Chronicles of a “Mr. Mom”

(ARA) - As a new mother, what do you do if your infant suddenly develops what looks like a case of teenage acne or a rash on his or her scalp? And while you’re worried about your child’s skin, you may be worried about your own and the changes it experienced during and after pregnancy. For a lifetime of healthier skin, a dermatologist - a doctor who specializes in the care of the skin - can address both mother and baby skin concerns.

“Psychosocial stressors, such as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, dietary changes and the new responsibility of caring for a baby can have a significant effect on a mother’s skin,” says dermatologist Andrea Lynn Cambio, M.D., of New York City. “Hormones that also can affect the baby’s skin pass from the mother to child, leading to several common conditions in baby that can be resolved by consulting with a dermatologist.”

Winter Skin Care for Baby

The change of season can be challenging for the delicate skin of an infant and Dr. Cambio recommends the following tips to prevent seasonal skin conditions:

* Use only fragrance-free baby soaps and lotions.

* Apply generous amounts of moisturizing creams and ointments to areas of baby’s skin that appear dry.

* Reduce the number of baths - Avoid daily baths and spend no more than 10 minutes washing your child in lukewarm water.

* Use a humidifier to boost moisture and ease your child’s breathing overnight.

* Don’t bundle children up too tightly - Heavy layers can make children sweat, leading to skin irritation, while under-dressing can expose your child’s skin to the elements.

Infant Skin Conditions

Recurrent diaper rash is caused by persistent wet, soiled diapers and the use of unnecessary baby products, such as powders, creams, lotions and oils. “When a baby has diaper rash, parents should remember to change diapers frequently, use a warm, wet washcloth instead of pre-moistened baby wipes on the bottom and apply a barrier cream with zinc oxide to the affected area,” recommends Dr. Cambio.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is an itchy, oozing, crusting rash that occurs mainly on the face and scalp, but patches can appear anywhere. Eczema treatment can include the use of an over-the-counter or prescription topical, steroid-free antihistamine.

Baby acne, which can have the appearance of pimples and whiteheads along the nose and cheeks, is quite common in newborns. This condition usually clears within three weeks without treatment.

Birthmarks, the two most common types of which are hemangiomas and port-wine stains, may increase in size as a child grows. Port-wine stains are present at birth, while hemangiomas may not immediately appear. Oral corticosteroids can be prescribed or a pulsed-dye laser can be used to significantly improve the appearance of these birthmarks.

Mother’s Skin Changes

Dark patches on the face could be melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy.” This benign condition is attributed to an overproduction of melanin, a natural substance in the body that gives color to the hair, skin and eyes. Dr. Cambio recommends applying cosmetics to camouflage the condition and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to prevent further darkening of the skin. A dermatologist also can prescribe topical creams with ingredients such as hydroquinone, retinoids, azeleic acid or hydroxyacids.

Stretch marks develop in more than 90 percent of women during pregnancy. “There are no over-the-counter treatments to ‘cure’ stretch marks, but a moisturizer may help improve their appearance and control itching,” remarks Dr. Cambio. “Women also may use a sunless tanning product which can help hide stretch marks, or there are many successful treatment options available from a dermatologist, such as a prescription tretinoin cream or laser treatments.”

During pregnancy, itchy, red skin is common on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The best solution for this condition is to avoid long, hot showers and switch to a fragrance-free non-soap cleanser. An over-the-counter mentholated or oatmeal-based moisturizer stored in the refrigerator can provide added relief.

“For many new mothers, caring for their own skin after pregnancy is not at the top of their list, while caring for their newborn’s skin becomes the priority. A visit to the dermatologist can put a mother at ease about her child’s skin condition, while finding solutions to her own skin concerns,” says Dr. Cambio.

For more information about skin care, visit the Academy’s Web site at www.aad.org or contact the Academy toll-free at (888) 462-DERM (3376).

