1. Washing machine laundry soap – use just 1 tablespoon per light load or 2 tbs for an extra heavy load and, for the average family, this amount will last approximately 9 months and can be used in HE washers too. It will have a mild scent but you can add a few drops of essential oil if you want something more fragrant but please avoid artificial fragrances.

Ingredients:

1 x 4lb 12oz box Borax

1 x 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

1 x 3lb 7oz box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz

3 x bars of Fels-naptha soap (or you can use Ivory soap or Zote soap)

Optional 2 x small containers of oxyclean or store brand oxyclean (total 3.5lbs)

Method – grate all the soap – you can even use a food processor and put with the rest of the ingredients in a 5 gallon bucket lined with a garbage bag. Mix it all up and store in a large container along with a tablespoon size scoop to make it easier to use when adding to your washer’s dispenser. In the case of a HE washer, add to the barrel instead of the dispenser.

2. Natural fabric softener – use 1/3 cup of white vinegar which you can pop into the softener dispenser of your washer. Once the clothes are dry, there is absolutely no smell of vinegar.

3. Dishwasher detergent

Ingredients:

1 x 4lbs 12oz box Borax

1 x 3lbs 7oz box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

24 small packets of unsweetened lemonade drink mix, like kool-aid – (the lemonade will stain soap dispenser yellow so an alternative option is to use ½ to ¾ cup of citric acid instead which you can usually find along with canning supplies at your local store)

3 x cups Epsom salts

1 x Lemi Shine rinse aid – sprinkle a tablespoon in the bottom of the dishwasher

Method

Mix Borax, washing soda, salt and lemonade together in a very large bowl and put into a container large enough to hold whole batch if required. A pouring spout will make life easier and you just need 1 tablespoon per wash cycle.

These three recipes come from www.beingcreativetokeepmysanity.blogspot.com while Shayla Groves of www.designfinch.com has the following suggestions;

4. All-purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

¼ cup white vinegar

2 tablespoons baking soda

¼ gallon hot water

a few drops of essential oil (optional)

Method – combine ingredients in a bucket, stir and let the mixture cool before pouring into a suitable spray bottle.

5. Glass Cleaner

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons white vinegar

1/4 gallon water

Few drops of lemon essential oil (optional)

Method – combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake. Wipe the glass surfaces with crumpled newspaper.

6. Furniture Polish

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil

4 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Method – combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Remember to store extra in the refrigerator to prevent lemon juice from souring.

Safer for the environment but also easier for sensitive skins, eyes and noses.

Most of us have had experience of pink eye or conjunctivits and know how highly contagious it can be. It is alarming for parents the first time they see this condition on a young child because it may make the eyes extremely red and even spread rapidly. The good news is that it usually causes no long term damage either to the vision or the eyes themselves.

Some types of pink eye go away on their own while other require treatment.

The symptoms of pink eye are:

-   Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelid

-  Increased amount of tears

-  White, yellow or green eye discharge

-  Itchy eyes

-  Burning eyes

-  Increased sensitivity to light

-  Gritty feeling in the eye

-  Crusting of eyelids or lashes

Pink eye can be caused by:

-  The bacteria and viruses that are responsible for colds and other infections such as ear, sinus or throat infections.

-  The same bacteria that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases – known as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

-  Allergies – although this is more likely when a child has other allergic reactions such as hay fever.

-  Irritants in the environment such as chemicals in chlorine or soaps or air pollutants such as smoke or fumes.

Chlorine in higher concentrations such as in public swimming kpools can be the culprit if your child experiences frequent bouts of conjunctivitis. The chlorine can break down the protective layers of lubrication that cover the eyes so that they become more vulnerable to getting infected if they are rubbed. Triggers of this type of allergic conjunctivitis include grass, ragweed pollen, animal dander and dust mites.

Fortunately, most cases of conjunctivitis resolve on their own within a week or so but when the pink eye produces a green or yellow discharge, using an over-the-counter antibiotic eye drop can be very helpful. Even if the pink eye appears in just one eye, it is safer to put one drop in each eye because it is so easy for the conjunctivitis to spread. Continue the treatment daily for at least two days after all signs of the redness have gone.

Hundreds of everyday products contain parabens and the main reason for this is that parabens are widely used as effective preservatives by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. These paraben compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal

Parabens such as Ethyl, Butyl, Methyl, Propyl, and Parahydroxybenzoate are the second most common ingredient in skin care products after water. The very least of the side effects can be skin rashes and other allergic reactions.

However, many people have become very wary of parabens because they have been found in breast cancer tumors. In fact in a very recent study, researchers found parabens in the breast tissue of every woman examined plus they found extra examples of one type of paraben, Propyl, in the underarm region. This study was carried out under the leadership of Dr Philippa Darbre, reader in oncology at the University of Reading, who has spent years studying parabens and how they get into the body.

The other concern about parabens is that they can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers. In the July 2002 issue of the Archives of Toxicology, Dr. S. Oishi of the Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, Japan, reported thaT exposure of newborn male mammals to Butyl “adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system.”

So how can you protect yourself and your family from parabens?

-  Start reading and checking ingredients on labels because a huge percentage of the products you buy for everyday use contain some form of parabens. It can be difficult to find products that do not use them and the problem with the cosmetic industry is that it is very unregulated so ingredients are often incorrectly listed. Look out for any chemical ingredient that ends in paraben as well as the E number followed by 3 digits (such as E218 which is another name for Methylsuch) as these codes could be used instead of the actual name of the paraben.

-  Change from commercial make up and personal toiletries to organic natural products instead. I never use commercial toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face cleanser or moisturizer any more. True organic herbal products made from from high quality organic herbs and organic grain alcohol do not even need preservatives because they are shelf-stable for around two to three years.

-  Genuine castile soap (liquid or bars) has an excellent shelf-life of up to eighteen months or longer and requires no preservatives while a self-preserved 100% organic moisturizing body oil made from organic sunflower oil, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, organic peppermint oil and organic spearmint oil can have a shelf-life of up to 18 months.

-  Remember to treat your skin in the same way as you would think about what you eat before consuming it. I have a friend who says she will not put anything on her skin that she would not spread on her toast in the morning. That is excellent advice as long as she is a healthy eater! If you happily spread coconut oil or raw butter on your breakfast toast, then this would be just as safe, gentle and healthy for your skin.

The good news is that there is a gradual phasing out of these preservatives occurring in the natural skin care industry. While preservatives are needed, there are all natural, nontoxic preservatives that are both safe and effective. Many smaller skin care companies proudly state the fact that they are paraben-free. While this is a great option for them because of the smaller quantity of products they make and sell, most larger skin care companies use parabens to enable you to get your supply of product no matter where you shop. So you are usually safer with smaller, natural companies such as Aubrey Organics, Dr Hauschka Skin Care and Weleda Skin Care. Look out for natural skin care lines that avoid toxic cosmetic ingredients and are created entirely from safe, effective botanical ingredients.

Healing Natural Oils is just such a company providing 100% organic essential oils safe and gentle skin care and treatment for a host of conditions such as wrinkles, acne, varicose veins, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema and many more.

]]> http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/the-perils-of-parabens-and-how-to-protect-yourself/feed/ 0 http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/loving-lychees-for-a-juicy-fruity-treat/ http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/loving-lychees-for-a-juicy-fruity-treat/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:44:26 +0000 Jtucker http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/?p=5772  

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Most children love these juicy fruits that taste as good as sweets or candies – but are a thousand times more healthy for them to eat. Usually round or slightly egg shaped and the size of a walnut shell, the lychee has a thick textured skin that pops open to reveal a glistening, moist and translucent ball of almost jelly-like flesh covering a shiny brown seed.  Children enjoy opening lychees and they make the perfect lunchbox accompaniment.

