Author Archive
Dec 6, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Chop, Chop
Next time you are in our office look for a new magazine we have sitting out called, Chop Chop. It is a great magazine that educates parents and kids about cooking together and having healthy eating habits. The magazine is full of great pictures and recipes and even has fun activities for the kids to do. The directions are for both parents and kids, and they explain something that a child may not know yet. For example, in the latest addition, it explained what pitted dates where since this was used in a recipe. The recipes I saw in the winter addition showed great ways to get more veggies into ones diet. From squashy chili to marvelous minestrone to beet dip, each one gives a unique way to get more vegetables into our diets. Something we all could use. There are even recipes for baked apples and hot cocoa with a Mexican twist.
I love the extra details they put in to make it more exciting. Did you know that the chicken is the closest living relative of the t-rex.? Many of our children might, but I did not know this until I saw it in the magazine. For those of you who know me well, I am most excited that every recipe starts with “wash your hands with soap and water.” My husband, who can be a germ freak, will think this is great.
So grab a copy next time you come in, and enjoy all that it includes.
Dec 2, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Holiday Time
I love the holidays! Each year it is something new and exciting. There is nothing like the smell of your favorite holiday dish. Last night, we had friends over for Chanukah, and they were so excited when they were outside and could smell the latkes (potato pancakes) cooking.
The holidays also bring stress though, so remember to pay extra attention to your kids. If they seem quiet or if they are having too many tantrums, they might just need a break. Even though they are excited and want to share in the fun, many children become overwhelmed with all that is going on. Many children thrive on routine, and the holidays can take them out of their comfort zone.
Here are some tips to enjoy the holidays:
1. If your kids love routine, try to stay within a framework. It doesn’t have to be your exact routine, but if things are getting crazy, go back to basics.
2. Make sure to schedule some downtime where everyone can just relax.
3. Watch out for the sugar highs. Don’t be so strict that your kids can’t indulge a little, but it’s ok to say no and pull back. If you find it hard to say no to all of the treats, let them have just half or a small piece. Also, find alternatives such as sugar free cocoa, clementines, baked apples.
4. Remind them why the holidays are important. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or New Years, ask them why these holidays are important.
5. Start your own family tradition that you can do every year. It might be a quiet night at home playing games or watching a movie. It might be a scrapbook you take out once a year and add something new every year. It might be adopting a family for the holiday and donating clothes and toys to them.
Remember to relax, enjoy and remember why you love the holidays.
As my children say- Happy everything- to everyone!
Nov 16, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
LICE- Those pesky creatures
Lice! Every parent fears hearing the words, “Your child has lice and needs to come home.” It happens to everyone and anyone. It is not reserved for just the girls or those who don’t wash their hair as often. Lice has no boundaries. The most important thing to remember about lice is they are just a nuisance. They don’t cause any long term damage and most importantly they are not life threatening.
Having said that, when your child has lice, it involves a lot of work to help get rid of them. If you look at the Internet there are articles upon articles about how to treat them, what works best, and how to clean your house. You can go crazy with all of the information out there and you can spend a fortune on all of the different products. More »
Nov 9, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Concussions
As you all know, I write about what I see in my daily life or what I notice that comes across the news and seems interesting. When I am not at work I can be found driving my kids around or watching their activities. Since we have hit winter, it is now hockey season and I am often found at the rink watching my son play. I never thought I would have someone who loves contact sports so much. Not only does he love hockey, but football is his next favorite sport. I can’t tell me how many people say- “You let your son play football, I would never do that.” It is not something I love, and I cringe when I see him get tackled or checked, but it is what he loves to do and he is a smart player that doesn’t take chances. Now that my youngest plays soccer, I notice how this too is a contact sport, and yes I do cringe every time an eight year old heads the ball, this is not good for your growing brain. More »
Oct 26, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Kids and vegetarian diets
As the kids in my practice get older, I am finding more and more wanting to become vegetarian. Some due it because they just don’t like meat. Others state it is for ethical reasons and the way animals are treated. Often the parents come to me so I can talk there children out of being vegetarian. This is something I usually do not do. A vegetarian diet can be very healthy, often more healthy then your average kids diet, if it is done correctly. A child he says he/she is vegetarian and only eats pasta, grilled cheese, and yogurt is not a healthy vegetarian. If some homework is done, and effort is made, a vegetarian diet is very healthy and often can be lower in fat then someone who eats a lot of meat. More »
Subscribe to this blog
(What is this?)
