Little Red's Big Ideas

Love Glitter? Do I have a link for you!

Animated Gifs

Keeping in mind that I know absolutely nothing about coding, I think it's pretty cool that I was able to create thatl!On a rare leisurely morning I got lost discovering a treasure trove of websites that will transfrom the most graphically challenged into artistic pros.  This link will take you to a site called RedKid.Net where you can create custom signs and turn the most boring text into bling fit for a king!

California officials announce closure of 70 state parks

If you're planning a trip to visit California's state parks anytime in the future, you'd better check this list.  It contains more than 70 California State Parks scheduled for closure - indefinitely - as part of the state's budget balancing "solution."

As reported this week in the Sacramento Bee Capital Alert:

State Park officials today announced the closure of 70 parks because of the st
ate budget deficit, including the governor's mansion and the Stanford mansion in Sacramento.

Gov. Jerry Brown's January budget plan proposed reducing the state parks budget by $22 million. The Legislature in March approved $11 million in cuts to state parks and $10 million in cuts to off highway vehicle parks in the next fiscal year, with $22 million in cuts to state parks in future years

Read all the bad news here...

Visit Parks and Recreational Places to Unwind

Author: Walter Tully

Why not write and submit an article with this flavor to your local media which highlights your best outdoor parks?

Outdoor parks are soothing places. These are places where you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated just by seeing children playing, families having fun, animals running around and just about everything that speaks peace and calming. Truth be told, people find refuge in parks.

One of the reasons why people go to parks is to contemplate. Just the act of going to a serene place, being alone with one\'s thoughts and being surrounded by beautiful things gives the person some positive attitude. Since time flies by so fast and almost everyone is surrounded with busy schedules, family, deadlines and problems, one cannot even hear his own thoughts. Besides, going to a park to unwind and think to oneself is very vital so we can once again deal with the things that we are burdened with.

Aside from being alone with your thoughts, visiting parks also allows you to be one with nature. Simple things like the trees and the chirping of the birds are some of the things that will help you in unwinding. Likewise, recreational activities like exercising, running, walking with your pet and just reading a book are enough to stimulate your physical and mental view.

The good thing about Denver is that there are lots of Glendale parks and recreation that one can engage into. You can do recreational activities by yourself, with friends or with families. Kite flying, running or hiking are some of the things that you can do alone. Also, if you are the leading an active lifestyle, then you can do other activities which would require you to release energy.

If you are with your family or friends, Glendale parks and recreations have amusement parks that you can go to. Feel the adrenaline rush with the rides and activities that you will engage into. You will not just unwind on your own; you have also spent quality time with your family and friends.

Aside from these, Glendale parks and recreations have basketball and tennis courts that you can join in with the other people. It is not uncommon to meet new people and make new friends in these places too. So stand up, get out and have some real fun outside your house. Staying in parks and doing recreational activities are just some of the ways that will definitely make you healthier both in mind and body.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/visit-parks-and-recreational-places-to-unwind-3679235.html

About the Author

For More Information, please visit our website at www.infinityparkatglendale.com.

Senior Citizen Fitness By Walking

Author: JamesConte

Why not edit this article (don't forget to give credit to the original author) as a way to promote walking in your parks as a way for senior to stay fit! Once edited, publish on your own website, in your activity guide AND send to loval media outlets (traditional and online.)

Walking is one of the simplest exercises that you can do. Many individuals do not perceive of walking as exercise, because they are engaged in this activity on a regular basis. After all, they\'re just walking. However, walking can become your favorite fitness program. Walking is a very easy exercise to begin, because no special equipment is needed. Walking can assist seniors to achieve quick weight loss.

Recent studies have revealed that to maintain health as we age it is best to engage in daily physical activity for about an hour per day. If you\'ve been sedentary for a good number of years, this can be a frightening thought.Walking for an hour does not seem as dauting as other types of exercse regimens might.

Many people have the misconception that unless you are sweating like crazy during a workout, you are not going to see any benefit from exercise. That couldn\'t be farther from the truth. In fact walking is a great weight to help seniors achieve rapid weight loss.

There are many activities that you can perform at different fitness levels and get great results. Walking is one of those exercises.

