Make Your Own Homemade Dehydrated Fruit Snacks! Your Kids Will Adore Them

One of the oldest methods of preserving fruits and vegetables is drying. Also it is one of the most economic and ecological, as well as natural, since this technique acts on the fruit, without any harmful side effects to it which is many times related to the processes of industrial conservation, and if we consider the often unreasonable cost of dried fruit, it also ensures a great saving too.

In this article we will show you how to make these healthy and simple snacks for your family and be sure that your children are going to adore them. The fruitsare full of many vitamins that protect us fromdiseases, so consuming them is very important. If you have a food dehydrator at your home, do not hesitate and make your own healthy fruit snacks assoon as possible. Here we will present you some cool tips for healthy domestic dried fruit snacks. Your whole family, and especially your kids will just adore these tasty cute fruit snacks. They are an ideal choice for the children while they are at school or out playing with their friends. The carbohydrates and vitamins in the dehydrated fruit snacks will give your kids the boost of energy they need to enjoy their day to the maximum and will also keep them strong and healthy too.

First you have to wash the fruit thoroughly and cut it into equally thick slices (an egg slicer can be very helpful with this). After slicing the fruit, place the slices in the domestic fruit tray of the food dryer, sprinkle them with lemon juice and sugar or cinnamon sugar, and leave them to dry.

Dehydrated Oranges:

In order to make dehydrated oranges, you need first to peel them off and cut them in equal thin slices using a knife or a mandolin slicer. Then place them on the dehydrator trays.

Dehydrated Kiwi:


First wash the kiwi fruit and peel them off. Cut the kiwi in equally thin slices, with a mandolin slicer or knife.  Next and final,just arrange the slices on the dehydrator trays.
Dehydrated Apples:

First wash the apples, peel them with a knife, remove the core and cut them in equally thin slices.  Dip the slices in acup of lemon juice to prevent them ofbecoming brown. You can also drizzle them with cinnamon and cover them with honey.

Dehydrated Bananas:

If you want to make fruit snack with dried bananasthe best thing to do is to cut them in thicker slices. You can also place them in half a cup of lemon juice, arrange them on the dehydrator trays and cover them with honey which will make them even more delicious. Then leave them to dry.The average time for drying fruit in the oven is about 8 hours. However, this varies and depends on the thickness of the fruit slices, therefore try and make the fruit pieces as equally thin as you can. The thinner the fruit slices, the shorter the drying time. If you do not own a food dryer you can prepare this snack in a hot air oven. The best option for storage of the dried fruit is in sealed glass jars. Seal the caps tightly and store them in a dark place.

source:http://www.healthyfoodteam.com/

7 Tips to Help Kids Overcome Fear of Needle Shots

Getting needle vaccinations might help protect kids against various illnesses, but they sure do hurt. It's no wonder most children are scared of getting shots -- and it doesn't help that they have to get shots so often. In fact, many little ones rack up more than 20 vaccinations by the time they're 4 years old. Here are seven tips to help make the next doctor's visit a little smoother experience.



1 Tell the Truth

If a child asks whether or not they're going to get shots, don't brush them off or deny it. "Make sure they know that the shot is something that protects them and explain that they're not being punished," says Margaret Fisher, M.D., recent chair of the Section of Infectious Diseases for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also, don't say the shot won't hurt because kids will learn you are lying and you can lose their trust. Instead, answer simply and honestly, saying, "Yes, it'll hurt, but just for a few seconds." When it's over, make sure to show them a happy, smiling face to let them know they're all done.

2 Don't Reveal Too Much

Don't give your child too many details prior to the office visit. "If you tell kids too much too soon, you will ruin their entire week and they will worry up until the day of the appointment," explains Ari Brown, M.D., a Parents advisor and author of the Baby 411 series. Instead, don't mention the shot at all unless they ask. If they do, and you know they won't be getting a shot, of course you should tell them so.

However, if you don't know, you can say, "It's possible you may need one today, but I'm not sure if you do," suggests Dr. Brown. "Being vague usually works just fine -- when I tell kids I have to check the chart to see if they're getting a shot, I usually get a sigh of relief." If you talk about the shots too much, you will likely make your child more anxious for the doctor's appointment, and his concerns can escalate to the point where he's terrified all the way up to the visit.

3 Prevent the Physical Pain

Some experts suggest applying an anesthetic cream about 20 minutes before the shot, which can help numb the skin. Ask your doctor which brand she recommends. During the vaccination, help distract your child by squeezing his hand, making funny faces, telling a joke or story, playing I Spy, or simply singing his favorite song.

4 Know When to Let Go

If your child is in hysterics, it might be best to step back and allow the nurse or doctor to take over, advises Dr. Brown. Kids overreact to shots sometimes, knowing they'll get a response from their parents (which may lead to you refusing to go through with the shot). If your kid is throwing a tantrum, consider leaving the room briefly so the staff can do their job. Or try standing in the corner of the room and maintaining eye contact with your child, which provides support without getting in the way. Doing so can help speed up the whole process and minimize the painful experience for everyone involved.

5 Know When to Let Go

If your child is in hysterics, it might be best to step back and allow the nurse or doctor to take over, advises Dr. Brown. Kids overreact to shots sometimes, knowing they'll get a response from their parents (which may lead to you refusing to go through with the shot). If your kid is throwing a tantrum, consider leaving the room briefly so the staff can do their job. Or try standing in the corner of the room and maintaining eye contact with your child, which provides support without getting in the way. Doing so can help speed up the whole process and minimize the painful experience for everyone involved.

6 Consider a Reward

Sometimes even a small incentive (like a lollipop or a sticker) can help ease the pain. A special treat gives your child something to look forward to while also acknowledging his bravery and his boo-boo in a positive way. Or promise your child that after his vaccinations, you'll do something special together, like going bowling or getting an ice cream cone.

source:http://www.parents.com

7 Amazing Ways to Heal Cracked Feet

Here are the top 10 ways to heal cracked feet.

