Category Archives: Health

August 5, 2021 · 1:31 pm

Hooded Eyes Do’s and Don’ts

Hooded eyes can often be confused with droopy eyes. Droopy eyelids or just one droopy eyelid can affect a person’s ability to keep their eye/eyes open all the way, which in turn affects their vision and this could point to a condition called ptosis. Hooded eyes are a normal hereditary trait where a person has excess skin folding down from the brow bone to the lash line.

The lack of eyelid space and a hidden crease can make all sorts of eye makeup looks extra difficult for those of us with hooded eyes. But this does not mean you have to be restricted with what you can achieve. Here are some tips to help you work with your hooded lids.

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  • Don’t use shimmery or satin eyeshadows as the shimmer reflects the light and can make your eyelids look larger and puffier. Do use matte colors that absorb the light and make the hood look like it is receding.
  • Don’t use liquid eyeliner. Do use pencil eyeliner.
  • Don’t try a winged eyeliner, the hood of your eye will likely cover up the liner anyway and can make your eyes look more hooded. Do apply eyeliner to the lashline, but no further.
  • Don’t apply eyeliner above your waterline as this will take up valuable space on your lid and make your eyes look smaller. Do apply it thinly on your eyelash waterline.
  • Do apply a highlight as close to the arch of your eyebrow as you can get, far away from your hood. Don’t apply the highlighter too low down as it will then highlight your hooded lid and make it appear bigger.
  • Don’t draw attention to the undereye areas and this can drag your eyes down. Do apply a minimal about of eyeshadow to the lower lash line to balance out your hooded eye.
  • Don’t get stingy with the mascara! Do use mascara to build up your lashes as much as possible or use false lashes to make your eyes look much bigger. 
  • Don’t forget to blend your shadow upwards. When applying your eyeshadow color do not smudge it along the bottom-most part of your lid as this will emphasize your hood. Do blend it higher to cover the entirety of your mobile lid, into the crease and up on to the hood of your eye. There is nothing worse than spending time creating a beautiful eyeshadow look only to have it completely disappear when you open your eyes! Moving the color higher will make it more visible and creature the illusion of a higher crease.

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However, the most important thing about makeup is to have fun. These are some tips to help you get a more traditional look and give you the chance to embrace current makeup trends but, in the end, you should just do whatever makes you happy. Practice your makeup technique and experiment with what looks good on you and what makes you feel confident and beautiful.

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This is a collaborative post. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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April 25, 2021 · 1:53 pm

One Big Canvas Awareness Book Tour and Giveaway

 

We are thrilled to take part in the One Big Canvas Awareness Book Tour. One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece is a delightful and insightful book that uses colorful paintbrush characters to help children understand what autism is. The book never mentions autism verbatim, instead it talks about the different ways someone with autism might act. This makes it seem not so scary or odd for kids and helps them to accept other’s differences. It is reassuring that all is okay even though some behavior is different. 

I think this book is a great resource to use with your own children or in a school setting. Tolerance and understanding is what we need to impress on kids when dealing with everyone’s uniqueness. Helping children understand and accept that not everyone is the same and that is okay, can help them embrace these differences instead of being afraid or annoyed by them.

The other book I was sent, One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay dives a little deeper into how to interact with kindness and understanding. The paintbrushes are excited for their new friend Clay’s visit. They go about preparing a banner to welcome him. However, when Clay arrives, his loud voice is too much for Paul who covered his ears and rolled up in a ball. Clay asks the other brushes what’s wrong with Paul who kept repeating it was too loud. Reese steps up to tell Clay that loud sounds bother Paul and that they try to speak low.

Clay learns that Estelle will stop humming when she is ready and that Jerry loves boats and ships so much he talks about them over and over. When Clay gets annoyed, Reece steps in again and reminds him of the importance to be caring and kind. When Clay thinks it over, he comes back in the shape of a ship. He explains it’s for Jerry to have a fun trip. Clay does not forget to let Paul know that they will quietly float on the blue painted waves. All the brushes jump onboard and show kindness and compassion is the way.

I think both of these books help convey the message that everyone is unique and the things we may at first think are annoying may be something more. Instead of responding with anger or frustration, it can help children understand that there may be other reasons why someone hums low or says the same thing over and over.

ABOUT THE BOOKS

One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece

Written by Jay Miletsky

Illustrated by Luis Peres

Ages 3-9 | 24 Pages

Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382

Publisher’s Synopsis: Join a spunky collection of paintbrushes as they set out to create a grand masterpiece.

When some of the brushes don’t cooperate, is it because they are misbehaving…or is there another reason entirely? In this story, young readers are introduced to some of the behavioral differences in their autistic peers.

Without ever mentioning any particular challenge or disability by name, this story helps children recognize and understand what autism is, and impress upon them the importance of showing kindness to those who are different, wrapped into a fun story with lighthearted, engaging characters.

