Can Portable Devices Cause Hearing Loss?

Did your charge put an iPod or MP3 Player on their wish list this year? While the musical devices serve as great entertainment pieces, could they be damaging to ear health, especially that of a child? According to Health Daily News, one in six teens has some degree of preventable hearing loss, but few parents warn their kids to turn down their iPods or avoid other sources of excessive noise.

Portable devices have been around for decades but, with the advancement of technology, and prolific use, the risk of hearing loss has risen. Some of the main concerns include earbud use and extended head phone use. CD and Cassette Players, some of the first portable music devices, came equipped with headphones, allowing users to avoid outside distractions and listen to music without distracting others around them, but new devices come with ear buds, a more isolated form of listening. Earbuds go directly into the ear, close enough to damage the canal if music is played too loud. Another concern is the advancement in portable storage. Old devices allowed for users to listen for maybe an hour at a time. MP3 Players and iPods can hold thousands of songs and are light to carry, extending the time people listen to their devices.

            The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association mandates that sounds over 85 decibels can cause hearing loss and damage. Newer MP3 Players and iPods can reach up to 106 decibels. The younger the listener, the more damage there is to be done. Hearing loss does not happen instantaneously, it happens over time. A long term repercussion could include the inability to distinguish the letters s, h, and f, which could make hearing difficult.

            If kids ask for one of these devices, there are a few things parents and caregivers can do to lower the risks. Substituting earbuds for headphones will allow them to listen to music but leave a safer barrier between the music and ear canal. Also, set musical limits. All musical devices enable users to set volume controls. Browse the settings menu and set the volume lower than 85 decibels. Finally, limit the time spent on these devices. The younger the user, the less time they should spend. As younger consumers get older and want to listen to music more often, set time intervals. Remember, hearing loss doesn’t happen instantaneously, it happens over time.

Do Children Play Anymore?

Childhood is all about learning, growing, experiencing, and playing. The days should be made for kickball games, races, and making snowmen with neighborhood pals. With advancements in technology, days spent outside have begun to fade away and replaced by the days of game systems, iPads, and solo play. While parents and caregivers have probably noticed the change from imaginary to virtual friends, medical experts have now started to research the effects.

            New medical research shows that, in a one-mile footrace, a kid today would finish a minute and a half behind a typical child from 1975. This could correlate to the high obesity rate of current times as compared to that of four decades ago, but what else is to blame? Children need to be exposed to a more physical lifestyle. While everyone deserves to enjoy the positives of technology, limits need to be set.

            It’s now time for caregivers and parents to go beyond curtailing T.V. watching. One way to transition from technology play to outdoor play is to partake in physical activity, join in! Here are a few ideas to bring playtime back in a healthy way:

• Ready, get set, go! Challenge your charge to a race. The first one to the corner gets to choose dinner from a healthy menu of choices. 
•  Goal! Set up the soccer net in the backyard and invite the neighborhood kids over for a game. Create a tournament for ongoing play. 
•  Push the pedal! Go for a bike ride before the sun goes down.
• Tag, you’re it! Head out to the yard for a game of tag. The more the merrier.
• Shake it! Zumba is a dance craze that also serves as an intense cardio workout.

These are just a few suggestions that allow for kids to get up, get out, and have fun. They also allow for parents and caregivers to get involved. Let’s start playing again!

Could A Diaper Be Dangerous?

Everyone hates a leaky diaper, but to what extremes will companies go to keep babies dry? Popular diaper brands such as Huggies Snug & Dry and Pampers Dry Max have come under scrutiny after multiple children developed severe diaper rashes that some parents and caregivers compared to chemical burns. The upgraded diapers are made of extra layers and material that claim to be more absorbent and reduce leakage accidents.

            According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 4,700 reported rash/chemical burn incidents in a four month span when the diaper was first introduced. While the CPSC has yet to find a distinct link between the Dry Max and diaper rash, they do suggest that certain diapers may react differently depending on the child. Children with sensitive skin may become irritated by a specific product. So is Dry Max a chemical in the diaper?        

