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| Can you recommend a website that is aimed at family vacations, especially those for young children? My husband and I are itching to go away and need some help on choosing a destination that works for us and our 15-month-old. Anything out there you know of?—Valerie, Red Bank, NJ | ||
 I hear you. I am dying to go away, but since I am pregnant I'd rather wait until I can drink—and not waddle. We've done a few great stories that can definitely help you find the right destination: For Hawaii, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico, check out “Vacation, All You Ever Wanted.”For continental US destinations, check out “Get Outta Town.” For Europe, cruises, Disney and skiing, check out “On Holiday.” There's also a site called Ciao Bambino (www.ciaobambino.com) that sets up kid-friendly vacations to Europe. And for tips and tricks to ensure your little one's journey is easy and whine free, check out our article, “The Well-Traveled Toddler.” |
| I have a huge sweet tooth but am on a new plan to lose weight and be healthier. Is there anything I can cheat with that won't kill my plan altogether?—Mindy, Corbin, KY | |||
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Okay, so at the risk of sounding preachy, I have to say: don't cheat! If you have a goal, do everything in your power (or will power) to achieve it. Cutting out sweets altogether will actually cure you of your sweet tooth, as will drinking copious amounts of water. Now, having said all that, perhaps you want to adjust your way of thinking about your new health plan to include an indulgence here and there. Making the decision to indulge is very different than cheating. The former is an empowered state and the latter is the act of letting yourself down. So, in the interest of a smarter indulgence, I recommend the No Pudge Fudge Brownie Mix (a pack of six is $17.91 at www.amazon.com). I discovered this god-send at Whole Foods and have been grateful ever since. The all-natural, fat-free brownie mix tastes almost as good as its full-fat, diet-trashing evil twin. You just add nonfat yogurt (I like the Greek kind) for a low calorie (120 per brownie) no-cholesterol treat that instantly satisfies even the sweetest of teeth. |
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| We think that my nephew has Asperger Syndrome and I want to help him and my sister in any way I can. What do you suggest?—Tiffany, Cary, North Carolina |
 Asperger Syndrome (AS) is on the mild side of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). According to Wikipedia, it's characterized by “difficulties in social interaction and by restricted, stereotyped interests and activities. Asperger is distinguished from the other ASDs in that there is no general delay in language or cognitive development. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria, motor clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported.”The key to helping your nephew is early identification and intervention. According to Dr. Barbara Firestone of the Help Group, the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States for children with special needs related to ASD, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation and abuse and emotional problems, “When parents first suspect that their child is developing differently and they recognize one or more of the early warning signs of autism, it is important that they share their concerns with a pediatrician as soon as possible.” You can also acquire useful information by visiting www.thehelpgroup.org/facts_signs.htm, and checking out our article on The Help Group as well as our article, “Autism Now.” The Help Group's president, CEO and founder, Dr. Firestone wrote a book that you should pick up called Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge ($30, www.autismheroes.org). It chronicles 38 families confronting the challenges of ASD and is a very inspiring read. |
