Monday, February 28, 2011

Meal Planning Monday


Welcome to our series on Meal Planning! If you are like us, we like to plan but are not always into cooking a million meals on the weekends! (We give props to those of you who do though!) So, come Monday we are usually trying to figure out what's for dinner!

This series focuses on easy to prepare meals that picky eaters will enjoy too! We are also focusing on how to make them allergy free - or give allergy free options!

If you have any ideas that you would like to share...we would like to post your recipe and give you your own blog post here on the Knowledge Safari blog! Just send an email to blog@knowledgesafari.com !


Recipe from:

Gluten-Free Matzoh Ball Soup Recipe
By , About.com Guide


Gluten-free matzoh ball soup is a delicious, homemade chicken soup made with fresh stock, loaded with fresh vegetables and studded with homemade gluten-free matzo balls.
Make your own gluten-free oat matzoh crackers which are used to make fresh gluten-free matzoh meal- the key ingredient in gluten-free matzo balls. If you prefer, you can purchase gluten-free matzoh crackers to use in this recipe.

First things first, make one recipe of Low Fat Kosher Chicken Soup from About.com Guide to Low Fat Cooking, Fiona Haynes.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 75 minutes

Ingredients:
1 recipe Low Fat Chicken Soup (link below)
1 recipe Gluten-Free Oat Matzoh Crackers (link below)
For Matzo Balls:
1 1/4 cup fresh gluten-free matzoh meal (use about 1-1 1/2 8-inch gluten-free matzoh crackers to make matzoh meal)
4 large eggs, separated
4 tablespoons gluten-free chicken stock (use fresh stock from the chickene soup)
1 tablespoon light olive oil
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation:
Make one recipe of Low Fat Kosher Chicken Soup and one recipe of Gluten-Free Oat Matzoh Crackers. for convenience both recipes can be made up to 2 days before serving your matzo ball soup.

To make gluten-free matzo balls-]Separate egg whites and yolks. Place egg whites in a mixing bowl and whip until stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, chicken broth and olive oil.
Place gluten-free oat matzoh crackers in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush to fine crumbs. For finer crumbs, place crushed crackers in a clean coffee bean grinder and pulse 2 times. Add salt and pepper to crushed matzoh cracker crumbs and stir to combine.
Use a large spatula to gently fold half of the cracker crumb mixture into the egg whites. Next, gently fold half of the egg yolk mixture into the egg white - cracker crumb mixture. Repeat with remaining cracker crumbs and egg yolk mixture.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cooking

For easy, round matzoh balls, use a 1/8 cup capacity ice cream scoop to form balls or use form matzoh balls using a rounded heaping tablespoon of matzoh dough.
Drop matzoh balls into simmering chicken soup and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 30 minutes and don't lift the lid to peak!Yield - 10 1/8th cup matzoh balls / 4 to 6 servings


Reminder: Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans and tools are free of gluten. Always read product labels. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Friday Facts! Antley-Bixler Syndrome

Welcome to Friday Facts! here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we aim to shine the spotlight on various segments of special needs in order to raise awareness and provide information. Today we focus on Antley-Bixler Syndrome.

Do you have a suggestion for our Friday Facts? Email us at blog@knowledgesafari.com and let us know!

Antley-Bixler Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is primarily characterized by distinctive malformations of the head and facial (craniofacial) area and additional skeletal abnormalities. For example, the disorder is typically associated with premature closure of the fibrous joints (cranial sutures) between particular bones of the skull (craniosynostosis). Many affected infants and children also may have a prominent forehead, underdeveloped midfacial regions (midfacial hypoplasia), protruding eyes (proptosis), and other craniofacial abnormalities. Additional skeletal malformations are usually present, such as fusion of certain adjacent bones of the arms (e.g., radiohumeral or radioulnar synostosis), long, thin fingers and toes (arachnodactyly), and bowing of the thigh bones. In addition, certain joints may become permanently flexed or extended in fixed postures (joint contractures), resulting in restricted movements.Antley-Bixler Syndrome often appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. However, according to researchers, other cases may result from spontaneous (sporadic) genetic changes (mutations) that may be transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.

Organizations related to Antley Bixler Syndrome
Children's Craniofacial Association
13140 Coit RoadSuite 517Dallas TX 75240Phone #: 214-570-9099800 #: 800-535-3643e-mail: contactCCA@ccakids.comHome page: http://www.ccakids.com

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

What Would You Do Wednesday

Welcome to What Would You Do Wednesday here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we take a reader's question and throw it out to you to help us answer.

