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Health

8 Ways To Protect Your Skin During Cold Weather

by LifeAsMama November 12, 2019

Cold weather can leave your skin feeling dry, rough, itchy and prone to damage. So how do you and your skin survive the cold temperature, low humidity, and high wind? We’ve got you covered.

With just a few simple dermatologist recommended steps, you can guard your skin during the cold weather. Read on to learn more.

Moisturize Often

Cold weather can strip your skin of moisture. Lack of hydration can lead to dry skin and makes it susceptible to premature aging. Step up your moisturizer or moisturize your skin often to lock in the moisture.

Your skin’s outermost layer (stratum corneum) acts as a protective barrier [1]. It prevents water from escaping the skin and harmful bacteria from entering the skin. Water is essential in maintaining the strength of the barrier.

Moisturizers contain ingredients that help in water retention in the skin. Consider using a barrier repair moisturizer [2] that repairs the skin’s natural barrier. It has the property to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Moisturizers come in the form of creams, lotions, gels and serums for different skin types. Know your skin first and stick to a moisturizer that suits your skin.

It is best to apply a moisturizer after cleansing. The lotion will lock all the water that is saturated after cleansing.

Using a hand cream after washing your hands in cold weather also helps keep your hands soft and moisturized.

Exercise With Caution

Exercise offers a ton of benefits for your skin. It flushes out toxins in the form of sweat, clears pores and increases blood circulation. However, while the weather is cold, consider working out indoors. During cold weather, air lacks humidity and getting exposed to such air damages your skin.

Take Warm Showers, Not Hot

It is tempting to take a hot shower in cold weather but did you know that hot water can strip the moisture of your skin. Hot showers can make your skin feel like a dry and withered leaf. Warm shower with a hydrating body wash can protect your skin from the harsh weather.

Don’t wash your hands with hot water. According to dermatologists, washing hands with cold water is as effective at removing germs as hot water.

Choose Gentle Products

Switch to gentle skincare products in cold weather. Avoid products that contain fragrances, sulfates, parabens, alcohol and other toxic ingredients.

Pick a cleanser that is free of harsh chemicals and pH balanced. Harsh cleansers tend to wash off the natural oils from your skin leaving it dry.

Use a moisturizer that suits your skin otherwise it can clog your pores.

We can’t stress enough on the benefits of sunscreen. Sun can have a damaging effect on the skin, ranging from dark spots to patches to tan to wrinkles to skin cancer. Don’t skip your sunscreen in winter thinking that it’s only for the summers. The sun’s rays in winter are not as strong as they are in the summers but your skin still needs to be shielded from the UV rays. Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 for the cold weather [3].

In cold weather, under eye skin has a tendency to get even drier. The skin around the eyes is extremely thin and needs an eye cream that hydrates it to keep it supple.

Avoid Wearing Irritating Clothes

Since the skin in cold weather feels dry and sensitive already, make sure you don’t wear synthetic clothes that may irritate your skin further. Breathable cotton fabrics are a great option in cold weather.

You could layer up with sweaters and gloves for the hands to keep yourself warm. Change out of wet clothes to prevent itchy skin.

Use A Humidifier

Air lacks humidity when the weather is cold. Use a humidifier at home to increase the humidity in the air. This can prevent your skin from drying a lot

Limit Exfoliation

Exfoliation is crucial to get rid of the dead skin cells but limit it during the cold weather.

Exfoliation helps blemished skin, clogged pores, pigmentation, and suntan.

Exfoliating shouldn’t be done more than once a week since over exfoliation can strip off the natural oils from the skin and disrupt your skin’s pH balance, potentially leaving it even drier.

Eat Right And Stay Hydrated

Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to give your skin the required vitamins.

Fatty fish, avocado, walnuts, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, green tea, dark chocolate are some of the many foods that are great for your skin.

We don’t feel thirsty in cold weather but our skin needs the same amount of hydration irrespective of the external environment. Make sure to drink at least three liters of water every day. You could include warm herbal teas during the day which also work as an alternative to caffeine.

Let us know how your skin feels after incorporating these steps in your routine during cold weather.

REFERENCES:

Author Bio :

Nisha is passionate about writing and loves to share her thoughts with the world. She is a regular contributor to skinkraft.com and a few other websites. She has written many articles on yoga, fitness, wellness, remedies, and beauty. She keeps herself updated by going through interesting blogs every day. This fuels her passion and motivates her to write appealing and engaging articles.

How To Get Your Child Ready For The Dentist

by LifeAsMama October 14, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

Children should have their first dental appointment a few months after their first teeth come out. For most children this will be between 6 months and 1 years old. These very early dental appointments will usually just involve a quick check to make sure that the first teeth are coming through without problem, and will be more focussed on instructing parents on how to look after these early teeth.

The most important dental appointments for children occur at around the age of 3 or 4. This is for two reasons. Firstly, children at this age are starting to take responsibility for looking after their own teeth. Getting the right instruction and guidance from a dentist is vital at this point. Secondly, children can start to form meaningful associations, both positive and negative, with going to the dentist at this age.

Early negative experiences with the dentist can cause an avoidant pattern of behavior, as far as dental visits go. Avoiding the dentist in early adulthood is one of the biggest causes of serious dental problems down the line.

