Concussions - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments

After three of Nate-no's fellow team mates have experienced concussions this season on his football team.  I thought it was time to once again share with the 24/7 MOMS on this topic - I posted this article two years ago  after learning some valuable and new information every mom needs to know:

Concussions and Your Child

I recently sat in a school meeting listening to one of our High School athletic trainers share  with us the  latest information on our children and concussions.  You would think that with 5 kids and  all these years on the MOMhood journey I would have this down.  What I did not know was they have new findings and information that this mom was unaware of so knowing that -  I thought  every Mommy should know the latest info on  Concussion and our Children so that we can be equipped  should one of our sweet children incur a possible concussion.




It's estimated that more than a half million kids in the U.S. go to the hospital each year with a concussion.  That's an average of a kid per minute- every minute of every day

The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions — temporary loss of brain function — can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness. And many head injuries occur off the playing field, in car and bicycle accidents, in fights, and even routine calamities and falls


What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a disturbance in brain function that occurs following either a blow to the head or as a result of the violent shaking of the head

In the United States, the annual incidence of sports-related concussion is estimated at 300,000. Estimates regarding the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion may be as high as 19% per season. Although the majority of athletes who experience a concussion are likely to recover, an as yet unknown number of these individuals may experience chronic cognitive and neuro behavioral difficulties related to recurrent injury.


Common Signs and Symptoms:
Signs observed

-Appears to be dazed or stunned

-Is confused about assignment

-Forgets plays

-Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

-Moves clumsily

-Answers questions slowly

-Loses consciousness (even temporarily)

-Shows behavior or personality change

-Forgets events prior to hit (retrograde amnesia)

-Forgets events after hit (anterograde amnesia).



Signs reported by athlete

-Headache

-Nausea

-Balance problems or dizziness

-Double or fuzzy vision

-Sensitivity to light or noise

-Feeling sluggish

-Feeling "foggy"

-Change in sleep pattern

-Concentration or memory problems

Consulting w/ a Doctor:

Recovery

Athletes that are not fully recovered from an initial concussion are significantly vulnerable for recurrent, cumulative, and even catastrophic consequences of a second concussive injury. Such difficulties are prevented if the athlete is allowed time to recover from concussion and return to play decisions are carefully made. No athlete should return to sport or other at-risk participation when symptoms of concussion are present and recovery is ongoing. In summary, the best way to prevent difficulties with concussion is to manage the injury properly when it does occur.


NEW Laws to protect children in Washington state:



A Washington state bill, soon to become law, will add a new rule to kids' organized sports.

A child won't be able to return to play after a concussion until a health care provider gives the OK.    

    

How do you get your kids to eat healthy food?

With fast food establishments on every corner and pre-made frozen and packaged foods waiting for our kids to devour we moms often worry, fret and agonize over the topic healthy eating – How do we get our kids to eat healthy? Especially with our on the go lifestyles.

I have come to the conclusion the more appealing I can make it the better my chance is that my kids will choose healthy eating – or better said the more fun I make it the more they will eat it.

Ready to join me and make Healthy eating fun for your kids?

Choose one or more of these fun ideas to get your kids to begin making healthy eating choices:

Create a snack attack bin:Get a lidded bin preferably with a handle that you can label “Snack Attack” then fill it with healthy choices such as 100 calorie snack bags, individual bags of nuts, trail mixes, dried fruits etc. Now your kids can access healthy snack choices when their tummys are hungry.

For complete snack attack bin instructions click here

Colored fun - Add colored fun to your child's healthy lunch or snack by using colored plastic wraps to wrap their healthy foods in. Or during the holidays use special zipper-type bags, and napkins that are in holiday themes for serving up a healthy snack.

Mini Food Fun- It is always fun to eat miniature bites of food.  From tiny sandwiches to mini veggies and fruits. Think small and begin your cutting and arranging to create mini food eating fun

Kabobs –Its fun to eat meals and snacks on a stick - Create both full size and mini kabobs for healthy eating by using full size skewers or tooth picks for mini kabobs.  Place various fruits, veggies or even meat and cheeses on your skewers or cut every thing tiny to fit on a toothpick.

