by Tara Zimliki

The new school year is quickly approaching, which means less downtime for kids and more stress for parents. To make matters worse cutbacks in physical education, increased academic pressures, and ever-growing portion sizes in restaurants and at home are making families increasingly overweight. But who says you can’t make more time for the family and squeeze in a decent workout? The trick is to do both at the same time.

Tara Zimliki, fitness expert and founder of Tara’s Boot Camp in Branchburg, New Jersey, teaches people every day how to maintain
healthier lifestyles, no matter what their age or fitness level. Using her own family as an example, she helps families improve both their
health and their confidence. “By making a commitment to family fitness, you can strengthen bonds and get yourself in shape, too,” says Tara. There’s also the added benefit of setting your kids on the right path for later in life, when being fit will lessen the risk of diabetes, some cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression.

Try these strategies to get your family moving – this fall and all year-round:

* Start young. Tara advises parents to get kids moving early in life which will promote healthy development and keep sedentary habits at bay. Even your toddler needs at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity every day, and should not sit still for more than an hour at a time.

* Set realistic goals. Not all children are star athletes. But keep in mind that your child may have never been given the chance to shine. You can help by being realistic about your child’s physical ability. For some kids, even a jog around the block can seem intimidating. “Running ability is mostly mental,” says Tara, “It’s important to keep your child motivated by breaking down each goal, step by step.”

* Get animated. Running doesn’t have to be boring! Get creative with your workout. Form a conga line and play follow the leader. Flap your arms whenever you see a stop sign. Try running while hopping, pumping your arms, playing air guitar – whatever you and and your kids can dream up!

* Be a cheerleader. A recent study of 200 students in grades 2 through 11 showed that kids of all ages want their parents to help them stay active. Cheer them on frequently and show your child that activity is a priority every day. Tara says to make sure your children know that you would never be disappointed with their performance. “Remember, this is both a workout and a bonding activity,” says Tara.

* Use community resources. Your family run doesn’t have to be confined to your block. Keep it interesting by visiting different parks or neighborhoods other than your own. You can also check out whether your child’s school, or a local university or community center, offers an indoor or outdoor track for public use.

* Be vigilant. Although a family jog provides a convenient way for you to get out the door and run, the advantages don’t come without risks to your child. Try to avoid running at night when visibility is limited. “Your exercise should be satisfying and safe for both you and your new companions,” advises Tara. Also, leave distractions at home – including the iPod and the dog. Make this time simply about you and your kin.

About Tara Zimliki

Tara is a Certified Personal Trainer through The American Council on Exercise (ACE), and a Boot Camp Instructor. She has competed and trained with top athletes at the University of South Carolina where she was awarded a full cross-country scholarship. Tara has a B.A. from Rutgers University and specializes in fat loss and nutrition. She is passionate about helping people change both body and mind, believing positive results stem from positive attitudes. She helps clients maintain this attitude with fun, challenging and rewarding workouts.

Tara’s love of fitness started as a child when she began running at the young age of 7. She played numerous sports but running was her passion. Tara enjoyed it so much that she continued running right up until she had children, completing the New York Marathon 8 months pregnant and even ran 1 mile the day she gave birth to her first daughter and 3 miles the day she gave birth to her second daughter. Tara has completed 15 Marathons and hundreds of races worldwide. In addition, she has won many 5Ks and placed top in many long distance runs. In 2008, Tara placed in the top 500 women for the NYC Marathon. Recently, she won the USATF New
Balance Long Distance Grand Prix for women 34 & under for the 4th consecutive year. Tara’s practices what she preaches in all aspects of fitness and health and for this reason she is a trusted trainer that produces results.

For more information on Tara’s Boot Camp, including registration details and full schedule, visit www.tarasbootcamp.com.

*Back-To-School Smart Tips for Safe Brushing & Healthy Teeth*
Thanks to Dr. Sharp’s newsletter for sharing this info.

* It is recommended for children to brush their teeth 2 to 3 times a day after meals.