Therefore, in order to keep their teeth healthy throughout adulthood it’s absolutely vital that a child has positive early experiences with the dentist. Here are a few ways that you can make sure that this happens.

kid brushing teeth child dentist

Make sure that your child knows what to expect at the dentist

The reason why a lot of people dislike going to the dentist is that it’s such an unusual experience. Laying on your back with your mouth open while someone touches your teeth is not something that happens in any other setting.

Your child is far more likely to have a positive experience at the dentist if they know what it will actually involve. It’s therefore important that you talk to them about what happens at a dental appointment, and why they do what they do. Have your child touch their own teeth to see what it feels like.

Getting used to the sensation of having their teeth felt will make the experience much less unpleasant when it actually comes to visiting the dentist.

Have your child practice having their mouth open

This may sound strange, but the experience of having your mouth open as wide as possible can be strange and unpleasant to a child. It can work muscles that are not used to being used, and can make the mouth feel dry and scratchy.

The best way to get accustomed to having your mouth open for several minutes is through practice. In the few days that lead up to the dental appointment, have your child keep their mouth open for a minute at a time.

This will both get your child used to the feeling of having their mouth open as wide as possible, but will also make the actual dental appointment run much quicker and smoother.

Plan out what questions you want to ask the dentist

Seeing the dentist is a great opportunity for a child to ask any questions about their mouth and teeth that may be worrying them. This could include questions about baby teeth becoming wobbly or any discomfort that they may be feeling when teeth come out.

In the vast majority of cases issues that your child may be worried about will be perfectly normal, and the dentist will be able to put their mind at ease. This reassurance can help build a positive relationship between the child and the dentist which will lead to a proactive approach to managing and preventing oral health problems as they get older

It’s also well worth thinking about what you want to ask the dentist about your child’s teeth before you go to an appointment.

child at the dentist

How to handle suggestions for improvement from the dentist

Perhaps the largest reason why people don’t like going to the dentist is because they associate it with lectures about how they are not looking after their teeth properly. Such criticism can particularly affect a child, leading to feelings of shame around their teeth and promoting a pattern of behaviour where teeth are neglected because of this shame.

Of course, if a dentist is overly critical to a child and their parents, that is poor practice and you should seek out a different dentist.

However, if a dentist sees problems with a child’s teeth, it is their responsibility to suggest ways that these problems can be fixed. Usually these problems will boil down to a “brushing blindspot” namely a part of the mouth (usually at the back) which is being missed during brushing.

You should reassure your child that brushing is a skill that takes practice, and that they should not feel down if their teeth are not perfect. Work with your child to implement any advice from a dentist. When improvement is reported during your child’s next dental visit, praise and reward them for their hard work.

Treat your child after a dental visit

Going to see the dentist is a very healthy and responsible thing to do. It should be rewarded as such. Make sure that you do something fun with your child immediately after the dental appointment.

The more your child associates dental appointment with pleasant experiences (even if they only occur soon after the appointment), the more likely they are to be proactive about seeing the dentist in the future.

About the Author

Ron Baise is a dentist with over 30 years experience. He is currently an Associate Dentist and 92 Dental in London, England.

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Childhood Sleep Apnea: What Parents Need to Know

by LifeAsMama October 14, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 1 to 4% of children in the United States are diagnosed with sleep apnea and most of them are between ages 2 to 8 years.

What is child sleep apnea?

Child sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a child takes short pauses in breathing while sleeping.

What causes child sleep apnea?

Pediatric sleep apnea is often caused because the muscles in the upper airway relax while the child sleeps. This makes the muscles susceptible and allowsthe tonsils and adenoids to restrict the airflow in the upper respiratory system. This causes sleep apnea in children.

It can be genetic and can also occur in children who have large adenoids and tonsils. If sleep apnea is untreated or undiagnosed, it can pose behavioral as well as physical problems in children.

girl sleeping child sleep apnea

What are the sleep apnea symptoms in children you need to watch out for?

A child with sleep apnea may have the following symptoms:

At night,

Regularly snore loudly
Pause, snort or gasp and may actually stop breathing. Their own snorts or gasps may awaken them from their sleep.
Sleep in abnormal positions or be restless throughout the night
Sweat profusely during sleep
Tooth grinding (bruxism)

During the day,

Difficulty in waking up
Wake up with a headache
Get cranky, irritated or agitated
Fall asleep or daydream
Breathe through the mouth and speak with a nasal voice

If you see these signs in your child, talk to your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist. Consulting a pediatric dentist may seem an unlikely suggestion, but it is the right way to go about it because pediatric dentists are probably the first in line to detect sleep disorders.

If a pediatrician or a pediatric dentist thinks you are showing signs of sleep apnea, a sleep study may be conducted.

How is sleep apnea medically diagnosed?

A test called polysomnogram may be conducted to assess whether a child is suffering from sleep apnea. The test is painless and requires you to stay overnight at the sleep clinic along with your child.

During the sleep study, the following is monitored:

Eye movement and muscle activity
Brain waves
Oxygen levels in the blood
Breathing
Gasping and snoring while sleeping

What are the treatment options?

