Loews Hotels & Resorts – From receiving early admission to Orlando theme parks so they can beat the crowds to attending “Farm School” at an organic farm to care for local animals and vegetables in San Diego, families take advantage of the coolest partnerships to keep the kids happy. (Fall rates for a room with two double beds start at $249 per night; loewshotels.com).
Omni Hotels & Resorts – Omni has a knack for taking old, historic resorts and restoring them into family meccas with plenty of adventure. Kids will have tons of fun with the free photo book and game-filled backpack they receive at check in. (Fall rates for rooms with two double beds start at $229 per night; omnihotels.com).
Hyatt House – Many locations offer two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites for what you’d pay for a single room at a higher-end chain. Plus, all room types come with a full kitchen and all the tools you need to cook and eat a great meal. (Fall rates for a one-bedroom suite start at $159 per night; hyatthouse.com).
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts – Sheraton offers the same features as its pricier Starwood cousins, Westin and Aloft, like “sweet sleeper” beds and cribs, pools, and an all-inclusive dining program for kids 12 and under. (Fall rates for suites start at $249 per night and a room with two double beds at $189 per night; starwoodhotels.com/sheraton).

As LeapFrog continues the pursuit of making reading an activity that every child and family can enjoy, they are hosting the 20/20 Reading Challenge in honor of National Reading Month this March. LeapFrog is hosting a campaign to encourage families to take a pledge to read for at least 20 minutes per day with their kids. As I’m sure you are aware, an early introduction to reading is an important part of a child’s development.
In fact, kids who are read to at home have a substantial academic advantage. These advantages last throughout a child’s academic career. Studies have shown that:
Twenty-six percent of children who were read to three or four times in the last week by a family member recognized all letters of the alphabet. This is compared to 14 percent of children who were read to less frequently.
According to NCES, only 53 percent of children ages three to five were read to daily by a family member. Children in families with incomes below the poverty line are less likely to be read to aloud every day than are children in families with incomes at or above poverty.
The NCES also reported that children who were read to frequently are also more likely to:
Count to 20 or higher than those who were not (60% vs. 44%)
Write their own names (54% vs. 40%)
Read or pretend to read (77% vs. 57%)
As a part of the March 20/20 Reading Challenge, LeapFrog will be partnering with a great non-profit, Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, to donate 20 books to the foundation’s under-served classrooms for every pledge they receive.
“As a mom, it has always been part of our family’s routine to spend time reading together. Research has shown that children who were read to at least three times a week by a family member were almost twice as likely to score in the top 25 percent in reading compared to children who were read to less than three times a week. So many children are showing up to their kindergarten classrooms unprepared for school, and if this little bit of time every day can make a difference in my children’s future academic success and confidence, I am all in!” – Kristi Yamaguchi
The Kristi Yamaguchi Always Dream Foundation is an organization founded to inspire underserved children to reach for their dreams through innovative reading programs and by advancing the cause of early childhood literacy. As an accomplished children’s book author, athlete and mom, Kristi’s passion for reading ignited the Foundation’s commitment to early childhood literacy.
Through this program, LeapFrog plans to donate up to $5 million worth of books to children in need – and they need your help! Take the pledge today to help put a book in a child’s hand!
You can also head over to check out an interview with Kristi that my friend Lisa from Money Saving Parent did about the program.
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I am receiving a case of Pura Vida Ultimate Tequila, Backstage Pass & VIP All-Access Pass to the Rockstar UpRoar Festival in exchange for this post, However all thoughts & experiences are still 100% my own.
As you may already know, this past Wednesday I attended the Rockstar UPROAR Festival with Pura Vida Tequila! Myself & Rachel from The Link Fairy were treated like VIPs in the Pura Vita Party Bus.
I got there around 4:30 (I would have liked to have gone sooner, but I had to get the kiddos from school) and was able to take in a little Buckcherry before I headed over to the bus! They played on the second stage, and may not have been a “headliner” but they sure rocked the house!
After a few songs I headed over to the Bus..eeekkk..where I hung out for a bit and met some amazing people before heading back out and catching the end of Buckcherry.
After that it was time to head back to the bus to meet & greet with the band! Even more of an eeekkk, just might have squeaked out! By this time there were more VIPs around so the bus was getting pretty packed, but the mixologist had arrived so it was time for drinks! I decided on the Sully Smash which I shared with you last week…if you missed it, you can get the recipe here!
A crowd gathered outside the bus..it was time for the local contest winners to line up and get autographs from the band…
Godsmack finally rolled up on their golf carts…by this time Rachel and I were grinning ear to ear! The band very graciously walked the line singing pictures and a tee-shirt or two. Now is our time! We loaded on the bus with the band and other VIPs and got to interview GODSMACK!!
Rachel: When did you know you wanted to be a rockstar?
Sully: “Since I was a kid, I always knew this is what I wanted to do.”
Me: When did you feel like you “made it”?
Sully: “When I got my first GOLD record. I couldn’t believe so many people bought our record.”
Rachel: What is your favorite song to play?
Tony: “Voodoo”
Sully: “Really?!’
What’s your favorite Godsmack Song?
These guys are really down to earth and grateful for where they are! After our interview, we all headed outside to do the 8:15 Toast! We were handed a cup with a shot (or two) of Pura Vida Tequila.
After the toast Godsmack got back on their golf carts and headed off to get ready for their performance.
We hoped back on the bus for a few more drinks and conversation with the other VIP then around 7:30 we headed over to the main stage and was able to photograph the first three songs of Seether in the photo pit then enjoy the rest of their set off to the side of the pit.
Finally it’s 9:30 and time for GODSMACK to take the stage! We got to go into the photo pit for the first three songs from them as well! I loved being so close, and soaked up every moment! After our three song limit was up we soaked up the rest of their set. I really enjoyed when they rolled out the second drum set with Sully at them. Watching Sully & Shannon go at it was amazing!
I only have two regrets from the evening…not getting a picture with them..and not getting anything autographed..but being up-close and personal has definitely been checked off my bucket list! I did get a picture with Jason Cassidy who was with us on the bus!
Check out GODSMACK’s new album 1000hp on shelves and digital media now
And check out Pura Vida Tequila so you can experience your own Sully Smash (it really is to die for!)
Follow Godsmack on: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram and Google+.
Follow Pura Vida: Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Follow Rockstar Energy UpRoar: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE GUYS BEHIND THE SCENES AT PURA VIDA TEQUILA & NEW CREATIVE MEDIA FOR PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!
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