Whole Child Learning and Wellness

09/02/2025

For those of you who have children that participate in Halloween, here is a wonderful alternative to the ju**ie candy that is out there.

The HighWire’s Executive Producer, Jenn Sherry Parry, is taking on toxic Halloween candy with a two-part initiative: educate your neighborhood about harmful ingredients and replace it with a Healthy Halloween Variety Pack made with clean ingredients and natural sugars. Order during the presale, an...

07/29/2025

Link in comments for more info on my developmental mathematics mini course. If you are local and would like an in person assessment, please reach out.

07/20/2025

Get ready for school and help your child achieve his potential.

Check out my home-based intervention programs you can do with your child.

https://lisaanndegarcia.com/home-based-programs

07/16/2025

Your child isn't giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time.

01/12/2025

Teachers, if you are trying to understand why some of your students struggle with learning or behavior in your class, you would be interested in my highly acclaimed class, "Why are My Students Struggling." It is worth 2 credits with USD.
It is SOOO eye opening. You don't know what you don't know.
Please forward to a teacher you love.

If you are a teacher and pulling out your hair trying to figure out why some students are really struggling with learning, listening, or sitting still, then you will want to watch this.

12/10/2024

This is absolutely true… this needs to be addressed through sensory input, primitive reflex integration, detox, diet, and modification of screen time, and other interventions. Let me know if you have a child that fits the bill.

Rae Pica Keynotes & Consulting 💜

11/22/2024

Magnesium plays a crucial role in modulating anxiety and panic disorders through several mechanisms:

Regulation of Glutamate Activity: Magnesium reduces presynaptic glutamate release and diminishes NMDA receptor activity by competing with calcium at NMDA receptor-coupled calcium channels. This action helps prevent neuronal hyperexcitability associated with anxiety and panic symptoms.

Enhancement of GABAergic Function: By acting as a positive allosteric modulator at certain metabotropic presynaptic glutamate receptors, magnesium decreases glutamate release and stimulates GABA release. This shift enhances inhibitory neurotransmission, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Reduction of Catecholamine Release: Magnesium directly affects presynaptic terminals to decrease catecholamine release, including stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline. This reduction helps mitigate the physiological arousal linked to anxiety and panic attacks.

Collectively, these actions of magnesium contribute to its therapeutic potential in managing anxiety and panic disorders by restoring balance in neurotransmitter systems and reducing neuronal overactivity.

11/20/2024

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, making it crucial for energy production, muscle function, nerve signaling, and overall cellular health.

Its effectiveness depends largely on the form in which it is consumed, as different forms target specific functions.

Magnesium glycinate is highly bioavailable and known for its calming properties, making it ideal for reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and supporting brain health.

Magnesium citrate is commonly used for promoting digestive regularity due to its mild laxative effect while also supporting energy metabolism.

Magnesium malate is excellent for energy production and is often recommended for individuals dealing with fatigue or muscle pain, as it plays a key role in ATP synthesis.

Magnesium threonate is unique in its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making it particularly effective for enhancing memory, cognitive function, and overall brain health.

Magnesium chloride is well-absorbed and frequently used topically to address muscle tension, skin health, and localized inflammation.

Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is used for detoxification, relaxation, and relieving muscle soreness through baths. Balancing magnesium with other minerals like calcium is essential to avoid imbalances that could lead to overstimulation or muscle cramps.

Selecting the right form of magnesium based on your health needs ensures optimal benefits and supports both physical and mental well-being.

Keep tune for daily doses of information on minerals.

11/15/2024

Magnesium is often called the "master mineral" for a reason—it’s involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body, making it essential for your overall health. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most overlooked nutrients in modern diets. With stress, poor soil quality, and processed foods depleting our magnesium levels, it’s no wonder so many people are unknowingly deficient.

Here’s why magnesium is a non-negotiable when it comes to feeling your best:

1. Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Magnesium is nature’s chill pill. 🛌 It helps regulate the nervous system, calming overactive neurons and balancing stress hormones like cortisol. This makes it critical for managing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and reducing that "wired but tired" feeling so many of us struggle with.

2. Energy Production
Feeling fatigued or burnt out? Magnesium is key to the production of ATP, your body's main energy molecule. Without magnesium, your cells can’t generate energy efficiently, leaving you feeling sluggish and drained.