They worked through the day, then stopped and admired,

the wisdom their now-painted canvas inspired:

their painting was perfect, It all meshed just fine,

with its colorful circles, and angry green line.

It was a true masterpiece, not one thing was wrong,

including the hum of their single-note song.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3v9ibq3

One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay

Written by Jay Miletsky

Illustrated by Luis Peres

Ages 3-9 | 24 Pages

Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382

Publisher’s Synopsis: The brushes are back! Join Reese, Estelle and the rest of the gang in the art studio in another adventure as they learn the value of kindness and understanding.

When Clay comes to visit from the other side of the art studio, the brushes are excited to welcome their friend. But when a few of the brushes start acting differently, Clay needs to be reminded that it’s important to be accepting:

“Some brushes are different, so we like to remind,

it’s kind to be caring, so take care to be kind.”

Will Clay leave the brushes in frustration, or will he learn to mold his thinking as he comes to understand and accept that brushes have different abilities and challenges? Without ever mentioning autism or any particular disability, The Molding of Clay helps introduce children to the behavioral differences of their autistic peers, creating an opportunity for discussion. It helps teachers and parents impress upon them the importance of understanding, acceptance and kindness, through a fun, lighthearted story with quirky and colorful characters.

https://amzn.to/3dIFdxZ

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The REED Foundation for Autism is committed to providing individuals with autism the opportunity to learn, live, work and thrive at every stage of their lives. For more information, please visit https://www.reedfoundationforautism.org.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a ‘One Big Canvas’ book series prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

  • A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
  • A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay
  • A $50 Amazon gift card

Two (2) winners receive:

  • A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
  • A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay

The giveaway begins April 23, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT, and ends May 23, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

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I have partnered with The Children’s Book Review and the REED Foundation for Autism in this book tour. While I received the books to facilitate my review, all opinions and views are 100% my own.


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April 20, 2021 · 6:44 pm

Dental Health 101: Everything You Need To Know

Oral or dental health pertains to the condition of your gums, teeth, and mouth. The goal is to prevent issues and complications such as gum disease and tooth decay as well as maintaining the overall health of your mouth. 

Good oral hygiene ensures a bright smile. But a poor one can result in dental and gum disease which can affect your overall health. While basic oral care can be maintained through daily brushing and flossing, proactively seeing a dentist at least once or twice a year can make a huge difference. 

Consulting a dentist regularly can help prevent worsening tooth and gum problems. The good thing nowadays is that booking a schedule with a licensed dentist is easier because it can be done online. Many dental clinics run official websites which cater to prospective clients online.

 

Dental problems and diseases are very common. According to the World Health Organization:

  • Oral diseases affect about 3.5 billion people around the globe. 
  • Over 530 million kids suffer from tooth decay on their primary teeth.
  • Severe periodontal diseases affect almost 10% of the world population. 

Oral Health To General Health: The Link

Dental health has risen in importance in the past years, as new studies and research discovered a connection between poor oral health and underlying systematic diseases. As it turns out, a healthy mouth and teeth can help maintain a healthy body. 

According to a study, periodontal diseases have been associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, respiratory diseases, and dementia, among others.

Types of Oral and Dental Diseases

The mouth and teeth are used a lot. So, it is not surprising how many things can go wrong over time, particularly if you do not take proper care of them. Without proper dental hygiene, here are the kinds of dental and oral problems you might encounter. 

  • Cavities

More commonly known as tooth decay or caries, cavities refer to areas of the tooth that are damaged or may even have holes in them. This is the most common dental problem with an estimated 2.3 billion people suffering caries on permanent teeth. 

Cavities occur when food, bacteria, and acid cover your teeth and form plaque. The acid starts to eat away your teeth at the enamel and the underlying connective tissue. Over time, this can result in permanent damage. 

  • Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is exactly what it sounds like—discomfort or pain in the teeth as a response to specific stimuli such as cold or hot temperature. It can temporarily occur after having a filling or root canal. However, it is often the result of receding gums, gum disease, worn-down crowns or fillings, or a cracked tooth. Also, some individuals naturally have sensitive teeth due to thinner enamels. 

  • Broken or Cracked Teeth

A tooth or teeth can break or crack from chewing hard foods, sudden changes in mouth temperature, injury to the mouth, or bruxism—the habit of grinding your teeth at night. A cracked tooth can be quite painful and it is recommended that you visit your dentist right away after you get one.

  • Gingivitis

Simply called gum disease, gingivitis is the inflammation of your gums. In general, this is the result of plaque buildup on your teeth due to poor dental hygiene. It can make your gums bleed and swell when you floss or brush. Untreated gingivitis can result in a more serious infection as would be described below. 

  • Periodontitis

This severe gum infection can result in tooth loss and other serious complications.  It inflicts damage to your soft tissue, and if left untreated, can destroy the bone that supports the teeth. It can also cause an inflammatory response throughout your body. 

  • Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are bothersome and pesky. Generally, it’s usually nothing to worry about and should disappear on its own. However, if the mouth sore lasts for more than two weeks, then a dental check-up is necessary.

There are several kinds of mouth sores. The common mouth sore is known as a canker sore which occurs inside the mouth. These are not contagious and are triggered by several causes. Meanwhile, cold sores or fever blisters are caused by a virus, which occurs on the edge of your outer lips. These are contagious and, in some cases, the condition would come and go. 

Mouth sores also occur in oral thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth that can be seen in people wearing dentures, diabetics, infants, and people undergoing cancer treatments. 

  • Oral Cancer

Oral cancer develops in the tissues of the throat or mouth. This belongs to a larger group of cancers called neck and head cancers. Most cancer cells develop in the squamous cells found in the tongue, mouth, and lips. 

According to stats, oral cancer is 1 of the 3 most common cancers in some countries of the Pacific and Asia. Meanwhile, in the US, over 50,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually, occurring mostly in people over 40 years old. 

Treatments of Oral and Dental Diseases

The above-mentioned oral and dental problems are often treated by several methods. Your dentist is the only one who can recommend the best treatments for your oral problems. 

  • Cleanings

Even if you brush and floss 3 times a day, you will still need to visit your dentist for professional cleaning. This helps get rid of any tartar that you might have missed while flossing and brushing.

A dental hygienist uses a high-powered toothbrush to clean your teeth, followed by flossing and rinsing to take out any debris. 

There’s another kind of cleaning known as deep cleaning. This removes tartar and cavities from below and above the gumline which can’t be reached during regular, routine cleaning. 

  • Fluoride

After a dental cleaning, the dentist can apply a fluoride treatment in order to fight off cavities. Fluoride can help strengthen the tooth enamel and make it more resilient to acid and bacteria. 

  • Dental Sealants

These are thin, protective coatings placed on molars or back teeth, in order to help prevent cavities. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces by covering them with a protective shield, blocking out food and germs that can cause cavities. 

Dentists usually recommend a sealant for kids as soon as they get their first molar and when they get their second set of molars.

  • Fillings

Fillings are used to repair a crack, cavity, or hole in your tooth. Your dentist will first use a dental drill in order to remove the damaged (black) area of the tooth and then fill the hole with some material, including composite, cast gold, or amalgam. It is also used to repair worn-down teeth from misuses such as tooth grinding or nail-biting. 

  • Dental Crowns

A dental crown is basically a cap for a severely damaged tooth. It is used if a large part of your tooth has broken off due to injury or needs to be removed due to cavities. 

There are two kinds of dental crowns—a regular crown that fits over your natural tooth, and an implant crown that fits over an implant. Both crowns fill in the gap where the natural tooth appeared. 

There are several materials used to make dental crowns including metal, ceramic, porcelain, zirconia, composite resin, or a combination of these materials. 

  • Root Canal

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the tooth’s soft center known as pulp. This pulp is made up of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels which help the tooth grow. 

If tooth decay reaches all the way inside the tooth to this pulp, a root canal can help save the tooth.  During a root canal, the pulp is removed and then replaced with a filling made of biocompatible material which is usually a combination of adhesive cement and a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. 

It is often performed while you are under local anesthesia. 

  • Tooth Extraction

If the dentist can’t save your tooth with a root canal or other dental procedure, then it will likely be extracted. 

In addition, you may also need a tooth or surgical extraction if your third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are impacted. A dentist will usually recommend that wisdom teeth be extracted if they cause inflammation, pain, or other issues. 

Also, crowding can require tooth extraction. Oftentimes, those who get braces will need one to two teeth removed in order to provide room for other teeth as they shift into place. 

  • Dental Implants

These are used to replace a missing or extracted tooth caused by tooth decay, injury, or periodontal disease. Specifically, dental implants are a replacement for teeth roots. It offers a sturdy foundation for removable or permanent replacement teeth made to look like your natural teeth. 

A dental implant is surgically drilled and placed into your jawbone. You’ll need to wait for the bones to naturally grow around the implant. After that, the dentist will customize a new artificial tooth that matches your other teeth, known as a dental crown. If replacing more than one tooth, the dentist may customize a dental bridge to fit into your mouth. The bridge consists of two abutment crowns on either side of the gap, holding the artificial teeth in place.  

Your Oral Health Care Plan

In order to prevent dental and oral health issues and skipping the expensive, and often painful dental treatment methods, you need to keep your teeth and mouth clean and fresh. With that said, here are general tips you need to consider. 

  • Proper Brushing

Everyone knows that brushing at least twice a day is one of the most important dental hygiene practices to keep teeth and mouth clean. Better yet, it is recommended to brush after every snack or meal. However, it can only be effective if people are using the proper technique. 

Proper brushing means using small circular motions, not the sawing back and forth motions. You need to brush the front, top, and back of each and every tooth. This process should take two to three minutes. 

