golden retriever carrying a first aid kitCreating a family first aid kit is an essential to ensuring that in the event of any type of emergency, you can have the supplies that are necessary to treat injuries and any type of sickness that may occur. There are many devastating events that may occur in an unexpected manner when it comes to you, your spouse, and your children. These events may include mild to serious burns, falls, slips, cuts, and even an assortment of sicknesses that are viral or bacterial in basis. There are certain types of situations that simply do not require the attention of a doctor, but do require immediate attention to prevent future complications. This is where a first aid kit comes in handy. In this how-to manual, I will share with you how to go about creating a family first aid kit that can come in handy in the event of these situations.

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Filed under Health by More4kids

autistic girl at doctorsIf you are a parent looking for an in-depth look at PANDAS in children, you have come to the right place. If you are reading this material, it is quite likely that you either suspect that your child has this, or you have recently been informed by your child’s pediatrician that they have this condition. It is likely that you are confused, fearful, and emotionally distraught over this. It is normal to feel this way. This is especially true when it comes to PANDAS. There is a relatively new condition that has emerged, and there is not a lot of information surrounding the condition. However, in this helpful and informative guide, I will provide you with that in-depth look at PANDAS that you have so desperately been searching for.

What is PANDAS?

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Easy, at-home ways of using yoga to alleviate tension in the younger set

by Charlotte Bradley, YogaFlavoredLife.com  

yoga with kids: down dog momIt may look like child's play, but growing up in today's world can be a major challenge. What with global warming, terrorism, and the political climate, not to mention daily problems like family strife or trouble at school, it's no wonder that today's kids are stressed out.

As parents, we struggle to ensure our children's health and happiness. Knowing how to respond when your son or daughter is exhibiting signs of stress can be daunting. But there is a simple way to help our kids take on life's challenges while getting physically and emotionally stronger – the ancient practice of yoga.

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by Stacey Schifferdecker

overweight-girl.jpgChildhood obesity is becoming ever more a problem not only in the United States but also in Europe and other developed countries as well. In the United States, experts estimate between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese, which means their weight is at least 10 percent higher than what is recommended for the height and body type. The statistics are just as alarming in other countries: 

  • From 1985 to 1995, the number of overweight and obese children in Australia more than doubled.
  • Ten percent of six year olds in England are obese. If the current trend continues, half the children in England will be obese by 2020.
  • 22 million of the 75 million children in the European Union are overweight. 5.1 million of these overweight children are obese. 

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Filed under Exercise, Food, Health by More4kids

pediatrician examining a babyIt’s easy to know when to take babies and toddlers to the doctor for well-baby and well-child checkups. The schedule is pretty rigid, and we have the need for immunizations to consider too. So at two weeks, two months, six months, etc. we trot off to the doctor’s office for a checkup. After two years old, it’s still easy – once a year visits are the norm and are often covered by insurance. Plus your child is still getting immunizations during these years.
 
But after age five, things become much less clear. Children typically don’t need any immunizations after age five or six until they are around 12. They’re not growing as fast, and you probably have fewer questions about their development. Some camp and sports activities require a physical, but otherwise, do you really need to take your children in for an annual physical or checkup?

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Filed under Health by More4kids

umm umm good, delicous blueberry wafflesIt’s a cliché, but like many clichés, it’s been oft-repeated because it’s true: Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, especially for kids. During the night, your body uses energy you have stored up during the day to keep your heart beating, your blood flowing, your lungs working, etc. By morning, you need some fuel to get your brains and body started. That fuel comes in the form of blood sugar, also called glucose.

Breakfast offers many specific benefits:

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Filed under Health, Nutrition by More4kids

teen acne - before and after picturesIt may seem trivial to some, but to a teenager, acne is a horrible affliction. While almost all teenagers get acne at one point or another, severe acne can lead to a negative body image and even severe depression. But don’t get worried; there are steps you can take to help your child get treated and start feeling better.

There are many myths floating around about acne. Your child may hear them at school or find them on the internet. To properly treat your teen’s acne, you need to learn the facts and share them with your child. Here are just a few facts you need to know:

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Filed under Health by More4kids

toddler enjoying a healthy fruit snack

by Stacey Schifferdecker

Experts estimate that by the year 2010, almost 50 percent of children in North America will be overweight. We know why – kids gain weight for the same reasons adults gain weight: too much food and not enough exercise. And while we are probably all behind the drives to remove junk food and soda vending machines from our schools, are we similarly vigilant about the food in our homes?

Separate Snacks from Treats
A dietician once spoke at my children’s preschool and explained to us the very logical distinction she makes for her children between “snacks” and “treats.”

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Filed under Food, Health, Nutrition by More4kids

quick afternoon snackThe traditional image of the post-school hour is children skipping home to enjoy a glass of cold milk and some fresh-from-the-oven cookies. The reality is, most of us moms spend our days working at a job, running errands, or volunteering at our kids’ schools. The kids don’t walk or skip home – we pick them up or they go to an after-care program. And unless you just enjoy baking, your kids may only have fresh-from-the-oven cookies after you buy frozen cookie dough from the latest school fundraiser.

Does this change in lifestyle mean kids don’t need or want after-school snacks anymore? Absolutely not! Children need to eat every three to four hours to replenish their energy stores. With school lunch hours starting as early as 10:30 in some schools, your kids are likely to be famished by the time they get home from school.

Here are some ideas for easy, healthy after-school snacks for millennial moms:

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Filed under Food, Health by More4kids

by Tina Matsunaga

Despite the best preemptive care, many physically disabled individuals often require, at least, one invasive surgery. Especially during the growing years, surgery may be necessary to avoid additional mobility problems in the future. For example, spastic muscles have the power to dislocate hips and distort the directional functioning of joints. Knees may eventually knock together, making ambulation virtually impossible. Sometimes, other internal systems have need of surgery to repair a problem. Naturally, the prospect of surgery is scary. However, parents can help a child prepare for surgery in three important ways: explain why, how, and when the surgery is necessary. Here are a few tips:

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Filed under Disabilities, Health by More4kids