Cut it shape it -have fun with your childrens food by cutting it into interesting shapes.  Cookie cutters are handy for creating fun shapes that children will love to eat.

Fill it up– Make various sandwich fillers and salads such as egg salad, broccoli salad etc. then fill an empty ice cream cone with you’re fillings and allow your kids to eat it right out of the cone.

Healthy Shopping– Take your kids out on a healthy shopping trip where you spend time wondering the isle discovering new healthy snacks and meal ideas they are willing to try out. Have your children look at food labels and discover for themselves healthy alternatives.

DIY -  Plant a garden with your kids and grow various vegetables and fruits that they are willing to eat.  Children not only are more willing to eat new things they have grown but also that they have cooked.  So get your children in the kitchen and have them assist you in preparing healthy options for them.

Be Prepared- keep healthy snacks ready to be eaten – bag them up in individual portions, have fresh veggies and fruits cut up and ready to eat to avoid your children from grabbing the pre-packaged not so healthy food items hanging out in your pantry. Don’t forget to fill your on the go mini ice chest with healthy snacks and water bottles to encourage after school or during activities healthy snacking

How do you get your kids to eat healthy foods?

WIN:  Share how you get your kids to eat healthy food below for a chance to win a $500 Mom’s Getaway Spa Day from BlogFrog!

SHARE :Want to exchange more healthy snacks ideas, money saving tips and back to school shopping advice with other moms? Visit the Horizon® Healthy Families Back to School Community! 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon.  The opinions expressed by me do not necessarily reflect the view of the Horizon Organic brand.

A Balancing Act of Food

Eating the right amount of food and the right kind of food can sometimes be tricky when you live a busy lifestyle with kids.  It is definetly a balancing act! Are you a label detective yet?  You should be.  It does take more time to buy food but it is so worth it in the long run for you and your family.  Check those labels and make sure you are eating the right stuff,

Ingrediets List: You might see that the healthiest ingredients are toward the end of the list, so they're not a significant source of nutrition.  The first thing listed is what weighs the most in total weight of the food item.

Marketing Words: Beware of words on the package, such as fresh, all-natural, healthy meant to entice you.  These are not a reliable source of the product's nutrient value.

Sweet Nothings:  According to the USDA, most people should have no more than 6 to 9 added teaspoons of sugar per day.  You can figure out how much sugar you're getting by checking food labels.  4 grams is one teaspoon.

A Balancing Act:

Here's an easy way to make sure you're eating the right balance of foods:

• Cover half your plate with fruits and nonstarchy vegetables (cooked or raw).
• Fill half of the ramaining part of your plate (1/4) with whole grains or starchy vegetables.
• The last (1/4) should be lean protein.  You can also include nonfat or low-fat dairy products or dairy subsitiutes.

Try these guidelines for help with portion control:

1. A deck of cards for meat
2. A baseball for your vegetable
3. Your thumb for cheese
4. Your fist for pasta, rice or legumes

Ideas for you plate:

1/2 fruits and nonstarchy vegetables
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots

Cauliflower
Cucumber
Dark leafy greens
Eggplant
Green beans
Onions
Tomatoes
Zucchini
Berries
Soft tree fruit (pear, for example)
Apples
Melon

1/4 lean protein
Chicken and turkey breasts
Dried beans and lentils
Eggs
Fresh fish or dried salmon, tuna and shrimp
Lean beef or pork
Nuts
Quinoa
Tofu
Veggie patties

1/4 whole grains or starchy vegetables
Barley (non-pearled is best)
Brown rice
Corn
Dried beans, peas and lentils
Oats
Potatoes
Quinoa
Whole wheat pasta
Winter squash

How many fruits and veggies do you need a day? Find out at: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/

Are your habits good ones?

1. Do you eat as a family at least one meal a day?
2. Do your kids have a bowl of fruit within easy reach?
3. Do you limit computer and TV time?
4. Do you avoid snack that are packaged?
5. Do your kids play outside most days?

