DOES HUMAN BODY CONTAIN WATER ?

Human body contains 55 to 79% water by body weight. The quantity of water is high in babies (79%) and it starts decreasing with age. An adult woman can have 55% water in accordance to her body weight. 

For example, the total quantity of water in an adult man of 70kilos is about 40 litres; ie., 57% of his body weight. Of this, 25 litres is inter cellular and 15 litres is extra cellular. By extracellular it refers to the water element in blood plasma, interstitial fluid and transcellular fluid.

cells are the smallest unit of our body building materials.cells contain 65 to 90% water.

lymph is 96% water.

lungs is  90% water

blood is 83% water.

lean muscles is 75% water.

brain is 70% water

bones are 22%water.

body fat is 10%water.

and so on....

Water is essential to keep our body clean, digest food, absorb nutrients, expel toxins and waste materials etc.

A SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE ON BALANCED DIET.

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet contains adequate calories of energy to keep us active and for growth. It will have a balance of major and minor nutrients derived from different types of food. It also includes an adequate quantity of water intake.

Do you know what nutrients are?

Vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, antioxidants, fibre etc are some of the nutrients. If our food contains all these nutrients in proper proportion, then it is called a balanced diet.

What are body building foods?

Proteins, minerals and water are the components considered useful for body building. These help in the growth of bones and muscles. They even help in the growth and repair of body tissues and internal organs like muscles, blood, skin, hormones and enzymes.

Is non-vegetarian food good?

Yes of course. They give us different types of protein. It has high fat content. So, if we eat more non vegetarian foods, we would become obese.(Obese means a disease where we have more weight than normal standards for our age and height.)

Some of the non vegetarian foods are the following.

•          Egg whites – purest form of protein; it is easily absorbed by the body; low fat content. (egg yolk contains lot of fat and cholesterol. SO eating 2 egg whites a day is a healthy habit)

•     Fish – Small fishes contain omega3fatty acids. The fats in fishes are healthy.

•     Lean meat – Chicken breast and lean are high protein.

What carrots give you?

Carrots give us lot of carotene which makes you orange in colour. It is a precursor for vitamin A.

What is the daily energy requirement of a child of ten years?

Girls – 1740 calories.

Boys – 2000 calories.

Name the following?

• Vitamin good for eyes – vitamin A
• Vitamin present in abundance in fruits – vitamin C
• Vitamin good for skin – vitamin E
• Mineral nutrient in milk – calcium
• Milk protein is called – casein

What is roughage?

We get lot of fiber from green leafy vegetables. This helps in proper digestion of food and smooth movement of stools. This is called roughage.

Name some source of protein for a vegetarian diet?

Mushrooms, Algae like spirulina, Pulses, legumes and nuts are good sources of protein for vegetarian diets. Eg: dhal, soyabeans, ground nuts, etc.

What is the role of water in a balanced diet?

• Water helps in proper digestion of food
• Water helps in absorption of nutrients from our food
• Water helps in elimination of toxins from our body and so on.
• Drinking enough water makes our internal organs healthy and gives us a glowing skin! 

                                                 QUESTION TIME!

1.  Which is the milk protein?

  ans :  Casein

     2.   Which of the following is a lean meat?
     a)   rabbit meat
     b)  quail meat
     c)   chicken breast
     d)   none of these
      e)  all of these

      3.    Name the pigment in carrots?
     
   ans :   Carotene   

CHILDREN'S WELLBEING AS PER CDI and SDI

http://in.finance.yahoo.com/photos/world-s-top-10-children-friendly-nations-slideshow/

This is the link to a slide show in Yahoo, that depicts the state of children in different countries. India ranks 112th among 141 countries evaluated for CHILD DEVELOPMENT INDEX. The indicators used were infant mortality, child education, health, nutrition etc.

http://in.finance.yahoo.com/photos/world-s-top-10-early-childhood-education-environments-slideshow/world-s-top-10-early-childhood-education-environments-photo-1341207385.html

This is a related link on preschool education in 45 countries. Termed START WELL INDEX; In this study, it appears that India enjoys the 45th position.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ARTS, SPORTS AND LITERARY ACTIVITIES IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

 Nowadays parents focus on getting their kids the best education available. But the scope of education seems to have shrunk to a level of academic performance alone. Attending classes, rote learning of what is taught and getting high scores is the general rather only aim for many.