The lychee is a fruit native to China that grows well in humid, subtropical climates free of frost and can now be found in Florida, USA, Natal in South Africa, Queensland in Australia and elsewhere.

These delicious fruit treats also offer several health benefits:

-  Lychee fruits are low in calories, contain no saturated fats or cholesterol, but are rich in dietary fiber which can be very important for those individuals concerned about excess body weight.

-  Rich in vitamin C (as much as 49mg per 100g) and a good source of dietary fiber, eating a few lychees can also help to soothe an irritating cough. The consumption of any fruits rich in vitamin C assists the body to develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.

-  Lichees are a good source of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, zinc, iron and selenium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helping control heart rate and blood pressure to offer protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases. Copper is necessary for the production of red blood cells while calcium, phosphorus and magnesium help growing bones

-  Lychees nourish the skin’s oils, often helping to reduce the appearance of acne – if eaten in moderation.

-  Lychees are a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, niacin and folates. These vitamins are essential since they function by acting as co-factors to help the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fats.

When cultivated, lychees are produced on tropical evergreen trees which grow to ten to twelve metres. The parent trees have a short trunk with low spreading branches. Their shiny, leathery, green leaves are composed of several smaller long, thin leaflets which are grouped together in pairs. Long sprays of green-white to green-yellow flowers turn into bunches of fruit following fertilisation.

The bunches of lychees are harvested by hand when ripe and often ladders are needed especially on the older, taller trees. Lychees are ready for harvesting in early summer.

When choosing this fruit at your local produce store, select those with fresh looking, firm skin without any cuts or molds and with some stem still attached. Lychees do not ripen after harvesting so the skins should be a robust red rather than green. Litchis have a very good shelf life as fresh fruits can be kept at room temperature for up to five days and can be stored for up five weeks in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen or dried and canned for export purposes.

 Make sure you give your family this juicy treat the next time lychees are in season in your part of the world.

Second only to the banana in the tropical fruit popularity stakes with Americans, the pineapple has many health benefits too making a bowl of fresh chunks of pineapple a great idea for a refreshing snack at any time of the day.  Best eaten on its own between meals without other food because pineapple is a great aid to digestion.

-  Fresh pineapple is full of bromelain which is a sulphur-containing, protein-digesting compound and the most important of the enzymes.  Enzymes are effective in reducing swelling and inflammation while assisting in the treatment of such conditions as acute sinusitis, sore throats, arthritis and gout. Enzymes in pineapple are used for treating rheumatoid arthritis successfully while also speeding up the tissue repair associated with general surgery, diabetic ulcers and injuries.

-  Pineapple also reduces blood clotting and aids in removing plaque from the arterial walls.

-  Those suffering from angina can consume pineapple because it enhances blood circulation in narrowed arteries.

-  Pineapple is a useful aid in building up healthy bones.

-  A good source of vitamin C, pineapple makes a welcome change to citrus and other vitamin C-rich fruit while offering an excellent protection againsts free radicals. Vitamin C (which is your body’s vital water soluble antioxdant) is invaluable for fighting and treating colds and flu as well as atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, asthma attacks and even the risk of certain cancers.  As pineapple is so rich in vitamin C, it means it is also good for oral health, helping to reduce periodontal disease and gingivitis.

-  Pineapple provides a rich source of manganese plus vitamin B1 which  are essential minerals and vitamins for energy production.

-  We all worry about our eye health especially as we age and along with other fruit, pineapple has been shown to help protect against macular degeneration.

For your information, these are the the nutritional values of pineapple as present in 100 grams:

Dietary fiber – 1.4 g
Sugar – 9.5 g
Vitamin E – 0.62 mg
Vitamin B6 – 0.111 mg
Vitamin B5 – 0.205 mg
Vitamin B3 – 0.495 mg
Vitamin B2 – 0.031 mg
Vitamin B1 – 0.079 mg
Vitamin C – 37.2 mg
Fat – 0.12 g
Protein – 0.54 g
Carbohydrates – 13.2 g
Zinc – 0.11 mg
Phosphorus – 10 mg
Iron – 0.29 mg
Potassium – 110 mg
Calcium – 13 mg
Calories – 50

So next time you see pineapples in the fresh produce aisle of your local store, go ahead and buy one or two.

Pineapples should feel heavy for their size and should look, feel and smell clean with no bad or mouldy marks on the outer surface. So give them the “feel in the hand” and “the sniffing test” before choosing. Remember that a pineapple stops ripening when picked so don’t select any that look too immature. Pineapples can be stored at room temperature but don’t wait too long before you enjoy their juicy sweet taste because they can spoil easily if left and forgotten.  You can wrap in a plastic bag and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or if you have cut up your pineapple, you can store unused pices in the fridge for a further day or two in an airtight container. Freezing pineapple will change its flavour.

You can cut and prepare your pineapple ready to eat by using a sharp knive and a cutting board.

Turn the pineapple on its side and slice off the top and the bottom of the fruit. Then turn it back up so the top is facing the ceiling and slice down the side rough skin all the way round until you are left with a juicy cylinder of fruit. Turn it on its side again and cut into slices. If the core of each slice is hard rather than soft, use the sharp point of your knive to make little cuts around the edge of the core and push it out.

Your pineaple is now ready to eat. Enjoy!

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The number of asthma cases keeps on growing. Can you believe an increase of more than 300% over the last two decades? Asthma affects an estimated thirty million Americans including many children. This inflammatory condition, typically of the upper airways, results in symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. When the symptoms are especially severe, it can be extremely stressful for the sufferer.

Asthma can be treated with two types of pharmaceutical medications: long-term control and quick-relief medicines. Long-term control medicines help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms while quick-relief medicines relieve asthma symptoms that may flare up.

If you have asthma, you probably spend a lot of time using various inhalers and nebulizers. Often, these contain glucocorticoids (steroids) which can have major side effects when used long term. These side effects include: cataracts, osteoporosis, adrenal insufficiency, weight gain (with a possible dramatic increase in abdominal fat), Type 2 diabetes and behavioral changes such as extreme anger.

In addition, other inhalers contain drugs which dilate the bronchi allowing more air in but, at the same time in many users, these drugs cause very rapid heart rate, tremors and insomnia.

Of course these drugs can be life saving but it is important to look at other safer ways to improve asthma symptoms.

Triggers for asthma include allergies, certain drugs, pollution and severe stress.

Some sufferers are finding that their symptoms respond well to natural treatments for asthma. One natural alternative is inhaled glutathione an antioxidant which is usually deficient in those suffering from asthma. The body produces its own glutathione unless a poor diet, pollution, toxins, medications, stress, trauma, aging, infections and radiation have depleted your reserves, leaving you susceptible to unrestrained cell disintegration from oxidative stress, free radicals, infections and more.

Other ways to treat and even prevent the symptoms of asthma naturally are with these suggestions:

- By testing for gluten intolerance and/or other food allergies as it has been found that many with asthma also have a gluten or other sensitivity. In such cases, their immune systems are so busy fighting their food, that they don’t have left over immune resources to fight the environment.

- By increasing the intake of animal-based omega 3 fats and by reducing the intake of omega 6 fats – the ratio between these two fats is very important. If the balance is distorted it can lead to the type of inflammation that causes asthma.