Teachable moments:

• Fun with Veggies: If you can grow a garden, have the kids grow their own veggies.  They'll take special pride in eating them.
• Family shopping:  When grocery shopping, have your children look at food labels.  Get them to choose fresh fruit as a snack instead of sugary or salty packaged foods
• The TV ad exercise:  Get your kids to comment on commercials for food.  Help them understand what's being marketed and what's missing,  generally nutritious ingredients and freshness.

TODAY IS YOUR DAY!!

Do just one small thing every week to become more heart healthy.

1. Set a goal (or two).  What are you willing to do right now?
2. Move your body.  Make it a priority.
3. Eat breakfast - a healtful one.
4. Drink more water.
5. Replace the unhealthy food in your kitchen with nutritious food.
6. Know your portions, and stick to them.
7. Read labels.  Avoid added salt, sugar and fat.
8. Feed your children nutritious food, so they'll establish good habits.
9. Know your numbers, and get into the healthy zone.
10. Love yourself.

Today is your day.  Because you're worth it!!

What I Experienced At Nutrilite

24/7 Moms was invited to attend an exclusive event to learn all about Amway's Nutrilite vitamins. I (Lori) went on the trip along with Amanda from Kevin and Amanda , Emily from Busy Mommy , and Jenny from Picky Palate  I am back and ready to tell you all about my trip to both the Nutrilite Center for Optimal Health in Buena Park, California and to Trout Lake Farm in Trout Lake Washington. 

I am always interested in learning more when it comes to fitness, nutrition, and overall health – but even I held some reservations when I heard the words Nutrilite and Amway.  Yes – you have all heard the stories.  I learned a lot and found it to be true when they told me “This isn't your parents' Amway”.  They weren't there to recruit me, or sell me their product, but to teach me about achieving my own optimal health.  Optimal health compels you to choose every day to be your best – by selecting the right foods and supplements, engaging in exercise and rest, and by incorporating healthy habits and balance in everything you do. Love that! 

The two day trip started early in the morning – we met at 6:30 in the hotel lobby and took off for the Nurtilite Health Institute Center for Optimal Health.  I did this sans coffee and breakfast since we were told to fast starting at 8pm the evening before.  Let me tell ya – this girl was missing her coffee BIG TIME!  We went straight to the health assessment which included blood pressure, resting heart rate, strength, flexibility, bone density, blood work, and more.  Then I had to swab my cheek for DNA – so CSI - for the Weight Management genetic test.  Our genes influence our tendency to gain or lose weight.  Some people lose weight best going low carb (40%), some by going low fat (40%), and the rest by balancing healthy carbs/fat.  Apparently, there is a six-fold difference in weight loss on low carb or low fat if you have the genotype match.  WOW!  Of course exercise is also a component and this test will tell me if I will lose better on a high intesnisty or lower intensity style workout.  There are three other genetic tests they did that will tell me if I am geneticlly predisposed to heart attack, how I metabolise B-vitamin, and my suseptability to osteoperosis.  I should find out all my results in about another week – so excited to hear back!!  Once we were done they fed us an amazing breakfast full of color!  Why is the color so important?  


We learned all about the phytonutrients that are found in fruits and vegetables – and how they block free radicals.  By eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables – of all colors – you are getting more kinds of phytonutrients for broader antioxidant protection.  You don't just need 7+ servings of fruits and vegetables – you need different COLORS of fruits and vegetables! 

Whew – that was a lot to take in so we were off for a much needed lunch break with professional football MVP and Nutrilite spokesperson Kurt Warner.  It was very relaxed as we ate great food and chatted about our families, hometowns – oh who are we kidding – we ladies wanted to know all about Kurt's stint on Dancing With the Stars :)

The next day, we were once again up early – with coffee :) - for our flight from California to the beautiful Pacific Northwest!  We flew to Portland, OR on one of Amway's private jets.  Walking straight from the car, to the terminal, to the plane with no lines or security hassles was fabulous.  Breakfast on board was a delicious breakfast burrito and colorful fruit bowl – beats the heck out of a bag of pretzels!  I felt so spoiled and am now ruined for flying commercial!  My hubby is a commercial pilot and was SO jealous about this part of my trip!

