Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 11

What is Eczema and Who Gets It?

by Rachel Duran

Eczema refers to a common skin disease called “Atopic Dermatitis.” This causes a dry, itchy,  red rash on the skin. You will have very intense scratching that can cause patches of dry skin can bleed, crack or crust and get infected. Most people with eczema get it as children. However, many people still have the disease as adults. Adult symptoms tend to be milder. It’s less common to get this skin condition for the first time as an adult. These types of inflammation are not allergies, however, the disease can flare-up when you’re around things that cause an allergic reaction. The body’s immune system overreacts to substances, called allergens, that are usually not harmful. This can cause hives, itching, swelling, sneezing, and a runny nose. Areas affected by atopic dermatitis must be moisturized daily and medication must be applied when necessary as prescribed by a doctor.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become extremely itchy. Persistent scratching can lead to redness, blisters that “weep” clear fluid, bleeding, and crusting of certain areas of the skin. People with atopic dermatitis also can be more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections.  Credit: NIAID – Eczema, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...

Nearly 31 million Americans suffer from eczema-related symptoms.  Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees and on the hands and feet. Scratching the surface can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more.  The rash is not contagious.  And the cause is not known. Both genetic and environmental factors likely cause atopic dermatitis. Inflammation and the areas affected may get better or worse over time, but it is often a long-lasting disease. People who have it may also develop hay fever and asthma.

The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis in children.   Children who have atopic dermatitis will often have the disease into the adulthood with a highly variable level of severity and frequency.  Sometimes the symptoms can be chronic which means a person always has at least one area of their body with symptoms. Treatments may include topical medications, skin creams, light therapy, and practicing good skin care.  Doctors often prescribe  steroid creams to calm down the inflammatory reaction. Long term use of topical steroids have side effects.  More doctors are utilizing effective and less harmful non-steroidal topical medications for long term use.

There are several types of eczema:

Atopic Dermatitis: More than half of people with eczema have this. It’s the most severe type and it lasts the longest. The symptoms often start in childhood.  It includes dry, itchy, and scaly skin and is often located insides of the elbows and backs of the knees. It can also cause rashes on the cheeks. The flare-ups often come with crusted sores caused by infection.

Dyshidrotic Eczema: Also known as pompholyx eczema, causes itchy water blisters on your palms of hands and soles of feet.  It also brings a burning sensation and pricking feeling. Dyshidrotic eczema affects adults over 40 years old, especially those with allergies. It’s also common among people who put their hands and feet in water a lot. People who work with chromium, cobalt, or nickel have a higher chance of developing pompholyx eczema.  Stress can also trigger this form.

Nummular eczema: “Nummular,” the Latin word for “coin,” refers to the coin-shaped spots on the skin. It’s also called discoid eczema because the scaly patches look like discs. Its cause is unknown.  The spots, which can be dry and scaly or weeping (and may or may not be itchy) might be triggered by reactions to inflammation or dry skin. The lower legs, forearms, and trunk are the most commonly affected areas.

Unfortunately, there are no blood or lab tests to diagnose atopic dermatitis. Your doctor will look at your skin and assess your symptoms to figure out the severity of your eczema, and decide on treatment. Each different type of eczema can range in severity from mild to severe.

Eczema Research

Scientists thought that all types of eczema were caused by allergies (eczema and allergies). Now we know that the connection is more complicated. Researchers are still uncovering new details about the causes of atopic dermatitis that may lead to better treatments. Some recent areas of study include:

Genes. Researchers have found that some people with the condition have a gene flaw that causes a lack of a type of protein, called filaggrin, in their skin. It helps form the protective outer layer of our skin and keeps out germs and more. A lack of filaggrin dries out and weakens that skin barrier. This makes skin vulnerable to irritants, like soaps and detergents. It also makes it easier for allergens to get into the body. Scientists believe that that makes people more sensitive to those allergens and even some foods.

How the body reacts to allergens.