 Is this enough?

Or should we let our kids play well?

Should we let them participate in group activities at school?

Should we train them on arts or sports?

Should we hone their writing skills? So on…

The world is definitely becoming more and more competitive day by day. So, should we totally avoid all other aspects ? 

Let’s peep into the importance of arts, sports and literary activities in elementary education.

Time spend on these activities enhance a child’s multiple intelligence and this reflects in the kid’s academics and behaviour too. Hence these are integral parts of quality education.

Every child is unique. What matters is that every child goes through a joyful and meaningful experience that instills self confidence and self worth. It is an identification of one’s path towards excellence.

Let us begin the discussion with a simple question. What is an art?

Art is the response of an individual to the call of the real, said Rabindranath Tagore.

Art is the special language of children, who even before they learn to speak, respond intuitively to dance, music and colour, said Dr.Boyer.

Art includes performing arts and visual arts or fine arts.  Performing arts are of the entertainment type. This includes dance, drama, dance-drama, music – both vocal and instrumental, puppetry, etc. Visual arts now use technology and give us animations, films, etc. It also covers drawing, colouring, painting, clay modeling, sculpture, pottery, jewellery design, weaving fabrics, and so on.

An exposure in arts during formative years also promotes cultural awareness in kids.

According to Prof.Antonio Domasio from U.S., art education can bring about better balance between cognitive and emotional development. This in turn contributes to a culture of peace.

Tagore reminiscing his childhood once said: “we wrote, we sang, we acted, we poured ourselves out on every side. There was tremendous excitement and cultural richness.” This base is what facilitated him to establish Shanthiniketan Viswa Vidyalaya…

Sports cover both indoor and outdoor games, that too both individual and team events.  Even moderate physical activity stimulates growth. It improves a child’s skill at arithmetic, memorization and reading. It enhances motor skills.

Children who play well have team spirit, stay fit and healthy and are mentally active. They are stress free, understand the importance of healthy living and the benefits of regular exercise extends in to adulthood also.

Dr.Glyn Roberts says that sports are an important learning environment for children. It affects a child’s development of self esteem and self worth. Within sports peer status and peer acceptance are also established.

By literary activities we mean reading, story telling, creative writing, spell bees, debate, quiz, recitation, essay writing, public speaking, news reading, making presentations, discussing stories and fiction, and many more. Literary activities facilitate better utilization of library facility. Kids are facilitated to read during their free time. They can choose from picture stories to short stories or novels, depending on their caliber.

“Reading makes a complete man” said Francis Bacon. Reading improves vocabulary, generates better interpersonal skills and so better communication and also gives problem solving skills. It thus fosters creativity. Strong reading habits enhance analytical thinking and better literacy. This helps pursue social activities, leading to a better community life.

All these activities have a strong emphasis on “learning by doing” and “practice makes perfect”. Active participation in such activities stimulates child’s imagination, and instills values into young minds. Hence music, dance and drama are treated as foundation subjects in International curricula.

In other words, education in general, and art and literary activities in particular, is a way for a child to grow into a balanced personality. It helps one to become sensitive to the beauty in nature, of social values and aesthetic aspects of life as a whole.

The primary goal of parents and teachers is to identify the best suitable art or sport for their children. Success in an activity makes them feel valued and wanted. Every child can be successful in one or another. Let us take the time to find what is right for our child.

“The purpose of education is to bring out the best in you” stated Mahatma Gandhi. For this, literary education must follow the education of the hand – a gift that distinguishes man from beast. Basic education as per Gandhian philosophy is an integration of arts, crafts, health and academics.

