If you find that bugs or insects are feeding on your kids, be careful that the toxic “solution” does not put your children at greater health risk than the problem. Many of the bug repellent sprays, lotions or liquids that are used on children to repel ticks, mosquitos or other insects contain the chemicals Permethrin…
While I was in the middle of writing my recent blog post about fruit juice for kids, I had a wonderful conversation with my friend, Shelly. I could hear Nayelli, her 2 year-old daughter, in the background. “I want more juice!” I asked Shelly about the juice and she said she makes her own fresh…
Last fall the results of a Consumer Reports investigation showed there were disturbing levels of arsenic and lead in apple and grape juices. Inorganic arsenic is a human carcinogen and small amounts of lead can seriously effect physical and mental development. Many kids regularly drink juice, so it may be a big contributor to arsenic…
Kids seem to love artificial, processed food that comes in cleverly marketed, colorful packages. These “fake foods” contain refined or artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colorings, and other chemical compounds to make it taste better or to prolong shelf-life. When kids eat this processed food, their bodies have to deal with the synthetic additives, and it can…
This is a common question from new parents. Should you give your child dairy cow milk or soy milk? My answer is neither, since both can cause health problems. Toddlers and children do not need any type of milk after they are weaned from breast milk. “Drink milk; it’s nature’s most perfect food”. The dairy…
Did you know that your tap water is not safe for your family to drink? There are many contaminants in water that have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, nervous system damage, developmental issues, and fertility problems. No one should be drinking tap or bottled water, especially babies and children, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Pure…
Not in my experience. In fact, my experience with my daughter has been quite the opposite. I breastfed her for four years. On her fourth birthday she informed me she was ready to quit and it was an easy transition for her. I also co-slept with her until she was around 4 1/2 when she…
I read Jeanne Ohm’s editorial in a Pathways issue and feel compelled to post it here. It’s the wisest advice I’ve ever read about the vaccination issue. Pathways is a great magazine for parents, providing excellent articles and vital resources for family wellness. You can subscribe to Pathways at this link: http://www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org Lettter from the…
Well, most of us do to some degree. There’s a whole spectrum of challenges our children can express at different times. If your child happens to be consistently more on the extreme side of the spectrum, he or she may have been given a label such as ADD/ADHD, ODD, PTSD, Attachment Disorder, etc. Labels like…
Parents have a lot to consider when it comes to dental care and oral hygiene for their children. After all, dental health is a large part of keeping your children healthy. Tooth problems can be very uncomfortable and painful, and can lead to issues like gum disease, bad breath, and many other negative effects. Most…
Now that we’re heading into the “cold and flu season”, you may be thinking of stocking up on hand sanitizers, disinfecting sprays and antibacterial wipes to keep germs away from your kids. If so, you may want to re-think this plan. These items are not necessary, and there may be unintended consequences from using them….
Children have a fundamental need for play. It’s as important to their development and well-being as eating and sleeping. Play needs to be fun, inspire imagination and creativity, and it also must be free from toxic toys. Babies and young children can spend a lot of time chewing and sucking on their toys! Toys should…