            “Dry Max is not an ingredient. Dry Max was a name created to describe a diaper introduced in 2010. It wasn’t a change to the type of ingredients in the diaper.” That is the response Pampers provides to their customers on their website when questioned about the new product. When asked about the rumors linking Dry Max to rashes and chemical burns, Pampers denies the allegations. While Dry Max is not considered a chemical, according to Pampers, the company has yet to reveal what makes the diapers different from their other brands. What makes this diaper the driest?

            ABC2 News in Baltimore decided to launch an investigation after stumbling upon the multitude of parental and caregiver complaints. Under the Freedom of Information Act, a law that allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents, ABC2 requested to see the investigation conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. After waiting 11 months, the news station received 2,183 pages of emails, analysis, and medial opinions. When going through the information, they realized that almost 500 pages were missing from the investigation that could have held crucial information. The Consumer Product Safety Commission claims that the pages were missing or blacked out because of legal reasons. After a thorough investigation, Proctor & Gamble, the company who makes Pampers Dry Max, has maintained that their diapers are safe and have yet to recall the product even after 4,700 reported cases of severe diaper rash/chemical burns.

            Ironically, a medical doctor who decided to change career paths and become a stay at home mom of two kids published an online blog in 2012 called the Big Bad Diaper Test. On the blog, she put all of the big name diaper brands to the test. She tested absorbance, strength, flexibility, and durability. After conducting the experiment on both of her children, Dr. Mom, as she calls herself, found that Pampers Baby Dry, Luvs, and America’s Choice performed the lowest. She complained of rough and uncomfortable fits, snapping tabs, and leakage. After going through multiple brands, Dr. Mom found that Up & Up, a Target Brand, and Walgreens Premium passed the tests with flying colors. They were a great fit, thin and absorbent, perfect for naps, and no leakage.

            There is no definite way to know which diaper is best for a baby until various brands are tried. If a severe diaper rash or irritation occurs, the best thing to do is to switch diaper brands immediately. Upon switching, if the rash quickly clears up, the type of diaper may have been the issue. If irritation continues, it is always best to seek medical help.

The End to Bullying Starts At Home

TPNN recently held our regular Nanny Get Together and was honored to have Daniela Redpath, Vice President of Teach Anti-Bulling, Inc. speak to us about recognizing the signs of bullying and how to get involved to stop the vicious cycle. Redpath, along with President and Founder, Dr. Claudio Cerullo, formed the non-profit organization in late 2011. After watching her son, who suffers from Asperger’s, be a victim of bullying in his younger years, Redpath decided to change her career paths and help families in need. Their goal was help children and families who have been, or are currently, affected by bullying.

            Teach Anti-Bullying, Inc. goes into the community and local schools to raise awareness about bullying. They stress that if the lines of communication are not open at home, they will not be applied in the classroom. It is the parents’ and caregivers’ job to get involved. Redpath emphasized that children need two things, empowerment and conviction. During the younger years, children need to know that parents cannot solve all of their problems. They need to be able to express their emotions when they feel they are a victim of bullying, in a non-violent manner, and then have a conversation with an adult about how they handled the situation. For the kids doing the bullying, they have to be taught at a young age that their behavior is unacceptable.

            As children get older, parents and caregivers need to become more involved, clarify the lines of respect and disrespect, and notice for changes in behavior. Children usually do not tell an authority figure when they are being bullied because of fear of retribution. It is up to the adults in their lives to notice changes. This includes teachers because 33% of children in grades third through fifth admitted that bullying happens in the classroom with the teacher present. Some signs of bullying may include ripped clothes, odd attire, missing items, lack of interest in school, circle of friends changing, method of transportation changing, grades drastically suffering, nightmares, or sleep trouble.

            Signs of bullying are usually mirrored in home behaviors. Respectful children are less likely to be school bullies. Disrespectful, rude, violent, or out of control kids are usually the same at home and at school. When kids arrive home, parents and caregivers need to ask questions. Ask what happened at school, who did they eat lunch with, how was the school bus ride, and who did you sit next to? Willingness to share this type of information opens the lines of communications. Adults also should be aware that girls tend to use cyber bullying, the newest form of bullying, more frequently with 51% of girls cyber bullying as opposed to 37% of boys.