1. Scrubbing

Scrubbing the hard, dead skin away helps a great deal in getting rid of cracked feet. Before scrubbing, soak your feet in warm soapy water to help soften the skin and make it easier to scrub.


Before going to bed, mix some liquid soap in a foot tub filled with warm water.
Soak your feet in this warm soapy water for about 20 minutes.
Use a pumice stone to gently scrub off the loosened dead skin cells.
Rinse off your feet with clean water and pat dry with a soft towel.
Apply some foot cream or moisturizer and wear a pair of clean cotton socks overnight.
Follow this remedy daily until your cracked feet are healed completely.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another incredible remedy for dry, cracked feet. It helps moisturize your feet and also fights fungal and bacterial infections, thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Before going to sleep, soak your feet in warm water and scrub with a loofah.
Dry your feet thoroughly and then apply coconut oil generously on your feet.
Put on a pair of clean, cotton socks for the night.
The next morning, remove the socks and wash your feet.
Do this daily for several days until you are satisfied with the results.
You can also use olive oil in the same way.

3. Mentholated Rub

This is another popular home remedy for cracked heels because of the many essential oils that it contains. It also helps heal toenail fungus.

Apply some mentholated rub on clean, dry feet before going to bed.
Put on a pair of socks and leave it on overnight.
The next morning, remove your socks and wash your feet with warm water.
Repeat daily for a few days until the rough skin peels off.

4. Paraffin Wax

You can also use paraffin wax to remove the dead, dry skin and cure cracked feet. It will also work as a natural emollient to soften the skin and retain the natural oils on the skin.

Heat some paraffin wax in a microwave or double-boiler and add an equal amount of mustard oil or coconut oil to it.
Apply this thick creamy paste on the cracks and put on a pair of socks.
Leave it on overnight and wash your feet thoroughly in the morning.
Follow this remedy daily for one or two weeks.

5. Glycerin

Due to its moisturizing and humectant properties, glycerin works as a great remedy to get rid of cracked feet.

Make a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and lemon juice. You can also add some rose water.
Apply it on your feet.
Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off with water.
Follow this remedy daily for about two weeks.

6. Epsom Salt

Epsom facilitates the process of healing cracked feet as it promotes circulation. Plus, the magnesium in Epsom salt promotes skin health and draws out toxins.

Add one-half cup of Epsom salt in a foot tub filled with warm water.
Soak your feet in it for 10 minutes.
Gently rub your feet with a pumice stone for a few minutes.
Put your feet back in the Epsom salt soak for another 10 minutes.
Finally, dry your feet thoroughly and apply a moisturizer or petroleum jelly.
Repeat daily for two or three days.

7. Vinegar

Vinegar can also be used to treat cracked feet as the acetic acid in vinegar helps soften the skin which in turn makes exfoliation easier. Vinegar foot soaks are also beneficial for tired feet.

Mix one-half to one cup of white or apple cider vinegar in two cups of water. Soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes and then slough off the dead, dry skin with a pumice stone or foot scrubber. Then, wash your feet and pat dry thoroughly. Finally, apply a moisturizer or petroleum jelly.
Another option is to make a natural foot scrub. Mix a handful of coarse rice flour, a few tablespoons of raw honey and apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste. You can also add one tablespoon of olive oil to it. Wash your feet well and then gently massage your feet with this paste for a few minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat once or twice a week.

source:http://www.top10homeremedies.com

10 Wonderful Remedies To Stop Thumb Sucking Habits In Children

It is irritating at times to see your little one sucking the thumb while playing, sitting and watching his favourite cartoon show, isn’t it? It is okay for infants to suck their thumb as a natural reflex that soothes them. But for grown up kids aged between 5-7 or more, it is quite embarrassing at times to do so publicly. It is mostly seen that kids abandon their thumb sucking by the age of 5. But, in case your child hasn’t done so, it’s high time for you to come to action.


Effects Of Thumb Sucking:

Small kids suck their thumb to find comfort and sometimes, for inducing sleep as well. The problem increases when the child enters an age when permanent teeth start coming out. Constant thumb sucking may result in the misalignment of teeth and affect the roof of their mouth adversely.

There are social issues that include bullying at school and detesting by peers. In some cases, it is noticed that thumb suckers are considered less intelligent and charming or less amicable.

It is also a major cause of some medical problems. While constant thumb sucking may result in the chapping or cracking of skin, there are chances of the development of some infections in the thumb nail as well.


Let’s have a look at the wonderful remedies to stop Thumb Sucking habits in children:

For grown up kids and grown-ups, leaving thumb sucking instantly may not be possible. It is a habit developed over years. We cannot expect it to vanish in a while. But, here are some remedies that may be of help to you:

1. Distract The Child:

It is one of the best ways to stop thumb sucking habits. All you need to do is engage your child in a ‘two-hand involved activity’ every time you notice his thumb in the mouth. This may include hugging a cuddly soft toy, reading a book, or playing his favourite game on PSP.

2. Wrap The Thumb:

A thumb wrapped with band aid, tape, or covered with a finger puppet mitten will certainly never taste as good as the bare thumb. For bed time thumb sucking, you can use socks as well.


3. Try To Limit The Time Of Thumb Sucking:

Talk to your child and explain to him or her that it is okay to suck the thumb only at night. This might discourage the child to do so at least during the day time.

4. Apply Lime Juice To The Thumb:

Children often dislike the taste of lime juice. You might just get lucky if you apply lots of lime juice on your child’s thumb. You can also repeat this remedy with other eating dislikes of your child. At least, it’s safer than any chemical-based nail paint!

