Queen of the Castle:  

52 Weeks of Encouragement for the Uninspired, Domestically Challenged or Just Plain Tired Homemaker 

by Lynn Bowen Walker, Los Gatos Resident

Being a keeper at home demands that women possess a wide range of skills. Now the training, skills and tips every woman needs are all here in one delightful-to-read volume. Five minutes a day, 52 weeks a year is all a woman needs to get the most of this inspiring, helpful read.  

Easy Breakfast Recipes the Kids Will Love!

[recipes below] 

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Sports Physical 

(408) 891-8222

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Offer Expires: 10/01/2011

As summer winds down, the preparation for school and team sports is heating up! Before you know it, it will be time to shuttle kids back and forth to practice and games in between school and homework. Back-to-school prep for our young athletes is far more than new shoes, shin guards, athletic bags and water bottles. A Sports Physical should be at the very top of your list!

A PPE (Participation Physical Examination) determines whether it's safe for your child to play a particular sport and is often required for participation in school or league sports. But even if a PPE isn't required, it's still highly recommended.

A Sports Physical consists of collecting a complete medical history as well as a physical exam.

A medical history will include questions about:

• Family history of serious disease
• Childhood illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies (food, insects, seasonal)
• Past injuries (broken bones, sprains, concussions)
• Incidents of chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing or fainting
• Medications, both prescription and over the counter, as well as herbal supplements
• For female athletes, the regularity and ease of menstrual periods

During the physical portion of the exam, the doctor will: 

• Record height and weight
• Take a blood pressure and pulse reading
• Test vision
• Check the heart and lungs
• Palpate the abdomen
• Check ears, nose and throat
• Evaluate posture, joints, strength and flexibility
• Make recommendations on how to optimize athletic performance either by seeking treatment or doing specific exercises

A Sports Physical will help diagnose health problems as well as help identify risk factors that are linked to specific sports making for a happier and healthier athletic season!

Call Los Gatos Wellness to schedule your athlete's Sports Physical. Ask for our $25 back-to-school special (a $75 value). 

On-site appointments are available for schools, teams and groups.

Transitions can be tough for kids, especially when they involve trading in endless summer pajama parties for the rigors of early-to-bed, early-to-rise Septembers. Here are some common sense tips from Lynn Bowen Walker, Los Gatos resident and author of Queen of the Castle, to ease into that back-to-school routine.

1.  The week or two before school starts, gradually move the kids' bedtimes back in 15 minute increments.

2.  Likewise, if sleeping in until 10 has become the summertime norm, begin now to rally the troops earlier, moving up morning rise-and-shine by 15 minutes a day. Play gentle music to ease everyone out of bed.  Or start some bacon sizzling and see if that doesn't lure a few noses out into the kitchen.

3.  Set backpacks and any after-school clothes or musical instruments by the front door, ready for a speedy get-away in the morning.

4.  Stock up on quick-to-pack lunch items, like baby carrots and string cheese.

5.  Make a chart listing each child's morning responsibilities and hang it in a prominent place.  Brushed your teeth?  Check.  Packed your trumpet?  Check.  No need for Mom or Dad to be the family nag; the chart will do it for you.

6.  Breakfast is important.  If getting an early morning meal into your kids is a battle, make sure to pack them extra snacks like bagels, hard-boiled eggs, or protein bars that they can nibble on their way to school or between early morning classes.