Yes!
Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are Essential fatty acids (meaning we must have them but our bodies cannot manufacture them), so we must consume them in our diets. Omega 9 fatty acids are not essential. Our bodies need omega 9 fats, but we can manufacture them from other sources.
Essential fats in the form of Omega 3, 6 and 9 are critical to good health. They contribute to the efficient functioning of the brain and the body on a cellular level.
Omega 3 fatty acids prevent strokes, heart disease, and the complications of heart attack. People who take omega 3 fatty acids have a lower mortality rate after heart attack than those who do not.
The Omega 3's have anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties so they also provide protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood-related disorders.
Omega 6 can help with the bloating and pain associated with PMS. It also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance.
Because Omega 3 and Omega 6 interact with each other, a healthy balance of the two affects the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids which impacts all body functions at a cellular level. Together they combat inflammation, the culprit for speeding up aging process in our bodies and on our faces.
Omegas actually help to prevent fat storage and burn stored body fat anytime, especially helpful during less than healthy meals. Omegas have a two pronged system for blocking body fat storage. First is to prevent a large insulin spike; second is to fill fat cells with optimal material instead of items that will cause fat cell growth.
The essential fats contained in the Omegas will moderate blood sugar levels which is a key factor that the body uses to determine how much insulin to release. Insulin and other fat-storing hormones shoot up when calorie heavy meals are consumed. Limiting the amount of insulin released by the body is a crucial tool to avoid body fat accumulation.
The unique ingredients found in Omegas fill fat cells with welcomed material. These essential fats are the preferred cellular fuel. As a result, fat cells will shut off admittance to elements in the blood stream that will cause body fat to increase.
Cravings are also better controlled. Essential fats are needed to produce many hormones, but are also responsible for producing certain neuro chemicals in the brain such as serotonin. Serotonin helps to regulate appetite and feelings of satisfaction from food. This substance is rapidly reduced while dieting, especially during low fat diets, the most common diet on which we put ourselves. Omegas provide the raw material needed to produce optimal levels of serotonin and other elements needed to lower cravings and avoid a state of depression that often leads to massive binging and diet abandonment.
Take care though about the kind you buy. Manufacurers often leave them in someone's hot warehouse where they spoil. Furthermore fish oil products in particular are made with a few different standards. Most companies go after unfiltered fish oil which means that the refinement process is pretty crude. Fish are simply pressed for oils without any “cleansing”. As a result, the fish oil contains all the dangerous toxins encountered by fish such as PCBs and other pollutants found in waters across the world.
Buy a good brand and store them in the refrigerator. Take them with meals or a shake and spread the dosage out throughout the day. You will be fighting the increase of bad body fat, staving off a number of critical diseases, and postponing the aging process.
Seriously, what could be easier to do than popping a few pills for something so important?
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Feeling Old
I took a fall on the ice a couple of months ago and hurt my hip and knee. I have had to be on big time pain meds and a cane, which makes me feel about 100 years old.
Because the injuries were not resolving themselves, and I was exascerbating the problem with nonstop travel and lots of walking, I finally went to the doctor who insisted on not running around like a gypsy so I could get some quality rest and going to physical therapy for some targeted exercise that would HOPEFULLY improve the problems.
I was told the expected when I got to the physical therapist. I had damaged deep tissues and that I had worsened the problem with my mobility because I walking strangely to compensate. He prescribed exercises and ice for inflammation. I got some remarkable news too when I told him I had hypothroidism disease, and it was not good.
It turns out that hypothyroidism not only adversely impacts the rate of metabolizing food so gaining weight is easy and losing weight hard, but it also prevents hormones from feeding and repairing muscles and deep tissues.
So even though I am eating good food intended to nourish my muscles, none of it is being used properly. Instead, my thyroid deficient body tells those nutrients that they are not really necessary and can instead be stored as fat. How is that for insult to injury!
Additionally, I learned that doctors are reluctant to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs now for some injuries because they can actually slow the process of healing, so be sure if your doctor prescribes them that they will not harm further.
As I've grown older and so constantly busy, exercise is not the joy it once was for me but more of a chore, but I've been told it is the answer to managing this problem. We'll see.
Because the injuries were not resolving themselves, and I was exascerbating the problem with nonstop travel and lots of walking, I finally went to the doctor who insisted on not running around like a gypsy so I could get some quality rest and going to physical therapy for some targeted exercise that would HOPEFULLY improve the problems.