If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are a number of treatment options available. The doctor may choose the treatment option that is best suited for your child’s condition.

Surgery: A widely accepted treatment for childhood sleep apnea is the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids. This procedure is known as adenotonsillectomy.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This therapy requires wearing a mask while sleeping. A tube connects the mask to a portable unit, which then applies pressure to open the throat muscles and prevent them from blocking the air passage, thus allowing regular breathing.

Diet and Medication:Some children may suffer from sleep apnea due to obesity. Doctors may recommend diet and weight loss programs to correct the sleep problem.Medication may be prescribed, which may include antibiotics (if surgery was done) or topical intranasal application of corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medication.

Oral Appliance Therapy: This therapy has emerged as an alternative to surgery and CPAP therapy. This therapy makes use of a dental device that works as a mouthpiece moving the bottom jaw and tongue forward to keep the upper airway open for the child to breathe normally. The oral appliance therapy can be worked out under the supervision of a pediatric dentist.

Bottom Line

Dentists can detect the early signs of sleep apnea. Therefore, you must involve your family dentist in your child’s healthcare program. Get a regular dental check-up done to ensure that your child receives the right treatment at the right time.

About the Author

Shen Chao is part of Dr. Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working for the Smile Clinic, he’s gained first hand experiences into the questions and concerns that dental patients have. He has been writing to inform people about various dental topics to help his readers improve their oral health. When he’s not working, you can find him on a hiking trail with his dog or having a Sunday cook-out with friends.

Baby and mother sleeping together in bed

Baby Health Motherhood

The Link Between Depression in Mothers and Their Baby’s Sleep

by LifeAsMama October 11, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

It’s common for newborn babies to not sleep through the night, as do their parents. However, research shows that the first six months of life are extremely important in the development of sleeping patterns (circadian rhythms) for the future. New studies show that babies whose mothers suffered from depression before they were pregnant or during their pregnancy are much more likely to having erratic sleep patterns in their first six months than other babies. We’ll explore in this article exactly what this link means for newborns.

mom happy holding baby sleep

The Background to the Study

This latest study comes from years of studying the link between sleep and depression and circadian rhythms, and finding that they were closely interlinked. At first, the research focused on adults and teenagers, before they moved on to looking at the link in newborns. This research is based on studies of sleep between two groups of newborn babies and their mothers. One group is comprised of mothers who suffered from depression during their pregnancy, and the other group is made up of women who have never suffered from depression in the past or present.

The Study Details

The women in both groups wore small devices on their wrists called actigraphs which evaluated how much sleep they got at night, how much light exposure, and their daytime routine including activity and naps. They started wearing them during the last trimester until their babies were eight months old. Two weeks after the birth of their babies, each child also received a small actigraph to wear for eight months.

Impact on Circadian Rhythm

The study showed quite conclusively that babies who were born to depressed mothers had nearly zero or zero evidence of an innate 24-hour circadian rhythm after birth, whereas the babies born to mothers without depression had this. This continued throughout the length of the study. As Nancy Kruger, a psychology writer at Australian help and Oxessays explains, “if sleep is constantly disrupted and there are no clear circadian rhythms, these individuals grow up to be much more likely to also develop depression. This is why it’s so important for all babies and new mothers to get the best sleep possible.”

Napping Patterns

One key connection found that babies born to moms who were depressed tend to nap more during the day, take more time to get to sleep at night, and also wake up much more often throughout their sleep. This is like insomnia in adults but starts much earlier. This creates more sleepless nights in parents but also means that those children may be more likely to suffer from depression later on in their lives. Researchers did reassure families that babies born to depressed mothers will not necessarily follow in their footsteps even if depression runs in families, while also warning non-depressed parents that they should still closely monitor their baby’s sleep.

The First Months

It’s very important for babies to be trained in the fist few months to sleep when it’s dark and be awake when it’s light out, so that their circadian rhythm can develop properly. Young babies that are two months or younger need 11 to 18 hours of sleep, so napping is also recommended, and for the next ten months 11 to 15 hours of sleep is required. Then, infants between the ages of 1 and 3 need 12 to 14 hours. That’s why it’s important to establish rituals around bedtime to help children understand the difference between nighttime sleeping and daytime sleeping, such as night clothes and day clothes.

Building a Schedule

It’s also important to build a sleep schedule around bright lights during the day to get your body’s circadian rhythm to associated light cycles with sleeping. Make sure you’re not shining the light in their eyes and they’re protected from direct sunlight. By four months old, the sleep schedule should be much more regular and centered on nighttime sleep with fewer breaks. In fact, Georgie Prince, a health blogger at Academized and Paper Fellows, adds that “during this time, it’s also important for the new mother to sleep on a regular schedule as well. The post-natal period is a high-risk time for depression in new mothers, even if they have no prior background of depression, and lack of sleep is a contributing factor.”

By making sure you’re monitoring your baby’s sleep patterns and building a natural schedule for sleep from the earliest age, you’re giving your child the best possible chances to have normal sleep patterns later in life and prevent depression.

About the Author

Ellie Coverdale, a health writer at Ukwritings and Essayroo, shares her insights on psychology and health in families. She is interested in the links between families and physical and mental health. You can also find her work at Boomessays. In her free time, she practices yoga and meditation.