Some research has found that people with eczema may have a defect in their skin barrier. Small gaps in the skin make it dry out quickly which lets germs and allergens into the body. When allergens enter the skin, they prompt the body to make chemicals that lead to redness and swelling, called inflammation. Research also points to a problem with a type of white blood cell that releases chemicals that help control allergic reactions in the body. This may help explain why people with eczema have outbreaks when they’re around allergens.

Too many antibodies. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody that plays a role in the body’s allergic response. People with eczema have higher-than-normal levels of it. Researchers are working to understand why people with the skin condition make too much IgE and what role this may play in the disease.

Eczema Treatment

The current medical treatments reduce itching and swelling, but they tend to only focus on making the symptoms more bearable.  Some of them also have nasty side effects.  Antihistamines taken orally are used as a form of treatment. Some scientists claim that this isn’t an effective therapy because it doesn’t treat the skin.  Oral antihistamines only treat the itching.  Antihistamines often can cause drowsiness and leave you sluggish during the day.  Antibiotics sometimes are required to address an infection caused in an area by bacteria.

By NIAID – https://www.flickr.com/photos/niaid/1..., CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...

Infections from atopic dermatitis are often due to itching, which stirs up bacteria on our skin. This can cause a bacterial infection on skin that is open.  Antibiotics may be necessary at times but they can also kill our good bacteria or ‘normal flora’ on our skin.  This can weaken the immune system.  Topical steroid creams are frequently used but can result in diminishing effectiveness. Often more powerful topical steroids need to be applied to achieve the same results. Once users discontinue topical steroids the return of eczema is devastating. Topical steroids can also cause atrophy or skin and subcutaneous fat layer below the skin. Most doctors recommend non-steroidal prescription and OTC creams today.

Natural Treatment Options for Eczema

An eczema journal can help keep track of  flare ups.  Natural remedies can also alleviate symptoms and build a path towards remission and health. These natural remedies are often used to avoid the cost, inconvenience, and side effects of prescription drugs and invasive treatments.   Topical medications will not help until you address the underlying problem.  Sometimes diet and lifestyle factors can cause or contribute to the eczema flare-ups.   Applying coconut oil and lotion can help cool pain. Make sure you are not allergic to coconut oil before you use it. ‘Sea Spray’, a liquid treatment for eczema,  can also relieve pain. Bathing in magnesium helps heal the skin.

How to separate the good eczema treatments from the junk.

When taking care of skin it’s important to pick the right products, no matter if it’s natural skin remedies or medications.   Pay attention to quality of ingredients, ingredients which address dryness, allergens, bacteria, and provide a protective barrier, and offer a  money-back guarantee.

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat your health problem. Always consult your doctor before seeking treatment.

References:

https://dermareport.com/br/?msclkid=1813522c849d189e909e098ddf0bf2f2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=E-BSR-Broad&utm_term=%2Beczema%20%2Btreatment&utm_content=Treatment

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/treatment-16/eczema-allergies-link

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-different-types#1

https://www.news-medical.net/?tag=/Eczemahttps://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/types-of-eczema#1 https://articles.mercola.com/eczema/types.aspx

 

 

 

 

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The article What is Eczema and Who Gets It? by Rachel Duran appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Laser Hair Removal Benefits For Busy Moms

by Guest Author

If you are a busy mom, I’m sure that you will admit that getting time in your schedule for just a quick shower is sometimes a hassle. Who has time for personal grooming and shaving? If you can keep your kids out of the bathroom for enough time just to rinse off then you are probably still ahead of the game.

Being a mom means that you are also a woman. We would all like to feel glamorous and at our best all the time, but realistically, you know that there is little time left for shaving or waxing at the end of the day. Wouldn’t it be nice to never have to shave your legs again? Think of all the time you would save!

Laser Hair Treatments are the best method for removing hair without chemicals. No more pulling and plucking, waxing and shaving. Laser treatments use a high-density light pulse directly into your follicles.  You will be hair free and smooth in just a few sessions. Below are some of the benefits of laser hair removal, especially for busy moms trying to find a permanent solution for getting rid of unwanted hair.

