Help your Child Kick the Thumb Sucking Habit
Thumb sucking is a concern many parents have. Toddlers suck their thumbs because it's comforting and calming. It's probably something they did before they were born and revert back to it when they are nervous, agitated, scared or ill. They may also use it to lull themselves back to sleep in the middle of the night.
Parents shouldn't concern themselves unless it continues after the age their permanent teeth begin to appear, around six years old. Experts say that it's the intensity of the thumb sucking and the tongue's thrust that deforms teeth and makes braces necessary later. Children who rest their thumb passively in their mouth are less likely to have difficulty than children who suck aggressively. If you're concerned, closely monitor your child and analyze his technique. If they appears to be sucking vigorously, you may want to begin curbing their habit earlier.
Punishing or nagging your child to stop won't help because it's usually an automatic response. Attempting to curb it by putting an elastic bandage on his thumb or another method will seem like unjust punishment, especially since they indulge in the habit for comfort and security.
Try to wait it out. Children usually give up thumb-sucking when they've found other ways to calm and comfort themselves. Consider offering them other alternatives to comfort themselves such as a soft blanket or lullaby toy.
The key is to notice when and where they are likely to suck their thumbs and offer an alternative. If it happens while they are tired, try giving more naps. If they suck their thumb frequently while watching television, try to distract them with a toy that will keep their hands occupied.
Older children may need gentle reminders to curtail thumb sucking while in public, and praise should be given freely when the child finds and uses an acceptable alternative. Your child's pediatric dentist can offer other suggestions for helping your child kick the thumb sucking habit
.
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Spreading The Power of a SMILE
Monday, October 22, 2012
Grandma s Herbal Remedies For Infants And Children
Grandma’s Herbal Remedies For Infants And Children
Once upon a time, we used to turn to our parents or grandparents when something was wrong with our little ones. More often than not, now we turn to our doctors. Unfortunately, our doctors were never taught what our grandmothers learned from their mothers, methods that have been tried and true for centuries. Here is a not-so-complete list of some of my favorites passed down from my Grandma.
ADD – Grandma didn’t call it this back then, but that’s probably what it was. Aside from some good discipline, Grandma made sure her kids ate lots of fish to improve brain function and behavior. She knew that feeding us fish was a great way to boost the brain cells. Another way to get essential fatty acids (that key ingredient in fish) into your children is to mix liquid Flax Seed Oil with real butter to make a spread. Use this on toast or pancakes and waffles in the morning and on potatoes or veggies at dinner.
Asthma – Apply lobelia (either liquid or mixed with a carrier such as aloe vera or massage oil) to the chest and rub in.
Bed Wetting – “Don’t give those children sweets before bed!” Grandma would always say. She believed bed wetting was caused by too much sugar at bedtime. I know now that this relates to blood sugar spikes and may have some basis in fact. Grandma would also use Goldenseal for about a week to clear up any possible kidney infections.
Bites & Stings – Grandma would make a paste using black cohosh and aloe vera and apply to the area. It always helped to take out the sting.
Chicken Pox – If we came down with this, Grandma would insist on getting us into a warm bath to help cause the pox to break out and speed recovery. Pau D’ Arco applied externally may help with discomfort and cause quicker healing.
Colic – Grandma knew that colic could be the result of an allergy. If mom is breast feeding, she should avoid chocolate, onions, caffeine, garlic, broccoli, sugar, cauliflower and dairy. If she is not, the baby’s formula should be switched. Grandma would tie lavender flowers to baby’s crib. Today you can use lavender essential oil diluted with aloe vera or massage oil and applied to the bottom of feet and on abdomen. A few drops of Catnip can be given every couple of minutes until crying stops.
Diaper Rash – Grandma used to use yogurt on a baby’s bottom when this would occur. Today you can open a capsule of probiotics, mix with a small amount of water and feed to baby. This can also be applied to the bottom by mixing with aloe vera.
Diarrhea – Another possible culprit of that darn milk. Make sure neither baby nor mom (if breastfeeding) is receiving any cow’s milk. Goat’s milk can often remedy the situation by itself. You can also try Red Raspberry, a couple of drops every 3 to 4 hours.
Earaches – Use garlic oil or tea tree oil as drops inside the ear.
Fever – Infants under 3 months should be taken to a doctor if they run any sort of fever (defined as temperatures above 101 degrees) however, for infants older than that, a fever can be beneficial as it helps to burn off the infection. Unless a fever is approaching 105 degrees or has been over about 103 degrees for more than a few hours, it should be left to do it’s job. When there is need to reduce a fever, either because it has met one of the above criteria or because the child is not getting any rest due to discomfort, then Grandma would always grab her catnip and make a tea mixing it with chamomile.
Whooping Cough (and other coughs) – Grandma knew that formula thing wasn’t good; no one did that in her day. Milk and other dairy products can cause or aggravate whooping cough. Lobelia applied to the chest and/or a few drops of Blue vervain internally would often be enough.
I didn’t know it when I was growing up but Grandma was pretty smart. Try some of these natural health suggestions and your children and grandchildren may someday think the same of you.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
Once upon a time, we used to turn to our parents or grandparents when something was wrong with our little ones. More often than not, now we turn to our doctors. Unfortunately, our doctors were never taught what our grandmothers learned from their mothers, methods that have been tried and true for centuries. Here is a not-so-complete list of some of my favorites passed down from my Grandma.
ADD – Grandma didn’t call it this back then, but that’s probably what it was. Aside from some good discipline, Grandma made sure her kids ate lots of fish to improve brain function and behavior. She knew that feeding us fish was a great way to boost the brain cells. Another way to get essential fatty acids (that key ingredient in fish) into your children is to mix liquid Flax Seed Oil with real butter to make a spread. Use this on toast or pancakes and waffles in the morning and on potatoes or veggies at dinner.