I was told the expected when I got to the physical therapist. I had damaged deep tissues and that I had worsened the problem with my mobility because I walking strangely to compensate. He prescribed exercises and ice for inflammation. I got some remarkable news too when I told him I had hypothroidism disease, and it was not good.
It turns out that hypothyroidism not only adversely impacts the rate of metabolizing food so gaining weight is easy and losing weight hard, but it also prevents hormones from feeding and repairing muscles and deep tissues.
So even though I am eating good food intended to nourish my muscles, none of it is being used properly. Instead, my thyroid deficient body tells those nutrients that they are not really necessary and can instead be stored as fat. How is that for insult to injury!
Additionally, I learned that doctors are reluctant to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs now for some injuries because they can actually slow the process of healing, so be sure if your doctor prescribes them that they will not harm further.
As I've grown older and so constantly busy, exercise is not the joy it once was for me but more of a chore, but I've been told it is the answer to managing this problem. We'll see.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Cutting at the Top
For the last several weeks, we teachers have been preparing for the worst--losing manageable class sizes, losing preparation periods, losing benefits, and ultimately losing jobs.
Everything that could happen to make teaching our children harder than it already is; that could water down the educational system even more than it is, and that could impact whether anyone would ever choose this profession was on the horizon.
Teacher fairs and recruitment events at universities were cancelled. Newly hired teachers knew they would be cut first and were already putting out feelers for new career paths, and older teachers were going to doctors with stress related health complaints. It has not been a pretty picture.
But I must give props where they're deserved and they go to the Arlington District Superintendant. Despite a multi-million dollar shortfall, he decided not to fire teachers, but instead to cut from the top--administration positions and their support.
Though it was obviously tough to terminate his own colleagues, he put the cause of educating children first. His goal is obviously not to impact the classroom any more than he has to for as long as he can.
Congress could take a lesson from our Superintendant as they deal with the government's budgetary crisis. Instead of curtailing Medicare, Social Security and other social programs that benefit the most vulnerable in our society, cut from the top--your salaries, your benefits, and your perks. I'll bet that would go a long way to solve the problem of no money with which to run the country.
Everything that could happen to make teaching our children harder than it already is; that could water down the educational system even more than it is, and that could impact whether anyone would ever choose this profession was on the horizon.
Teacher fairs and recruitment events at universities were cancelled. Newly hired teachers knew they would be cut first and were already putting out feelers for new career paths, and older teachers were going to doctors with stress related health complaints. It has not been a pretty picture.
But I must give props where they're deserved and they go to the Arlington District Superintendant. Despite a multi-million dollar shortfall, he decided not to fire teachers, but instead to cut from the top--administration positions and their support.
Though it was obviously tough to terminate his own colleagues, he put the cause of educating children first. His goal is obviously not to impact the classroom any more than he has to for as long as he can.
Congress could take a lesson from our Superintendant as they deal with the government's budgetary crisis. Instead of curtailing Medicare, Social Security and other social programs that benefit the most vulnerable in our society, cut from the top--your salaries, your benefits, and your perks. I'll bet that would go a long way to solve the problem of no money with which to run the country.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Cheap Travel Tips
It's March and the time for travel for those who are retired is fast approaching. Avoid families by traveling while they are still in school and avoid higher prices by not traveling during peak times.
And there are inexpensive places to stay if you're on a budget. Consider an elderhostel especially in a Road Scholar Program. Road Scholar is the world’s largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and older. A non-profit association that has been organizing itineraries for over 30 years, its expert instructors give in-depth lectures, and lead thrilling field trips and excursions in over 10,000 programs in more than 90 countries.
The educational programs delve into subjects including religion, culture, art, food, language, literature, music and history. Participants are led by university professors, academic specialists, museum professionals, and local scholars. There is no homework or exams, but the program prides itself on challenging exploration, great camaraderie, and probing discussions that encourage sharing new ideas and experiences.
The types of programs are varied. “Exploring North America” allows participants to pursue adventure within the borders. Imagine hiking through the Grand Canyon, seeing the Mississippi from the deck of a paddle boat or investigating black holes at the Space Center in Houston.
Travel to the corners of the world with the international program. Visit Scandinavian palaces, greet Moroccan shamans in Africa, or cross into the Greek Isles to savor Mediterranean cuisine. A cruise ship becomes the classroom in the “Adventures Afloat” program, and if giving service is an interest, there are programs offering the opportunity to help in struggling communities internationally or in the United States.