In addition, using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too hard can damage the tooth enamel and injure your gums. This can cause tooth sensitivity, gum erosion, and permanent damage to the protective enamel of your teeth. 

Experts recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles and to change your toothbrush every three months or when the ends look frayed, whichever comes first. 

  • Don’t Neglect Flossing

Most people are too lazy to floss their teeth. But it is beneficial for your overall dental health in the long run. 

Flossing removes bacteria and plaque from between your teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Not only that, but it also helps in preventing bad breath by removing food debris that has become trapped between teeth. 

Experts recommend gently pushing the floss all the way to the gumline before doing an up and down motion on the side of the tooth. Avoid snapping the floss up and down between teeth since it can cause pain and does not remove plaque effectively. 

  • Consider a Mouthwash

According to some studies, mouthwash can benefit oral and dental health. One

 revealed that mouthwash with chlorhexidine can help control gingivitis and plaque. Mouthwash can also help with bad breath. 

You can ask your dentist which is the best mouthwash for your needs. It is important to note, however, that mouthwash can’t substitute flossing or brushing. It can only complement these practices. 

  • Use Fluoride

Fluoride is a common ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste and helps in preventing cavities. It also helps in strengthening developing teeth in kids while protecting the teeth enamel in both adults and kids. 

  • Eat A Balanced Diet

You need to eat a variety of foods but limiting those that contain starches and sugars including cakes, cookies, ice cream potato chips, and soft drinks. Such foods produce the most acids that can hasten the decay process. If you love eating snacks, it is recommended to brush your teeth afterward. 

  • Quit Smoking

Smoking can harm the immune system, making it difficult for the body to heal tissues, including tissues in the mouth. Smoking also increases your risk of oral cancer and cancers of the pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. It can also cause bad breath, gum disease, tooth discoloration, and other dental and general health problems. 

  • Visit The Dentist Regularly

Experts recommend visiting your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and checkups. You can speak with your dentist about the frequency that’s best for you. 

Conclusion

Your oral health affects more than just your teeth. It can contribute to issues in your general health as well as your comfort and overall quality of life. While you can’t always prevent every cavity that occurs, you can help prevent tooth loss or severe oral diseases if you take good care of your oral health and see a dentist often. 

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This is a collaborative post, the opinions and views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.


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· 6:34 pm

Most Important Health Areas For Developing Children

It’s no secret that the early childhood stage is a critical period for a person’s development. During that time, it’s your job as a parent to ensure they have everything they need to grow into a healthy person. Unfortunately, focusing on one health area won’t be enough. It’s not enough to feed them good food and take care of their nutrition.

There are many other important health areas for developing children, and knowing these can help parents focus their limited time and energy on the things that matter most. On that note, here’s a closer look at the most important health areas for developing children:

  • Dental Health

One of the most common diseases among children in many countries is cavities. If left untreated, it can cause a great deal of pain to your kids, and may even result in infections. In the worst-case scenario, these infections may lead to problems with their daily routine, such as eating, playing, and speaking. That’s one of the reasons why oral health is considered a window to a person’s overall health. Thus, it’s important to deal with your children’s dental health as early as possible.

You can do so by simply encouraging them to brush their teeth at least twice a day. But if they’re already in their late childhood and they haven’t practiced proper brushing up until now, it might be worth taking them to a dentist for a thorough checkup.

Furthermore, if their dental health requires treatments, you might want to consider sending them to a Pediatric Laser Dentistry practitioner for some quick fix.

  • Proper Hygiene

Hygiene is important to everyone. However, maintaining proper hygiene is especially necessary for children, and there are many reasons why. For starters, children have fewer antibodies than adults. Since their immune system is a bit weaker, proper hygiene practices such as hand washing and bathing can go a long way in preventing diseases. These can help ward off harmful microorganisms like germs and bacteria. Much like dental health, there are several things you can do to help your kids practice proper hygiene, such as:

  • Help them shower every day
  • Encourage your children to wash their hands before and after meals and even snacks
  • Always prepare clean clothes for your kids
  • Teach them to turn away when they or someone else is coughing or sneezing
  • Healthy Habits

As simple as they may be, daily habits can make the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy person. While your children are still young, it’s important to teach them the importance of healthy habits. Here are some examples:

  • Avoid spending too much time staring at the screen of electronic devices
  • Take a break every once in a while
  • Drink plenty of water

They might not seem as important as dental health or hygiene, but these little things can go a long way in improving your children’s health as they can prevent potential minor diseases.

  • Immunization

Immunization is the simple process of applying vaccines to children. For obvious reasons, this process is a very important health area for your developing kids, especially since immunization can prevent common diseases among children, such as:

  • Strep throat
  • Pink eye
  • Flu
  • Chickenpox

 Moreover, immunization not only prevents diseases but also improves your children’s well-being. If you think about it, most vaccines are free, but if your children suffer from diseases due to being unvaccinated, that would cost you a lot of money.