- By getting regular exercise especially out in the fresh air. Research has shown that exercise in asthmatics leads to an improvement in maximum ventilation and maximal oxygen uptake; in work capacity; and in maximum heart rate.

- By testing your vitamin D levels. Most important of all is that if you get your levels to about 60 ng/ml or higher, there’s a strong likelihood you may not experience the symptoms of asthma any more. The vast majority of today’s population is vitamin D deficient – that is below 30 ng/ml – so that even the medical community is beginning to realize the importance of raising vitamin D levels to protect against a large number of diseases and health conditions including asthma. You can raise your levels by exposing as much skin as possible to sunlight during the 2 hours either side of noon (with no sun block) for as long as it takes for your skin to turn a light pink. The darker your skin, the longer you need.  Do this as often as you can. You may still need to supplement with vitamin D3 and the suggested optimal dose is 8000 IUs per day until you reach above 60 ng/ml. You will then need to maintain that level.

These 14 signs are:

1. Often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated.
2. Having difficulty remaining seated when required to do so.
3. Being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
4. Having difficulty awaiting turn in games or group activities.
5. Often blurting out answers before questions are completed.
6. Having difficulty in following instructions.
7. Having difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
8. Often shifting from one uncompleted task to another.
9. Having difficulty playing quietly.
10. Often talking excessively.
11. Often interrupting or intruding on others.
12. Often not listening to what is being said.
13. Often forgetting things necessary for tasks or activities.
14. Often engaging in physically dangerous activities without considering possible consequences.

While there are children who struggle with serious inattention and hyperactive or impulsive behaviors around the clock, so that they might be considered definitely ADD or ADHD, this label is frequently given to many other children as well without just cause.

In spite of the trend for several past decades to prescribe drugs for treating this disorder, it has been found that such stimulant drugs provide no lasting improvement.

Many parents, concerned about the long term use of prescription drugs on their children, look for other ways to help them.

Dr Mercola has this to say to parents on this subject:

“Drugging children with narcotics to treat behavioral problems should be a very last resort, only implemented after all other options have been exhausted – if they are regarded as an option at all. Other options exist that are far safer, and involve no drugs whatsoever! So before you consider drugs, please consider implementing the following strategies first, in addition to making sure that your child is assessed in an age-appropriate manner before labeling him or her with ADHD:

-  Eliminate most grains and sugars from your child’s diet. Grains and sugars both tend to cause allergies in sensitive individuals. Even organic, whole grain can cause problems in many children so it would be wise to give them a grain holiday and see if their behavior improves. A 2006 study showed that ADHD is markedly over represented in those with untreated celiac disease, indicating that wheat may be an especially problematic grain worth eliminating as a precaution.

-  Replace soft drinks (whether diet and regular), fruit juices, and pasteurized milk with pure, clean non-fluoridated water.

-  Increase omega-3 fats by taking a high quality animal-based omega-3 fat such as krill oil. Research has confirmed that animal-based omega-3 fat can improve the symptoms of ADHD more effectively than drugs like Ritalin and Concerta.

-  Consider a natural drug alternative such as the pine bark extract known as pycnogenol. It is one of over a dozen natural substances that have been studied to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children.

-  Minimize your use of nearly all processed fats, especially trans fats as they disrupt nerve cell intercommunication.
Avoid all processed foods, especially those containing artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, which may trigger or worsen symptoms.

-  Clear your house of dangerous pesticides and other commercial chemicals. Pesticide exposure has been linked with ADHD.

-  Avoid commercial washing detergents and cleaning products used on clothes, and replace them with naturally derived cleaning products with no added perfumes, softeners, etc. Permanent press or stain-resistant products also contain chemicals that can initiate ADHD-like reactions in sensitive individuals.

-  Spend more time in nature. Researchers have found that exposing ADHD children to nature is an affordable, healthy way of controlling symptoms.

-  Investigate sensory therapy and emotional wellness tools. Instead of looking for a quick fix, encourage ADHD sufferers to talk, and find out what emotions are causing issues. Stress is the frequently unappreciated and overlooked variable that can easily worsen ADHD. If the parents are having trouble in their relationship this can easily influence the child’s behavior.”

A recent study in Holland put half of the ADHD children on a strict diet while the other half ate their normal diet. The strict diet comprised: rice, turkey, pear, vegetables and water only for 2 weaks. Then one food was added back every week. Some 67% of those children on the strict diet were back to normal after just 5 weeks. It was found that different children could not eat different foodstuffs. The trial is published at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/…/21296237

“Phosphatidylserine” is a supplement worth investigating (which includes natural amino and fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid) and could be helpful in cases of ADHD as it seems to strengthen memory, increase vigilance and attention, boost learning, increase mental acuity, intensify concentration, relieve depression and improve mood as well as decrease stress. It has also been found to work on adults and children alike.

There is a nostalgic trend for people to trace their family trees by going back several generations or as far as they are able. If there is not a lot of actual evidence in the family archives, many will use such web sites as myheritage.com to help them on their way. However, there is another important aspect to tracing your family history that you might not have thought of.

That is your family’s medical history because this could hold vital information about your own health and that of your children.

Many common conditions are passed down through families but there may also be less well known conditions that are genetic in nature that would be helpful to know about. The more common ones include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, mental illness, osteoporosis, birth defects and even memory loss.

Your first port of call when putting together such information is to chat to your parents and your grandparents as well as any uncles and aunts and get them to rack their brains for what they can recollect. Write it all down. It will form the basis of your family’s medical history. Once you have exhausted that source, then there other ways and means to find out more.

It is very important when collecting your family medical history to obtain accurate, complete records. A three generation set of records and information is the ideal goal to aim for. It is rather a tall order but you should set out information in the following format for each family member:

-  First and last names (including all married and maiden names for women where appropriate).

-  The current age, or age at death.

-  Exactly how people are related to each other, noting if any brothers and sisters have different parents or if anyone was adopted.

-  In the case of twins, you need to know if they are or were identical or fraternal.

-  Note if any family member married a blood relative eg. first cousins.

-  The country your ancestors came from eg. Jewish ancestors could be Ashkenazi Jews (from eastern Europe) or Sephardic Jews (from Spain or certain middle eastern countries). This information can be important because of the prevalence of some genetic conditions in certain ethnic groups.

-  Note the cause of death and if an autopsy was performed plus any history of miscarriages or babies who are deceased.

-  Include any illnesses, birth defects, or mental retardation in family members. A bonus would be the names of hospitals or medical centers where treatment took place plus the age at which illnesses occurred or any surgery was performed and why.

-  Also include any particular lifestyle habits that might be relevant such as a history of tobacco use, alcohol or drug use, obesity or an occupation that might be hazardous.

Aim to be as accurate as you can when compiling a family medical history as this can be a valuable tool for both your family members and your healthcare providers.

In addition, forewarned is forearmed. If you do your own research about a family condition and know what you might be up against, in many instances you can adjust your diet and more as a preventative measure.

You can add to your family medical history by applying for medical records and/or death certificates for different members. Death certificates are particularly useful as they usually contain all the relevant information about cause, place and age and may even give the name of the hospital that treated the deceased. Death certificates may or may not include information about other medical conditions that did not contribute to the cause of death. They can be obtained from the records office in the state where the family member died. A small fee is usually charged for a copy of a death certificate.

In the case of your own medical records, you can apply for these from the appropriate facility but if you wish to apply for a family member’s records, then you will need their permission or in the case of a deceased person, their next-of-kin’s permission.