Lodging is simple but comfortable and can be in hotels, inns, and retreat centers, not just in dorms on college campuses. 95% of the time, rooms are private and have their own bathroom. The cut-rate costs for accommodations, three-course meals, gratuities, insurance, lectures, field trips and cultural excursions are all included.
The value is extraordinary given the excellence of the program and the superior quality of service provided by a well-trained staff that attends to the participant’s special needs and modifies programs for those who are disabled.
Call 877-426-8056 or visit www.roadscholar.org for information about the various programs and to register for your great adventure.
And there are inexpensive places to stay if you're on a budget. Consider an elderhostel especially in a Road Scholar Program. Road Scholar is the world’s largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and older. A non-profit association that has been organizing itineraries for over 30 years, its expert instructors give in-depth lectures, and lead thrilling field trips and excursions in over 10,000 programs in more than 90 countries.
The educational programs delve into subjects including religion, culture, art, food, language, literature, music and history. Participants are led by university professors, academic specialists, museum professionals, and local scholars. There is no homework or exams, but the program prides itself on challenging exploration, great camaraderie, and probing discussions that encourage sharing new ideas and experiences.
The types of programs are varied. “Exploring North America” allows participants to pursue adventure within the borders. Imagine hiking through the Grand Canyon, seeing the Mississippi from the deck of a paddle boat or investigating black holes at the Space Center in Houston.
Travel to the corners of the world with the international program. Visit Scandinavian palaces, greet Moroccan shamans in Africa, or cross into the Greek Isles to savor Mediterranean cuisine. A cruise ship becomes the classroom in the “Adventures Afloat” program, and if giving service is an interest, there are programs offering the opportunity to help in struggling communities internationally or in the United States.
Lodging is simple but comfortable and can be in hotels, inns, and retreat centers, not just in dorms on college campuses. 95% of the time, rooms are private and have their own bathroom. The cut-rate costs for accommodations, three-course meals, gratuities, insurance, lectures, field trips and cultural excursions are all included.
The value is extraordinary given the excellence of the program and the superior quality of service provided by a well-trained staff that attends to the participant’s special needs and modifies programs for those who are disabled.
Call 877-426-8056 or visit www.roadscholar.org for information about the various programs and to register for your great adventure.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Get PUMPED
Are you feeling the same horror at the gas pump that I am? I mean, really, just how high can the prices go and what can we do about it?
Well there are several ways to optimize how much you can get into your tank. Those tips are below:
1. Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. All service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground; the colder the ground, the more dense the gasoline. When it gets warmer gasoline expands, so when you buy in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon.
2. When you're filling up, do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look, you will see that the trigger has three stages: low, middle and high. You should be pumping on low mode, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor.
3. One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space.
4. If there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up; the gasoline is being stirred up as it is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.
________________________________________________________
Though these are all great tips, I am still a bit confused about this issue of skyrocketing prices. We get three quarters of our fuel from Canada, so why does the ousting of these maniacs in the Middle East cause a rise in our prices? It suggests that our big companies are taking advantage. What can we do about that? Well I fear not a gas boycott for one day.
Halliburton retiree and an engineer, Phillip Hollsworth offered this fabulous idea for getting gas down to $1.30 a gallon.
"Now that the oil companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that the cost of a gallon of gas is CHEAP at $1.50 - $1.75, we need to take aggressive action to teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace..not sellers.
The only way we are going to see the price of gas come down is if we hit someone in the pocketbook by not purchasing their gas! And, we can do that WITHOUT hurting ourselves.
How? Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop buying gas. But we CAN have an impact on gas prices if we all act together to force a price war.
Here's the idea: For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY gasoline from the two biggest companies (which now are one), EXXON and MOBIL.
If they are not selling any gas, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit."
I am already following his suggestion, despite the fact that I own Exxon stock. I think it is our only shot, but we all have to do it and we have to start doing it immediately.
Well there are several ways to optimize how much you can get into your tank. Those tips are below:
1. Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. All service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground; the colder the ground, the more dense the gasoline. When it gets warmer gasoline expands, so when you buy in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon.
2. When you're filling up, do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look, you will see that the trigger has three stages: low, middle and high. You should be pumping on low mode, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor.
3. One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space.
4. If there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up; the gasoline is being stirred up as it is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.