5. Use A Reward System:

Every time your child gives away thumb sucking, use stickers on the calendar. Tell him that he will be rewarded every week or month if he abandons it completely. Most of the times, it works!

6. Allow Your Child To Develop Willingness:

For long term results, it is necessary for children to realize the aftermath of thumb sucking. It will make them leave this habit by themselves. Just keep talking and never compel!

7. Make The Child Realize That He’s Grown Up Now:

Kids tend to follow their favourites and hence, may finally give up for this adulation. Use examples of his favourite cartoon or comic character. Ask him questions like, “Have you seen Ben 10 suck his thumb?”

8. Try A Substitute:

Thumb sucking soothes children. Okay! Let’s try some other things that may do the same. Give your child lollipops, candies, or mint balls every time he feels like putting his thumb into his mouth.

9. Use A Thumb Guard:

It is a mould of plastic that can be fitted on the thumb, and it restricts thumb sucking quite effectively. But using it forcibly may affect your child’s psyche. So be cautious!

10. Don’t Pay Heed To It:

Yes, ignore your child’s thumb sucking. It sounds strange but sometimes, it is the way to go. Mostly children do this to attract your attention. So, ignoring is the best method to discourage. But always keep a secret eye on him!

Try these remedies for thumb-sucking habit and keep reminding him that you are always there to help him get out of this habit.

Do you know any other home remedies for thumb sucking? Share with us in the comments section below.
source:http://www.stylecraze.com

Magic Salt – Sock: Instant Treatment Tool against Inflamed Ears for Children and Adults

Agony and infection in the ear is an awful experience, particularly in youngsters. Other than fever, which makes you feel weak, you must also face pain in the ear.

At this point of year when we have stormy days and low temperatures, home solutions for treating some wellbeing issues are more than welcome.


magical-salt-sock-instant-treatment-tool-against-inflamed-ears-for-children-and-adults

With a specific end goal to decrease the torment in the ear and infection’s side effects, do this straightforward cure, you will require just sea salt and socks. Because of the vicinity of minerals, salt holds heat and has the ability to diminish torment until the body is not protected from the infection.

Salt-sock is really white cotton sock loaded with ocean salt. You can tell adolescent youngsters that it is magic sock that will make the agony go away.

You will require 1 to 1.5 mugs of ocean salt. The salt needs to be substantial in light of the fact that you don’t need it to slip out of the sock. Put the salt in a clean pot and heat it over medium hotness for around 4 to 6 minutes, until it is warmed equally (ought to be hot). At that point, put the salt in a sock, tie a bunch and put the sock as a covering onto the influenced ear.

It can be arranged in an alternate way also.

Fill the sock with enormous sea salt, tie a bunch are put it in a clean warm dish. It needs to be warmed for 6 to 7 minutes until it is uniformly warmed from all sides. After that, place it onto the wiped out ear. Your agony will be gone in a few minutes.

Source:  www.healthyfoodstar.com

5 Delicious Indian Food Recipes For Kids

Is the fact that your child dislikes homemade food bothering you? Do you wonder if there could be anything you could do to make your kid love the healthy homemade food? Foods prepared at home are the best, no doubt about it. But what can you do to make your child love homely food and ensure he prefers them to all those burgers and fries?


To get the answer, you got to read this post! Following are five scrumptious and healthy recipes which are sure to make your kid a stickler to homemade food once and for all! Go on and get amazed!

Indian Food Recipes For Kids – Top 5:

1. Oats Kheer:

This is one recipe that can be used to make your kids opt for oats every day. Refrain from using much sugar to keep the calorie value under control. Using honey is also an option.

Ingredients:

Oats
Milk
Honey/sugar
Almonds
Dates
Cardamoms
Raisins
Banana
How To Make:

At first, roast the oats for a while.
Boil milk in a pan and add the dry fruits.
Add roasted oats and simmer.
Wait till the kheer turns thick and creamy.

2. Sweet Corn Pulao:

This Pulao is very easy to make and is a good companion for meat dishes. You can make it with brown rice or even leftover rice. You may sprinkle some lemon juice to make it tastier.

Ingredients:

Sweet corn
Basmati rice
Salt
Turmeric powder
Ginger-garlic paste
Onion
Chilli Powder
Coriander powder
Garam masala
Oil
Cinnamon
Cloves
How To Make:

Soak rice and cook with water. Drain the water.
Sauté cloves and cinnamon in oil. Add the onions.
Next, add the ginger-garlic paste along with turmeric powder.
Pour in spice powders and sweet corn.
Add the rice and salt. Toss well and cook.
Garnish using coriander leaves.

3. Carrot Halwa:

You know about the numerous health benefits offered by carrots. However, it may be tough feeding your kids with this healthy vegetable. If it is so, try offering them a yummy dessert made with carrots!

Ingredients:

Carrots, shredded/ground
Ghee
Milk
Sugar
Cardamom
Nuts & Raisins
How To Make:

Sauté the nuts and raisins in pan with ghee.
Boil carrots in milk.
When it turns thick, add sugar. Stir the mixture.
Now add nuts and raisins and cardamom.
Stir fry on low heat and the halwa will be ready.


4. Curd Rice:

Here comes one of the easiest south indian food recipes for kids, and even finicky kids are likely to savor this. Do not use lots of chilies if you make it only for kids. You may use coriander leaves to garnish.

Ingredients:

Rice
Oil
Salt
Water
Curry leaves
Sour curd
Red chilies
Mustard seeds
How To Make:

Cook the rice in water and drain it well.
Mix curd with rice and add some salt.
Sauté the dry red chillies, curry leaves and mustard seeds.
Add this to the rice and mix well.
This tastes the best when served with pickle.