Compiling such a family medical tree is quite an undertaking but you might find it a very worthwhile and interesting exercise with valuable benefits for both you and your family.

- You can buy rice milk from a health store for every day use.

- You can use coconut oil instead of butter. My grand daughter has a milk intolerance and when we were switching her over to new things instead of dairy, we called the coconut oil “magic butter” because it disappeared when we spread it on her toast or her bread. She was tickled pink to watch this happen and quickly ate up all her food!

- You can buy delicious organic, raw chocolate when you have a craving for a chocolatey treat. You can use this to make homemade healthy chocolate spread or in fact any recipe that calls for chocolate. Substitute any sugar with stevia and you will have a much healthier dessert, confectionery and other chocolate treat.

- Another suggestion is to use raw nut milk made from almonds or cashews instead of dairy milk.

To make 6 cups of milk you will need these ingredients and equipment:

1 cup raw almonds or cashews.

2 cups of filtered water for soaking.

6 cups filtered water for blending.

1 quarter cup of honey, some dates or some stevia (as an optional extra if you feel the need for sweetening).

A fine mesh filter for a smoother consistency.

A blender.

Method

Soak the almonds or cashews in 2 cups of filtered water overnight or up to 24 hours before draining them under water.

Blend the nuts plus the 6 cups of water on high until you get a smooth mixture.

Add your optional sweetener and blend for a further few minutes.

Pour the liquid through a mesh filter into a jug for storage in the refridgerator for up to a week.

In addition, you can ring the changes with these extra flavors:

- A few tablespoons of carob or cacao power for a delicious chocolate nut milk drink.

- A cup of strawberries.

- Some vanilla beans.

- A couple of bananas for a banana milk shake

- Or bananas and raw cacao for a banana chocolate nut treat

One word of warning:  nut milk is so delicious, you may well become addicted, so ration your intake! Although it is quite high in calories, nut milk does have a very high nutrition value so is a wonderful food for a growing child either with cereal or as a drink on its own.

For a hot chocolate dairy free recipe go to http://drbenkim.com/hot-chocolate-smoothie-recipe

There is a helpful guidebook available called Dairy Free Made Easy by Alisa Fleming which has recently been updated and expanded in paperback format at a very reasonable price of $10.

Within this complete dairy-free living resource, you will discover over 225 different dairy-free recipes with numerous options to satisfy dairy cravings, while focusing on naturally rich and delicious whole foods.  In addition, there is a comprehensive guide to dairy substitutes which explains how to purchase, use and prepare alternatives for butter, cheese, cream, milk and much more – from scratch. Grocery shopping Information is in another section to give you suspect ingredients lists and label-reading assistance as well as food suggestions and money-saving tips.   A detailed calcium chapter identifies calcium-rich foods and supplements while helping you to understand other factors involved in building and maintaining strong bones. Finally, an in-depth health section explains dairy, details the signs and symptoms of various dairy-related illnesses, and thoroughly addresses protein, fat, and nutrient issues in the dairy-free transition.

Please be aware that some people only find they have a problem with pasturized dairy and not with unpasturized (or raw) dairy.  So this is worth investigating.

With add-ons, the nursery cot just keeps on growing and giving.

Stokke AS is a Norwegian company owned by the Stokke family and founded in 1932 in Ålesund, in the northwestern part of Norway, but provides worldwide distribution through selected retailers represented in around fifty countries. They believe in creating unique, functional and long‐lasting products, attractively designed with a wide variety of accessories to provide, support, and promote wellbeing for both parent and child. The Stokke Sleepi bed was first launched in 1999.

The Stokke SleepI is made of solid attractive beech wood and grows in length so that one bed can be adapted as your child grows. There is a choice of color finishes – white, natural, walnut brown, grey and whitewash.

Here are the different stages:

1. For the newborn, the Stokke Sleepi Mini provides the perfect first bed as it creates a nest like environmment that is comfortable and secure. Smooth action lockable wheels can be used to rock your baby gently to sleep as well as making the crib easy to move from room to room while the width of 67 cm means it will easily fit through a standard doorway. Depending on your baby, this first size will fit up to 6 months.

2. The second stage of development is Stokke Sleepi Bed where the mini easily converts into a cot bed so that your baby has his or her similar and familiar environment but is safe and secure whether sleeping or awake. The height positions can be adjusted and the bed extension is an add-on to the Mini. Ideal up to the age of 18 months.

3. The same Stokke Sleepi Bed accommodates your todler’s changing development so that when he or she reaches the curious climbing stage, you can remove one side of the bed for easy access and to boost feelings of freedom and independence. This will be perfect for your young child up to the age of 3 years.

4. With the Junior Extension available as an add-on, the Stokke Sleepi Bed becomes the perfect sleeping place for your child up to the age of 10 years.

5. And there is even a 5th stage because once your child is 10 years old and ready to move into an adult bed, the Stokki Sleepi makes a practical mini sofa for any room in the home or it can be used as two chairs.

The Stokki keeps on going until your child has his or her own children and you need to start accommodating grandchildren!

1. Always cruise the outer aisles of the supermarket to pick up the fresh produce and other items and steer clear of the center of the store where all the processed and convenience foods are housed and which are not going to give you or your family a healthy diet. Try to stick to fresh organic produce whenever you can but if not, go for the freshest, locally produced fruit and veggies you can find. Farmers Markets are often the best place to go for seasonal and reasonably priced items. Veggies should be light steamed or eaten raw in salads or juiced.

2. Go smaller on the meat, fish and chicken portions for your supper dishes. One portion of meat for example should be no bigger than the palm of your hand and no thicker than your thumb. You may find you have been eating far too much meat. For example, bulk up spaghetti bolognaise with the addition of legumes, eggplant, grated carrot and chopped celery.

3. Always avoid pre-packaged produce that has been cut up and bagged ready for you. Rather go for the whole living food and do the preparation yourself. It is healthier, fresher and usually less expensive.

4. Breakfasts are one of the most important meals of the day and free range eggs are so useful and economical to cook at this time. Soft boiled eggs, scrambled eggs or poached eggs with a slice of organic bread gives an excellent start to the day. Oatmeal is another reasonably priced standby. Make a big pot of oatmeal so everyone has their own bowl with a little milk added and cinnamon or raw honey to sweeten. You can add nuts or dried fruit for an extra treat.

5. Provide lunch boxes for everyone – using your own healthier ingredients rather than commercial snacks and sodas which are often the only things on offer when you or a family member starts to feel peckish at work or at school.

6. Look out for a local bakery that offers fresh, organic bread but minus the bleached white flour or bromides (bromine) as these are both unhealthy. Organic sourdough and sprouted grain breads are the healthiest. Look into the cost of buying your own bread making machine to keep your family fed and to fill the kitchen with the lovely scent of freshly baked bread. You can often buy your ingredients from bulk bins.

7. Grains and legumes or rice and beans will add lots of bulk for hungry tummies. Look out for organic rice and beans from bulk bins which are healthy and often cheaper. Add good oils such as coconut oil or olive oil, lemons and spices for tasty flavor. If you buy bulk dried beans, they should be soaked overnight for boiling the next day while organic lentils, black or turle beans and garbanzo or chick peas do not require any soaking time.

8. Make your own soups by slow cooking in the old fashioned way with lots of veggies, potatoes, onions and even meat bones. A huge pot will mean you have further servings stored in the refrigerator for other meals.