Next was our drive up to Trout Lake Farm in Washington.  Trout Lake Farm is the largest certified organic herb farm in North America.  Their primary crops are Blueberry, Echinacea, Oregano, Peppermint, Nettle, Valarian, White Kidney Bean, Dandelion, and more! 
I can tell you – I am from the PNW – but I was still in awe of the beautiful fields, flowers and mountains! 

The echinacea was in full bloom and gorgeous - behind the echinacea is the beautiful Mt Adams. 

One of the best parts of the day was when we were set loose on the 14 varieties of blueberries for some taste testing.  They were so yummy and it was hard to pick a favorite!

Now, the best part for our readers?  Nutrilite will be sponsoring a giveaway here on 24/7 Moms – check back soon to find out what it is!

Affordable Beauty: Tips to Look Good, For Less

Amy Hannold, 

247Moms Frugal Living Editor

I’ve been a client at a particular salon in town for some time.  During my latest visit, I asked them for their ideas and advice.

First of all, visit more than one salon when you’re new in town or looking to find a new stylist.  Recommendations from friends whose looks you admire can be reliable, but ultimately you need to find someone you want to build a long term “beauty relationship” with.  Loyalty to one particular stylist and/or salon has its benefits.  Discounts for referring friends, your birthday, anniversary or other unadvertised specials may be available. 

When you interview stylists, look for those who are genuinely interested in the look you want.  Showing them magazine pictures is helpful; however remember that beauticians are not magicians.  Stylists recommend bringing photos of yourself with hairstyles that you liked (or didn’t).  When you leave with the look you love, take a photo of yourself for your next visit.

Before you decide on the work that you want to have done, be sure that you have communicated your budget.   An experienced stylist should be able to help you create an affordable version of the look you want, and not try to “up-sell” you on something that is more than you can maintain.  Consider and discuss the frequency you wish to have “touch-ups” done.  Stylists may offer you discounts based on how often you visit.  Those that have their hair colored every 10 weeks will pay the published price.  If you like to have your color updated more often, you’ll pay less. 

Other Hair Color Tips:  With your stylist, choose a hairstyle that’s consistent with the amount of time you usually devote to your hair. To get the best result with a coloring process, discuss any products you’ve been using, water type at home and any color-related negative experiences.

Money-Saving Ideas:

Coupons can be found for beauty expenses.  Look in local phone books, on the backs of grocery receipts, ValPak.com, chambers of commerce, newspapers and other couponing places.  Before you “salon-hop”, from one deal to the next, realize that cheaper may not always be better.  Sometimes longevity and trust will pay better dividends in the long run. 

Hair product prices change similar to grocery prices.  Companies may also discount their products seasonally and/or with holidays.  Inquire about the sale cycle of the products you prefer.  Salon shampoos and conditioners are concentrated.  Use less!  The best buy is a 1-Liter bottle, which should last several months to a year.  Unopened product has a shelf life of 2-3 years.  When you find a good price on the product you prefer, stock up. 

Salon products are purer than drugstore brands.  When you invest in coloring your hair, you want that look to last.  Drugstore brands contain wax and other additives which long-term, are known to deteriorate the life of your hair color processes. 

During busy seasons, or to handle the “less-fun” tasks of doing hair, salons may be agreeable to trading your work for reduced beauty treatments.  Inquire, and be sure you understand the bartering requirements. 

Once your hair process is underway and you’re comfortable with what your stylist is doing, delve into what they’ve heard lately.  Hair stylists talk to a whole lot of people over the course of a week.   They’re good sources for jobs, finding reliable businesses, jobs, babysitters, and other beneficial information. 

Beauty Tip For Moms - Avocados Create Beuty

24/7 MOMS weekly Beauty & Health quote:

“Avocados play a star role on beauty farms and they can be the star of your kitchen as well, because they are so versatile and lend themselves to so many tempting dishes. Avocados are sometimes called the alligator pear because of its rough skin and pear shape. In this single delectable fruit are combined the proteins of meat, the fat of butter, the vitamins and minerals of green vegetables and the flavor of nuts—a six-course dinner in a green shell. It is a gold mine of elements essential to good looks and well-being: calcium in high amounts, magnesium, copper, potassium, sodium, phosphates, iron and manganese. Added to all this is its treasures in vitamins, especially vitamins A, B-1, B-2 and C. It does contain one more beauty treasure: almost twenty-five per cent of the avocado is oil, the very best kind, with all the unsaturated fatty acids so important for a glowing skin.”