Asthma – Apply lobelia (either liquid or mixed with a carrier such as aloe vera or massage oil) to the chest and rub in.
Bed Wetting – “Don’t give those children sweets before bed!” Grandma would always say. She believed bed wetting was caused by too much sugar at bedtime. I know now that this relates to blood sugar spikes and may have some basis in fact. Grandma would also use Goldenseal for about a week to clear up any possible kidney infections.
Bites & Stings – Grandma would make a paste using black cohosh and aloe vera and apply to the area. It always helped to take out the sting.
Chicken Pox – If we came down with this, Grandma would insist on getting us into a warm bath to help cause the pox to break out and speed recovery. Pau D’ Arco applied externally may help with discomfort and cause quicker healing.
Colic – Grandma knew that colic could be the result of an allergy. If mom is breast feeding, she should avoid chocolate, onions, caffeine, garlic, broccoli, sugar, cauliflower and dairy. If she is not, the baby’s formula should be switched. Grandma would tie lavender flowers to baby’s crib. Today you can use lavender essential oil diluted with aloe vera or massage oil and applied to the bottom of feet and on abdomen. A few drops of Catnip can be given every couple of minutes until crying stops.
Diaper Rash – Grandma used to use yogurt on a baby’s bottom when this would occur. Today you can open a capsule of probiotics, mix with a small amount of water and feed to baby. This can also be applied to the bottom by mixing with aloe vera.
Diarrhea – Another possible culprit of that darn milk. Make sure neither baby nor mom (if breastfeeding) is receiving any cow’s milk. Goat’s milk can often remedy the situation by itself. You can also try Red Raspberry, a couple of drops every 3 to 4 hours.
Earaches – Use garlic oil or tea tree oil as drops inside the ear.
Fever – Infants under 3 months should be taken to a doctor if they run any sort of fever (defined as temperatures above 101 degrees) however, for infants older than that, a fever can be beneficial as it helps to burn off the infection. Unless a fever is approaching 105 degrees or has been over about 103 degrees for more than a few hours, it should be left to do it’s job. When there is need to reduce a fever, either because it has met one of the above criteria or because the child is not getting any rest due to discomfort, then Grandma would always grab her catnip and make a tea mixing it with chamomile.
Whooping Cough (and other coughs) – Grandma knew that formula thing wasn’t good; no one did that in her day. Milk and other dairy products can cause or aggravate whooping cough. Lobelia applied to the chest and/or a few drops of Blue vervain internally would often be enough.
I didn’t know it when I was growing up but Grandma was pretty smart. Try some of these natural health suggestions and your children and grandchildren may someday think the same of you.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Does Your Child Need To Go To Preschool
Does Your Child Need To Go To Preschool?
There is a simple answer to this complex question. No.
Children don't need preschool to gain admission to kindergarten or to succeed in life. In fact, the wrong preschool experience could potentially set a child back by creating a negative perception of school, learning, and socializing. However the right preschool experience can give a child a headstart academically and socially over peers without preschool.
In order to make the right choice for your child you need to look at what a preschool program should do for children. Ideally, preschool should help integrate children socially so they learn about the rules and structures of society in general and school society in particular. In addition, preschool helps students begin a foundation of academic knowledge including literacy, numbers, and culture.
The actual content, focus, and structure of preschool programs varies widely from community to community (and often even within communities) but most programs achieve these two primary goals for students. However a parent can easily accomplish similar goals without the confines of a specific preschool program.
Obviously many families need to arrange some type of day care for the preschool age children and if this is the case then it often makes sense to combine day care and preschool. Children who regularly attend day care programs with other children are less likely to need the social aspects of a preschool education. They likely learned how to play with others, the rules of sharing, and how to follow instructions and other key social lessons. Similarly children who belong to a large family or live in a neighborhood where a group of children regularly interact need less social education than children who do not regularly interact with their peers. Parents can replicate these social situations by seeking out play groups and community activities.
It is fairly easy to create a home preschool program for children. There are packaged curriculums available for purchase, materials available from local libraries, and information available on the internet. You can choose a program created entirely by someone else or create your own individual program to suit you and your child. Some television programs even offer additional material on the internet to supplement programming that would be suitable for a homeschooling project.
A motivated parent can certainly create a quality preschool program for their child that exceeds the results of any professional program. It is simply important to keep in mind your primary goals. What do you want your child to learn? What skills do you want your child to master? Do you simply want to prepare your child for kindergarten or do you have more advanced goals in mind?
The right preschool program can definitely give children a head start on long-term educational success, but not all programs are created equal and sometimes even a wonderful preschool program isn't right for certain children. Some children may benefit more from spending another year or two in a more nurturing atmosphere, such as home or a small day care. When making the preschool decision it is important to consider the individual child as well as the individual programs available. It is not a one-size-fits-all decision.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
There is a simple answer to this complex question. No.
Children don't need preschool to gain admission to kindergarten or to succeed in life. In fact, the wrong preschool experience could potentially set a child back by creating a negative perception of school, learning, and socializing. However the right preschool experience can give a child a headstart academically and socially over peers without preschool.
In order to make the right choice for your child you need to look at what a preschool program should do for children. Ideally, preschool should help integrate children socially so they learn about the rules and structures of society in general and school society in particular. In addition, preschool helps students begin a foundation of academic knowledge including literacy, numbers, and culture.
The actual content, focus, and structure of preschool programs varies widely from community to community (and often even within communities) but most programs achieve these two primary goals for students. However a parent can easily accomplish similar goals without the confines of a specific preschool program.
