Natural Living Archives - Page 6 of 6

Micronutrients in Superfoods: Essentials for your Family’s Health

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When it comes to healthy meals, there should always be a balance. The whole family needs plenty of nutritional goodies that will help their bodies stay strong and able, and certain micronutrients and macronutrients are essential in this process. Are you interested in cooking good, healthy food for the whole house? Then you need to learn which food will bring the best kind of benefits, and we’re here to show you. For more info on useful micronutrients and which superfoods contain them, read on.

The difference between micronutrients and macronutrients

Macronutrients encompass three major groups: fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Our bodies need them in larger quantities, and this what the majority of your diet will involve. Micronutrients, on the other hand, are found in smaller quantities in food but they’re equally important when it comes to health maintenance. There are two types of micronutrients: essential and non-essential. Essential ones are elements and compounds that our body can’t synthesize from other ingredients, and you need to ingest them through food in order to gain benefits from them. Below we’ll focus on a few of the most important micronutrients that are important for the whole family.

Iron to fight fatigue

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Let’s start with something that a lot of moms could use—iron. The substance used to create hemoglobin in our red blood cells, iron is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies and it’s found mostly in women. If you feel very fatigued even after a good night’s sleep and keep experiencing shortness of breath and dizziness, it might not be a bad idea to check your iron levels and see whether there are any issues. Meat, particularly red meat, is a very good source of easily-absorbable iron, but since a lot of eco-conscious families are trying to cut down their intake, it’s also possible to find iron in certain veggies. Luckily, leafy greens are just the superfoods you need, so you can stock up on kale and spinach and eat those to your heart’s content. Tofu, lentils, chickpeas, beans, and chia seeds are also great.

Stock up on magnesium

Magnesium is fantastic for our children because it helps their muscles grow strong and plays a large role in nervous system development, but generally, the whole family can benefit from it. It can lower blood pressure, increase exercise performance, fight depression, reduce insulin resistance, and help us in many other ways, but it’s a little difficult to get it from food alone. If there’s a deficiency you should definitely consider daily magnesium supplements, especially if you’re experiencing muscle cramps. If you do want to take it from food, then stock up on Swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and high-quality dark chocolate.

Vitamin D for strong bones

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For strong bones and healthy development, kids need their vitamin D, while the elderly should also consider upping their intake because the levels tend to decrease with age. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are excellent sources of this vitamin, and so are cheese, egg yolks, and beef liver. Women who have a hereditary risk of osteoporosis could also benefit from vitamin D, so don’t forget to combine both healthy food and spending some time outside to soak up the sun. Of course, do this while wearing high SPF sunscreen.

Berries and vitamins

Not only is berry fruit rich in antioxidants, but it’s also full of vitamin C, fiber, folate, and potassium. Folate is particularly useful for men because it can reduce the chances of developing a heart disease, and for pregnant women because it helps keep the fetus healthy and reduces the risk of neural tube defects. You can find folates in popular superfoods like goji berries and acai berries, but you can also find them in blueberries, strawberries, and black currants. The best thing about this is that pretty much all berries are entirely delicious, and it’s very easy to find a ton of healthy dessert recipes to keep the whole family happy.

Omega-3 fatty acids

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This micronutrient is pretty important for anyone who has a history of cardiovascular diseases in their family because it goes a long way in protecting your heart health. It also reduces the levels of inflammation in our body and some studies even suggest that it can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children. We all know that fish and avocados are great sources of omega-3s, but there are also other foods that you can incorporate into your diet: walnuts, soybeans, flaxseeds, and chia. Try to get your family to eat fish at least once a week, and you’ll be enjoying great benefits.

“When you don’t want children near the stove, a kitchen island is a safer place to have the kids assist with meal preparation tasks. The island is ideal for little ones that can’t reach the kitchen counter.”, adds Linda Fennessy of www.kitchenmagic.com.

Cooking for the whole family is no small task, but as long as you know which foods are nutrient-rich, you can easily start making delicious meals. Try our suggestions, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the added health benefits!

