Posts Tagged ‘parenting’

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Gentle Massage is Good for Babies

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Premature babies are exposed to many forms of stress while during their stay in intensive care nurseries, such as invasive procedures, blood drawing, bright lights and loud noises. Stress can interfere with their immune system’s functioning and render them more susceptible to infections. Several research studies have demonstrated the positive effects massage therapy has on premature babies. It lowers stress and enhances their immune system’s functioning.

Massage has been used in premature and low birth weight babies to promote growth and development. Before birth, babies are exposed to physical stimulation.

Premature and low birth weight babies are usually placed in incubators or open beds, are are connected to several monitors. This situation makes it very difficult to touch them as often as full term babies are.

Researchers at the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute have reported for over two decades on the benefits of infant massage. It increase the baby’s resistance to infection by enhancing the immune system. Also, babies receiving massage experience faster weight gain.

Massage also raises oxytocin levels, a hormone that possess pain relieving abilities and a calming effect.

A review of 14 randomized research studies involving premature and or low birth weight babies was conducted.

The review included studies in which a group of babies did not receive massage and were used in comparison to those who did. In most of these studies babies were rubbed or stroked for about 15 minutes, three or four times a day, usually for five or ten days. The studies found that when compared to babies who were not touched, babies receiving massage, gained more weight each day (about 5 grams). They spent less time in hospital, had slightly better scores on developmental tests and had slightly fewer postnatal complications, although there were problems with how reliable these findings are. The studies did not show any negative effects of massage. Massage is time consuming for nurses to provide, but parents can perform massage without extensive training.

Benefits for Babies:

*Enhances weight gain

*Assists the baby with becoming more organized

* Allows the baby to be more alert, so he can interact with you and others

*Helps start oral feeding earlier (rather than tube feeding)

* Promotes healthier bones

* Supports parent-infant interaction

* Facilitates weight gain in preterm infants

* Lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone

* Increases muscle tone

*Improves sleep and awake patterns

*Earlier hospital discharge

*Improves motor and cognitive development at 8 months of age

*Infant massage is a cost effective tool

* Can be used as part of the developmental care plan of preterm infants

Benefits for Parents and Caregivers

* Provides the essential elements of intimate parent-infant bonding and attachment: eye to eye, touch smell movement, and temperature regulation

* Encourages pre-verbal communication between caregiver and infant

* Helps parents feel more confident and competent in caring for their children

* Helps to lower parental stress, if they are working and must be separated from their child for extended periods during the day

*Gives parents one-on-one quite time or interactive play with their child

* Creates a regular time of infancy between child and parent

* Enhances parents’ self esteem by reinforcing and complimenting their parenting skills, and validates their role

* Gives parents the tools for understanding their child’s unique behavior and patterns

* Teaches parents how to read their infants’ cues and recognize their states of awareness

* Gives parents a unique way to interact with their children who may be hospitalized. Helps parents feel a greater parent of the healing process

* Daily massage helps parents to unwind and relax

* Provides a positive way for fathers to interact with their infant children

Looking to find the best deal on holistic family health, then visit www.howtogetwellfaster.com to find the best advice on infant massage#2 for you.

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Best Treatment for Panic disorder

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Anxiety attacks are becoming a lot more common across the world as people begin to experience personally from the effects associated with the global slowdown in the world economy. Obviously panic attacks were not produced entirely by the world’s existing financial difficulties; these been around some time before that.

However, since panic attacks are a strain related condition, the greater anxiety put on individuals through worldwide economic hardships shows that increasingly more individuals are falling prey to the condition, and that’s the reason why a treatment for panic attacks is indeed essential.

One kind for treating panic disorders is something known as “exposure therapy” , involving purposely revealing your self to a panic attack in the controlled surroundings. You will be kept under close observation at all times along with a specialist is going to be with you to offer helpful advice about some methodologies that you could try during the improvement of an attack.

For instance you may be urged to hyperventilate (breathing rapidly), as well as to roll the head from side to side, or to try holding your breath for protracted durations.