Obviously many families need to arrange some type of day care for the preschool age children and if this is the case then it often makes sense to combine day care and preschool. Children who regularly attend day care programs with other children are less likely to need the social aspects of a preschool education. They likely learned how to play with others, the rules of sharing, and how to follow instructions and other key social lessons. Similarly children who belong to a large family or live in a neighborhood where a group of children regularly interact need less social education than children who do not regularly interact with their peers. Parents can replicate these social situations by seeking out play groups and community activities.
It is fairly easy to create a home preschool program for children. There are packaged curriculums available for purchase, materials available from local libraries, and information available on the internet. You can choose a program created entirely by someone else or create your own individual program to suit you and your child. Some television programs even offer additional material on the internet to supplement programming that would be suitable for a homeschooling project.
A motivated parent can certainly create a quality preschool program for their child that exceeds the results of any professional program. It is simply important to keep in mind your primary goals. What do you want your child to learn? What skills do you want your child to master? Do you simply want to prepare your child for kindergarten or do you have more advanced goals in mind?
The right preschool program can definitely give children a head start on long-term educational success, but not all programs are created equal and sometimes even a wonderful preschool program isn't right for certain children. Some children may benefit more from spending another year or two in a more nurturing atmosphere, such as home or a small day care. When making the preschool decision it is important to consider the individual child as well as the individual programs available. It is not a one-size-fits-all decision.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Good Car Seats for Children
Good Car Seats for Children
Car seats are oftentimes ignored and taken for granted. However, there is an important truth behind car seats: Car seats actually assist much in providing comfort and ease for those who drive or ride in an automobile.
That is why it is important for car owners and car buyers to check about the seats of their vehicles. In fact, automobile experts have already come up with categories for such car seats. There are various types of seats and each has their own distinct design and their own unique feature. There are even car seats made especially for children so as to be able to support them well.
The rear-facing infant-only seat is a good seat for infants who weigh around five to twenty two pounds. Although infants and babies actually grow quickly, it is best to have this kind of car seat during the early months of infanthood. This kind of seat has a handle that allows the parent to take the infant with him or her and then snap the seat into a frame or a stroller. However, to properly protect the baby, this seat should be installed in correctly at the right angle.
A convertible seat can face towards the rear or it could also forward. It is good for toddlers who weight from twenty pounds to some sixty five pounds. Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics have shown that it is best for children to be kept facing the rear up until he is around a year old. Just like the infant seat, it would work best if the seat is installed correctly.
Combination seats can actually be used with a harness. In fact, this type of seat could also be used as a bolster. They can hold children who are a year old up until they weight some 100 pounds. They are sometimes referred to as toddler seats or as booster seats. They face forward and can change from a five-point harness to a belt-positioning booster seat.
Seats keep your children safe. However, on your part, keeping your vehicle and your car parts in good condition also assist in keeping everybody safe. Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts provide customers with a complete line of the highest quality Mazda 929 parts, Mazda 323 Parts and other Mazda model parts. They have highly dependable and proven Mazda parts that meet customers’ standards and preferences
.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
Car seats are oftentimes ignored and taken for granted. However, there is an important truth behind car seats: Car seats actually assist much in providing comfort and ease for those who drive or ride in an automobile.
That is why it is important for car owners and car buyers to check about the seats of their vehicles. In fact, automobile experts have already come up with categories for such car seats. There are various types of seats and each has their own distinct design and their own unique feature. There are even car seats made especially for children so as to be able to support them well.
The rear-facing infant-only seat is a good seat for infants who weigh around five to twenty two pounds. Although infants and babies actually grow quickly, it is best to have this kind of car seat during the early months of infanthood. This kind of seat has a handle that allows the parent to take the infant with him or her and then snap the seat into a frame or a stroller. However, to properly protect the baby, this seat should be installed in correctly at the right angle.
A convertible seat can face towards the rear or it could also forward. It is good for toddlers who weight from twenty pounds to some sixty five pounds. Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics have shown that it is best for children to be kept facing the rear up until he is around a year old. Just like the infant seat, it would work best if the seat is installed correctly.
Combination seats can actually be used with a harness. In fact, this type of seat could also be used as a bolster. They can hold children who are a year old up until they weight some 100 pounds. They are sometimes referred to as toddler seats or as booster seats. They face forward and can change from a five-point harness to a belt-positioning booster seat.
Seats keep your children safe. However, on your part, keeping your vehicle and your car parts in good condition also assist in keeping everybody safe. Mazda Parts and Mazda Auto Parts provide customers with a complete line of the highest quality Mazda 929 parts, Mazda 323 Parts and other Mazda model parts. They have highly dependable and proven Mazda parts that meet customers’ standards and preferences
.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Breastfeeding Your Child
Breastfeeding Your Child
Breastfeeding refers to the process by which a mother feeds her infant with milk directly from her breasts. Assuming the mother does not have certain illnesses, breast milk is widely believed to be the most beneficial for feeding young infants. It is even said that breastfeeding can strengthen the bond between mother and child. Still, some mothers choose not to participate in breastfeeding their infants and opt for store bought formula instead.
There are a number of benefits, which result from breastfeeding for infants. Among them, immediate milk that does not have to be heated as it is already at body temperature. In addition, some experts believe that breastfeeding decreases the risk of certain ailments, while increasing the healthy development of teeth and gums.
Along with the infant, there are positive results that stem from breastfeeding for the mother. Among them, a nurturing feeling toward her infant, a quicker return to the mom’s pre-birth weight and may help to prevent certain illnesses later on in life.
Often, the infant may refuse breastfeeding at first for a variety of reasons. Normally, these can be determined and corrected with proper instruction from a physician. These may be occurrences that go away by themselves or it may be an indication of an infant that has certain medical conditions that prevent them from feeding properly.
Mothers who have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications should not participate in breastfeeding her infant. The reason is because either the illness or the medication itself may be transmitted to the infant during this time, which can be very harmful to him/her. For this reason, the mother must inform her doctor about any medications or ailments that she currently has prior to beginning to breastfeed her child.