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Best Backyard Add-ons for Your Kids

by LifeAsMama October 4, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

For a family with kids, younger or older, no backyard can truly feel like part of home unless it is adjusted to children’s needs and interests. If you want your child to fall in love with the outdoors and the endless variety of activities it offers, start by transforming your yard into a children’s fantasy world. Though the options are many, we can elaborate on a few favorites that certainly won’t let you down.

1 – Outdoor chalkboards and easels

Have you noticed that your child enjoys the magic that a paintbrush or a simple colored pencil can create? Don’t hesitate to get a couple of chalkboards for your yard so your son or daughter can continue to nurture their talent. Outdoor chalkboards (or canvas on an easel) are a highly convenient solution for parents who wish to keep their children entertained while also avoiding having a big mess inside the house. If you want to do something even more interesting, you can turn part of the fencing into a big chalkboard wall.

2 – Yard sandbox

If you think back to your own childhood, you are more than likely to reminisce of your own little sand haven you loved to play in. Not only do sandboxes help develop an outdoorsy spirit in kids, but they also have multiple other benefits. Set one in your own backyard and your children will get a chance to further learn and improve their social, motor, and practical skills, grow genuine curiosity and eagerness to explore their environment through direct physical contact, and also stimulate and enrich their own imagination. These add-ons are physically beneficial as well, as they help kids strengthen different groups of muscles, especially those in the arms and hands.

3 – Child-friendly swimming pool

Okay, this one probably should be the first item here—undoubtedly, almost every child wants to have a pool at home. Funwise and healthwise, it goes without saying that swimming pools are an absolutely fantastic add-on for a backyard. They are an endless source of entertainment, not only for children, but for adults, too.

It needs to be emphasized, though, that they do require a higher level of supervision and caution on behalf of parents, so children should not be left alone during their fun time in the water. Preferably, for extra safety, you could also add a fence around the swimming pool to prevent children from accidentally falling in if they do spend part of their time in the backyard unsupervised. Whenever we are talking safety measures, the best thing is to consult specialists and professionals. Exterior are a really wise choice if you want the perfect combination of adventure and safety in your children’s swimming pool.

4 – Swings

Swings sound like a great option for backyards with limited space and if you prefer to keep your child engaged in a single activity for a longer period of time. Even in a smaller area where there isn’t much room for running or playing sports, a nice swing can give your child a sense of freedom, movement, and spaciousness thanks to its dynamic nature. Even on a cold and rainy day, your little one will probably ask to go and play on the swing rather than stay indoors.

5 – Hammocks and silly spinners

If you have bigger trees in your backyard, you could also consider getting a sturdy hammock and/or a silly spinner. They are both excellent alternatives for standard swings, not to mention that they are just as much fun. If you are in a creative mood, you also have the option of making a silly spinner yourself instead of buying one. What is more, you can ask your child to contribute to the process of making the spinner, for example to paint it. This will only make your son or daughter enjoy it even more since they will know they helped bring this creation into existence.

6 – Slides

Slides are also a truly convenient add-on, being that both younger and older children find them a lot of fun. They also come in different shapes, sizes, and are made from different materials, so it is easy to find a slide which will be suitable to your child’s age and physical characteristics.

7 – Climbing tires

If you have some old tires lying about in the garage, here’s a great way to recycle them. Turn these eyesores into an attraction by transforming them into climbing tires. What makes them such an excellent addition to your backyard is that little kids in particular seem to find them irresistible when learning to walk and establish balance, while also strengthening their muscles at the same time. Climbing tires are budget-friendly and even more fun when painted in bright colors kids will easily fall in love with!

In conclusion…

For any parent who wants to inspire in their child an affinity and respect towards the great outdoors, smartly chosen backyard add-ons are the right call. Allow your little one to explore and grasp the world through a thought-provoking, inspiring, exciting corner of their own home where they will feel safe and taken care of.

About the Author

Ron Wolf is a freelance writer, hobby designer and DIY enthusiast.

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Easy Ways to Boost Your Kids’ Immune System

by LifeAsMama September 30, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

As a parent, one of your biggest concerns is your children’s health. If you could, you would wave a magic wand to ensure they never got sick – but sadly, you can’t. The good news is, there are still things you can do to boost their immune systems – and most of them are easy!

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best and easiest ways to give your kids a boost in the health department without losing all your money – or your sanity.

boost-kids-immune-system

Let them get dirty! This may seem counterproductive, but hundreds of studies show that letting your kids be exposed to bacteria in things such as mud, dirt, and even on other kids will do wonders for their immune systems later on. While they may get sick at first, exposing them to the germs of everyday life will help train their bodies’ immune systems to fight off bacteria faster and more efficiently in the future. This isn’t to say you should purposefully expose your kids to dangerous illnesses, but when it comes to eating dirt or touching toys at daycare, relax and let your kid do what kids do!