Tip For Traveling Moms That Want to Maintain a Fitness Routine

Staying in perfect condition is of utmost importance to me. It’s virtually the only word ay that I can get along with my everyday life routine and handling 2 grown boys with my husband almost constantly away.

Being an avid traveler as well, it can get kinda hard maintaining a healthy life while frequently traveling, whether we’re talking about family relocating to an entirely new home in a new neighborhood, or we’re simply going on a family vacation.

If you also have a growing anxiety if you’re not in a perfect condition 24\7 and you find it difficult to keep the training routine while on the move, you might find some or all of these tips helpful.

Research Up Ahead

No matter where we go for a vacation, one of the crucial things I’m always looking for when searching for proper accommodation is access to gyms and fitness centers.

Booking an accommodation in the hotel that doesn’t have a gym can make it super hard for you to stay in shape, especially if you don’t know how to improvise.

However, if you’re booking a stay in the private apartment or in a cheaper hostel where there is no gym included, the best you can do is to inquire about the proximity and availability of fitness centers near the place of your stay.

Finally, if you already have a vacation that can be considered as active enough for your body (if you’re an active surfer or you’re going skiing in Thredbo for example) then you should consider if going that extra step with regular gym sessions is what you really need.

Plan for Proper Food Supplies

Eating healthy is equally important for your health as sticking to your training schedule. Physical activity can push you over the edge and exhaust your body if you don’t have a proper fuel.

When you’re at home and near the oven, with the grocery store just a couple of miles away, it’s not detrimental for your fitness for you to plan your meals ahead (even though it’s still recommended if you’re serious about your progress).

However, when you’re away from home for a longer period with limited access to kitchen supplies and appliances, the worst thing you can do is leave your body to the nutrients found in the junk food you get on the go.

Instead, stocking up with a nice set of protein bars, healthy snacks, fruits and lots of fresh water to prevent dehydration while traveling is essential. Give your body enough room to fight the shortage of proper fuel and to overcome the lack of body movement.

Bring Your Stuff With You

Lastly, if you have your gym accessories in your home (and being a stay-at-home mommy myself, I certainly have my toys everywhere around the house) you should consider bringing some of them along with you for a journey. There are multiple YouTube videos with great exercises if you are willing to stay fit around the world (or at home)!

Using your yoga mat for a morning stretch or doing a few sets of dumbbell raises won’t do any harm while on holiday.

How To Manage Your Kid’s Anxiety For The Dentist

Good dental habits are important to establish in children early. This can be difficult, because many children today fear going to the dentist. Dental anxiety is so common among children that it is being labeled a major public health concern. As a concerned parent, you might feel uncertain how to handle your own child’s anxiety. It is obviously unpleasant to see your child worrying about it. Your kid needs to get used to going to the dentist though. If they don’t, they are likely to stop going as an adult and their oral hygiene will suffer accordingly. Fear not, there are effective ways to manage the anxiety and encourage a lifelong habit of good oral hygiene. Here are tips and tricks how to manage your kid’s anxiety for the dentist.

Be Upfront And Honest

Convince your child to visit the dentist through honesty. Let the child know well ahead of time that they are going to the dentist. Don’t lie to them about where they are going or say it is just an annual health check. Be candid about they should expect. If they have questions answer them honestly and to the point or encourage them to ask the dentist. Lying to your child will always come with a consequence. Don’t make the dentist seem worse by indicating you have to lie about it. Your child will remember that, and it will color how they view the experience. Like most things in a child’s life, honesty is the best policy.

Focus On Oral Hygiene

When discussing the dentist with your child, make sure to focus on why they must go. This is important to establish good oral hygiene for your child. Encourage them to view their healthy teeth as the reward for the dentists. If your child looks at it this way, they are more likely to carry on going to the dentist as an adult. It will make your child think of the dentist as a needed service, rather than a resented obligation. The same can be done for brushing teeth and flossing. It’s important with young children to emphasize cause and effect. If they understand why dentist visits are important, they’ll start to resist the anxiety. And for those looking for a reliable dentist, you can solve your dental woes with this family dentist in greenville.

