How Parents Can Support Their Children in Sports

Since 1996, Dr. Gregory Tapson has provided on-site and in-home primary care to hundreds of Carmel, California residents. When not attending to patients or overseeing day to day operations at Cypress Ridge Skilled Nursing Facility, Dr. Gregory Tapson is a coach and enthusiastic supporter of his children’s basketball, baseball, football, and softball teams.

If done correctly, strategic parental involvement can help young children get the most out of participating in a team or school sport. Here are some tips for parents who want to actively support their young athletes.

Support the Coach - Children do best when lessons from their coaches are reinforced at home. Parents should talk to their children about their coach’s suggestions and help them make improvements based on that feedback.

Encourage Exploration - Parents can help children discover their passions by allowing them to try different sports. Since some sports are seasonal, having multiple athletic interests can help children stay active all year round and to learn a range of athletic skills.

Manage Failure - Losing can be difficult for young children to process and they may take losses personally. Parents should highlight the fun and challenging aspects of sports and minimize competitiveness.

Dos and Don’ts of Songwriting

A self-employed physician, Gregory Tapson serves as a primary care doctor in California. In this capacity, he serves as the medical director of a local nursing facility, sees patients at a local retirement community, and provides concierge services to patients who want them. In his free time, Gregory Tapson enjoys writing and singing classic rock and blues-style songs.

Below are several dos and don’ts when it comes to writing songs:

Don’t ignore emotion
Regardless of how catchy and emotional a song’s hook is, writers must be sure that there is plenty of emotion in the rest of the song. The lyrics must be sincere and genuine, otherwise they won’t connect with the average listener.

Do know the genre
The genre of a song influences the lyrics that are used. For example, many pop songs rhyme, while other genres don’t. These standards play a huge role in how successful a song is. Songs written for the wrong genre are typically unpopular among most people.

Don’t rely on a chord progression
Melody and lyrics are the most important aspects of a successful song. As writers create music, it’s not enough to have just a great groove to their music. They also need compelling lyrics and melody to keep listeners around in the long-term.

Do keep writing
All writers experience writer’s block at some point, but this doesn't stop them. The same is true for songwriters. Anytime songwriters experience writer’s block or have a flop, they must keep writing regularly, even when they aren’t inspired.

Tips for Lowering Cholesterol

Family practice physician Dr. Gregory Tapson has operated a private practice in Carmel, California, since 1996. Providing annual checkups and preventive healthcare, physicians like Dr. Gregory Tapson strive to lower the risks of cardiovascular disease by keeping track of patients’ cholesterol levels through blood work. 

When lab work reveals heightened cholesterol levels, physicians can prescribe medicine, or dietary and lifestyle changes. For those wishing to avoid medication, or for those who wish to enhance its effects, the Mayo Clinic encourages heart-healthy meal choices such as increased fiber intake and healthy fats, along with reduced consumption of saturated fats. Other food items that promote heart health include bright-colored vegetables and fruits, which contain cholesterol-inhibiting molecules in addition to fiber. 

It is also recommended that those concerned about cholesterol increase physical activity, especially cardiovascular exercise. Brisk walks can help lower unhealthy cholesterol levels. 

If you have questions about your heart health and cholesterol, make an appointment with your physician.