Supplement with vitamins and probiotics. This is another cheap, easy way to keep your kids’ health in check with a simple pill or gummy each day. There are hundreds of different vitamins and mineral supplements for kids and teens, as well as probiotics that help keep their body systems operating as they should be by replenishing good bacteria that keep them healthy. Bonus: many vitamins come in fun flavors and shapes and taste more like candy than a health supplement, so you may find that your kids actually look forward to taking their vitamins each night. (Just be sure they don’t have access to them while unsupervised to prevent them from eating too many at once!)

boost-kids-immune-system

Make it a point to enforce a bedtime. Let’s face it: a tired child gets sick much easier than a well-rested child. This is because when their little bodies are run down, they are more susceptible to everyday germs, viruses, and bacteria. By enforcing an appropriately early bedtime, you can ensure that your kids will wake up in a better mood, more alert, and also in a better position to fight off sickness – and it will give you more quiet time at night!

Take antibiotics the right way. The rise of superbugs (infections that are resistant to antibiotics) are caused by 1) taking antibiotics when they aren’t necessary and 2) not finishing a dose completely. Antibiotics will not help a cold or sore throat unless there is an active infection such as a sinus infection or strep. Giving your child antibiotics they don’t need will not only not help them get better, but destroy the good bacteria in their systems and weaken their immune system’s ability to fight of what they do have now and in the future. In addition, if a doctor does prescribe your child antibiotics, be sure he or she takes the entire dose (even if she starts to feel better.) Often, children can start feeling better before the bacteria is completely dead. If the antibiotics are stopped, the bacteria can grow back stronger and even immune to said antibiotic – a scary position no one wants to put their child in.

boost-kids-immune-system

Encourage exercise. It’s no surprise that the immune system benefits from regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Exercise not only produces changes in white blood cells that fight disease, but the temporary increase in body temperature following a sweat session can help kill bacteria! You don’t have to take your kids on ten-mile runs to reap the benefits of exercise – simple games of kickball or jumprope with friends, or participation in sports can check this box for you and ensure your child’s heart and muscles are healthy, too!

boost-kids-immune-system

Don’t slack on fruit. Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins when it comes to the immune system – there is a reason people take vitamin C drops when they are starting to feel sick! Not only does vitamin C help kill microbes, but boosts the immune system as a whole. The best part is, vitamin C is found in nearly every fruit, with high concentrations in oranges, cherries, kiwi, apples, and more. Fruit is a classic kid favorite because of its sweet and juicy taste, so chances are, you won’t hear any complaints from your tot when incorporating more fruits into his diet!

If they are sick, let them rest. While no parent wants to see their child sick in bed, encouraging her to get up and continue daily life when she’s still feeling down or just starting to feel better may open a door for the same illness (or another) to come back. Rest is the most important thing for the immune system while it is hard at work, so letting your daughter take that extra sick day from school and watch cartoons may be your best bet. Only send them back to school when they are feeling better and no longer contagious – you don’t want to make someone else’s baby sick!

boost-kids-immune-system

Employ basic hygiene practices like hand washing. Hand washing, while being the best way to prevent the flu, is also a champ at preventing other diseases, as well. Most germs end up on our hands, and then in our mouths, nose or eyes, which is where they infect us. Keeping clean by hand washing, taking regular baths or showers, and brushing teeth are a great way to keep germs off and prevent illness. Be sure to teach your kids how to do all these things properly, and you’ll have a much healthier, happier family!

There you have it! These are doubtlessly the best, most efficient ways to boost your kids’ immune systems without breaking the bank. The best part is, most of these tips are beneficial for other reasons, too, contributing to healthier child in every way. Comment down below with your go-to tips for keeping your kids healthy, along with which of these tips you’re excited to try!

Dani Fogel. is a Communication Coordinator at Brandable, based in Los Angeles, CA. She works on the Queen V brand within the company’s Digital and Ecommerce department.

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How to Get Outside With Your Kids This Fall

by Jennifer Landis September 17, 2019

written by Jennifer Landis

During the summer, it’s easy to get the kids outside. As soon as that fall air rolls in, though — and brings with it cold temps and rainy days — it can seem much harder to do so.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this colorful season with your children, both inside and out. If you need fresh air but don’t know how to get it, read on. We have five ideas for getting your brood outdoors this autumn and beyond.

1. Color Walks

As we know, fall has plenty of colorful foliage to stare at for hours on end. So, grab your kids and take them outside to check out the leaves and all the other eye-catching plants that grow during this time. Don’t just call it a nature walk — consider this stroll to be a color walk. Choose a particular hue, or let your child choose the shade they like best. Then, as you walk around, have them point out everything they find that’s that color. If you have a digital camera and trust your little one enough to use it, then they can take pictures of everything they see for even more color-walk fun.

2. Leaf Jumping

This one’s a classic, but it’s so much fun that it’s worth mentioning. Have your kids help you gather up the leaves in your yard. Not only will they burn off some energy doing so, but they’ll also help get the job done quicker. Having a few helpers will make the task simpler on you.

Once they’ve built a giant pile of foliage, let them go wild. Jumping in and out of the leaves just never gets old — join them for a few leaps and see. You can mix things up by fashioning your leaf pile into another interesting activity. For instance, some have built a leaf slide. They place their foliage mound at the base of a slide and zoom into it. You can also use your leaves to outline a small backyard maze. Regardless of how you play with the leaves, one thing’s for sure — your kids will love it, and they’ll never forget it.

