All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
RPM teaches communication in Autistic Children

Rapid Prompting Method RPM

An Indian mother Soma Mukhopadhyay who lives in Texas, developed a technique to teach communication skills to her autistic son Tito. Soma called this technique Rapid Prompting Method or RPM. This method allowed Tito to communicate his feeling, thoughts and ideas.

In 2005, Mukhopadhyay established the Halo-Soma Institute in Austin, Texas. In 2008 CNN channel ran a program on RPM that involved constant fast paced questioning, stimulating, engaging combined with the use of low tech alphabet board for spelled communication.

Soon, the word reached out. In the life of many Parents RPM technique became part of their life (who have autistic child).  Portia Iversen, a mother of an autistic child learnt Soma’s work and Soma helped Iversen’s son Dov.

Iversen’s book called ‘Strange Son‘ describes Soma’s technique and how the spelling board – RPM helped her son Dov to communicate using complex sentences.

What is RPM?

It is a low-tech approach that has a student, an instructor, paper and a pencil. It teaches child who is in autism spectrum to communicate effectively. RPM was designed based on the psychological, developmental and behavioral theories put forth by Jean Piaget and Anna Jean Ayres. It’s  goal is to “establish functional independent pointing-based communication in people who are otherwise nonverbal due to severe autism or other developmental disabilities” (Wikipedia).

As per http://www.halo-soma.org “RPM is distinct from other methods as it is based upon how the brain works. The aim is to bring the student to maximum learning through the open learning channel and to elicit the best (not simply to test) out of the child to enable maximum output in that given time. As a student’s cognitive and motor proficiency increases, the sophistication of a student’s response also improves RPM prompts – a student’s independent response, without physical support. In addition to teaching letter-chart pointing, RPM also utilizes stencils and other drawing exercises to lead to independent handwriting”.

It helps children to increase interest, confidence and self-esteem. It is designed to help students to initiate responses like picking up answers, to point, to type and to write. It reveals  students comprehension, academic abilities and conversational skills.

RPM is not recognized as a clinical profession and there is not much research support. However, people who want to practice, appear to be self-taught and has to participate in the workshops offered by Halo-Soma, Heather Clare of informative pointing fame or Vanderblilt Kennedy Center Angelman Program for Alphabet Therapy. If professionals want to apply for workshops they are required to submit a 10 mins video samples of the use of RPM, a resume and the reason for wanting to attend the course.

The technique may be used effectively for children who fall into autism spectrum and  Fragile X syndrome, blindness, deafness, Angelman syndrome, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome.

The other technique that helps autistic child to communicate effectively that are similar to RPM is informative pointing or alphabet therapy.

How RPM helps a child? Visit below website for more information:

http://www.halo-soma.org/learning_faqs.php#USING_RAPID_PROMPTING_METHOD

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 15, 2017
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Sleepy baby

14 Tips to help babies sleep

14 Tips to help babies sleep

For young mothers, it is a challenge to put babies sleep. Quietly you put baby to sleep and turn around, there you go… next second, you will hear baby crying. Sometimes it is frustrating and you don’t know what to do. Grandma has few tips that can help you to make your baby sleep fast and better. Listen to grandma’s advice for young mothers…

  1.  Hair drier noise or run a fan to create a gentle hum that masks other sounds.
  2. Gentle bottom pat helps- Pat baby at the bottom for few seconds in a rhythmic manner
  3. Staring contest with the baby – With lot of affection and love stare at baby and she will sleep. Sometimes this may also excite baby. If so, close your eyes in front of baby and she will follow you.
  4. Give a soft towel to cuddle – Give a soft baby towel to cuddle. Snuggling soft towel gives the baby comfort and she sleeps well.
  5. Show them a very short video of lullaby – Hold your smart phone at a distance and play the lullaby. Best is mother singing to her baby- it always works miracle.
  6. Stroke between the eyes – using your fingers gently stroke between to eyes/eye brows. It puts the baby to sleep fast.
  7. A warm water bath with gentle stroke helps. It relaxes baby’s body and she will sleep before you know.
  8. Instead of keeping fragrant oil in baby’s room, use baby detergent to clean the crib that you use for washing baby’s clothes. This familiar odor helps baby to sleep better and fast.
  9. When you put your baby to sleep in the crib, keep your hand gently on her stomach, arms and head – it gives loving comfort
  10. Bed time is important – Establish a bed time for baby. For babies under 1 year 6:30 pm to 7 pm is the ideal bed time as per the pediatricians.
  11. Let there be a very soft light in your baby’s room while baby is sleeping.
  12. Give a gentle massage for baby – use baby safe oil and rub gently on the body. Massage helps in relaxation of baby’s muscles.
  13. Tell a bed time story in a soft voice to put baby sleep fast. Soft voice helps in soothing baby and don’t forget- she is familiar with your voice while she was in your womb itself
  14. Gentle cuddling – lie down next to your baby and cuddle her till she goes to sleep.