* Use a fluoride-free toothpaste that is safe to brush. Children can brush unattended and is even safe to swallow.

* According to ADA (American Dental Association) and CDC (Center for Disease Control), more than 33% of American children have some type of dental fluorosis. <#_edn1>

* Since 1997, FDA mandates that toothpastes that contain fluoride (as an active ingredient) must include a warning label to contact poison control centers in case it is over ingested by children.

* Dr. Sharp has developed *Strawberry Cream Kids Natural Fluoride-Free* *Toothpaste* that does not contain any bad chemicals such as Fluoride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Paraben and Alcohol.

* Use a toothbrush designed for children with soft and rounded bristles and a small head to reach back teeth and limited space areas.

* Change your kids? toothbrush every 2 months or as soon as bristles are worn out, so they do not harm your kid’s gums.

* ADA recommends the use of non-fluoridated water for preparation of children’s formula due to the risk of fluorosis (toxic contamination with excess of fluoride in the body).

* Be wise with your kids? lunch box and meals: avoid sugary (sodas, artificial juices) or starchy (crackers) snacks, since they can increase the risk for cavities.

/Source: www.fluoridealert.org

Dental Fluorosis is a brown and white mottling of the teeth. Dental fluorosis is an irreversible condition caused by excessive ingestion of fluoride during the tooth forming years. It is the first visible sign that a child has been overexposed to fluoride.

Moderate Fluorosis (photo #1) Severe Fluorosis (photo #2)

Source: ADA Website http://www.ada.org/1767.aspx

The ADA offers these recommendations so parents, caregivers and health care professionals who are concerned have some simple and effective ways to reduce fluoride intake from reconstituted infant formula. If liquid concentrate or powdered infant formula is the primary source of nutrition, it can be mixed with water that is fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride to reduce the risk of fluorosis. Examples are water that is labeled purified, demineralized, deionized, distilled or reverse osmosis filtered water. Many grocery stores sell these types of drinking water for less than $1 per gallon. Parents and caregivers should consult with their pediatrician, family physician or dentist on the most appropriate water to use in their area to reconstitute infant formula. Ask your pediatrician or family physician whether water used in infant formula should be sterilized first (sterilization, however, will not remove fluoride).

The age-old debate of heels vs. flats has been around long before all 6 seasons and 2 movies of Sex and the City. The truth is, although wearing high heels makes some women feel sexier and more confident, there may be drawbacks for those who wear them regularly. A new study shows that women who wear high heels on a regular basis can feel pain when walking flat-footed. Researchers found that high heel-wearers’ muscle fibers are on average 13% shorter than flat shoe-wearers, which explains why the high heel fans experience discomfort when walking barefoot or in flat shoes.

According to Manhattan-based podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong, “If you hold a limb in a shortened position over and extended period, the muscles shorten.” After several years decked in heels ranging anywhere from 2 inches to 5 inches and beyond, high heel wearers will undoubtedly experience a change in their calf muscles, which are forced to compensate for being in a constant shortened position. To alleviate the pain that comes with high-heel beauty, Dr. Zong offers some tips that don’t require women to give up their favorite Jimmy Choos!

1. Invest in good heels. That’s right, the experts say to splurge on shoes! “If your shoes are no longer supportive, you are also more likely to experience arch and heel pain as a result,” says Dr. Zong. These soft tissue aches can be avoided by making sure your heels are still supportive and not worn down. The money you spend on good shoes will be much less than the money you would spend on visits to the doctor.

2. Trade quantity for quality. You don’t necessarily need to squander your entire life savings on a collection of high heels. Expensive shoes are not necessarily better and cheaper shoes are not necessarily bad. Dr. Zong says when buying high heels, look for a rubber sole for better shock absorption and reasonable heel height (1-2 inches works best). In terms of shoe material, “Try to find a shoe that is leather, they will last longer and conform better to the shape of your foot,” says Dr. Zong.