3. Playground Games

When you play outside in summer, it’s often too hot to do anything but splash in the pool or run through the sprinkler. In the cool fall air, though, you can have your kids play and run in the yard. So, take advantage of the cooler temps and set up a group game. You might want to rely on some of your playground favorites. Something as simple as tag, kickball or red rover can do the trick.

There are so many benefits to organizing a playground-style game for your kids. Little ones who spend all their time indoors may be more susceptible to obesity, which remains an epidemic across the country. On the other hand, if they play outside, your kids will develop healthy behaviors that push them to exercise throughout their lives. Plus, such playground games give them the chance to build teamwork and social skills.

4. Orchard Visits

Fall brings us gorgeous foliage, but it also brings a slew of new fruits and veggies to be harvested. In some cases, farmers will open up their fields for the public to pick their own produce to bring home and enjoy.

For instance, a local orchard might allow people to come in and pick apples directly from their trees. You might hop onto the back of a tractor or pickup truck to visit a pumpkin patch. There, you and your kiddos can select the perfect gourd for your front stoop. All the while, your kids can run around and explore the farmland around them. At the same time, you’ll all be taking in some much needed fresh fall air.

5. Scavenger Hunts

What bits of nature can you find in your backyard or at the local park? Let your kids answer that question. Start by drawing up a list of common fall finds, such as pinecones, acorns and leaves — one in each color. See how many items your kids can knock off the roster.

If you don’t have enough variety in natural elements, then combine your scavenger hunt with a walk through the neighborhood. Make sure to add other autumn finds to your list. Some fall scavenger hunt lists for kids will include pumpkins, scarecrows, bales of hay and other decor. They may not come from nature, but your kids will have a blast scoping out their neighbors’ homes in search of the must-sees on their scavenger hunt list.

Fall in Love With the Outdoors

It’s cooler outside, and you might not be able to get out there every day. However, the above five activities will make your outdoor pursuits even more fun for both you and your kids. In fact, such memorable moments will remain with you for years to come — and we bet your kids will beg to do the same activities every year. You and your family will fall in love with the season and the time you spend outside together.

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Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit – What You Need to Know

by Guest Contributor August 17, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Getting braces has become a rite of passage for children. Every year, millions of children in America get braces or some sort of an orthodontic treatment.

When your child is getting braces, it is a huge event for the whole family. Orthodontic treatment for children means that the parents also need to educate themselves on the treatment.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it’s time for your child to get an orthodontic treatment:

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At What Age Should Your Child Visit the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7.

This is the age when a child’s permanent teeth start coming in. If your child is at risk of developing any orthodontic problems, they can be diagnosed at their earliest stages. This can help the orthodontist predetermine the plan of action if your child will need orthodontic treatment.

Prepare Your Child For Their First Appointment

Walk your child through what will happen on their first visit to make sure sitting in a dental chair doesn’t scare them off. Talk them through the process of how their first appointment will involve a pain-free examination.

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What to Expect From Your Child’s First Visit

The first visit to the orthodontist will be a basic examination of your child’s teeth, mouth, jaw, and evaluation of treatment options if the orthodontist spots a problem.

The orthodontist will also take X-rays of the mouth to see how the teeth are positioned, and whether permanent teeth are going to come in. The orthodontist will also take impressions of your child’s teeth with a mold which will be the exact replica of your child’s teeth. This will help your orthodontist decide which treatment options are best.

Your child will not be getting braces on the first visit itself. The first visit is just an evaluation of whether braces are needed and if they are, what course the braces treatment should take.

What Will You Learn from Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

The first time you take your child to see an orthodontist, you’ll learn whether they need orthodontic treatment and what braces treatment options are available and best suited for your child’s needs.

The options include:

Metal braces
Ceramic braces
Invisalign

If your child doesn’t need treatment to correct an improper smile, then your orthodontist will schedule periodic visits to make sure your child’s permanent teeth are coming in properly.

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Explain to Your Child What Braces Treatment Will Involve

If your child needs to undergo braces treatment, it will be great for your child to understand how braces or Invisalign can straighten crooked teeth, imbalanced jaw structures, and improve the smile so that your child becomes more confident.

It might be useful for your child to talk to a peer who is also going through braces treatment and using braces to correct an improper smile. Your child might be more open to braces treatment if it is easier to relate with their peers and stay enthusiastic about getting braces.

If your child is going through orthodontic treatment, remember that dealing with your child’s questions and doubts with patience is the key. The earlier your child sees the orthodontist, the lesser time treatment will take.

Author Bio:

Creating perfect smiles is what Dr. Satish Pai is committed to. An orthodontist by profession, he believes that a perfect smile is a powerful part of a person’s personality. When he is not working hard on perfecting his patients’ smiles at Putnam Ortho, he is busy writing engaging articles about everything related to healthy and perfect smiles. His other passions include golf, yoga and surfing. Spending time with his family always brings a smile on his face.

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Health

5 Summer Health and Safety Tips For The Whole Family

by Guest Contributor July 25, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

For families with children, the summer season always means a lot of time outside in the sun and heat. There are beaches to visit, parks to play in, and bikes built for riding, but all that summer sun poses certain risks. There are things like sunburn and dehydration to worry about, and every family should take these risks seriously. Extra precautions should be taken concerning health and safety, and we have the most important tips to ensure your family has the best summer yet.