~words and instruction from author Gayelord Hauser, beauty and nutrition specialist, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Preparing for Kindergarten: Allergy-Edition

One of the scariest things about having a child with food allergies is the thought of sending them off to school...without you. Up until this point, you have been the main person handling your child's food and making sure his environment is safe. It's what you do. It's encompasses your every thought. Now, what seems like all of a sudden, you are having to turn some of this control over to your child and his school environment. Will she be ready? Will she know what's okay to eat and not to eat? Will she feel peer pressure to partake in yummy snacks that someone else's parent brings or will she be able to show restraint? These are questions I asked myself before my daughter started Kindergarten last year. I was a bit nervous about how things would go for her because this is her first year of school. In order to make this a smooth transition and not a fearful one for my daughter, I knew there were some things I needed to do.

First, I found out who her teachers would be. I contacted them ahead of the school year and talked with them about her food allergies to milk, eggs and peanuts. One thing I needed to know was how often would there be special snacks {brought in by teachers or parents} and would I be able to know about them ahead of time. My daughter's teachers assured me that they would contact me ahead of time and give me a schedule of the snacks so that I could prepare my daughter a comparable snack on those same days. They also suggested that I bake a few cupcakes that they could keep in the freezer, along with sending in her own icing that they could pull out on days when snacks were brought in unannounced. This has been a great life-saver!  My daughter's class also has a snack every morning that is provided by the teachers, so I compiled a bunch of handy snacks for her so that she has some variety and can participate in the snacks everyday without me having to remember to send in a snack every single day.

Second, we discussed whether they needed to make the classroom peanut-free. This may be necessary for a lot of peanut-allergic kids because of the severity of the allergy, but my daughter's allergy isn't life-threatening so we opted not to do that. A lot of school do this automatically now anyway.
Lastly, I made a plan for the teachers of what to do 'Just in Case' of an allergic reaction. Thankfully, my daughter knows when a reaction is starting and she can tell us and/or the teacher. They have a chart in the classroom stating if 'X' happens, then do 'Y'. Emergency numbers are listed, as well as, Benadryl doses, and they keep her EpiPen in their desk.

Communication with your child's teacher and school nurse {if applicable} is the key! Make sure to communicate your wishes and keep that line of communication open so they can feel free to text you or call you with any food-related questions. Your child's safety is of utmost importance and you and your child's teachers should be have the same game plan.

Amy Mc Combie a mother of 3 girls, one of which has life-threatening food allergies. Her goal is to inform and encourage those who have food allergies or know people with food allergies by sharing her journey with the hope that they can learn from my mistakes and successes. You can read more about Amy's journey at  www.allergyfree.wordpress.com

Beauty Tip For Moms - Licorice Treat

24/7 MOMS weekly Beauty & Health quote:

“Licorice has been both a confection and a medicine for almost 3,000 years. For relaxing, good-night licorice tea, add a teaspoon of finely chopped licorice root to a cup of boing water and strain. Licorice is a mild laxative, so use it sparingly. Plain licorice roots are a Godsend for those who are trying to give up cigarettes: carry some in your purse and when the urge overwhelms you, just chew on the woody licorice root. The taste is extremely pleasant and your hands will have something to do. Licorice root has helped many to overcome the cigarette habit.”

~words and instruction from author Gayelord Hauser, beauty and nutrition specialist, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Beauty Tip For Moms - Papaya The Yummy Beauty Aid

24/7 MOMS weekly Beauty & Health quote:

 “The golden melon of papaya, grown on a tree, is one of the most interesting and unusual fruits in our markets. The Spaniards were the first to learn the great value of papayas. They discovered that when they ate too many fried fish, a few slices of papaya helped their digestion and even prevented the stomach aches. The golden melon is loaded with enzymes and these beautifiers make up a vitamin, a mineral and a protein which actives digestion. The most active enzyme is called papain, but the fruit contains many other valuable enzymes. Today papain is widely used as a valuable vegetable tenderizer of meat. It is an excellent source of the beauty-giving vitamin C, A and B-2. A slice of papaya is not only an ideal breakfast fruit but can also aid to beauty from the outside; it makes an excellent beauty mask. The papain enzyme clears away all the old dead cells and leaves the skin soft and glowing.”

