Category Archives: Resources

Fight Flu Season with Fifteen Delicious Foods

Posted by Brooke Phillips on October 15, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

With cold and flu season just around the corner, are you doing everything you can to stay healthy this winter? Cold and flu medicines may manage symptoms, but there’s little they can do to ease the severity of a nasty bug. However, just by eating the right combination of foods, you can boost your immune system and shorten a cold – or even fight it off completely!

Whenever we’re battling an illness, our system boosts our white blood cell count. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the part of our immune system that fights off infections and diseases by attacking the germ or bacteria that has invaded our body. A handful of vitamins and minerals are key in white blood cell production, including Vitamins A, B6, B9 (folate) and vitamin D, as well as beta carotene, copper and zinc. The more nutrients your body has on hand to boost white blood cell count, the faster it can boost your immune system response. Here’s a list of 15 excellent food sources with the vitamins and minerals our immune system needs to stay in tip-top shape:

Fresh vegetables are also rich in polyphenols , a disease-fighting chemical compound found in plants. Green tea is an excellent source of the health-protecting polyphenols, as are dark berries such as blackberries, red and black grapes, blueberries and red cherries.

Food isn’t the only thing that boosts your immune system; drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, keeps the lymhpatic system in tip-top shape. Your body need fluids to balance the lymphatic system, which plays an important part in a healthy immune response by filtering out foreign particles. Lymph fluids circulate throughout the body, helping perform multiple daily functions – including balancing bodily fluids and fighting off infection.

For more health information and useful tips, visit the Resources and Tools Blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

What is Anemia? Signs, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Posted by Brooke Phillips on October 8, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

What is Anemia?

Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S, affecting approximately 3.5 million Americans. With anemia, your blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells (hemoglobin) to bring sufficient oxygen throughout your body. When the cells in your body don’t get enough oxygen, they fail to function properly. Symptoms of anemia — like fatigue — occur because organs aren’t getting what they need from our blood.

Types of Anemia:

There are more than 400 types of anemia, and each one has a different cause and different treatment. Some types of anemia are easily treatable, such as Iron-deficiency anemia. Other types of anemia are much more serious, and may be accompanied by lifelong-health issues. Anemia is grouped into three general causes:

1. Anemia caused by blood loss. Chronic bleeding can cause anemia over time. Some causes of blood loss anemia are gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, hemorrhoids or cancer; and heavy menstruation or frequent childbirth in women.

2. Anemia caused by decreased or faulty red blood cell production. With this type of anemia, your body may produce too few blood cells, or the blood cells it does produce may not work as well as they should because of a lack of certain vitamins and minerals. Some causes include sickle cell disorder, iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, bone marrow or stem cell problems or other health conditions.

3. Anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells. With this type of anemia – also known as hemolytic anemia – red blood cells are fragile and do not survive normally in the stressful circulatory system, sometimes rupturing prematurely. Some causes include sickle cell anemia, infections or other stressors, toxins from advanced liver or kidney disease, severe hypertension and other causes.

Anemia Symptoms:

Anemia symptoms vary based on the type of anemia and its cause. Some symptoms that are common to many types of anemia include:

Fatigue and loss of energy
Shortness of breath, headache and unusually rapid heartbeat during exercise
Difficulty concentrating
Dizziness
Unusually pale skin
Leg cramps
Insomnia
Very heavy menstrual periods

In the early stages, our bodies are frequently able to compensate for anemia; if the anemia is still mild or has been developing over a long period of time, the symptoms may be very subtle. If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms or have concerns about your anemia risk, please speak with your primary care physician.