For seniors, walking is an exercise that can grow in its intensity and duration as you increase your fitness level. Your walking program may start with an easy stroll, but as you progress, you will have a goal of becoming fit.

Here are a few benefits of walking:

' Improved cardiovascular endurance
' Proper posture
' Improved mood
' Weight loss
' Improved sleep
' Increased muscle tone

Walking can be done most anywhere and at just about any time. You may want to begin in a mall with other early morning walkers. There may be a track at your local high school or university. You can go out in the rain or cold as long as you wear proper gear and walk flat paths for safety. Walking is a very versatile exercise program.Just keep your walking shoes handy so wherever you go, you can be sure to take your walk.

Start at a pace that you can maintain and still hold a conversation. This will be more rapid than a slow stroll but you will not be racing either. Start with a half mile or a mile walk. When you are able to walk more briskly, you can increase your distance to constantly challenge yourself.

As you get more fit and start to look for greater fitness challenges, move off the track or mall and onto walking paths that have hills. Walking up and down hills will not only improve your muscle strength, but your heart and lungs will get a good workout, too. If you live in a neighborhood that has nice sidewalks and streets, choose your path and take a walk. Call a friend to join you and enjoy your walk even more!

Walking is a very good method for increasing the fitness of senior citizens. It is an activity that is easily customized. You should vary your routine daily and increase its intensity as you progress in your fitness program to make it more effective.

You can get started walking for exercise today with just a pair of good shoes and comfortable clothing.Before you realize it, you will be feeling better and be headed toward a healthier life.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/senior-citizen-fitness-by-walking-3670850.html

About the Author

To see how you can lose weight rapidly visit us at:: way to lose weight


To learn how to maintain your losses for the long term go to: how to lose weight

Playground Equipment Fights Childhood Obesity, Promotes Military Preparedness

Author: BCI Burke Company, LLC

Our nation\'s rapid increase in childhood obesity is starting to affect not only kids\' health, but also our military\'s preparedness. A 2010 report published in the journal Military Medicine stated that, 'Failure to meet weight standards is the top reason for medical disqualification for service, with approximately 10,000 enlisted applicants disqualified for this reason in 2007' and 'as the percentage of overweight and obese applicants has steadily risen over the past two decades, the percentage of recruits who meet the military\'s age-specific weight for height accession standards has declined.'

Retired Major General Paul D. Monroe, testifying before congress on behalf of the children\'s organization Mission: Readiness, stated 'Make no mistake about it; the obesity epidemic poses a genuine threat to our national security.'

There is, however, some good news on the fight against childhood obesity from the military itself. Installation of playgrounds to increase fitness is increasing at military family housing, in child development centers and at youth centers. The July 2010 issue of Government Recreation & Fitness reported on success stories with playground equipment at military installations across the country.

Here at BCI Burke, we have a military playground success story of our own. Our local representative for southern California, Innovative Playgrounds, worked together with Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to create an exceptional playground on the east end of Mills Park that would meet the needs of both children with special needs as well as able-bodied kids. The playground provides ample play opportunities including ramps, accessible panels, freestanding music panels, benches, tables, trash receptacles and shade canopies to protect the children\'s delicate skin from the sun, as well as safety surfacing and fencing.

'The main goal was to have activities that were both educational and developmentally appropriate for a wide range of ages and ability levels.  There are even activities that allow parents and children to interact on and off the structure,' says Deanna Angel, Miramar Exceptional Family Member Program Manager.

We are proud to assist our nation\'s military and other government agencies and can provide full support from start to finish on projects for playground equipment, adult fitness equipment and site furnishings such as picnic tables, grills, benches and other items. For more information, contact your local Burke representative. We also offer GSA purchasing through Premier Playgrounds, contract GS-07F-0081M.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/playground-equipment-fights-childhood-obesity-promotes-military-preparedness-4340980.html

About the Author

BCI Burke Company manufactures the nation\'s highest quality and most innovative playgrounds for schools, parks, day care centers and other institutions. With its industry leading Generations Warranty™, Total Cost of Ownership Package™, and reputation for superior service, the family-owned business has grown since 1920 into a major force in the playground industry.