Many new mothers do not realize it, but breastfeeding may cause soreness and even bruising. This is not unnatural, but can be a sign of improper positioning. These instances will usually clear themselves up, but should be checked by a physician just to be safe.
This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for or against breastfeeding. Before deciding to breastfeed their child, the new mother must consult a licensed medical doctor in order to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation and the safe feeding of her child.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
Breastfeeding refers to the process by which a mother feeds her infant with milk directly from her breasts. Assuming the mother does not have certain illnesses, breast milk is widely believed to be the most beneficial for feeding young infants. It is even said that breastfeeding can strengthen the bond between mother and child. Still, some mothers choose not to participate in breastfeeding their infants and opt for store bought formula instead.
There are a number of benefits, which result from breastfeeding for infants. Among them, immediate milk that does not have to be heated as it is already at body temperature. In addition, some experts believe that breastfeeding decreases the risk of certain ailments, while increasing the healthy development of teeth and gums.
Along with the infant, there are positive results that stem from breastfeeding for the mother. Among them, a nurturing feeling toward her infant, a quicker return to the mom’s pre-birth weight and may help to prevent certain illnesses later on in life.
Often, the infant may refuse breastfeeding at first for a variety of reasons. Normally, these can be determined and corrected with proper instruction from a physician. These may be occurrences that go away by themselves or it may be an indication of an infant that has certain medical conditions that prevent them from feeding properly.
Mothers who have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications should not participate in breastfeeding her infant. The reason is because either the illness or the medication itself may be transmitted to the infant during this time, which can be very harmful to him/her. For this reason, the mother must inform her doctor about any medications or ailments that she currently has prior to beginning to breastfeed her child.
Many new mothers do not realize it, but breastfeeding may cause soreness and even bruising. This is not unnatural, but can be a sign of improper positioning. These instances will usually clear themselves up, but should be checked by a physician just to be safe.
This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for or against breastfeeding. Before deciding to breastfeed their child, the new mother must consult a licensed medical doctor in order to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation and the safe feeding of her child.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
EARLY DETECTION OF DISEASE IN THE CHILD
EARLY DETECTION OF DISEASE IN THE CHILD.
It is highly important that a mother should possess such information as will enable her to detect disease at its first appearance, and thus insure for her child timely medical assistance. This knowledge it will not be difficult for her to obtain. She has only to bear in mind what are the indications which constitute health, and she will at once see that all deviations from it must denote the presence of disorder, if not of actual disease. With these changes she must to a certain extent make herself acquainted.
Signs of health. ---------------
The signs of health are to be found, first, in the healthy performance of the various functions of the body; the regular demands made for its supply, neither in excess or deficiency; and a similar regularity in its excretions both in quantity and appearance.
If the figure of the healthy infant is observed, something may be learnt from this. There will be perceived such an universal roundness in all parts of the child's body, that there is no such thing as an angle to be found in the whole figure; whether the limbs are bent or straight, every line forms a portion of a circle. The limbs will feel firm and solid, and unless they are bent, the joints cannot be discovered.
The tongue, even in health, is always white, but it will be free from sores, the skin cool, the eye bright, the complexion clear, the head cool, and the abdomen not projecting too far, the breathing regular, and without effort.
When awake, the infant will be cheerful and sprightly, and, loving to be played with, will often break out into its merry, happy, laugh; whilst, on the other hand, when asleep, it will appear calm, every feature composed, its countenance displaying an expression of happiness, and frequently, perhaps, lit up with a smile.
Just in proportion as the above appearances are present and entire, health may be said to exist; and just in proportion to their partial or total absence disease will have usurped its place.
We will, however, for the sake of clearness examine the signs of disease as they are manifested separately by the countenance, the gestures, in sleep, in the stools, and by the breathing and cough.
Of the countenance. -------------------
In health the countenance of a thild is expressive of serenity in mind and body; but if the child be unwell, this expression will be changed, and in a manner which, to a certain extent, will indicate what part of the system is at fault.
The brows will be contracted, if there is pain, and its seat is in the head. This is frequently the very first outward sign of any thing being wrong, and will occur at the very onset of disease; if therefore remarked at an early period, and proper remedies used, its notice may prevent one of the most fearful of infantile complaints "Water in the Head."
If this sign is passed by unheeded, and the above disease be threatened, soon the eyes will become fixed and staring, the head hot, and moved uneasily from side to side upon the pillow, or lie heavily upon the nurse's arm, the child will start in its sleep, grinding its teeth, and awake alarmed and screaming, its face will be flushed, particularly the cheeks (as if rouged), its hands hot, but feet cold, its bowels obstinately costive, or its motions scanty, dark-coloured, and foul.
If the lips are drawn apart, so as to show the teeth or gums, the seat of the pain is in the belly. This sign, however, will only be present during the actual existence of suffering; if, therefore, there be any doubt whether it exist, press upon the stomach, and watch the eifect on the expression of the countenance.
If the pain arise simply from irritation of the bowels excited from indigestion, it will be temporary, and the sign will go and come just as the spasm may occur, and slight remedial measures will give relief.
If, however, the disease be more serious, and inflammation ensue, this sign will be more constantly present, and soon the countenance will become pale, or sallow and sunken, the child will dread motion, and lie upon its back with the knees bent up to the belly, the tongue will be loaded, and in breathing, while the chest will be seen to heave with more than usual effort, the muscles of the belly will remain perfectly quiescent.
If the nostrils are drawn upwards and in quick motion, pain exists in the chest. This sign, however, will generally be the accompaniment of inflammation of the chest, in which case the countenance will be discoloured, the eyes more or less staring, and the breathing will be difficult and hurried; and if the child's mode of respiring be watched, the chest will be observed to be unmoved, while the belly quickly heaves with every inspiration.