~words and instruction from author Gayelord Hauser, beauty and nutrition specialist, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Beauty Tip For Moms - Rock and Roll Firming

24/7 MOMS weekly Beauty & Health quote: 

“Firming and tensing the buttocks muscles is excellent and an easy work-out if your derriere has gotten completely out of hand so that it looks as if you are wearing a bustle. If you want to get speedy results to a firm buttocks here is where rocking and rolling can do wonders for you. Sit on the floor; grasp your legs firmly and rock and roll, back and forth. Do this exercise five minutes to begin with and increase to ten minutes. You will be amazed how quickly a rolling bustle disappears.”

~words and instruction from author Gayelord Hauser, beauty and nutrition specialist, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Beauty Tip For Moms - Get A Set Of Dumbells

24/7 MOMS weekly Beauty & Health quote:

“‘Give Dumbells a lift and they’ll do the same for you’ is a quote taken from the beauty columnist Lydia Lane. She tells the story of a lady who received a pair of dumbbells as a gift. The instructions suggested exercising a few minutes every morning. After a while the lady was astonished to notice her bust-line actually transform from saggy to fit. If you are serious about achieving and keeping a youthful bust-line, I suggest you invest in a pair of one- or two-pound dumbbells and use them!”

~words and instruction from author Gayelord Hauser, beauty and nutrition specialist, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Beauty Tip For Moms - Bed Time Snack

“Sleep is Nature’s sweet restorer. Never forget that it is during sleep, that your mind and nerves re-charge and rebuild themselves. Taking something light to eat or drink at bedtime is the time-honored aid to good sleep. There are some physiological reasons for this. One of them is that food in the stomach sets the digestive processes in action, and the circulatory system automatically sends more blood to the digestive organs and less to the muscles. Almost everyone has had the experience of feeling sleepy after a meal. A great many foods that are part of a wholesome diet contribute to the healthy relaxation of muscle and nerve, but three are especially valuable. These are vitamin B-6, calcium and vitamin D. Foods rich in these are my favorite tranquility foods. Vitamin B-6 appears to be a specific sedative for twitchy nerves. A lack of calcium may be one of the hidden causes of insomnia so try a mug of plain hot milk as a potent tranquilizer at bedtime.” This is the remedy my grandmother used to give us grandkids and we loved it as a comfort bedtime drink with just a little bit of Nestlé’s chocolate…yummm!

~words and instruction from author Gayelord Hauser, beauty and nutrition specialist, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Sleepware Makes A Difference

24/7 MOMS weekly Beauty & Health quote:

“Sleepwear makes a different to an appropriate good night of rest. The less you wear while sleeping, the more fresh air can caress those millions of pores of your skin, and let them breathe. The less you wear when sleeping during the warm days, the more rested you will look and feel next morning.” Summer is just around the corner so test and see if this beauty tip works for you.

~words and instruction from author Gayelord Hauser, beauty and nutrition specialist, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Post Options

Simple and Beautiful Hair

Remember the movies that picture the female stars sitting in front of a mirrored vanity brushing her hair before going to bed? One reason this piece of furniture was of value was that if offered a relaxing place for women to care for their beauty, one of being their hair, before retiring for the evening.

Gaylord Hauser recommends, “It is actually not necessary to wash your hair too often. (Shampoos can strip the natural oils that make the hair lustrous and healthy). Brushing your hair and scalp 50 to 100 strokes each night keeps the hair clean and you will have given a preparation (that of a natural massage from a brush with natural bristles) to your scalp with natural oils and lanolin. However, if you prefer to wash your hair more frequent;  before shampooing, give your scalp this simple beauty treatment. Take a tablespoon of your nice fresh vegetable oil, the same kind you use in your food, and massage it into your scalp. Wring out a towel in very hot water, wrap it around your head, and leave it on for five minutes. Then wash with an oil-lanolin base shampoo. Lather and rinse once or twice, depending on how much hair you have or to your liking.”

