ABC ANIMATIONS

ASK AUNTIE AM

~ KIDS ADVICE COLUMN ~

Dear Auntie Am,

What is the largest animal on the earth?

Jennifer Nystrom

Dear Jennifer,

The blue whale usually weighs between 200,000 and 300,000 pounds. That is about as long as three school buses, and as heavy as 40 elephants!

Hey Auntie Am,

How do blind people shop for groceries?

jack

Dear Jack,

There are many kinds of food that can be identified by touch, such as fruits and vegetables, hot dogs, chicken, and other items. But things like cans of soup, cereal boxes, canned vegetables, gallons of milk, ice cream containers, and other things may be hard to identify.

Many blind people like to shop with a friend who will help to find things and can read the different brands and types. Or a blind person might use a store employee who can help find the groceries. Some blind people (especially if they are buying a lot of things) will make a print list for someone else to read, and they will use a Braille list for themselves.

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hi auntie am,

what is a cavity?

andrea

A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by decay. Decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going to your regular dental check ups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.

Dear Auntie Am,

Why do babies cry? I have a new baby brother. He cries all the time!

sue

Dear Sue,

Crying is the way that babies signal they need something. A baby who hasn't had enough to eat will usually cry to let someone know they need to be fed. It's also the way a baby lets us know they are wet, hurting, or just sad. Usually, a baby is crying because he wants to be held, so picking him up and cuddling him will quickly stop the tears.

Dear auntie am,
can animals help people when they are sick ? if they can then how?

Tara

DEAR TARA,

COME, SIT, STAY....HEAL:

THERAPY ANIMALS HELP THE SICK

   These days, some really amazing animals are helping people--in very special ways. Here are some of the coolest service animals around!
   Dolphins are helping children learn. Horses are teaching kids to walk. Cats are visiting patients in hospitals.
   From the times of the ancient Greeks, dogs have been used in different forms of therapy. These "therapy dogs" visit nursing homes, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, senior centers, children's homes, day care centers, schools, hospitals, and churches.
   A dolphin helps Janet practice speaking. Every time she gives the right answer to a question from her teacher, she gets a kiss from the dolphin.
It's hard for a child with cerebral palsey to walk or stand--(sur-REE- brul PAUL-zee). But Sue says riding a horse helps. The horse's movements make her use some of the same muscles that she would need for walking. So, being on a horse is the right kind of practice.

A therapy dog can pick up something as small as a dime, or as big as a game controller. With a therapy dog nearby, John doesn't have to wait for people to help him. So he's sure to agree--it's great having an animal at your service!