Improve the quality of life with Recreation therapy…

Author: APARNA SHEKHAWAT

 

Stress, Fatigue, Depression, lack of confidence, deterioration in efficiency and different kinds of physical, mental and emotional disabilities have become a common problem now-a-days which affects all age groups and classes. The article tells you all about the management of such problems and advantages of Recreation therapy which is a permanent and safe way to soothe your mind, body and soul.

Recreational therapy plays a primary role in enhancing the quality of life and productivity . Enjoyable activities and social relations are significant in promoting the quality of life and productivity of the individual with a disability.

 

Recreation therapy is based upon a holistic framework that allows the focus to be on all aspects of improving an individual`s health and functioning. By providing structured and unstructured therapy driven services, recreation therapy may be used for Improving physical abilities, Building confidence, Promoting greater self reliance, Development and/or enhancement of leisure skills, Strengthened interpersonal skills, Development and/or enhancement of leisure awareness, Empowering veterans to advocate for positive self growth and change and finally Enrichment and creation of a meaningful, quality of life.

 

Recreation therapy is also known as diversional therapy as it provides treatment via recreation activities to deviate the people from their problems and ills. Using activities that range from arts and crafts, movement, and games to interaction with animals, the therapy help people improve their mental, physical, and emotional well-being and divert them to normal life. It helps individuals reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively so that they can enjoy greater independence and reduce or eliminate the effects of their illness or disability. In addition, the therapy help people with disabilities integrate into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities.

 

Differing from recreation services, recreational therapy utilizes various activities as a form of active treatment to promote the independent physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning of disabled people, as a result of trauma or disease. Enhancing current skills and facilitating the establishment of new skills for daily living and community functioning is the part of the recreation therapy.

Benefits of Recreation therapy -

The many benefits of recreation and leisure have been scientifically documented. These include improved physical fitness skills, reduced stress, an improved sense of self-confidence and self-reliance, and enhanced self-esteem. While traditional therapies tend to treat illness, recreation therapy can help to develop and maintain good health. In contrast to regimented exercise program, recreation therapy focuses on activities that address a person`s physical and emotional needs. For those with chronic conditions this is especially important, since physical abilities may change.
Persons with physical and mental disabilities often have difficulty with traditional rehabilitative therapies, so recreational therapy is a creative alternative. Through arts and crafts, sports and games, dance and other types of physical activity, a recreational therapist helps these persons learn skills that improve their physical stamina and emotional well-being in recreational therapy colleges and institutions.

 

Services delivered by Trained Professionals -

Recreational therapy services are delivered by qualified professionals with training and education in therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy service delivery and professionally certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Courses for certification in this field include physiology, abnormal psychology, medical terminology, patient assessment, activity planning, professional ethics, and the use of assistive devices. Activities are selected to achieve treatment goals, such as muscle strengthening or improved self-confidence, and to provide pleasure and satisfaction. Participants are encouraged to be involved in selecting the activities that bring the most enjoyment!

Recreational therapy services are delivered in a variety of settings depending on the needs of the consumer. Settings in which services are traditionally delivered include freestanding rehabilitation hospitals, rehabilitation units in general hospitals, long-term care, or skilled nursing facilities, substance abuse rehabilitation facilities, home healthcare services, and residential facilities for persons with disabilities.  

Psychological expert Ms. Shaheen Khan states that our job is to devise and implement meaningful leisure activities for those who for one reason or another find it difficult to get actively involved in recreational pursuits. Therapists and Consultants work in nursing homes, day care centers, respite care facilities, schools, and hospitals and at the homes of individual clients. Our clients are children, adults and seniors. They may have some form of handicap or be frail from illnesses and/or age.

 

She further added that in acute health care settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, recreational therapists treat and rehabilitate individuals with specific health conditions, usually in conjunction or collaboration with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists. In long-term and residential care facilities, recreational therapists use leisure activities—especially structured group programs—to improve and maintain their clients\' general health and well-being. They also may provide interventions to prevent the client from suffering further medical problems and complications.