3. Don’t wait to buy new shoes. Your feet take you everywhere. Dr. Zong warns, “If your feet hurt, it will only make commuting more difficult.” If you are interviewing for a job for example, you will be distracted by how much your feet hurt if your shoes don’t fit well.

4. Always stretch your lengthened legs. This tip is especially relevant for fashion addicts. Whenever you wear heels, “Try stretching exercises to avoid soreness at the end of the day,” recommends Dr. Zong. You can do all sorts of leg stretches while sitting at your desk, waiting in line for coffee, or even while standing in an elevator.

5. Treat yourself to a foot rub! After walking in heels all day, foot massages and pedicures can do wonders for tired, achy feet. If your budget doesn’t allow for that, you can always give yourself a pedicure or ask a friend to do it for you – Just offer to let her borrow your sexy high-heels!

“I’m in the business of saving soles” says Dr. Zong. “My job is to keep my patients walking so they can enjoy their lives. No one should be in pain, especially if there’s something you can do about it.”

About Dr. Oliver Zong

Dr. Oliver Zong is a podiatrist in Manhattan’s influential Financial District. As one of the premier cosmetic foot surgeons in the country, he serves as the Director of Surgery at NYC FOOTCARE and is on the Board of Directors at Gramercy Park Surgery Center. Besides traditional and cosmetic foot surgery, Dr. Zong is also an accomplished cryosurgeon and co-founder of the Podiatric Cryosurgery Center of New York. He is an attending physician at New York Hospital Downtown, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Cabrini Medical Center, and Gramercy Park Surgery Center. Dr. Zong graduated as Valedictorian from New York College of Podiatric Medicine where he earned his degree, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). An accomplished foot surgeon, Dr. Zong is credited with coining the terms, “Foot Makeover”, “Foot Facelift”, “The Toe Tuck”, and “High Heel Feet”. An expert in his field, Dr. Zong has appeared on numerous national and local television news programs and has also been featured in numerous health and beauty magazines and newspapers across the country. For more information please visit www.NYCFOOTCARE.com.

Celebrity Chef “Rock” has signed an exclusive book deal!

WHAT: “Hell’s Kitchen” winner and Celebrity Chef, Rock Harper, has signed a two book deal with Turner Publishing.

His debut title-44 Things Parents Should Know About Healthy Cooking for Kids-will be released this fall, followed by his 2011 release, which will revolve around the intimate relationship food has to spicing up American’s love lives.

Both books are slated for release under Turner Publishing’s Good Things to Know(tm) series, which focuses on simple, pragmatic actions that can have a strong and lasting impact in the lives of readers.

Turner Publishing is an award-winning, independent publisher based in Nashville, Tennessee.

WHY: Celebrity Chef, Rock Harper, is on a mission to improve the health of America’s children from pre-natal to puberty and beyond. With obesity rates at an all time high, today’s families need to be taught how to eat well and most importantly, affordably.

“Childhood obesity is at an all-time high and we have to start today with one step, one small step, to try and slow this epidemic down” said Harper. “I have a plan that will make it fun and feasible for us all to have flavorful, healthy food in our lives’.”

WHO: Chef Rahman “Rock” Harper, the season 3 winner of “Hell’s Kitchen” and former head chef at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino outside Las Vegas is the National Celebrity Chef for the March of Dimes. For more information, visit ChefRockInc.com.

WHEN: Fall 2010 (end of October)

Related Sites:
http://turnerpublishing.blogspot.com/2010/07/light-and-flavorful-cooking-with-chef.html

With pollen counts on the rise, and increased humidity during these few months, summer is the season of asthma. Approximately 34.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma during their lifetime, and the number of people with asthma will grow by more than 100 million by 2025. ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Ian Wahl, DAc, LAc, CH reveals the following truths about common asthma myths:

Image: Tom Curtis / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

. The Myth: There aren’t that many people with asthma; it’s just a bunch of media hype.