It’s Cost Effective

The size of the treatment area is the largest factor in the overall cost of Laser Hair Removal. On average you can expect to pay around $200 per session. It may take several sessions to achieve the desired results. Although this may seem like a hefty price tag if you consider the amount of money that you will save going forward on waxing treatments and supplies.

Compared to razors and shaving creams, you will still come out ahead. Many patients have said that just the convenience of having no hair to shave or wax and feeling permanently smooth is worth the price tag.

Saves You Time

You will be able to get ready for any occasion in just minutes. Don’t worry about plucking, shaving or waxing ever again with laser hair removal. Just get ready and go! You can look and feel your best on any day without any repetitive efforts. You won’t have to book any more waxing appointments that can put a time dent in your busy schedule and you can keep your shower time to a minimum. Your summer will pass by like a dream with no worrying about prickly legs or bikini line bumps.

Precision & Speed

No mom with a hectic schedule has time to attend endless treatment sessions just to stay feeling smooth. With laser hair removal treatments, you will only have to attend a few short appointments until your hair is permanently gone. No touch ups or repeated treatments are needed. The technology used in laser hair removal is so precise that you can target an area as small as a few hairs. This makes it a great solution to those small patches of unwanted and unsightly hair. Have your arms, legs, toes, back or face treated or wherever you have an area of concern.

Moms need to give themselves a break from time to time. Make sure to set a time to pamper yourself.

Sponsored Advertisement

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The article Laser Hair Removal Benefits For Busy Moms by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

How to Raise Environmentally Aware Children

by Guest Author

The decision to have kids is something that no one should take lightly. Child rearing is a huge responsibility that demands a lot of adjustments from you and your partner. After all, your parenting has lifelong consequences for your child.

Basically, your task is to mold the little ones into productive people who contribute significantly to their communities. Because of this, choosing the right preschool and school for them is naturally a major concern for you.

But we all know that education actually starts in your home. What you do in the house and the activities that you choose conveys to the children the values that you hold. This article will present to you tips on how to effectively teach environmental awareness to your kids, consider starting with simple subjects that’ll get more complicated as they grow older like Biological Nutrient Removal.

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The article How to Raise Environmentally Aware Children by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy Before You Start Trying

by Guest Author

When we are young, having a baby might not be the first thing on our minds. During this time in our lives, we may throw caution to the wind when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle. As we get a bit older, we may settle down and start thinking about having a baby. This is a time in our lives when being healthy is very important. While some of us may be lucky enough to have maintained a proper diet and exercise routine, others may not be as healthy and may need time to prepare for their pregnancy. No matter what situation you might find yourself in, there are a few things you can do to prepare your body for pregnancy.

Healthy Moms Magazine recommends the following:

Get a Check Up: A doctor will be able to tell you if you are ready for pregnancy. He will recommend things you need to do to get ready for pregnancy if this is not the case.Lose Weight: Being overweight can cause health problems for you and your child including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Get your weight down before becoming pregnant by eating the right foods and exercising regularly. These are great lifestyle practices that you can pass down to your children .Quit Smoking and Drinking: Smoking is bad for your health and your child’s health. If you smoke, it may be best not to get pregnant at all but, if you are a smoker and really want a child, quit as soon as possible. Alcohol should also be consumed in moderation and avoided when pregnant.Start Early: Although circumstances may not always be on your side, it is best to start trying to have a baby when you are young. As you get older, your chances of conceiving will decrease with fertility dropping in your 30’s and even more so once you hit your 40s.Other Ways to Prepare for Pregnancy

While these are all great ways to prepare your body for pregnancy, some women may still struggle. Luckily, there are other ways to increase fertility. While hormone therapy is one of these methods, this can be expensive for many couples and lead to unpleasant side effects.

Essential oils are an inexpensive natural alternative. Pregprep.com recommends some that may be effective in increasing fertility.

Lavender: This essential oil calms the mind and balances emotional state. It also works to balance the endocrine system and regulate the menstrual cycle putting your body in the best possible state for conception.