If you have a question, please email it to us at blog@knowlegdesafari.com .Make sure to let us know if you would like us to change your name or include your blog!

Today's question comes from Caroline.

"I am heading to my daughter's classroom in a few weeks to talk about special needs. My daughter has CP and uses a walker and is mainstreamed into a typical classroom. They are in 3rd grade and while this discussion is not about her per se, she does have special nneds. So, do I personalize the topic by talking about her? Or, do I just address special needs in general?"

Thanks Caroline! Good luck with your speech!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Meal Planning Monday


Welcome to our series on Meal Planning! If you are like us, we like to plan but are not always into cooking a million meals on the weekends! (We give props to those of you who do though!) So, come Monday we are usually trying to figure out what's for dinner!


This series focuses on easy to prepare meals that picky eaters will enjoy too! We are also focusing on how to make them allergy free - or give allergy free options!

If you have any ideas that you would like to share...we would like to post your recipe and give you your own blog post here on the Knowledge Safari blog! Just send an email to blog@knowledgesafari.com !

Recipe from:
Gluten-Free Turkey Crêpe Wrap RecipeBy , About.com Guide

Gluten-Free Turkey Crêpe Wraps are a nice alternative to gluten-free sandwiches. Make a stack of nutritious buckwheat Savory Gluten-Free Crêpes ahead of time and you will have a week's worth of wraps to fill with turkey, nut butters, veggies, scrambled eggs or whatever you or your little ones are in the mood for wrapping!

Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 recipe of Savory Gluten-Free Crêpes3 ounces gluten-free deli turkey per wrap1 ounce gluten-free deli cheese per wrap (provolone is great with turkey)Fresh washed leafy lettuceMustard and mayonnaise (optional)

Preparation:Spread each crêpe with mustard or mayonnaise (optional). Layer turkey, cheese and lettuce on crepe. Firmly roll crepes lengthwise. Cut wrap in half with a diagonal cut. Wrap tightly in waxed paper or plastic and refrigerate. Make sure to add an ice pack to lunch and travel bags to keep turkey wraps safe to eat.

Reminder: Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans and tools are free of gluten. Always read product labels. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Friday Facts! Anecephaly

Welcome to Friday Facts! here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we aim to shine the spotlight on various segments of special needs in order to raise awareness and provide information. Today we focus on Anencephaly.

Do you have a suggestion for our Friday Facts? Email us at blog@knowledgesafari.com and let us know!

Anencephaly is a disorder involving the incomplete development of major parts of the brain. Anencephaly is classified as a neural tube defect (NTD), and that term refers to the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings. The neural tube is a narrow sheath that is supposed to fold and to close during the third and fourth weeks of pregnancy, in order to form the brain and spinal cord of the embryo. Anencephaly occurs when the head (cephalic) end of this neural tube fails to close, resulting in the failure of major portions of brain, skull and scalp to form.Infants with anencephaly are born without both a forebrain (the front part of the brain) and a cerebrum (the thinking and coordinating part of the brain). Often the remaining rudimentary brain tissue may be exposed, without the protective covering of either bone or skin. Although reflex actions such as breathing and responses to touch or sound may occur, gaining consciousness is almost invariably ruled out.

Birth Defect Research for Children, Inc.800 Celebration Ave, Suite 225Orlando FL 34747Phone #: 407-566-8304800 #: --e-mail: staff@birthdefects.orgHome page: http://www.birthdefects.org

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

What Would You Do Wednesday

Welcome to What Would You Do Wednesday here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we take a reader's question and throw it out to you to help us answer.

If you have a question, please email it to us at blog@knowlegdesafari.com . Make sure to let us know if you would like us to change your name or include your blog!

Today's question comes from Craig.

"Alright...here goes. I am a father of 3, 2 of whom have Autism. It is a lot of work as you all know. I work outside of the home and my wife works in the home with our children. I want to give her a weekly break during the day - afterall, I get breaks during the day and so should she. My mom lives in town and would be willing to come around and they do get along, but I am not sure if that is too much of an imposition? What do you think?"

Interesting question Craig - check the comments section for some responses!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Meal Planning Monday


Welcome to our series on Meal Planning! If you are like us, we like to plan but are not always into cooking a million meals on the weekends! (We give props to those of you who do though!) So, come Monday we are usually trying to figure out what's for dinner!


