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10 TIPS FOR YOUR KID’S DENTAL HEALTH

You may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases such as tooth decay (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease, simply by improving your diet and through some common sense steps.

Decay results when the teeth and other hard tissues of the mouth are destroyed by acid products from oral bacteria. Certain foods and food combinations are linked to higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria. Although poor nutrition does not directly cause periodontal disease, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diet does not supply the necessary nutrients.

1. Eat a well-balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety. Choose foods from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products and meat, chicken, fish or beans. Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, which usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

2. Keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water. Saliva protects both hard and soft oral tissues.

3. Foods that cling to your teeth promote tooth decay. So when you snack, avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods such as cakes, candy and dried fruits. Instead, choose dentally healthy foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, and cheese.

4. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, as well as some fruits, juices and sodas, peanut butter, crackers and potato chips are culprits. When you eat fermentable carbohydrates, such as crackers, cookies and chips, eat them as part of your meal, instead of by themselves. Combinations of foods neutralize acids in the mouth and inhibit tooth decay.

5. Eat less. dental disease is just as related to overeating as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

6. Parents should take their child to the dentist just after the first tooth appears. Children should also be supervised as they brush. A good rule of thumb is that when children can dress themselves and tie their own shoes, then they are ready to brush unsupervised. Children should be supervised in proper flossing techniques until the age of 10.

7. Any prolonged exposure to soda can cause damage. Avoid sodas

8. Children at school should rinse their mouth with water after meals, leaving their teeth free of sugar and acid. Children should also brush three times a day for two minutes and rinse with a fluoridated mouth rinse.

9. Avoid Chewy/sticky sweets, sour candies or sugary snack. Try hard candies or better yet dark chocolate.

10. Introduce oral health care habits early. Wipe baby’s gums with a damp cloth after every feeding. Introduce brushing with a soft-bristle brush and water when the first tooth appears. Parents can add a pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste to the toothbrush by age 2.


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Cancer Prevention Among Children

CANCER IN KIDS
In the United States, cancer is the second most common cause of death among children between the ages of 1 and 14 years, surpassed only by accidents. More than 16 out of every 100,000 children and teens in the U.S. were diagnosed with cancer, and nearly 3 of every 100,000 died from the disease. The most common cancers in children were leukemia (cancer of the bone marrow and blood) and brain and central nervous system cancers.

Youth go through many physical and social changes as they grow into adults. These changes create unique opportunities for cancer prevention. By addressing certain exposures and behaviors among today’s young adults, we can reduce their chances of getting cancer in the future.

PREVENTION STEPS

· Promote protective behaviors.

o Physical activity.

o Abstinence from sex (all kinds) or completing the three-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series.

o Limiting radiation dose during medical imaging procedures.

· Reducing harmful exposures.

o Sunbathing and indoor tanning bed use.

o Tobacco & Drug use.

o Alcohol use.

o Exposure to certain chemicals.

  • Eating Right
    • Avoid Sugars & Sodas.
    • Avoid foods with Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG).
    • Eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables.

Source: Multiple including CDC


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TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Part 5

(DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a medical advice nor does it substitute for one. These are home remedies that has worked for us. Please consult your child’s doctor before you try them at your own risk.)

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: NOSE BLEED

1) Set upright and lean forward

2) Pinch your nose and breath through your mouth

3) Avoid hard blowing of nose

4) To prevent, increase humidity with a Humidifier or OTC saline spray

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Pink Eye

1) Use a warm moist compress over closed eyes multiple times. If allergy sis the reason, use a cool compress

2) Wash hands to avoid spreading.

3) Avoid cosmetics and contacts

4) See doctor to see if it is bacterial or allergic pink eye

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Poison Ivy

1) Wash immediately every where and all clothes

2) Do not scratch. Use OTC calamine lotion or hydrocortisone

3) Use oatmeal bath and cool water bath

4) Cover open blister with gauze

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Stomach flu

1) Eat less and sample ice chips or drink electrolyte. Avoid apple juice and instead try Pedialyte

2) Gradually get back to regular food. Avoid fatty or spicy food. Use simple starch like rice, cracker, banana

3) Take rest and avoid pain killers.

4) Check out with doctor to see if it could be food poisoning

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Sun burn

1) Apply cool moist compress

2) Use moisturizers. Avoid any –caine OTC drugs. Instead use aloe vera or 1% hydrocortisone. Try non-aspirin anti-inflamatory medicines

3) Rehydrate

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Body odor for teens

1) Take bath daily and use natural fiber clothes

2) Dry your feet . Use athletic socks

3) Use perfume free deodorant (not antiperspirant)

4) Try changing diet

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Swimmers ears for older kids, (not infant)

1) Home remedy – mix 1 part white vinegar and 1 part rubbing alcohol and apply 1 tsp and drain before and after swim to prevent bacteria and fungus growth

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Teething for babies

1) Massage baby’s gums

2) Use teething toys

3) Use cool wash cloth dry drools

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Tick bite

1) Wear long sleeve shirt and pants. Keep yard clear of brush and leaves. Use insect repellant.