Choose A Child-Friendly Dentist

Taking your child to a dentist who works regularly with children can also help their anxiety. A children’s dentist already has experience dealing with anxious children and has worked out procedures to handle them. They will know how to use distraction to keep children calm during the most uncomfortable parts of the procedure. A dentist in Atascadero, Dr. Farr explains, “I know many people have anxiety in coming to the dentist, and it’s my great pleasure to help ease their anxiety.” These sorts of things will mean everything to your child, even if the medical outcome is the same.

Reinforce A Positive Attitude

When talking about the dentist with your child, focus on the positive. This doesn’t just mean the positive of the child’s experience. Make sure you avoid referring to your own dental experiences as painful or unpleasant. A major reason many children have anxiety over the dentist is that many adults also have this anxiety. They see the adult around them express fear and anger about the dentist and draw their own conclusions. Your child can pick up on that sort of thing, even if your trying to hide it. Make sure you give them the impression you have no anxiety over the dentist, and they will soon learn to copy you.

Start Early

To avoid anxiety in the first place, start taking your child to see the dentist early. You should bring your child in no later than their first birthday. If you start routine visits that early, your child will be familiar with the dentist’s office before they start developing lasting memories. This may prevent dental anxiety all together. Most of this anxiety is the product of the unknown. If your child has always known what’s in store and the dentist’s office, they won’t get the anxiety in the first place. Starting this early is also good for oral hygiene and will put your child on a path to lifelong healthy teeth.

Your child’s anxiety about the dentist is common and quite easy to manage. Make sure you always tell them the truth about their visits to the dentist and what will happen. Present the dentist’s office as a part of good oral hygiene and important for white teeth. Make sure the dentist you take your child to is good with children. Reinforce a positive outlook on the dentist, in your child and yourself. Start taking your kid to the dentist early. These tricks will ensure your child grows up knowing that dentist appointments are an important part of their lives.

6 Tips for Buying Your First Family Home

The American real estate market is bouncing back into shape. Homebuyers are eagerly snatching up new properties. If you’re not experienced with the process, it can be anxiety-inducing. The process is particularly fraught with emotion for new parents. They’re buying the house that they’ll raise their children in, the house where their family will shape itself. Fortunately, people have been working on perfecting real estate transactions for a long time. For example, if you are looking to move to Jacksonville, gaining help from a Jacksonville NC Real Estate company will be beneficial to you. You’re not exactly journeying into uncharted waters. There’s a lot of good advice around if you’re willing to look for it.

Are you a first-time homebuyer? Here are some tips to make the experience go smoother.

1. Get Pre-Approved

Don’t waste your time chasing after homes that your family can’t afford. Get pre-approved for your home loan and you’ll know exactly how much you have to work with. If you have a realtor, getting pre-approved shows that you’re serious. It could give you an advantage with sellers as well.

Another benefit of dealing with the bank early in the process is that it gives you time to look around for the best deal. Carefully read the loan terms and be on the lookout for any hidden fees.

2. Study the Neighborhood

Your quality of life is going to be affected by your neighbors, especially if you have a young family. Living next door to the party couple that blasts music all night long might be fun for some people but it can make it difficult to keep your little ones in the bed or to get a night of uninterrupted sleep.

Spend time in your new neighborhood before you buy your house. Drive around at night and see what the atmosphere is like, check if there are there any commercial real estate developments. Try speaking with your neighbors. The more you stalk the neighborhood, the less likely it is that you’ll be blindsided by unpleasant surprises upon moving in.

3. Hire an Inspector

It doesn’t matter if your house was constructed in 1910 or in 2018, you need to hire a home inspector. An out of the blue structural problem is the last thing that you want to deal with when you move in. If there are problems with the property, and there might be, it’s better if you learn about them early.

A professional home inspection isn’t free but it might be your only chance to spot problems with the construction before it’s too late. Negotiating with the builder is a lot harder once you’ve already moved into the property.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate

Sellers can price their home however they want. Don’t assume that the price is fair or that the seller won’t budge. People expect to negotiate costs in real estate.