Immunization is not just important for your children, it’s also a crucial step to eradicating certain diseases. In fact, many diseases have now been eliminated or are already rare because of immunization programs. This broader perspective should give you another motivation to have your kids immunized. Beyond decreasing your children’s susceptibility to diseases, you’re also helping improve public health.

  • Physical Activity

Children also need physical activity to maintain their cardiovascular system’s health. Engaging in physical activity may also increase their white blood cells, which help eliminate viral infections. However, encouraging kids to exercise on their own isn’t very effective.

If you want to take care of this particular health area, you should consider scheduling family workout sessions. Exercising as a group tends to be more effective at encouraging children to do physical activities. Examples of family exercises you can do with your kids include:

  • Bike riding
  • Sports
  • Hiking
  • Camping

As active as your kids are, their bodies still have their limits. So, while physical activity is indeed important, remember to allow appropriate time for rest. Also, pairing up exercise with healthy eating—yet another important health area for developing children—will yield the best results for their overall health.

  • Healthy Eating

Healthy eating involves the consumption of all nutrients your child needs, be it from fruits, vegetables, meat, or even supplements if they can’t absorb nutrients properly. For your reference, here’s a list of nine of the most important nutrients for children:

  1. Proteins
  2. Carbohydrates
  3. Fats
  4. Iron
  5. Folate
  6. Calcium
  7. Fiber
  8. Vitamin C
  9. Vitamin A

It’s also worth noting that breakfast is the most important meal, so don’t forget to go all out on your kids’ breakfast. As a matter of fact, a study by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows that children who regularly have breakfast have a better academic performance than those who don’t.

Furthermore, remember that kids often become a bit of a glutton after school, so you might want to consider preparing snacks for them when they get home. Take note that there are a few foods that you need to avoid as they may do more harm than good, especially to your children’s teeth.

Final Words

As a parent, it brings you joy to see your kids grow up as you wanted them to. But it’s inevitable to face some challenges along the way. Seeing your children get sick is one of the most difficult experiences for parents. Focusing on the most important health areas of developing children will help you prevent most minor illnesses and other health issues in the future. On that note, this guide should help you figure out which health areas to prioritize for your developing kids.

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This is a collaborative post. The views and ideas expressed do not necessary represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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November 13, 2020 · 2:18 pm

The Hidden Dangers Of Not Taking Care Of Your Dental Health

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Good oral health is not just about having a pretty smile. Most people understand they should take care of their teeth so they don’t become chipped or decayed which would look terrible. However, there is a more important reason to make sure your teeth are in good health.

Oral health is totally linked to your overall health. In other words, if you have bad teeth, you are increasing the odds of having other health problems down the line. It may seem like a stretch of the imagination, but when your teeth are in bad shape, you can end up with a myriad of illnesses. These illnesses could really impact your quality of life and possibly worse. In this article, I will go over several of the things to keep in mind about your dental health so you can avoid other health problems later on.

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Cardiovascular disease

Our gums have a lot of small capillary veins very close to the surface. This is why taking oral medication under the tongue is so effective. The medication gets absorbed quickly into the blood which acts as a sort of high speed delivery system. This is great when you need quick relief from pain or other things, but bad news if you have a tooth infection. This infected tooth is full of bacteria which is easily brought into your circulatory system and can grow to be a major problem.

A blood infection can be very serious and cause heart problems. Over time, this bacteria can cause plaque to build up on the arteries which increases the chance of heart attack or stroke. If you have been putting off getting that toothache checked out, this is the time to make an appointment with smilovitsdds.com or whoever else is your local dentist. You shouldn’t wait until the problem gets worse.

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Diabetes

Diabetes is a growing concern all across the Western world. From a poor diet to a sedentary lifestyle, the number of people with diabetes is growing. We aren’t doing ourselves any favors by adding to the problem due to poor dental health.

Gum disease is easy to get when we aren’t taking good care of your teeth. And this leads to higher than normal sugar levels in the blood. Not only that, but infections are far more serious for people with diabetes than people without. It is very hard for the body to ward off infections.

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Pregnancy complications

Pregnancy can make it very difficult to take care of your teeth even when you do everything right. The changes in the body can take away a lot of the minerals and nutrients that your teeth need to stay healthy. As a result many pregnant women lose teeth. Gingivitis has been shown to be a cause of premature birth so the issue isn’t just a less than perfect smile. It can have serious side effects. Even low birth weight can sometimes be attributed to gum disease or tooth infections.

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This is a collaborative guest post. The views in this article do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

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January 22, 2020 · 8:10 pm

Signs you need to get your eyes tested

There are lots of different signs that can indicate a change in your vision, and the need to get a new eye test. The most obvious and common one is a change in your ability to read things. Across the world, it is estimated that over 55% of the population need some kind of vision correction. This equates to billions of people. Luckily over 80% of vision problems can be fixed, corrected or avoided.

eye exam

The sooner you identify the problem, the sooner you can get it sorted. If you are putting off getting your regular eye test, this is a call to action! Book yourself in today! I know what you are thinking. “I don’t want to spend a fortune on a new pair of glasses”. The good news? You don’t have to. Gone are the days of 400$ glasses, only available at opticians. A growing number of people are now turning to online vendors to buy new glasses. They are a lot cheaper and come in a wider variety of styles.

