Baby

Congratulations on your new baby. You're going to be a great parent, and we'll be right here with you so you're not alone.

 

 

First things first: Did you watch how the hospital nurses treated your new baby? If so, you noticed the way they pull and twist and stick and scrub. It makes you realize that these babies are not as delicate as you think. So don't worry about the little things. Babies are tough.
But learning about a few safety tips at each stage of your baby's development is a great way to ensure that your baby will grow up curious and active and safe.


source by,

Mothers` Day Special: Top health care tips for moms!

  

Here are a few health care tips that mothers can follow to keep themselves fit and healthy:
Healthy diet: It`s so natural for a mom to be conscious about her family’s` health. Often she would ask her kids to eat properly – fruits and vegetables - and would not wish to see them just nibbling their food or eat junk stuff. This advice is good for moms themselves as well. This is what else you should do:
Choose a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, that provides essential vitamins and minerals, fibers and other important substances for good health. Include whole-grains, lean sources of protein like fish. Limit intake of foods and drinks high in calories, fat, sugar and salt.
Get moving: Include physical activity in your daily routine to lead a healthier life. This will help you in maintaining an ideal weight as well as lower your risk of diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, cancer, etc.
Sleep well: A good night’s rest is important for people of all ages to stay in good shape. Sleep deprivation can result in a number of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and depression. It is recommended that adults sleep for 7-8 hours every night.
Manage stress: Mild to moderate stress is considered to be a part of life. But when stress is severe, it can lead to depression and overwhelms your ability to take care of your home. Long term exposure to stress can give rise to serious health problems.
Reduce risks: Women with gestational diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy have higher chances of developing heart and metabolic diseases later in life. Since, pregnancy problems can cause health issues as you get older, it is important to visit a doctor before getting pregnant for guidelines like preconception health care. Also, make sure that you tell your doctor about any medical conditions you might have.
Regular check ups: Have regular health check ups to avoid the top threats to women`s health- from heart disease to breast cancer to depression. While heart disease is the top killer for both men and women, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women ( second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of death in women). Depression affects more women than men.
All these are preventable if you know how. Talk to your doctors about your concerns and what you can do to prevent these problems.
Know your family history: It is important for all the mothers to know and pass on their family health history. Because family members share genes, lifestyles, behaviours and surroundings that may influence their health and their risk of chronic diseases. Knowing your family health history can help you in managing your and your child`s health risks too.

 By Salome Phelamei

10 Tips for Healthier Living

Don't worry. I'm not just going to sit here and tell you that if you just ate right and exercised more you'd lose weight and live happily ever after.
Life just ain't that easy. What I am going to tell you is to stop worrying about your weight. That's right. Forget the scale, buy the clothes that feel comfortable, learn to love the body you have. As long as you start focusing on your health.
Confused? Don't be. It's all part of what you've been hearing and reading about all over the place. You don't have to be thin to be healthy—and you don't have to be overweight to be sick. So here are my top 10 recommendations for things you can do today to live your way to better health:

1. Limit yourself to two processed or pre-made foods a day. So, for instance, if you have a danish instead of oatmeal and a Hot Pocket instead of a sliced turkey sandwich, you're done with processed foods for the day. Processed foods are swimming in salt, sugars and unhealthy fats and are deficient in all-important fiber.
2. Have a piece of fruit or a vegetable with every meal. Having toast with melted cheese for breakfast? Slice up some strawberries. Fixed a sandwich for lunch? Dip some raw broccoli in low-fat ranch dressing to go alongside.
3. Walk wherever you can. If you're going less than six floors, take the stairs—up and down. Park at the far end of the parking lot and walk into the building; park and walk into the restaurant instead of zooming through the drivethrough; get up and go talk to your coworker down the hall instead of sending an e-mail. At the end of the day, those steps add up.
   
4. Don't buy food you know you shouldn't eat. I've never understood people who say they can't resist the chips and ice cream in their house—but keep buying it! And if you're buying it for the kids, stop. They don't need it any more than you do.
   
5. Limit eating out to once a month. Your waist and pocketbook will thank you.
   
6. Schedule at least three hours a week for yourself. This is time you're not driving the kids around, not cleaning the house, not at work, not doing anything to please anyone except yourself. This time is yours to do with as you like. Women need stressbusters like this to help reduce the dangerously high levels of stress hormones we walk around with all day, hormones that lead to numerous diseases, as well as pack on the fat around our middles.
   
7. Wear a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps a day. The evidence on these little batteryoperated machines is amazing. One major study found that couch potatoes who met a daily goal of 10,000 steps improved their fitness level, blood pressure and body fat just as much as a group that followed a traditional gymbased aerobic program. Overall, studies find that getting 8,000 to 10,000 steps (about five miles) helps you lose weight, while adding 2,000 steps to your current level, or about one mile a day, helps maintain your current weight and stop gaining weight.
8. Keep a food diary. Not so much to track what you eat, but to track why you eat. Too many people eat as a way to smother emotions or relieve boredom. If you find you're doing this, you need to talk to someone about finding a healthier way to cope.
9. Stop drinking soda and fruit juice. They are huge sources of extra calories not to mention unhealthy sugars that don't pack much nutritional benefit. Instead, stick to low-fat or skim dairy, water or unsweetened iced tea.
10. Find a physical activity you enjoy. It could be gardening, kayaking, golf (but walk the course), tennis, hiking, biking or rock climbing. You'll meet new people, become more physically active and reduce stress—all at the same time.
    