Geranium Oil: Like lavender, geranium oil also provides relief from stress while balancing hormones and regulating your menstrual cycle.

Yarrow: Yarrow’s detoxifying abilities help to clear up pelvic congestion and prevent inflammation. It also helps to support the digestive and urinary tracts.

Rose Otto: The essential oil works to relax the uterus and regulate the menstrual cycle. It also has a libido enhancing effect and increases the production of cervical mucus. Note: Once you become pregnant, it is best to discontinue use of this oil.

Clary Sage: This oil helps your body to regulate hormones naturally. It influences estrogen levels and works as a libido booster. It can also treat hormonal imbalances in men working to increase male fertility.

Fennel: Fennel has been long known as being beneficial to the female reproductive system. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and provides relief to those suffering with painful periods.

Ylang Ylang: This essential oil is good for stimulating the reproductive organs and balancing hormones.

Vetiver: Recommended for aiding male fertility, vetiver can relieve stress and anger that can impact fertility while acting as an aphrodisiac.

If you are looking to add essential oils into your lifestyle, Plant Therapy is a wonderful option. Make sure that the essential oil brand you choose is reputable and safe. If you are at the stage of your life when you are thinking of having a child, it is important to get in the best shape possible to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. If you have done all you can to get healthy, and are still having trouble conceiving, essential oils could help to naturally increase your fertility. Here’s wishing you the best on your journey to starting a family.

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The article Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy Before You Start Trying by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

New Treatment For Injury Caused By Ankle Sprains Discovered

by LouAnn Moss

 

 

 

 

 

 

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered a new, minimally invasive treatment for osteochondral ankle lesions, an injury that can occasionally occur as a result of a simple ankle sprain.

Osteochondral ankle lesions can occur after a traumatic injury, such as a sprained ankle. They occur when there is a fracture or tear in the cartilage surrounding the ankle bone, causing severe pain when weight is put onto the injured ankle. Typical treatments in the past relied on cartilage grafts, an invasive surgical procedure that left patients unable to walk for six to eight weeks followed by an additional six to eight weeks with a surgical boot.

However, this new treatment, discovered by a research team at Mount Sinai headed by Dr. Ettore Vulcano, involves injecting bone substitute matter into the injury site. This process circumvents invasive procedures, meaning the recovery time would be reduced. Dr. Vulcano commented to Newswise.com on his theories surrounding the treatment:

“I do not believe the actual cartilage lesion is the source of pain. Therefore, my hypothesis was that if I address the bone bruising with bone substitute without even touching the cartilage or trying to regenerate cartilage, the patient will get pain relief.”

The new treatment was tested on eleven patients with osteochondral ankle lesions following an ankle sprain. In 90% of cases, patients were able to bear weight on the injured ankle immediately following the procedure. One patient could even run after only three weeks of recovery. This success rate is comparable to the standard rate of success with the total ankle replacement surgical treatment, however, the recovery time has been dramatically reduced.

This new treatment for osteochondral ankle lesions would greatly reduce recovery time for the patients suffering from this common injury, often young athletes who are looking for as quick a recovery as possible. With reports estimating that 25,000 Americans suffer from a sprained ankle each day, this revolutionary treatment could have more people back up on their feet as soon as possible.

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The article New Treatment For Injury Caused By Ankle Sprains Discovered by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

A Closer Look at the Environmental Triggers of Autoimmune Disease

by Dr. Chad Larson

The world of autoimmune disease is broad and complex, with many mysteries still lurking. With over 100 types of autoimmune diseases identified, medical researchers are constantly seeking to gain a better understanding of how, when and why these conditions are triggered. While many diseases in general are associated with genetics, the onset of symptoms associated with autoimmune disease is much more complicated, making proactive prevention quite difficult. However, an awareness of common environmental triggers of autoimmune disease can help identify and treat many autoimmune conditions.

What Triggers Autoimmune Disease?