To learn more about Anemia, visit WebMD, which provided source information for this article. For more health information and useful tips, visit the Resources and Tools blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Grape Nutrition: 10 Powerful Health Benefits of Grapes

Posted by Brooke Phillips on October 3, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

From lowering cholesterol to reducing risk of Alzheimer’s disease, grapes offer a surprising array of powerful health benefits. Grapes are rich source of micronutrient minerals like copper, iron and manganese. They are an also good source of vitamin-C, vitamin A, vitamin K, carotenes, and B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, riboflavin, potassium and thiamin. Just one cup of grapes provides 20% of your daily intake of vitamin K, 15-20% of vitamin C, and 2-10% of iron, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins! Here are 10 powerful reasons to include grapes in your healthy diet:

Natural source of iron. Iron is a mineral your body needs to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide and to regulate cell growth, and anemia (iron deficiency in the blood) can be a result of insufficient dietary iron. Many diseases such as cancer, kidney problems, or heart problems can also cause anemia. Grapes are a modest source of iron, and the vitamin C in grapes improves iron absorption.
Prevent dyspepsia. Among herbalists, grapes are a popular natural remedy to combat dyspepsia (indigestion). Approximately 15-20 grapes, or a glass of grape juice, are the suggested amount to soothe irritation of the stomach lining.
Home remedy for migraine. Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, has been found to be effective in treating migraine headaches. Grapes are high in vitamins C and A as well as B2 and other antioxidants, making fresh grape juice a natural tool that may help relieve migraines.
Reduce risk of heart attack. A recent study conducted at the University of Michigan Health System demonstrated that grapes reduce heart failure associated with chronic high blood pressure, and antioxidants and polyphenols are believed to be the cause. Grapes are rich in the phytochemical compound resveratrol, one of the most powerful antioxidants. Resveratrol has been shown to help protect against colon and prostate cancers, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, degenerative nerve disease and viral/ fungal infections. Resveratrol reduces your risk of blood vessel damage by decreasing angiotensin (a hormone that causes your blood vessels to constrict and elevates blood pressure) and increasing nitric oxide (a compound that causes your blood vessels to relax.)
Reduce asthma inflammation. Researchers have also found that grapes posesses anti-inflammatory qualities, helping to reduce the inflammation in the lungs that causes asthma and COPD. High levels of fiber and resveratrol in red grape skins work to reduce inflammation in the lungs and removes mucus and phlegm from airways.
Reduce the acidity of uric acid. Grapes, along with other fruits rich in potassium, are a popular natural remedy for reducing the acidity of uric acid in the bloodstream. Herbalists find that adding grapes to your diet can reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and help prevent gout.
Antibacterial and antiviral. Catechins and Anthocyanins are two classes of antioxidants that are found in red grapes in abundance. These phytochemicals have demonstrated anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties
Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Along with their antiviral properties, Catechins and Anthocyanins have also demonstrated anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity. Grapes are rich in resveratrol, catechins and flavonoids, which also demonstrate anti-cancer activity and have been shown to help protect against colon and prostate cancers.
Reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that the polyphenols in grapes prevent the generation of amyloid plaques in the brain, a substance found in high deposits in the brains of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. The flavonoids in grapes have also been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce memory loss.
Help lower cholesterol. Along with the cardiovascular benefits of resveratrol, grapes also contain a compound called pterostilbene that has shown to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. In one study, researchers found that pterostilbene reduced cholesterol as effectively as a prescription drug.

For more health information and useful tips, visit the Resources and Tools blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Pinktober

Posted by Brooke Phillips on October 2, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

TotalHomeCareSupplies is going pink for October!

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women (after skin cancer). It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, surpassed only by lung cancer. Approximately 1 in 8 women in the US will develop malignant breast cancer during their lifetime, and over 230,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. alone.

Breast cancer affects everyone, not just the person who is diagnosed. Whether it’s you, your loved one, a friend or a family member – a teacher, student, or coworker – breast cancer touches us all. It afflicts both men and women, though it is 100 times more commonly diagnosed in women than in men.

Breast cancer tumors grow at different rates, depending on the type of cancer. By the time many women can feel a lump, the cancer has been growing in their body for 2 to 5 years. Although breast cancer risk increases for women over the age of 50 (2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women aged 55 or older), a person can be diagnosed at any age. 1 out of 8 cases are diagnosed in women under 45, and younger women are at higher risk for faster-growing, more aggressive types of breast cancer.