QUALITIES OF A WELL MANNERED CHILD

A well mannered person is one who has good manners and knows the correct way to behave in social situations. One who is polite and doesn't cause any trouble to others is usually called a well behaved child.Actually how can one be so???

Value Education series of Flamingo books, New Delhi enlists a child to possess the following qualities to be a good mannered fellow.

1. HONEST

2. TRUTHFUL

3. POLITE

4.PUNCTUAL

5. KIND

6.HELPFUL

7.OBEDIENT

8. RESPECTFUL

9.GENTLE

10.HUMBLE

Lets see how Lexicographers define these terms in the most simple way.

• An honest person always tells the truth, doesn't cheat or steal.

• A truthful person does not usually tell lies.

• Being polite is to behave in a way that is correct for the social situation you are in and showing that you are careful to consider other people's needs and feelings.

• To be punctual is to be on time, ie., to be present or complete a task exactly at the arranged time.

• A kind person refers to someone who tries to help people and make them happy or comfortable and shows that they care about them.

• Helpful points to providing useful help in making a situation better or easier. Such a person is always willing to help others.

• Obedient kids are those who always do what they are told to do without questioning the authority(parents or teachers). They also follow rules and laws.

• Respectful is a feeling or showing of admiration for someone for their personal qualities, knowledge,skill etc.

• Gentle nature refers to the careful way of doing things so that you do not hurt or damage anyone or anything.

• Humble  is simple, ordinary, useful and effective. Such a person doesn't consider their ideas or themselves as important as others. 

Is this an easy task? Lets try out by putting maximum effort to follow one by one...

BIOGRAPHY (5) HELEN KELLER

Helen Keller was an American girl. At the age of 19 MONTHS, when she could just walk,  she had severe stomach pain and brain fever. After this, she became blind and deaf.

Do you know what it is to be BLIND? 

Yes, A blind person cannot see. Similarly, Helen Keller also lost her eye sight and she couldn’t see with her eyes anymore.

To be deaf means, one cannot hear with her ears.

What would life be if we cant see and hear? How sad  it would be? Isn’t it?

But, Helen Keller was a courageous girl. She had lot of will power. She was good at her studies also.

She explored her ability to communicate by using signs and later the sense of touch.

Miss Anne Sullivan an intelligent teacher taught Helen Keller.She was also visually impaired. She became her governess and later her companion and they remained together for 49 years.

Helen could speak 5 different languages.

She went to college and took a degree.

She wrote 12 books and many articles too.

Great isn’t it?

Helen Keller has a place in history as the first blind person to be a graduate. She was an excellent author and speaker too.

BEAT THE SUMMER WITH CHILD FRIENDLY CAMPS IN KOZHIKODE

Various organizations in Kozhikode city is all set to welcome hot summer with diverse mix of activities built into a multitude of camps to engage children during the months of April, May;2012.

Does summer and water go hand in hand?

It seems so; by the way all swimming pools in Calicut city prepare in advance to handle an anticipated rush during the vacation. Old students who have learnt to swim previously refresh themselves during this period.

Freshers also join every year; says Mr.Ratnakaran of Cherooty Nagar Rotarian Pool. “Children need a minimum of 36inches height to join such classes. It’s better if they are 8years or more. He adds. There is a lady coach for girls and separate timings also for the lady members. However, they can opt for mixed timings;” he concludes. 

"How Ambili teacher follows each student amidst the rush during peak hours is a surprise for most Mammas"; admits Mrs.Rema Balagopal,one of the grandmothers who accompany their ward for daily lessons. She gets help from girls who are already aquatic champions, at times of extreme necessity. Her own daughter Ammu, a short kid to join Class I, is an amazing swimming wizard. Her demos are truly an inspiration for the new students.

"This is a lady swimming coach for ladies and children and we presume the only one in Calicut city, " said Dr. Gayathri of Beach Hospital. Her son is an enthusiastic beginner during this vacation.