If you are still unsure as to whether you need glasses or an eye test, here are some more warning signs that your eyes need help.

Blurry Vision

If you cannot see clearly at a distance, or objects have a fuzzy halo around them, you may be developing shortsightedness. Try resting your eyes and staying hydrated for a day or so – if the blurriness does not go away, book in for an eye exam.

eye glasses, reading

Poor Nightvision

If you cannot see in the dark as well as you used to, this could be a sign of cataracts in its early stages. Although not a serious condition, if left undetected they could grow to obscure your vision.

Eye Strain

If you find your eyes getting more fatigued after focusing on something like a book or a screen, this could be a sign you need to get your eyes tested. However, eye fatigue can also be a result of bad habits. Spending hours looking at your phone screen and not staying hydrated can both lead to eye fatigue. Make sure you take regular breaks and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help your body and your eyes.

eye exam

Headaches

The eyes are made up of loads of tiny muscles. When one of the eye’s mechanisms begins to fail, those tiny muscles are put under more strain. When this happens your eyes tend to squint as they are forced to work harder. This can lead to headaches and eye pain. If you are suffering with reoccurring headaches, it is probably time to see a optician/doctor.

Looking after your eyes is incredibly important. Without them, life would be a whole lot harder. Nobody wants to have to deal with a life without vision. This is why it is immensely important to make sure you get your eyes tested regularly. An annual eye test can reassure you that your eyes are in good health, and also flag up any early problems.

This is a collective guest post. The ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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September 13, 2019 · 1:12 pm

4 Easy Tips to Fuel Your Kids for Back To School from a Registered Dietitian

Back To School with Juicy Juice

Most kids have headed back to school. Our kids started last week, even though I feel our summer was far too short and cold. In classrooms all over the country are embarking on a new year  of academics and activities. Parents like myself  know the importance of preparing snacks and lunches that will keep our kids fueled to get them through their busiest days.  Luckily, there are a handful of better-for-you snack, meal and beverage options on the market that offer nutritional benefits and taste that kids love and parents can feel great about serving. I am happy 4 easy tips to fuel your kids from RD Mitzi Dulan,

 Back To School with Juicy Juice

Take your child to the grocery store with you at the beginning of the school year and allow them to choose 2-3 of their favorite fruits to have for their lunches or after school snack. Fruit is important for kids to properly fuel up and making kids part of the decision-making process is a great way to create healthy habits and try new foods!

Back To School with Juicy Juice

Try incorporating protein into your kid’s lunch and snacks. Protein is important to a child’s diet to help them grow, build muscle and keep their immune system strong. Mitzi recommends new Juicy Juice + Protein, one of the first juice-protein blends on the market for kids, as an after-school for snack for busy days.

Back To School with Juicy Juice

Make sure you include a variety of quality carbs, healthy fats, protein and fiber into your child’s after school snacks for optimal fueling. One of my favorites for kids – my teens love it too – are peanut butter (or almond butter) and banana sandwiches with honey on whole wheat bread. Pro Tip: it’s also delicious toasted!

Back To School with Juicy Juice

Lower-sugar juice options are ideal to avoid consuming too much sugar while also hydrating in a tasty way. A favorite of my two girls is new Juicy Juice Fruitifuls Organic, which is made with 45% less sugar than the leading juice while still providing half a cup of fruit in each 8 oz serving. It works well paired with nutritious meals before, during or after the school day.

Juicy Juice

The new Juicy Juice Fruitifuls Organic, which is made with 45% less sugar than the leading juice, provides a half a cup of fruit in each 8 oz serving and is a better-for-you option that can be paired with meals before, during or after the school day. Check out Juicy Waters, Juicy Juice + Protein and Fruitifuls Organic. Please share some of your favorite tips for kid’s snacks and lunches in the comments.

Juicy Juice Prote

 


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July 26, 2019 · 2:28 pm

The Worst 6 Foods For Your Teeth

 

Emergency Dental Care

Do you know that tooth decay leading to cavities is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the world? The World Health Organization noted in their 2016 Global Burden of Disease Study that oral diseases like cavities affected almost half of the world’s population.

Moreover, when it comes to global incidence, cavities rank as the most prevalent of all conditions evaluated. In fact, the agency estimated that 2.4 billion individuals have developed tooth decay or cavities of their permanent teeth, while some 486 million children have developed cavities/tooth decay of the primary teeth. That’s a pretty sobering finding to be sure, considering that cavities lead not only to constant bouts of toothaches, but also to tooth damage and loss, as well as other serious oral conditions like periodontal disease, which attacks the gums.