This series focuses on easy to prepare meals that picky eaters will enjoy too! We are also focusing on how to make them allergy free - or give allergy free options!

If you have any ideas that you would like to share...we would like to post your recipe and give you your own blog post here on the Knowledge Safari blog! Just send an email to blog@knowledgesafari.com !


Recipe from:


Gluten-Free Breakfast Bread Recipe
By , About.com Guide



This high protein gluten-free bread recipe is also dairy, soy and bean free. It makes very good morning toast and French toast.


This recipe was adapted from a recipe which appears in Gluten-Free Baking with The Culinary Institute of America by Richard J. Coppedge Jr., C.M.B., called "Egg Bread."

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:
3 cups dairy free / soy free gluten-free flour blend (recipe below) OR your favorite all purpose gluten-free blend
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon instant yeast
2 teaspoons guar gum OR xanthan gum
2 teaspoons salt
6 egg yolks
1/3 cup light olive oil
1 3/4 cups club soda or sparkling mineral water

Preparation:
Grease a bread loaf pan with butter.(I used an 8.5 x 4.5 loaf pan)
Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a large whisk to thoroughly blend.
Lightly whisk egg yokes. Add olive oil to yolks and add to dry ingredients.
Slowly add carbonated water to the bowl and mix until blended.
Using an electric hand or stand mixer, beat bread batter on high for 4 minutes. Scrape batter down with a spatula and cover bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Place in a warm location to rise for approximately 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°
Stir down the batter and pour into prepared loaf pan. Dip a flexible spatula in water and use it to press the batter evenly into pan and smooth the top of the loaf.
Set the loaf pan, uncovered in a warm, draft-free location to rise.
When batter is about 1 inch below the top rim of the bread pan place it in preheated oven.
Bake bread for 50 minutes or until internal temperature reads 200° on an instant read thermometer.

Remove bread from loaf pan and cool on a rack before slicing.Recipe for High Protein GF Flour Blend - Free of Casein and Soy


Reminder: Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans and tools are free of gluten. Always read product labels. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Friday Facts! Adams Oliver Syndrome

Welcome to Friday Facts! here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we aim to shine the spotlight on various segments of special needs in order to raise awareness and provide information. Today we focus on Adams Oliver Syndrome.

Do you have a suggestion for our Friday Facts? Email us at blog@knowledgesafari.com and let us know!

Adams-Oliver syndrome (AOS) is an extremely rare inherited disorder characterized by defects of the scalp and abnormalities of the fingers, toes, arms, and/or legs. The physical abnormalities associated with this disorder vary greatly among affected individuals. Some cases may be very mild while others may be severe. In infants with Adams-Oliver syndrome, scalp defects are present at birth (congenital) and may include one or multiple hairless scarred areas that may have abnormally wide (dilated) blood vessels directly under the affected skin. In severe cases, an underlying defect of the bones of the skull may also be present. In addition, infants with this disorder typically have malformations of the hands, arms, feet, and/or legs. These range from abnormally short (hypoplastic) fingers and toes to absent hands and/or lower legs. In some cases, additional abnormalities may also be present. Most cases of AOS appear to follow autosomal dominant inheritance but autosomal recessive inheritance has also been reported.

Adams Oliver Syndrome Support Group
14 College ViewConnah's QuayDeeside Intl CH5 4BYPhone #: 012-44 -816209800 #: --e-mail: sandy.ivins@btinternet.comHome page: http://www.aosupport.org/

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

What Would You Do Wednesday

Welcome to What Would You Do Wednesday here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we take a reader's question and throw it out to you to help us answer.

If you have a question, please email it to us at blog@knowlegdesafari.com . Make sure to let us know if you would like us to change your name or include your blog!

Today's question comes from Aimee.

"Hello. I hope you guys love this blog and website as much as I do! My daughter is 5 and was born blind at birth. I am so worried about her future and whether I should send her to an inclusive school or to a special school for students who are blind. There are so many pro's and con's and I would love to hear your take on things...what have you done with your kiddos?"

Thanks Aimee - check out the comments section!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Madeleine and DIPG


Have you heard of DIPG?


Basically it is a pediatric brain tumor. Words that no parent or anyone else for that matter wants to hear.


A blog friend Sarah of Whoorl has posted a story about Madeleine, a family member, who has just been given this terrible diagnosis. Make sure to check out the post to read the story of Madeleine and her family.