Increased public awareness and increased use of mammograms has improved survival rates for breast cancer. A mammogram can usually detect breast cancer a year or more before it would be detectable by hand. There are two types of mammograms: a screening mammogram, which is used during annual exams when there are no known problems, and a diagnostic mammogram, which is a more extensive mammogram that is performed when there’s a known problem. A diagnostic mammogram often goes hand-in-hand with an ultrasound, in order to provide careful evaluation of a palpable lump.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 and older should have an annual screening mammogram. They also recommend a clinical breast exam for women in their 20s and 30s at least every 3 years, and regular breast self-exams for women starting in their 20s.

What Does Breast Cancer Feel Like?

Breast cancer is most often diagnosed by discovering a new lump or mass. There are many kinds of lumps, and many of them are not cancerous at all. However, the only way to know for sure is to be evaluated by an experienced health care professional, so talk to your doctor immediately about any changes in your breasts. Breast lumps can be painless or tender, hard or soft, and with rounded or irregular edges. A lump of any kind can be cancerous.

Soft masses or lumps that move when pressed, and are accompanied by tenderness in one or both breasts, may be fluid-filled cysts caused by hormonal fluctuations around your period. Up to 30% of women develop these hormone related cycsts. Regular fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can also cause fibrocystic breasts – a condition that affects more than 50% of women at some point in their lives. Fibrocystic breast changes can cause fluid filled cysts to come and go, along with density changes in breast tissue. If you discover a lump, further examination by an experienced health care professional is necessary to determine whether or not the lump is cancerous.

A hard lump or mass that may or may not move when pressed, either painful or painless, could be a tumor. Some women develop hard, benign tumors called fibroadenomas in their 20s and 30s. These hard, round lumps can be caused by changing hormone levels, and your doctor may require a mammogram or biopsy to be sure. A hard lump or mass with irregular edges could be a cancerous tumor, and should be evaluated immediately by an experienced health care professional.

If you find a lump, don’t wait – early detection is key! Thanks to increased awareness and improved screening methods, survival rates for breast cancer have continued to increase over the past 25 years.

For more information about breast cancer signs, symptoms and treatment options, visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website, the American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic, and Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Carrot Nutrients: 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Carrots

Posted by Brooke Phillips on September 17, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

What crunchy superfood has anti-aging properties, is a powerful antiseptic, and reduces the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer? Inexpensive, widely available and low in calories, carrots are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for health – including high levels of alpha- and beta-carotene, as well as vitamins E, K, C, D, B1, B2 and B6, potassium, magnesium and folic acid! See these 10 amazing health benefits of carrots:

1. Improved Vision
If you remember your mom telling you carrots were “good for your eyes”, she was right. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A – an essential nutrient for eye health. In the retina, vitamin A is converted into rhodopsin – a molecule in the eye that absorbs light. Without vitamin A, the photoreceptors in our eyes would begin to deteriorate. They also contain the antioxidant lutein which is vital for eye health.

2. Prevent Macular Degeneration
Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Research has shown that people who regularly consume the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E, have a significantly lower risk of developing these eye diseases. Just a single carrot a day lowers your risk of macular degeneration by 40 percent.

3. Anti-Aging
High levels of alpha- and beta-carotene acts as a powerful full-body antioxidant, reversing and preventing free radical damage throughout body and slowing down the aging of cells. In a 12-year study, CDC researchers found that the higher the level of alpha-carotene in the blood, the lower the risk of death – specifically from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic lower respiratory disease.

4. Healthy Glowing Skin
Vitamin A and the antioxidants found in carrots protect the skin from sun damage and hydrate and clarify the skin. Vitamin A helps prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. A lack of dietary vitamin A will increase dryness in skin, hair and nails.

5. A Powerful Antiseptic
Carrots are naturally antiseptic, making them popular with herbalists as laxatives, vermicides (worm expelling agents), in poultices and as treatment for some liver conditions. They can be used topically on cuts, either shredded raw or boiled and mashed. *We do not recommend self-diagnosis and self-medication; for health questions and concerns, please consult with your primary care physician.*

6. Prevent Heart Disease
Studies show that diets high in carotenoids (think alpha and beta-carotene) are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Alpha and beta-carotene are converted in the body to vitamin A, which contributes to heart health. Research has shown that daily consumption of just half a carrot (or two baby carrots) is associated with a 32% lower risk of Coronary Heart Disease. The soluble fibers in carrots also reduce cholesterol levels by binding with LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL (good cholesterol).

