Tag: kids

Healthy School Lunches

September 15th, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

school-lunchWe all want healthy meals for our children – but in a busy world, achieving this is sometimes easier said than done. Many of us reach for those pre-made lunch kits found in every grocery store, and while convenient, these kits are often not healthy choices. One popular lunch kit has a whopping 1,940 mg of sodium, well above the daily maximum recommended for young children (1,200 mg). With only one gram of fiber, this meal won’t go far toward meeting many of your children’s dietary needs, or even give them the energy they need for a long school day.

Here are some tips to make healthy school lunches convenient without resorting to prepackaged options.

• Prepare and organize school lunches on Sunday for the entire week.

• Ask your children to help out – let them choose favorite fruits, veggies, and sandwich ingredients. Assign them the role of assistant chef. Continue reading “Healthy School Lunches”

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‘Tis the Season: How to Protect Against Lice

August 18th, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

liceSome kids have started school already, but for many it is still a few weeks away. Personally, there is nothing that gives me more anxiety than the thought of lice coming home on the heads of my kids. I am itching right now, just thinking about it. Here are some ways you can help protect against lice.

Head lice lay tiny, teardrop-shaped, whitish eggs in shells called nits. The nits attach to individual hairs with a tough, gluey cement, making them impossible to remove with ordinary shampooing. After a 7 to 10-day incubation period, the nits hatch, leaving behind a dull gray casing. They mature within a week and start the cycle again.

Lice are very contagious and spread through direct contact. So when kids lie together or touch heads, or when their toys touch or when they share hair brushes, lice can be spread easily. And then, guess what… they spread it all over the house when they come home. Continue reading “‘Tis the Season: How to Protect Against Lice”

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Children’s Series: Allergies

March 2nd, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

allergiesAllergies can be annoying, to say the least. But in some cases, they can also be debilitating and even deadly. And even more so in children.

Allergies are hypersensitivity reactions to normally harmless substances. In allergic rhinitis, the immune system releases histamines and other chemicals to fight the “allergen.” As a result, swelling (inflammation) and congestion of the nasal passages and increased mucus production occurs. Allergies can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, but commonly children experience stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy skin and eyes. Allergies can be seasonal or chronic, depending on the allergen. And the allergen can be anything from peanuts to mold to feathers. As children age, they can “outgrow” their allergies as their immune system matures.

Here are five tips help with decreasing symptoms associated with allergies.

1. Supplement. Nutrients such as bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium, carotenoids, essential fatty acids, selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin C work to help with inflammation, reduce allergic symptoms, soothe irritated mucous membranes, and support immune function. Click here to see what supplements can be beneficial for your child. Don’t forget to consult with an expert to see what is best. Continue reading “Children’s Series: Allergies”

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Children’s Series: Preventing Colds

February 23rd, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

child-sleepingWILL THIS WINTER HAVE NO END? If you are anywhere near the northern east coast, it sure doesn’t feel like spring is just weeks away. And with the never-ending winter, come never-ending colds, especially for kids. Preventing colds can be a challenge, but there are some things you can do to help.

Often colds are caused by viruses that are found in invisible droplets in the air, which we either breathe or touch. And with children in schools, daycare, and sports, they have more opportunity to catch something. That, combined with what is most likely less than ideal hygiene practices.

More than 100 different viruses can infiltrate the protective lining of the nose and throat, triggering an immune system reaction that can cause a sore throat and headache, and make it hard to breathe through the nose. Dry air (indoors or outdoors) can lower the resistance to infection, causing more colds in the winter. Underlying allergies can also decrease resistance and allow a virus to infect the body. Maintaining a healthy immune system is the best protection against colds. Continue reading “Children’s Series: Preventing Colds”

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Children’s Series: ADD and ADHD

February 16th, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

child-playingAttention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are very common childhood behavioral and developmental disorders. Onset usually occurs by the age of 3 and can last through adulthood. Children with ADD and ADHD usually have trouble paying attention, staying focused, and controlling their behavior.

A child with ADD/ADHD may:

• Daydream a lot
• Forget or lose things a lot
• Squirm or fidget
• Talk too much
• Make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
• Have a hard time resisting temptation
• Have trouble taking turns
• Have difficulty getting along with others

Some possible triggers for ADD/ADHD include:

Continue reading “Children’s Series: ADD and ADHD”

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