What Are You Missing In Glasses? Consider LASIK

December 13, 2016 by 7 Comments

lasik

It would be nearly impossible to estimate how many people in the U.S. wear glasses or contacts with so many variables to consider. Some people only wear glasses to read, and others wear them only to drive. Many people only wear eyeglasses part of the time and contact lenses the rest of the time. But, according to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction.

That means that 75% of adults are missing out on seeing some pretty amazing sights. Or, they are constantly having to worry about packing glasses or contacts for the trips they are taking.

Have you ever considered LASIK surgery? With LASIK surgery most patients have improved vision immediately. Having LASIK surgery will no doubt make traveling and everyday life much easier and more enjoyable.

From the sunrises to the sunsets and everything in between, vision correction from LASIK surgery results in more freedom to enjoy Mother Nature and all the little things in life you might not have been able to see before. Generally, you can travel just one week after your surgery; Most doctors will want to see you for a follow up 24-48 hours after your surgery and then you can start packing and be on your way to your dream destination.

No more stress of packing or losing your contacts, no more accidentally breaking those glasses that just appear in your seat as you hear the crunch of them breaking beneath your weight. My husband broke his on the train this week- and of course, didn’t have a spare pair with him. With your glorious new eyesight, you can tour the sights and see everything so clearly. Even in the glowing light of a camp fire or flashlight, you will be able to enjoy all the beautiful nature around you. It’s also not the easiest thing to camp with glasses- and fishing around for them in near total darkness when you have to get up to use the bathroom is never fun. Even putting up a tent can be a pain- they love to keep sliding around while you figure out what pole goes where or into what- but you can’t take them off, since you have to see what you are doing.

The world is yours for the taking. You can travel to the beach and feel the warm sand between your toes – but not in your contacts. The beach is one place my husband particularly hates his glasses- between the sand, and having to take them off to head into the ocean, to not being able to see very well without them- it’s one of his personal “most annoying” places with glasses. Visit New York, and take in the sights. Or even venture outside of the U.S. and visit some amazing places like England or Puerto Rico.

No matter what your destination – LASIK surgery gives you the gift of clear vision without glasses or contacts. 

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Three Smart Tips for Parents Fighting the Common Cold While on Vacation

December 7, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Vacations should represent a time to get some serious rest and relaxation.

However, what happens when you wind up falling ill when you’re supposed to be having the time of your life?

Perhaps the best way to avoid a flu snafu or common cold while traveling is being prepared. After all, something as simple as a stuffy nose has the potential to put a serious damper on your travel plans. This is especially true for small children or anyone in your family who’s particularly prone to illness.

Don’t set yourself up for disappointment in case of a cold while traveling. Instead, keep the following tips in mind when it comes to keeping you and your family healthy whether you’re planning a long excursion or a weekend trip.

Get Your Rest

It’s well-documented that proper sleep is the foundation of a strong immune system; however, there are plenty of potential disruptions and distractions to plague us while traveling.

Kids crying on airplanes. Noisy hotels with paper-thin walls. The list goes on and on, doesn’t it?

Instead of losing hours of sleep, take a proactive approach to ensuring that you get proper rest. For example, small investments such as ear plugs can help you sleep through noise regardless of your travel plans. Additionally, make sure that you’ve studied your lodging accommodations and be on the look out of any reports of noise complaints.

Supercharge with Supplements

Although sleep may very well be the best medicine, you can also give your immune system a boost through some cost-effective supplements. Consider any combination of the following to be fair game when it comes to keeping yourself in tip-top shape on-the-go:

  • Dramamine, which can help you avoid motion sickness during a long car ride or on a cruise ship

  • Vitamin C, which is noted to help keep your immune system in check

  • Fish oil, which offers up essential omega-3 fatty acids you may be neglecting from your vacation diet

The aforementioned supplements can be purchased for dirt-cheap online; however, you could potentially also pick them up at a drug store as-needed once you’ve reached your destination.

Pack Accordingly

In short, make sure that you pack appropriately based on where you’re traveling and how you’re getting there. This rings true for both your attire (think: layers for cold weather) and prescription medication.