5. Cool Cucumber Raita:

This is one cold and yummy dessert that you can give your kids post a heavy dinner. It is not high in calories but packs in lots of nutrients. Cilantro and mint add to the flavor.

Ingredients:

Whole-milk yogurt
Cucumber, coarsely grated
Chopped fresh cilantro
Kosher salt
Chopped fresh mint


How To Make:

Drain the yogurt with cheese cloth and keep in the fridge.
Mix grated cucumber with cold yogurt in a bowl.
Add the mint and cilantro with salt. Blend everything well.
Keep it in the fridge before serving.

source:http://www.stylecraze.com

10 Best Foods For Kids To Grow Taller

As parents, we all want our kids to grow tall and be healthy! Did you know that what you feed your kids plays an important role in how tall they grow? But obviously, that is all we do as mothers and parents all the time. But it is bit hard to keep track of a very long list isn’t it? Let us make it easier for you then, here is a list of the best foods that help kids grow tall!


Top 10 Foods that Help Kids Grow Taller:

If you want your kids to grow taller, there are certain foods that you will need to integrate into their diet. These super-foods will help your kids in many ways, apart from increasing their height. Here are the top 10 healthy foods that will help your kids grow taller and stronger:

1. Eggs:

Proteins are nutrients that play the biggest role in increasing your kids’ height, so make sure that they eat an egg every day. Making them a yummy omelet or a boiled egg for breakfast is a great way to start their day and get proteins into their body!

2. Milk:

Milk is filled with calcium which is great for the growth of bones as well as for strength. Proteins are also well-assimilated by milk. Get your kids to drink milk every day or make delicious dishes that are filled with the goodness of milk. This is the best food for kids to grow taller.

3. Soybeans:

Get your kids to eat more soybeans as they are a vegetarian food that is rich in proteins. They improve the growth of bones and muscles. You can create many yummy recipes with soybeans to make your kids eat this amazing food.

4. Oatmeal:

This super-food is rich in protein and has low fat content. It is one of the healthiest foods for anyone, so get your kids to eat it on a regular basis to grow taller.

5. Chicken:

Recipes that include chicken are always loved by kids. It is a meat that is healthy and rich in protein.

6. Spinach:

Yes, Popeye had it right all along and that’s what you can tell your kids! Spinach is a super-veggie that will not only give your kids the strength that they need but will also provide them with iron and calcium. These two nutrients are essential to make sure that your kids grow tall!

7. Carrots:

Carrots are rich in Vitamin A which helps in the synthesis of proteins in the body. Raw carrots have the highest content of this vitamin so add them to salads or get your kids to drink fresh carrot juice daily. Watch them grow tall fast!

8. Fruits:

We all know that fruits are important foods for kids to grow healthy and strong. Fruits that are rich in Vitamin A such as mangoes, cantaloupe and peaches will help your kids grow taller and strengthen their bones when they are added to their diet.

9. Whole Grains:

Get your kids to eat whole grain foods whenever they can! They are the healthiest option when it comes to grains as they are rich in Vitamin B and iron. Whole-grain breads and pastas as well as cereals are awesome choices if you want your kids to grow taller!

10. Yogurt:

Yogurt is a fantastic source of Vitamin D and calcium which are both essential to a child’s growth in terms of height. If your kids are not fans of yogurt, get them to eat cheese instead as this too is rich in proteins, calcium and Vitamin D.

If you want your kids to grow taller, try out these that we like to call the best foods that help kids grow taller and see the amazing results. They will not only grow taller but will also be strong and healthy!

source:http://www.stylecraze.com/

9 Inspirational Reasons Why You Should Adore Naughty Kids

Naughty kids can be obnoxious, loud and forceful in getting what they are up to. Their parents are exhausted, dreaming about the day when their kids will become delightfully behaved. But would you really like to miss the opportunity to meet the most sensitive, ambitious and strong-willed people in your life. And think about the time you were a kid, were you always completely behaved? And even now, you still get angry sometimes, you do refuse eating some food that doesn’t looks tasty for you, you get nervous or impatient in some situations. These kids are totally normal human beings. And the positive side of those “naughty” manners can be understood as an early sign of superiority later in life. Find out how

1. They are creative

Naughty kids are very creative. Nothing can stop their creativity. Adults are often told to ‘think out of the box’ and for these kids that is not a problem at all.


2. They are independent

Often the word ‘naughty’ is used for kids who think individualistic. Some of the greatest entrepreneurs, artists and scientists do things in their own individual way. The attributes of these kids are appreciated later in life, when their skill to think independent drives their success.

3. They are emotional

Often the kids who are marked down as naughty are the most sensitive kids. They are against pain or discrimination, and when they see it they become hysterical. Later when they are older this sensitiveness can lead to many acts of generosity for those who need it.

4. They are strong

To have the strength to stand up to collective pressures is remarkable. Kids that dress differently, follow their own matters and speak their mind are actually exposing strength and courage.

5. They need to be understood

Naughty-Kids

Usually kids get loud or have anger when they feel unheard or degraded. That is why in those situations kids calm down if at some point they feel you have understood them, no matter that your answer is still no.

6. They are ambitious

You know about the thing when you have a picture in your mind and when you try to draw it doesn’t looks at all of what you’ve imagined. Well your kids don’t know yet that this is quite normal. Kids are confused about what is their original perception and their weakness of perfectly catch it. It indicates ambition and discernment.

7. They say what exactly what they think

We all know those moments when a kid has said literally what they are thinking, as load as can. They are honest when telling they don’t like the expensive present that someone gave them. They point at people with noticeable disabilities. Anyway their intention is not to hurt someone’s feelings. They are just curious about people who are different. And more important, they will say the truth that everyone else is thinking about and can’t say it aloud.