Health issues associated with autoimmune disease are expanding quickly and are now known to affect tens of millions of people in the United States alone. As environmental factors are one of the primary triggers of autoimmune reaction, it’s imperative we keep a close eye on any adverse reactions we may have to specific environmental elements. Environmental triggers of autoimmunity include the following:

Dietary proteins – Each person has their own unique body chemistry and digestive function. Sensitivities to different foods can not only bother one’s digestive tract but can also trigger an autoimmune-related response. While each of us may react differently to different foods, there are some proteins that are more likely than others to present symptoms of autoimmune response, such as gluten (a wheat protein).

Chemicals – When thinking of the health risks associated with excessive chemical exposure, many of us are quick to think of cancer. However, the loss of immune tolerance associated with toxic-chemical exposure can also lead to autoimmune reactivity. Environmental toxins are believed by many healthcare professionals to be the leading cause of autoimmune disease. Over 80,000 chemicals have been introduced into our society since 1900, and only 550 have been tested for safety. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 2.5 billion pounds of toxic chemicals are released yearly by large industrial facilities.

Heavy metals – Cadmium, lead and mercury are known to have strong associations with autoimmune reactivity. However, studies have shown mercury to be the worst. The EPA also reports that six million pounds of mercury are poured into our air every year.

Bacteria, viruses and other pathogens – Repeated exposure to bacteria and viruses wears on our immune system. For some, that hard-working immune system can turn on its own body and mistake its own healthy cells for harmful ones, thus attacking them and leading to autoimmunity.

Stress and other factors – Levels of stress-related illness are higher than ever. Both physical and emotional stresses weaken our immune system, allowing the body to develop a variety of illnesses. Stress is also known to trigger and intensify autoimmune-related disorders.

How to Tell if You are at Risk for Autoimmune Disease

How can we tell if environmental elements have placed us at risk for autoimmune disease? Unfortunately, symptoms don’t always present themselves until we are under a full autoimmune attack. However, symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, abdominal pain and nausea are common signs of early autoimmune response as a result of an environmental trigger.

Identifying potential dietary, chemical or other environmental triggers to your individual immune reactivity is key. Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in advanced, innovative testing designed to detect food sensitivities and monitor autoimmune reactivities and their possible triggers, offers the Array 10 – Multiple Food Immune Reactivity Screen – to evaluate immune reactions to foods, raw and/or modified, food enzymes, lectins and artificial food additives, including meat glue, colorings and gums. This helps with early detection of dietary-related triggers of autoimmune reactivity. The Array 11 – Chemical Immune Reactivity Screen – identifies the loss of immune intolerance associated with toxic chemicals exposure, which may lead to autoimmune reactivity. This clinical laboratory are able to do so thanks to their advanced and state of the art technology such as utilizing label printing printer accessories. For the most comprehensive laboratory labeling tools, make sure to check out LabTAG’s label printing solutions page on their website. They offer label printing kits, label printers, ribbons, scanners, label printing accessories and even label printing software.

We are exposed to environmental toxins and bacteria through the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. If you have symptoms that you believe could be related to autoimmune reactivity, speak with a healthcare professional to determine if testing might be an option for you. We learn more and more about the causes and impact of autoimmune disease every day, so determining any triggers you may have can set you on a path toward a much healthier, happier quality of life.

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The article A Closer Look at the Environmental Triggers of Autoimmune Disease by Dr. Chad Larson appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

6 Awesome Fitness Tips for Busy Moms

by John Welborn

You wake up early, hurry through your day, and are back in bed exhausted before you know it. Lost in all the rush – between driving the kids, preparing for your big meeting, doing the laundry, cooking dinner, and everything else – is YOU. There’s never enough time for everything on your list, and your health, wellness, and fitness are always at the very bottom.

Don’t worry. You are not alone. Women often put so much on their plate that they leave themselves off of it. It’s time to take a little time back for yourself. And if all you can find is 10 minutes a day, that’s a great place to start. Small changes lead to big rewards. Your body will thank you.

Make Sure To Eat!

Yes, start here. Your body needs fuel for all your errands, meetings, and unexpected moments. Don’t skip your meals.