The fact that cavities are so common also means that they’re quite easy to acquire. Chances are, you’ve already had them more than once in the past. However, it’s also quite easy to protect yourself against dental caries. Simply brush your teeth after every meal, floss every day, visit your dentist in Anaheim or in your local area every six months, and limit your intake of food items that make you prone to cavities. In this short guide, we’ll fill you in on some of the foods you need to careful of if you want to avoid developing tooth decay and cavities.

Bread

Bread may be a quintessential lunch staple, especially when it comes to making scrumptious sandwiches, but eating bread can also lead to cavities if you’re not careful. That is because bread is made mainly of starchy white flour, a simple carbohydrate that can easily break down into simple sugars—the favorite food of plaque bacteria. As you chew bread, it turns into a gummy paste that can then get stuck in all the nooks and crannies of your teeth, creating an ideal environment for the growth of plaque bacteria that synthesize acidic by-products. Over many months, these substances can wear away the enamel of your teeth, eventually creating the telltale holes that characterize dental cavities. If you really can’t stop eating bread, stick to the whole wheat variety, and be sure to brush and floss after every meal.

Chewy sour-flavored candies

Everybody loves candy, but even as kids, we are taught that too much could give us cavities. However, there’s one type of candy in particular that really increases the chances of tooth decay, and that’s the chewy, sour-flavored sort. This type of candy contains the kind of acids that can really have a corrosive effect on your teeth enamel. The fact that they’re chewy also results in them sticking in the corners, sides, and gaps between your teeth, making them harder to brush off. All this can eventually result in a bad case of tooth decay.

Soda pop or carbonated drinks

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional glass of soda pop or carbonated drink, but you should know that sugary, fizzy drinks are also among the biggest culprits of tooth decay. This is because the ingredients in many types of soda encourage the bacteria in plaque to produce more acidic substances. As you may know, these acidic by-products are strong enough to slowly eat away at the enamel of your teeth, thus causing cavities eventually.  To prevent this, skip sodas entirely or clean your teeth right away after enjoying the occasional glass of your favorite soft drink.

Potato chips

There’s nothing like snacking on potato chips. Not only are they tasty, but they also give you a delightfully satisfying crunch that just makes you reach for more. Unfortunately, they’re also known to cause tooth decay due to their starch content, which breaks down into simple sugars when exposed to saliva. Then, as with the pasty material that results from chewing bread, this sugary substance can stick to the crannies and gaps between the teeth, enabling plaque bacteria to feed on them and cause cavities to form in the long run.

Dried fruits

Dried fruit products may seem like a very healthy snack. While they do have many of the same vitamins and minerals that their fresh counterparts do, that doesn’t change the fact that they’re processed and still loaded with sugar. The drying process also makes dried fruit chewy and sticky, and just like many types of candies, once it’s chewed up, it’s likely to stick in the small spaces between your teeth, creating an ideal environment for plaque bacteria to proliferate in.

Ice

Finally, if you’ve got a habit of chewing the ice that usually comes along with your chilled drinks, you might want to stop doing that. While it’s true that ice doesn’t have any sugar in it, it is a hard enough that regularly chewing it can cause your teeth to chip, crack, break, or loosen. Chewing ice when you already have cavities may also cause your teeth to split where the cavities are.

Protect your smile by preventing cavities

Cavities may seem like a normal part of growing up, but you shouldn’t have to deal with the pain, the tooth damage, and the gum disease that they usually come as a package. By brushing your teeth, flossing regularly, visiting your dentist twice a year, and avoiding the above-listed foods, you can enjoy a life free of dental cavities.

This is a guest post by Dr. Douglas Kim of First Dental Care, a trusted dentist in Anaheim and surrounding areas. Dr. Kim believes that good oral health starts at home, that’s why he is committed to teaching parents on how to properly care for their kids’ teeth in between office visits. Outside of the office, Dr. Kim enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and their 2 adorable sons.

dental visit

This is a collaborative guest post that may or may not reflect the ideas or views of Mommy Ramblings.


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July 18, 2019 · 3:02 pm

7 Tips for Getting into the Dynamic of Sleep as a Family

It’s easy to get plenty of rest when you’re a single individual, but the family dynamic can present some real challenges that might make it more difficult to stick to a preset sleep schedule. Everyone seems to have their own interests, hobbies, and habits that influence what time they wake up and fall asleep. If left unstructured, the sleep schedule can become quite erratic and inconsistent in a household with multiple people. Luckily, with a few simple measures and a bit of discipline, you can get everyone back on a good sleep schedule and prevent the increasingly common problem of family sleep deprivation in your home. With that said, here are seven tips you can use to get into the dynamic of sleep as a family:

1. Address Sleeping Disorders First

First and foremost, if any members of the family have sleeping problems such as apnea, insomnia, or circadian rhythm disorders, it’s imperative that you address those problems before doing anything else. Likewise, if anyone snores or does loud mouth breathing at night, this could be affecting not only their own quality of sleep but also that of their spouse or other family members. Mouth breathing is a common problem for people who use CPAP machines to treat obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP mouth breathing tape is one easy solution that you can use to train yourself away from breathing loudly through your mouth while sleeping.