We are sending our most heartfelt thoughts their way as they make their way through this journey.


The family has a caringbridge site that is listed in the post and I am sure they would appreciate any words of encouragement.


Monday, February 7, 2011

Meal Planning Monday


Welcome to our series on Meal Planning! If you are like us, we like to plan but are not always into cooking a million meals on the weekends! (We give props to those of you who do though!) So, come Monday we are usually trying to figure out what's for dinner!


This series focuses on easy to prepare meals that picky eaters will enjoy too! We are also focusing on how to make them allergy free - or give allergy free options!


If you have any ideas that you would like to share...we would like to post your recipe and give you your own blog post here on the Knowledge Safari blog! Just send an email to blog@knowledgesafari.com !


Recipe from:

Gluten Free / Dairy Free High Protein "Banilla" Breakfast Smoothie

By , About.com Guide


Kids love this creamy delicious high protein "banilla" smoothie. There's a lot of nutritional value in this 5-minute busy morning gluten and dairy free smoothie. Use a frozen banana for extra

creamy texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups unsweetened dairy free milk substitute (I used Good Karma Organic Wholegrain Ricemilk)
2 ounces dairy free protein powder (I used Healthy-N-Fit 100% Egg Protein Vanilla Ice Cream Flavor)
1 peeled and sliced medium frozen banana
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash of nutmeg (optional)

Preparation:
Pour 2 cups of chilled ricemilk in blender. Add egg white protein powder, frozen banana slices, vanilla and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Serve garnished with a dash of nutmeg (optional). Reminder: Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans and tools are free of gluten. Always read product labels. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Friday Facts! Spina Bifida

Welcome to Friday Facts! here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we aim to shine the spotlight on various segments of special needs in order to raise awareness and provide information. Today we focus on Spina Bifida.


Taken from kidshealth.org

Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. The term spina bifida comes from Latin and literally means "split" or "open" spine.
Spina bifida occurs at the end of the first month of pregnancy when the two sides of the embryo's spine fail to join together, leaving an open area. In some cases, the spinal cord or other membranes may push through this opening in the back. The condition usually is detected before a baby is born and treated right away.

Types of Spina Bifida

The causes of spina bifida are largely unknown. Some evidence suggests that genes may play a role, but in most cases there is no familial connection. A high fever during pregnancy may increase a woman's chances of having a baby with spina bifida. Women with epilepsy who have taken the drug valproic acid to control seizures may have an increased risk of having a baby with spina bifida.

The two forms of spina bifida are spina bifida occulta and spina bifida manifesta.
Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form of spina bifida (occulta means hidden). Most children with this type of defect never have any health problems, and the spinal cord is often unaffected.
Spina bifida manifesta includes two types of spina bifida:

Meningocele involves the meninges, the membranes responsible for covering and protecting the brain and spinal cord. If the meninges push through the hole in the vertebrae (the small, ring-like bones that make up the spinal column), the sac is called a meningocele.
Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. It occurs when the meninges push through the hole in the back, and the spinal cord also pushes though. Most babies who are born with this type of spina bifida also have hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid in and around the brain.Because of the abnormal development of and damage to the spinal cord, a child with myelomeningocele typically has some paralysis. The degree of paralysis largely depends on where the opening occurs in the spine. The higher the opening is on the back, the more severe the paralysis tends to be.

Children with spina bifida often have problems with bowel and bladder control, and some may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other learning difficulties, such as hand-eye coordination problems.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

What Would You Do Wednesday

Welcome to What Would You Do Wednesday here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we take a reader's question and throw it out to you to help us answer.

If you have a question, please email it to us at blog@knowlegdesafari.com . Make sure to let us know if you would like us to change your name or include your blog!

Today's question comes from Lindsay.

"Hi, I have a question about using the "R" word. I have a son with special needs and I was out with another friend who also has a child with special needs and in conversation she referred to herself as "R". I was taken aback - but I did not say anything. Should I have said something and if so, what?"


Thanks Linsday, check out the comments section!

Monday, January 31, 2011

Meal Planning Monday


Welcome to our series on Meal Planning! If you are like us, we like to plan but are not always into cooking a million meals on the weekends! (We give props to those of you who do though!) So, come Monday we are usually trying to figure out what's for dinner!

This series focuses on easy to prepare meals that picky eaters will enjoy too! We are also focusing on how to make them allergy free - or give allergy free options!