9. Sprouting is a great way to start providing your own food. Broccoli or lentil sprouts from seed give you a great organic boost. Here is how to do your own sprouting http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/growing-sprouts-at-home-for-your-own-superfoods/

10. Don’t allow yourself or your family members to be swayed by aggressive advertising. The International Association for the Study of Obesity reported last June that children continue to be inundated with advertising that promotes an unhealthy diet. Educate and be a good role model yourself. Eventually, they will come around from your influence!

The United States is in the midst of a tragic epidemic of autism. An analysis of the US Department of Education data from 1992-1993 in comparison to the years 2000-2001 indicates that there has been an average increase of 644% among all US children – and those figures are from 10 years ago.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development that are characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder -not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) – and Asperger Syndrome. Interestingly, some of those with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

Autism causes children to experience the world differently from the way most other children do. They might find it difficult to talk with other people and to express themselves using words. They usually keep to themselves and many cannot communicate without special help. They might react to what is going on around them in different and unusual ways. Sounds that appear normal to us may bother an autistic child so that they cover their ears. Being touched can cause concern in other autistic children while they might not be able to relate to someone smiling at them or being friendly.  An autistic child can have difficult in linking words to their meanings which can be very frustrating. Autistic children can have other unusual ways of behaving such as flapping their hands, repetitive phrases or words, having temper tantrums or concentrating on just one toy. Frequently they will like a set routine which must not be deviated from or their possessions must be kept in a certain way and never moved or disturbed. Some or all of these signs of autism can make it difficult for a child to function in everyday life.

Autism can vary from mild to serious. The severity will affect how much help a child needs.

Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. Although the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age, children as young as a year old can show signs of autism. A growing number of scientists and researchers believe that a relationship between the increase in neurodevelopmental disorders of autism, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and speech or language delay, and the increased use of thimerosal in vaccines is plausible and deserves more scrutiny.

It is vital to learn the early signs of autism and understand the typical developmental milestones your child should be reaching at different ages. Listed below are red flags for possible autism. If you have concerns, speak to your doctor about screening your child for autism because if your child does have autism, early intervention may be his or her best hope.

-  No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or later.

-  No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months or later.

-  No babbling by 12 months.

-  No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months.

-  No words by 16 months.

-  No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months.

-  Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age.

Diet can play a very important role in helping your child if he or she has been diagnosed with autism.

-  Test for both gluten and dairy sensitivity immediately. At the same time, test for other food allergens. Gluten has been shown in numerous research studies to damage nerve tissue so that anyone with neurological illness of unknown origin should be genetically tested for gluten sensitivity.

-  Remove all sugar, artificial dyes and processed foods from their diet.

-  Stop any treatments (dental or medical) that introduce mercury into the body. Remember that vaccines and flu shots are common sources.

-  Test for vitamin and mineral deficiencies – especially B-vitamins. The body’s production of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow proper communication in the nervous system) is largely dependent on vitamin B-6, folate, B-12, B-5, B-1, zinc, copper, magnesium, and vitamin C.

If you are a parent of an autistic child, you can get information and support from such websites as:

http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/index.php

http://www.autismunited.org/

http://www.generationrescue.org/

As you get older, you should be less likely to get warts or recurring warts because your immune system develops immunity over time.

The virus that causes warts, and then recurring warts, is called human papilloma virus or HPV. It enters the skin through very small cuts or wounds. Once in the skin, it may be destroyed by a strong immune system but if you are immune deficient for any reason, the virus can get a foothold. Some children or adults are more likely to get warts than others if their immune system is less efficient. When the virus enters the body, your immune system will create antibodies in order to destroy the virus. But these may not be strong enough to do the job if you have an impaired immune system.

Warts are contagious and the virus is easily spread. Once you have the warts virus, you can infect yourself again by touching the wart and then touching another part of your body. You can also infect another person through the sharing of towels, razors or any personal or intimate items. Public showers and other places with damp warm surfaces such as locker rooms or the areas around swimming pools provide the perfect breeding ground for picking up the warts virus. Be careful not to bite your nails or cuticles.

Even if you have the warts virus, it can take many months before a wart is noticed. In some people, they just become carriers of the virus and never have visible warts.

A wart may return after surgery because surgery removes the wart but does not destroy the human papillomavirus that causes the wart.

If you have a history of warts that recur, you may want to discuss more aggressive ways of treating these recurring warts with your doctor or health care provider. Such a treatment is known as immunotherapy and can be used to trigger your immune system to actually destroy the virus causing the wart. However, such methods are considered “last resort” because of expense, specialized handling or even the dangerous substances that are used. Such substances are called contact sensitizers, and include squaric acid, dibutyl ester or imiquimod. Another susbtance is interferon which is an experimental treatment and most doctors would be loathe to use it except in extreme cases.

Of course, one excellent way to prevent recurring warts is to boost the immune system. This could well mean several lifestyle changes. Here are some suggestions to improve your own immune system.

- Lemon is an easy way to start. Add lemon juice to a glass of water or your cup of tea daily to help maintain your body’s internal “climate” at a pH that supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments.

- An herbal boost from the large selection of medicinal herbs, well known for their immune strengthening properties that are even safe for children too, will give your body additional support during the winter months.

- Essential oils are a particularly effective natural immune system booster. When treating conditions such acne, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, eczema, arthritis, Candida, athlete’s foot and nail fungus with products formulated from essential oils, part of the healing process is to ensure the formula is absorbed into the blood stream. This is achieved by massaging a drop of the treatment under each foot. This boosts the immune system and acts as a preventative.

- Eat raw fruits and vegetables rather than the cooked version whenever you can. Their nutritional content is unparalled, with many antioxidants to protect those cells in your immune system from damage by toxins in the environment. Eat as many different colors of fruit and vegetables as possible. Dark colored produce such as berries, kale and broccoli are especially good as well as nuts, seeds, garlic and kelp.

- The foods that boost immunity contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Carotenids, Bioflavenoids, Zinc, Selenium and Omega-fatty acids. Sprirulina is good as a naturally digestible food because it supplies so many of the nutrients you need.

- Sufficiently high levels of vitamin D are vital for boosting your immune system which you can get by optimizing sun exposure year-round or by taking oral vit D3 supplement when the weather is not suitable. Whatever the weather, spend more time outdoors and take the opportunity to exercise while you are there. Encourage the whole family to do the same.

-  Remind yourself to drink lots of water. Your urine should be the very palest of yellow otherwise you are just not drinking enough.

- Make sure you are getting sufficient and good quality sleep. You know how much you need as an individual and it mostly likely means you have to go to bed earlier every night to achieve the hours of sleep you require.

-  Enjoy a good laugh. Laughter significantly increases the activity of T cells and other markers of healthy immune function. If we can laugh, we will automatically relieve our stress levels.

- Remember too that if you have taken antibiotics recently, you will need to restore the healthy flora balance in your body by taking a probiotic containing acidophilus. Unfortunately, antibiotics can harm the good bacteria in your system, and therefore your immune system, while they are fighting an infection in your body.

- Avoid too much coffee as caffeine depletes the minerals and vitamins in your body and dehydrates you. If you have to drink a cup of coffee, then add 2 more glasses of water to your daily water intake to counteract the downside of the coffee.

- Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners – sugar is particularly addictive so keep sugar to the minimum and avoid the white, refined type at all costs. Artificial sweeteners contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to the immune system. Stevia is a safe and effective sugar substitute.

