Book Nook - How Sammy Sees the World

Born with Down Syndrome, Sammy experiences life much differently than us. Where most overlook, he finds joy and adventure.

Originally written by his sister Lily Love Loudon when she was just 10 years old, How Sammy Sees the World is an inspired story of what it means to see with love—not limitation—and discover a world better than we ever imagined.

Today, 80% of babies with Down Syndrome are aborted, while 300 families sit waiting to adopt them. In support of the nonprofit They All Have Names, a portion of book and sock (SammysSocks.com) proceeds will be donated to help facilitate special needs adoptions.  

Elizabeth (Lily) Love Loudon is a young debut author with a big heart. She was born and raised in the Christian faith alongside her four siblings, one of which is her adopted brother Samuel who is the inspiration behind How Sammy Sees the World.

Today, Lily hopes that Sammy’s joyful spirit and story are a reminder that seeing the world through love is what makes it beautiful. 

Healthy Habits - Avocado Health

  Avocado Health today announced the launch of its 24/7 SMS-based parenting support platform, designed to help parents navigate the everyday questions, worries, and moments of uncertainty that come with raising children. Built to meet families where they already are—on their phones—Avocado Health delivers instant, personalized, evidence-based guidance through simple text messaging, offering a true “parent-coach-in-your-pocket” experience without apps, portals, or technical barriers.

 

From fevers and sleep regressions to developmental milestones and late-night “Is this normal?” moments, parenting questions don’t wait for office hours. Too often, parents turn to social media or online forums for answers, which can be overwhelming, contradictory, or anxiety-inducing. As more parents turn to tools like ChatGPT for quick guidance, concerns about accuracy and reliability are growing. These tools are not designed for parenting or child health and can generate responses that are incomplete, incorrect, or drawn from unverified sources. When it comes to children, that margin of error matters.

 

Avocado Health was built to address this gap by constraining its AI exclusively to clinically vetted, evidence-based pediatric and child development resources, developed and continuously reviewed by Avocado Health’s multidisciplinary team of pediatricians, Child Life Specialists, child development experts, and certified parenting professionals. The platform reinforces, rather than replaces, the role of clinicians, helping parents understand when to observe, when to seek care, and how to advocate for their child. When clinical support is required, parents are clearly directed to appropriate medical providers or early intervention resources.

 

“Parenting doesn’t happen on a schedule,” said Hans Kullberg, co-founder and CEO of Avocado Health. “Questions come up at night, on weekends, and in moments when parents are already stressed. Avocado Health is designed to provide calm, trustworthy guidance right when it’s needed, so parents don’t feel alone in those moments.”

 

Delivered entirely via text message or WhatsApp, Avocado Health works on any phone, underlining its commitment to equity and accessibility. The platform combines evidence-based AI with access to Child Life Specialists, parenting professionals, and expert-led educational sessions.

In addition to on-demand support, Avocado Health will offer proactive developmental awareness through age-appropriate milestone prompts. These check-ins help parents understand what to expect as their child grows, and feel more confident starting earlier conversations with clinicians, when intervention and support can have the greatest impact.

 

Avocado Health was founded by husband-and-wife team Hans Kullberg and Cristina Bernardo, parents of five, whose mission is deeply shaped by personal experience. Their daughter, Aviva, was born full-term and healthy then experienced multiple unexplained hospitalizations during her first year of life. She passed away before her first birthday; the cause remains unknown.

 

“After losing Aviva, we made a commitment that no parent should feel alone or powerless while trying to make sense of what’s happening with their child,” said Cristina Bernardo, co-founder of Avocado Health. “This platform is rooted in empathy and the belief that confident parents make better decisions for their children and their families.”

 

Avocado Health plans to expand partnerships across healthcare systems, employers, community organizations, and global markets.

 

About Avocado Health

Avocado Health is a 24/7 SMS-based parenting support platform that combines human expertise with trusted, clinically vetted AI to deliver instant, personalized guidance when parents need it most. Built entirely through text messaging, Avocado Health offers a parent-coach-in-your-pocket experience without apps or technical barriers and is designed to support families with empathy, clarity, and confidence while reinforcing clinical care. Learn more at www.avocadohealth.ai.