Courtesy of ARA Content

(ARA) - When they find out a baby is on the way, most couples spend more time thinking about how to decorate the nursery than on how their new addition is going to impact their family budget. In fact, according to a new national survey conducted by Aetna and the Financial Planning Association (FPA), 71 percent of Americans spend practically no time reviewing their health benefits.

“It’s important for expectant and new parents to thoroughly review their health benefits and family budgets. Pregnancy is the ideal time for combing through the details of their health plans, for example, to make sure all the bases are covered. Fortunately, there are resources and experts available for new moms and dads to get great advice planning for their future,” says Sandy Jones, co-author with Marcie Jones of “Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth.”

Plan for Your Health, a public education program from Aetna and FPA, can help you make the best health benefits and financial choices for you and your new baby. Here are a few helpful tips:

Review Your Benefits

Know what your plan covers during pregnancy to fully maximize your health benefits.

* Schedule time to look closely at your coverage, in between reading baby-related books and magazines and shopping for baby accessories.

* Find out if your health plan covers genetic counseling and other new, cutting-edge services as well as traditional services.

Revise Your Family Budget

While health insurance may cover many medical costs, there are other expenses to consider. Don’t forget that these additional expenses should also be included in your overall family budget.

* Create a new budget to include baby-related expenses.

* Estimate daily expenses such as diapers and formula to include in your budget.

* Account for health care expenses such as health insurance, non-covered medical expenses, life insurance, additional doctors’ appointments, deductibles, premium costs, coinsurance and co-payments.

* Speak with your doctor about the cost of a normal delivery vs. a complicated one and what your insurance will cover.

Plan for Your Health

Expectant parents can visit PlanforYourHealth.com, featuring a newly expanded “Family” section, with tips, checklists and tools on health and financial information on bringing home baby. The tools and information include:

* A “Baby Expense Calculator” to help expectant parents estimate the cost of pregnancy and their new baby in the first year

* Tips for finding and interviewing a pediatrician

* Expectant family health benefits and financial checklist

* Adoptive family health benefits and financial checklist

In addition to information about planning for a new baby, PlanforYourHealth.com provides easy-to-understand information on other life events — changing jobs, getting married and starting over — in order for you to make well-informed decisions at critical moments in life.

Courtesy of ARA Content

(ARA) - The statistics are enough to make you lose your appetite: Obesity rates among children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 19 have tripled over the past 40 years, with up to 30 percent of American school-age children considered either overweight or obese.

“We are raising a generation of children who are at risk for serious illness such as diabetes and heart disease simply from their eating habits,” said Veronica Atkins, chair of the Dr. Robert C. Atkins Foundation and the author of two cookbooks.

Beyond socioeconomic conditions, other important factors are also contributing to this escalating epidemic. Today’s overscheduled lifestyle has led to a decrease in activity and an increase in fast and processed food consumption. Our children are suffering the consequences of this trend. Left unchecked, they will grow up to be the obese - and unwell - adults of tomorrow.

“Food companies are spending $11 billion per year marketing to kids, using popular characters to manipulate food choices, and kids are eating it up,” said Atkins. However, recent studies demonstrate that this power to influence can be channeled in a healthier direction. For example, the Sesame Workshop’s recent “Elmo Broccoli Study,” supported by the Dr. Robert C. Atkins Foundation, concluded that children would chose broccoli over chocolate when the vegetable was labeled with an Elmo sticker, and an unknown character was placed on a chocolate bar.

More recently, another study conducted by the Institute of Medicine reinforced this concept with its recommendation that licensed TV characters should only promote healthy foods. Even Congress has weighed in on the issue, by suggesting the regulation of junk food marketing to children. While Atkins believes that these efforts further emphasize the gravity of this growing epidemic, she stresses that when it comes to anti-junk food options, the ultimate decision-makers have and always will be parents. “The good news is that even though we don’t yet have a cure for obesity, we do know that healthy food choices can help prevent it,” said Atkins. “It’s time that parents step up to the plate and take control over what they and their children are eating. Parents must set the example.”