8. They are scientists

Kids learn by doing things. They can solve great problems full of inventiveness. They just try something and see what happens. Sometimes that results with destruction but that’s how they determine is something working or doesn’t. By this way they also realize that you, their parent, love them endlessly, even if they are naughty

9 They are lovable

Naughty kids have some kind of charisma that you just can’t resist to love them. Yes it’s hard when they are mischievous but you also want them to prosper, to be acknowledged by others and to be happy.
source:http://www.healthylifestylezone.com

10 Reasons Why Children Under the Age of 12 Shouldn’t Use Handheld Devices

According to the Canadian Society of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should not have full access to handheld devices. For instance, children under 2 should never use such items, children aged 3-5 should use them for an hour a day, while those aged 6-18 should use handheld devices only 2 hours a day.


This is because children use technology 4-5 times more than they should which may result in serious developmental issues.

We have listed some of them:

1. Brain growth

Children’s brain grows pretty fast. Overexposure to Internet and technology devices like cell phones, TV, iPads may cause development of attention deficit, impaired learning, cognitive delays and children may not be able to develop an ability to self-regulate.

2. Developmental consequences

Using technology devices retards child’s movement which delays development and affects literacy and academic achievement. Children under 12 should not be allowed to use handheld devices that often.

3. Obesity

Using technology reduces physical activity and children gain weight more easily. This is one of the reasons why one in four Canadian and US children is obese. About 30% of children have diabetes, meaning they are exposed to a higher risk of heart attack and shorter life expectancy.

4. Insufficient sleep

Statistics shows that 75% of children use handheld devices in their rooms, and those aged 9-10 sleep less than they should, which has a huge impact on their grades.

5. Mental disorders

Overuse of devices may cause problematic behaviour, psychosis, bipolar disorder, attention deficit, anxiety and child depression.

6. Aggressiveness

Violent media, physical and sexual content, video games full of violence, murders and torture make children aggressive. In the USA, media violence is categorized as a Public Health Risk.

7. Dementia

Exposure to high speed media content is the reason why children deal with attention deficit, decreased concentration and memory, which eventually affects their ability to learn.

8. Technology addiction

Parents addicted to technology spend less time with their kids, and kids attach to technology, which later results in technology addiction.

9. Radiation

World Health Organization has classified cell phones as possible carcinogens, or category 2B risk, meaning they are quite dangerous for children’s brain development. According to Dr Anthony Miller from the University of Toronto’s School of Public Health, cell phones should be classified as a 2A, or probable carcinogens. His recommendations are based on the latest research.

10. Sustainability

Children who are using technology their entire childhood are likely to be unsustainable because they cannot develop completely and fit in society. Future is in your children’s hands, so make sure they are raised properly. Share your opinion below slide shows on www.zonein.ca under “videos” with people who are also concerned by this issue.

Dr Andrew Doan, a neuroscientist and author of Hooked on Games,Dr Hilarie Cash, Director of reStart Internet Addiction Recovery Program and author of Video Games and Your Kids; and Cris Rowan, pediatric occupational therapist and author of Virtual Child have developed a guideline for parents regarding technology use.

Check it below and share this with others so we can all protect our children and contribute to a brighter future.
Source: www.healthyfoodplace.com

recipe for kids with celiac disease /gluten sensitivity:breakfast casserole

Note: This recipe is especially for kids on a gluten-free diet, who must avoid foods that contain gluten, a type of protein found in many foods.

Prep time: 80 minutes


Ingredients:

nonstick cooking spray
2 cups grated raw potatoes
½ cup onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 ounces ground turkey sausage, cooked
1/3 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 eggs
6 egg whites
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley
Utensils:

oven (you'll need help from your adult assistant)
measuring spoons and cups
pie pan
mixing bowls
knife (you'll need help from your adult assistant)
fork or whisk

Directions:

Crust

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
Coat pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix potatoes, chopped onion, and olive oil.
Press potato mixture evenly over the bottom and sides of the pie pan.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Filling

Spread cooked sausage evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle cheeses evenly over the sausage.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs, egg whites, and spices.
Pour egg mixture evenly over the cheeses.
Lower oven temperature to 350°F (176°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and knife inserted comes out clean.

Serves: 6

Serving size: 1/6 of casserole

Nutritional analysis (per serving):
297 calories
19 g protein
12 g fat
5 g sat. fat
29 g carbohydrate
4 g fiber
175 mg cholesterol
386 mg sodium
143 mg calcium
1.9 mg iron

Note: Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.

Variations and suggestions:
If you don't like sausage, use cooked ham. Instead of grating the potatoes yourself, you can use frozen hash browns that you know are not coated with wheat flour.
source:http://kidshealth.org/

Babies and teething

Teething is the name for the process when your baby’s first teeth emerge.

There is no real set time when this happens but generally it starts between the baby’s first three to twelve months.



Most commonly teething begins when babies are between six to nine months old.

It takes 2-3 years for the entire twenty baby teeth to erupt. When the teeth come up the body sends out a special form of chemicals that makes the cells in the gums die and separate to make space for the erupting teeth.

The typical teething order is that the bottom middle teeth come first then the top middle teeth, then the teeth on the sides all the way back to the molar.

The molar come last around the baby’s second birthday. 1, 2

Teething Discomfort

The discomfort babies experience when teething is depended on each baby’s pain threshold. The teething process can therefore be very different between babies.

The discomfort has its roots in the sourness of the gums that swell considerably when the tooth is on its way up.  The baby can get very fussy three to five days before the tooth comes up but after it has broken the skin the pain goes away.

The bigger the tooth the harder it is for the tooth to go through the gums so most pain is often related to when the molars come up.

Some babies show no reaction to teething and therefore seem to have a higher pain threshold then those who do.