Take a look at how much similar homes in the area have sold for to get an idea of a reasonable price. If the neighborhood is particularly desirable, you might end up having to pay more than the seller originally asked for.

5. Don’t Fall in Love

Obviously, you want to love your new home, but you don’t want to become blind. Purchasing real estate is a serious transaction, you need to act rationally or your finances will suffer. You might be charmed by the breakfast nook and the spacious backyard, but if the home is out of your price range, there’s nothing that you can do.

You should also save your raptures until after your home inspection. A professional might be able to spot problems that you were blind to.

6. Keep Your Money in Place

If you’re planning to take out a home loan, you should avoid making lavish purchases for at least a few months. Banks want to see that you’re a steady, reliable spender. Spending huge amounts before buying a house can look reckless. Opening credit cards or amassing more debt will make it harder to get approved.

Start Your Search

Your family is growing; purchasing a new home is the natural next step in life. Choosing where you live is an important decision. The neighborhood that you settle on will decide what type of school your children attend. Your neighbors will be the people who shape your day-to-day environment. You’ll see them at the grocery store, at the park. It’s critical that you pick a home that you and your family feel comfortable in.

The best advice for first-time homebuyers is to take your time. You want to be absolutely certain that you’re making the right choice before you agree to sign any contract. Your home is your castle, you want it to be as close to perfect as possible.

Top 10 Artisan Crafts And Food Sites Across America

Artisan crafts and food across America is a booming business. From local sales to national shipping, artisans from every state are leveraging the Internet to build and grow passions into businesses.

If you think that the artisan retail niche is small, think again. And consumers want more artisan stores at their fingertips. Why? They serve up a personalized experience, which 56 percent of consumers crave.

Do you love artisan crafts and food as a consumer? Are you thinking of starting your own craft and food retail store and need some great ideas? The following 10 sites across America can serve as your artisan playbook.

1. Texas Treats: Georgetown, Texas

Texas Treats serves up delicious Texas food gifts and artisan crafts to locals in the Georgetown, Texas, as well as 48 states via shipping. Texas Treats is everything Texas, bringing together artisans who make food and crafts from every corner of the Lone Star State. From wedding favors to gourmet food, you can bring the taste of Texas home.

2. Urban Timberworks: Portland, Oregon

Urban Timberworks is an artisan furniture company located in the Pacific Northwest city of Portland, Oregon. Naturally, this artisan furniture company crafts handmade chair sets, tables, coffee tables, and more from salvaged urban trees.

3. Sage Inspiration Artisan Jewelry: Tucson, Arizona

Sage Inspiration Artisan Jewelry is a brick and mortar store in Tucson, Arizona with an online presence. They have lots of handmade jewelry necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and other artisan jewelry available to locals and those just passing through.

4. Beth Miller Jewelry: Marquette, Michigan

Beth Miller Jewelry is an artisan jewelry company that incorporates rich colors, metalworking, and nature in each handcrafted design. Located in Marquette, Michigan, Beth Miller crafts unique wedding rings, earrings, pendants, and everything else you need to compliment your style.

5. Vermont Soap: Middlebury, VT

Vermont Soap is headquartered in Middlebury, VT and boasts being, “Soap for the People.” This artisan soap company is USDA certified and meets organic standards by Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF). They ship in the U.S. and they even say their soap is available in Japan. From lemongrass to lavender, you can shop for your artisan soap by scent with Vermont Soap.

6. Farm To People: New York, New York

You wouldn’t normally associate farm fresh food with New York, but Farm To People aims to change that thinking. They are bringing farms and small food producers in the U.S. together with the people. They serve up products that are GMO-free, small-batch, non-artificial, and humanely raised animals. Ready to spice up your culinary skills?