There are 2 benefits to be had from this sort of therapy. To begin with, through repeated trainings, you’re offered the chance to experience repeated exposures that create a lot more familiarization (the saying familiarity breeds contempt rises in your thoughts), with the symptoms. Because you are in a secure monitored surroundings helps you to realize how the signs and symptoms usually are not life threatening.

The next benefit is that you will be seeking out various therapies, as instructed, as well as under supervision. You may well discover that these types of offer some ease and comfort and help to handle the attacks. This kind of treatment for panic attacks is solely psychological.

The same type of treatment is also used by agoraphobia, which can be currently seen and recognized to become type of anxiety disorders. In fact it really is theorized that agoraphobia starts off like a panic and anxiety attack but is definitely associated with the fear associated with open places.

This particular therapy for panic attacks and agoraphobia have shown to return positive outcomes within Six to 12 months and they could both help to manage attacks and at last cease them from happening.

Angela Johnson comes from NY, USA. She has written several articles on Panic Attacks . You may want to check out her other guide on anxiety pills tips, and causes of panic attacks guide!

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The Most Effective Means To Warm Any Home For Less Money

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

It’s now the coldest time of the year, fact. We can feel the cold air even when ensconced in our living rooms with the heating on.

I really don’t like being cold, I would rather be hot than cold any day of the week. This is my personal choice, as I know a lot of people embrace the wintry weather with open arms.

There’s nothing I can do about the weather unfortunately, all I can do is give you some advice on how to stay warm and save money at the same time.

A fireplace blower is a great idea if you have a fireplace you use regularly. Instead of the heat just reaching the hearth as it normally does, it will warm the entire room.

There are always cold spots in a room that is being lit by a fire, but a blower makes sure these are eliminated. Wherever you are you will benefit from the warmth, so the heating will not be needed.

One of my personal favorites is my heated blanket. I switch it on an hour or so before I go to bed and my bed id so cozy when I get in that I don’t need any additional heating on.

I find that once I’m in my heated bed and my body warms through, I get too hot so I turn the blanket time and drift off easily into a restful sleep. Others turn them off altogether; it’s entirely up to you which heat you are comfortable with.

The last one for today is incredibly simple; putting blinds up at your skylight. These are notorious for letting in drafts and a blind goes a long way to stopping them.

All these tips will save you money as well as keeping you warm. So try one and beat the winter blues.

Enjoy more of this writer’s writing regarding products including emergency exit signs and photoluminescent exit signs.

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Social Anxiety Disorder : Is Your Child Suffering From It?

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Are you aware that social anxiety disorder is a condition that is very disabling, as well as devastating to lots of people, and especially to teens? Teens who have a social anxiety problem, or simply social phobia, are extremely concerned about being embarrassed or humiliated by other people. Despite the nature of their fears being unreasonable, they perceive them as being very real and formidable.

We cannot deny the fact that being a little shy is something that is not uncommon, however, for those people who are influenced by social anxiety disorder, they are obsessed with the idea that everyone will be criticizing them, and singling them out for being different in some way. Such fears are so intense that it tends to lead to the avoidance of all contact with groups of people when possible, which results in the deterioration of relationships and quality of life as a whole.

Teenagers who are socially challenged are constantly faced with the fear of doing something wrong and being harshly judged by others. They are virtually paralyzed with worrying about what other people’s reactions to them will be. Consequently, they withdraw themselves and remain silent so as to draw as little attention to themselves as possible.

There are physical symptoms that are very apparent in teenagers who have social anxiety disorder. These teens tend to have difficulty talking, sweat excessively, tremble and blush. Aside from physical symptoms, there are behavioral symptoms too. For teens, the typical scenarios where they particularly struggle are engaging in conversation, being in unfamiliar surroundings, and attending social events.

As far as they are concerned, these situations present opportunities where they may be laughed at or criticized. All teenagers may excessively fear being criticized or laughed at occasionally, as this is part of the normal process of growing up, but for those with social anxiety disorder, rather than this fear arising occasionally, it is with them all of the time.

When a teenager is suffering from social anxiety disorder, they are advised to seek the assistance of a mental health specialist as soon as possible, so that they can receive treatment for their phobia. By doing so, they can rid themselves of this debilitating condition. They will be able to get back to the normal state of being a teen and have a real chance of living a fulfilling life.