. The Facts: In the 1990s, more than 7.1 million people visited physicians for asthma conditions and more than 3,300 people died from asthma during this time. [i]

. Today, an estimated 34.1 million adults and 9 million children, under the age of 18, suffer from lifetime asthma in the United States. [ii]

. According to the American Lung Association, over 500,000 people are hospitalized each year, and there are more than 5,500 asthma related deaths annually.

. The Myth: Asthma is all in your head-get counseling and get over it.

. The Facts: There are two types of asthma.[iii]

o Allergic (extrinsic) Asthma is triggered by an allergic reaction to an inhaled substance such as dust, pollen, mold, chemicals, animals, etc. 90 percent of asthma cases are caused by extrinsic asthma.

o Non-allergic (intrinsic) Asthma is triggered by factors not related to allergies such as exercise, anxiety, depression, cold air or dry air, etc. The symptoms of both are the same-coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and chest tightness.

. Either type of asthma can be life threatening. It is unlikely that psychotherapy will correct asthma triggered by an allergen or cold air.

. The Myth: If you relax and don’t over-react every time you feel shortness of breath, then you won’t have an asthma attack.

. The Facts: For many people afflicted with asthma, it can feel similar to drowning. The smooth muscles around bronchial tubes tighten up and become inflamed, thus causing a further narrowing of the tubes. At the same time, the lungs produce excess mucus, filling up the narrowed spaces where air should be flowing. In turn, oxygen levels decrease in the blood.[iv] This indicates a biological reaction that isn’t allowing proper breathing and oxygenation in the body.

. The Myth: If we didn’t coddle our children, there would be less asthma.

. The Facts: Some people are born with a predisposition toward developing asthma. However, what actually triggers the disease can vary from person to person.

Common triggers include:

. Tobacco and smoke

o Studies show that children whose parents smoke are twice as likely to develop asthma as children of nonsmoking parents. Also, children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy tend to be born with smaller airways, which greatly increase their chances of developing the disease.

. Air pollution

. Pollen

. Allergens from animals and insects

. Abrupt weather changes

. Biological contaminants such as mold, and viral infections.

. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications such as blood pressure drugs, aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are all known asthma triggers.[v]

. The Myth: The proper way to treat asthma is through medication and immunotherapy (desensitization shots).

. The Facts: Asthma doesn’t have to severely limit one’s life. During an acute severe asthma attack, inhalers or a trip to the emergency room may be appropriate, but there are steps to take that can prevent asthma and avoid asthma attacks.

. Natural Solutions to Asthma and Breathing Problems include:

o Don’t smoke and stay away from those who do

o Keep home humidity levels between 30 to 50 percent. High humidity levels can promote the growth of mold which can trigger allergic (extrinsic) asthma.

o Install high-efficiency furnace filters and replace them monthly. If using electrostatic furnace filters, clean them monthly,

o Although it’s impossible to keep a house free from mold, dust, dust mites, fungus and dirt, use allergen-proof mattress covers and pillowcases to help minimize allergens.

o Use a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner and empty its contents outside.

o Keep pets out of the bedrooms of family members with asthma.

o Clean the drapes often.

o Be aware of your reactions to foods. The most common asthma triggering foods are grains, dairy, corn, soy and various flours.

o Find out about AAT, Advanced Allergy Therapeutics, and get yourself on the road to recovery.

* The Biggest Myth: You will always have to avoid your asthma triggers for the rest of your life

* The Facts:

* No one can guarantee that any allergy treatment will work, but there is a way to treat the symptoms associated with allergies and sensitivities that trigger asthma by reducing the biological stress caused by the offending substances. This reduces asthma episodes and allows a person with asthma to lead a more normal lifestyle.

* Advanced Allergy Therapeutics, AAT, retrains the body so that it no longer reacts inappropriately when in contact with an offending allergen.[vi] The AAT treatments do not rely on the use of needles, medications, homeopathy, herbal remedies or supplements.

Please contact me if you would like an interview with ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Ian Wahl, DAc, LAc, CH For more information go to www.ChicagoHealers.com.

About ChicagoHealers.com

Chicago Healers is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400
free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit www.chicagohealers.com.

