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

2012-2013 Flu Season Hits Hard

In health news, the 2012-2013 flu season is shaping up to be a rough one. The Detroit Free Press reports that yet another child has died in southwest Michigan from flu-related illness, bringing the number to three this year. Two adults have died from similar flu illnesses, and the number of cases in Michigan continues to rise. Despite this, I still urge caution when considering whether to get the flu shot or not. For all the hype about it, remember that it only protects against three strains and which ones will be virulent each year is hard to predict. Also, once vaccinated, you pretty much have to be vaccinated every year thereafter (that's from health care providers). Lastly, the best offense is a good defense. Eating healthy, taking care of yourself and your kids, keeping sick ones away from others, washing hands and covering your mouth--those are worth more than any vaccine. Michigan 2012-2013 Flu Shot Options

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

How to parent teens through relationship drama without going crazy

As a mom, I'm generally confident handling childhood hurdles--potty-training, picky eaters, night frights--bring 'em on. There's one issue that shakes my equanimity--teen relationship drama. Whether they're boyfriend-girlfriend connections or same-gender friendships, teenage relationships are often fraught with drama and drenched in anxiety. Frankly, I'd rather beard a lion in its den than deal with drama. Even the term sets my teeth on edge. Disagreeable as they are, relationship problems are part of life. After four kids (and a lot of trial and error), I've assembled some thoughts for parents on helping kids navigate peer relationships.  How to parent teens through relationship drama without going crazy - Yahoo! Shine

Parent, Teen Health Concerns about Bath Salts, K2, Spice

Cayman Chemical in Ann Arbor, Mich., and law enforcement officials are working to deal with synthetic drugs like K2 and Spice, the Detroit Free Press reports.
* According to the Cayman Chemical website, synthetic pot is stronger than THC (found in marijuana). Spice made from dried plant materials tainted with synthetic cannabinoids is used to ape the psychotropic effects of Cannabis sativa.
* K2 and Spice are also sometimes called "bath salts." They're being linked to psychotic behavior and hospitalizations.

Read more at  Michigan Chemical Company Aids in K2, Spice Crackdown

Study Showing Breastfeeding Benefits Should Encourage Moms

A study in the journal Pediatrics comparing development in breastfed infants to those fed with milk-based or soy formula shows exciting results on the advantages of breastfeeding for the first year of life. It underscores that breastfed babies truly are the best fed. Study Showing Breastfeeding Benefits Should Encourage Moms 

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. 

Tips to help kids manage weight problems, stay fit, and be healthy

The Center for Disease Control says three times as many kids are overweight than they were in 1980. Weight problems in childhood can lead to diabetes, cholesterol, and heart problems. That should give us cause for concern, but it's important to keep the issue in perspective, too. In some families, kids go though a chubby phase in puberty that they outgrow around age 12-14. I was a chubby child until age 12. Then I slimmed down and was actually slightly underweight in college and early adulthood. Three of my children went through a similar growth pattern. How do you know if a child is going to outgrow being overweight? Family obesity problems are one cue. Here's how I helped my kids avoid weight problems later in life. Tips to help kids manage weight problems, stay fit, and be healthy 

7-Year-Old Girl Fights Off Kidnapper, Child Safety Tips

Brittney Baxter, 7, was filmed on store surveillance cameras fighting off an alleged kidnapper at a Walmart in Bremen, Ga. She followed instructions learned in a "stranger danger" class, CNN reports. Her actions have prompted discussion about public safety. According to an interview on HLN TV, Baxter was shopping with her mother, Georgann Baxter. The mother says she allowed the child to remain in the toy aisle while she went to get something in the grocery aisle. The camera shows a man, identified as Thomas Woods, a parolee, reaching for the child and trying to carry her away.Read more at Girl Fights Off Alleged Kidnapper, Prompts Child Safety Discussion

Kids' Sunburn, Teen Tanning Habits Increase Skin Cancer Risk

Kids' Sunburn, Teen Tanning, Skipping Sunscreen Increase Skin Cancer Risk A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics found children's sunburn and tanning behavior increased the risk of skin cancer. Moderate amounts of sun help provide needed vitamin D, but sunburns and even excessive tanning is dangerous. Here are tips to balance the health benefits of the sun with precautions for skin cancer prevention, including tanning, indoor tanning beds and sunscreen use for children, teens and parents. Read on...