7. Cleanse the Body
High levels of dietary fiber in carrots help clean out the colon, improving regularity and reducing risk of colorectal cancer. Vitamin A also helps the liver to flush out toxins from the body, and the high levels found in carrots makes them popular among herbalists for protecting and improving liver health. The liver plays an important role in cleansing the body by detoxifying blood, metabolizing fats and producing bile.

8. Healthy Teeth and Gums
Like apples and celery, crunchy carrots scrape plaque and food particles from your teeth. Their antiseptic properties help kill harmful germs in the mouth; they also stimulate the gums and trigger saliva, which balances out bacteria. This helps prevent tooth decay, while the minerals in carrots help prevent tooth damage.

9. Prevent Stroke:
A large-scale Harvard University study of nearly 90,000 people discovered that eating carrots five or more times a week reduced stroke risk by 68%, compared with eating carrots once a month or less. High carotene levels reduce cholesterol, preventing them from forming plaque and clots in arteries. Research has also shown that stroke patients with above-average amounts of vitamin A in their bloodstream have better chances of survival, and are less likely to suffer neurological damage.

10. Cancer Prevention
Studies have long shown carrots to reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. The compound Falcarinol is thought to be the reason behind carrots’ cancer-fighting properties; Falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases.

For more health information and useful tips, visit our Resources and Tools blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com!

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Computer Vision Syndrome and the 20 20 20 Rule

Posted by Brooke Phillips on September 12, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

What is Computer Vision Syndrome?

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) refers to symptoms of strain and fatigue in the eyes, head and neck that result from prolonged close-up activities. Although it’s possible to develop eye strain and eye fatigue from reading – or from other close-up activities – computer and mobile technology use is the primary cause of CVS.

Each year approximately 10 million Americans have eye exams because of CVS symptoms. Some common symptoms include headache, backache, neck pain and eye strain – including blurred or double vision, focusing problems, eye twitching and dry, irritated eyes. These symptoms can develop after a full day of computer use, or after a little as 20 minutes. People also blink less frequently while working or playing on a computer, increasing the risk of blurred vision and red, itchy, irritated eyes after prolonged use.

What You Can Do

A good rule of thumb is to follow the “20-20-20 rule” when working at a computer: every 20 minutes, look away from your computer screen and find an object that’s at least 20 feet away to look at for 20 seconds. This relaxes eye alignment and focusing muscles that are used for close up work, reducing your risk of eyestrain and eye fatigue.

The 20-20-20 rule isn’t just for better eye health; scientists have linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health complications, including poor circulation, blood clots, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, assorted aches and pains and increased obesity, among others. During these mini-breaks, take the opportunity to stand up and stretch. This not only relieves muscle tension in your back and shoulders, but increases metabilism, moves fluid that builds up in the legs, reduces blood pressure and your risk of blood clots, and much more.

Additional Tips to Reduce Symptoms:

Blink More Frequently. While working, remind yourself to blink more frequently to remoisten your eyes.
Try Gentle Massage. Try gently massaging the area around your upper and lower eyelids for 10-20 seconds, once or twice a day. This type of gentle massage can stimulate your tear glands, helping to prevent dry eyes.
Keep Saline Handy. Try keeping a bottle of natural lubricating eye drops, such as saline, close to your work station. Avoid moisturizing with eyedrops that contain a redness remover, which can actually aggravate symptoms of dry eyes.
Improve Desk Ergonomics. A computer screen that is positioned too high, too low, or even too close can contribute to strain in the neck and shoulders. Visit here for tips on how to set up an ergonomic computer area.

For more health information and useful tips, visit the Resources and Tools Blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

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Amazing Health Benefits of Spinach

Posted by Brooke Phillips on September 6, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Popeye had it right! High in vitamins, rich in fiber and surprisingly low in calories, spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. From guarding against colon, prostate, and breast cancers to reducing risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia, spinach is one of the healthiest, most vitamin-dense foods available.