Pet Pointers - The TurfMutt Foundation’s Tips to Keep Pets Safe in Winter

  Getting outside in winter reduces stress, improves mood, and helps with social connection and physical health for both people and pets, reminds the TurfMutt Foundation. But TurfMutt, which champions the year-round care and use of backyards, public parks, school yards and other green spaces, urges pet parents to be prepared when taking their canine companions outside this winter. 

“For dog, there’s really no such thing as a bad season, only bad preparation,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. “Mulligan the TurfMutt gets so excited about the first snow, and her enthusiasm is contagious. We know that getting outside is important for our mental and physical health year-round, but we must be vigilant to ensure our pets stay safe.”   

The TurfMutt Foundation offers these essential tips for safe winter outings with your dog: 
 
•    Be a Paw Protector: Sidewalks and streets covered in ice melt can irritate your pet’s paws and could even be toxic if ingested. Applying paw balm or wax can help or fitting your dog with booties for even more protection. Always wipe their paws and belly when you come back inside to remove any residue.  

•    Beware of Toxins: When using de-icer on your own property, look for pet-safe products to avoid skin irritation and toxicity. Use de-icer in pet-safe areas, avoid overuse and keep pets inside when applying the product. Sand, clay cat litter and heated mats are safer alternatives.

•    Short, Sweet & Safe: Dogs may have fur, but that doesn’t mean they are immune to the effects of the cold. Remember, if you’re shivering, they are, too. Limit time outside on brutally cold days and watch for cues your pet has had enough. A tucked tail or lifted paw means it’s time to head inside. 

•    Dress for Success: Dogs need their natural coats to stay warm in the winter, so don’t shave it. For dogs with shorter fur, a water-resistant coat or sweater can help keep them warm. Remember to take the wet clothes off as soon as you get home and ensure they dry completely before the next outing. 

•    Clear the Way: You can use a snow thrower to clear a path in your backyard so your dog can easily get to their “business” area without sinking in deep snow. Always keep your pup and kids inside when using outdoor power equipment. 

•    Leash On: When visiting community parks and green space, be sure to keep your dog on a leash. Heavy snow can cover familiar scents and landmarks, making it easy for even well-trained dogs to get lost. Make sure your dog’s tag and microchip are updated with your current contact information just in case you get separated. 

To learn more and get additional tips about enjoying the green space around us year-round, visit TurfMutt.com. 

About the TurfMutt Foundation

TurfMutt, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. The Foundation is title sponsor of “Lucky Dog,” the Emmy Award-winning CBS broadcast television show in support of dog rescue and rehabilitation. Both TurfMutt spokesdogs have been rescue dogs, and Mutt Mulligan is a cast character on the show, where her “Mulligan Minute” segments teach viewers about the benefits of green space. In 2024, the Great Lawn at Louisville’s award-winning Waterfront Park on the Ohio River was renamed the TurfMutt Foundation Great Lawn as part of a $1 million sponsorship. Championed by Mulligan the TurfMutt, and through education partners such as Scholastic, Discovery, Weekly Reader, and the USBGC Global Learning Lab, TurfMutt has taught students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt has been an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

Travel Tidbits - Global Day Trip Ideas

 

Day trips can be absolutely enlightening and sometimes when we're in one place and fixated on all that's there, it's easy to forget what surrounds so we're here to share some of our favorite combos and the list goes on, and on, and on so reach out for more ideas everywhere! WHEN IN LISBON... Head to Cascais for the day. A quick easy train ride from central Lisbon and wham, you're there. A sleepy classic beach town with a retro chic, extremely walkable network of intricate streets lined with charming stylish boutiques, curious crafts, plenty of ice cream stands, classic (and still affordable) seaside hotels and a Europe beach vibe as it once was. WHEN IN QUITO... Do a day in Otavalo- pure Ecuadorian heart and charm. Just over 1 hour away. it is home to a gigantic market full of artwork and crafts curated by indigenous people, its the kind of place where you instantly feel like a local and after a day spent with these storytellers, you truly feel transformed. WHEN IN BARCELONA... Take a 40 minute jaunt to Sitges. A fabulous classic golden sand stretch of beach, boho-chic vibes in the streets, plenty of cafes that line the sand and the eternally gorgeous smell of the salt air mixed with rich olive oil frying up fresh seafood. Bike and hike nearby too. WHEN IN REYKJAVIK... Granted it's a fabulous base for adventure but head out to Hella. Under 90 minutes and you're truly in a region where there is zero light impact at night, clearing the dark skies to give way to some of the most extraordinary viewing of the Northern Lights. WHEN IN BUENOS AIRES... You've got to live like a gaucho for a day and by live, I mean EAT =). Estancia La Bamba is a fabulous retreat that's a hideaway in itself for guests that want to overnight but this ranch is open for day visitors that want to horseback ride, trek, laze by the pool and be treated to a 7 course lunch with more meat and fresh vegetables than you can ever imagine necessary at one sitting. WHEN IN GENOA... You have GOT to drive an hour to see the Cinque Terre. Rather, forget just see, but HIKE! These 5 towns are extraordinary, covered in pastel houses that form complex patterns against a rugged coast with trails behind and throughout them that will give you a workout like none other! We love Monterosso...but you can't go wrong with any of them.