            Parents and caregivers are responsible for noticing the signs of a bullied child or a child doing the bullying. The age of suicide because of bullying or tormenting has gotten younger. Children with low self-esteem become adults with low self-esteem and child bullies become adult bullies. All children have to be taught empathy, compassion, and respect. Just as Redpath stressed, children have to be taught empowerment from a young age. A little courage can go a long way and Redpath said it best with the advice she gave her son to make him feel special and confident when he was a victim of bullying, “You’re not disabled, you’re differently abled.”

Visit: www.teachantibullying.com

Do You Know The Signs Of ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common childhood brain disorder. While the hyperactivity aspect may fade as children get older, there is always a chance that other aspects of the disorder continue into adolescence and adulthood. The National Institution of Mental Health reported that in youth with ADHD, the brain matures in a normal pattern, but is delayed by about three years. The delay is most evident in the thinking, attention, and planning sections of the brain.

            Some of the symptoms of ADHD may include varying degrees of difficulty focusing on one thing, struggling to follow directions, becoming easily confused, having trouble sitting still, trouble with quiet tasks or activities, fidgeting and squirming, blurting out inappropriate comments, or having difficulty waiting.

            Researchers have yet to find a cause for ADHD. While there is speculation that the cause could be one of five areas (genetics, environmental factors, brain injuries, sugar, or food additives), there is no scientific proof. If a caregiver suspects a child is demonstrating elements of ADHD, she should discuss her observations with the parents and recommend a meeting with the pediatrician. The behavior may look like ADHD and therefore can sometimes be mistaken as other problems. Some children may be inattentive but because they are not overly hyperactive, symptoms could be overlooked. Also, children who exhibit hyperactive or impulsive symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for having disciplinary problems.

            ADHD symptoms usually appear between the ages of three and six. Because symptoms vary from person to person, the disorder may sometimes take longer to diagnose. Teachers and caregivers are usually the first to notice signs, as they are with children a large portion of the day. After expressing concerns with the parents, proper help can be sought. Pediatricians can then decide whether or not the child should see a professional who specializes in testing and treating these disorders.

            There is no current cure for ADHD. Some of the common treatments used to control the disorder include medication, various types of psychotherapy, or education and training. Early intervention is best. If diagnosed early, treatments can allow for better adjusted educational, social, and emotional growth.

Information from: The National Institution of Mental Health

Do Video Games Belong In the Home?

In home video games have been in existence for the last 30 years. They allow the player to enter into a virtual world and become part of the game’s reality. Today, the quality of these games has greatly evolved. The realistic features in some of the characters and environmental settings mimic real life scenarios, making it sometimes hard for impressionable children to understand the difference. So, are all video games bad?

            Video games aren’t all bad. Playing games for a limited amount of time can improve dexterity, promote computer literacy, and help language development in younger gamers. Companies have now created learning games that promote the mental development of small children. They are able to recognize letters, shapes, numbers, and objects, which all help memory. With advancements in technology, some of the games talk back to the players, improving language and listening skills. Following instructions is also important when playing. The gamer must plan, think quickly, take risks, and concentrate. In order to advance to a higher level, all qualifications must be fulfilled, which includes problem solving and logic.

            Alternatively, some video games encourage violence and danger. The more interactive the game is, posing realistic violent situations, the more problematic they become. Ironically, Grand Theft Auto V, a violent virtual reality game recently hit store shelves and made almost one billion dollars internationally within first weekend sales. While the rating on the game is “Mature”, for consumers 17 years of age and older, many parents bought the game for younger children. What do violent video games impose on impressionable youth? They have the potential to promote violence outside of the game, confuse reality and fantasy, encourage social isolation, and could enable impulsive behavior.

            Choosing which video games to purchase for children can be challenging. While some seem to have positive learning features, those games are purchased in a lesser volume than violent games. Is the influence of peers causing children to ask for these games at home, or are parents and caregivers unaware of the intense negative nature of some of the more violent games? If children ask to play specific video games, do research, discuss, and make suggestions to decide whether those games actually belong in the home.