3. Brain and Cognitive Health
Magnesium plays a direct role in brain function, from improving memory and learning to reducing brain fog. It supports neurotransmitter balance, helping with focus, mental clarity, and mood stability. Low magnesium levels have even been linked to conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

4. Muscle Function and Recovery
Ever experienced muscle cramps or tension? Magnesium regulates muscle contractions, helping prevent cramps, spasms, and even headaches. It’s a favorite for athletes and anyone dealing with chronic pain or stiffness.

5. Heart Health and Blood Pressure
Your heart loves magnesium! 💓 It helps keep your heart rhythm steady and relaxes blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure and improve circulation. It’s a vital mineral for cardiovascular health.

6. Blood Sugar Balance
Magnesium helps regulate insulin and glucose metabolism, making it a key player in stabilizing blood sugar levels. This can help reduce cravings and energy crashes, supporting metabolic health.

7. Hormone Regulation
For women, magnesium is a lifesaver when it comes to PMS, hormonal balance, and even menopause. It can help reduce bloating, irritability, and mood swings by supporting healthy hormone function.

Signs You Might Be Low in Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is more common than you might think. Here are some signs to watch for:

Muscle cramps or twitches
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Chronic fatigue
Anxiety or irritability
Brain fog or memory issues
Headaches or migraines
High blood pressure
Sugar cravings
How to Get More Magnesium
The good news? You can boost your magnesium levels through food and supplements. Foods rich in magnesium include:
🥑 Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
🥜 Nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds)
🍫 Dark chocolate (yes, really!)
🌾 Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice)
🥦 Vegetables (broccoli, avocado)

For many, supplementation with magnesium glycinate, citrate, or malate can provide the additional support they need.

Magnesium truly is the master mineral—a powerhouse for your brain, body, and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to improve your energy, calm your mind, or simply feel better day-to-day, magnesium is a must-have in your wellness routine.

Next, I will share the different kinds of magnesiums and what they are for, so be sure to like and follow to stay tuned. 🌿

11/14/2024

Zinc is essential for brain function. It is involved in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are key for mood regulation and focus.

Zinc also plays a role in neurogenesis, the formation of new brain cells--and it helps protect neurons from oxidative stress.

Zinc is essential for immune health as well.

There needs to be a healthy balance between copper and zinc. Too much zinc= too little copper, and too much copper= not enough zinc.

A deficiency in zinc as been linked to depression, ADHD, and cognitive decline. It is also a part of KPU, where zinc and B6 are leached from the body and leads to social anxiety.

The problem is that zinc isn’t stored in the body, so we need to get it consistently from foods like nuts, seeds, and lean meats or through supplementation.

If you would like to know more about what specific nutrients are needed for optimal brain health, grab a free copy of my Nourish Your Brain ebook here…. Details in comments.

11/14/2024

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Did you know that minerals are some of the most powerful tools we have for optimizing brain function and emotional well-being? 🧠💪 Our bodies might need them in small amounts, but these tiny compounds play massive roles in nearly every aspect of brain health. From fueling neurotransmitter production, which affects our mood and stress levels, to providing antioxidant defense against damaging free radicals, minerals are crucial for our physical and mental vitality.

Here are some of the ways minerals contribute to a well-functioning brain and nervous system:

✨ Neurotransmitter Production: Minerals like zinc and magnesium are essential for creating neurotransmitters—our brain's chemical messengers—that help regulate emotions, energy levels, and stress responses.

🛡 Antioxidant Defense: Selenium, a powerful antioxidant mineral, protects brain cells from oxidative stress, one of the key drivers of cognitive decline and aging.

📡 Cellular Communication: Minerals help maintain the electrical balance in cells, facilitating smooth communication between neurons, which is essential for processing thoughts, memories, and reactions.

💭 Mood Regulation: Magnesium is known as "nature's relaxant" because of its powerful calming effects on the nervous system. Many people experience mood improvements simply by ensuring they have enough magnesium in their diet.

💤 Relaxing Neurons: When your neurons are relaxed and firing optimally, it’s easier to maintain focus, stay calm, and manage stress. Calcium and magnesium work together to regulate nerve signals, helping us feel balanced and grounded.

🧩 Cognition and Memory: For the brain to learn, remember, and solve problems, minerals such as iron and copper are indispensable. They support cognitive functions by promoting healthy blood flow to the brain and aiding in energy production within brain cells.

Minerals often get overlooked, but they are the building blocks that allow our bodies—and our minds—to function at their best. Making sure we’re getting enough of these nutrients from food or supplementation can be the missing piece in our brain health journey.

Please like and follow for more tips on optimizing brain health.