Convulsions are generally preceded by some changes in the countenance. The upper lip will be drawn up, and is occasionally bluish or livid. Then there may be slight squinting, or a singular rotation of the eye upon its own axis; alternate flushing or paleness of the face; and sudden animation followed by languor.
These signs will sometimes manifest themselves many hours, nay days, before the attack occurs; may be looked upon as premonitory; and if timely noticed, and suitable medical aid resorted to, the occurrence of a fit may be altogether prevented.
The state of the eyes should always be attended to. In health they are clear and bright, but in disease they become dull, and give a heavy appearance to the countenance; though after long continued irritation they will assume a degree of quickness which is very remarkable, and a sort of pearly brightness which is better known from observation than it can be from description.
The direction of the eyes, too, should be regarded, for from this we may learn something. When the infant is first brought to the light, both eyes are scarcely ever directed to the same object: this occurs without any tendency to disease, and merely proves, that regarding one object with both eyes is only an acquired habit. But when the child has come to that age when the eyes are by habit directed to the same object, and afterwards it loses that power, this circumstance alone may be looked upon as a frequent prelude to disease affecting the head.
Of the gestures. ----------------
The gestures of a healthy child are all easy and natural; but in sickness those deviations occur, which alone will often denote the nature of the disease.
Suppose an infant to have acquired the power to support itself, to hold its head erect; let sickness come, its head will droop immediately, and this power will be lost, only to be regained with the return of health; and during the interval every posture and movement will be that of languor.
The little one that has just taught itself to run alone from chair to chair, having two or three teeth pressing upon and irritating the gums, will for a time be completely taken off its feet, and perhaps lie languidly in its cot, or on its nurse's arm.
The legs being drawn up to the belly, and accompanied by crying, are proofs of disorder and pain in the bowels. Press upon this part, and your pressure will increase the pain. Look to the secretions from the bowels themselves, and by their unhealthy character your suspicions, in reference to the seat of the disorder, are at once confirmed. are rarely carried above its mouth; but let there be any thing wrong about the head and pain present, and the little one's hands will be constantly raised to the head and face.
Sudden starting when awake, as also during sleep, though it occur from trifling causes, should never be disregarded. It is frequently connected with approaching disorder of the brain. It may forebode a convulsive fit, and such suspicion is confirmed, if you find the thumb of the child drawn in and firmly pressed upon the palm, with the fingers so compressed upon it, that the hand cannot be forced open without difficulty. The same condition will exist in the toes, but not to so great a degree; there may also be a puffy state of the back of the hands and feet, and both foot and wrist bent downwards.
There are other and milder signs threatening convulsions and connected with gesture, which should be regarded: the head being drawn rigidly backwards, an arm fixed firmly to the side, or near to it, as also one of the legs drawn stifly upwards. These signs, as also those enumerated above, are confirmed beyond all doubt, if there be present certain alterations in the usual habits of the child: if the sleep is disturbed, if there be frequent fits of crying, great peevishness of temper, the countenance alternately flushed and pale, sudden animation followed by as sudden a fit of languor, catchings of the breath followed by a long and deep inspiration, all so many premonitory symptoms of an approaching attack.
Of the sleep. ------------
The sleep of the infant in health is quiet, composed, and refreshing. In very early infancy, when not at the breast, it is for the most part asleep in its cot; and although as the months advance it sleeps less, yet when the hour for repose arrives, the child is no sooner laid down to rest, than it drops off into a quiet, peaceful slumber.
Not so, if ill. Frequently it will be unwilling to be put into its cot at all, and the nurse will be obliged to take the infant in her arms; it will then sleep but for a short time, and in a restless and disturbed manner.
If it suffer pain, however slight, the countenance will indicate it; and, as when awake, so now, if there is any thing wrong about the head, the contraction of the eye-brow and grinding of the teeth will appear; if any thing wrong about the belly, the lips will be drawn apart, showing the teeth or gums, and in both instances there will be great restlessness and frequent startings.
Of the stools. --------------
In the new-born infant the motions are dark coloured, very much like pitch both in consistence and appearance. The first milk, however, secreted in the mother's breast, acts as an aperient upon the infant's bowels, and thus in about four-and-twenty hours it is cleansed away.
From this time, and through the whole of infancy, the stools will be of a lightish yellow colour, the consistence of thin mustard, having little smell, smooth in appearance, and therefore free from lumps or white curded matter, and passed without pain or any considerable quantity of wind. And as long as the child is in health, it will have daily two or three, or even four, of these evacuations. But as it grows older, they will not be quite so frequent; they will become darker in colour, and more solid, though not so much so as in the adult.
Any deviation, then, from the above characters, is of course a sign of something wrong; and as a deranged condition of the bowels is frequently the first indication we have of coming disease, the nurse should daily be directed to watch the evacuations. Their appearance, colour, and the manner in which discharged, are the points principally to be looked to. If the stools have a very curdy appearance, or are too liquid, or green, or dark-coloured, or smell badly, they are unnatural. And in reference to the manner in which they are discharged, it should be borne in mind, that, in a healthy child, the motion is passed with but little wind, and as if squeezed out, but in disease, it will be thrown out with considerable force, which is a sign of great irritation. The number, too, of stools passed within the four-and- twenty hours it is important to note, so that if the child does not have its accustomed relief, (and it must not be forgotten that children, although in perfect health, differ as to the precise number,)
Of the breathing and cough --------------------------
The breathing of a child in health is formed of equal inspirations and expirations, and it breathes quietly, regularly, inaudibly, and without effort. But let inflammation of the air-tubes or lungs take place, and the inspiration will become in a few hours so quickened and hurried, and perhaps audible, that the attention has only to be directed to the circumstance to be at once perceived.