Trust: An Employee/Employer Building Block

Welcoming someone new into your home requires trust. Who is this person coming in, what will they bring to the table, and how can I feel completely secure when they are caring for my child alone? Those are all relevant, and important, questions that can run through a parent’s mind when hiring a nanny. Now ask, how can a caregiver ease the process?

Set common goals. Let parent’s feel secure by knowing that there is a nanny/parent team. Set an agenda and follow through.

Establish credibility. Following through on a consistent basis will help the parent trust that the nanny’s word is fact. If she says she is going to do something, it will get done.

Listen and follow directions. Parents know what they want done, when they are out of the home. When going over the day’s plans, take notes, ask questions, and reiterate important details to ensure accuracy.

Add input when needed. Being at home all day allows caregivers to be more aware of scheduling conflicts, amount of downtime, more hectic times of the day, and more. Observe, express concerns, and offer suggestions to employers.

Be a strong communicator. Nannies are the eyes and ears of the home when parents are away. Try keeping a notepad that recaps the day so parents are updated when they come home. The outcome is a smooth transition from day into evening for kids.

Earning an employer’s trust may be instantaneously or take time. Once a relationship is established, parents will feel more at ease. A strong foundation is built on trust.

Keep Social Media Professional or Private

Social media can be a professional liability. Prior to hiring, employers may search potential employees’ Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Without updated privacy settings, entering a name into Google will display all active social media accounts. While hiring decisions cannot be made solely on what is found, it certainly can influence opinions. Once hired, employers can check these sites to monitor behavior, comments, and status updates at any time. To keep social media professional, here are a few helpful tips:

Think before you post. Social media posts are meant to be active, engaging, and non-offensive. Stay clear of foul language, discrimination, and comments that demean personal character.

Who will read the post? Before posting, determine if anyone reading the post will be offended personally or professionally. Also, social media posts are time stamped. This makes it easy to place where you were at the time of the post. Were you at work?

A picture is worth a thousand words. Posting inappropriate pictures can cause educational consequences, professional dismissal, or public shame. A photo posted online can be seen by millions.

Who will remember this? The internet is forever. Once something is posted online, it remains forever. If deleted from a particular site, the image, or comment, is still in cyber space and detectable if searched for properly.

Aside from professional social media forums, educational institutions have now included social media guidelines within their ethics policies. Indecent commentary or negative portrayal of an institution can result in expulsion or criminal charges.  Before posting online, check privacy settings. They can usually be found under account settings [privacy]. Since social media sites update regularly, account settings should also be checked periodically. The best advice for social media use is to keep everything professional, and if using social media to express every opinion, keep it private.

Don’t Let Peanut Allergies Stop the Fun

According to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), researchers estimate that 15 million Americans have food allergies and one in every 13 children is affected. Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish are eight foods that account for 90 percent of allergic reactions.

Peanut allergies are on the rise, especially in children. They can result in difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or fatal reactions. Peanut butter and peanut oil aren’t the only foods to avoid. Many ethnic foods, such as Chinese, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese contain traces of peanuts. Candy, especially chocolate, some cereals, granola, some veggie burgers, and many health food bars also contain peanuts. Caregivers and parents should be cautious since there is no proven way to prevent the allergy, just blood and skin tests to detect it.

Peanut allergies are typically diagnosed within the first two years, though they can develop at any age. The symptoms may include, but are not limited to, tingling of the mouth, hives, swelling of the tongue or throat, abdominal cramps, or vomiting and diarrhea. Anaphylaxis is the most serious. When this occurs, blood pressure drops quickly and the individual loses consciousness.

To help avoid allergic reactions, caregivers and parents should monitor children’s food closely. Be sure to carefully read food labels and teach children not to eat other’s cooking if the ingredients are unknown. Packing snacks and lunches for school may also help reduce the chances of children coming in contact with peanut stricken foods. In severe allergic cases, parents, caregiver, and teachers should be fully educated on how to administer an EpiPen. An EpiPen is a shot of epinephrine which reverses anaphylactic shock and helps control serious reactions.

Parents and caregivers should develop, and keep, a written plan with recommendations from their child’s health care provider that helps others recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction, how to administer treatment, and who to contact in case of emergency. All allergies, including peanut, can be 100 percent controlled with monitored observation and attention.