Ian Wahl, DAc, LAc, CH is a Doctor of Acupuncture and herbalist who specializes in the treatment children and adults with allergies and hypersensitivities. He is the Founder and Director of the Midwest Allergy Relief Center as well as the Wahls of Wellness Dr. Wahl can be reached at 847 392-7901 or info@MidwestAllergyRelief.com.

_____

[i] Asthma In America, Asthma Statistics,
www.asthmainamerica.com/statistics; National Institutes of Health, National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Data Fact Sheet, Asthma Statistics.

[ii] http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/Asthma.pdf

[iii] http://www.asthmasymptom.org/asthma-type.html

[iv]

http://www.answerstv.com/AnswersTV/Channel.aspx?ChannelID=7005fa6d-6b27-4d29

-94bb-cb3db599ea03
9-94bb-cb3db599ea03&StartPoint=Folder214&PlayItem=289&AP=true>
&StartPoint=Folder214&PlayItem=289&AP=true

[v] http://www.asthmasymptom.org/acute-asthma.html

[vi] http://www.midwestallergyrelief.com/faq.htm

The Fashionable Bambino Interview with Dr. Gregg Alexander about Summer Colds
July 13, 2010

TFB: How can parents recognize and treat a summer cold versus allergies?

Dr. Alexander: The symptoms of summer colds and allergies can be quite similar. With both, for instance, you’ll often have a runny nose. One thing that makes them different is that kids are usually more miserable with a summer cold: there is often fever, aches and pains, and a cough that is usually more severe.

With allergies you typically see a child with a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. There may also be an associated cough. If there’s any question about whether your child has a cold or allergies than it’s a good time to visit your pediatrician who can confirm the diagnosis.

Image: Yaron Jeroen van Oostrom / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As far as treating a summer cold, you want to treat it as you would any cold. Provide supportive care, giving your child lots of fluids and ensure he or she rests. Help them with the aches and pains and the fever sometimes associated with a summer cold. Children’s Advil® has done a nice job helping parents understand how to relieve summer colds by providing information on their website, www.ChildrensAdvilSolutions.com.

If your child has symptoms that are different from those of a normal cold it’s important to have your child evaluated by a doctor.

TFB: What are considered the most effective ways to treat a fever?

Dr. Alexander: There are a couple of different ways to treat a fever. First, you should keep your child cool. It’s very important not to over dress him or her or to use too many blankets at night. The old rumor that you can sweat out a fever isn’t true.

If your child is extremely miserable with a fever and you want to provide some relief you have a couple of choices. One is children’s acetaminophen and one is children’s ibuprofen.

I personally think that Children’s Advil®, which contains the active ingredient ibuprofen, is often more effective from both the relief point of view and also from the convenience point of view. It has a faster time to relief and it lasts longer — 6 to 8 hours.

Often time with colds, children seem to be most miserable at night, making it difficult for them to sleep. So being able to give them some relief during the night that lasts longer – 6 to 8 hours versus four hours – gets you a much bigger “bang for your buck” as far as valuable rest time for kids.

TFB: What can parents give a child with a summer cold who can’t sleep at night?

Dr. Alexander: As a pediatrician what I often recommend to the parents of a child who has a cold and is congested, is to provide supportive care. This would include raising the child’s head at night with some extra pillows, running a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom, and making sure the child is very well hydrated.

If the child has a fever or aches and pains associated with the cold, I recommend Children’s Advil® to help them get some rest which helps the healing process.

If the symptoms are absolutely making the child miserable, there are some other over-the-counter products for children over 2 years of age that a parent might want to consider such as Children’s Dimetapp® or Children’s Robitussin®. If you have questions it’s best to talk to your doctor about what he or she would recommend.

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

You can find advice on the web, but you have to be careful about the quality of that information. Children’s Advil® has created a reliable resource and made it easy for parents to learn more about summer colds and how to treat them at www.ChildrensAdvilSolutions.com.

TFB: What are the different types of pediatric pain medications currently available and not affected by the recent recall?