7. Bird Trouble: Chicago, Illinois

Bird Trouble is an artisanal leather handbags company located in Chicago, Illinois. They typically craft 5 to 10 handbags at one time with the production of one bag taking up to a month. The designer and artist behind Bird Trouble are Alexz Sandoval, an artisan that has been handcrafting products behind her sewing machine since High School.

8. Market Hall Foods: Oakland, California

Looking for artisanal food from Europe? Market Hall Foods in Oakland, California delivers. Their mission is to source the best food from around the world to the Bay Area community and the rest of the U.S., and they have been doing it for 30 years. From product collections to Market Hall Foods recipes, they connect artisanal food to those enthusiastic about exploring culture in the kitchen.

9. Michael Perez Pop Artist: Miami, Florida

Michael Perez is a modern pop artist that has a gallery in Miami, Florida. Perez, however, began his pop art in New York and continues to create art that is modernly aesthetic, as well as rich in meaning. He has appeared on NBC’s “Weekend Today Show” and been featured in The New York Times. Perez also uses his art to help various charities and support causes he feels passionate about.

10. Becky Grismer Art: Spearfish, South Dakota

Becky Grismer Art encompasses nature in many of her pieces using tree bark to craft her sculptures and other art pieces. Grismer currently works as a sculptor in Spearfish, South Dakota, and she also creates ceramic sculptures that are unique and conversational. Truly an artisan with a new perspective that is a welcomed change to the art manufactured to sell at retail stores.

Wrapping Up . . .

There are a lot of artisanal crafts and food available across America. From the Pacific to the Atlantic, you can find just about any artwork or a delicious treat for your home and kitchen. Add a little Americana, and even a bit of other cultures to your home today.

The Hollywood Smile – Do’s and Dont’s

Everything that has a word ‘Hollywood’ in it always sounds so glamorous and magical. Having a Hollywood smile means having those flashing white, straight and beautifully shaped teeth, doesn’t it? And who wouldn’t want that? It’s not a secret that teeth are one of the sources of our self-esteem and confidence since they represent our good genes and self-care. However, no matter how good our genes are nor how hard do we try, sometimes we have to reach for professional help to get what we want. See what you should and shouldn’t do when you are chasing a Hollywood smile.

Do get braces/surgery if needed

Naturally straight and even teeth are not actually that common. Most of the people have something that is specific for them, like having bunchy canines or having a small gap between their front teeth. Minor misalignments are normal, but there are cases where crooked teeth can really affect your dental health and cause problems in the future. Having braces for a year or two can be demanding and frustrating, but it will result in perfectly aligned teeth for which you will be grateful one day.

Also, having wisdom teeth cut out is very common need; they are an evolutionary residue and we don’t need them anymore. For some people, growing wisdom teeth are painful and can cause serious damage since there’s not enough space in their jaw for another set of teeth. Undergoing these procedures can seem easily avoidable at the moment, but in the long run, you will realize why they were so important. If you need professional help, you can consider Dental Specialists of Niles, P.C. for oral treatment solutions.

Do your research about whitening

If you want a real Hollywood smile, whitening is inevitable. However, be careful. There are many whitening techniques nowadays, from regular whitening treatments at the dentist to home kits and whitening stripes. Not all of them are safe as well. Home kits and stripes can contain Hydrogen Peroxide levels higher than recommended (6%, according to 2012 EU regulations). Any product containing a higher level than this is illegal and you should avoid it, if not report it. This boundary is set for a reason, since higher than allowed levels can cause severe pain, harm your gums, enamel and even nerves. Some mistakes can’t be fixed so easily, so it is better to be safe than sorry. After all, paying a visit to your dentist and having him consult you is always a good idea. It is for the best to hear the opinion of an expert.

Do conduct regular dental care at home

Once you have your teeth whitened, it doesn’t mean you can stop taking care of them. Regular washing, flossing, and mouth-washing will help maintain your teeth whiteness and make it last until the next dentist visit. Avoiding stained drinks can help protect your teeth as well. There’s no need to avoid them completely, only using straws when having black coffee or tea might help. Consider switching to a white wine instead of a red for a while.