Not convinced yet? Spinach also lowers blood pressure, protects against vision loss, has anti-inflammatory properties, and boosts bone health. Spinach is loaded with a variety of nutrients, including substantial amounts of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, manganese, potassium and iron.

Cancer-Fighting Properties: Folate, which spinach has in abundance, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancers by slowing uncontrolled cell growth. The vitamin C and beta-carotene in spinach also protect against colon cancer, and a carotenoid found in spinach not only kills prostate cancer cells – it also prevents the cancer cells from multiplying. High levels of fiber in spinach eases constipation and protects the mucus lining of the stomach,

Protects Against Heart Disease, Stroke and Dementia: High folate levels in spinich reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia by lowering the amino acid homocysteine and promoting vascular health. Its high lutein content helps prevent heart attacks by keeping artery walls clear of cholesterol buildup, and the abundant levels of potassium and vitamin B6 also promote heart health. High levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation, making them key components of healthy heart and brain function. Folic Acid is also believed to protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related memory loss.

RELATED: 5 Best Foods for your Brain

Strengthens Bones: Spinach is loaded with vitamin K and calcium, which builds strong bones. Extremely high levels of vitamin K (over 1,000% of your daily recommended amount in one cooked cup!), along with calcium and magnesium, helps calcium adhere to the bone. A compound in raw spinach called oxalic acid blocks the absorption of much of the calcium and iron, but cooking the spinach – or pairing it raw with high levels of vitamin C (try mandarin slices) – reduces the power of oxalic acid, and increases calcium and iron absorption.

Protects Against Vision Loss: Spinach is rich in lutein, which not only clears arterial walls but also protects against age-related macular degeneration. High levels of the disease-fighting antioxidant beta-carotene also helps to reduce the risk of developing cataracts. See below for more information on the nutrients in one cup of spinach:

For more health information and useful tips, visit our Resources and Tools blog on TotalHomeCare Supplies.com.

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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: New Ovarian Cancer Screening Test Shows Promise

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 26, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

IN THE NEWS: A new ovarian cancer screening test is showing success in early detection – just in time for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. For women between the ages of 35-74, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Approximately one out of 71 women will develop ovarian cancer during her lifetime. When a woman is diagnosed and treated in the cancer’s earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%. However, due to vague symptoms and few early detection tests, less than 20% of all cases are found at an early stage. Possible symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
Fatigue
Upset stomach or heartburn
Back pain or pain during intimacy
Constipation or menstrual changes

If caught in stage III or higher, the survival rate may be as low as 30%. For this reason, a new test that screens for ovarian cancer and appears to detect the disease in early stages is exciting news. As reported by Fox News Health, in a study of 4000 women over an 11-year period, researchers monitored the levels of protein CA-125 – or “Cancer Antigen 125” – a protein in the blood which is produced by a variety of conditions, including gynecological cancers. During the study, women who saw a spike in their CA-125 levels were referred to an ultrasound, and as a result of their ultrasounds, 10 women underwent surgery for early stage or benign gynecological cancers. The study also suggested a low 0.1% chance of incurring a false positive.

This test differs from CA-125 tests that are currently in use. Current CA-125 testing has incurred a high-number of false-positives as well as a lack of sensitivity to the disease in some stages. The current testing process is primarily performed on high-risk individuals or existing cancer patients, and searches for CA-125 levels that are higher than the population’s baseline.

The promising new strategy is different because it focuses on a change in pattern instead of a specific number. This new test establishes a baseline of CA-125 levels in each individual over time, making a sudden spike in CA-125 more noticeable. By tracking changes in each woman’s levels of CA-125, researchers establish a personalized baseline for each individual that makes a sudden spike a more accurate indication of potential trouble.

Before you can expect to see this routine testing in your doctor’s office, however, the method has to pass more scrupulous testing. Researchers are currently waiting for the results of a much larger, randomized study with results anticipated in 2015.

For more health information and useful tips, please visit our Resources and Tools Blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Source information for this article was provided by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Mayo Clinic and Fox News Health. This article is for informational purposes only, and should not replace advice by a medical professional. If you are concerned about symptoms of ovarian cancer, speak with your primary care physician.