    
    
    
    
    by Pamela M. Peeke, MD, MPH
     

Healing After Childbirth - Part 2

The "baby blues" are not a myth. After the giddiness of the birth wears off and the reality of motherhood—complete with little sleep—sets in (helped along by plummeting hormone levels), you may feel down, weepy, depressed. This is completely normal and usually disappears within about 10 days. If those "blue" feelings persist, however, or become more intense, you may have a condition called postpartum depression. Other symptoms include:

• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious
• Loss of interest or pleasure in life
• Loss of appetite
• Less energy and motivation (not related to lack of sleep)
• Problems falling asleep or staying asleep or waking up too early in the morning.
• Feeling worthless, hopeless or guilty
• Feeling like life isn't worth living
• Showing little interest in the baby
• Unexplained weight loss or gain

If you have several of these symptoms for more than a week or two, call your health care professional or ask someone to call for you to make an appointment. Support, therapy and, if necessary, medication can restore you to your old self. Postpartum depression is not a normal phase. Please get help, if you need it.

 Source by - healthywomen.org

Healing After Childbirth - Part 1

You probably had a long list of projects you planned to get done during your maternity leave. However, you now realize that you forgot one thing: This is not a vacation. Instead, it is a time to heal, to get to know your new baby and to learn how to be a mother. So forget everything except these three things.
The healing part is very important. Your body has been through a massive change over the past nine months; don't expect to return to normal for a while. While our society considers women "healed" at six weeks—when many women get the green light to have sex and return to work—it will really take the next nine months to return to normal. So relax. And follow this advice:

• Sleep when Baby sleeps. You will probably never be as tired again as during the first few months of motherhood. Forget about "getting things done" while the baby sleeps. As soon as she starts snoring, you need to hit the sack, too. Gradually, as you regain your strength, you'll be able to stay awake longer.
• Do your chores with Baby. Babies love to watch you. They don't think that laundry, cooking or shopping is boring, especially if you talk to them.
• Get out of the house every day. Even if it's only for a walk around the block. The sunshine and fresh air will do you a world of good.
• Give in to take-out. Now is not the time to become a gourmet cook. If your partner can't take over the cooking during the week, show him how to make large batches of food like pasta sauce, chicken casseroles, lasagna, etc., and freeze for during the week.
• Lower your standards. Your house doesn't have to be spotless. If you can afford it, hire a cleaning service. If not, just focus on the clutter control. And make your bed in the morning—at least one room will look neat.
• Take care of your perineal area. If you tore during delivery or had an episiotomy, sitting in a few inches of water several times a day not only keeps the area clean, but can soothe any pain. You can reduce swelling with ice packs or chilled witch hazel pads.
• Eat right. That means following the same healthy diet you followed during pregnancy and abstaining from alcohol if you're breastfeeding.
• Watch out for problem signs. If you suddenly start bleeding heavily again, develop a breast infection, or feel pain in your pelvic region, call your health care professional.
  
  
  
  Source by - healthywomen.org

Healthy Tips, Recipes, and Gift Ideas for a Happy Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. It’s that special time of year when we get to celebrate the amazing women in our lives. Moms are often so busy caring for others that they neglect their own wellbeing. This Mother’s Day, we want to help make it as easy as possible for all mothers to make healthy choices for their families so they can relax and give themselves some love.
We rounded up our favorite wellness tips and healthy recipes that are designed to make life easier for mothers all year round. When mom is healthy and happy, everybody is healthy and happy! Whether it’s cooking a delicious meal together or giving her healthy ways to spoil herself, we’ve got some ideas to show your mother just how much you care by making this Mother’s Day one to remember!

May 8, 2013

By Alexis DAlba

5 of your mother’s health tips you should ignore -Part 5

Myth: Scrapes and cuts require hydrogen peroxide

The evidence on this one seems to go back and forth over the years. Hydrogen peroxide does reduce your chance of infection.  However, it can also delay healing by killing off healthy cells. If you choose to use hydrogen peroxide, reserve it only for really dirty wounds while using water (preferably sterile) for everything else. If you are unsure, clean the cut with water and see a physician right away.

 source by, Nov 20, 2013 Courtney Manser

5 of your mother’s health tips you should ignore -Part 4

Myth: Introducing whole eggs and peanuts before the age of one causes allergies

Evidence now suggests that late introduction of highly allergenic foods may actually lead to more food allergies in children. In most cases, introduction of whole eggs and peanut butter can be introduced after six months of age. Doctors suggest the following gradual introduction to reduce your child`s risk of a major reaction: Place a small amount of peanut butter on their skin, if they have no reaction, the following day you can place a small amount on their lips. If tolerated, a small amount can be ingested the next day. Always speak with your physician before allergenic foods are introduced.


 source by , Nov 20, 2013 Courtney Manser

5 of your mother’s health tips you should ignore - Part 3

Myth: Children can never have enough cow's milk

This myth is surprisingly dangerous for toddlers and children alike. Continuously giving your child more than the recommended amount of cow’s milk daily can lead to iron deficiency anemia and malnutrition. This is because cow’s milk is low in iron and too much of it can cause microscopic amounts of blood loss through the digestive tract. It's best to consult with your physician or with Canada’s Food Guide to determine how much milk your child should be drinking.


 source by , Nov 20, 2013 Courtney Manser

5 of your mother’s health tips you should ignore -Part-2

Myth: Dark beer brings in breast milk

Not only is drinking while breastfeeding dangerous to baby if the appropriate steps have not been taken to assure the alcohol is out of your system, but it doesn’t have any benefit on milk production either. Studies show that all alcohol, including dark beer, actually reduces milk production in the long run. If you’re concerned about low milk production, see a lactation consultant for help.

 source by , Nov 20, 2013 Courtney Manser

5 of your mother’s health tips you should ignore -Part 1

Sometimes, it’s safest to leave the medical advice to the professionals. Besides, how often is it that you get to prove your mother wrong?