Idea from: March of Dimes- Peanut Allergies

Turn Play Time Into Play Dates!

Nannies add a spark in the home. The one-on-one care they provide to children makes for great self-esteem boosters. Children experience individual learning. While the one-on-one care is great for child development, it is important for children to have social interaction as well. Play dates are great ways for caregivers to remain involved while helping children interact with others.

            In play dates, nannies can teach children how to interact emotionally and socially. They guide them to learn how relationships function in the form of friendships. Playing with other children provide the environment to learn how to share and compromise. Play dates are also strong antidotes to bullying. They provide the venue to introduce kids to the concept of accepting others.

            Children learn how to be polite and respectful during play dates. They’re able to learn to collaborate and cooperate with other kids and caregivers. Successful play dates are planned play dates. Forcing children to overplay may lead to restlessness depending on age. Allow them to “free” play for 60-90 minutes, maybe followed by a structured activity where everyone participates. By the end of the play date, children will have had adequate social interaction for the day and be ready to transition back into a one-on-one atmosphere.

            Play dates are easy activities for nannies to plan. They can be held in the house, park, a local gym, or Mommy and Me class. As part of the nanny’s responsibility, she should first be certain the parents are consulted about to whose home children are taken, or who may be coming into their home. Secondly, relay details about the play date back to the parents. Nannies can share how the kids interacted with others, how they respond in a group, and what sort of games they like the most. While the individual care and one-on-one playtime children receive at home is great for developmental growth, play dates help prepare children for the transition into the longer days of being with other children when they eventually enter school.

Don’t Let Summer Bite

The summer heat attracts seasonal bugs. Ants, ticks, flees, and mosquitos tend to bite more during the summer months. Kids spending more time outdoors during these warmer days, run a higher risk of being bit by bugs. While dressing children in long sleeves during the summer may not seem practical, parents and caregivers might want to consider thin, loose-fitting clothes that don’t include bright colors. Linen is a great alternative for shorts and tank tops. The light and loose material allows for children to be covered and cool.

            Wearing socks and sneakers instead of sandals when playing in grass can reduce chances of being bit. Be sure to also avoid dusk and dawn. These periods are when bugs tend to bite most aggressively. Scented soaps and lotions left on the skin add to the aggressive biting.

When kids want to be outside, just be sure to pick the right bug repellant. DEET, a slightly yellow oil believed to repel insects, is one of the most common ingredients in most bug sprays. Some repellents include extra ingredients to remove the DEET chemical. However, most experts agree that repellents with DEET have the best protection. Parents and caregivers have to keep in mind that products with higher DEET concentrations aren’t necessarily stronger than those with lesser concentrations; they just tend to last longer. If children are going to be outside for a few hours, repellent with 10% DEET will work. For longer days outdoors, 20% DEET proves more effective. Always consult a physician before applying bug repellent to children under the age of three.

            As a bonus, many bug repellents come with built in sunscreen, but be aware. These products should be used with caution. Sunscreen is meant to be re-applied multiple times throughout the day, while bug repellents, especially those containing DEET, are not. It is best to think about sunscreen and repellent as separate applications. Summer is a time to enjoy the long days outdoors. Kids should be able to play outside without the summer bite!

Idea from: Summer Safety

Should You Be CPR Certified?

CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency procedure used to preserve brain function when someone exhibits abnormal or unresponsive breathing. CPR instructors advise everyone, especially those caring for children, to become certified. When children stop breathing, the risk of brain damage is heightened and chances of survival are lowered. Parents and caregivers can choose a convenient location close to their home and become certified in a day. For those who have already gone through the CPR training class, certification renewal can be done through an online class.

            Certification is important for many reasons, the most primary being that it can save a life. When a CPR necessitated event occurs, people tend to get nervous and panic. If someone is CPR certified, she is prepared to react quickly and calmly. Attempting CPR when not certified can result in injury. Many common mistakes include chest bruising, inadequate breathing, and incorrect timing between breaths and chest pumping. If there is an emergency, call 911, then administer CPR. For those unfamiliar with CPR, finding someone who can perform the procedure or relay the process step by step is the best choice.