 

Recreational therapists

Recreational therapists are certified professionals who work with doctors and rehabilitation specialists to assess a person`s abilities and design a plan of activities. Recreational therapists, also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings, therapists improve and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Recreational therapists are different from recreation workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment.

 

Recreational therapists offer individuals with disabilities the opportunity to resume normal life activities and to establish/re-establish skills for successful social integration. In addition, the therapist will employ treatment modalities which promote physical skill development, enhance feelings of well-being, foster successful experiences, facilitate continued involvement in the rehabilitation process, and establish new life activities for continued growth.

 

Cost Factor

A common barrier to participate in the recreational therapy is the cost since many people with disabilities live on limited income. However, recreation therapy does not have to be expensive. Some insurance may pay for a consultation with a recreational therapist, who can design a program involving low-cost activities. Local parks and recreation departments may have recreational therapists on staff and are generally within a person`s budget. Inexpensive treatments may include using arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music or community outings. Recreational therapy is a component of comprehensive rehabilitation. Such comprehensive rehabilitation services have proven to be cost-effective.

 

Recreation Services helping one and all -

Apart from the treatment being provided by therapists and consultants, now-a-days there are a number recreation services providing relaxation, pleasure and adding quality to the lives of the people who are not physically and emotionally disable or ill but still very much exhausted and bugged from the daily routine and hectic lifestyle.

As we all know that India presents a gamut of recreation activities, right from indulging in some exhilarating sports to participating in cultural activities. India offers a wide range of outdoor recreation activities. Trekking and Skiing in the Himalayas, White Water Rafting on the Ganges and Beas, Camel and Jeep safaris in the deserts of Rajasthan, Paragliding in Himachal, Watersports in Goa and Scuba Diving in Lakshwadeep and Andaman are just some of the options available to the people loving outdoor activities. In addition facilities for squash, table tennis, snooker, bowling alleys, golf, swimming and workouts are also easily available for the indoor recreation lovers. Organized activities in clubs and recreational centres may also include Aerobics, Bowling, Billiards, Golf, Aquatics (a work out in the pool),        Karate          and    Taekwondo.

 

 

Aparna Shekhawat

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/improve-the-quality-of-life-with-recreation-therapy-4201397.html

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Publicize Your Camps - It's not too late!

It's not too late to send press releases to your local and online media to promote your summer camp! Edit the article below to sell the value of YOUR camp to prospects.

WHY SUMMER CAMPS ARE IMPORTANT FOR KIDS

Author: frolicbooniescamp

Summer camping during long holidays is gaining popularity. With hundreds of camps to choose from, children of all ages can actively take part. While some of these camps are day events, the others can run for week or even more. Depending on your activities of interest, the summer camps in totality have on offer a wide spectrum of events and likewise cater to thousands of children every summer. There are boy groups, girl groups, groups for differently able kids. Initiatives are taken so that no child is beyond the scope of a summer camp.

The thing to take into account is the fact that summer camps are often misinterpreted as ‘all play no work\' but at the same time, they inculcate the values of life in a young child via some activity that he enjoys doing. Summer camps are the best way to experience new and exciting events. At the same time, they also help to expand on the activities one already enjoys. Participating in something without the vigilant eyes of parents helps the children grow mentally and psychologically as pointed out by the great philosopher and psychologist, Sigmond Freud. This is in sharp contrast to the usual convention that staying away from parents may traumatize a child.

As mentioned earlier, summer camps are all about fun for children. They get to meet new people, make new friends, share their stories and interact in their own way. Excitement and adventure rule the camps as the children explore newer horizons. As a parent however, it is your duty to do a bit of research before choosing the summer camp that is suited best to address your child\'s needs. One has to decide whether the child wants to participate in team activities or singular events. Then again, is it performing arts, or crafting activities or sports that draw his attention?