If you have any ideas that you would like to share...we would like to post your recipe and give you your own blog post here on the Knowledge Safari blog! Just send an email to blog@knowledgesafari.com !


Taken from KidsHealth.org


This recipe is especially for kids who must avoid foods that contain gluten, a type of protein found in many foods.

This light vegetarian, gluten-free dish can be served with steamed veggies, a salad, or baked potato.
Stuffed Peppers

Prep time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

3 bell peppers
15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. corn
1 c. cooked rice
½ c. onions, finely chopped
1½ tsp. cumin
1 oz. light cheddar cheese, grated
1 oz. jalapeño Jack cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. cilantro
¼ c. water
nonstick cooking spray

Utensils:
oven (you'll need help from your adult assistant)
knife (you'll need help from your adult assistant)
measuring cups
measuring spoons

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F (176° C). Spray 9" x 13" pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Cut peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
In a large bowl, combine remaining ingredients except cheese.
Fill each pepper half with bean mixture and place in pan.
Pour ¼ cup water into the pan.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and sprinkle each half with cheese. Bake uncovered for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serves: 6

Serving size: ½ pepper

Nutritional analysis (per serving):165 calories8 g protein4 g fat2 g sat. fat29 g carbohydrate4 g fiber8 mg cholesterol351 mg sodium107 mg calcium1.3 mg iron

Note: Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.
Variations and suggestions:Any color of peppers will work well in this recipe. If you would like to add meat, consider adding ½ c. ground beef or turkey to the bean mixture.
Reviewed by: Allison Brinkley, RD, LD/NDate reviewed: March 2009

Friday, January 28, 2011

Friday Facts! Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma

Welcome to Friday Facts! here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we aim to shine the spotlight on various segments of special needs in order to raise awareness and provide information. Today we focus on Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma.

Do you have a suggestion for our Friday Facts? Email us at blog@knowledgesafari.com and let us know!

Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) is a rare childhood brain tumor. In most cases, the tumor is a benign, slow growing tumor that usually does not spread to surrounding brain tissue. Symptoms of a JPA will vary depending upon the size and location of the tumor. Most symptoms result from increased pressure on the brain and include headaches, nausea, vomiting, balance problems and vision abnormalities. A JPA develops from certain star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes. Astrocytes and similar cells form tissue that surrounds and protects other nerve cells found within the brain and spinal cord. Collectively, these cells are known as glial cells and the tissue they form is known as glial tissue.

Tumors that arise from glial tissue, including astrocytomas, are collectively referred to as gliomas.Astrocytomas are classified according to a grading system developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Astrocytomas come in four grades based upon how fast the cells are reproducing and that likelihood that they will spread (infiltrate) nearby tissue. Grades I or II astrocytomas are nonmalignant and may be referred to as low-grade. JPA are Grade I tumors and, unlike the low grade astrocytomas of adults, rarely up-grade and become malignant. Grades III and IV astrocytomas are malignant and may be referred to as high-grade astrocytomas. Anaplastic astrocytomas are grade III astrocytomas. Grade IV astrocytomas are known as glioblastoma multiforme.

Organizations related to Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma
American Brain Tumor Association
2720 River RoadSuite 146Des Plaines IL 60018Phone #: 847-827-9910800 #: 800-886-2282e-mail: info@abta.orgHome page: http://www.abta.org

Thursday, January 27, 2011

I wonder...

I wonder what my kid is thinking!

I hear this question all the time - from parents who have non-verbal kids and from those with verbal kids - but not communicative.

If you are like me - you like to be in the know! It is really frustrating not to be able to get that feedback about everything from food preferences to important emotions and needs and everything in between.

There are many tools out there now to help - different apps for the iphone/ipads and other computer devices that have emotions on "flash cards" that someone can point to to help with expression. It is great to have this type of technology.

How do you handle this in your life?

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

What Would You Do Wednesday

Welcome to What Would You Do Wednesday here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we take a reader's question and throw it out to you to help us answer.

If you have a question, please email it to us at blog@knowlegdesafari.com. Make sure to let us know if you would like us to change your name or include your blog!

Today's question comes from Denise.

"I am having issues with my ex. He is in and out of our lives and we have 2 kids, one with cerebral palsy. My son thinks his father hangs the moon, but is also miserable when he is not around. My ex is so undependable. Should I try to cut him off completely or try again to get him to be more involved?"