Image credit: Photo by Barbara Alçada on Unsplash

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 12, 2017
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Healthy Lunch For Kids

Healthy Lunch For Kids

All parents want their kids to eat nutritious and healthy food at home as well as in schools.  Packing healthy lunch needs some thinking because most kids think their lunch is not good and need something that is more like a snack item. It is important to include healthy and interesting items as kids will look forward eat good and tasty food during lunch time.   Here are some suggestions that can help to pack kids lunch. Also, give your kids some options to select the lunch.

1. Whole-Grain Breads: When you select the whole-grain bread look for the ingredients and make sure whole grains are listed first. If your kid is fussy about eating the whole grain bread make it interesting. You can also send pita bread once a while if your kids like to eat pita bread. Creative combinations makes it tasty and interesting for lunch and kids look forward for lunch time.

  • Prepare a sandwich – with fruits and spread. Take 2 slices of whole grain bread, apply spread of your kids choice, put banana slices and strawberry slices.
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter or sunflower butter topped with one sliced medium-size banana on whole wheat bread.
  • Take whole wheat pita – fill with 2 tablespoons hummus, 2 tablespoons tabbouleh, 2 tablespoons cucumber and 1 tablespoon feta.

2. Fruit juice : Research suggests that drinking moderate amounts of 100 percent fruit juice doesn’t affect a child’s weight. Choose 100% fruit juices over the fruit-flavored kinds, which have fewer nutrients. Stick with one cup a day: 100-percent juice. If your kid wants more juice – make sure that they have not exceeded recommended sugar intake. If so, mix some filtered water to the juice to dilute sugar quantity.

Remember: Although a reasonable amount of fruit juice each day is fine for most children, remember that whole fruit is an even better option. Ask your child whether she prefers fruit juice or fruit or both.

3. Vegetables: If kid refuses to eat vegetables then make it a fun vegetable dip. For example – Cut organic carrots, then put peanut butter (if it is not allergic to your kid or else, chose some other spread like neutella hazelnut spread) and Goldfish crackers in separate bowls. The kids dip the carrots in the nut butter and then fish for the crackers.

4. Pasteurized Cheese: Cheese is source of calcium for growing bones and supplies good amount of protein. Give kids option and ask them what type of cheese they want.

Here is a tip: On whole-grain crackers spread cheese and pack it with lunch. Both are good source of calcium. If your kid prefer, place slice of cucumber or carrot on top of the cheese.

5. Fruit Cups or fruits: Whole fruit is good for kids. Wash and cut fruits – apple, mango, papaya, guava fruits and keep with lunch box. Kids can dip this in cheese or a vegetable dip and eat. Do not send fruits that can mess up their dress. Kids will start disliking the fruits that causes embarrassment by spoiling their dress. Whole fresh fruit is great, but prepackaged cups provide the same nutrients. Choose ones packed in juice to limit added sugars.

It is parents duty to introduce kids to healthy foods. Young minds will absorb and learn better and will implement healthy habits at proper age.

Image credit: https://www.needpix.com/photo/1200434/indian-food-thali-vegetarian-food-food-indian-curry-rice-plate-dal (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 11, 2017
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Fruits and Vegetables

How to calculate fruits and vegetables servings?

Calculating Fruit & Vegetable Servings

How do servings work?