From brushing teeth and washing hands to looking both ways when crossing the street and not going with strangers, parents strive to instill good habits in their children from an early age. But somehow, what our children eat seems to get away from us. “You wouldn’t allow your 6-year-old to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or engage in other destructive behaviors, because you know it can hurt them in the long run. We should consider unhealthy snacks and meals in the same vein,” said Atkins, who also funds “Life in Action,” a nutritional education program of the Canada-based Free the Children youth empowerment organization.

In the meantime, families can make positive/healthy changes, one meal and one day at a time. In her book Atkins for Life Low-Carb Cookbook, Atkins offers parents these suggestions to jumpstart a healthier diet for their families:

* Less is more. Portion control isn’t an adult concept. Children need limits too.

* Go for color. Colorful food is packed with vitamins and minerals.

* Choose whole foods. The less processed a food is and the closer it is to its natural state, the better.

* Know the difference between a treat and every day. There should be a difference between what your child eats every day and the occasional treat.

* Get moving! Get outside with your children, encourage them to play, exercise and move around. Limit time spent watching television and computer games.

* Keep nutritious snacks at hand. Cut up vegetables, fruit, cheese wedges, nuts (as age appropriate).

* Take a stand. Resist being manipulated by your children’s demands for high-sugar/high-calorie snacks and empty calorie drinks.

* Serve food from all the food groups every day. This includes milk/dairy, fruit/vegetables; whole grains; protein and healthy fats/oils, including nuts.

* Eat a good breakfast and be sure your children do too.

* Pack nutritious lunches. Lunch money is too often used for junk food.

* Stay on a schedule. Keeping meal times regular can keep kids from overloading on snacks.

* Set a good example. If parents take the lead in staying active and eating well, children will follow.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Atkins Foundation seeks to positively impact disease prevention and health management worldwide by supporting independent nutritional research and educational programs. Established with a $40 million endowment in August 2003, the Foundation, which is managed by National Philanthropic Trust, provides grants to support scientific, evidence-based and clinical research that examines the role of metabolism and nutrition in obesity, Type II diabetes, heart disease and other major health issues confronting our society today.

San Diego CA (PRWEB) February 8, 2006 — Child safety web site Play Date Secure www.playdatesecure.com has embarked on a mission to take the guess work out of play dates. The web company, which officially released it’s services to the public late last month, states that it’s program provides answers to questions all parents should be asking before they have another parent care for their child.

“Gone are the days of old-fashioned idealism,” States Co-Founder Steve Lincoln. “We have come to a place in time where having a good feeling about someone caring for our child has become an act of carelessness.”

Just ask Carol Price. On Aug. 20, 1998, Carol Price’s 13-year old son, John, asked to go play with his friend down the street. In the five years that John’s friend’s parents had been neighbors, she had never thought about the safety of her son playing at their house, so she let him go. He tousled her hair as he always did and said “Thanks mom–I love you.” she watched him through the dining room window as he walked down the sidewalk, stopped just short of their neighbor’s front door and blew her a kiss.

That was the last time she saw him alive. Twenty minutes later she found the police at her front door. While John watched TV, Phillip, a nine-year-old child in the home, went to an upstairs bedroom, opened a dresser drawer and took out a 9-mm handgun. A few moments later he pulled the trigger. Unaware, John was struck once in the face and died instantly. The neighbors moved out in the middle of the night that day and the Price family has not heard from them since. It turned out that there were 11 unsecured weapons throughout their neighbor’s house. None of them ever knew about the weapons because no one ever asked the question, “Do you have a gun in your home?”

Every year, an estimated 1,500 children under the age of 14 are treated in emergency rooms for unintentional gun related injuries. Many of these injuries occur in homes where guns are kept unlocked, loaded and accessible to children. Over 4000 children are injured or die in drowning incidents, many occurring in residential pools and spas. In 2004 the CDC reported 133,504 children were treated for dog bites where severe injuries result almost exclusively in children less than 10 years of age.

The web site provides parents with an unobtrusive method of acquiring potentially life saving information.