Man with Autism Doesn’t Speak, Records Charity Album

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 16, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

IN THE NEWS: Last March, a non-verbal autistic man living in silence took the music industry by storm when he recording a charity album in a pitch perfect singing voice. Locked into a world of silence by autism, 26 year old Kyle Coleman has rarely spoken more than a few words.

Diagnosed with classic autism at age 3, Kyle was unable to communicate through speech. As a mute child, Kyle was fascinated with music. His talent and impressive memory for lyrics went undetected for many years, until he stunned his mother with his remarkable gift. Through music therapy, Kyle found his way to musical expression. ‘It is kind of awe inspiring,” said his mother Caroline. “Song has unlocked this innate, built-in gift that he had. It has taken Kyle to a different level.”

With the support of the National Autistic Society, the autistic pop star recorded and released his first album in 2012, featuring nine covers of popular songs by artists such as Snow Patrol, Elbow and Take That, as well as a song of his own, “Just Listen”. His debut album “Therefore I am” is available on iTunes as well as his own website (kylecoleman.co.uk/)

A new album of original material written for Kyle by Caroline Coleman and John Carter is currently being recorded, with an album release date of World Autism Day: April 2nd, 2014.

For more information, please visit his website: KyleColeman.co.uk.

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8 Back-to-School Tips for Special Needs Families

Posted by Brooke Phillips on August 8, 2013 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Every new school year brings new opportunities to improve communication between educators and your special needs child. To ease that transition and help you and your child be as successful as possible in the new school year, see these eight back-to-school tips recommended by LD Online:

Review your child’s IEP. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the cornerstone of your child’s educational program, so it’s important that you have a clear understanding of it. Take note of when the IEP expires and whether or not your child is up for reevaluation this year. Most importantly, be sure that this IEP still “fits” your child’s needs! If you’re unsure, contact the school about holding an IEP review meeting.
Organize your paperwork. Easier said than done, right? In the world of special education, there are lots of meetings, paperwork, and documentation to keep track of! Try to keep a family calendar of school events, special education meetings, conferences, etc. Set up a binder or a folder for your child’s special education documentation, meeting notices, and IEPs to help you stay organized.
Keep a communication log. Despite everyone’s best intentions, miscommunications happen. Keeping track of all phone calls, e-mails, notes home, meetings, and conferences is important. Create a “communication log” for yourself in an easily accessible notebook, and make a habit of noting the dates, times, and nature of every communication you have. Learn more about the importance of a paper trail when advocating for your child.
Take the lead on keeping everyone informed. It’s important that you and the school communicate early and often! If you have any concerns, changes, or questions about the IEP that you feel is important to share with the staff working with your child before school starts – or during the year – don’t hesitate to contact them. The more proactive and honest you are, the better the school staff will be able to meet your child’s needs. See these tips on building a good relationship with your child’s teachers.
Establish new routines. New routines can be especially difficult with special needs children. Discuss and plan the changes in your child’s daily routine that will happen once school starts. If the change is bringing everyone extra anxiety, why wait until the first day of school to to change your schedule? You can begin practicing your new schedule, focusing on morning and evening routines, and begin implementing them well in advance of the first day of school.
Relieve back-to-school anxiety. Just talking about the upcoming year and changes can help reduce some of your child’s back-to-school jitters. Have conversations about exciting new classes, activities, and events that they can participate in during the new school year. If your child is attending a new school, try to schedule a visit before the first day.
Stay current on special education news. Being knowledgeable about your child’s IEP and their disability can help you become a better advocate for your child. Try to keep up-to-date on new special education legislation, news, and events. The more you know, the more prepared you will be to navigate the world of special education and successfully advocate for your child.
Take advantage of school events. Make it a priority to attend Open House, Back-to-School Night, and parent-teacher conferences. These will help you and your child get a feel for the school and meet the teachers, staff, students, and families. Share the positives with teachers and staff about working with your child, and let the teacher know about changes, events, or IEP concerns that should be considered for children in special education.

For more health information and useful tips, please visit our Resources and Tools Blog on TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.