 

Does mother know best?

When it comes to raising children, there is often no one better to ask for advice than your own mother. However, doctors have looked into a few common health tips passed on from generation to generation and discovered that maybe we shouldn’t always follow our mother’s advice. Find out what these myths are and what you should do instead.

source by, Nov 20, 2013 Courtney Manser

Sleep Problems at Any Age

Last Part

Disruptions in Sleep Routines

What it looks like: It doesn't take much to turn a baby's sleep routine on its head. A cold or an ear infection can wreak havoc on sleeping patterns, as can emotional challenges such as Mom returning to work or getting used to a new babysitter. Traveling is another surefire sleep-schedule killer, and major milestones — like mastering crawling or learning to walk — can also temporarily interfere with sleep.
How to solve it: Although babies with changing sleeping routines can be a little fussier, during these times, you've got to cut your baby some slack in the snoozing department (and ease up on enforcing routines). Do what you can to comfort your little one through these little disruptions to her schedule. Then try to get back into your regular groove as soon as you can — following the same comforting pre-bed routine in the same order as usual (a bath, then feeding, then a story and so on).


 source by ,whattoexpect.com

Sleep Problems: 6 months and up

Part - 5

Not Falling Asleep on Her Own

What it looks like: Almost everyone, adults and babies alike, wakes up a couple times during the night. A lifetime of good sleep habits depends on learning how to fall back asleep alone — and that’s a skill babies need to learn. If your little one is still waking you up for midnight feedings and snuggles at 6 months old, you may want to consider sleep training.
How to solve it: If you’re open to sleep training (not everyone is, and that’s okay, too), be prepared that it’s going to be as hard — if not harder — on you than it is on your baby. How you tackle sleep training, also called cry it out or CIO, is up to you.
The basic idea: At the end of your bedtime routine, say goodnight and mean it — even when you hear protests and tears as you exit the room. It’s okay to go back and assure your little one that everything’s okay, but have a plan in place as to how often you’ll walk back into her room (and how long you’ll stay there). Don’t have a plan yet? There are many sleep training strategies, so decide what you think might work best for you and give it a fair shot.

Frequent Late Night Feedings

What it looks like: By the time your baby is 6 months old, she doesn’t need mid-night feedings anymore. So if she’s not sleeping without nursing and rocking first, or she still gets up multiple times throughout the night and won’t go back to sleep without the same send-off, she’s wise to the fact that crying often results in being picked up, rocked and fed — pretty good motivation to keep right on wailing. Many babies have to learn how to soothe themselves back to sleep.
What to do about it: If you’re comfortable trying sleep training, it can be a good option for babies who wake up frequently to feed throughout the night.

Waking Early

What it looks like: Your baby is waking up— and staying awake— at the crack of dawn.
What to do about it: If your baby is at least 6 months old, there are a few tactics you can try to get her to sleep in later, like adjusting her nap schedule, experimenting with different bedtimes and making her room more light- and sound-proof.

source by ,whattoexpect.com
 

Sleep Problems: 4 to 5 Months OldP

 Part - 4

By 4 months, your baby should be sleeping about 15 hours a day, broken up into two or three daytime naps totaling three to four hours, and then another 10 to 11 hours at night. As your baby gets closer to 6 months old, she should be sleeping nine to 11 hours at night with two longer naps during the day, usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Changing Naps and Sleep Patterns

What it looks like: As babies get older, they nap less. If your baby seems happy with her changing schedule and sleeps well at night, embrace this milestone and carry on. But if your little one is napping less but fussing more, or having trouble going to bed at night, she may be overtired and in need of some nap-time encouragement.
How to solve it: Try an abbreviated bedtime routine before each nap (some quiet music, a massage, or some storytelling) and be patient — it may simply take her longer to settle into a routine, but she’ll get there.


source by ,whattoexpect.com

Sleep Problems: 2 to 3 Months Old

Part - 3

Your baby should sleep and wake in normal patterns now, with a few naps during the day and then a longer period of sleep at night, interrupted by the occasional feeding. A 2-month-old should get a total of 14 to 16 hours a day (eight to 10 at night and four to eight over a few naps), while a 3-month-old should get about nine to 10 hours at night and a few naps a day of one and a half to two hours each.

Sleep Regression

What it looks like: At 3 months old, your formerly sleepy baby may be ready for anything but bedtime — even though you're ready to drop. Welcome to sleep regression — a perfectly normal blip on the sleep radar that many babies experience at this time, then often again at 8 to 10 and 12 months (though it can happen at any time). Why? With all this fascinating new stuff to play with and see and people to encounter, it seems life is just too much fun these days to waste time sleeping.
How to solve it: Stick with (or start) your baby bedtime routine — the bath, the story and the cuddles. Also be sure your baby is getting enough sleep during the day to make up for lost sleep at night (it’s even harder for an overtired baby to settle down at night). Keep in mind, too, that sleep regression is temporary. Once your baby acclimates to her new developmental abilities, sleeping patterns should return to baseline.

Frequent Late Night Feedings

What it looks like: Most 2- to 3-month-old babies, particularly breastfed ones, still need to fill their tummies once or twice during the night. Three or four middle-of-the-night chow-downs, on the other hand, are typically too much of a good thing by this point — and for most babies, not necessary.
What to do about it: You can work on gradually reducing the number of late-night feedings your baby gets by increasing the size of bedtime feedings, making sure baby's getting enough to eat all day long, and slowly stretching the time between night-time feedings.