Now all changes which occur in the breathing from its healthy standard, however slight the shades of difference may be, it is most important should be noticed early. For many of the complaints in the chest, although very formidable in their character, if only seen early by the medical man, may be arrested in their progress; but otherwise, may be beyond the control of art. A parent, therefore, should make herself familiar with the breathing of her child in health, and she will readily mark any change which may arise.
Whenever a child has the symptoms of a common cold, attended by hoarseness and a rough cough, always look upon it with suspicion, and never neglect seeking a medical opinion. Hoarseness does not usually attend a common cold in the child, and these symptoms may be premonitory of an attack of "croup;" a disease excessively rapid in its progress, and which, from the importance of the parts affected, carrying on, as they do, a function indispensably necessary to life, requires the most prompt and decided treatment.
The following observations of Dr. Cheyne are so strikingly illustrative, and so pertinent to my present purpose, that I cannot refrain inserting them: "In the approach of an attack of croup, which almost always takes place in the evening, probably of a day during which the child has been exposed to the weather, and often after catarrhal symptoms have existed for several days, he may be observed to be excited, in variable spirits, more ready than usual to laugh than to cry, a little flushed, occasionally coughing, the sound of the cough being rough, like that which attends the catarrhal stage of the measles. More generally, however, the patient has been for some time in bed and asleep, before the nature of the disease with which he is threatened is apparent; then, perhaps, without waking, he gives a very unusual cough, well known to any one who has witnessed an attack of the croup; it rings as if the child had coughed through a brazen trumpet; it is truly a tussis clangosa; it penetrates the walls and floor of the apartment, and startles the experienced mother, 'Oh! I am afraid our child is taking the croup!' She runs to the nursery, finds her child sleeping softly, and hopes she may be mistaken. But remaining to tend him, before long the ringing cough, a single cough, is repeated again and again; the patient is roused, and then a new symptom is remarked; the sound of his voice is changed; puling, and as if the throat were swelled, it corresponds with the cough," etc.
How important that a mother should be acquainted with the above signs of one of the most terrific complaints to which childhood is subject; for, if she only send for medical assistance during its first stage, the treatment will be almost invariably successful; whereas, if this "golden opportunity" is lost, this disease will seldom yield to the influence of measures, however wisely chosen or perseveringly employed.
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It is highly important that a mother should possess such information as will enable her to detect disease at its first appearance, and thus insure for her child timely medical assistance. This knowledge it will not be difficult for her to obtain. She has only to bear in mind what are the indications which constitute health, and she will at once see that all deviations from it must denote the presence of disorder, if not of actual disease. With these changes she must to a certain extent make herself acquainted.
Signs of health. ---------------
The signs of health are to be found, first, in the healthy performance of the various functions of the body; the regular demands made for its supply, neither in excess or deficiency; and a similar regularity in its excretions both in quantity and appearance.
If the figure of the healthy infant is observed, something may be learnt from this. There will be perceived such an universal roundness in all parts of the child's body, that there is no such thing as an angle to be found in the whole figure; whether the limbs are bent or straight, every line forms a portion of a circle. The limbs will feel firm and solid, and unless they are bent, the joints cannot be discovered.
The tongue, even in health, is always white, but it will be free from sores, the skin cool, the eye bright, the complexion clear, the head cool, and the abdomen not projecting too far, the breathing regular, and without effort.
When awake, the infant will be cheerful and sprightly, and, loving to be played with, will often break out into its merry, happy, laugh; whilst, on the other hand, when asleep, it will appear calm, every feature composed, its countenance displaying an expression of happiness, and frequently, perhaps, lit up with a smile.
Just in proportion as the above appearances are present and entire, health may be said to exist; and just in proportion to their partial or total absence disease will have usurped its place.
We will, however, for the sake of clearness examine the signs of disease as they are manifested separately by the countenance, the gestures, in sleep, in the stools, and by the breathing and cough.
Of the countenance. -------------------
In health the countenance of a thild is expressive of serenity in mind and body; but if the child be unwell, this expression will be changed, and in a manner which, to a certain extent, will indicate what part of the system is at fault.
The brows will be contracted, if there is pain, and its seat is in the head. This is frequently the very first outward sign of any thing being wrong, and will occur at the very onset of disease; if therefore remarked at an early period, and proper remedies used, its notice may prevent one of the most fearful of infantile complaints "Water in the Head."
If this sign is passed by unheeded, and the above disease be threatened, soon the eyes will become fixed and staring, the head hot, and moved uneasily from side to side upon the pillow, or lie heavily upon the nurse's arm, the child will start in its sleep, grinding its teeth, and awake alarmed and screaming, its face will be flushed, particularly the cheeks (as if rouged), its hands hot, but feet cold, its bowels obstinately costive, or its motions scanty, dark-coloured, and foul.
If the lips are drawn apart, so as to show the teeth or gums, the seat of the pain is in the belly. This sign, however, will only be present during the actual existence of suffering; if, therefore, there be any doubt whether it exist, press upon the stomach, and watch the eifect on the expression of the countenance.
If the pain arise simply from irritation of the bowels excited from indigestion, it will be temporary, and the sign will go and come just as the spasm may occur, and slight remedial measures will give relief.
If, however, the disease be more serious, and inflammation ensue, this sign will be more constantly present, and soon the countenance will become pale, or sallow and sunken, the child will dread motion, and lie upon its back with the knees bent up to the belly, the tongue will be loaded, and in breathing, while the chest will be seen to heave with more than usual effort, the muscles of the belly will remain perfectly quiescent.