Most common baby teething symptoms

baby-chewing-fingerThere are a few symptoms you can look for if you think your baby is teething.

Increased drooling is often the first thing parent’s notice.
In most cases mood changes occur with the baby being more irritated and cranky then usual.
The gums can get red and slightly swollen.

Sleep can get erratic and sometimes babies have a hard time sleeping at all.
Low fever is common.

Sometimes soreness in the gum is followed by a blister filled with fluid.
When your baby starts chewing its fingers or toys it's most often for pain relief from teething. So when that happens you know teething has started.

If the pain is bad the baby can refuse to eat or drink.

Sometimes babies pull on their ears to help relief the pain they think is coming from their head so if you baby starts pulling its ear it can be a sign of teething.

How to ease the teething discomfort?

There are a few true and tested methods of relieving the pain that follows teething. Here are our best options.

You could give your baby pain reliefs, but be careful to have the right kind for your baby’s age. Consult a doctor for the right kind.
Babies love it when you rub your clean finger on their gums or use a cold chew ring to rub their gums. Don't get discouraged if they do not like it at first, if you continue they will in most cases enjoy it.

Babies love chewing on things when teething. Make sure to have plenty of baby safe things to chew on. Teething rings can be bought in any pharmacy and are often best served cold.
A cold washcloth is an old classic that babies love. If your baby has started eating solid food, cold refreshing foods like applesauce or yogurt can sooth the pain.

There are various kinds of teething gels available on the market, both over the counter and by prescription. It’s a good idea to consult with a doctor before giving your baby any tooth gel because there have been some safety issues and criticism from doctors.

source:https://baby.tips

Preventing Childhood Obesity: Tips for Parents

Childhood Obesity is on the Rise

The number of overweight children in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. Approximately 10 percent of 4 and 5 year old children are overweight, double that of 20 years ago. Overweight is more prevalent in girls than boys and in older preschoolers (ages 4-5) than younger (ages 2-3).

Obesity increases even more as children get older. For ages 6 to 11, at least one child in five is overweight. Over the last two decades, this number has increased by more than 50 percent and the number of obese children has nearly doubled.


For most children, overweight is the result of unhealthy eating patterns (too many calories) and too little physical activity. Since these habits are established in early childhood, efforts to prevent obesity should begin early.

Determining if a Child is Overweight

Parents should not make changes to a child's diet based solely on perceptions of overweight. All preschoolers exhibit their own individual body structure and growth pattern. Assessing obesity in children is difficult because children grow in unpredictable spurts. It should only be done by a health care professional, using the child's height and weight relative to his previous growth history.

Helping Overweight Children

Weight loss is not a good approach for most young children, since their bodies are growing and developing. Overweight children should not be put on a diet unless a physician supervises one for medical reasons. A restrictive diet may not supply the energy and nutrients needed for normal growth and development.

For most very young children, the focus should be to maintain current weight, while the child grows normally in height.

The most important strategies for preventing obesity are healthy eating behaviors, regular physical activity, and reduced sedentary activity (such as watching television and videotapes, and playing computer games). These preventative strategies are part of a healthy lifestyle that should be developed during early childhood. They can be accomplished by following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Dietary Guidelines provide general diet and lifestyle recommendations for healthy Americans ages 2 years and over (not for younger children and infants). The most recent edition of the Dietary Guidelines can be found on www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. Following these guidelines can help promote health and reduce risk for chronic diseases.

Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Parents and caregivers can help prevent childhood obesity by providing healthy meals and snacks, daily physical activity, and nutrition education. Healthy meals and snacks provide nutrition for growing bodies while modeling healthy eating behavior and attitudes. Increased physical activity reduces health risks and helps weight management. Nutrition education helps young children develop an awareness of good nutrition and healthy eating habits for a lifetime.

Children can be encouraged to adopt healthy eating behaviors and be physically active when parents:

Focus on good health, not a certain weight goal. Teach and model healthy and positive attitudes toward food and physical activity without emphasizing body weight.
Focus on the family. Do not set overweight children apart. Involve the whole family and work to gradually change the family's physical activity and eating habits.
Establish daily meal and snack times, and eating together as frequently as possible. Make a wide variety of healthful foods available based on the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children. Determine what food is offered and when, and let the child decide whether and how much to eat.
Plan sensible portions. Use the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children as a guide.

What Counts as One Serving?

Grain Group

1 slice of bread
1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta
1/2 cup of cooked cereal
1 ounce of ready-to-eat cereal
Vegetable Group

1/2 cup of chopped raw or cooked vegetables
1 cup of raw leafy vegetables
Fruit Group

1 piece of fruit or melon wedge
3/4 cup of juice
1/2 cup of canned fruit
1/4 cup of dried fruit

Milk Group

1 cup of low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt
2 ounces of cheese

Meat Group

2-3 ounces of cooked lean meat, poultry or fish
1/2 cup of cooked dry beans, or 1 egg counts as 1 ounce of lean meat. 2 tablespoons of peanut butter count as 1 ounce of meat.

Fats and Sweets

Limit calories from these.
Four-to-6 year-olds can eat these serving sizes. Offer 2-to-3 year-olds less, except for milk. Two-to-6 year-old children need a total of 2 servings from the milk group each day.

Discourage eating meals or snacks while watching TV. Eating in front of the TV may make it difficult to pay attention to feelings of fullness and may lead to overeating.
Buy fewer high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. Help children understand that sweets and high-fat treats (such as candy, cookies, or cake) are not everyday foods. Don't deprive children of occasional treats, however. This can make them more likely to overeat.
Avoid labeling foods as "good" or "bad." All foods in moderation can be part of a healthy diet.
Involve children in planning, shopping, and preparing meals. Use these activities to understand children's food preferences, teach children about nutrition, and encourage them to try a wide variety of foods.