Children learn fast, says coach Satyan of Chakkorathkulam swimming pool. Kids take less then 10days to pick the basics, he continued. Swimming gives all round coordination and is a wholesome exercise.

Cosmopolitan Club, near beach and Exclusive club near Civil Station also offer coaching camps in swimming for children as and when they join during this vacation.

Timing is an hour a day either in the morning from 6am to 9am or in the evening from 3pm to 6pm. Sunday is mostly a holiday for beginners. Monday is a general holiday for almost all pools in the city.

Fees for a 30day coaching vary from 1000 to 2000 INR depending on the pool.

Sports shops also join the spree with adequate swim suits, caps, ear plugs and goggles.

Concentrating on Music during the vacation…

Ragadeepam, children’s music club of Kozhikode has announced daily classes in instrumental music and choir singing during this vacation. This is in addition to their regular classes during weekends. The classes are offered for about 2 hours at IYA Hall and Chavara Cultural Centre.

Children can choose to learn keyboard or electric organ, guitar or violin; either eastern or western music. They can also join the children’s choir and practice singing in group. The fast and medium pace learners, including beginners get a chance to display their talent on stage on 19^th MAY 2012 at Town hall, Calicut; says L.Sasikant, Director, Ragadeepam. For more details contact 9387480029 or watch the video uploads of their former programmes at the You Tube ID : Ragadeepam100.

A TASTE OF FULL DAY CAMPS FOR CHILDREN…

SK Pottekad cultural centre at Puthiyara is offering a short term 3 day camp for children on April 2^nd ,3^rd and 4^th of 2012. As always this is the first camp of the season in the city with specialty of maximum participants numbering to hundreds. Snacks, lime juice, tea and lunch for all participants at reasonable rates are an added attraction. Generally the programme begins at 9am and goes up to 4 or 5pm. Drawing, colouring, arts, drama, movie show, music, origami, are all clubbed into the 3day show. Please contact 0495-2741252 for registration.

Vacation classes are also proposed during two months on various activities like Chess, Instrumental music, Drawing and colouring, etc.

Chavara Cultural Centre, Amalapuri.

Kaliveedu, is a half day camp for kids of class I to IX at Amalapuri. Beginning from April 9^th it has a timing of 9am to 1 noon for a fee of Rs. 1200 per head. The camp ends on 4^th May. From Monday to Friday, children are engaged in various activities from theatre arts, anchoring, magic, ventriloquism, games, aerobics, soft toys, etc. To register call 0495-2769021

Those who wish to spend the afternoon also at the centre can opt for additional coaching on any of the following items of their choice, for an extra fee of Rs.500 per head per month. The available choice is quite a beautiful range from skating, bolly wood dance, instrumental music, classical dance or music, drawing and colouring, voice dubbing etc.

                                                                                         

Radcliffe School near IQRAA hospital is planning for their annual camp from 21^st to 31^st May, 2012; says Mrs. Susheela, their Principal. From 9am to 4pm daily with pick up and drop facility (transport) for all participants with a mix of diverse activities and outdoor trips, it is a camp that kids look forward to eagerly. For details call on 0495 – 2536139.

Miscellaneous Programmes

Apart from the activities listed above, coaching on various sports items like table tennis, badminton, chess etc are offered at various centers in the city.

Anand Chess Academy at Kuthiravattom offers daily classes in chess, says Mr. Venugopal.

Indoor Stadium is also set to cater to aspirants in sports and games.

Drawing and Colouring classes are also offered by innumerable centers for 2 hours a day during this vacation. Universal Arts near Gandhi Park conducts classes in two batches from Monday to Friday from 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm, says Sebastian of the Academy.

Abacus and Mental Arithmetic training centres are also prepared to lure interested candidates into heir regular and crash courses during the vacation.

UCMAS is inaugurating their fresh batch for level I on 1^st April 2012, Says Mrs. Malini Varma.