Dr. Alexander: Children’s Advil® is not part of the recent recall and is currently available nationwide.

The best option to find out exactly which products were recalled is to visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website, http://www.fda.gov/.

TFB: What is the difference between pediatric acetaminophen and pediatric ibuprofen? Is one really better or more effective than the other?

Dr. Alexander: Pediatric acetaminophen and pediatric ibuprofen are both products that can treat fever and pain. Pediatric ibuprofen is a little bit more effective as far as I’m concerned because it has a faster onset of action and it also lasts longer. Ibuprofen lasts 6 to 8 hours and acetaminophen last approximately 4 hours.

There are some safety concerns with acetaminophen as well. It is one of the most overdosed drugs and it has very serious consequences when it comes to kidney and liver issues if there is an overdose.

If you have questions it’s always best to talk to your doctor about what he or she would recommend.

Dr. Alexander is an Ohio-based pediatrician and father of two children. He serves as medical director of the Madison County/London (Ohio) City Health Department and directs of the “Pediatric Office of the Future” exhibit for the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is a member of the Professional Advisory Council for ModernMedicine.com and regularly contributes to HIStalkPractice.com, a healthcare IT blog. Dr. Alexander is with Madison Pediatrics in London, OH. The practice Web site is http://madisonpediatric.com.

Editors Note: We don’t necessarily agree or endorse everything in these tips. As always, we recommend that you use your own parental discretion and research to make your own clarifying decisions. Just because we don’t agree with a couple of things in an article doesn’t mean we throw everything out. KWIM?

Summertime Relief: Tips on Treating Your Child’s Summer Cold from Children’s Advil®

School’s out for summer! And while parents of young children are busy coordinating family vacation, summer camp and play dates at the pool, an unexpected summer cold can put the brakes on all those activities.

Preschool and elementary school children may get up to 12 colds per year, and while colds are more common in the fall and winter, summer colds occur more frequently than you might think. Exposure to air conditioning, airplane travel and summer camp playmates may put your child at risk. And most parents agree that summer colds are particularly annoying as the symptoms – fever, sore throat, and other aches and pains – often disrupt the very activities your child most looks forward to in summer.

This year, however, treating a summer cold may be a source of confusion to parents because of a recent recall of many over-the-counter products for children. The good news is that, Children’s Advil®, manufactured by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, is not part of the recent recall and is currently available nationwide. Children’s Advil® relieves aches and pains due to the common cold or flu, as well as sore throats and headaches, and also reduces fever faster* and lasts longer than Children’s Tylenol®*. In fact, Children’s Advil® lasts up to eight hours.

*Based on reducing fever below 100°F

Here are answers to some common questions about treating your child’s summer cold.

• How do children get colds?

A cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat that is spread in a number of different ways. For example, colds are passed through physical contact with another child with a cold or with contaminated item that was previously touched by someone who has a cold. Also, colds can be passed by breathing in germs from someone who is coughing or sneezing.

• How can I treat my child’s cold?

Symptoms of a cold can include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and loss of appetite:

o Runny nose: There’s not much you can do for a runny nose, except for periodically clearing it for easier breathing. It’s best to have your child sniff and swallow the secretions, rather than blow them out, which could cause the virus to spread to the ears and sinuses.

o Stuffy nose: You can help clear you child’s nose by instilling three drops of warm tap water into the nasal passages and using cotton swabs to wipe out loosened mucus.

o Sore Throat: Help relieve your child’s sore throat by giving your child warm salt water to gargle with.

o Fever: Reduce your child’s fever fast with Children’s Advil®. It reduces fever faster* than Children’s Tylenol® and lasts up to twice as long. When your child has a fever, it is important that you dress him or her lightly. DO NOT overdress or cover your child with heavy blankets as overheating can actually increase the fever. Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

* Based on reducing fever below 100°.

o Loss of Appetite: When your child has a cold, it’s important that he or she doesn’t become dehydrated. Encourage your child to consume lots of fluids, like chicken soup, even if he or she doesn’t feel like eating or drinking.

