Helping children with special needs and


developmental delays


Does your child have: Cerebral Palsy Torticollis


Dev. Delays Prematurity


Poor handwriting We are dedicated to providing


individualized physical and occupational therapy for every child we serve; to assist them in developing the skills to reach their potential.


Our office provides a safe, friendly


environment where children have fun while achieving functional goals. Insurance Accepted


873 Route 45, New City 845-362-7787


www.pptskids.com info@pptskids.com


globalbriefs


News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.


Little Thumbs Gardening Helps Children Grow


Gardening provides many varieties of engagement for children: designing, planting and maintaining a garden patch; harvesting, preparing and sharing food; working cooperatively in groups; learning about science and nutrition; and creating art and stories inspired by their garden experiences. When third, fourth and fifth grade students par-


ticipating in a one-year gardening program were sur- veyed for life skills, they showed significant increases in self-understanding, interpersonal relationship skills and the ability to work in groups, compared with nonparticipating students. Qualita- tive surveys of 52 second and third grade students working in a community garden classroom program in San Antonio, Texas, further revealed the children were likely to have more positive bonding experiences with their parents and other adults. A study of children with learning disabilities that engaged in gardening mea-


on Keziahlain Organic Farm Westtown, NY


Inquire about transportation


• Nature Crafts • Wilderness Skills •Cooperative Games


• Canoeing • Gardening • Trips • And more! • Ages 4-15


www.freespiritnaturecamp.com (845) 361 - CAMP


Freeing Minds Yoga Mitigates Prison Recidivism


Overcrowding is a serious issue in American pris- ons partly because the rate of recidivism (return) is high. A 1994 study showed that 67.5 percent of the 300,000 adult prisoners released in 15 states were re-arrested within three years. James Fox, founder of the nonprofit Prison


Yoga Project (PrisonYoga.com) believes that part of the problem is that the U.S. prison system overly emphasizes punishment during incarceration and that programs such as yoga classes might lower the rate of recidivism. He is an advocate for restorative justice and has worked with prisoners for 10 years. The theory is that yoga and meditation help prison inmates develop important


emotional and social skills, including impulse control and willpower, and thus reduce tendencies toward antisocial and criminal behaviors. Fox observes how anyone that adheres to the practice can develop mindfulness, patience, diligence and self-motivation. The Prison Yoga Project provides training for yoga teachers that want to work in


prisons. Fox also would like to maintain a scholarship fund to help former inmates do teacher training, so they can make a career out of the practice.


Source: Dowser.org 14 Rockland & Orange Counties naturalawakeningsro.com


sured increases in nonverbal communication skills, awareness levels of the advan- tages of order, understanding of how to participate in a cooperative effort, and the ability to form positive relationships with adults. Juvenile offenders that gardened showed improved self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and attitudes towards school. Overall, gardening has been recognized by many studies as a therapeutic healing activity that can positively impact mental health and well-being.


Source: University of Colorado-Denver; Health Sciences Center


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