Your body likes a schedule. Eating a healthy breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner means your body will regulate those calories and keep your metabolism going. And it doesn’t have to be hard. Keep small bags of almonds in the car for on-the-go, healthy snacking. Set aside an hour on Sunday afternoons for meal prepping so that you have lunch ready every day this week. Invest in a crock pot and scour the web for amazing, simple, healthy meals that require zero effort.

Fuel your body with vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein and for great, long-term energy and health.

Drink Water!

While we’re at it, don’t forget to stay hydrated. The average woman should drink at least ten glasses of water a day! Water keeps you looking and feeling your best. It beats back fatigue, stress, and depression while reducing the signs of aging. How is everyone not doing this?

Two great hydration tips:
If you don’t “like” water, toss in some fruit slices to add some flavor and brighten up your day.
Enjoy what you drink from. Invest in a few fun, upbeat water bottles so you always have one nearby (no excuses that you left it at home or in the car).

HIIT It

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. This proven method for quick fat-burning and improved metabolism makes even the briefest exercise time much more effective at improving your body.

The secret to HIIT exercises is that you go hard (“High Intensity”) for a very brief period and follow that with a quick rest. Intervals can be as short as 20-seconds followed by 10-second rests, or you can lengthen your sets to 1-minute on and 30-seconds off. These short bursts train your body to push its limits, burn anaerobically, and improve your overall health.

The Fitness Tribe can provide you with simple effective ways to make use of 10 minutes that you have, pick five favorite exercises and start HIIT-ing it! We suggest starting with easy, but super-effective moves like jumping jacks, squats, triceps dips, high knees, and pushups.

Pick It Up

Women are often hesitant to lift weights. Don’t be! Old ideas of bulging muscles and long hours at the gym misrepresent the benefits of lifting weights. Strength training burns calories faster, turns up your metabolism, and, of course, improves your strength.

Choose smaller weights for big toning benefit without the big muscles. You can easily incorporate weights into your HIIT routine. Make at least one day a week a strength day.

Choose Small, Awesome Goals

You are a busy mom. This might not be the best time in your life to train for that marathon. Instead, set small, manageable fitness goals. You will be a success!

You might choose a daily goal like, “I am going to make time for a 10-minute HIIT workout today.” Or you could set a plan for the week: “I will eat fruit or vegetables with every meal this week.” Long-term strategies can also be simple: “I will do a few pushups every day until I can do ten on my toes.”

Whatever type of goal you choose, celebrate! You are taking care of you and succeeding!

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Last, but certainly not least, go to sleep.

This is the Number One overlooked step to health and wellness. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to keeping your body in shape. Resting and recharging your body for at least 7-8 hours a night will naturally help regulate your weight, your blood sugar, your heart-rate, and your stress levels. It is the easiest, best thing you can do for your body. Try it tonight.

For more great fitness tips, talk to your personal trainer or fitness instructor. If you don’t have time to see one in person, online trainers make staying in shape and staying accountable easy. Make sure you have a fitness coach who understands. Start today!

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The Surprising Health Benefits of Traveling Could Help Your Kids

by LouAnn Moss

When it comes to traveling, family vacations are among the most popular types of trips. While there’s no arguing that bringing young children along on your travels can prove to be more of a challenge, there are actually astounding ways that children — even those that are very young — can benefit from seeing the world around them. In fact, the brain makes the most connections among its cells before your child turns 10, which means that young children can absorb more information now than when they grow older. Here are just a few fascinating intellectual reasons to consider traveling with your children this season.

Improves Mental Flexibility

If your children are consistently being exposed to new sights, sounds, and smells, they’ll quickly learn not to expect or get accustomed to any particular one. Essentially, change becomes the only constant. But this is by no means a negative aspect of traveling — it teaches children to always expect new experiences and to be ready for change. The number of foreign-born individuals in the U.S. population has more than quadrupled since 1965 and is expected to reach 78 million by 2065. The United States has always been a melting pot, and there’s something to be said about getting out of the country and truly experiencing cultures from around the world firsthand with your children.