________________________________________________________
Though these are all great tips, I am still a bit confused about this issue of skyrocketing prices. We get three quarters of our fuel from Canada, so why does the ousting of these maniacs in the Middle East cause a rise in our prices? It suggests that our big companies are taking advantage. What can we do about that? Well I fear not a gas boycott for one day.
Halliburton retiree and an engineer, Phillip Hollsworth offered this fabulous idea for getting gas down to $1.30 a gallon.
"Now that the oil companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that the cost of a gallon of gas is CHEAP at $1.50 - $1.75, we need to take aggressive action to teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace..not sellers.
The only way we are going to see the price of gas come down is if we hit someone in the pocketbook by not purchasing their gas! And, we can do that WITHOUT hurting ourselves.
How? Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop buying gas. But we CAN have an impact on gas prices if we all act together to force a price war.
Here's the idea: For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY gasoline from the two biggest companies (which now are one), EXXON and MOBIL.
If they are not selling any gas, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit."
I am already following his suggestion, despite the fact that I own Exxon stock. I think it is our only shot, but we all have to do it and we have to start doing it immediately.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Abusing the Aged
This week screen legend Mickey Rooney, now 90 years old, testified before Congress that he had been abused by a caregiver and stolen from by a family member.
Even those we imagine are immune from the problems of the common man are vulnerable when they grow old, and it is a lesson to us all that in the end we can be very much alone in protecting our ourselves and our interests when we are the least able.
Just as several generations living under one roof is no longer the norm, the day for depending on children to care for aging parents is fast becoming a thing of the past as well.
To avoid being at risk or taken advantage of, early planning is paramount. It is critical to be prepared emotionally and financially for the future and to safeguard your precious resources even from family members who might not have your best interests at heart.
The key is to do this planning before you are sick, vulnerable or dependent, and you must create legal documents that make your wishes clear. Also be sure to choose professionals you trust to enforce those wishes. Refer to my book Living Agelessly for the documents you need and the legal resources available.
If you begin to have concerns about your health, consider all your options immediately. Research in-home care services and visit assisted living centers that ultimately offer nursing services, and remember that the best facilities have waiting lists. Decide what you want and make arrangements early. Do not wait until your health fails. Protect yourself in every way you can before you become vulnerable.
Elder abuse is rampant in our society. We should be safeguarding ourselves and watching out for others. As a result of Mickey Rooney’s testimony, Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin has proposed that an Office of Elder Justice be established within the Justice Department, and though I am not usually a proponent of more government, I think we should all support any effort to resolve this crisis and protect the aged.
Don't miss reading this true story below.
Crabby Old Woman
When an old lady died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Dundee Scotland, it was believed that she had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through her meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Ireland.
The old lady's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the North Ireland Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on her simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old Scottish lady, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this "anonymous" poem.
What are you thinking,..... When you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman,............. Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit,.............. With faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food,............. And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice,..... "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice,....... The things that you do,
And forever is losing,............. A stocking or shoe?
Who, resisting or not,.............. Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding,....... The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?.... Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse,.....You're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am,............... As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding,......... As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten,...........With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters,.............. Who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen,...... With wings on her feet.
Dreaming that soon now,.......... A lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty,.......... My heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows,........... That I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now,.............. I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide,........ And a secure, happy home.
A woman of thirty,................ My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other,............. With ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons,........ Have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me,........... To see I don't mourn
At fifty once more,............. Babies play round my knee,
Again we know children,........ My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me,......... My husband is dead,
I look at the future,............ I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing,....... Young of their own,
And I think of the years,....... And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old woman,............. And nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age,............ Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles,............. Grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone,.............. Where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass,....... A young girl still dwells,
And now and again,............. My battered heart swells.
Even those we imagine are immune from the problems of the common man are vulnerable when they grow old, and it is a lesson to us all that in the end we can be very much alone in protecting our ourselves and our interests when we are the least able.
Just as several generations living under one roof is no longer the norm, the day for depending on children to care for aging parents is fast becoming a thing of the past as well.
To avoid being at risk or taken advantage of, early planning is paramount. It is critical to be prepared emotionally and financially for the future and to safeguard your precious resources even from family members who might not have your best interests at heart.
The key is to do this planning before you are sick, vulnerable or dependent, and you must create legal documents that make your wishes clear. Also be sure to choose professionals you trust to enforce those wishes. Refer to my book Living Agelessly for the documents you need and the legal resources available.