For example, there’s no use in trying to bring an entire pharmacy in your carry-on bag. Given stringent regulations on what you can bring on a plane, you may not be able to bring all of your liquid prescriptions along for the ride. If you have access to a drug store or pharmacy, it may make more sense to make a quick trip once you’ve landed to ensure you have the medications you need.

On the flip side, if you’re traveling on a cruise ship, it’s absolutely crucial that you over pack as many cruise lines offer bare-bones medical treatment. Additionally, many cruise ships jack up the prices on even the simplest supplements. Instead of allowing yourself to get stranded in terms of your medications, make sure you fill them ahead of time and can bring them along with you.

Nobody wants to get sick on vacation, plain and simple. That being said, you can can steps to avoid the common cold both prior and during your journey. When it comes to avoiding illness while traveling, “be prepared” and “better safe than sorry” are most definitely the mottos to live by.

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First Time Flu? Three Crucial Tips for Taking Care of Your Kids

November 25, 2016 by Leave a Comment

The flu represents a potential nightmare for any parent and child: however, what do you do when the seemingly inevitable happens?

After all, anywhere between 5% to 20% of the population will get the flu as per last year’s flu statistics. With flu season almost in full swing, you can take all of the precautions under the sun and still have your child fall ill.

Instead of assuming that the flu could never infiltrate your home, take the proactive steps to prepping your household for such illness and ensuring your child’s comfort and safety at the same time. Beyond going to the doctor and receiving the proper medication, the responsibility of making your child feel better is ultimately on your shoulders.

Ask yourself: are you doing everything in your power at home in case your child catches the flu? Whether you suspect your child may picked up the flu or might have something more serious than the common cold, keep the following tips in mind as you play the role of home doctor.

Sleep is the Best Medicine

The most important aspect of recovering from the flu, regardless of what treatments and medicines are prescribed to your child, is a good night’s sleep. It’s crucial that you quarantine your child to their bedroom to avoid the potential spread of any sickness and give them comfort, whilst also regularly checking on them throughout the day to avoid any feelings of isolation or loneliness.

That being said, most children with the flu tend to sleep intermittently throughout the day, so you need to do the best you can to ensure a quality sleeping space for your child. For example, consider the following as the absolute essentials:

  • Something to keep the sun out, such as bamboo blinds, to make sure that the sun doesn’t interrupt your child’s slumber during the day

  • A dehumidifier to encourage easier breathing and cleaner air quality

  • A bedside fan to ensure that your child doesn’t get too hot when running a high fever

The fewer potential disturbances to your child while they sleep, the better their recovery will be.

Fill Up on Fluids

Obviously you should provide your child with plenty of fluids, including any combination of water, sports drinks such as Gatorade and citrus juices with plenty of vitamin C. While whether or not milk increases mucus production is still a point for debate, it’s probably better just to go with any of the former to ensure that your child stays probably hydrated and their symptoms don’t’ become irritated.

Since illness can have an impact on your child’s appetite, you may get some strange requests as a result of their cravings. Regardless, hot meals such as condensed soups are always a safe bet if you’re on a budget.

Doctor’s Orders

You should have an open dialogue with your doctor’s office in case anything seems off in terms of your child’s treatment or recovery. Strive to stick with your doctor’s orders but also consider having additional pain relievers or medicines on deck for the sake of your child. Simply make sure that nothing you offer your child has adverse drug interactions with their prescription medication (a quick Google search or conversation with your child can help you figure this out).

Fighting the flu requires a lot of patience and attention on your part; however, your child’s health should always be your number one priority. Do everything in your power to make your child comfortable and hopefully their symptoms will be gone sooner rather than later.