            According to CPR training administrators, effective CPR can triple the survival rate of someone in danger. The human body is only made to survive four to six minutes after the heart stops beating. That usually does not give emergency responders time to reach the injured party, which is why effective CPR training is important. For small children whose body organs are not as developed as those of an adult, the response time needs to be expedited. Doctors should advise parents to get certified, followed by parents suggesting caregivers to do the same. A few hours of training could be worth a life.

           

Summer Won’t Limit Learning

Summer vacation provides a much needed break from the structured routine of the classroom for kids. However, parents and caregivers should feel reassured that three months of non-academic stimulation won’t derail the learning process. Here are a few summer activities that will keep previous lessons fresh, while prompting kids to learn new material:

1. Find a good book. If kids are of reading age, take a trip to the local book store and let them choose a book. Kids will be more inspired to read if the material interests them. After they’re finished, allow them to explain the plot, their likes and dislikes, and whether or not they would recommend the book.

2. Have a math drill. While preparing dinner, shout out some addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division problems. Make math a game. See how many questions the kids get right within 60 seconds.

3. Turn the backyard into a science lab. Planting a garden will help kids understand the process of floral growth and reproduction. As flowers and plants begin to bloom, the kids have the opportunity to learn the individual parts of the plant and their functions.

4. Communicate with teachers. Ask kid’s teachers if there are any worksheets or activities they recommend as a summer refresher or prep for the upcoming school year. Teachers may also suggest a summer enrichment program.

5. Visit a museum or aquarium. These outings allow kids to learn about history, science, and aquatic life while having fun. Museums and aquariums sometimes offer student discounts, group discounts, or free days. Check your local museum or aquarium for details.

If kids maintain some form of structure throughout the summer, the transition back into a daily routine may be less stressful when classes resume. Summer can be educational and fun at the same time!

Keeping Summer Fun!

Summer will arrive shortly and, while the warm months are full of smiles, bicycle rides, and swimming pools, the outdoor scenery can pose health risks to adults and children. Before heading out for summer activities, be sure to take the necessary precautions for happy, healthy fun:

1.      Beware of insect-borne illnesses. Dangerous mosquitos are commonly known to carry West Nile virus   and ticks can carry Lyme disease. Be sure to spray pets with flee/tick repellent. Insects are also attracted to sweet smelling lotions or perfumes so keep it simple.

2.      Sun exposure is of great concern. Sunscreen, containing at least 15 SPF, should be applied before outdoor activity and reapplied according to the label instructions. Along with skin protection, UV-filtered lenses should be used to protect eyes from sun exposure.

3.      Allergens peak with warm weather. Pollen counts are elevated and smoggy air can trigger allergic or asthmatic symptoms. Checking the air quality before beginning the day is a smart routine.

4.      Picnics are great ways to enjoy the outdoors. Be cautious when packing foods for the outing. Place an ice pack in the picnic basket and foods in individually sealed containers to keep fresh.

5.      Lastly, the most serious summer danger is drowning. Beaches and pools are common summer activities. Children left unattended can be disastrous. Be sure to stay close and keep an eye on children at all times when around water.

These are just a few tips for a great summer. The best way to ensure that kids have the best summer stories to share with friends when they return to school is to make the summer a happy and healthy one!

Cool Meals for the Warm Weather!

When school lets out, routine will fade away into the lazy days of summer. Packing lunches full of fruits, whole grains, and calcium give way to “quick bites” from the ice cream truck, pizza shop, or sandwich shop. The idea of a warm meal falls away and kids look towards popsicles, chips, and cookies. Summer months should give children an opportunity to relax and enjoy a little time outside of the rigidity of “classroom” rules though not run the risk of developing unhealthy eating habits.

          Fresh fruits go hand in hand with summer. Encourage healthy eating by taking children on a day trip to a local “pick-your-own” farm. Kids will have a chance to try delicious fruits and exercise as they walk throughout the farm. Once the fruit is home, nannies and parents have the opportunity to try new recipes that encourage healthy eating. Making fruit salads, pure fruit juice, non-fat yogurt smoothies, and fresh fruit skewers, all picked from the farm, are great ways to make meals and snacks exciting and fun.