For the most part, a cup means a cup — just measure out a cup of grapes or a cup of chopped carrots, and you have your measurement.

There are a few exceptions though.

  • When it comes to salad, a cup is not a cup. It takes 2 cups of leafy greens to equal 1 cup of vegetables.
  • Juice does count as a fruit. A cup of fruit juice does count as a serving of fruit, but nutritionists caution that you’re not getting the fiber and other good benefits of eating whole fruit.
  • When it comes to dried fruit, cut the amount in half. A half cup of dried fruit equals one cup of fresh fruit.
  • One big piece of fruit is roughly a cup. An apple, an orange, a large banana, a nectarine, a grapefruit — one piece of fruit gives you one cup.

Below is combinations of fruits and vegetables that one can consume everyday

1)  Fruit: 1 large banana. 8 ounces apple juice.

Vegetables: 5 cups salad greens (which equals 2 1/2 cups vegetables), plus onion.

2)  Fruit: 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup strawberries (about 8 large)

Vegetables: 1 cup coleslaw, 6 baby carrots with dip, 1 cup sautéed kale

3) Fruit: 1 cup cantaloupe, 1 cup champagne grapes

Vegetables: 1 cup sugar snap peas, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 stalk celery

4) Fruit: 1/2 cup dried cherries, 1 apple

Vegetables: Large salad with about 5 cups salad greens

5) Fruit: 1 cup cantaloupe, 1 cup blueberries

Vegetables: 2 cups salad greens, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 stalk celery

6) Fruit: 1 cup cantaloupe, 1 cup champagne grapes

Vegetables: 1 cup asparagus salad, 1 cup sautéed kale, 1/2 bell pepper

7) Fruit: 1 cup applesauce, 1 large banana

Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 cup cucumber slices, 2 cups salad greens

8) Fruit: 1 cup strawberries (about 8 large), 1 orange

Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 stalk celery, 1 cup sautéed kale

9) Fruit: 1 nectarine, 1/2 cup dried cherries

Vegetables: 1 cup sliced cucumber, 1/2 cup baby carrots, 1 cup sautéed kale

10) Fruit: 1 cup cantaloupe, 1 apple

Vegetables: 1 cup coleslaw, 1 bell pepper, 1 stalk celery

Image credit and reference: https://vafoodbanks.org/wp-content/uploads/Food-Pharmacy-Partnership-between-local-food-bank-and-medical-clinic.pdf &  TheKitchn.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 7, 2017
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Inspiration Quotes of Swami Dayananda Saraswathi

Inspiring Quotes of Swami Dayananda Saraswathi

Swami (Saint) Dayananda Saraswati is a distinguished, traditional teacher of Vedanta.

His depth of understanding and nuanced appreciation of Western culture makes him that rare teacher who can communicate the vision of non-duality to modern listeners.

He is able to make one see, with immediacy, the truth of oneself as the whole.

Swami Dayananda has been teaching Vedanta in India for more than four decades, and around the world since 1976.

In his public talks abroad, Swamiji has spoken at many of the most prestigious American universities, and has addressed international conventions, UNESCO and the United Nations, where he participated in the Millennium Peace Summit. Pujya Swamiji (as his followers address him with respect and love) is founder of AIM for Seva, a charity that helps rural children to complete their education.

Some of Swamiji’s quotes are below. These quotes are from various topics including Vedanta discussions and public speeches.