Teething Pain

What it looks like: If your baby is showing signs of teething during the day — such as drooling, biting, feeding fussiness and irritability — teething pain may also be waking her up at night. Keep in mind that teething-related sleep issues can begin almost any time during the first year: Some babies grow their first tooth as early as 2 to 3 months, while others are toothless until their first birthday.
How to solve it: While you shouldn’t ignore your baby, try to avoid picking her up. Instead, offer a teething ring, some gentle words and pats, or maybe a lullaby. She might settle down on her own (though you might have to leave the room for that to happen). If tender gums seem to pain her night after night, ask your pediatrician about offering some baby acetaminophen at bedtime.

Source by ,whattoexpect.com

Sleep Problems: 0 to 1 Months Old

Part - 2

At the newborn stage, babies are still adjusting to a regular sleeping pattern. Newborns generally sleep about 16 hours a day, waking up frequently for feedings both day and night. A 1-month-old should get about 14 to 18 hours of sleep a day in more regular patterns (eight to nine hours at night and another seven to nine hours over the course of several naps). There is still a lot for her (and maybe you!) to learn about how to get enough rest. Here are a couple of challenges you can take steps to solve:

Resisting Sleeping on Her Back

What it looks like: Your baby fusses or won’t settle when laid on her back to sleep. Babies actually feel more secure sleeping on their tummies, but it’s linked to a much higher incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). So experts recommend always laying your baby on her back to sleep.
How to solve it: If your baby-just won’t settle down on her back, talk to your pediatrician, who may want to check for any possible physical explanations. But much more likely, your baby just doesn’t feel as secure on her back. If that’s the case, there are a few tricks you can try to encourage back-sleeping, including swaddling your baby and rocking her to sleep. Just skip the sleep position er, and stick with a consistent routine.Eventually, your baby will get used to sleeping on her back.

Mixing Up Day and Night

What it looks like: Your baby sleeps all day, but then stays up all night long (not such a party for you!). When your baby was in your womb, your activity during the day rocked her to sleep, leaving her awake all night as you were trying to rest.
How to solve it: Your baby’s nocturnal ways will correct themselves as she adjusts to life on the outside, but there are a few things you can do to help speed along the process of helping baby to separate day and night, including limiting daytime naps and making clear distinctions between day and night (like keeping baby’s room dark when she naps and avoiding turning on the TV during nighttime feedings).

 Source by ,whattoexpect.com

10 Reasons Baby’s Not Sleeping

Part - 1

Even the best snoozers sometimes have issues getting a peaceful night’s sleep. Here's how to handle common sleep problems in babies.

Sleep: No one in your home is likely getting much of it, especially during the first few months. And even ounce your baby is sleeping through the night, she can develop sleep problems. That’s why knowing the most common reasons babies don’t sleep can help. If you can recognize the issue and have tools to cope, you can defuse potentially tough situations more easily so that, with any luck, everyone gets a better night’s rest. Read on for a few of the most common reasons your baby might not be sleeping at each stage during the first year and then get solutions to help your restless little one rest.

 Source by  whattoexpect.com

The Best Health Tips for Moms

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  With a bouncing baby or toddler in tow, sneaking in time to whip up nutritious meals or go out for a run may seem like a luxury. That doesn't mean you can't be a healthy mama — after all, you need all the energy you can get! Luckily, these WTE moms have a few tricks for eating well and getting in shape without budget-busting gym memberships or pricey meal plans. So read on for surprisingly simple ways you can become healthier — no matter how busy you are.
  
  
   source by  whattoexpect.com
  

Another important lesson in manners and etiquette for children is meeting and greeting guests

Children are never too young to learn the art of welcoming family and guests. Your child is never too young to learn this valuable rule of etiquette and good manners, a warm and friendly greeting is essential.
Depending on the age and sex of the child the following rules of manners and etiquette for children may be observed:
1. Open the door and invite the guests in, smile and be welcoming
2. If the child is a boy, it is good manners and masculine to shake hands with the adult males
3. Either take the guests coats (and please don't just bundle them up!) or if you prefer, show them where they can leave belongings
4. If it is the grandparents visiting, perhaps a hug and kiss would be nice. Depends on what is expected
5. It is good manners and etiquette for children and teenagers to be respectful and not 'smart mouth' adults when they are greeted, especially when they are asked questions about what's happening in their life.
Just answer politely and excuse yourself as soon as it is polite to do so, that is if you feel you don't want to answer or are too shy to talk anymore
6. If you have a friend staying over, introduce your friend to the visitors don't just leave them standing there like a spare part