Make the most of snacks. Continuous snacking may lead to overeating. Plan healthy snacks at specific times. Include two food groups, for example, apple wedges and whole grain crackers. Focus on maximum nutrition - fruits, vegetables, grains, low-sugar cereals, lowfat dairy products, and lean meats and meat alternatives. Avoid excessive amounts of fruit juices, which contains calories, but fewer nutrients than the fruits they come from. A reasonable amount of juice is 4-8 ounces per day.
Encourage physical activity. Participate in family physical activity time on a regular basis, such as walks, bike rides, hikes, and active games. Support your children's organized physical activities. Provide a safe, accessible place outside for play.
Limit the amount of time children watch television, play video games, and work on the computer to 1 to 2 hours per day. The average American child spends about 24 hours each week watching television. Reducing sedentary activities helps increase physical activity.

source:https://www.health.ny.gov

healthy enough for breakfast ,but my hids considerit dessert

monday nights around our house is our dessert night.  This last week we made Dessert Taco’s.  That’s what my kids call them. But simply dessert tacos for us is Crepes and fruit.
 I love Crepes because you can literally pack them full of good stuff like strawberries and blueberries like we’ve done.  Warning… these are messy to eat.  So let your kids go outside with them and drip yogurt and strawberries all over themselves, and then hose them down.

We also eat crepes for dinner!  These lemon chicken parmesan crepes are our favorite!   So make extra crepes, and then you can also eat them for dessert, or dessert the next day.

 

           Our Dessert Taco Recipe is:                                                                                               

2 Eggs                                                                                                                                        

1/2 cup milk                                                                                                                                

1/2 cup water (or a little  more until it’s a consistency you like)                                                    

1/4 tsp salt                                                                                                                                      

2 TBL canola oil                                                                                                                            

1 cup whole wheat flour                                                                                                                   

Pour 1/3 cup of batter onto skillet and cook until both sides are browned and middle is cooked through.                                                                                                                                         

For the filling we used plain, greek, or vanilla yogurt and berries.                                                    

You could also use some creamy coconut frosting!  For that we used:                                      

  

                                                                                                                                                             

           1 can of coconut milk (the full fat kind, set in the fridge to chill and solidify overnight).  When you open the can, it should be solid. If it’s not solid, this may not work.  Scoop out solid coconut milk into a mixer and add 1/4 cup raw, organic sugar and 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract.  Whip until fluffy

So enjoy this beautiful day, and hurry with the berries while they are in season!                                                                                                                                                                  

Pack-able Sandwiches on a Stick

Do you ever get tired of packing the same old sandwich in a lunch or for an outing?  The thing about sandwiches is that if you assemble ahead of time, they almost always end up soggy.



  There is pretty much nothing worse than a soggy sandwich – right?  When you separate the sandwich ingredients it stays fresh, your kids can choose what they want to include, and there are so many fun ways to assemble!  We love using mini-cutters to make designs that are fun for kids.



 Skewering your sandwich ingredients is fast, fun, and for kids who normally don’t eat certain veggies on their sandwiches, they just might when it’s on a stick!

You can get creative and stack any type of sandwiches this way.  The key to making a sandwich healthy for your little ones is to make sure:

You are using 100% whole grain bread
You include a protein (if using deli meat, watch for sodium content, or cut your own from a home cooked turkey)
Good proteins include: Peanut butter or other nut butters, meat, a bean spread like hummus, etc.
Include fruits or vegetables
Some of our sandwich favorites are: Cucumbers, lettuce or spinach, tomatoes, bell pepper slices and thinly sliced apple or pear.
You can make these for lunch at home to mix things up a bit, pack them for a school lunch, or take them on a picnic or outing with you! Start with your favorite ingredients.  We switched things up a bit instead of including regular sandwich ingredients.  We have:

Whole Wheat Bread
Olives
Cheese
Deli Meat
Apples
Pea Pods
Golden Cherry Tomatoes

Pack them up for on the go!

Or serve them up at home for a fun lunch!

These are some great mini-cutters to make fun shapes with your food!
source:http://www.superhealthykids.com/

Top 10 Tips To Make Your Baby’s Skin Fair

Motherhood is the most magical and joyous phase in a woman’s life. Once you become a mother, your priorities change. The little one’s welfare becomes your goal in life. One of the things most mothers wish for is fair skin for their babies.



 Wondering how to make baby skin fair? There are many ways by which you can bless your baby with glowing and fair skin for a lifetime. All you need to do is follow some basic steps to ensure that your baby’s sensitive skin remains healthy and glowing.

1. Hot Oil Massage:

Massaging the new baby with hot oil is something most mothers know about. I am sure your grandmother mentioned several times the benefits of an oil massage. But did she tell you that the benefits extend much beyond stronger bones and relaxed muscles? Maybe she did not. Yes, it is a fact that baby skin needs such pampering on a daily basis. A hot oil massage adds an extra layer of moisturization to the sensitive skin of the baby and ensures proper maintenance of oils in the skin. With regular hot oil massage, your baby’s skin will glow, blossom and take on a mild pinkish tint. This is unlikely to happen if your baby’s skin is dry and tends to peel. So, make sure to give your baby the leisure of a perfect hot oil massage each day.

2. Optimum Bathing Temperature:
Just as it is essential for adults not to expose their skin to excessively hot or cold water, it is likewise essential for the little baby’s skin too. Dryness can induce dullness and darkness in your baby’s skin. So, pamper your little angel with the lukewarm water bath. Unregulated water temperature spruces out life from the delicate skin of the baby.