Next : Social Anxiety Disorder Or Social Anxiety Support

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Allergy Explained

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Over 10 million Americans suffer from allergies to pollen alone, which equals out to approximately one in every five people. Allergy suffers have a disorder in their immune system, this is what makes the symptoms.

There are many people that are super sensitive to dust, pollen, nuts, and bees these are allergies that could be life threatening if it turn into an anaphylactic reaction and not treated right away.

In hot dry climates it has been found that there are more allergens floating around in the air, rather then humid and cooler climates. Another time when there are a lot of allergens in the air is in the spring and early summer this is because plants and trees are budding helping pollen to be thrown into the air.

Antihistamines, decongestants, and also nasal spray are medical treatments that help ward off some of the uncomfortableness of allergies.

However an expert in the allergy field may insist that to treat an allergy is to stay away from it altogether. In your house it would be a good idea to use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Filters that are HEPA eliminate just about all dust, and pollen out of the air. If you happen to be allergic to smoke, look into an activated carbon filter, they work awesome.

Allergies can cause many different symptoms and they do effect lifestyles, ask anybody you know with an allergy. New products are now available to aid on allergy problems. More and more people in the United States are being tested for allergies and the out come reveals that more then fifty five percent are allergic to at least one allergen.

So with this said if you are a suffer to seem that you will at least be able to find somebody that is ready to talk about the problem you both suffer from.

Angela Johnson originally comes from Paris, Paris, France. She has written many articles about Health Guide . Other guide you may be interested in reading: egg allergy tips, and home remedies for allergies guide!

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Reasons That Soda Is More Dangerous Than Things Seem

Monday, March 8th, 2010

One of our most popular drinks is soda, and nearly every household has a fridge full of cans. What we don’t realize is that is we care about our bodies; we shouldn’t be drinking them at all. They are in fact very bad for us.

So you know you should reduce the amount of soda that you consume, but need reasons why. Here are a few of the bad facts about soda to help you decide.

As tasty as it may be, the calories contained in soda offer no benefits at all to our health, and when we consume these calories they are merely stored by our bodies as fat. Ok, the cans many say that they are free of fat, but the excessive amount of sugar that is in soda can be very fattening. Therefore, consuming large amounts of soda can cause you to put weight on.

Soda has a nasty tendency to stain our teeth. This builds up until the staining is at such an extent our teeth are actually yellow. Soda drinks are also directly linked to cavities and decay.

A direct link has bee found between soda consumption and Diabetes, as the insulin has been produced so much quicker thanks to the all the sugar consumed in the soda. As the consumption of soda has risen, so has the amount of Diabetes sufferers.

All these facts have been unpleasant, but this one is downright scary. A new study has recently been conducted at the Georgetown Medical Center by Noel Muller. This study discovered that anyone with a soda consumption of 2 or more a week has a staggering 87% more likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer.

Although the results from this survey are far from conclusive, this is not something we should dismiss, especially considering the high amount of deaths which occur every year from Pancreatic Cancer. We hope that these facts will make you seriously consider vastly reducing your soda intake.

Aside from nutrition, this writer additionally frequently gives advice on flat screen TVs and large format TV screens.

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The Tooth Fairy Can Help Improve Your Child’s Trips to the Dentist

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Getting your kids to brush can be a chore in itself. My kids usually complained about something when it came time to brush. Some days it was the taste of the toothpaste while other days it was the color of the toothbrush. The task of getting them to brush was not fun. I am sure most parents have experienced this at one time or another.

I have always thought of baby teeth as “practice teeth” if you will. Good brushing habits is crucial in keeping your child’s mouth cavity free. While it can sometimes be a challenge to get your toddler to brush properly it is important to get them to practice good brushing habits now. If your child establishes these habits when they are young they will follow them through their teenage years and adulthood.

I have tried many different methods to keep my children interested in brushing. I have tried the musical toothpaste lid, buying overpriced toothbrushes because they were imprinted with the newest superhero and I even bought the toothbrushes that twirl and spin hoping to keep my children interested. Well, they all worked for a while, at least until the novelty wore off.

