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Top parenting stories this week
Surprising Holiday Hazards
Are poinsettias poisonous? Is your Christmas tree safe? Learn how to keep your child safe this holiday season.
by: Nancy Ripton
Holiday Hazards
- Mistletoe berries can be toxic to your infant or toddler.
- Poinsettias aren't poisonous, but many other plants you might bring home for the holidays are, including holly and boxwood.
- Most strings of Christmas lights are coated with a plastic that contains lead.
- Live spruce or pine tree needles can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat if swallowed, so water your tree to keep needles from dropping.
- Vanilla extract contains ethanol and can cause respiratory distress if your child drinks it.
s parents, we don't want to make like the Grinch and steal all the Christmas cheer, but we don't want our children to get hurt during the holidays either. Unfortunately, holiday hazards can creep up where you least expect them. Here are four surprising holiday health hazards and how to protect your children from them: To view the full story click here.
Should You Get the Flu Shot?
In a word, yes. Here's a look at why you should vaccinate your family this year.
by: Lorraine Grypstra
Flu Shot
- Serious illness from the flu is most common for children under age two
- The easiest way to keep your family healthy is to wash hands frequently.
- Pregnant women are more likely to suffer severe illness from the flu than other women.
- The flu can also cause problems for your unborn baby by increasing the risk of preterm labor.
eing sick isn't fun, but the flu can actually be dangerous for young children and pregnant women. Here’s why the flu shot is so important for your family. To view the full story click here.
The Best Mom and Baby Classes
How to meet cool new moms (like you) and spend quality time with your baby all at once
by: Nancy Ripton
Best Baby Classes
- Your baby can benefit from interactive classes as early as three months.
- An infant massage class is a great way to relax your baby and improve his sleep.
- Early exposure to music can make learning easier in the long run.
- Movement classes in the first years of life help give your child a positive association with physical activity.
nxious to get out of the house? Turns out, socialization (for both mom and baby) is just one of the benefits of doing classes with your infant. Here’s how to find the best class for you and your baby: To view the full story click here.
Getting Rid of Varicose Veins
How to deal with one of the most maligned side effects of pregnancy
by: Sydney Loney
Varicose Veins
- Pregnancy puts extra pressure on your veins, which can lead to varicose veins.
- The more children you have, the greater your risk of developing varicose and spider veins.
- Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent veins from getting worse.
- Out-patient laser treatments have replaced surgery as the most effective way to get rid of varicose veins.
regnancy comes with many perks (lustrous hair, glowing skin, new baby!), but there are a few side effects most women could do without. If you dread short season because of the post-pregnancy varicose and spider veins snaking up your legs, here’s what you should know. To view the full story click here.
How Safe is Your Sunscreen?
Choosing the best sun protection for your family
by: Nancy Ripton
Sunscreen Safety
- 40% of brand-name sunscreens fail to provide proper sun protection or contain hazardous chemicals.
- SPF only protects you from the sun's superficial UVB rays.
- To protect your children's skin from UVA rays, choose a sunscreen with at least a 7% concentration of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone.
- The airborne chemicals in powder and spray sun care could be bad for baby's lungs.
et's face it, baby skin burns fast. But even if you buy a sunscreen specially labeled for children, it may not provide the protection they need. Here's how to make sure your child gets the ultimate sun protection: To view the full story click here.