2) If bitten, remove tick using tweezer over the tick’s head. Wash the area after

3) See doctor to rule out other diseases like Lyme, rocky mountain spotted fever etc.


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TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Part 4

(DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a medical advice nor does it substitute for one. These are home remedies that has worked for us. Please consult your child’s doctor before you try them at your own risk.)

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Ear Infection

1) Start with an OTC pain killer

2) Moist warm compress over ears helps

3) Cuddle and distract baby

4) Most ear infection resolve without an antibiotic but if it is recurrent or kid is <2ys you may need it

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Eczema or Dry skin

1) Try to find the irritant that triggers it (like cloth, soap, detergent etc)

2) Apply calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone

3) Avoid itching with a bandage

4) Use a cool moist compress

5) Take an colloidal oatmeal + baking soda bath.

6) Moisturize the skin (after bath) with strong OTC creams like Eucerin, Neutragena or baby oil

7) Avoid non-moisturizing soap

8) Use a humidifier

9) Use a humidifier

10) Use cotton or silk clothes (no wool or acrylic)

11) I have seen some use ½ cup bleach in a bathtub full of water. Soaking in it apparently kills the bacteria on skin. Use this only for older kids

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Eye Sty

1) Leave it alone and don’t pop it

2) Apply warm compress as many times as possible

3) To prevent, avoid old cosmetics, thoroughly cleaning any contact lens and washing hands

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Flu

1) Drink lots of electrolytes

2) Take rest and use non-aspirin pain medicines

3) To prevent, get whole family vaccinated

4) Wash hands or use the hand-gel

5) Eat lots of immune building veggies and fruits

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Headache (for older kids only)

1) For tension head ache, try massage, shower, relaxation, low dose pain killer, some exercise

2) Eucalyptus or peppermint oil helps ease pain

3) For migraine, try going to sleep in a dark room, meditation, relaxing music or yoga

4) Promising research is being done on herbs like feverfew and butterbur, high dose B-2, magnesium supplements and Coenzyme Q10

5) Some older kids coffee caffeine may help

6) For frequent headache, keep track of triggers and avoid it

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Hives

1) Record and identify trigger – like food, medicine, pollen, pet, insect sting or latex

2) Use OTC antihistamine to minimize itching

3) Use a cool moist compress and bandage to cover

4) Take a cool bath and wear soft natural fiber clothes

5) Try oatmeal bath

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Indigestion (for older kids, not infant)

1) Eat less and chew your food

2) Eat more easily digestible food like fruits and veggies. Avoid soda, spicy or fatty food

3) Exercise

4) Drink peppermint tea

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Jammed finger (for older kids, not infant)

1) Use ice pack

2) Keep your hand elevated

3) Use a buddy tape over injured and adjacent finger

4) If pain doesn’t subside, check out if finger is broken/cracked or bent

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Nausea/Vomiting in infants

1) In babies a little spit is not vomiting. Vomit is forceful. So give baby’s stomach a rest,

2) Give small sips to avoid dehydration

3) Try oral electrolyte


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TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Part 3

(DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a medical advice nor does it substitute for one. These are home remedies that has worked for us. Please consult your child’s doctor before you try them at your own risk.)

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: COUGH

1) Drink plenty of fluid (AVOID sodas)

2) Use a humidifier

3) Try lozenges for bigger kids

4) Honey or turmeric in warm milk helps the throat

5) Elevate head with more pillows

6) Avoid cough syrups

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Croup

1) Cuddle or distract child

2) Use cool-mist humidifier

3) Hold kid in upright position

4) Give fluids and plenty of rest

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Dandruff

1) Use anti-dandruff organic shampoo

2) If severe try medicated shampoo

3) Avoid any chemicals on hair

4) Expose head to sunlight

5) Try tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is antiseptic, antibiotic, & antifungal.