1. Heat safety

It’s important for the whole family to be aware of ways to stay safe during the hot summer months. As a parent, it’s your duty to inform and protect your kids from dangerous weather outside. When it’s extremely hot outside, stay inside air-conditioned areas; this may be your home, a shopping mall, or a community center. Also, be sure to keep lots of water on you to stay hydrated. If you are a family that is normally on top of your water intake, that’s great! But when it’s really hot out, up your normal intake to make up for the hot weather.

2. Sun safety

No matter the temperature outside, sun safety is always important. Sunscreen is always a smart first layer of defense to protect you and your family. Proper application of sunscreen is crucial, so always cover yourself head-to-toe and reapply as needed. In addition to sunscreen, clothes are great protection from the sun. Sports performance clothing that is tightly knit is great at blocking the sun and keeping your skin dry from sweat. However, the best defense from the sun is seeking shade. If you plan to be outside for a long time like at a sports event or on the beach, come equipped with a sun umbrella or a place to stay safe from the sun.

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3. Children’s eye health and safety

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month! This is a good reminder to take your child to the eye doctor to get a vision check. This is especially important if they’re spending a lot of time outside in the sun. UV rays can cause short-term issues like sunburnt eyes and long-term problems with vision. If you’re concerned about your child’s eyes while they’re in the sun, buy them sunglasses, a hat, or try to keep them in the shade as much as possible.

4. A tip for mom

National Breastfeeding Month is also celebrated in August! For all of the new mamas and mamas-to-be out there, take time this month to brush up on breastfeeding best practices for the well-being of you and your baby. There are so many areas to get support when it comes to breastfeeding, from a local hospital, your doctor, online forums, and even friends!

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5. A tip for dad

Dads have to be aware of summer safety for health too! Many women have skincare routines to help protect themselves from the sun, but we have some skin tips for dad too! The summer heat may bring a desire to shave off any facial hair for cooling relief. When you shave, you’re exposing your skin to the sun, heat, and pollution of the summer air, so it’s important to shave with care. Always use trusted shaving products with high-quality ingredients to protect your skin. After you shave, using an SPF is vital to keep skin safe from the sun. You should apply some form of SPF every single day, all year long. You don’t have to apply body sunscreen to the face, but find a men’s moisturizer with SPF protection to use every morning.

Health Lifestyle

11 Good Health Reasons to Drink Coffee

by Guest Contributor July 18, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Coffee is the most popular beverage in the world—there are numerous nationalities who enjoy this warm drink on a daily basis. And whether you’re sipping a flat white in Australia or stopping at Starbucks in the U.S., every country puts a special spin on how they make it.

There’s something about a warm cup of coffee filling a room with its glorious aroma that wakes up all your senses. It is our energy drink, our relaxing break, and our 15 minutes of self-reflection. You can enjoy it with somebody or completely alone—its magic works either way.

There will always be too many health trends to keep track off, but caffeine is something most people consume on a daily basis. It’s a bit of a grey area in terms of health, with some people thinking drinking coffee every day is a bad idea. But we’re here with good news for all you coffee-loving moms. As long as you’re not seriously over doing it, research shows coffee is actually good for you! So, if you need yet another reason to love coffee (or to start drinking it), check out this list of coffee-related health benefits.

1. Coffee slows down cognitive decline.

As it serves as a specific boost to our brain, drinking coffee on a regular basis prevents cognitive decline which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. A Finnish study has shown that drinking 3-5 cups of coffee every day during middle age can be related to a 65% decreased risk of cognitive decline illnesses later in life.

One of the theories why coffee has this effect on our brains is that caffeine prevents building up of plaque which contributes to cognitive diseases. Another one is that the risk of type 2 diabetes is also decreased by drinking coffee, and this type of diabetes is a risk factor for dementia.

2. Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants.

Interestingly, coffee has more antioxidants than cocoa and green tea, which are usually represented as the ultimate antioxidant beverages. Scientists have discovered around 1,000 antioxidants in unprocessed coffee beans while a couple of hundred more are found while the beans are roasting.

Antioxidants are incredibly important for our bodies because they fight inflammation, which can lead to many chronic diseases, such as arthritis and even cancer. Antioxidants also neutralize free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and more chronic diseases. So, antioxidants in coffee protect our cells from damage. One specific antioxidant that’s found in coffee only—chlorogenic acid —is believed to help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

3. Coffee reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

A Korean study has shown that people who drink 3-5 cups of coffee a day have fewer signs of developing cardiovascular diseases. However, we should be aware of the fact that Koreans have a different diet from Western nations. Still, a Brazilian study has shown that people who drink 3 cups of coffee a day develop less calcification in coronary arteries. It is also safe to say that coffee doesn’t harden the arteries even if you drink 25 cups of coffee a day—an unusual study, but nevertheless valuable.

4. Caffeine provides a short-term memory boost.

In an Austrian study, volunteers received 100mg of caffeine (the amount usually found in one cup of coffee). The research showed that there was a boost in the brains’ activity while volunteers were performing a memory task. The reaction times, as well as memory skills, of the volunteers were notably improved when compared to the controlled group that received a placebo.