Filed Under: health Tagged With:

Nature Made®at Walmart #NatureMadeAtWalmart #IC #ad

November 7, 2016 by

This post was sponsored by Nature Made® as a part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

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There are many facets to a healthy lifestyle, a few of them being exercise, eating right, mental health, and proper nutrition.  Some of these can be difficult to do on the regular, with busy lifestyles and juggling a family, work, and social responsibilities with personal health.  Often times, parents put their own health last, after those of everyone else around them have been cared for.  One way to help keep yourself in better health is with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.  Some of the most potent and value minded can even be found at Walmart’s and Walmart SuperCenters. Nature Made® Probiotics are available at Walmart SuperCenters, and the other vitamins and supplements are at both Walmart and Walmart SuperCenters.

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Nature Made® is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended brand for many key dietary supplement categories*.  Nature Made® has a variety of vitamins, minerals, and supplements (VMS) to help support nutritional gaps with your health goals in mind ranging from Digestive Support, Heart Health & Function, Energy Metabolism, Women’s Health and much more!†  In our house we regularly use vitamins and herbal supplements as well as probiotics to give our bodies that extra boost we can’t seem to find elsewhere, especially Mom and Dad.  Nature Made® vitamins and supplements: An easy, convenient way to help your body get the nutritional support it needs every day, whether it be to support bone health, immune health or energy metabolism (helping convert food into energy).†  Nature Made® Probiotics: Nature Made® Advanced Dual Action Probiotic has been clinically studied and provides dual support to both your small and large intestine for comprehensive coverage to help support digestive balance and healthy gut flora.†   On the Retailer Hub, readers can enter for chance to win one of 60 Walmart gift cards worth $50 each (No Purchase Necessary).

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We also like how convenient it is having such high quality supplements at our local Walmart and within reach.  Being able to support so many different functions, like boosting energy at a cellular level, supporting digestion, or simply giving our immune system a much needed boost. It makes it easier when items are easy to find at Walmart with the help of Nature Made.  So be sure to check them out at your local Walmart today.

*Based on the 2016 U.S. News & World Report – Pharmacy Times Survey.http://shopcentric.influence-central.com/walmart/nature-made/

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.

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Dangerous Monsanto Chemical Remains in Thousands of Schools: What Can Parents Do?

November 2, 2016 by 1 Comment

Children exposed to PCBs have been found to have lowered performance on memory, psychomotor and behavioral tests, and reduced IQ.  What can you do to protect your child(ren)?

Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, are toxic industrial chemicals that were produced by Monsanto and used in caulk and other building materials until they were banned by Congress in the late 1970s. Caulking laced with PCBs is most likely to be found in schools and other buildings constructed or remodeled between 1950 and the late 1970s.

In addition to caulking, old fluorescent light fixtures may contain PCBs in ballasts, components that regulate the current to the lamp. These fixtures with PCBs are past their useful life spans and could rupture, which would expose kids and teachers in the buildings to PCBs.

There are tens of thousands of schools built during the PCB era that have not been tested for PCBs, and which are highly likely to contain these chemicals, potentially endangering the health of students and teachers. Schools should test for PCBs in caulking, air and dust. School systems with older fluorescent light fixtures should develop disposal plans.

Concerned parents should ask these questions of a school or school district:

  • When was the school built?
  • Were there any major renovations during the 1950s through the 1970s, when PCBs may have been used in caulk and other building materials?
  • Has the school or school district conducted a PCB survey?
  • Were any major renovations undertaken after 1979? If so, did anyone test for PCBs and remove contaminated materials?
  • If PCB testing was done, what type was it: air testing, dust sampling or caulk testing?
  • Has the school publicly released all testing results, the testing method and the name and accreditation of the testing lab?
  • If PCBs were found above the legal limit of 50 parts per million, what actions were taken to test the rest of the building?
  • Has the school conducted an inventory of all fluorescent lights to identify which ones might have ballasts made with PCBs and should be removed immediately?
  • What is the school’s overall plan for removal and disposal of all PCB-contaminated fluorescent light ballasts?
  • If the school building was constructed or renovated during the 1950s through the 1970s and no testing has been done, ask them to test caulk, air and dust.
  • If any PCB sources are detected, ask the school to develop a public, transparent PCB removal and remediation plan.