To top this, a parent also has to check the professionalism involved and the fees charged by a camp. For example, one may come across a summer camp that has minimal skill level but charges exorbitant fees thanks to a favorable location. Sending your child to such a camp may not be the best for him. Moreover, getting in touch with summer camps has become much easier. If you have internet accessibility, a summer camp is virtually a click away. Frolicboonies.com for example offers some of the best summer camps. The camps provide an arena of freedom where the child can discover himself. Frolicboonies is focused on increasing a child\'s appreciation for nature and environment.  
If you thought a summer camp does not have much on offer, think again! There are team sports to develop team dynamics, individual sports to hone sporting skills, adventures for mental strength, performing and creative arts to develop the cultural side, computing and languages for the ‘scholar\'. Differently able kids, on the other hand can take part in performing arts, gymnastics, swimming etc. You just cannot realize the importance of Residentialsummer camps in shaping up your child\'s life unless you trust to send him to one.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/why-summer-camps-are-important-for-kids-4038625.html

About the Author

Author is a summer camp adventure activity specialist who love coaching kids during summer camps . looking to get involved in 2011 summer camps Bangalore , Have been working with many Residential summer camps like wildlife camp for kids , adventure camps for children

Some Online Marketing Ideas to Improve your Fitness Business

Some Online Marketing Ideas to Improve your Fitness Business

Author:fitness studio
The fitness business is one of the best businesses ever created. Online marketing on the other hand is the best way to promote it because its owners could utilize actual visuals for anyone to see so to convince the public. Unlike local marketing that people will still speculate and in doubt to decide whether to buy the idea of enrolling in a fitness program or not because radio advertising, fliers or posters are not hundred convincing. As busy as we are today, people may forget after a while though interested and have plans to involve themselves in a healthy program.

In online marketing, owners could post or show videos of their establishment and what it could offer. Other than the actual program, they invest by hiring models demonstrating parts of the fitness program with the use of their facilities. In reality, people can be deceived by what they see, especially when they hire video editors to edit, creating a more convincing visual effects. They should give the idea that their business is open to all yet give more emphasis to those having bigger physical problems.

Moreover, their target emphasis are to those who seem to be hopeless physically and morally. Their ad should be subtly showing sympathy and understanding of their emotions like self-pity, the longings for the best things and experiences, and then give the assurance that what used to be an obese person’s dream is not impossible to attain but can surely come true in their in establishment, and add that these individuals can still continue their decadent cravings reassuring them further that their freedom will not be jeopardized.

Being soft-hearted to the “fat” people and trying to give the idea that you are the humble solution, that yours is the place where they could freely open up and discuss their problems and/or fantasies, and what they will do is to give the simplest effort of putting their foot forward towards the fitness establishment and start to make their dreams come true.

This way, owners need not slash down price rates but convince the public further by with “gimmick” promotions like discounts on the first 10 clients. Other concepts would be like a valentine promo price good for two, summer promos and so on. Another very effective ad are those having actual experience. These are clients who were once in bad shape but can now attest to the business’ effectiveness.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/some-online-marketing-ideas-to-improve-your-fitness-business-4534821.html

About the Author
Dominate Your Market and <a href='http://www.fitnessstudiodomination.com/';>Grow Your Business</a> the Right Way.
Fitness Studio Domination will teach you how to grow your Fitness Studio. We do not wish to pass out fish, we are interested in creating fisherman.Some Online Marketing Ideas to Improve your Fitness Business.

NRPA Releases New Whitepapers - -YES! WE Matter!

The National Recreation and Park Association has released five cutting-edge industry research papers by a team of expert researchers led by Distinguished Professor Dr. John L. Crompton of Texas A&M University. The papers explore the following park and recreation topics:

• Benefits of Physical Activity
• Impact of Parks and Recreation
• Parks and Other Green Environments
• Urban Park Impact on Air Quality
• Recreation Services for Youth

You can download a summary of the research papers here.

Richard Louv: Last ADULT Left in the Woods?

Richard Louv, best selling author of the groundbreaking book, Last Child Left in the Woods, has a released a new book entitled, The Nature Principal: Human Restoration And The End Of The Nature Deficit Disorder.  It expands on Louv's idea that society's technological focus is negating some of our human capacities specifically those enhanced through the power of the natural world.

This morning I heard an interview of KPBS radio which you can access here, in which Louv passionately spoke about the importance of spending meaningful time outdoors -- whether in a your own backyard or the Australian Outback.  

Read the or listen to the entire interview here.

GUEST: Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principal, Human Restoration And The End Of The Nature Deficit Disorder.