How I Avoid Antidepressants with Daily Mental Affective Meditations

How I Avoid Antidepressants with Daily Mental Affective Meditations In nearly 30 years of mental health exploration, personally and professionally, I've tried many different techniques. Nine years ago, I began a regimen of antidepressant therapy but quit 18 months ago. I've since developed ways to tend to my emotional health without medication. Here's a home-grown technique I call "mental-affective meditations." It employs some 12-step work, cognitive therapy, healing of the inner child and family tree and re-parenting tools. Read on...

CPSC Releases Toy Safety Guide

CPSC Releases Toy Safety Guide The Consumer Product Safety Commission and other safety watchdog organizations have released a toy safety guide for parents. Here are facts about toy-related injuries. In 2010, the CPSC reports 251,700 toy-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms, of which 181,500 were younger than 15 years old. Thirty-five percent of toy-related injuries were by children younger than 5. Those numbers have not changed significantly from the 2006 to 2009 totals. Non-motorized scooters, small balls, magnets and balloons are the toys children most commonly injure themselves on. Read more....

Parents Warned Against Chicken Pox-Laced Lollipops, Parties

Parents Warned Against Chicken Pox-Laced Lollipops, Parties To avoid having children vaccinated against chickenpox and to get children through the illness at a young age, some parents are taking extreme measures. For decades, parents have purposely exposed kids to the virus via "chickenpox parties." Now some are sharing chickenpox-tainted lollipops. Here are facts about chickenpox and parent advisories about pox sharing. Read more...

Breastfeeding Moms Have Fewer Blood Pressure Problems, Study Shows

Breastfeeding Moms Have Fewer Blood Pressure Problems, Study Shows Moms who breastfeed their babies have been found to have lower incidence of high blood pressure problems, says a study of nurses. Lower risk of hypertension isn't the only advantage to moms, either. Health care experts urge parents to consider nursing benefits for children. Here are facts about breastfeeding and how it helps mother and baby. Read more...

Spring Safety Checklist for Bikes, Skateboards, Skates and Scooters

Spring Safety Checklist for Bikes, Skateboards, Skates and Scooters - Yahoo! News

Springtime means that kids who have been cooped up all winter are now frolicking in the warm sunshine on their scooters, bikes, roller blades and skateboards. Spring fever tends to make them a little carefree and accident prone. We had two broken arms within a month of each other from roller blade and skateboard injuries one spring! You can't quell spring exuberance, but you can teach kids to make sure that their outdoor wheeled toys are safe. Here's how.

Baby Monitors Recalled for Burn, Strangulation Hazard

Baby Monitors Recalled for Burn, Strangulation Hazard
Baby monitors are unsafe? I thought they were supposed to protect and save children, not harm them? Most do, but several baby monitors are failing the child safety test. Momma Doc says practice safety and child -proof your baby's sleeping environment. Consider co-sleeping with your child in a baby-safe bed or drop-sided crib next to mom.

Treatment Reviews and Parenting Tips for Children with Eating Disorders

When our daughter developed an eating disorder, I explored treatments extensively. She was treated using a variety of methods. Here are our successes, failures and lessons learned about treatments and parenting tips for children and teens with anorexia, bulimia and bulimarexia. Read more

Target, Kroger Join Walmart $4 Prescriptions Generic Drug Program

Walmart sells generic prescription drugs for $4 for 30 days and $10 for three months, and now Kroger and Target also carry them. Walmart and Target also have $9 (30-day) and $24 (3-month) generic prescriptions for Wellbutrin, Levitra, Clomid, Sprintec, Tamoxifen, asthma inhalers and several other expensive prescriptions. Read more...

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...

Protective Parent or Partner Power Struggles? What's Best for Kids

Protective Parent or Partner Power Struggles
Family dynamics are complicated to say the least. Parents have relationships with each other as lovers, as partners and as caregivers for their children. It's vital that parents keep personal power struggles out of their parenting decisions.
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