Alteril Sleep Aid Scam

I originally published an Alteril product review on the now-defunct Yahoo! Voices in 2009. I called it a scam then and nothing has changed my mind about that. Here's the update on the Alteril scam. Background: Six years ago, I found in my then-16 year old son's bedroom, medication I didn't recognize. It was Alteril (Somnia latoril). When I asked him, he said a "friend's mom gave it me (red flag) to help me sleep better (red flag). Apparently this friend's mother ordered some from an infomercial (red flag) and gave some to her son (red flag) who shared it round. Biggest red flag! Now that's not the company's fault. But their shady infomercial marketing and dubious product labeling is. Read on Alteril Sleep Aid Scam Overpriced, Infomercial Internet Sales, Dubious Ingredients and Labeling

Miss USA Pageant Tips: The Beautiful, the Bizarre and Downright Dangrous

Maybe you've seen the freaky things pageant moms do to their kids to get them "runway ready." Toddlers and Tiaras shows little ones getting spray-on tans, flippers (fake teeth), plucked eyebrows, waxing, shaving, makeup, hair-sprayed dos. After reading the beauty tips from Miss USA pageant contests, I see where this crazy thinking comes from. Not all. Some is just common sense exercise and nutrition. Others? Weird. Here's the beautiful, bizarre and downright dangerous on pageant prep. The better beauty tips? Miss USA Pageant Tips: The Beautiful and the Bizarre - Yahoo News

Balance is Healthier Parenting Than Health Obsession

The closer to nature, the healthier, right? Drugs, chemicals, cleaning products, household items, cosmetics, disposable items, kids products--we try to use natural ingredients as much as possible. Note I said "as possible." It's virtually impossible to avoid all. And my naturalista friends are going to gasp, but I say balance is healthier parenting that rigid obsession with health. Too much obsession becomes dangerous in itself. Sometimes it leads to weird behaviors like smother mothering, helicopter parenting, bubble-wrapped kids, MBPS (Munchausen by proxy syndrome). Think I'm exaggerating?

Take food for example. Organic, raw foods may be physically healthier, though with the chemical saturation of our environment, I'm not sure. I know myself. I over think everything. it would make me a crazy (crazier) wreck trying serve perfectly pure foods all the time. Raising four kids, I couldn't afford all natural foods, even if we ate only vegan. That food is super expensive! And even if I had one child, or no kids, I couldn't afford it. We live in the city--I couldn't grow all my own food if I wanted to. Our soil is toxic. I'd feel anxious and guilty that I'm a bad mom. Constantly worrying, makes me nervous and grouchy. And then I'm not a good mom. And THAT is my main priority.

So why am I giving all this rationale? Because group think nowdays says, EVERY thing must be done to excess, even health foods. And you know darn well, most people are struggling just to keep afloat in this crazy-hectic world. Whether with money, relationships, work, keeping up the Jones, it's a constant battle. Let me tell you a little secret: lighten up. Do the best you can. Don't aim for rigid perfection. You and your family will be a lot healthier. Better a meal of hot dogs together than the perfect vegan meal eaten alone. Balance is Healthier Parenting Than Health Obsession

How I Protect My Family from Chemicals in Everyday Products

 United Nations-sponsored research released Tuesday links man-made chemicals in everyday products to increased birth deformities, hormonal cancers and psychiatric diseases, reports Reuters. As a 25-year mom of two girls and two boys, those findings don't surprise. They do concern me, however. As a special-needs teacher and health writer, I've followed findings on phthalate and BPA (Bisphenol A)-- chemical plastics connected to health problems-- for years.  First Person: How I Protect My Family from Chemicals in Everyday Products 

Healthy Snacking Tips for Holiday Dieting

The holiday season wouldn't be the same without cookies, candy, cheese balls, dips, ham, alcohol and calorie-laden goodies, right? From Thanksgiving to Epiphany, the holidays mean overindulgence. If you're dieting or watching your weight, holiday foods can pose real stumbling blocks. And if I stop dieting for the holidays, it seems all the harder to restart in January. Why not try these tips to tame the taste for decadent desserts and delicacies with these healthy alternatives? read more

Sibling rivalry: Parenting tips to help kids get along

I'm always saddened when I hear parents say that their kids don't like each other. I'm not bragging (well, not much), but our four kids all get along great and always have. I don't say that to be self-righteous. I don't know exactly why our family has so little sibling rivalry. We may just be lucky. If it had anything to do with our parenting, here's what we did. Sibling rivalry: Parenting tips to help kids get along