If the nostrils are drawn upwards and in quick motion, pain exists in the chest. This sign, however, will generally be the accompaniment of inflammation of the chest, in which case the countenance will be discoloured, the eyes more or less staring, and the breathing will be difficult and hurried; and if the child's mode of respiring be watched, the chest will be observed to be unmoved, while the belly quickly heaves with every inspiration.
Convulsions are generally preceded by some changes in the countenance. The upper lip will be drawn up, and is occasionally bluish or livid. Then there may be slight squinting, or a singular rotation of the eye upon its own axis; alternate flushing or paleness of the face; and sudden animation followed by languor.
These signs will sometimes manifest themselves many hours, nay days, before the attack occurs; may be looked upon as premonitory; and if timely noticed, and suitable medical aid resorted to, the occurrence of a fit may be altogether prevented.
The state of the eyes should always be attended to. In health they are clear and bright, but in disease they become dull, and give a heavy appearance to the countenance; though after long continued irritation they will assume a degree of quickness which is very remarkable, and a sort of pearly brightness which is better known from observation than it can be from description.
The direction of the eyes, too, should be regarded, for from this we may learn something. When the infant is first brought to the light, both eyes are scarcely ever directed to the same object: this occurs without any tendency to disease, and merely proves, that regarding one object with both eyes is only an acquired habit. But when the child has come to that age when the eyes are by habit directed to the same object, and afterwards it loses that power, this circumstance alone may be looked upon as a frequent prelude to disease affecting the head.
Of the gestures. ----------------
The gestures of a healthy child are all easy and natural; but in sickness those deviations occur, which alone will often denote the nature of the disease.
Suppose an infant to have acquired the power to support itself, to hold its head erect; let sickness come, its head will droop immediately, and this power will be lost, only to be regained with the return of health; and during the interval every posture and movement will be that of languor.
The little one that has just taught itself to run alone from chair to chair, having two or three teeth pressing upon and irritating the gums, will for a time be completely taken off its feet, and perhaps lie languidly in its cot, or on its nurse's arm.
The legs being drawn up to the belly, and accompanied by crying, are proofs of disorder and pain in the bowels. Press upon this part, and your pressure will increase the pain. Look to the secretions from the bowels themselves, and by their unhealthy character your suspicions, in reference to the seat of the disorder, are at once confirmed. are rarely carried above its mouth; but let there be any thing wrong about the head and pain present, and the little one's hands will be constantly raised to the head and face.
Sudden starting when awake, as also during sleep, though it occur from trifling causes, should never be disregarded. It is frequently connected with approaching disorder of the brain. It may forebode a convulsive fit, and such suspicion is confirmed, if you find the thumb of the child drawn in and firmly pressed upon the palm, with the fingers so compressed upon it, that the hand cannot be forced open without difficulty. The same condition will exist in the toes, but not to so great a degree; there may also be a puffy state of the back of the hands and feet, and both foot and wrist bent downwards.
There are other and milder signs threatening convulsions and connected with gesture, which should be regarded: the head being drawn rigidly backwards, an arm fixed firmly to the side, or near to it, as also one of the legs drawn stifly upwards. These signs, as also those enumerated above, are confirmed beyond all doubt, if there be present certain alterations in the usual habits of the child: if the sleep is disturbed, if there be frequent fits of crying, great peevishness of temper, the countenance alternately flushed and pale, sudden animation followed by as sudden a fit of languor, catchings of the breath followed by a long and deep inspiration, all so many premonitory symptoms of an approaching attack.
Of the sleep. ------------
The sleep of the infant in health is quiet, composed, and refreshing. In very early infancy, when not at the breast, it is for the most part asleep in its cot; and although as the months advance it sleeps less, yet when the hour for repose arrives, the child is no sooner laid down to rest, than it drops off into a quiet, peaceful slumber.
Not so, if ill. Frequently it will be unwilling to be put into its cot at all, and the nurse will be obliged to take the infant in her arms; it will then sleep but for a short time, and in a restless and disturbed manner.
If it suffer pain, however slight, the countenance will indicate it; and, as when awake, so now, if there is any thing wrong about the head, the contraction of the eye-brow and grinding of the teeth will appear; if any thing wrong about the belly, the lips will be drawn apart, showing the teeth or gums, and in both instances there will be great restlessness and frequent startings.
Of the stools. --------------
In the new-born infant the motions are dark coloured, very much like pitch both in consistence and appearance. The first milk, however, secreted in the mother's breast, acts as an aperient upon the infant's bowels, and thus in about four-and-twenty hours it is cleansed away.
From this time, and through the whole of infancy, the stools will be of a lightish yellow colour, the consistence of thin mustard, having little smell, smooth in appearance, and therefore free from lumps or white curded matter, and passed without pain or any considerable quantity of wind. And as long as the child is in health, it will have daily two or three, or even four, of these evacuations. But as it grows older, they will not be quite so frequent; they will become darker in colour, and more solid, though not so much so as in the adult.
Any deviation, then, from the above characters, is of course a sign of something wrong; and as a deranged condition of the bowels is frequently the first indication we have of coming disease, the nurse should daily be directed to watch the evacuations. Their appearance, colour, and the manner in which discharged, are the points principally to be looked to. If the stools have a very curdy appearance, or are too liquid, or green, or dark-coloured, or smell badly, they are unnatural. And in reference to the manner in which they are discharged, it should be borne in mind, that, in a healthy child, the motion is passed with but little wind, and as if squeezed out, but in disease, it will be thrown out with considerable force, which is a sign of great irritation. The number, too, of stools passed within the four-and- twenty hours it is important to note, so that if the child does not have its accustomed relief, (and it must not be forgotten that children, although in perfect health, differ as to the precise number,)
Of the breathing and cough --------------------------
The breathing of a child in health is formed of equal inspirations and expirations, and it breathes quietly, regularly, inaudibly, and without effort. But let inflammation of the air-tubes or lungs take place, and the inspiration will become in a few hours so quickened and hurried, and perhaps audible, that the attention has only to be directed to the circumstance to be at once perceived.