• What product(s) are available to treat my child’s cold this summer?

Children’s Advil® is NOT part of the recent recall and is safe and effective when used as directed in children 2 to 11 years of age. Children’s Advil® works to temporarily reduce fever, and relieve minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, sore throats, headaches and toothaches. You can repeat the dose every 6 to 8 hours, as needed. Do not use more than 4 times per day.

o For more information please visit ChildrensAdvil.com or contact a customer service representative toll-free at: 800-88-ADVIL or 800-882-3845, Monday-Friday; 9:00AM-5:00PM EST or write to Product Quality, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, P.O. Box 26609, Richmond, VA 23261-6609.

• What if my child has a fever?

A fever is the body’s way of responding to an infection and can make your child uncomfortable and irritable. It is important to gauge your child’s fever accurately. Your child has a fever if his or her temperature reaches 100° F when measured orally or in the ear, or if the temperature reaches 100.4° F when measured rectally, or if the temperature reaches 99° F when measured under the arm.

Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids when he or she has a fever. A fever can cause your child to lose fluids and may lead to dehydration. Water, soup, ice pops or flavored gelatin are all helpful.

• How do I know if the cold is severe enough to call the doctor?

If you are worried about your child’s cold, you should call your doctor.

• What is the difference between a summer cold and allergy symptoms?

Both colds and allergies can cause nasal congestion — that’s what can make them difficult to tell apart. However, a key difference is itching of the eyes that is commonly seen with allergies.

• What do I need to know about giving my child medication?

o Read package labels carefully. Make sure you are giving your child the right amount of medicine.
o For liquid medicines, only use the measuring device that comes with that particular product to be sure you give the right dose. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon may not hold the right amount of medicine.
o You should use all medications according to the label directions and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• What’s the best way to prevent future colds?

There are preventative measures parents and children can take to reduce their risk for colds, including:
o Wash your hands often (as germs spread from a contagious person to a healthy person typically by hand) or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
o Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain body fluid levels
o Get plenty of rest
o Spend time outdoors because it is more common to catch a cold indoors rather than outdoors. Air conditioned environments and tight closed spaces, such as airplanes, pose many virus-sharing risks and ultimately increase the likelihood of catching a cold. Also, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can kill cold viruses

Brands herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Summer is upon us and with days of warmth and perfect weather comes the opportunity to get outside more and take that first step towards achieving optimal health. By implementing just a few simple practices, we can work towards living an overall healthier existence. Dr. Wayne Andersen founder of Take Shape for Life has provided the tips below:

For Take Shape For Life, “health” and more importantly, Optimal Health, extends far beyond common associations to include physical, mental, and even financial health.

* Stay fit on vacation by signing up for a walking trip, such as those offered by the Smithsonian Institution, or entering a walking running event for charity in a fun location. What better way to keep yourself healthy and do something great for others in need!

* While exercise comprises only a small part of our daily activity (if it’s done at all), its ability to build muscle can help increase your calorie-burning potential.

* Help ward off skin cancer by eating a diet high in omega-3, polyphenols (such as green tea), and carotenoids (like beta-carotene), all of which have been shown to prevent melanoma. Of course, remember to wear your sunscreen too! (Editor’s Note: Just remember to consult our post about the best sunscreens.)

* Keep healthy snacks in your bag when you are out, nutrition bars like Medifast Strawberry Crunch bars are filling and low calorie.

* Put your mind to rest before bed by making a to-do list of tasks and priorities for the next day. You’ll go to sleep confident
that you won’t forget something important once your busy day gets going (or wake up in the night worry about it). Just be sure to make up your list early enough in the evening so you’re not thinking about tomorrow’s concerns right before bed.

Dr. Andersen also has a new book available called, Dr. A’s Habits of Health (The Path to Permanent Weight Control and Optimal Health).

About Dr. Andersen (Click this red link for complete bio, as this is just snippets of it.)

