Merrin and Pearl are at it again! This time these two young Human Body Detectives are exploring the skeletal system. With the ability to jump in and examine the various systems in the body, Merrin and Pearl’s adventures are fun stories and helpful tools to educate children. In Osteoblasts to the Rescue, Merrin and Pearl navigate their friend, Lily’s, broken arm and learn all about bones. As the fourth in The Human Body Detectives series, Osteoblasts to the Rescue can also stand alone as a book that’s sure to inform, engage, and inspire readers of all ages.
Author Heather Manley, N.D.
I have always been passionate about healthy foods and exercising. Growing up in Toronto, Canada I would exhaust my allowance at the health food store and write school papers on spices and herbs. It was no wonder I found myself studying biology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. I loved animals as well so I initially focused on wildlife conservation and animal biology, however, with some exposure to naturopathic medicine, this health care philosophy rang true for me. I switched to pre-med and I graduated in 1993. I earned my doctorate at the from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon before moving with my family to Hawaii where I became licensed and continue to practice today. Everything I learned in medschool came into fruition when my children were born. I realized the importance of teaching them, by example, about healthy food and lifestyle. Telling them what to eat was not enough, so I created and wrote educational adventure stories that explain the physiological systems in the body. Not only did my kids love the engaging and interactive stories but so did their friends. I love seeing kids have fun learning to understand their bodies and how food helps them run faster and be smarter. My focus is on preventative health. I am passionate about encouraging families to seek the value of a simple lifestyle and offering tools to assist them at being proactive and confident in their daily living. I am constantly inspired seeing people make positive changes in their lives. With my website, I am excited to reach more families in a way that will manifest healthy living.
Excerpts:
Merrin and
Pearl are at it again! This time these two young Human Body Detectives are
exploring the skeletal system.
With the ability to jump
in and examine the various systems in the body, Merrin and Pearl’s adventures
are fun stories and helpful tools to educate children.
In Osteoblasts to the Rescue, Merrin and Pearl navigate their friend,
Lily’s, broken arm and learn all about bones.
As the fourth in The
Human Body Detectives series, Osteoblasts
to the Rescue can also stand alone as
a book that’s sure to inform, engage, and inspire readers of all ages.
We do have the gift
of going into other people’s bodies to help them feel better, but being a Human
Body Detective is a big responsibility and no one seems to need help right now,
Merrin thought.
They
landed on a hard smooth surface. Happily, they were still together. As their
eyes opened, Pearl looked around and Merrin gasped, "Pearl, where are we?"
Pearl
leaned over to Merrin and felt along her spine. Merrin shivered a bit.
"Those bones you feel when I touch your back are
the spinal processes."
"We need to get
to Lily’s left arm, the one that is broken. I want to see the break and
understand how the body will fix it. We might be in for a journey, Merrin! Most
of the vertebrae have these spinal processes and if we climb up toward her
head, we’ll find Lily’s left clavicle, which will lead us to her left
arm."
Oh my, Merrin thought.
Merrin
realized Pearl’s shoelace was untied and bellowed out, "Pearl slow down and tie your
shoelace!" But
she was too late. Pearl tripped and then… She tumbled.
She
landed on her stomach, her feet dangling off the rib.
They
both looked up and noticed the sternum bone was completely vertical. They would need rock climbing gear to have any
chance of getting to the top.
They
both looked at each other and wondered if they were brave enough to do it. Who
knew where they would land, let alone if they fell off the bone?
At that moment,
osteoblasts came storming out from everywhere! They were all over the place.
Merrin and Pearl tried to jump out of their way, but the osteoblasts were on a
mission and didn’t even notice them.
"Well, I hope
Lily is eating enough foods with calcium and
phosphorus. Actually,
what food does she need to eat to get more of these nutrients?" Merrin
asked.
More
About the Skeletal System goes into more depth of the skeletal system.
Pearl
was intrigued by the skeletal system. She learned some fun facts
along the way and wanted to share them with you.
did
you know that... “osteo” is the
Greek word for bone?
The Human Body
Detectives know that the bones are living and need exercise as much as
the heart does. Along with a healthy diet, physical activity is crucial
for strong bones.
The Human Body
Detectives love a great case, but they also love a funny joke! Here are
some of Merrin and Pearl’s favorites!
What do you call a
skeleton who doesn't like to get up in the morning?
Lazy Bones.
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