Promotes Creativity and Free Thinking

Similarly, experiencing so many different ways of life helps children to expand their creativity. It keeps them longing for adventure, it encourages them to ask more questions, and it gives them a thirst for knowledge and understanding. This is particularly true when traveling to parts of the world where a multitude of languages are spoken, but it’s also true of English-speaking regions like Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand, and Ireland, Europe’s third largest island. Never underestimate the creative benefits that can only come from seeing the ways of the world.

Encourages Mental and Physical Activity

There’s no denying that a major part of traveling, with or without children, is having to move around consistently. Even if you’re not walking everywhere, being constantly ‘on the move’ promotes mental and physical activity and stimulation for your children. Think about it: it’s not easy to develop healthy habits these days. In fact, about 54% of U.S. adults are currently trying to reduce their weight. And though it may not seem like it, your children are bound to develop a more active lifestyle after moving around so often during their younger years, improving their overall health for years to come, and potentially, for the rest of their lives.

Increases Time Spent Away From Screens

Technology has become an exceedingly useful tool for learning, but young children often learn best through hands-on experiences — ones that you can only get from traveling. Your child will have plenty of time to take advantage of technology when they get older, but it’s incredibly beneficial to expose them to real-life experiences when they’re young and their brains are developing rapidly. You’ll be amazed at how much knowledge they’ll retain.

As mentioned, traveling with children undoubtedly has its challenges. But when you consider all of these developmental advantages, it’s absolutely worthwhile to give it a shot. Take it from Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore of the Huffington Post:

“As parents, we need to re-think how we travel, and a lot of it is letting go of our own expectations of “perfect trips” with picture perfect postcard memories. How enjoyable traveling with kids is, ultimately has a lot to do with the mind-sets of the parents,” writes Ottimofiore. “Raising young little travelers is exciting and tiring. But so, so worth it.”

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Beat the Afternoon Slump with Protein Coffee

by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition Susan

Let’s talk about coffee. It tastes great, of course, but many also turn to coffee for the energy boost and improved focus that comes from the caffeine it contains. It is beloved by many, including moms – and, for lots of busy moms, coffee is a non-negotiable part of their daily routine, especially if its Honduras San Marcos Coffee. You probably start your morning off with a cup or two and likely scatter some more throughout the day. We recommend visiting Jura Ena to read their ideas on how to make your coffee time even better.

Maybe every afternoon, a few hours after lunch, you hit a wall. Don’t worry, it’s not just you. In fact, the afternoon slump is natural and is actually a response to your body’s circadian rhythm. The slump can also be related to what you ate for lunch – if your lunch is too light on protein, for example, it won’t have much staying power. When the slump happens, you probably reach for or order, your favorite coffee beverage. But if your pick-me-up tends to be one of those typical fancy coffeehouse drinks, it could be loaded with extra fat, sugar, and calories that you don’t need. Sure, you may get a lift from the caffeine, but there’s not much else in there that is going to carry you through the rest of the day.

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you give up your coffee. But we are suggesting that there’s a much better option out there – one that’s more nutritious than the drinks you’ve been settling for. A new alternative is the high protein iced coffee: a refreshing and energizing beverage packed with protein that tastes great.

You may have heard or read a lot of different ideas about how to best store your beans – everyone has a theory. Some people store them in the freezer, some in the refrigerator, and some just out on the counter. And some people have those fancy valve bags, while others go old school with paper. Most containers aren’t truly airtight, so even if you think you have a good airtight coffee canister, air can still get in. If you do choose to go with the freezer, make sure that the container you use is truly airtight. Make sure to check out the top coffee canister amazon. Coffee Gator even throws in a stainless steel measuring scoop an overlooked but essential tool for consistently brewing delicious coffee and four replacement valves to keep your coffee fresh for months to come.

Unlike some afternoon pick-me-ups, a protein coffee like the mocha-flavored High Protein Iced Coffee by Herbalife Nutrition contains just 2 grams of sugar, no artificial flavors or added colors. It’s big on taste and the 100-calorie drink mix provides 15 grams of protein and 80 mg of caffeine per serving. It’s the perfect healthy snack to energize your life.