Hey readers...what do you think?

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Let Me Win...

The Special Olympics athlete oath is "Let me win. If I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt."

Having lost a champion of the Special Olympics last week Sergeant Shriver, it got me . thinking about the Special Olympics athlete oath. It is such a straighforward sentiment that resonates with all of us.

Sometimes, just getting through the day can be an Olympic event on its own...right?

What has your child done recently that shows that he/she is brave in their attempt? Please share with us in the comments section!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Meal Planning Monday


Welcome to our series on Meal Planning! If you are like us, we like to plan but are not always into cooking a million meals on the weekends! (We give props to those of you who do though!) So, come Monday we are usually trying to figure out what's for dinner!


This series focuses on easy to prepare meals that picky eaters will enjoy too! We are also focusing on how to make them allergy free - or give allergy free options!

If you have any ideas that you would like to share...we would like to post your recipe and give you your own blog post here on the Knowledge Safari blog! Just send an email to blog@knowledgesafari.com !



This recipe comes from KidsHealth.org and was created for kids with diabetes. However, it looks yummy enough for the whole family to enjoy!You can make this sandwich ahead of time to take along with you. It's packed with protein and has only 2 carbohydrate exchanges.


Turkey Tortilla


Prep time: 10 minutes



Ingredients:
whole-wheat low-fat tortilla, 7" diameter
2 tbsp. light cream cheese
1 oz. lean and low-sodium turkey slice
1 oz. lean and low-sodium ham slice
1 oz. Swiss cheese slice
1 iceberg lettuce leaf
2-3 tomato slices



Utensils:
knife (you'll need help from your adult assistant)



Directions:
Place tortilla on a flat surface.
Spread cream cheese on one side of tortilla.
Lay the lettuce, turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, and tomato on top of the cream cheese on the tortilla (flat).
Bring the sides of the wrap in and then roll up in the shape of a cylinder.
Wrap each in plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Right before serving, slice wraps in half and remove plastic wrap.



Serves: 1
Serving size: 1 sandwich



Nutritional analysis (per serving):387 calories25 g protein17 g fat10 g sat. fat33 g carbohydrate3 g fiber64 mg cholesterol1083 mg sodium338 mg calcium1 mg iron



Diabetic exchanges:2 carbohydrate exchanges



Note: Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.
Variations and suggestions:You can use a variety of meats with little effect on carbohydrate content.



Reviewed by: Allison Brinkley, RD, LD/NDate reviewed: March 2009

Friday, January 21, 2011

Friday Facts! Noonan Syndrome

Welcome to Friday Facts! here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we aim to shine the spotlight on various segments of special needs in order to raise awareness and provide information. Today we focus on Noonan Syndrome.

Do you have a suggestion for our Friday Facts? Email us at blog@knowledgesafari.com and let us know!

The following is taken from NORD.

Noonan syndrome is a common genetic disorder that is typically evident at birth (congenital).

The disorder is characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms and physical features that vary greatly in range and severity. In many affected individuals, associated abnormalities include a distinctive facial appearance; a broad or webbed neck; a low posterior hairline; a typical chest deformity and short stature. Characteristic abnormalities of the head and facial (craniofacial) area may include widely set eyes (ocular hypertelorism); skin folds that may cover the eyes' inner corners (epicanthal folds); drooping of the upper eyelids (ptosis); a small jaw (micrognathia); a depressed nasal root; a short nose with broad base; and low-set, posteriorly rotated ears (pinnae). Distinctive skeletal malformations are also typically present, such as abnormalities of the breastbone (sternum), curvature of the spine (kyphosis and/or scoliosis), and outward deviation of the elbows (cubitus valgus).

Many infants with Noonan syndrome also have heart (cardiac) defects, such as obstruction of proper blood flow from the lower right chamber of the heart to the lungs (pulmonary valvular stenosis). Additional abnormalities may include malformations of certain blood and lymph vessels, blood clotting and platelet deficiencies, mild mental retardation, failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum (cryptorchidism) by the first year of life in affected males, and/or other symptoms and findings. Noonan syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by abnormalities (mutations) in four different genes: PTPN11, KRAS, SOS1 and RAF1

For more information contact:

American Heart Association
7272 Greenville AvenueDallas TX 75231-4596Phone #: 214-373-6300800 #: 800-242-8721e-mail: Review.personal.info@heart.orgHome page: http://www.americanheart.org