PCB contamination is not the only environmental challenge facing schools. School administrators must cope with wide range of other environmental hazards, including asbestos, radon, mold, toxic cleaning chemicals, pesticides, and lead in drinking water. While this report focuses on the health risks of PCBs in schools and what parents can do to find out about them and reduce their children’s exposures, America must make a substantial investment in school infrastructure to address school environmental health issues.

See more at

http://www.ewg.org/release/report-banned-decades-dangerous-monsanto-chemical-remains-thousands-schools

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How to give IBS the heave-ho this Christmas

October 20, 2016 by 1 Comment

IBS

If there’s one thing likely to make the upcoming season of goodwill less merry and result in a crummy Christmas, it’s being suddenly struck by digestive problems. Pretty much the last thing in the world any festive reveller wants is to be prevented from indulging in all that rich food we consume at the most wonderful time of the year, lest it helps bring on excessive bloating, bouts of constipation and irritable diarrhea.

And irritable’s very much the word, for if you find yourself suffering from such symptoms at Christmas – or, for that matter, at any time of year – then it could well be that you’re among the millions around the globe who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What is IBS?

IBS is a highly common gut disorder – frankly, it’s probably the most common in the world – being something of a broadly defined condition. Generally speaking, it’s estimated to affect around one in five people at any time1, but women sufferers outnumber men by two to one1 – the most afflicted are women aged between 25 and 45-years-old

There’s no question, IBS can be both disruptive and distressing and potentially lead to embarrassment in certain situations; however, one bonus (if you can call it that) is that it’s neither life-threatening nor can it fester and turn into bowel cancer.

The two most common symptoms IBS sufferers have to put up with are constipation and diarrhea, or often a mixture of both. Other symptoms that often come with the condition are intestinal pain and cramps, bloating, nausea and vomiting (in some cases) and an inability to fully empty your bowels. Unfortunately, owing to the fact it’s a chronic disorder and that its physical symptoms come and go, the likes of stress, anxiety and depression are also commonly associated with IBS.

Dietary tips

So, should you suspect you’re suffering from IBS, what can you do about it? Well, don’t suffer in silence. As with practically any ailment (unless it’s an ordinary cold), you’re advised to seek medical advice and probably an examination to have confirmed what it is that’s actually wrong with you, of course. But beyond that – and as pretty much any and every medical practitioner will advise – you can make lifestyle changes that will aid living and coping with IBS on an everyday basis.

Predominantly, these changes ought to concern diet. Foods and drinks to cut down on – or, at best, avoid – because they’re IBS irritants include the likes of coffee, cow’s milk, sugary drinks, sweet wine and wheat-based foods, such as bread and biscuits. As an alternative to the latter, you might try oat-based cereals, oatcakes, porridge and rye bread (made with water rather than milk).

Essentially you should try to steer clear as much as you can ingredients like:

  • Artificial sweeteners (in particular, aspartame and sorbitol)
  • Corn syrup
  • Dextrose
  • Fructose
  • Glucose
  • Maltose
  • Modified starch
  • Sucrose
  • Wheat flour
  • Yeast

And when you do eat, be mindful to chew thoroughly, allow your food to ‘go down’ for around 10 minutes after eating and try not to eat while walking somewhere. It’s a good idea too to take on lots of water, which means sipping a good deal of it between meals and having a full glass between getting up and breakfast.

Probiotic supplements

Another method for combating IBS is through BioCare probiotics – indeed, many sufferers are taking the supplement route to offset IBS symptoms and improve their general gut health. So why not try one of the following available via The Finchley Clinic?

  • Bifidobacterium Bifidum (powder/ 60 g) – one of the predominant, friendly bacteria that occupy in the lower part of the small intestine, Bifidobacteria are excellent at exerting a controlling influence over the overall balance of gut flora
  • MicroFloraGuard (30 capsules) – works by releasing friendly bacteria, garlic and botanical oils (which are both antiseptic and antifungal) at separate and highly effective intervals into the intestinal system.
Filed Under: health Tagged With: ,

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals #HelpKidsLiveBetter

September 30, 2016 by Leave a Comment

As a parent there is nothing scarier then the thought of your child seriously sick or hurt.  This can be a horrible maddening experience where you are not only helpless in the face of a big problem but also without answers and especially without reasons.  But for these serious times it is good to know Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals are out there and willing to give you the help you need to get your child back in good shape.