Tooth brush charts are a great way to keep your child interested in brushing. Fun stickers and rewards are always a great parenting tool. Another tool that is sometimes overlooked by parents is the Tooth Fairy. Every kid is excited to get their first visit from the Tooth Fairy. This is a great reason to take the opportunity to let the Tooth fairy help promote good brushing as well. A magical little note from the Tooth Fairy reminding your child to keep brushing because she is excited to collect nice shiny teeth will give your child something to work on. If your child starts to lose interest in brushing simply send a nice little note reminding them that the Tooth Fairy is counting on their shiny teeth.

Your child is only young once. The Tooth Fairy notes for your child encouraging them to keep their teeth brushed will make fun memories for you and your child for years to come. Take the opportunity to spread some Tooth Fairy magic and encourage your child to brush at the same time.

Find out how easy it is to create personalized Tooth Fairy Lettersand encourage your child to brush. Stop by and get a free printable Tooth Fairy Letter today.

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Basic Facts About Acid Reflux In Infant For New Parents

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Most babies get acid reflux. It’s important for new parents to learn more in order to deal properly with the condition. Get to know just how many babies are affected by acid reflux, why they get it, and how the condition progresses if left untreated.

What Are The Statistics?

Studies show that on babies with acid reflux, 50 percent of all infants have acid reflux during the first 2 to 3 months of life. Most of the time, infants experience the condition after feeding. In other cases however, an infant may experience reflux while crying, straining, or coughing.

Generally, infants with acid reflux are not necessarily irritated or unhappy. In fact, many infants who have acid reflux are healthy and happy. Almost all infants will no longer have acid reflux after 12 to 18 months. However, there are a few who may continue to show signs and symptoms of acid reflux after 18 months and so may require medical attention.

Why Do Infants Get Acid Reflux?

Infants get acid reflux just as any adult because the condition is often a natural occurrence. Our body will sometimes produce more acid in the stomach than needed, and this can be caused by several reasons. For instance, when we eat considerably more than usual in one sitting, our body will try to process the large amount of food we just consumed by secreting more acid. Acid may therefore build up in the stomach and cause us to regurgitate. Since babies tend to be lying down most of the time or fall asleep after feeding, some acid may end up in the esophagus.

What Happens If The Condition Isn’t Treated?

The similarity between acid reflux in infant and in an adult is that, in both cases, the condition can worsen if left untreated. Acid reflux can continue to progress especially in infants that experience reflux after 18 months. Constant spitting and coughing often characterize common symptoms of infant acid reflux. Sometimes, your baby may also vomit, feed poorly and become irritated.

If your baby continues to experience acid reflux without treatment, accumulation of acid in the stomach may become so bad that he or she will start to develop more serious complications. Since acid reflux involves the acid and enzymes in the stomach and travels up to the esophagus, the areas around those parts of the body can also be negatively affected.

For one, the breathing problems may occur. Your baby may start having breathing problems because acid can travel to the esophagus and affect the areas around it such as the breast area. Furthermore, your baby may have a bloody stool and experience blood loss due to poor digestive function. A lot of pain can be caused from infant acid reflux, and your baby may continuously show signs of irritability and develop poorly (mainly because of poor feeding).

If you are panicking as to why your baby keeps spitting up or unable to feed a lot of the time, you’re not alone. Many new parents actually experience this during the first few months of caring for their child. Now that you’re more familiar with acid reflux in infant, observe if your baby is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier and have him or her diagnosed by a doctor.

Know more about acid reflux in infant. Get effective tips in treating acid reflux in baby.

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How To Deal With Extreme Pregnancy Nausea

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Pregnancy is a wonderful experience, certainly. The process by which a new life is born is incredible and a miracle. But it is also a difficult time for a woman. The body undergoes very dramatic changes. As a result, extreme pregnancy nausea is something that many pregnant women will have to experience.

There are many reasons as to why women who are pregnant undergo nausea. During pregnancy, their bodies undergo many hormonal changes. This causes them to be more sensitive to certain smells. Their tastes will also change. Things that used to be palatable to them are not so tasty anymore. It is not unheard of for women who used to eat meat to suddenly become vegetarians.