- Avoid smoking including second hand smoke as when you introduce cigarette smoke to your body, you are inviting multiple invaders for your immune system to chase, catch and remove. The more you smoke, the harder your immune system has to work. So of course your immune system is going to be weakened.

- Avoid alcohol and drugs as  low or moderate alcohol consumption will stimulate immune functions in a positive way but excessive consumption depresses immunity. All drug abuse will cause immune dysfunction.

Avoid Processed food and the bad fats.

Apart from boosting your immune system, natural treatment is another way to treat and prevent recurring warts. Healing Natural Oils produces H-Warts which counteracts the warts virus on contact, causing warts to shrink and flake away within a period of 2 to 6 weeks. The wart is drawn right out of the skin from the underneath upwards and once eliminated, that wart will not grow back.

So no more recurring warts.

Using bioresonance testing, the operator assesses which organs are under stress and tests through a wide range of remedies and nutritional supplements before recommending how to restore balance to reduce stress, anxiety and improve natural sleep patterns. The device is linked to a computer which is capable of measuring the skin’s resistance, voltage potential and amperage amongst other measurements. The machine tests for over 3600 substances including foods, additives, toxins, vitamins, minerals and much more.

The machine can also be used to test for arthritis.

According to the Living Systems Revolution at http://www.systemsrevolution.com/health/bioresonance/

“There are many types of Bioresonance Testing, but they all share the common characteristic of being based on utilizing the energetic and informational qualities of human physiology for the extraction of important clinical and/or diagnostic information. The great advantages of this approach include:

Non-invasive, therefore no side effects.

Ability to pinpoint exact information concerning the state of internal organs and pernicious factors lodged in them, including many organs and tissues normally inaccessible to diagnostic investigation except under conditions of autopsy (i.e. post-mortem examination).

Ability – in the case of the most evolved form of Bioresonance Testing, as utilized in Field Control Therapy (FCT) – to prioritize this information effectively from the perspective of Systems Science, incorporated into a sophisticated bioresonance test “algorithm” which is a series of test steps performed routinely in FCT practice.”

Of course there will always be sceptics who completely dismiss any alternative methods of health care but because everything about this process is completely natural and health-giving, there is really nothing to lose.

While allergy testing is a big part of this procedure, it is important to address any toxicity or parasite infestation first because they affect the function of the liver, often causing allergic type reactions. The machine tests for parasites in the digestive tract which can then be treated with remedies, diet and/or lifestyle changes along with nutritional supplements. If liver function can be fully restored, overall health and harmony improves and allergy testing may not even be necessary.

The test is ideal for:

-  Those with digestive problems such as irritable bowl syndrome (IBS), bloating, recurrent diarrhea or constipation.
-  Skin complaints like eczema, rashes and dryness.
-  Mucous problems such as sinus congestion.
-  Ear problems.
-  Children with digestive problems, hyperactivity, asthma, eczema, concentration difficulties.
-  Unexplained tiredness, feeling that something “is not quite right”.
-  Thyroid problems.
-  Those who want some help from complementary medicine but do not want to commit to a long series of treatments.

I do have a personal anecdote to tell.

My granddaughter had been suffering from a runny nose and a red rash on her chin and one cheek for about a year. The medical doctors she saw were unable to pinpoint its cause and suggested that she would grow out of it in time. Recently, she underwent the Bioresonance Testing and the outcome was that she was allergic to dairy products. In the past two weeks, her mother has eliminated all dairy from her diet. She is having organic coconut oil instead of butter, organic rice milk enriched with calcium instead of dairy milk and raw organic chocolate spread as an occasional treat. And the result…almost immediately (within a day or two)…no more runny nose and no more rash.

German doctors in particular have embraced this new science of biophysics. At the International Congress for BICOM (the trade name for a bioresonance device) Therapists in Germany in 2006, it was reported as follows:

“The BICOM bioresonance method continues to gain acceptance by German medical practitioners. The introductory lecture by Hans Bruegemann summarised a survey carried out in October 2005 among German-speaking BICOM users. The survey covered 241,664 patients who had exhausted all forms of treatment using conventional medicine in 396 practices. Of these, 46.7% no longer showed any symptoms, 34 % experienced a significant improvement,13.1% registered a slight improvement and only 6.25% showed no sign of improvement. To estimate the worldwide picture, even assuming that only 60% of therapists use the same protocols as those in the survey, then over 1,000,000 patients whom conventional medicine could not help can be expected to have made a complete recovery and a further 780,000 to have experienced significant improvements.”

You might well find it helpful to investigate this method yourself further.

Here are some suggestions:

Medical Emergencies which can arise at any time

- A spoon of cayenne pepper mixed in a glass of water will often bring a person out of a heart attack.

-  Learn to do chest compressions instead of the now outdated mouth to mouth resuscitation.

-  Learn the Heimlich manoeuvre for choking.

-  Broken bones need care. For a compound fracture (where the bone is sticking out) you need to stabilize the bone and not let it go back into the body. When not a compound fracture, you can safely reset the bone or put a splint on it so it cannot move.

-  First and second degree burns respond well to Aloe Vera which is a very useful home remedy to keep handy.  Third degree burns should be covered to keep the air off while at the same time watching out for shock and the chance of secondary infections. Third degree burns often do not hurt because the nerve cells have been so affected.

-  Bee stings can cause anaphylactic shock in rare cases when medical attention becomes crucial. Scrape the stinger out using a credit card rather than tweezers that can further inject more poison into the body. Those who have a history of an allergic reaction to bee stings should always carry emergency allergy medication which should be injectable as swallowing may be impossible.

-  If shock is a symptom, lay the person flat while elevating the feet by about 12 inches and keep the patient warm (not too hot or too cold).

-  Learn how to suture a bad cut. You can practise on a thawed chicken using a steady hand (and a strong stomach!). When faced with the real thing, clean the wound with 2-3% food grade H²0² or flood with ionic silver before stitching.

Supplies on hand which should be stored in a cool, dry place

-  At least two weeks’ supply of drinking water in addition to a Berkley system to convert water, a water purifier or water filters.

-  Plenty of food such as cans with a can opener; specialist dehydrated meal packs; dried foods such as oatmeal, rice, grains, organic cereals; long life milk; packets of raw nuts; several jars of peanut butter; raw honey and molasses; tea bags; Ketchup; olive oil and coconut oil (for their lasting qualities); dried fruits; protein drinks (eg large jar of whey); granola/energy bars, large container of vinegar (white distilled – useful for cooking, preserving, first-aid and/or cleaning).

-  Kerosene lamps with fuel supply.

-  Distilled spirits (vodka, rum etc) which can be used for medicine and even for bartering in times of emergency.

-  Batteries, matches (waterproof) and candles.

-  Wind-up radio/cell phone charger.

-  Basic toiletries, medical supplies and first aid supplies.

-  Basic camping gear, sleeping bags and blankets.

-  Emergency bag packed ready for sudden evacuation if absolutely necessary for your own safety.

-  Keeping vehicles always at least ¾ gassed up.

Although sometimes in a disaster it is necessary to flee (and be suitably prepared for such flight), remember it is often safer to stay where you are in the place and community you know. Even with a vehicle you cannot possibly carry everything you need to stay safe and prepared while gasoline supplies might become non existent for a time. At home you can store your food, emergency first aid supplies, communications equipment, self-defence items of your own choice, solar battery chargers, cooking gear, instructional books, garden seeds and whatever else you might need to survive an economic collapse or a natural disaster.

This is just a taste of how you can start to be prepared. There is much more you can learn if you read, research and put into practice.