Dr. Wayne Andersen’s passion for life and fascination with medicine began at an early age. In high school, living in Japan, he observed the effect that the low-fat Asian diet had on creating much lower levels of obesity, cancer, and heart disease, than in Western cultures. He also recognized how important family, life-long friends, and a life of meaning and purpose was to these people in grounding their health and longevity.

Dr. Andersen is currently Medical Director of Medifast, Inc., an innovative leader in the production, distribution and sale of weight management and health management products marketed under the brand name Medifast. Involved with Johns Hopkins in collaborating studies to show the efficacy of meal replacements, Dr. Andersen’s goal is to provide simple, convenient means for people to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

As the chief architect of Take Shape for Life, Dr. Andersen has built an integrated support system that helps people make the necessary changes in their lifestyles to create optimal health. This Take Shape for Life physician-led health network is gathering tremendous momentum.

Dr. Andersen currently lives on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, with his wife Lori, a Registered Nurse who provides nursing support for Take Shape for Life, and their two children, Savannah and Erica.

If you have children involved in summer sports activities, this article has some good tips and reminders that we should all keep in mind to keep our children safe and to prevent injuries, but still have fun.

Summer Sports for Kids

Image: Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

With summer here, children’s excitement to get outdoors and play should be met with an equal measure of precaution on parents’ part. ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Richard Ezgur, DC offers tips for parents to keep kids safe and injury free during summer sports and activities.

* Warm Up – Like adults, children are also vulnerable to muscle pulls and joint sprains and strains. The most common causes of these injuries include inadequate warm-up time and stretching. Before beginning the activity, encourage your child to take a few minutes to warm-up.

o A good warm-up will imitate the actions that your body will undergo during your sport, but at a lesser intensity. So for most kids, a brief walk or light jog will do the trick just fine. In some cases, just parking the car farther away from the play ground or sporting field, to allow for a walk before play, may be an adequate warm up.

o The main point to remember is to avoid having your child transition immediately from resting in bed or the car directly into strenuous activity.

* Stretch – Stretching should be performed after, not before, activity. The key to proper stretching is to remember that “less is more”. Stretches should be gentle, relaxing and never painful.

o You’ll want to hold a steady stretch for at least 20-30 seconds without bouncing. Stretching too far or stretching for less than 20 seconds, or stretching before activity may do more harm than good. In doing so, you may initiate a “stretch reflex” which actually causes the muscles to tighten up even more. This may cause pain and physical damage to your muscle fibers, as well as scar tissue formation and decreased elasticity over time.

o Toddlers won’t need to stretch after exercising, but it’s a good habit to develop by the teen years.

* Nutrition and Hydration – Finally, proper nutrition is also important in preventing muscle injuries, cramping, and dehydration. Many people are often concerned about vitamin and mineral intake, but the most common pitfall when exercising in the heat of the summer is dehydration caused by inadequate fluid intake. You can avoid this by simply drinking enough water, which is at least 8-12 cups of water for an adult, plus an additional 1-2 cups for every hour of exercise. This amount should be adjusted to the size of your child, although children will need a larger amount of water in proportion to their body weight, compared to adults.

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

o All parents should be aware of the signs of dehydration, which include:

* Thirst and/or dry mouth

* Muscle weakness, fatigue or lethargy

* Dizziness

* Lightheadedness

* Small amount of dark urine.

o Keep in mind that your children must drink, even if they claim not to be thirsty. Unfortunately, the human thirst mechanism is not sensitive to the early stages of dehydration. As a result, significant dehydration usually occurs before the sensation of thirst is recognized.

About Dr. Ezgur

Dr. Richard Ezgur is a chiropractic physician, homeopathic physician, and acupuncturist in private practice specializing in natural health and sports and spinal rehabilitation. His clinic, Progressive Chiropractic Wellness Center, provides chiropractic care, physical therapy services, homeopathy, acupuncture, and massage therapy. For more information:

www.progressivechiropractic.com
www.twitter.com/Natural_Doctor
www.facebook.com/progressivechiropracticwellnesscenter