          Another idea is to encourage kids to plant their own garden. They can decide what to grow, learn about caring for seeds, and ultimately picking their own fruits and vegetables. These “personal” farms don’t have to be planted in a large field. Local department and hardware stores sell seeds, the right dirt, and small pots to keep outside in a small area. Giving young children the “farm to table” experience is a fun way to promote healthy eating.

          As meal time approaches, transition away from the stove and venture outside to the grill. Grilled chicken, fish, and vegetables are healthy choices for daily dining. There are a variety of fruits & vegetables that can be grilled. Do a “taste test.” Which do you like better, a grilled banana (use bananas that are not over ripe!) or “raw” banana, a grilled pineapple or a raw pineapple? Be mindful of young children near hot grills. Grilling outdoors leads to eating outdoors. Kids love the opportunity to eat outside; they may not realize they’re still on the same healthy eating plan.

Surprising Seasonal Allergy Triggers

With spring rapidly approaching, allergic reactions have spiked as compared to the winter months. Allergy symptoms consist of sneezing, runny nose, watery or itching eyes, skin rashes, and common cold-like symptoms. To control these symptoms, many doctors prescribe seasonal medications or even yearly medical regiments to control allergy attacks. According to Prevention.com, the most effective way to decrease allergic reactions is to understand their triggers.

     Surprisingly, summer fruits are first on the list of agitators. Grass or ragweed allergy sufferers are advised to take precaution when eating apples, peaches, pears, and melons when these fruits are in season. Baseball parks, America’s pastime, overflow with an influx of families during the spring and summer months. Ironically, the dust and dirt from the field may contain high levels of spores, causing allergy symptoms to surface. Be aware and take precautions such as carrying allergy medications in case of an attack. After the baseball game, be careful of jumping directly into the pool to cool off. Diving into water instead of easing the body in can trigger asthma or allergy symptoms because of the sudden temperature drop. As the evening approaches, be sure to remain downwind during those late night camping adventures or bonfires. Smoke inhalation weakens the body’s immune system causing allergy symptoms to worsen.

     Lastly, on those beautiful summer days, think about the way heat traps pollen and diesel bringing allergens closer to the ground. It’s a good practice to always check the weather report for air quality. If quality is low, take precautions. 6 Surprising Seasonal Allergy Triggers

The Influence of Social Media On Youth

Living in the age of social media, status updates, and automatic news feeds means the information highway has become influential, regardless of age demographics. The American Academy of Pediatrics released data correlating to youth and social media stating: 22% of teens log onto these sites more than 10 times per day, 75% have access via mobile device, and the prolific use of social media has increased the risk of cyber bullying and depression among teens.

      Social media, while potentially dangerous to the naive, has positively increased communication, provided abundant access to information, and has allowed younger users to easily use their own creativity to construct their online profiles. In 2005, Facebook originated as a university based site and allowed access only to users with an “.edu” address. Today, Facebook is internationally accessible to users over the age of 13. The American Academy of Pediatrics developed 13 tips for parents regarding online danger prevention and educating young social media consumers:

1. No underage activity. No child under 13 should have access to social media sites
2. Parents should check computer privacy settings, limiting access once a child is old enough to navigate on their own.
3. Use filter software to monitor which sites children visit.
4. Set ground rules before a social media profile is created
5. Know your child’s interests. Their likes will become their top searches.
6. Keep the computer in a central location to monitor usage and content.
7. Monitor pictures. Once a picture is posted, the image can never be destroyed.
8. Parents should set a good example, displaying appropriate profiles of their own.  Limiting cell phone use will help to limit access to social networks
9. Teach children about online reputations. 
10.  Parents need to understand technology & their children’s level of knowledge.
11.  Discuss online dangers, predators, and scams.
12. Urge children to stay away from giveaways, contests and questionnaires that request personal information.

Technology use is a societal norm. In less than a decade, the age of social media users has decreased by five years of age. While children are developing socially, emotionally, and mentally, technology serves as a central place for information communication. If boundaries are not set and online activity is not monitored closely by parents, the fallout of posting inappropriate comments or pictures by naïve children may come back to haunt them in unexpected ways.