Frankenstorm Prompts Emergency Preparedness Reminders

Some nasty weather is pommeling the eastern seaboard of the U.S. Meteorologists are calling for a trifecta of Hurricane Sandy, snow storms and other bad weather. They've dubbed this perfect storm "Frankenstorm" as it's scheduled to make landfall on Halloween--October 31, 2012. This article was written about earthquake emergency preparedness, but these safety tips are similar to bad weather advisories. Use these to get your family storm ready. Read on  Emergency Preparedness for Hurricane Sandy, "Frankenstorm"

Alarming Number of Teens Use Opioids Nonmedically

Just more than 1 in 6 high school seniors has used prescription opioids, says a study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. That 17.6 percent have used opioids for any medical reason is scary enough, but 12.9 percent say they have used opioids nonmedically. It's terrifying to think that kids can access strong mind-altering drugs and use them recreationally. It's worrisome that they would even want to. Sure, kids are curious. But this goes beyond a little alcohol pot experimentation (both of which are bad enough). Opioids affect thinking and development. Even just one use can have disasterous, long-term consequences.  Do I sound paranoid? I am, with good reason. You should be too. Read on. Study Finds Alarming Number of Teens Use Opioids Nonmedically

Parent Safety Tips--How to Monitor Kids' Cellphone Use

It never ceases to amaze me how prevalent cellphone use is among kids, even young ones. Unlimited texting and call plans mean kids can use their cellphones almost carte blanche, 24-7. I don't think this is healthy physically, emotionally or socially. Kids lack inner limit switches. That's why we parents have to help them set boundaries. It's easier said than done, I know. I've raised four kids to teen and adulthood and I've found that cellphones present a challenging learning curve. Here are some strategies I've used with success. Read more here. 

How to Brush a Toddler's Teeth

When a new baby arrives, most parents are faithful to follow up with doctor visits, health care check ups and immunizations. Dental hygiene is an important part of child care, too. Here are tips on how to brush your toddler's teeth. Read more...

Oral Care for Dental Implants and Mouth Prosthetics

Dental implants are mouth prosthetics, artificial teeth and gums and abutments that are attached to the jaw by surgical process. Dental implants are permanent oral fixtures. While being essentially maintenance free, dental implants require good oral hygiene. Here tips for oral care for families and children. Read on...

Fisher Price Product Recall: Trikes, High Chairs, Inflatable Toys, Little People Rampway

Mattel Fisher Price Toy Recalls: Trikes, High Chairs, Inflatable Balls, Little People Wheelies
Fisher-Price, a toddler and preschool division of toy mogul Mattel recalls a record four toy lines on September 30, 2010. Recalled are: Baby Playzone, Healthy Care, Easy Clean, Close to Me highchairs, trikes and Little Peoples Stand 'n' Play Rampway.
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Free Printable Immunization Waiver and Vaccination Exemption Forms

Printable Immunization and Vaccination Waiver Forms for Parents of School Children Each state has it's own laws regarding school immunizations and vaccination requirements. But one policy is nationwide; parents have the right to waive immunizations and vaccinations for their children. Here are free printable waiver forms. Read More

Hookah Smoking: Unsafe, Unhealthy, Unsanitary? Addictive? Or Just Harmless Fun?

Hookah Smoking and Hookah Bars: Safe, Unsafe or Just a Passing Fad?
Smoking hookah, or flavored tobacco, is becoming increasingly more popular with teens and young adults. Hookah bars provide heated water bongs in which hookah smokers share a common mouthpiece. Since writing this, more has come out on hookah, showing that it's not greatly addictive and not nearly as addictive as cigarettes. It's also a social activity in many Middle eastern countries. I think we need to seek understanding and exercise caution before judging any cultural activity.  Read More

Children and Yoga in the Classroom: Foster Fitness and Learning

Yoga in School Classroom: Stretching and Breathing for Healthy Body, Healthy Mind In school classrooms, we often put the cart before the horse. Before we can educate a child's mind we must tend to his bodily needs. A tired, hungry, uncomfortable child does not learn well. Using yoga stretching fosters learning. Read More

Back-to-School Eye Exam and Glasses from Wal-Mart

Back to School Eye Exam and Glasses from Wal-Mart
There's one oft-overlooked aspect of back to school preparation. We remember the school supplies, but forget the thing that can make or break school for a child. Good vision. Thank goodness for Wal-Mart Vision Center.
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