One obvious reason why pregnant women feel weak is that their bodies require more iron to help the growing fetus in their wombs. The fetus consumes most, if not all of the iron. If the mother does not have enough iron for herself, then she will not feel well.

Nausea is very common, and in many situations there may not be much that can be done to cure the problem. But in some cases there is something that can be done. A doctor will order some routine tests for pregnancy, and these will normally uncover some problem that might be corrected. Blood samples often reveal deficiencies which can be corrected with medication or supplements.

Home remedies are sometimes touted as an answer to the ills of pregnancy. Sometimes they might work, and just as often they are a myth and don’t do anything. One remedy is that lemon juice can help a woman feel better. This sometimes works since the citric acid properties of the lemon can help restore a person’s levels to normal, but it is not a universal cure.

Drugs are constantly being developed to help women who are pregnant, but certainly the doctor is in the best position to decide if they are appropriate to be used by his or her patient. Sometimes the patient might be allergic to some drugs, or they might interfere with other medicines she is taking. If she has precise questions about how to take the drug, a pharmacist can answer them.

One thing that everyone should beware of is the ads in the media that claim to cure health problems. One should note that such ads are not regulated, and companies can make any claim they like without being entirely honest. Not only is it possible that they may not cure an affliction, but worse, they may worsen a condition. Only a doctor can advise you about what medicines and techniques are safe to use.

Extreme pregnancy nausea is something that many pregnant women have to cope with, unfortunately. But there have been dramatic developments in science that can overcome this hardship, allowing women to lead better lives during their pregnancy. By discussing her problems openly with a medical professional, she can get excellent advice about how she should deal with her situation. Pregnancy should not be considered an illness just because a woman is physically weaker than she would normally be.

Want to find out more about extreme pregnancy nausea, then visit El Bilson’s site on how to cope with morning sickness.

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Baby Furniture Cribs – Investment For Your Baby

Friday, March 5th, 2010

All parents will spend money for their baby when the baby was born because they want the best for their baby. Plans and preparation in readying up a nursery have to be ready few months before the delivery. The important items of baby furniture you should have is Baby Furniture Cribs.

Baby Furniture Cribs, miniature beds, cots, cupboards, study tables and the high rise dining table baby chair etc comes in colors and styles and have made in special design. You can put them at your baby’s room with any that you most desire as the furniture is lightweight not so heavy and yet comfortable and large enough to pack everything away neatly.

Baby furniture is very distinctive to buy, unlike your children furniture. To make your new born baby and your life easier, you will need to have several crucial items like:

* Baby Furniture Cribs – come in styles and colors that you can select from.

* Changing table with additional storage underneath – it is good for your baby’s diapering requirement.

* Fascinating and fun furniture items – to decor your baby’s room as whimsical as possible.

* A toy bin with wheels – to keep all your baby toys in one storage unit and keep things tidy and also you can put this toy bin anywhere in your baby’s bedroom.

* Rocking chair for new parents – for you to sit when you put your baby for nap.

To have all these items like Baby Furniture Cribs, changing table with additional storage underneath, rocking chair etc as nursery furniture are a great idea and it would be truly nice and bring grin to the new parents to have them. But before you buy, you have to make sure you get the quality one that have reached the standards and meet the safety measures for all baby furniture because all furniture for the baby use should be solid, beautiful, comfy, convenience features inbuilt to each set with lots of storage selection, easy operation of moving parts, good counter space and absolutely safe.

Baby safety is the important thing you should bear in mind before you buy Baby Furniture Cribs or any other baby furniture. Get the baby furniture examined first by the expert, with this you will be sure that the furniture that you want to buy for your baby is safe to use. You have to ensure that you buy the furniture that fits your best with criteria that mentioned above because baby furniture is an affordable investment that covers just a few years to come, for example if you intend or planning to have your next baby two or more, you still can use them as long as the baby furniture still in good condition and of course safe to use for your baby.

Looking to find the best deal on baby furniture cribs, then visit baby-furniture-cribs.us to find the best advice on baby furniture for you.

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