Book Nook - Free Audiobooks from Boys Town Press

Published by Boys Town Press, Well-Managed Schools is a practical, research-supported guide that helps educators build positive classroom culture, strengthen students’ social and behavior skills, and implement proven strategies rooted in social–emotional learning. It’s widely used by teachers, counselors, administrators, and entire school districts to create calm, productive learning environments.

Boys Town Press specializes in books, curricula, and multimedia tools designed to help educators, parents, and youth-serving professionals teach essential social skills, reduce behavioral challenges, and support the whole child.
Right now you can download the audiobook of Well-Managed Schools for free.


Navigating Your Child's Unique Mental & Physical Needs is a compassionate, practical guide that helps parents and caregivers better understand the individual challenges children face—whether emotional, behavioral, developmental, or physical—and offers clear strategies for supporting their growth. It equips adults with tools to communicate effectively, advocate confidently, and tailor support to each child’s unique needs. 

You can also download the audiobook of Navigating Your Child's Unique Mental & Physical Needs for free.

Smart Safety - Protect Your Family from Ticks

 A new survey by Modern Pest Services finds that 74% of Americans have pest-triggered anxiety. More specifically, 47% are worried about getting bitten by a lone star tick, which is known to carry disease.

According to Modern Pest Services, here's how parents can protect their home from ticks:

• Keep grass trimmed and clear brush where ticks thrive
• Perform regular tick checks on children
• Perform regular tick checks on pets
• Turn to professional treatment to protect the perimeter and breeding areas of your yard

When it comes to other pest-related issues, more than half of Americans (51%) have experienced a pest infestation, and 22% report pest-related damage to their home.

Take a look at the full report for state-by-state pest fears and expert insights on tick prevention

Travel Tidbits - Most Relaxing National Parks

 A new ranking has revealed which of America’s National Parks are the most relaxing and worth visiting in 2026 - with the Everglades taking the top spot. 

The study conducted by River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats analyzed Google review data across all registered National Parks in the United States. The team analysed all reviews to count how many reviews featured keywords related to relaxation and digital detoxes. Some of the keywords and terms used included ‘relaxing’, ‘relaxed’, ‘serene’, ‘switch off’, ‘digital detox’. Once these figures were collated, the number of reviews mentioning the relevant relaxation keywords were cross-referenced with the total number of reviews to rank the National Parks by the number of reviews featuring a relevant keyword per 1,000 total reviews.

Florida’s Everglades scored the highest with 30.51 reviews per 1,000 reviews that featured relaxation terms. There are just over 13,000 total reviews on Google for the Everglades National Park, with 398 featuring keywords related to a digital detox, feeling serene and overall relaxation.

Following as the second most relaxing National Park to visit, is Congaree National Park in South Carolina. The park, which spans nearly 27,000 has 27.37 reviews related to relaxation per 1,000 total reviews. One review called the park, “a serene and immersive experience”. There were a total of 107 reviews featuring relaxing keywords across just under 4,000 reviews.

Third place Redwood National Park in California. There are 18.07 relaxation related reviews per 1,000 total reviews. This comes from 196 total reviews that feature relaxation terms over 10,800 total reviews. The park was described as ‘very tranquil and relaxing’ by one review from a visitor.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located in Hawaii, features two of the world’s most active volcanoes and is ranked as the fourth most relaxing National Park to visit. Out of a total of nearly 13,000 reviews on Google, there were 16.10 reviews featuring relaxation related terms per 1,000 reviews. After visiting the park, one visitor said that the park is ‘always very beautiful and serene’.

