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In 2018, a disturbing record was set in the U.S. – 52 children died as a result of being left inside a hot car. You may think a hot car death could never happen to you or your family. But most parents or caregivers who left a sleeping baby or child in a car did it unintentionally and unknowingly. You can ensure that a tragedy like this doesn’t happen by creating a plan to help you avoid distraction. The Dangers of Leaving Children in the Car The first thing to remember is that never, at any time, should you leave infants, children or someone who has special needs in a parked car. Even if you’ll only be gone a few minutes; even if the windows are cracked open; even if it’s not that hot outside. Conditions inside a hot, parked car form a type of greenhouse effect where the temperature […]

Dining out is a fun, cultural and social affair that everyone should be able to take part in, including people with diabetes. It can seem daunting for those who need to count carbohydrates and administer insulin. But with preparation, guidance, and practice, dining out with diabetes can become a smooth process! Below are tips for before, during, and after dining to help ensure an enjoyable experience. Before: There is no need to change the types of restaurants frequented. Continue visiting your favorite ones and do not feel limited to ones that offer “healthier” options. In time, you may develop a list of preferred locations due to the helpfulness of staff and information made available by the restaurant. Search for the restaurant’s website online and see if the menu and nutritional information are available. If there is no restaurant website, try calling the restaurant and asking for the same information. If […]

A trip to the grocery store can quickly become overwhelming once you turn the corner and head down the aisle with cereals and bars. You could easily end up leaving the store empty handed in frustration. Cereals and bars for kids are an easy alternative for a quick meal or a snack. With so many options, how do you know if what you are buying is the best and healthiest one?  In 2018 the American Academy of Pediatrics released a report stating that food additives are particularly harmful to children since their metabolic systems are still developing. These chemicals may disrupt endocrine function, delay puberty, cause weight gain and trigger insulin resistance. Because of all these risks, it is important to choose cereals and bars that emphasize organic and natural ingredients.  Bars: The “bar” market is not just limited to granola bars. There are protein, fiber, and nut bars all […]

When your child has good oral health, it sets them up for good health overall, and helps them with their wellness as they grow into adults. Gum disease is linked to many illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Our mouths are an entryway for infection, and inflammation can let bacteria enter the bloodstream. Oral health affects your child’s speech, how they eat, and their ability to smile and show emotions. It also influences a kid’s self-esteem, academics and school attendance. Starting them off with healthy habits to care for their mouths is essential in preventing oral and other chronic illnesses in the future.  Protect Tiny Teeth As Soon As Possible Your baby’s teeth are hiding just beneath their gums as soon as they are born. Every baby is different, but usually the first teeth to appear are in the top and bottom front of their […]

Sports, toys and everyday household items have one thing in common: they can cause eye injuries in children. And in some cases, these injuries can become eye emergencies — situations that require immediate medical attention. The best way to treat eye emergencies is by preventing them in the first place. Be sure your kids use protective eyewear when engaging in sports, play only with age-appropriate toys and don’t have access to household chemicals and utensils. Still, even after you’ve taken these precautions, eye emergencies can happen. Here’s what to look for and what to do if your child experiences trauma to one or both eyes. Chemical exposure Dangerous chemicals are in nearly every area of our home, and if they’re not kept out of a child’s reach, they can cause permanent eye damage. One particularly dangerous culprit: detergent pods, whose bright colors are appealing to kids. “Children may try to […]

“There are starving children around the world and you are going to leave that food on your plate?” How many of you heard this growing up? I certainly did.   It’s basically parenting 101, right? And it comes from a genuine place. You spend money and time preparing food for your family; you don’t want that to go to waste! Not to mention, it’s hard to know how much a child should be eating in a day. Here are some tips that should help encourage a healthy portion size for your kids!  Serving Size Versus Portion Size Before we jump into healthy portion sizes for kids, let’s first break down the difference between a portion size and a serving size. A serving size is a specific measurement of food. Often expressed in cups, tablespoons and grams, the most common example is the Nutrition Facts Label found on the back of […]