 source by google

Manners and etiquette for children in the Family Home

In the family home - this is where it starts, where the 'manners seed' is planted and nurtured.
This is where your children learn not only good manners, but also core values and ethics.
This is the haven where your children learn to be considerate, tolerant and respectful.
They learn to share and to respect the space of all other family members.
This is the place where your children put into practice the foundation of all the social etiquette they will need to carry them through life.
There are several different styles of parenting, none are perfect! Believe us there is no such thing as a perfect parent. What is important though is that you do have a style or "method of parenting."
Geoff Dodd of Psychology Power asks:
"Do you have a specific style or method of parenting?"
"What parent child relationship experiences are you having?"
"Enlightened parenting styles are renewable! Take some time and re-think now."
If you need a little enlightenment when assessing your parenting skills visit
Let's start with respect. Respecting a person's privacy is very important. In the family home this is one of the most important rules. Parents, teenagers and even the little ones - all deserve a degree of privacy. All deserve utmost respect.
Most of these 'good manners and etiquette for children' pointers below apply to both parents and children - remember you have to 'practice what you preach'.
1. If the door is closed, it is respectful and good manners to knock and wait for permission to enter
2. If you want to borrow something, don't just help yourself, always ask permission and make sure you return whatever it is you borrow. Make sure you return it in the same or better condition
3. Never go looking through another person's private possessions without their permission, that is extremely bad mannered
4. I know it is very tempting to read your sister's diary and love letters, but restrain yourself, that is very private and you wouldn't like someone to do that to you
5. Your family's affairs are private and should be kept that way. If mum and dad have an argument or the business is not doing well, or your brother is not doing well at school, it has nothing to do with outsiders
However, if a family member is being abused in any way, that is different and someone in a position of authority should be told
6. Another rule in the book of manners and etiquette for children is you should not expect anyone to clean up after you. Leave the bathroom, toilet, kitchen and TV room clean and tidy, don't leave your dirty dishes around the house.
Your wet towels or dirty dishes are your responsibility. If you share a bedroom, then share the responsibility of keeping it clean and tidy
7. We'll repeat, practicing the art of good manners and etiquette starts in the home, let your parental guidance follow through to school and the sports field.
For example, if the children are playing a board game at home, the loser needs to learn to accept that in good grace.
If on a sports field, they need to know it is good etiquette to thank the opposing team, shake hands and say, "Well done!"
8. Kids Telephone Etiquette - do NOT underestimate what a strong favorable impression your kid's good telephone manners can have on people phoning your home
9. Good Table Manners and Etiquette for Children should be a way of life
10. Parents, at all times be aware of your own behavior, highlight acts of good manners and etiquette and of course good social behavior
If you send a thank you note to someone, mention it in front of the children, say something like, 'I'm just sending a thank you note to Aunt Maggie, she was so helpful running you children to school last week when I couldn't manage' - that way, showing appreciation is just a normal way to behave and not a lesson in manners and etiquette for children
11. If you are sending flowers in the event of the death in the family, it is a good time to explain Funeral Etiquette to the children.
These 'silent' lessons in manners and etiquette for children have more of a lasting impact when they are seen and experienced. So always strike while the iron is hot, so to speak
12. Try really hard not to embarrass anyone, what may seem humorous and teasing is often very embarrassing, just think how you would feel under the circumstances.
So don't use embarrassment as a lesson in manners and etiquette for children, just put yourself in their position

source by google

Manners and Etiquette for Children

Manners and etiquette for children is ranked as the most important quality to nurture in the family home.
Instilling good manners in some teens will feel like an almost impossible task. But don't despair, just keep at it.
You will be surprised how much of your pushing and nagging about being well mannered stays with them.
Good Manners are essential for every child's self confidence and success in life.


 source by google

Nutritiouns food for children

VITAMIN D

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a unique nutrient because it can be obtained from food, but the body can also make vitamin D in the skin with the help of sun exposure. During...

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POTASSIUM

What is potassium?

Some foods high in potassium include vegetables and fruits. Water balance is important as it moves body fluids necessary for circulating blood throughout...

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CALCIUM

What is calcium?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and it is essential to building strong bones, teeth, and muscle. Yet some kids don’t get all the calcium...

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FIBER

What is fiber?

Dietary fiber is the edible part of plants or other carbohydrates that is resistant to digestion and absorption in the small intestine. Complete or partial...

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9 Tips for Adding Fiber to Kids' Diets

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  Choose whole grain breads, bagels, and tortillas as opposed to the white variety.
  
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  Pick cereals that list whole wheat or oats at the top of the ingredients list and contain at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
  
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  Offer whole grain waffles or pancakes. They're higher in fiber. You can buy them frozen or make your own using a whole grain or buckwheat mix.
  
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  Go for fiber-filled brown or wild rice instead of white rice, and mix in some veggies or beans.
  
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  For a fiber-rich dinner, serve whole wheat pasta or quinoa, and toss some veggies into the sauce.
  
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  Always choose whole fruit over canned fruit. Canned fruit is usually peeled, has less fiber, and might contain added sugar.
  
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  Top ice cream, frozen yogurt, or regular yogurt with whole grain cereal, berries, or almonds.
  
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  When serving fruits like apples or pears, leave the skin on. That’s where the fiber is.
  
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  Instead of french fries, make your own oven-baked potato wedges with the skins. This picky eater recipe for Spicy Sweet Potato Fries is great as a side dish.
  
  
  

  source by

The 5 Food Groups for Kids

A healthy, balanced diet is especially essential for children since their bodies are still growing.

Each of the 5 food groups provide nourishment. But certain groups are best for providing specific nutrients.

1. Whole grains for fiber and energy

2. Vegetables for fiber, vitamins and minerals

3 .Fruit fir fiber and vitamins

4. Dairy for calcium,vitamins and protein

5.Meats ,beans,and fish for protein.

How much do kids need? It’s less than you think.

The amount of food kids need from each group varies with gender and age. This chart gives you a general idea of the amount from each food group that is suggested for a complete, balanced diet. As a general rule, a nutritionally balanced diet should include at least 3 of the 5 food groups at each meal. Snacks should contain two groups.

source by

Nutrition Information for children

FLAVORS

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  Vanilla^†
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  Strawberry^†

† Natural and artificial flavors.