The little guy at one point was very ill.  He had a whole bunch of stomach issues to say the least.  And as we adults know these are not ‘fun’ experiences and we know exactly what is going on and that they have to happen.  As a little one, all he knew was something hurt.  So we met with doctors, many of them.  From dietitians to gastroenterologists and even GI surgeons, all had very little to tell us. They all gave us different reasons and things to try, and none seemed to work.  Eventually we did find out what was wrong, part of the reason was that his intestine and bowels were too big for his size/age.  This part, he will eventually “grow into”.  Other issues still had to be worked out, and he is what I lovingly refer to as “high maintenance”.  It’s an ongoing situation.  Even now, we have a therapeutic way of keeping this issue in control as long as he takes a certain combination of probiotics and vitamins every single day, as well as some other medications and keeps his water and fiber intake high.  If even one day is missed, it is problematic and makes for some horribly painful daily activities.

If this issue wasn’t found and dealt with in a proper matter by competent caring doctors, we would still be worrying day and night about it, and the poor little guy would still be having at least daily stomach pain and probably worse.  If you want to help out kids in need, please consider donating to Children’s Miracle Network of Hospitals.

#HelpKidsLiveBetter by donating to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at your local Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club today. You can join your community in donating to your local children’s hospital at a Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club near you. Help make miracles happen for kids when you donate at your checkout today. Your donations help children’s hospitals provide the best care for the kids. Every minute 62 children enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment; your donations ensure these hospitals can provide the best care for these children. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the U.S. provide more than $3.5 billion in charitable care every year. Last year Wal-Mart customers and Sam’s Club members, like you, helped raise more than $60 million to #HelpKidsLiveBetter. Every dollar raised at your local Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club goes directly to your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.  Since 1987 Wal-Mart customers and Sam’s Club members together with store associates have raised nearly $1 billion for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

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HAVE A HEALTHY BACK-TO-SCHOOL

September 16, 2016 by Leave a Comment

September means the beginning of fall, the changing of leaves – and yes, back to school. As schedules and calendars become more predictable and understandably more hectic, keeping meal prep easy is a staple of any smoothly-running home.

That’s where Limoneira comes in, because lemons and other citrus fruits can help. Check out Megan Roosevelt’s top tips for saving time in the kitchen here. Megan is a Registered Dietician, spokesperson for Limoneira Lemons for Life™ and the founder of Healthy Grocery Girl®.

“Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are great staples to keep in mind when meal planning because they’re versatile and full of nutrients,” says Megan in her latest video for Limoneira. Check out her time-saving back-to-school tips and tricks below.
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  1. Citrus & Apple – Apples are a great snack. To prevent them from browning once sliced, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the slices.
  2. Citrus Snack Bars & Bites –  Store bought snack bars can be high in sugar, and low in fiber and other wholesome ingredients. Make your own snacks on the weekends for the week ahead.

No-Bake Cashew Lemon Cookie Bites
Ingredients:

  • 1 cup soaked cashews
  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • a pinch of sea salt

Pulse together until you create a batter. Roll into bites, and store in the fridge or freezer.

  1. Chocolate Dipped Oranges – We all love a little treat after lunch, and chocolate-dipped orange slices are not only full of great antioxidants, but are easy to make in advance and keep stored in the fridge or freezer over the weekend.
  2. Citrus Water – Lemon (or orange) water is a great way to make hydrating just a bit tastier. Keeping a jug of citrus water on hand in the fridge provides a yummy (and healthy) alternative to juices and sodas all week long.

Each month, Megan will be featuring another wonderful facet of lemon living. Subscribe to Limoneira’s Youtube channel for more information on the many ways this endlessly versatile fruit can improve life inside the home and beyond.

Filed Under: food, health