~words and instruction from author Gayelord Hauser, beauty and nutrition specialist, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Freshen Up a Sickroom

Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS Writer

Freshen Up a Sickroom – “Dip a cotton ball into eucalyptus oil (available at health food stores), put it on a little dish and place it on a surface (not near an open window or a draft) in the room where someone is recovering. Eucalyptus oil is said to generate ozone. It’s also a strong antiseptic. The oil has a powerful scent, so before you do this, be sure the sick person agrees to having it there.”

~words and instruction from authors Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen , Bottom Line’s Healing Remedies

Reduce Sugar = Beauty Change

 I have been on the belly fat cure administered by Jorge Cruise for a few of months now and working at cutting out the bad sugars in my diet. A couple of weeks ago I decided to give up desserts for the Lent season. For a cookie monster like me, it has been a tough decision. In addition, I decided to add something to my daily health routine that I am not faithful enough. I added the delight of flossing my teeth daily.  Last night I was talking with my esthetician and she exclaimed, “Hey, what’s new? I am staring at you and trying to figure out what you are doing differently that makes you shine. Your skin looks so clear and your teeth look so pretty! What is going on?”  I was pleasantly surprised by her compliments and preceded to tell her that I am really trying to cut down on my bad sugar intake and told her of my decisions during the Lent season. I explained that I honestly have noticed a difference in the way I feel. According to the belly fat cure, the average person takes in at least 47 teaspoons of sugar a day. Yikes! There are many things that we can do to change our bad sugar intake but for starters it is important to admit that we put too much unhealthy sugar into our system on a daily basis. The next time you go grocery shopping, slow down and read your labels. Take notice of the percentage of sugar consumption in the portion size of the foods you buy. You will be shocked at the amount of bad sugars hidden in many of our beloved products we regularly consume. Moms, let’s be wise to not only help ourselves live as long as we can but, also, let’s teach our families how to make good choices for their daily food intake by our example. I wish I would have started this journey a long time ago!

~ Karen Pecota, 24/7 MOMS freelance journalist and film critic

Salt Rub for Gas Odors

 Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS Writer

Salt Rub for Gas Odors – “To get the smell of gasoline off your hands, rub them with salt.”

~words and instruction from authors Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen , Bottom Line’s Healing Remedies

 

Good Health, Italian Style

By: Karen Pecota

24/7 MOMS Writer

Good Health, Italian Style – “It is unusual to find older Italians who have asthma, tuberculosis or gallbladder trouble, thanks to the garlic and olive oil they consume in two of their three daily meals.”

~words and instruction from authors Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen , Bottom Line’s Healing Remedies

 

Beautiful Hands

24/7 MOMS weekly Beauty quote:

By: Karen Pecota

“The hands are always on parade, and their defects cannot be covered by makeup. The hands, even more than the face, are constantly exposed to wind, weather and irritants, and need special attention. One reason the hands often look older than the face is that the skin of the hands has fewer oil cells than the skin on the face; therefore the skin on the hands dries out much more quickly. 

To counteract the excessive drying effects of detergents and soaps, women must give special outside attention to their hands. Here are a few daily tips:

1. Dermatologists tell us that most household tasks could be done with only half as much detergent as women ordinarily use.

2. Fatty soaps are kinder to the hands.

3. For hard working hands - after washing the hands with soap and water, you can help the skin re-establish its normal healthy acid mantle with a few drops of lemon juice massaged into the skin on your hands.

There is nothing surprising about these facts but keep in mind that the skin on both the hands and face depends upon sound nutrition.” 

~words and instruction from author Gayelord Hauser, beauty and nutrition specialist, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Prevention Magazine Best Easy Healthy Eating LIVE Chat

Are you like me, a busy mom, who wants healthy food for their family? Prevention Magazine has chosen their Best Packaged Food Awards 2011. 24/7 MOMS is partnering with them to host a LIVE Q & A about how to eat healthy, and live well. Join us March 1^st, 9:30am PST / 12:30 pm ET. Bring your friends & your questions! We will be live at www.247moms.com

Prevention.com Packaged Foods Webcast from Brian Boyd on Vimeo.