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Diaper rash

1) Change diaper frequently

2) Use warm water to clean (AVOID wipes)

3) Try zinc oxide

4) Keep it aerated/open without diaper for a while

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Diarrhea

1) Drink clear liquids (not fruit juices)

2) Add semi solid or low fiber food (like cracker, egg, rice)

3) Avoid dairy products, caffeine

4) Try probiotic yogurt or soy drinks

5) Be very careful when it is infants

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Dry eyes

1) Blink often

2) Avoid rubbing eyes

3) Try OTC artificial tears

4) Use a humidifier

5) Wear glasses to avoid wind

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Dry Skin

1) Keep baths to 15 min or less

2) Moisturize the skin (after bath) with strong OTC creams like Eucerin, Neutragena or baby oil

3) Avoid non-moisturizing soap

4) Use a humidifier

5) Use cotton or silk clothes

6) Avoid itching (may use 1% Hydrocortisone)


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TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Part 2

(DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a medical advice nor does it substitute for one. These are home remedies that has worked for us. Please consult your child’s doctor before you try them at your own risk.)

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: BRONCHITIS IN OLDER KIDS

1) Avoid 2nd hand smoke and exposure to irritants like paints/cleaners

2) Use a humidifier

3) Consider face mask for outside cold air

4) Try a different breathing method – take a deep breath, then slowly breath out through mouth (in kissing pose). Repeat. This develops lungs.

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: BRUISE

1) Elevate injured area

2) Apply cold pack/compress

3) Rest

4) Use OTC painkillers

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: BURNS

1) Immerse in cool water (NOT ice)

2) Use burn gel

3) Use a sterile gauze bandage

4) Take OTC painkiller

5) Don’t break blister

6) Watch for infection

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Ulcer in mouth/Canker sore

1) Apply ice

2) Rinse with salt water

3) Brush gently

4) Try milk of magnesia

5) Use OTC oragel or anbesol

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Colic

1) Try feeding the baby or giving pacifier

2) Cuddle

3) Gently rock or take a car drive

4) Use white noise in background

5) Softly massage the tummy area

6) Consider dietary/formula changes

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Common cold

1) Drink lot of fluid

2) Try chicken soup

3) Use a cool mist humidifier

4) Gargle with warm salt water

5) Use nasal saline drops & bulb suction of nose

6) Get vitamin C or Zinc

7) Get rest

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Constipation

1) Eat more veggies and fruits (especially fibrous prunes, beans, fig etc)

2) Dink lots of water

3) Increase physical activity

4) Try warm bath for small kids and stimulation to anal area

5) Avoid non fibrous food like cheese, milk and meats or processed food


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TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: Part 1

(DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a medical advice nor does it substitute for one. These are home remedies that has worked for us. Please consult your child’s doctor before you try them at your own risk.)

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: ACNE IN TEENS

1) Avoid greasy or oily cosmetics

2) Keep your face clean (including hair)

3) Get enough sleep to reduce stress

4) Don’t pick on blemishes

5) Use 5% Tea tree oil gel (has same effect as Benzoyl Peroxide) but NOT if you have Acne Rosacea

6) Zinc supplements helps wound healing

7) Naturally occurring glycolic acid (in sugar cane) helps unclog pores

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: AIRPLANE EARS

1) For infant or young kids – give fluid or pacifier during takeoff and landing. Don’t give decongestants.

2) Look for specially design earplugs that slowly equalize pressure

3) For kids – suck candy or chew gum which helps open the Eustachian tube.

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: SPRING or FALL ALLERGIES

1) Rise out your sinuses

2) Wash immediately after you come inside

3) Keep windows and doors closed in allergy season

4) Use HEPA filter.

5) Use allergen/dust blocking pillow and mattress

6) Keep indoor humidity between 30-50%

7) Wash or change air filters often

8) Avoid pets with fur/feather

9) Bath pets frequently

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: ASTHMA

1) Keep a dairy and avoid allergens that might cause symptoms (e.g. pets, particular food)

2) Clean the auto and home air filters in A/C or heater

3) Clean home and bed weekly

4) Avoid 2nd hand smoke

5) Exercise moderately (not heavy)

6) Maintain your child’s weight

7) Control the heartburn. Reflux is known to cause breathing issues.

TIP FOR MANAGING AN AILING CHILD: BED WETTING IN OLDER KIDS

1) Don’t worry. Most kids will outgrow it.

2) Limit your child ‘s fluid intake in the evening

3) Treat constipation if any

4) Initially wake them up once in the middle of the night to relieve their bladder.

5) Experiment with food that could affect bladder function


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SIMPLE STEPS TO PREVENT ALLERGY

Does your little one sniffles after a play in the park outdoor?

It is spring allergy time.

Prevention is the best approach to allergies.

Before you head out, check out the POLLEN COUNT at

http://www.weather.com/health/pollen/forecast/75023

Don’t go outside on windy, dry, and sun shiny days: This is when the Pollen counts are highest.

Morning are worse than in the afternoon.

If you don’t want pollen entering the home, keeping your windows closed at all times.

If you head out, wear a hat and a oversized and wraparound glasses to keep pollen away from your face.

Change clothes immediately and shower before bed.

If you have older kids, try the neti pot to clean up the sinuses.