Serv. Size: 1 bottle (8 fl oz)

Amount per serving

%DV*

• Calories: 240
• Calories from Fat: 80
• Fat, g: 9
  14%
• Saturated Fat, g: 1
  5%
• Trans Fat, g: 0
• Polyunsaturated Fat, g: 2
• Monounsaturated Fat, g: 6
• Cholesterol, mg: 5
  2%
• Sodium, mg: 90
  4%
• Potassium, mg: 350
  10%
• Carbohydrate, g: 33
  11%
• Dietary Fiber, g: 3
  12%
• Sugars, g: 18
• Protein, g: 7
  14%

* Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 Calorie diet.

source by

Top 10 Health Tips for Women

1. Zap your stress.

"The biggest issue I see in most of my patients is that they have too much on their plates and want to juggle it all. Stress can have significant health consequences, from infertility to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Find the stress-reduction method that works for you and stick with it."

2. Stop dieting.

"Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to forgo your favorite glass of wine or a piece of chocolate cake now and then. The key is moderation. Get a mix of lean proteins, healthy fats, smart carbs, and fiber."

3. Don't “OD” on calcium.

"Too much absorbed calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones and may even increase the risk of heart disease. If you're under 50, shoot for 1,000 milligrams per day, while over-50 women should be getting 1,200 milligrams per day mainly through diet -- about three servings of calcium-rich foods such as milk, salmon, and almonds."

4. Do more than cardio.

"Women need a mix of cardio and resistance or weight-bearing exercise at least three to five times a week to help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Exercise also promotes good self-image, which is really important to a woman's mental health."

5. Think about fertility.

"While many women have no problem getting pregnant in their late 30s and even into their early 40s, a woman's fertility may start to decline as early as 32. So if you want to have kids, talk to your doctor about options, like freezing your eggs."

6. Appreciate birth control.

"Birth control gets a bad rap, but not only can it keep you from getting pregnant before you're ready, studies show it can lower the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer as well as regulate your cycle."

 7. See your doctor every year.

Make sure you get a Pap test to check for cervical cancer every 3 years if you are 21 or older. If you are 30-65, you can get both a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years. Older than that, you may be able to stop testing if your doctor says you are low risk. If you are sexually active and have a higher risk for STDs, get tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis yearly. Take an HIV test at least once, more frequently if you’re at risk. Don't skip your yearly checkup. Your doctor needs to annually assess many other issues such as potential infection, your need for contraception, and sexual complaints."

8. Have good sex.

"Sex reduces stress and may lower the risk of chronic disease -- but only if you enjoy it. If anything prevents you from sexual fulfillment, such as dryness or pain, talk to your doctor to find a solution."

9. Get more sleep.

"Sleep needs differ, but if you have trouble getting out of bed, tire easily, or have trouble concentrating, you likely aren't getting enough. Recent studies suggest this can put you at greater risk of heart disease and psychological problems."

10. Consider genetic testing.

"Doctors can now screen people with a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and chronic diseases to assess their risk -- and then consider preventive measures. Talk to your doctor."

 By Colleen Oakley

WebMD Magazine - Feature

Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD, FACOG

Nutritious Food for Child part-2

Healthy Turmeric chutney for kids and family

We all know the benefits of turmeric, it is loaded with lots of good things. Turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contain lots of healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc .
                                                                   
                                                                                source by - parenting child-care blog
                                                               

Nutritious Food for Child part-1

Posted on February 2, 2016

Home-made tomato ketchup – Kids Favorite

  My daughter is a huge fan of tomato ketchup, I think every child who taste it once started liking it. She finishes her paratha easily if I put some tomato ketchup in her plate. Few weeks back she has very bad loose motion. My ped asked me what she have in the whole day, when I added ketchup in her day today food list. Friends he become so angry and told me not to give ketchup available in market. He said ketchup available in market is really good in taste but with zero nutritional value. I feel so bad

                                                                                  source by - parenting child-care blog

8 Weight-Loss Hacks for People Who Don’t Cook

The most common (and effective) weight-loss strategy is to eat less and work out more. Unfortunately for those who can’t cook, the tips for eating less tend to focus on cooking healthier meals, avoiding prepared foods, making recipe swaps, and so on. If the only appliance you use is your microwave, then that advice may not be realistic for you. Luckily, there are plenty of other smart choices you can make that’ll help kickstart your weight loss. Kim Larson, R.D., shares some her faves.

Put Fruit on Your Counter
The easiest change you can make to your diet, with the biggest effect, is to build your meal around fruits and vegetables, says Larson. If that seems complicated (or hard) to you, it doesn’t have to be: Fruit can be eaten raw, anywhere, and anytime—and it's easy to pack ahead. “Just buy fruit and have it on hand,” says Larson. “Having it visible in your kitchen makes you more likely to grab it.

Choose the Right Carbs
No, you don’t have to dump all carbs to lose weight. But you can pick better ones. “Focus on whole-grain carbs,” says Larson. Fortunately, this has never been easier in restaurants and sandwich shops. Pick brown rice instead of white with Asian dishes, or ask for a whole-wheat roll for your sammy. If all else fails, consider making your sandwich open-faced—you’ll still get the starchy satisfaction without the calories.

Snack Better
It’s around the 3 p.m. mark at work, and you have a hankering for…something. Before you head to the vending machine, first figure out if what you’re craving is a break, not a snack. But if you are feeling hungry, choose a better little bite. Here are some high-protein snack products, and of course there’s the aforementioned fruit option.
Ask for a Half-Portion
Going out to eat can be an excuse to go all out and eat every bite of pasta on your plate (even though it's the size of your head). Prevent temptation before your plate even arrives, and ask your waiter to box half of the meal. “We know from studies that if the food is placed in front of us, we eat it all,” says Larson—so remove that option. Alternatively, you could also split an entree with a friend or just have an appetizer and salad. You’ll still enjoy the experience, and you won’t feel sick afterward.