If you begin to have concerns about your health, consider all your options immediately. Research in-home care services and visit assisted living centers that ultimately offer nursing services, and remember that the best facilities have waiting lists. Decide what you want and make arrangements early. Do not wait until your health fails. Protect yourself in every way you can before you become vulnerable.
Elder abuse is rampant in our society. We should be safeguarding ourselves and watching out for others. As a result of Mickey Rooney’s testimony, Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin has proposed that an Office of Elder Justice be established within the Justice Department, and though I am not usually a proponent of more government, I think we should all support any effort to resolve this crisis and protect the aged.
Don't miss reading this true story below.
Crabby Old Woman
When an old lady died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Dundee Scotland, it was believed that she had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through her meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Ireland.
The old lady's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the North Ireland Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on her simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old Scottish lady, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this "anonymous" poem.
What are you thinking,..... When you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman,............. Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit,.............. With faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food,............. And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice,..... "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice,....... The things that you do,
And forever is losing,............. A stocking or shoe?
Who, resisting or not,.............. Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding,....... The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?.... Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse,.....You're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am,............... As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding,......... As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten,...........With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters,.............. Who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen,...... With wings on her feet.
Dreaming that soon now,.......... A lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty,.......... My heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows,........... That I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now,.............. I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide,........ And a secure, happy home.
A woman of thirty,................ My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other,............. With ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons,........ Have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me,........... To see I don't mourn
At fifty once more,............. Babies play round my knee,
Again we know children,........ My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me,......... My husband is dead,
I look at the future,............ I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing,....... Young of their own,
And I think of the years,....... And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old woman,............. And nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age,............ Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles,............. Grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone,.............. Where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass,....... A young girl still dwells,
And now and again,............. My battered heart swells.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Educating Our Legislators
Governor Rick Perry has been beating his chest about how well Texas is doing economically compared to other states, but at what cost---the education of our children? 9.3 billion dollars has been chopped from the state budget, and it was chiseled from the revenue for public education.
What are these legislators thinking? What is the impact of their decision?
Thousands of teachers and administrators will be fired. Teachers will lose a conference period during which they do their planning, tutoring and grading, suggesting that they will do even more work at home.
Schools will be closed and the classroom size will go from 30 (already too large for individual attention) to 40 (impossible for individual attention). Imagine, if you will, 40 nine year olds in a room with one teacher for six hours. Then take away her planning period, her assistant, freeze or reduce her salary, and raise the cost of her health care (all decisions for resolving the crisis). Who will want to do this important work going forward?
College students training to be teachers have been told to stay in school, to become certified in several subjects, and to be ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers. This advice is intended to make them more marketable if and when the possibility for a teaching job becomes a reality in the future, because there sure is no chance of it now. They have even been told to find new careers. Who will do this work in the future after we dissuade students from choosing the career now?
I have already written about how much trouble we are having with producing educated students who are well trained to contribute to society, who will become an effective and successful work force, and who will be the vehicle for moving America forward. Now, I fear we are solidifying my worst fears. What was a challenge because of all the problems in society and the family will now become an impossible task.
Make your voice heard, parents. Only you can stop our legislators from committing this crime against our children.
What are these legislators thinking? What is the impact of their decision?
Thousands of teachers and administrators will be fired. Teachers will lose a conference period during which they do their planning, tutoring and grading, suggesting that they will do even more work at home.
Schools will be closed and the classroom size will go from 30 (already too large for individual attention) to 40 (impossible for individual attention). Imagine, if you will, 40 nine year olds in a room with one teacher for six hours. Then take away her planning period, her assistant, freeze or reduce her salary, and raise the cost of her health care (all decisions for resolving the crisis). Who will want to do this important work going forward?
College students training to be teachers have been told to stay in school, to become certified in several subjects, and to be ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers. This advice is intended to make them more marketable if and when the possibility for a teaching job becomes a reality in the future, because there sure is no chance of it now. They have even been told to find new careers. Who will do this work in the future after we dissuade students from choosing the career now?
I have already written about how much trouble we are having with producing educated students who are well trained to contribute to society, who will become an effective and successful work force, and who will be the vehicle for moving America forward. Now, I fear we are solidifying my worst fears. What was a challenge because of all the problems in society and the family will now become an impossible task.
Make your voice heard, parents. Only you can stop our legislators from committing this crime against our children.
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