Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical found in many plastics.  Numerous studies have found that it can be an endocrine (hormone) disruptor in animals and there is concern that this chemical is leaching into our food, water and having the most affect on children under 2, as their bodies take in more of anything they are exposed to.  Concerned about my son's plastic sippy cups, I asked my mother recently what she used with me when I was a kid-when sippy cups weren't all the rage yet.  She said-"You either nursed or just drank from a glass!" Seems so simple!

These days, most of our foods are wrapped or packaged in plastics-yes, even the healthy organic ones! If you are concerned about lessening your family's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, stainless steel canteens and sippy cups are now available. You can buy one here: Klean Kanteen

Continue reading A Safe Alternative to Plastic Sippy Cups.

The shelves for children's cold medicines at the drug stores are bare.  After the drug companies pulled brand after brand of common cold medicines for children off the shelves, parents have been wondering: what do I do now to ease congestion, runny nose fever and coughing in my young child?  These common cold remedies once thought of as benign are now causing concern as there have been many deaths and hospitalizations after children were dosed too much of a cold medicine or parents combined cold medicines by accident, to lethal effect.  The main culprit seems to be the lack of assurance as to the correct dosage for young children, especially for children under two, whose weight and size vary so enormously, as can their body's tolerance. 

I have been there,

Continue reading Cold Medicines Ineffective and Dangerous for Young Children.

It's too easy to forget how many amazing things there are to be thankful for, especially during times when life seems to be snowballing out of control.  Studies have even proven that people who consciously thought about the positive aspects of their day instead of dwelling on regrets, mistakes and negative circumstances before dosing off slept sounder and had better overall mood and less depression.  It makes sense!

Continue reading Things To Be Thankful For.

After a flurry of travel, cooking, eating, entertaining, shopping, and then more of the same, the new year rings in.  Then what??

The joy of the holidays and meeting with family and friends is usually also accompanied with a certain amount of stress, anxiety, nervous energy, and of course, over indulging.  But it's what you can do afterward that can help bring you back into balance.  If you find yourself wondering, why do I feel so depressed? Here are some tips to get you feeling better, and more likely to stick to your resolutions for 2008.

Continue reading Winter Blues and Holiday Let-down.