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It is hard to imagine that it was only just over 60 years ago that brushing teeth became routine in the USA (after American soldiers had to clean their teeth daily during World War 11) and yet today, the toothbrush has been voted as the number 1 invention that Americans could not live without.

There is an interesting story about the history of Wisdom Toothbrushes – William Addis of England is believed to have produced the first mass-produced toothbrush in 1780 after he was jailed 10 years earlier for causing a riot. While in prison, he decided that the method used to clean teeth – at the time rubbing a rag with soot and salt on the teeth – could be improved, so he took a small animal bone, drilled little holes in it, obtained some bristles from a guard, tied them in tufts, passed the tufts through the holes on the bone and glued them. He soon became very rich with this invention. He died in 1808, and left the business to his eldest son who was also called William.  The company continues to this day under the name of  Wisdom Toothbrushes.

Today we are encouraged to brush our teeth twice a day and if possible after lunch or sweet snacks as brushing properly breaks down plaque.

Here are some 12 suggestions to help you take the best care of your teeth:

1. Use a soft tooth brush and just a blob of toothpaste the size of a pea to brush all your teeth back and front in small circular movements for at least 2-3 minutes and don’t forget to brush the tongue as well to keep the breath fresh.

2. The Bass method of brushing is ideal for adults. The brush is placed at 45 degrees to long axis of the tooth. In this brushing technique bristles are forced in the area between the two teeth and the junction of gums with the teeth. Then teeth are brushed with short back and forth strokes with vibratory action. The eating surface is brushed with short anterior and posterior strokes.

3. The Fone’s method of brushing is effective for young children where the brush is firmly placed against teeth and gums at 90 degree on the outer surface. The brush is moved in rotary action while teeth are closed. This brushing technique is very easy for children to follow.

4. Problems can arise because of incorrect brushing: gums recede or get irritated and start to bleed; teeth can become stained; the abrasion of teeth can take place or they can become sensitive to hot and cold sensation; or there can be bone loss leading to mobility and ultimately tooth loss.

5. Renew your toothbrush around every 3 months. If you have crooked or irregular teeth, lose a smaller headed brush.

6. An electric toothbrush, with an oscillating or rotating head, may be more effective at getting rid of plaque as well as easier to use for people with limited movement. The head for this type of toothbrush should be replaced every 6 months. Electric toothbrushes are available at different prices from basic to top of the range. You can check out what is available at Amazon.com and I suspect that once you change to an electric toothbrush, you won’t want to go back to the ordinary everyday type. Your teeth feel so much cleaner when you do the “sweeping tongue across the teeth” test – it is as if you have been to the dental hygienist – but everyday and not just twice a year!

7. Once a day, floss between each tooth and along the gum line gently or you can use an inter-dental brush. Finish off with a natural mouth rinse.

8. Book an appointment for a check up and clean with your dentist twice a year.  Avoid X-rays if possible and limit to not more often than once in three to five years.  Make sure you choose a dentist who does not still use amalgam fillings.

9. Be careful what you eat and drink – lots of fresh vegetables and water are best for your teeth. Sugary and diet sodas are the worst as bacteria love any sugar on your teeth and break it down into acids that eat away tooth enamel and lead to dental erosion which is permanent.

10. The stomach acid in vomit can cause dental erosion too, so always rinse out your mouth several times with water after vomitting and then clean your teeth thoroughly.

11. If plaque isn’t cleaned off your teeth regularly, your gums could become red, swollen and shiny and even bleed. This is the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Luckily it is completely reversible so if the plaque is removed, the gums will recover.

12. Saliva in your mouth is an important tool in caring for your teeth as it helps to wash away and neutralize any acid. Saliva also contains minerals to replace those lost from the enamel during acid attack. But if sugary food or drinks are consumed too often, our saliva does not have long enough to fully remineralise the teeth.

You might even think about changing to a more natural type of toothpaste. All those well known branded and conventional toothpastes are full of synthetic chemicals and even poisons. That is why it is not recommended that you let your children swallow toothpaste in spite of the tempting added flavors. Check out the ingredients in your favorite tube of toothpaste. You might be surprised at what they contain.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or JRA is also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). The symptoms and prognosis of the disease can vary from mild to more severe. The condition can be short term (lasting for some weeks or months) before disappearing entirely or it can be termed chronic and continue for months, years or even a lifetime. Approximately 300 000 children in the USA suffer from arthritis, of which 1 in 6 will have JRA.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis causes the lining of the joints to swell and release fluid inside the joint. Joints become swollen, stiff, painful and warm to the touch.

These symptoms along with such signs as limping; a sore wrist, finger or knee; joints that suddenly swell and then remain enlarged; general morning stiffness; stiffness in the neck, hips or other joints; a weakness in the muscles and other soft tissues around the joints; sudden unexplained rashes; fevers that perhaps rise in the evenings; could well lead your doctor to suspect the presence of JRA. Early diagnosis is important so that you and your doctor know what you are dealing with and can ensure that the appropriate treatment and any necessary or healthy lifestyle changes can be commenced.

With appropriate treatment, many children can go on to lead full, normal and even symptom-free lives.

There are 3 types of JRA:

1.  Pauciarticular which affects up to 4 joints and where the symptoms include pain, stiffness or swelling in the joints especially in the knee or wrist joints. An inflammation of the iris (the colored area of the eye) may occur but this can be with or without those joint symptoms. The iris inflammation (known as iridocyclitis, iritis or uveitis) can be detected early by an eye specialist.

2.  Polyarticular which affects 5 or more joints and is more common in girls than boys. The symptoms include swelling or pain in five or more joints and the areas usually affected include the small joints of the hands, the knees, hips, ankles, feet and neck. A low fever may be present as well as bumps or nodules on the body in those areas likely to feel pressure from sitting or leaning.

3.  Systemic onset which affects at least one joint but also some inflammation of internal organs. Other symptoms include high fevers at night, sometimes accompanied by a rash. The fevers and rash come and go while the spleen and lymph nodes may also become enlarged. Eventually many of the body’s joints are affected by swelling, pain and stiffness.

While treatment is taking place, some parents and children find the following to be very helpful:

-  Taking a hot shower, use a hot or cold compress or sleeping in a warm bed or sleeping bag can help relieve morning stiffness. Heat application can cause vasodilatation while cold packs application can cause vasoconstriction. Both can be beneficial for pain relief. When heat therapy is used, it helps relax sore muscles and eases joints. The vasodilatation effect causes blood to move to those specific areas to help increase the flexibility of the muscles. Cold therapy, on the other hand, is ideal for relieving throbbing, burning and severe pain.

-  Carrying out special exercises, including stretches and a range-of-motion exercises, can help reduce joint stiffness while improving flexibility and promoting stronger bones and healthier toned muscles. Exercise improves circulation and  body mechanics as well. Encourage your child to be active – to run with you, ride a bicycle with you and play outdoor sports together. This will not only improve bodily functions but create a general feeling of well-being  when doing fun activities together.

-  Nutrition is ultra important for juvenile arthritis. A diet of natural, organic whole foods including fresh vegetables and fruit that are full of vitamins, calcium and minerals help maintain stronger and flexible joints. Children with arthritis often have poor appetite so parents and caregivers may need to give extra attention because a nutritious diet will improve their condition from the inside and boost their immune system. Avoid sugar as much as possible – including from hidden sources – as well as artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup. Avoid all processed foods.