Don’t Set Yourself Up for Bad Eating
Making healthy choices elsewhere in your life can help your eating habits. You’re more likely to choose unhealthy foods when you’re exhausted, hungover, or wildly stressed out. Some of those temptations are biological, and some are psychological, so learn how to deal with your emotional eating.

Add a Healthy Side Dish
If you can’t cook, you’re probably eating out a lot or ordering in. But a steady diet of sugary sweet and/or heavily battered Chinese food isn’t going to help you lose weight. Customize your order by including your own sides. “I love things like adding a side of cottage cheese or a salad or a soup,” says Larson. “If you eat a salad and soup ahead of time, you’ll consume fewer calories during the meal.”

Make Tiny Swaps
As in, so tiny you won’t even notice you’re cutting calories. Choose thin-crust pizza instead of the typical thick. Splash some vinegar on your salad instead of a creamy, store-bought dressing. Don’t add the slice of cheese to your sandwich—or if you do, make it a sharp, flavorful kind so you don’t need as much. There are so many ideas, and you could be eliminating hundreds of calories with almost no effort.

Learn What a Proper Portion Actually Looks Like
So you know that the restaurant gives you way too much pasta. But how much is a normal amount, anyway? Not exactly. Check out this guide to proper portions, and set aside the food you don’t need at each meal (for later enjoyment!).

                                                                   

By Kaitlin Menza November 13, 2014

 

Woman's health

5 Ways to Stay on Track for Weight Loss When You’re an Out-of-Town Guest

You may have your food habits locked down at home, but chances are they go right out the window when you’re a guest in someone else's house. After all, they’re putting you up and feeding you, so it seems super-rude to push food around your plate like a little kid. Still, there are steps you can take so you stay comfortable with what you’re eating, say Krista Yoder Latortue, M.P.H., R.D., executive director of FamilyFood LLC. Try her tips to eat healthfully and be a gracious house guest.

Accommodate Your Own Dietary Restrictions
It’s a good thing to let your hosts know about food allergies, but it can be hard to explain gluten-free or vegetarian eating to your old-school granny. “You have to adapt based on who you’re staying with,” says Yoder Latortue. “The best thing is to bring your own stuff if possible, or purchase things when you arrive. Accommodate yourself instead of making them accommodate you.”

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Assess the Spread Before digging In
It can be easy to grab the first things you glimpse at a buffet, but pause to get the lay of the land first. “See what’s available, then divide into three categories: the foods that you want that aren’t healthy; the foods that are healthy; and the foods you don’t care about,” says Yoder Latortue. Fill your plate with the healthy dishes, but be sure to leave a little space for the richer foods. “Don’t deny yourself completely. Then you wind up binging. Have the indulgences, but in small amounts
Bring Healthy Dishes When Possible
If possible, and polite in the circumstances, offer to bring a dish that you know you’ll be happy to dig into. “If it’s a potluck, bring something healthy,” says Yoder Latortue. “Then at the very least, you know you have your dish.”

Accept That the Holidays are a Time to Indulge
You know that aunt whose favorite ingredient is butter? One fat-laden meal at her place won’t kill you or your otherwise healthy diet. “Keep in mind that it can’t be the rule for all holiday parties and events,” says Yoder Latortue. “Try to be healthy at most of them.”
Remember That Food Equals Love to Many People
“Keep it in the back of your mind,” says Yoder Latortue. “The person who’s hosting you is really trying to show their love to you through food.” Your family members aren’t trying to sabotage your diet—even your brother who loves to mock your vegetarianism. If you remember that your mom might actually like toiling away in the kitchen for you, it makes it much easier to stomach what she’s serving—in a portion size that you feel comfortable with, of course.                   
                                                             

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                       By Kaitlin Menza November 13, 2014

                                                                                                              

Diet for 6 Month Old Baby

The diet for 6 month old baby depends on the baby and her health as well as her development too. Read on to know what are the food items that your child is ready or getting ready to take. Also find out what suits your baby and whether she is allergic to certain food items or not. You will come to know all this and more after reading the article.

There is no hard and fast rule as to what should be the exact diet of a 6 month old baby. Each baby is different and responds to different foods and tastes differently. The basic thing is that solid food can be introduced after 6 months but if your baby does not want to try this, do not worry. Let a week or so pass and then you can try again.

The taste buds develop at this stage and you will find that the food the baby refuses today, she will readily have it the other day. So, there is no such thing that you have to completely forget about a food item if your baby refuses it even for two days.

Food Items when your Baby is of 6 Months

• Always try to give her nutritious, soft and mashed food because she is not ready to chew things right now.
• Check with your doctor before introducing any food item.
• The baby gets ready to eat, taste and digest solid food within 6 – 9 months. You can start offering different tastes to know the taste of your child. Consult your doctor first because it also depends on the development of the baby and the doctor will give you right advice.
• Avoid giving honey to babies below one year. Try other sweeteners.
• Yogurt is very safe and good and should be included in the diet for 6 month old baby.
• You can introduce cheese safely to your baby. Cottage cheese is the best and you can find lots of recipes especially created keeping in mind the age of the baby.
• You can add mashed egg yokes, as they are high in protein. They will help in mental and physical development of your child. Avoid giving egg whites until your child is one year old.
• Legumes are high in vitamins, protein, and minerals and will prove to be a great addition in your 6 month old baby’s diet.
• Makes sure you never overfeed your child with food items especially proteins.