Don’t exaggerate (in any way)

White and straight teeth do look appealing, but going too far can even seam repelling. There’s no need going to the extreme with whitening your teeth and looking unnatural and like you have implants. Once-a-year usage of white stripes is sufficient. As for dental-office based whitening, consult your dentist about the recommended frequency. When it comes to straightening your teeth, it may seem strange, but many people like when others have some misalignments. There are some very typical and cute dental ‘flaws’ which can make you unique and memorable. But, of course, if they are a source of low self-esteem, you should get rid of them.

Don’t forget fillings

When undertaking teeth whitening, the guys from the dental lab in Melbourne remind us that it’s important to remember that your fillings will not be acting the same way as your natural teeth. Whitening substances don’t have any effect on fillings. So it is the best, if your fillings are in an obvious place, to do the teeth whitening first and then change filings accordingly. Before doing so, make sure you chose a shade that will suit your face naturally. There’s a little hack to use- if you want to see what shade of white will look good to your skin, consider the color of your sclera as a guide.

Don’t neglect dentist examinations

Other than keeping your teeth straight and white, keeping them healthy is even more important. Even if they are not as white as you would want them to be, having healthy teeth will make you feel confident and make your smile more sincere. Regular visits to your dentist can prevent some dental troubles and help you save a lot of time and money. Also, going for cheaper options is not a good choice when it comes to dental care. Finding a good dental practice isn’t easy, but once you’ve found it, you won’t have to worry about visits to the dentist anymore.

Having a Hollywood smile is very appealing, but it requires a lot of work. Or at least some. You don’t need to have sparkling white teeth to have a nice smile, though. Take care of your teeth, don’t skip the dental exams and don’t avoid necessary operations and you will be halfway there. Whitening your teeth can be a finishing touch in your every-day routine of taking good dental care.

Mental Health Awareness and Working on Personal Development

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Attempting to juggle raising kids, keeping the house clean, being successful at your job, and staying in some semblance of physical fitness leaves very little room for taking time for yourself and leads to constant stress, which in turn can leave even the best of us in a state of disarray. If you are experiencing any mental health problems, these conditions can lead to you feeling overwhelmed and unable to function normally. A lot of people tend to ignore these issues and chalk them up to being tired or annoyed, but mental health issues are no joke and you need to address them just like you would any physical problem. Otherwise, you run the risk of an easily treatable condition escalating into something more serious. While sites like Rolling Paper report on some of the treatments or remedies that can be used to address mental health issues, it is not always as simple as a few lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma in today’s society regarding mental health issues, and a lot of people don’t talk about their problems or seek treatment, which is why it is extremely important to raise awareness about this important topic. Here we will discuss how you can improve various aspects of your life by dealing with problems you or your loved ones might be experiencing instead of ignoring them.

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Talk about it

As mentioned earlier, people are very hesitant to talk about their mental health problems because they are afraid they will be labeled as weak, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Studies show that around 20% of people experience some sort of mental health issues during their lives, which means most people already know one such person but are often unaware that anything is amiss. If you or anyone close to you have experienced such problems, make sure to talk about it openly so others who may also be suffering can know they are not alone and that it’s alright to seek treatment. The more people talk about this topic, the more people will be accepting of others with these issues, which creates an environment where people are more likely to try and find help for themselves or people they care about. New and effective treatments have been developed in recent years, including ketamine therapy for depression, so there are definitely more options to choose from.

Photo credit Pixabay

Work on your personal development

Stagnation is the enemy of progress and you should always be aiming to improve yourself, both personally and professionally. Competence breeds self-confidence, which often leads to more success in all aspects of your life. Want to be in better shape? Take up a new sport or activity. Trying to make yourself the best candidate for a raise or promotion? Attend business courses to improve your professional qualifications or even gain new ones. However, this can be very difficult if you are suffering from anxiety or depression, which is why awareness is so important. Once you are comfortable talking about any mental health problems you may be experiencing and seeking treatment for them, you will be able to refocus on your personal development.