Now all changes which occur in the breathing from its healthy standard, however slight the shades of difference may be, it is most important should be noticed early. For many of the complaints in the chest, although very formidable in their character, if only seen early by the medical man, may be arrested in their progress; but otherwise, may be beyond the control of art. A parent, therefore, should make herself familiar with the breathing of her child in health, and she will readily mark any change which may arise.
Whenever a child has the symptoms of a common cold, attended by hoarseness and a rough cough, always look upon it with suspicion, and never neglect seeking a medical opinion. Hoarseness does not usually attend a common cold in the child, and these symptoms may be premonitory of an attack of "croup;" a disease excessively rapid in its progress, and which, from the importance of the parts affected, carrying on, as they do, a function indispensably necessary to life, requires the most prompt and decided treatment.
The following observations of Dr. Cheyne are so strikingly illustrative, and so pertinent to my present purpose, that I cannot refrain inserting them: "In the approach of an attack of croup, which almost always takes place in the evening, probably of a day during which the child has been exposed to the weather, and often after catarrhal symptoms have existed for several days, he may be observed to be excited, in variable spirits, more ready than usual to laugh than to cry, a little flushed, occasionally coughing, the sound of the cough being rough, like that which attends the catarrhal stage of the measles. More generally, however, the patient has been for some time in bed and asleep, before the nature of the disease with which he is threatened is apparent; then, perhaps, without waking, he gives a very unusual cough, well known to any one who has witnessed an attack of the croup; it rings as if the child had coughed through a brazen trumpet; it is truly a tussis clangosa; it penetrates the walls and floor of the apartment, and startles the experienced mother, 'Oh! I am afraid our child is taking the croup!' She runs to the nursery, finds her child sleeping softly, and hopes she may be mistaken. But remaining to tend him, before long the ringing cough, a single cough, is repeated again and again; the patient is roused, and then a new symptom is remarked; the sound of his voice is changed; puling, and as if the throat were swelled, it corresponds with the cough," etc.
How important that a mother should be acquainted with the above signs of one of the most terrific complaints to which childhood is subject; for, if she only send for medical assistance during its first stage, the treatment will be almost invariably successful; whereas, if this "golden opportunity" is lost, this disease will seldom yield to the influence of measures, however wisely chosen or perseveringly employed.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Do Children Need Vitamins
Title: Do Children Need Vitamins?
It probably won't surprise you that experts disagree on whether or not children should take vitamins. On one side of the debate are medical experts who believe that children obtain a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals from their diet. On the flip side are medical professionals who view the need for vitamin supplementation for adults to be the same for children. Experts with this belief recognize that children, like adults, don't always consume the foods they need to obtain sufficient nutrients.
For example, children commonly have an aversion to vegetables, such as broccoli. Children may also have health conditions that prevent them from consuming a particular food. In these cases, children may not obtain sufficient amounts of nutrients. This concern is significant for children because the nutrients are imperative to their growth.
One element that is significant to a child's growth is fluoride. Fluoride contributes to healthy teeth and bones. Most children obtain all the fluoride they need from drinking water. However, the growing popularity of bottled water places many children at risk of fluoride deficiency. There are also many communities that use non-fluoridated drinking water. Children older than six months who are affected by these situations are good candidates for fluoride supplementation. Parents should inform their medical doctor of these circumstances so that the physician can possibly recommend fluoride vitamins for the child.
Similar to fluoride, calcium is another mineral that children need for strong teeth and bones. Children rarely have a calcium deficiency. There are, however, a small percentage of children who do not obtain the recommended amount of calcium for their age group (from 800-1399 milligrams). These children either have an allergy or consuming dairy products or are vegetarians who do not consume dairy products.
Deciding to supplement a child's diet with vitamins is not a decision that parents should make alone. While an excess of most vitamins in adults may cause mild side effects, children may experience more severe side effects. In addition, vitamins for children often look like candy and should be stored in a location out of the reach of children to prevent overdose.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
It probably won't surprise you that experts disagree on whether or not children should take vitamins. On one side of the debate are medical experts who believe that children obtain a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals from their diet. On the flip side are medical professionals who view the need for vitamin supplementation for adults to be the same for children. Experts with this belief recognize that children, like adults, don't always consume the foods they need to obtain sufficient nutrients.
For example, children commonly have an aversion to vegetables, such as broccoli. Children may also have health conditions that prevent them from consuming a particular food. In these cases, children may not obtain sufficient amounts of nutrients. This concern is significant for children because the nutrients are imperative to their growth.
One element that is significant to a child's growth is fluoride. Fluoride contributes to healthy teeth and bones. Most children obtain all the fluoride they need from drinking water. However, the growing popularity of bottled water places many children at risk of fluoride deficiency. There are also many communities that use non-fluoridated drinking water. Children older than six months who are affected by these situations are good candidates for fluoride supplementation. Parents should inform their medical doctor of these circumstances so that the physician can possibly recommend fluoride vitamins for the child.
Similar to fluoride, calcium is another mineral that children need for strong teeth and bones. Children rarely have a calcium deficiency. There are, however, a small percentage of children who do not obtain the recommended amount of calcium for their age group (from 800-1399 milligrams). These children either have an allergy or consuming dairy products or are vegetarians who do not consume dairy products.
Deciding to supplement a child's diet with vitamins is not a decision that parents should make alone. While an excess of most vitamins in adults may cause mild side effects, children may experience more severe side effects. In addition, vitamins for children often look like candy and should be stored in a location out of the reach of children to prevent overdose.
Get Instant Access to 30 Additional FREE Tips and Free Samples at http://www.fundraiser.deco-craft.com.
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