Caffeine affects specific parts of our brain which are responsible for concentration and memory. Consequently, our short-term memory is improved even though it isn’t clear how long this effect lasts. It probably varies from person to person.

5. Coffee reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Numerous types of research have shown that there is a correlation between drinking coffee and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. With every daily cup of coffee you drink, the risk of developing this disease drops by 7%. Heavy coffee drinkers (those who drink more than 4 cups of coffee a day) have a stunning 50% lower risk of developing diabetes than those who don’t drink it or drink it rarely.

There are several ways in which scientists believe coffee reduces the risk of developing diabetes. First of all, coffee helps our bodies use insulin, simultaneously protecting cells that produce it. This results in appropriate regulation of blood sugar. Coffee also prevents tissue damage and fights inflammation, which is a well-known factor leading to type 2 diabetes. Caffeic acid in coffee helps reduce the toxic accumulation of amyloid fibrils frequently found in people suffering from type 2 diabetes. What’s interesting, decaffeinated coffee is believed to be even more beneficial than regular coffee.

However, it’s important to note here that there is certain evidence that coffee can decrease the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. This could lead to the impairment of metabolism of sugar, as well as to raising the blood sugar level. Still, these findings are unclear for now and would have to be researched further.

6. Coffee fights depression.

There are many studies that have found a connection between drinking coffee and reduced levels of depression. More precisely, heavy coffee drinkers have a 20% less chance of suffering from depression. A study has been conducted that included a couple of variables, such as alcohol use, marital status, stress, etc. It has shown that women who drink coffee regularly are much less likely to commit suicide than those who don’t drink it.

It still isn’t completely clear how coffee fights depression, but we do know that caffeine activates neurotransmitters, which are responsible for controlling our mood (serotonin and dopamine).

7. Coffee can boost your exercise performance.

Most of us have been taught that caffeine has a dehydrating effect on our bodies, which is why coffee isn’t recommended before and after a workout. However, the newest research has shown that moderate consumption of coffee won’t dehydrate you to the extent that it interferes with your training. What’s more, coffee fights fatigue, which allows you to exercise more than usual.

Not only does caffeine boosts your performance and prolong your endurance, it also strengthens muscle contraction, raises the level of fatty acids in your blood, and decreases your perception of pain. Even just two cups of coffee a day can reduce your post-workout pain up to 50%.

8. Coffee helps your liver.

Regular coffee consumption has been associated with a lower risk of cirrhosis development, especially alcoholic cirrhosis. Drinking up to 4 cups a day is connected to a 20% lower risk of cirrhosis.

There is actually an inverse relationship between blood level of liver enzymes and drinking coffee on a regular basis. When the level of these enzymes is elevated, it is a sign of inflammation and certain damage to the liver. So, the more coffee you drink every day, the lower the level of these enzymes will be, thus your liver will be better protected. The same goes for decaffeinated coffee—you just need to find quality coffee machines that make the type of coffee you prefer. What’s more, research has shown that drinking up to 3 cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of developing liver cancer by 29%.

9. Coffee decreases the risk of multiple sclerosis.

A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry has stated that drinking at least 4 cups of coffee a day could help prevent the development of MS or its reoccurrence. Scientists believe that coffee prevents neural inflammation that leads to the development of MS.

10. Coffee gives you a longer life expectancy.

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that women who regularly drink coffee have a lower risk of heart diseases, cancer, and other illnesses which affect their longevity. A longer lifespan has also been associated with the fact that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of dying prematurely from diseases such as type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and heart diseases. A Japanese study discovered that men who drink 3 cups of coffee a day are under 24% lower risk of dying prematurely. There are many other studies around the world which show that, in general, drinking coffee really does decrease the risk of dying early from disease.

11. Coffee fights gout.

Various studies in which both men and women were included showed that people drinking coffee regularly decrease the risk of developing gout. Furthermore, almost 90,000 female nurses were part of the research in the Nurses’ Health Study that spanned over 26 years. A correlation between gout and drinking coffee was determined at the end of the research. The benefits are visible both from consuming regular as well as decaffeinated coffee. Female coffee drinkers who drank more than 4 cups of coffee every day decreased the risk of developing gout by 57%, while those who drank 3 cups of coffee every day had a 22% lower risk of developing it. Similarly, women who drank one cup of coffee a day had a 23% lower risk of developing this disease. There are similar studies which included only men. Men who drank 4-5 cups of coffee a day had a 40% lower risk of developing gout, while those who had 6 cups of coffee reduced the risk by 60%.

The secret is in the antioxidant properties of coffee. Antioxidants decrease insulin, which then lowers uric acid levels, which can ultimately lead to gout development.

Final words

Doesn’t this make you feel so much better? It’s safe to say that the more you drink coffee, the healthier you become! The ritual of drinking coffee is relaxing in its own right, but you have to admit that you’ll enjoy it even more now that you know that, in a way, you actually “need” coffee to stay healthy. So, find a cozy place, take a break, pour yourself a cup of coffee and take your time!

Author Bio

Stella Ryne is an art historian, traveler, conscious consumer and a proud mother. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book. Stay in touch with Stella via Twitter and Facebook.

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