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Help others cope

Mental health awareness is a good cause, but it’s only the first step. The next one is helping your loved ones who are experiencing these issues cope and find proper treatment. While symptoms and their severity can vary, if you suspect someone is experiencing a mental health issue, talk to them about it. Be compassionate and understanding, but don’t push them to talk about the topic if they are unwilling, just make sure they know you are there for them. A lot of the time, this will be enough of a push for them to open up about what they are experiencing. Additionally, always stand up against people who trivialize mental health issues by claiming you should just get over it or misuse the term. Last, but definitely not least, you should try to pass these values onto your children so when they grow up, they will not hesitate to seek help for themselves or their loved ones.

About the author

Claire is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. You can find her online writing and giving tips about mental health, well-being, and healthy lifestyle at ripped.me. Claire on Facebook and Twitter.

The Value of Physical Therapy For Your Kids

Many fall into the pit of thinking that physical therapy is only for the elderly, in order to help them regain lost function and retain some degree of independence. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Anyone who is dealing with an injury or health issue may require some degree of physical therapy. As explained by chiropractoratlanta.com, “Pre-surgical physical therapy is a necessary component of car accident recovery programs, helping patients undergo surgical operations without the risk of suffering physical complications.

In some cases, following through with physical therapy before a surgical operation can help prevent this procedure from happening, depending on how soon you are able to receive treatment.” The same applies to children, though your approach may be different considering that their bodies are still growing. Here is how physical therapy is important for children and the best way to go about getting it.

Physical Therapy: Why?

Physical therapists, on top of treating many different people, treat many conditions as well. When it comes to children, generally any situation where movement is limited in daily activities may cause a doctor to recommend a physical therapist. Some examples include:

sports injuries
developmental delays
cerebral palsy
genetic disorders
orthopedic disabilities/injuries
heart and lung conditions
birth defects (such as spina bifida)
effects of in-utero drug or alcohol exposure
acute trauma
head injury
limb deficiencies
muscle diseases

How long your child actually needs physical therapy will depend on the nature of their condition and what the end goal is. For example, when dealing with a sports injury or even an infant having some trouble beginning to walk, you may only need a few sessions in conjunction with some other support. However, if you are grappling with disabilities or severe developmental delays, you may require both more time and more frequent visits. Your therapist will help set out a plan for you to figure this out early on. Of course, if things go a certain way during the progression of said plan, they will be able to help you adapt.

There are many different ways that your child can get physical therapy treatment, and in many cases, it will be a combination of different techniques and practices that help your child reach their goals. A therapist may help them to train to build strength in an injured area, or use flexibility exercises to increase their range of motion. In some cases, there may be room for different types of therapy like aquatic therapy or improving circulation around injured areas. There is no one single type of therapy you have to choose.

On top of this, there may be a teaching component as well. A physical therapist will generally provide some exercises your child can work on at home, as well as safety and prevention guidance if needed. Physical therapists also regularly interact with medical, psychiatric, and school personnel if this is one part of a more comprehensive treatment plan for your child.

Finding The Best Physical Therapy

Now, with all these benefits in mind, it begs how exactly you find the best possible option when it comes to your physical therapist. Part of the good news is that you have plenty of places to choose from. Physical therapists work in a variety of different places, including hospitals, private practices, fitness centers, and research facilities. Neither one of these are any better than the others, but when it comes to your children, you may want to go somewhere familiar. If this means somewhere you have had therapy done before or can get a recommendation from with someone that you trust, that’s great. If not, you may need to do a bit of research on your own.

As a start, you may want to take a closer look at the education your therapist has. Recently, the field has evolved to the point that all therapists have a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. There will also be some degree of post-degree education, such as continuing education, certifications, specializations, and/or residency programs. Does your therapist have a specialization in a certain area? This may be worth noting as well.

When it comes to the actual search, you have several resources to choose from, including your medical insurance provider or the American Physical Therapy Association’s website

Think Before Buying: 5 Essential Items for a Baby Nursery

Becoming a parent can be a sensational experience, but it can also be scary and astounding as you formulate crucial decisions about rearing your children that may be new to you. However, one of the many things that you can be ready for is the baby nursery.