-  Massage can help relieve tension while the use of aromatic scented body oils can create a sensation that is soothing to the body and an ideal solution for throbbing arthritic pain. Massage is also ideal for relaxation and clearing the mind. Use a slow kneading and smooth flowing style to promote relaxation and circulation, improve range of motion of limbs and joints while giving an overall feeling of well-being.

Essential oils can provide the ideal treatment for arthritis including children. H-Arthritis is topically applied where it immediately relieves arthritis syhmptoms as well as the pain and stiffness associated with the condition.

Just as with smiling and kindness, most people find that laughter is contagious, so if you bring more laughter into your life, you can most likely help others around you to laugh more, and realize these benefits as well. By elevating the mood of those around you and in particular other members of your family, you can reduce their stress levels and raise your interaction with them to new heights.,

Laughter produces a chemical reaction that instantly elevates your mood, reduces pain and stress while boosting immunity. Much, much better than any medication you could take. Laughter reduces stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. At the same time it goes to work to increase health-enhancing hormones like endorphins and neurotransmitters. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress.

Laughter also increases your level of oxytocin to help you feel fulfilled and in touch with both yourself and others. Oxytocin is associated with the ability to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships and healthy psychological boundaries with other people. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps relax and reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels. Oxytocin increases pain thresholds, has anti anxiety effects, and stimulates various types of positive social interaction. In addition, it promotes growth and healing.

While you do not want to force fun and laughter on to your family over the coming holidays, look for opportunities when you can enjoy yourselves naturally. Perhaps you could learn from the yoga laughter tradition of the Indian physician Madan Kataria. He started a tecnique (which you may well have seen on TV) where playful exercises encouraged eye contact that soon grew into hilarious giggle sessions. You might need some outside help in the form of U-tube clips to get the laughter going although if there are any young children in the family, they can usually be relied upon to cause plenty of laughter. Be careful to laugh with them and not at them.

Some healthy competition amongst family members will often cause a lot of amusement so organize some board games, physical games or even charades. A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders so that the muscles feel way more relaxed afterwards and the heart gets a good work out too. Get your family members moving and laughing and they will feel so much healthier and happier!

A giant puzzle set out in a spacious area can get the whole family involved whatever their age. Few people can resist searching for that missing piece of the puzzle and there is a great sense of achievement and teamwork by everyone involved when it the puzzle is finally complete.

Another way to have fun is to all dress up for a special photo shoot. These days, everyone has a camera so there is no excuse! Decide on a theme or a color and give everyone a certain length of time to get ready for the photo shoot. Once you have all finished laughing and enjoying the occasion, choose the best shot and print out a copy for everyone in the family to keep as a momento.

Let this be the year that everyone remembers what a fun time they had.

Preschool children experiencing a migraine attack usually look very unwell with abdominal pain, vomiting and a strong need to sleep. They may show pain by irritability, crying, rocking or seeking a dark room in which to lie down and rest.

Migraines are surprisingly common in children with 5% of those under 12, and as many as 20% of those in hight school, suffering from migraine headaches. As with adults, migraines are more common in females than males but the big spike for these headaches in boys is between the ages of 10 to 12 years when they can experience as many as 2 to 3 a week.

While triggers can often bring on a migraine in children, having a regular and healthy lifestyle will help to keep unwanted headaches away.

Keep to a regular routine, remembering to:

-  Provide regular and healthy meals and snacks. Fresh fruit and vegetables should be top of the list.

-  Avoid those foods that are more likely to trigger migraines such as cheese, processed meats, chocolate, caffeine, artificial preservatives and colorings and anything else that you might have identified as a trigger. Keep sugar to a minimum.

-  Encourage the drinking of good plain water with absolutely no sodas and only occasional fresh fruit juices.

-  Keep them on a regular sleep schedule.

-  Encourage and join them in regular and as often as possible outdoors exercise. Just keep an eye on over exertion as this can be a trigger too.

Such triggers that bring on migraines in some children include:

-  Climatic changes – extreme heat and cold.

-  Being tired, stressed or even depressed.

-  Changes in sleeping patterns, interrupted sleep or just general sleep deprivation.

-  Certain foods and especially those that contain tyramine, sodium nitrate or phenylalanine.

-  Irregular meals or even hunger.

-  In older children, menstrual periods or hormone fluctuations.

-  Computer screens, flashing lights, fluorescent lighting, strong smells.

How to treat children with migraines:

-  The best treatment for migraine in children is sleep which restores normal brain function while relieving pain and other symptoms. So provide a quiet dark place for them to lie down and rest.

-  From the age of 4 years, you can safely massage H-Headaches from Healing Natural Oils, made from pure essential oils, onto your child’s forehead, temples and neck every 15 minutes for relief from pain. Most symptoms will start to dissipate immediately.

If migraines become a major problem with your child, it is best to seek medical advice from your doctor who will ensure that no life-threatening underlying condition is responsible and then provide a diagnosis and a plan for effective pain treatment.

The HPV virus or human papilloma virus, that causes warts, is opportunistic and will take advantage of any small scratch, cut or wound in the skin to invade warm moist places – particularly on the fingers, hands and feet. Of course children being children will have more of these small scratches, cuts or wounds than adults. Children also tend to have more skin-to-skin contact with other children and of course they also share lots of items like towels, clothing, toys and more. These two factors along with the more immature immune system can mean warts from time to time.

Fortunately for children, warts are mostly painless unless they are plantar warts on the soles of the feet. Plantar warts become rather painful when they start to grow inwards because of the pressure and weight of being walked on all the time.

You can try to educate your children to avoid warts by practising good hygiene; washing their hands thoroughly in soap and water at appropriate times; wearing footwear when in public damp places like around swimming pools, in showers or locker rooms; and resisting the urge to bite their fingernails or to pick at hangnails. But in spite of these measures, there is still no guarantee that your children will avoid picking up the warts virus.

There are four main types of warts that affect children:

-  Common warts which usually appear on fingers, hands, knees or elbows. They look like a small, hard bumps shaped like a dome and are a brown to grey color. Their rough surface sometimes reminds people of a tiny cauliflower.

-  Flat warts which are very small and about the size of a pinhead. These warts have flat smooth tops and are usually the same color as your flesh. Although commonly occurring on the face, they can also grow singly or in clusters on arms, knees or hands.

-  Filiform warts which have a finger-like shape and are usually flesh-colored. They often grow on or around the mouth, eyes, or nose.

-  Plantar warts which are those painful warts that appear on the soles of the feet (that I have already mentioned). Please be aware that it is important to treat plantar warts as soon as possible as they become more stubborn and more painful the longer they are around.

It is always easier to treat your children’s warts in the early stages plus this has the added advantage of preventing them being so contagious.

The good news is that it is relatively simple to treat your children’s warts at home by:

-  Using an over the counter medication that contains salicylic acid. This can be effective although you need to be careful not to allow the liquid on to the adjoining healthy skin.

-  Ordering a natural product online such as one produced from pure essential oils. Safe to use on children from the age of 4 years, this product is gentle and successful. Healing Natural Oils has just such a product known as H-Warts.

If you wish to take your child to a pediatrician or a dermatologist, they may well recommend:

-  Cryotherapy or a freezing procedure to remove the wart.

-  Laser treatment (particularly for stubborn warts that have have been neglected) when a tiny laser is used. The procedure may need to be repeated a few times to get rid of deep plantar warts.

Although these methods are usually painless, they may need several treatments to be successful and of course there is a higher cost implication.

Find the right method to suit your child while ensuring the least amount of discomfort when removing the wart or warts.