2. Set a Bed Time and Wake Up Time and Stick to It

Consistency is key when it comes to promoting solid sleeping habits as a family. If you’re letting the kids fall asleep at odd hours and not enforcing any kind of sleeping schedule, it’s going to be difficult to ensure everyone is getting a good 8 hours of sleep per night. As a result, you’ll have people sleeping in late, staying up late, missing breakfast, and feeling drowsy in the day time. All of this can be avoided by simply having a set bed time and wake up time that everyone in the house must adhere to. Generally speaking, this should be no later than 10-11 PM to allow for 8 hours of sleep time before 6-7 AM.

3. Soak Up the Morning Sun

You might be wondering why the aforementioned hours were recommended for sleep and wake times. Well, studies have shown that rising at about the same time as the sun and being exposed to morning sun rays increases the production of serotonin and other sleep-related biochemicals. The sun also has an energizing effect that will help you stay awake throughout the day, which means you’ll be tired enough to fall asleep easily at bed time.

4. Eat Foods That Improve Sleep Quality

Certain foods can enhance the quality of your sleep when eaten within two hours of bedtime. However, try not to overindulge, as eating too many calories before bed can lead to weight gain. Sleep-enhancing foods include kiwis, cherries, fish, turkey, almonds, walnuts, and chamomile tea.

5. Don’t Take Naps Close to Bedtime

Many people find themselves feeling tired during mid-day or in the afternoon. If you feel drowsy early in the day, then take a short nap, but don’t wait until the afternoon or evening . Napping within 6 hours of bedtime will make it much more difficult to fall asleep.

6. No TVs or Devices After Bedtime

As a family rule, you should forbid the use of any electronic devices or toys after the set bedtime. While it might seem like leaving the TV on is an okay exception, a completely silent and dark room (with the exception of a gentle night light) will always be most conducive to sleep, which brings us to our next point.

7. Create an Environment That is Conducive to Sleep

Doing all of the above will set the tone for your family’s sleeping schedule and habits, but you still need to make sure the bedrooms are ideal sleeping environments throughout the night. This includes equipping beds with highly comfortable bedding and maybe having some very gentle music playing throughout the night.

 

Sleep is One of the Most Important Factors for Health and Growth

As a family, the top priority should be making sure the children are given everything they need to thrive and grow strong. While it can be easy to fall into the mindset of thinking that fancy toys, designer clothes, junk food, and video game systems are what your kid needs to be happy, in reality what they really need is love, food and water, shelter, guidance, protection, and good sleep. Remember that the body grows and heals during sleep, more so than at any other time of the day.

 

This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas expressed may not be the views or ideas of Mommy Ramblings.


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May 29, 2019 · 10:41 pm

Your Smile Health = You Body Health – Oral-B Giveaway #SmileHealth

Your smile says so much about your personality, but do you know it speaks volumes about your health? It’s not only what we put in our mouth that matters, but how we take care of it, that leads to a healthy heart, mind and body. Good oral health can limit your exposure to heart disease, stroke and memory loss. This is why it’s so important to start taking care of your oral health early, a healthy mouth equals a healthy you!

From a young child the importance of not eating too many sweets, making sure to brush and floss morning and night, see the dentist twice a year for cleanings and take care of any problems immediately. I remember when I had braces, that the importance of brushing effectively was stressed by my orthodontist.

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The people at Smile Health Dental Plans know this and they have come up with one of the most simple and affordable Dental plans on the market today! Smile Health Dental Plans would like to know how you take care of your oral health and what you do to ensure a healthy smile! Check out their website at https://smilehealth.com.

About Smile Health Dental Plans:
Smile Health Dental Plans are an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance. Members pay an annual fee to receive discounts all year-long. And with Smile Health Dental Plans there are no hidden costs, just savings of 20% or more on many preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. You get immediate benefits, no health restrictions, no waiting periods, no claims, no maximums, and more!

We tossed our conventional toothbrushes years ago. Instead we replaced them with electronic versions from Oral-B. Our teeth and gums feel so much cleaner and healthier, we have never looked back.

Oral-B Toothbrush

Giveaway:

Exciting news, you can enter for your chance to win a “Your Smile Health = Your Body Health” Care Kit. Check out below for all it includes and then enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. 

Your Smile Health = Your Body Health” Care Kit for you and one to giveaway to a lucky reader that includes:

1 – Oral B Vitality Electric Toothbrush
1 – Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste Travel Size
1 – Oral B Glide Floss
1 – Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Oral Rinse
1 – Smile Health = Body Health PDF pamphlet

You can see our video unboxing below:

Your Smile Health = Your Body Health” Care Kit Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Each household is only eligible to win “Your Smile Health = Your Body Health” Care Kit via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please.

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