  • Always first, see the bad in yourself than in others, you will find many who are always busy in saying others are bad without looking at themselves.
  • You want to change others so that you can be free. But, it never works that way. Accept others and you are free.
  • There is only one source for food on this planet, which is from plants, and there are no other sources. “Anna” (Sanskrit =food) has to be prepared by outside world. That outside world is as Vedas says” From the vegetation comes food and from food is the human. Food is vegetarian and there is no “non”. When you put the negative- “non” then food brings negativity in the form of illness.
  • The earth should not be taken for granted. You have no right to abuse it and you cannot disuse it. Make sure that your are a contributor not just a merely a consumer.
  • If you live your life intelligently, you appreciate that you do not own a thing in this world. You are only a managing trustee of this body and everything is else. If you know that you are not the owner then you will manage it well.
  • People say that they understand what I say and I am simple. I am not simple, I am clear.
  • Give the world the best you have and best will come back to you.
  • Validation of culture of a child is itself validation of a child itself.
  • Enlighten- It cannot be an event. All that is here is non-duality. How will it happen? It is clarity.
  • Marriage cannot be an end in itself. If it is, there will be problems and the marriage will end. Marriage means, not an end, it means husband and wife each seek freedom from insecurity. Freedom from insecurity is common end for both and they help each other (to reach end). Together, as companions, they make the life journey.
  • Whenever concern or anxiety arises in life, we resolve it by bringing back the proper attitude. Just remind yourself that it is nice being you. Say to yourself, “It is nice being myself.” In whichever area you have to change, make efforts to change. If necessary, take help, even the help of prayer. I do not have to prove myself to anybody. If another person thinks ill of me, it is his problem. I just accept myself as I am. “It is nice being I.” Have a sentence like this and repeat it now and then like a mantra. You will find you are together as a person.
  • A person who consumes the least and contributes most is a mature person, for in giving lies the self-growth.
  • We need to know luck is also earned and not imposed! There is no un-earned grace.
  • The highest form of service is to help a person who is incapable of thanking in return.
  • You cannot stand tall emotionally when you are always at the receiving end.
  • It is not wrong to be an ignorant; it is an error to continue to be an ignorant.

Source & Image: Arsha Vidya Gurukulam

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 5, 2017
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Indian Yoga teacher "King of Yoga " Yogaraj creates new record

Indian Yoga teacher “King of Yoga ” Yogaraj creates new record

Hong Kong based Indian Yoga teacher Mr. C. P. Yogaraj (29 years old)  created a new Guinness World Record (GWR) by continuously performing more than 1500 asanas for 40 hrs and 15 mins.

He started the Maha Yoga Sadhana at 1805 hrs on 13th Feb, 2015 and continuously performed Yoga on successive nights of 13th and 14th Feb before achieving the feat on the afternoon of 15th February, 2015.

The yoga instructor did multiple twists and turns at his Tsim Sha Tsui studio, (in Hong Kong) Prana Yogam, which was open to public for the duration of the challenge. “Yoga record. Yogaraj sets record with 40 hours of nonstop Yoga Sadhana in Hong Kong, demonstrating 1500 plus asanas,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted after Yogaraj accomplished the feat.

Yogaraj C.P., awarded the title “King of Yoga” in 1991 after winning the championship award at the State Yoga Competition in Tamil Nadu, India.

Yogaraj was initiated into Yoga at the age of 5 by his father, S. Chidhambaram, who was an ex-service man from the Indian Military.

He later learned Yoga from Yoga Acharya A. Yesudas Antony, who has studied Yoga in the world renowned International Sivananda Ashram in Kerala, India.

Yogaraj
Yogaraj

Before attempting the record, Yogaraj had said that if he succeeds, he will dedicate the record to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was instrumental last year in the UN’s decision to declare June 21 International Yoga Day. His record-breaking attempt this time was supported primarily by the Indian Consulate.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Parents addressing school issue

Addressing children issues at school

Sometimes parents get phone calls from school or child may bring a note from the school about conflicts that your child might have got involved.

Then you need to meet class teacher, principal, counselor or higher authorities to discuss with them about the conflict or the problem.

How parents should address children issues at school?