3. Baby Scrub:

Do I sound over ambitious when I say baby scrubbing? If you think yes, let me take you through the basics of baby care. Babies have hair all over their body, including face and back. These hairs have weaker roots and may look unnatural too. A fine mixture of chickpea (besan), rose water, milk, baby oil and evenly grounded gram pulse makes a baby scrubber. Upon application this mixture scrubs away all the impurities and unwanted hair from the baby’s skin. It increases the radiance and improves the complexion of your child’s skin by increasing blood circulation.

4. Mild Body Pack:

Baby skin is ten times more sensitive than the skin of the adults. Environmental factors are totally new to the young ones after their warm nine months stay in the womb. Nurturing the super soft baby skin with a mild body pack once a week is a healthy way of blessing your baby with a rich sheen and evenly fair skin tone forever. Make a paste of sandalwood, turmeric, saffron and milk and apply it on your baby’s body. Leave it to dry for 10 minutes. This will make your child fairer and will also protect him/her against skin infections.

5. Moisturization:

This is an inevitable step in the chain of perfect baby skin care. Use the best brands to avoid any kind of irritation. Apply every 4 hours for best results. This will keep the baby’s complexion intact. It will also keep dryness at bay.

6. No To Soap:

Never use soap on your baby’s skin. Soap might peel out the skin, making it dull, dry, and dark. Instead use milk and rosewater. You can use glycerin baby bars and milk cream-rich toddler’s wash.

7. Regulated Sunbath:

It is essential for you to expose your child to the sun once in a while, but this should be a regulated affair. Leaving your little ones for too long in the sun can darken their skin beyond repair. You can also use a pram to save your child from direct sunlight.
8. The Magic Syrup:

Oh yes ladies, there is a magic syrup that is a sure-shot way to make your baby’s skin fairer—it is water! Never dehydrate your little one, it not only leads to a number of health issues, but also dehydrates the skin too.

9. Fruit Juice:

This is a magic mantra for babies above 3 months. Feeding your child with the goodness of grape juice will increase the sheen of the epidermis. Other fruits like apples and oranges are also good for improving the baby’s skin health from inside.

10. Baby Wipes:

Lastly, brushing and scrubbing your baby all the time can cause rashes and skin dryness. It is always advisable to use baby wipes rich in glycerin and milk cream. It is a better option to use such wipes for cleaning the mouth of your baby as well.

At the end of the day, it is all about a little more love and a little more care. A goodbye tip: never overdo, and shower your baby with love, no matter what her/his complexion is!

Hope now you know how to make baby skin fair naturally! Do you know any other tips to get fair skin for baby? Share them with us in the comments section below.
source:http://www.stylecraze.com/

8 Tips If Your Child Refuses To Eat

Every mother knows that for proper growth and development of her child needs healthy and versatile food. But after some unwritten rule that what is healthy and beneficial for a young child knows to be repulsive and distasteful….


Usually when your kid(s) refuses to eat and some parents may even blackmail their children: “if you do not eat Swiss chard you will not get chocolate!”

According to a recent research, this method does not bring any results, but there are few other effective strategies:
                                                                                                       
                                                                                                               

1. Let your child help you in the preparation of the meal. Two years old children enjoy making a mess in the kitchen, and if so let them do it during preparation and not during the meal.

2. If your kids make “Circus” on the table is credence to any great importance. Besides it does not look right in the eyes, but the point of view something else. You see, since a narrow focus on something else interesting to relax and have a real chance to eat some bites.

3. Do not insist the child to eat if he/she is too tired. First let’s take a break and then offer him/her a meal.

4. If he/she stubbornly refuses food, remove the bowl forcing him to sit for hours at the table. It has a counter-effect that makes your child irritable, and you mommy.

5. Try your culinary skills to show before the taster. Arrange the vegetables of different colors and different shapes because kids love out of the ordinary.

6. If the child does not want to eat mashed broccoli, do not immediately offer him the most beloved dish, because he/she will learn to manipulate you.

7. Mothers always be persistent and consistent. Only in this way you will achieve the desired goal. For that you do need great patience, but it pays.

8. Finally, try to turn the meal time into sweet fun. That doesn’t mean to bring a lot of toys on the table, instead fill the period with stories, songs and good fellowship with your little one and as reward you’ll get many kisses and sweet smiles that will make your day unique and irreplaceable.
Enjoy !
source:http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com

Do These 6 Simple Things Everyday And Lose The Excess Weight While You Sleep!

Nights are great for watching Netflix, chatting on your phone, going on dates – you name it. However, do you know that nights are also great for setting better and bigger weight loss results? Follow these tips and lose weight faster

Do a Nighttime Workout

We all know that sweating is helping us to lose pounds, but many of us think that exercising before going to bed is going to keep us awake during the night. According to a survey made by the National Sleep Foundation in 2013, 56-67% of the active people are more likely to get a good sleep, no matter if they were exercising before going to bed.

Pack Your Lunch

The average restaurant meals contain twice the amount of calories you need for one meal, according to a study made in 2013. If you want to lose weight restaurant meals are not going to help you, but not everybody has time in the morning to make his own lunch. That’s why you should save yourself from that midday diet-wrecker and prepare your lunch the night before. A Mason jar salad will be perfect choice for your goal.

Drink a lot of water

Large amount of water will help you to get rid of any excess liquids in your body. But since nobody wants to end up the night going to the bathroom all the time, our advice is to stop drinking water 1 hour before going to bed. A good sleep is crucial for your weight loss.

Make your bedroom super dark

Super dark bedroom will help your body to produce much more melatonin, which is a hormone that promotes production of calorie burning brown fat. Complete darkness in your bedroom will boost the weight loss process.

Sleep in cooler bedroom

According to a study made by National Institute of Health Clinical Center, people who slept in a 75 degrees bedroom, burned 7% less calories, than those who are sleeping in a 66 degrees room. 7% is not much, but it will help you to lose weight.

 Source : www.fhfn.org