It may be quite complicated to examine and determine which pieces are truly worth buying because of the many options available. However, there are essential items that can help you all throughout the process.

There are a lot of things to do when preparing for your baby’s arrival and purchasing all the essential items is one of them. But what exactly do you need? For a little help, listed below are five quintessential items for a baby nursery.

Nursery Baby Dresser

Of course, babies go through lots of changes every day, making a baby dresser is an essential element in a nursery room. With this type of Furniture, you can easily organize all of your baby’s stuff and store it correctly.

But before buying one, identify the items you’re going to put in it. Meaning, if you have tons of smaller items, it is best to shop for a baby dresser with numerous drawers. But if you need a dresser for storing large things, then go for a double dresser with six drawers.

Furthermore, regardless of the number of drawers a dresser can have, quality is of the utmost importance. Therefore, it is very crucial to buy a baby dresser with excellent construction and structure.

Baby Cribs

With tons of designs and styles available nowadays, selecting the perfect baby crib can be a stressful task. Thus, it is much better if you know your price range and then chooses what features are most significant to you.

Moreover, know that there are some safety standards any baby crib should meet. A safe and secure baby crib should have a firm, unshakeable mattress. It must have no broken or missing materials and no hole cut in the footboards or headboards.

If you happen to have a used baby crib, make sure to check it thoroughly to be certain that it will not cost your baby’s safety. Take care of all worn-out pieces or any missing hardware because it might endanger your baby.

Baby-Alarm or Baby Monitor

If you do not want to spend all of your time gawking into your baby’s crib, you may want to consider buying a baby monitor. A baby monitor is a device that allows you to hear or see your child without even going into their room.

It will certainly alert you if something happens to your baby. Baby monitors indeed are expensive, but the benefits that it can give you is truly worth it. One of its many benefits is the convenient reassurance. Meaning, you can have a peace of mind.

By checking the baby monitor regularly, you can ensure that your child is sleeping luxuriously and see if there are any safety threats, like trapped limbs or loose swaddling. Another surprising benefit is sleep training.

Of course, we all know that babies are somewhat manipulators. They will try anything and everything just to get your attention which makes sleep training a very challenging process. Thus, by having a baby monitor, you can make fair judgments whether your child needs you or only wants your attention.

Breastfeeding Chair

An excellent breastfeeding chair is probably one of the essential things you can buy for your nursery. But it can be the most distressing as well. Should you go for a rocker or a glider? Or a big, comfortable armchair? With tons of options available in the market, choosing the best chair can be pretty much intimidating.

Make sure to find a breastfeeding chair that is wholly comfortable. Believe it or not, you will most likely spend most of your time in your baby’s nursery. Thus, go for a chair that you can certainly live with for the next few months.

Of course, you do not have to nurse your child forever. However, it does not mean that your breastfeeding chair should not last for a long time. An excellent chair should be able to withstand the test of time.

Nursery Night-Light

Night-lights can be one of the most beneficial and helpful gadgets for your baby’s nursery. Not only for the baby, but also for you, parents. It will certainly help you keep from tripping or stumbling down every night.

Though these trips are unavoidable, having a reliable nursery night-light can make your movements a lot easier. It will emit enough illumination for you to tend your tasks, but not that bright to wake up your baby.
Here’s a detailed guide on nursery night-lights that will help you to choose the right night light wisely.

Takeaway

Indeed, having a baby is truly miraculous. And most probably your first job as a parent (apart from having a healthy baby) is purchasing all the essential items for their nursery. It may be a bit daunting, but it does not have to be that way.

As parents, you should get all the necessary things for your child. As such, baby dresser, baby cribs, baby monitor, breastfeeding chair, and a nursery night-light should be on your list. Put them all together and your done decorating your nursery room.

Author Bio

Lisa Jones is a blogger and a mother of two. She loves to write about parenting, home improvement, fashion, and travel. In her spare time, Lisa spends some quality time with her two sons.