The fifth most relaxing National Park to visit, is Dry Tortugas National Park, the second in the list that’s located in Florida. The park is only accessible by boat or a seaplane but still has 15.92 reviews with relaxation related terms per 1,000 total reviews. The National Park has a smaller number of reviews overall, at just 1,700 but there is a far greater proportion of relaxation related keywords in comparison to other National Parks in the country.

Biscayne National Park, just by Miami in Florida places as the sixth most relaxing National Park to visit. There are a total of 2,821 reviews for the National Park, 40 of which feature keywords related to relaxation, which means there are 15.92 related keywords per 1,000 reviews. One visitor made the following review: ‘The water is crystal clear, the scenery is peaceful, and everything is incredibly clean and well-preserved. The quiet, open space lets you slow down and really take in the surroundings. It’s a rare kind of calm you don’t often find so close to a major city.’

Indiana Dunes National Park ranks seventh overall, with 13.85 relaxation related reviews for every 1,000 reviews made, while the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee comes in eighth, with 13.27 reviews related to relaxation per 1,000 reviews.

Rounding out the top ten are Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Joshua Tree National Park in California. Shenandoah National Park has 12.76 reviews mentioning relaxation and detoxing per 1,000 reviews while Joshua Tree National Park has 11.85 reviews related to relaxation for every 1,000 reviews.

Florida has the most National Parks in the top ten with three National Parks, while California has the most National Parks that rank in the top twenty five at six.

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson from River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats said: “When you choose where you want to vacation, or even just visit on your day off from work or studying, you want to know that you’re going to feel relaxed. National Parks are some of the most beautiful places to visit in the country, so these findings highlight where visitors really feel the most able to switch off and take a digital detox.

Florida appears to be home to the most relaxing locations which is likely due to the warm temperatures, and the gorgeous coasts. Visitors to all the National Parks in these three based in Florida have commented on how serene they are, and how peaceful the water in particular makes them feel, whether it’s the lakes of the Everglades or the coast lines.

By being in a location where you can switch off and have a digital detox, vacations and trips become more than an opportunity to relax, but places where you can actually bond with your friends and families and find the time to reconnect together.

This study serves as a guide for anyone looking for a relaxing vacation no matter if it's with your family, friends or with your partner, as to the parks and locations that will provide you exactly that.”

The 25 most relaxing National Parks to visit, according to River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats

Rank	National Park	State	Reviews featuring relaxation terms per 1,000 total reviews
1	Everglades National Park	Florida	30.51
2	Congaree National Park	South Carolina	27.37
3	Redwood National Park	California	18.07
4	Hawaii Volcanoes National Park	Hawaii	16.10
5	Dry Tortugas National Park	Florida	15.92
6	Biscayne National Park	Florida	14.18
7	Indiana Dunes National Park	Indiana	13.85
8	Great Smoky Mountains National Park	Tennessee	13.27
9	Shenandoah National Park	Virginia	12.76
10	Joshua Tree National Park	California	11.85
11	Glacier Bay National Park	Alaska	11.74
12	Channel Islands National Park	California	11.51
13	Virgin Islands National Park	Virgin Islands	10.50
14	White Sands National Park	New Mexico	10.42
15	Cuyahoga Valley National Park	Ohio	10.04
16	Saguaro National Park	Arizona	9.79
17	Hot Springs National Park	Arkansas	9.76
18	Sequoia National Park	California	9.73
19	Theodore Roosevelt National Park	North Dakota	9.23
20	Acadia National Park	Maine	8.92
21	Great Basin National Park	Nevada	8.77
22	Kings Canyon National Park	California	8.50
23	Crater Lake National Park	Oregon	8.32
24	Yosemite National Park	California	8.22
25	Olympic National Park	Washington	7.94

The study was conducted by River Ranch Digital Detox Retreats, part of Westgate Resorts, an authentic Florida dude ranch, located just an hour away from Orlando.  

Post courtesy https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/river-ranch/westgate-river-ranch-resort/groups-meetings/digital-detox-retreat/   

Sources:

Google Reviews

Westgate Resorts River Ranch

Methodology:

All Google Reviews for registered National Parks in the United States were scraped and analyzed for 50 keywords and terms related to relaxation and digital detoxes. Once the findings were completed, the number of reviews related to relaxation were cross-referenced with the total number of reviews to establish the number of relaxation related reviews per 1,000 total reviews.