  • Understand your child’s point of view: Before concluding and stepping into school talk to your child and understand what would have happened. If your child is scared to express don’t give up. Talk to them softly and ask questions. Let your child know that you are taking her point of view and her feelings seriously.
  • Talk to teacher: You should keep your mind open to listen to teacher’s explanation about what went wrong. When there is a serious complaint and teacher talks about discipline understand under what situation you child would acted the way she was. You may think you know your child better, but in social life your child might act differently. The story which your child might have had expressed could be different from what teacher says. Don’t dismiss your child’s story either. Explain child’s views to teacher.
  • Teacher, parents and child interaction: This matters a lot. Some teachers are loved by all parents and not by kids. Similarly, some teacher might be popular among kids whom you may dislike. However, it is better always to work out a positive relationship with class teacher and if there is issue sort it out with teacher. Parents need to remember that their action has an impact on child’s performance in the studies – it is the child who is going to be in the classroom and not the parents. If needed, have child explain to teacher in your presence what happened. This may result in better understanding of the situation.  Be respectful to teacher.
  • When to meet higher officials or principal: In case if your meeting with teacher did not produce any solutions for your concerns then seek the guidance of a counselor or principal of the school. Explain why your child is having a difficult time. Be prepared for the meeting with all your points and seek help. Request the school system to address the situation and help your child whether the incident/situation is minor or major.
  • Follow up with child and teacher: If the solution is emerged and action is taken, talk to your child to understand how she feels and how things are going on. Meet teacher and see whether there is any improvement in your child’s behavior or progress in class or any situation has arrived that you need to know.

Every child should be successful under the guidance and care of parents, teachers and care giver.

A child’s mind is fragile and won’t be able to solve the issue without adult’s support.

With proper guidance and support child will have a healthy development and growth.

Reference: www.werindia.com

 

Image credit: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Queen of Spices Turmeric

A wonderful herb: Queen of Spices Turmeric

Turmeric also scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a very common herb. Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” its main characteristics are a pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color. People across the globe use this herb in their cooking. According to the Journal of the American Chemical Society, turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. This is a recent finding but this has been recorded in Indian Ayurvedic system centuries back, way back! In India elderly ladies apply turmeric on their skin. It also plays an important role in all traditions.

Turmeric is source of; dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Most importantly presence of curcumin makes it most important herb. Due to all these factors, turmeric is often used to treat a wide variety of health problems.

Health benefits

  1. Prevents Cancer : Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. Multiple researchers have found that the active components in turmeric makes it one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumors. It also has a preventive effect against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinomas and breast carcinomas.
  2. Relieves Arthritis: The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, turmeric’s antioxidant property destroys free radicals in the body that damage body cells. It has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.
  3. Controls Diabetes: Turmeric can be used in the treatment of diabetes by helping to moderate insulin levels. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. Another significant benefit is turmeric’s effectiveness in helping reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes. However, when combined with strong medications, turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules.
  4. Reduces Cholesterol Level: Research has proven that simply using turmeric as a food seasoning can reduce serum cholesterol levels. It is a known fact that high cholesterol can lead to other serious health problems. Maintaining a proper cholesterol level can prevent many cardiovascular diseases.
  5. Immunity Booster: Turmeric contains a substance known as lipo polysaccharide, which helps stimulate the body’s immune system. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents also help strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system lessens the chance of suffering from colds, flu and coughs. If you do get a cold, a cough or the flu, you can feel better sooner by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it once daily.
  6. Heals Wound: Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
  7. Weight Management: Turmeric powder can be very helpful in maintaining an ideal body weight. A component present in turmeric helps increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat. Those who wish to lose weight or treat obesity and other associated diseases can benefit from having one teaspoon of turmeric powder with every meal.
  8. Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease: Brain inflammation is suspected to be one of the leading causes of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric supports overall brain health by aiding in the removal of plaque build-up in the brain and improving the flow of oxygen. This can also prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
  9. Improves Digestion: Many key components in turmeric stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, which then improves digestion and reduces symptoms of bloating and gas. Also, turmeric is helpful in treating most forms of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis. However it is important to bear in mind that people suffering from any kind of gallbladder disease should not take turmeric as a dietary supplement as it may worsen the condition. It is best to consume turmeric in raw form when suffering from a digestive problem.
  10. Prevents Liver Disease: Turmeric is a kind of natural liver detoxifier. The liver detoxifies the blood through the production of enzymes and turmeric increases production of these vital enzymes. These vital enzymes break down and reduce toxins in the body. Turmeric also  believed to invigorate and improve blood circulation. All of these factors support good liver health.

Reference:  Ayurveda hand book, home remedies

Image Courtesy:  http://www.healthjockey.com/images

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: September 1, 2017
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