Babies and Toddlers

We all need to protect our skin from the sun – but which products are best?  Dr. Sally Byrd and skincare expert Stacey Stilts answered this question during our radio show.  Stacey recommends choosing sunblock creams and lotions rather than sprays or powders which could be easily inhaled.  Also, avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, parabens, and retinol (or any form of vitamin A).   Products over SPF 30 contain extra chemicals and provide minimal added protection.  Remember to re-apply at least every 2 hours.  And be sure to use sunblock even in the water and on cloudy days!  Sally also recommends taking eating more green foods or taking greens supplements daily (such as seaweed, spirulina, and chlorella) for skin health and anti-aging benefits.  Information on sunblock and natural skincare can be found on ewg.org and greenlinebeauty.com.  For more info and specific brand recommendations, get the free podcast of “Suntan Lotion for Kids and More Skin Care Tips” on iTunes!

Yes, you should eat fat.  Find out which and why.  Valerie Berkowitz is a Fat Expert, and no, she is not fat… well, she is 8 months pregnant with number four!  Fight obesity. Menus and Recipes. Tune in Friday, June 4th, Noon EST, www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com or listen for free on iTunes! 

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Another Swine Flu shot tip from Dr. Bob Sears: IMPORTANT – If you decide to go ahead and have anyone get this vaccine, to avoid mercury in this vaccine, ask for the Single Dose Vial – not the Ten Dose version.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Dr. Bob Sears says he sees no difference in the pattern of symptoms, cases, and concern between the Swine Flu and “Seasonal Flu.” As is the seasonal flu, the swine flu is contagious and spreads. If you have a pre-condition, such as asthma, heart disease or immune disorder, then more caution is advised. As to the vaccination, Dr. Bob is concerned about the impact of 4 shots (two for swine and two for seasonal flu) for babies given in the recommended month time frame, and, the impact of 3 shots (two for swine and one for seasonal flu) for children also given within a month. There has been no research done on possible short and long term affects from these shots on such young bodies. It will take a few seasons of innocuations on children to show any potential negative medical resulting conditions. Point blank, children receiving the Swine flu vaccinations are part of this lab experiment. Dr. Bob says that if your children has a previous record of no repercussions from seasonal flu vaccinations, then you may feel more comfortable giving them the new Swine flu shots. He is not ready to recommend them to his patients.

For more, we highly recommend you buy Dr. Bob Sear’s book, The Vaccine Book, making the right decision of your child. OR, go to www.thevaccinebook.com. There he gives you flu prevention and management information – invaluable.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Dr Bob Sears had his favorite list of foods that build immune systems.  These are recommended for all ages: avocado, blueberries, citrus, dried prunes and apricots, bell peppers (all colors), kale, spinach, onions, garlic, wild salmon (not farm-raised), hummus, nut butters, ground seeds, plain yogurt … the complete list is in his new book, Happy Baby, the organic guide to baby’s first 24 months. Don’t be afraid to feed these to babies when they are ready for non-liquids.  Just mush them up.  Babies and children who start eating these foods will eat them the rest of their lives.  Moms and dads, set the example and eat these foods as well.  They’ll build your immune system too! 

… for the health of your family,
ellen