Everything we've written about Tips and tricks
Jan 21, 11 | Posted by: David Melbye, M.D.
What do I do when a tooth gets knocked out?
This is something nobody wants to see. I have a friend whose biggest fear is bloody teeth, so hopefully this will never happen to her kids. She hated the movie “Fight Club”. Anyway, there is a difference in what to do if your child knocks a tooth out depending on if it is a baby tooth or an adult tooth. More »
Jan 18, 11 | Posted by: Kristin Bencik Boudreau, D.O.
Quality Time with the Kids
As a working parent, I struggle with providing quality time with the kids. My husband and I try to make a special point on vacations to spend “special” time with each kid- no easy task when there are four and we have limited vacation time. After our summer vacation, my four year old asked me if next year we could do “one on one” time again. Nothing like a four year old honest question to make you feel like a horrible parent! I had to work this Christmas, so to make up for not being able to spend time with the extended family in Michigan, we took the kids on a trip to Atlanta. Why Atlanta? I really wanted to take the kids to the Aquarium there, it was a cheap direct flight, and it was warmer than here. As many of you might have known from a prior blog, we did Disney last year and it was a horrible disaster. This trip was all about the kids- we went to the Aquarium, the Children’s Museum, the Atlanta Zoo, and the Coco-Cola Factory. We went swimming in the pool every night with them, and just did “special” time hanging out and playing games with them. It was probably one of the best family vacations we have had.
I am not saying you have to travel to have quality time. There is plenty to do right here. Go to the zoo, Betty Brinn, Audubon, Discovery World, or the Domes. If you feel like driving, take the kids to Chicago’s Aquarium. Or better yet, take your child out to lunch without siblings, or play a special game with them. Let them know they have your undivided attention for that time. One on one time can also be a motivator for those kids who need a little encouragement to act better- it can be even more powerful than toys! In the midst of the chaos of day to day life, try to take that extra step to enjoy being with your special kids!
Jan 12, 11 | Posted by: Kristin Bencik Boudreau, D.O.
All drop-side rail cribs banned
Last year when I was getting ready for my fourth baby, reports came out about a recall of movable side rail cribs. Although the recall did not affect my crib, the knowledge that those cribs were being recalled because of infant deaths prompted me to convince my husband to buy the baby a new crib. I am so glad we did. All cribs that have the movable side rail that goes up and down have subsequently been banned because of the possibility of the baby getting stuck in the corner where the rail moves and being suffocated or strangulated. Over thirty infants are known to have died because of these cribs, and fourteen other deaths are suspicious. If you have these cribs, call the manufacturer immediately and stop putting the baby in them. Hotels and day-cares have eighteen months to replace these cribs, but if you see them do not allow your babies to sleep in them. Ask for a Pack-and-play instead. I feel fortunate that my other kids had no issues with the old crib.
Dec 13, 10 | Posted by: David Melbye, M.D.
Carbon Monoxide
Now that all of our windows are closed and furnaces are on it’s time to think about Carbon Monoxide. A girl I knew in High School had a carbon monoxide leak in her house and luckily one of her sisters woke the whole family up when she got sick so nobody died.
Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer because you cannot see or smell it. The symptoms are often vague at first and include dizziness, fatigue, headaches and nausea that can progress to weakness, confusion and shortness of breath during prolonged exposures. Some clues to look for are multiple people developing the same symptoms at the same time or feeling better once you get fresh air.
The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to have properly installed and serviced gas burning appliances and furnaces. If you have a wood burning fireplace you should make sure the chimney is clean and can provide appropriate ventilation. It is also very important to have carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. There are multiple options for combined carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on the market. They are very easy to install (even I can do it; I got to use my cordless drill driver) and will give you peace of mind this winter.
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.
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