Start Solid Foods

When your doctor advises you to introduce solid foods to your baby’s diet and she is ready to take them, start trying when your baby is fresh and not tired at all. Give some time and let her enjoy the food. Let your baby be a little hungry but never wait too long so that she is left starving. This will not help you rather it will be difficult for you to handle the situation as well.

Since your baby is now 6 month old, she can sit straight. Make her sit on your lap with complete support on her back and then feed her slowly and in small portions. Also see whether she likes the food or not. When you are just starting, do not mix too much of things. Simply prepare soft cereal with milk and make it almost like a fluid. 

Along with the taste you also have to look after the digestion of the child. The food should be soft and well cooked. You can also mash it to be sure enough that there is no solid part in the food. Remember the infant is not completely ready for the food because she was only fed with liquid food till now. This is simply an introduction. Do not expect your baby to finish the entire dish



                                                                               source by internet...

                                                                                                                          

Our Daily Baby Feeding Plan

Every baby is different, but here's an estimate of what you can expect your child to consume each day as he grows from infancy to toddlerhood, according to most experts. No need to fixate on the numbers -- look to your child for cues that he's ready for the next step.
Age: Birth to 2 weeks
Formula: 18-24 oz (2-3 oz per bottle)
Breast milk: 8 to 12 nursings
Solids: None
Servings per meal: N/A
Age: 2 weeks to 2 months
Formula: 20-32 oz (4 oz per bottle)
Breast milk:6 to 10 nursings
Solids: None
Servings per meal: N/A
Age: 2 to 4 months
Formula: 30-36 oz (5 oz per bottle)
Breast milk: 6 to 8 nursings
Solids: None
Servings per meal: N/A
Age: 4 to 6 months
Formula: 32-40 oz(6 oz per bottle)
Breast milk: 5 to 6 nursings
Solids: 1 meal/day (optional)
Servings per meal: 2 to 4 Tbsp of cereal or pureed Stage 1 baby food
Age: 6 to 9 months
Formula: 24-32 oz (7 oz per bottle)
Breast milk: 4 to 5 nursings
Solids: 1 to 3 meals/day
Servings per meal: 2 to 4 Tbsp of 2 foods* or up to a whole jar of Stage 2 baby food
Age: 9 to 12 months
Formula: 20-32 oz (8 oz per bottle)
Breast milk: 3 to 4 nursings
Solids: 3 meals/day
Servings per meal: 3 to 4 Tbsp of 3 foods** or up to a whole jar of Stage 3 baby food
Age: 12 to 15 months
Formula: 16-20 oz (8 oz per bottle)
Breast milk: 2 to 3 nursings
Solids: 3 meals and 2 snacks/day
Servings per meal: 1/4 of an adult serving size

                                                                                               By Gina Bevinetto Feld

Recovering from blood loss or anemia

If you suffered from anemia during pregnancy and/or there was significant blood loss during labor, you may feel particularly weak or tired as a result. Make sure you eat plenty of iron-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish and leafy greens — and keep in mind that iron found in animal products is more easily absorbed than iron from vegetables, so you should either adjust your diet accordingly or, if your ethics do not allow for eating animal products, consult a registered dietitian about a suitable supplement. You can also eat vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron, and cook in a cast iron skillet, to increase your uptake of this important nutrient. (Many of the other tips on avoiding anemia during pregnancy apply equally in a post-partum setting.)


                                                                                                        source by  

                                                                                                       Jenni Grover

                                                                                                      August 29, 2013, 2:14 p.m.

Nutrition for nursing mothers

From avoiding alcohol to reducing caffeine and seafood intake, there are a few items you might want to avoid in your diet while breast-feeding. In addition to what not to eat, California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) recommends a diet rich in proteins, calcium and whole grains — with a slight increase in portion sizes for mothers who nurse, versus mothers who are bottle feeding. (Visit the CPMC website for a helpful rundown on post-partum nutrition and nursing portion sizes.)  An extra 500 calories the first six months and an extra 400 calories from six months onward is a good guideline figure. Also, make sure to drink at least eight cups of fluid (mostly water) per day.
And just as it is perfectly safe to raise kids as vegans, it’s also safe for new mothers to avoid all animal products too — but you should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian about a suitable vitamin and calcium supplement. If you are a strict vegan, be sure to supplement calcium and B12.                                                                        


                                                                                                          source by  

                                                                                                       Jenni Grover

                                                                                                      August 29, 2013, 2:14 p.m.

How Are Birth Defects Treated?

Treatment options vary depending on the condition and level of severity. Some birth defects can be corrected before or shortly after birth. Other defects, however, may affect a child for the rest of their life. Severe birth defects, such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida, can cause long-term disability or death. Mild defects can be stressful, but they don’t typically affect overall quality of life. Speak with your doctor about the appropriate treatment for your child’s condition.

Medications

Medications may be used to treat some birth defects or to lower the risk of complications from certain defects. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to the mother to help correct an abnormality before birth.

Surgeries

Surgery can be done to fix certain defects or ease harmful symptoms. Some people with physical birth defects, such as cleft lip, may undergo plastic surgery for either health or cosmetic benefits. Many babies with heart defects will need surgery.

Home Care

Parents may be instructed to follow specific instructions for feeding, bathing, and monitoring an infant with a birth defect.

                                                    Written by The Healthline Editorial Team
                          Medically Reviewed by Laura E. Marusinec, M.D. on December 15, 2015