So, instead of carving time out of the day to stand in line, make a pot of coffee, or hit the drive-thru, you can prepare your own delicious iced protein coffee in minutes. The time you save could give you a couple more minutes of “me time” in the day or simply allow you to spend more time with your kids.

For more nutritional tips from Susan visit www.DiscoverGoodNutrition.com.

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The article Beat the Afternoon Slump with Protein Coffee by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition Susan appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

The Nervous Parents Guide to Sports Injuries (And How to Help Your Kids Avoid Them)

by LouAnn Moss

Now that we know how dangerous football concussions can be, many parents are newly nervous about youth sports. If you want to help your kids stay safe, here’s a parents guide to sports injuries in kids.

It may seem surprising, but it’s true: More than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports or participating in recreational activities. And while sports injuries aren’t always easy to avoid, it’s important for all parents to be diligent about educating both themselves and their children about the dangers associated with certain sports and how to minimize injury risks. Here’s a quick guide that will explore some of the most common types of sports injuries and how to limit your child’s risk. If they unfortunately do get injured, then consider going to a sports medicine doctor for medical assistance.

Get a Pre-Season Physical

First, it’s important to realize that your child’s risk for certain injuries depends on the sport they’re participating in. But it’s always a good idea to get a preseason physical for your child to ensure that they’re in proper physical shape to play. Many schools require their student athletes to get preseason physicals, but if yours doesn’t, be proactive and make an appointment anyway. This way, if something is wrong or your child has an increased risk for certain injury types, you’ll know before the season starts and can make an appropriate judgment call.

Invest in Proper Gear

While your child’s school is likely to provide all the necessary safety equipment, you should take some time to inspect it and be sure that it’s up to par. For certain contact sports like hockey, you’ll need to make sure your child has a proper mouthguard, since the AAPD notes that between 10% and 39% of dental injuries in children are caused by sports, particularly chipped and broken teeth. Most parents think the main injury risks are associated with sprains or strains, but dental health should be treated as a priority as well. According to an AACD survey, virtually all adults (99.7%) surveyed believe a healthy smile is socially important. The bottom line? When you invest in the right safety gear, you’re investing in your child’s athletic health.

Communicate the Importance of Proper Warmups

Kids are often eager to jump right into the game, whether it’s football, soccer, hockey, or any other team sport. But before they put this kind of physical stress on their muscles, it’s important for them to warm up properly by stretching. Experts typically recommend a combination of static and dynamic stretches: static stretches are stretches where one position is held for a certain amount of time, and dynamic stretches involve movement. Ask your child’s coach or do a quick Google search to find the proper warmup exercises for your child, and make sure to educate them on the importance of preparing their muscles for the increased activity.

Encourage Adequate Resting Time

Though your child may seem to have unlimited energy and want to constantly be on the go, it’s important to make sure they understand the need to rest their muscles after a game. Overuse injuries are some of the most common types of sports injuries, and taking the time needed to regain strength can help prevent such injuries.

“Athletes of all ages need to rest between practices, games and events. A lack of sleep and muscle fatigue predispose an athlete to injury…In fact, the most common injuries seen in young athletes are overuse injuries — too many sports and not enough rest. Along these same lines, parents should also plan an offseason for their athlete, giving him or her adequate time to recuperate before the next season,” says Johns Hopkins Medicine.

According to a 2017 Kaufman Hall survey, one-quarter of U.S. hospitals and health systems say they hope to decrease costs over the next five years, and avoiding sports injuries means avoiding hefty medical bills and gaining the peace of mind that comes with raising a healthy and athletic child. Staying up-to-date on these prevention tips can help you communicate consistently with your child and encourage them to take the proper precautions on and off the field. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for any specific or ongoing concerns with your child’s health.

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The article The Nervous Parents Guide to Sports Injuries (And How to Help Your Kids Avoid Them) by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.