(PRWEB via PR Web Direct) February 9, 2006 — The increase in the number of paper shredders being bought for home use in the UK, as a result of the increased publicity that is being given to identity theft and fraud, is likely to result in horrific finger injuries to toddlers judging from what has happened in the USA where domestic shredders have been more commonplace for a number of years.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) carried out an investigation of reported injuries, including amputations, and the characteristics of paper shredders that might have contributed to those injuries. The National Electronics Injury Surveillance System (NIESS) database collected 23 reported finger injuries attributable to paper shredders. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 months upwards.

The most severe injuries, amputations, involved children. Injury occurred when a child was feeding paper into a shredder (under adult supervision) and did not release the paper in time to prevent their fingers from entering the shredder opening. As the paper shredder continued to pull the paper into the shredder opening, it also pulled in the children’s fingers.

Since most paper shredders have auto start features, a child can be at risk even when an adult is present. A child may insert a piece of paper into the shredder opening and activate the shredder mechanism, allowing it to pull the paper (and possibly the child’s fingers) into the shredder. Children are not conscious of hazards to themselves and may not let go of the paper as it is being pulled in.

Paper shredders can pose a risk of finger injury to children as young as 15 months because of their small finger size. With no force applied, a child’s finger would be unlikely to penetrate the shredder opening since their finger diameter is typically larger than a paper shredder opening. However, depending on the design of the shredder, the shredder opening may enlarge as the shredder pulls in the paper and child’s fingers. The height of a 15-month-old can be more than twice the height of a domestic paper shredder, putting them within easy reach of the paper shredder opening.

AB Technology (London) Ltd, authorised dealers for 8 major shredder manufacturers, have been warning of the danger for some weeks now since learning of the injuries being caused by certain domestic paper shredders in the USA. A printable leaflet, warning of the dangers and outlining safe practice when using a paper shredder, is available to download in a print-friendly format from their shredders website which can be found at www.abt-shredders.co.uk. Vincent Woodall, sales and marketing manager of ABT, urges anyone who has a shredder to at the very least read or better, display the leaflet anywhere a child may be in close proximity to a paper shredder, to alert users of the danger posed to small children.

David Jenkins, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents was quoted in the Daily Telegraph of 9th February as saying “I am not aware of a problem in this country yet but with the increasing popularity of paper shredders — and if similar designs are available as in America — accidents are likely to happen”.

An 84 page report can be downloaded via the ABT website. The report is entitled “An Evaluation of Finger Injuries Associated with Home Document (Paper) Shredder Machine. The report was compiled as long ago as December 2004 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission of Washington, D.C.

Marriage Counseling Advice: Eight Tips for Enjoying Valentine’s Day Even If Your Marriage Isn’t Perfect

Marriage counseling coach Nancy Wasson has Valentine’s Day advice for spouses in “less-than-perfect” marriages: “Keep the day in perspective, plan ahead, and find ways to show love to yourself and others.”

Birmingham, AL (PRWEB) February 6, 2006 — Marriage counseling coach Nancy Wasson says that Valentine’s Day brings up a mixture of feelings for many spouses. “For some,” she states, “it’s a happy day, full of anticipation and fun. But for others, it’s a painful reminder of what’s missing in their marriage.”

Wasson shares that when spouses are having serious marriage problems or even just an unresolved minor tiff, Valentine’s Day can present a challenge. “It’s hard for wives to watch co-workers receive bouquets of roses at work and to hear friends talk about special dinner plans and other romantic gestures from their husbands when they’re not in the same situation.”

She adds that it’s also difficult for husbands who want to show love and affection but are stymied by their wife’s lack of response or passion. According to Wasson, “Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a celebration time for lovers. For couples who aren’t feeling romantic towards each other, February 14th can be a depressing day.”

She has an eight-step strategy for coping with Valentine’s Day, even when a marriage relationship is strained:

• Keep Valentine’s Day in perspective. It gets a lot of publicity at the time, but remember that it’s only one day of the year. As the saying goes, “This too shall pass.” On February 15th, it’s all over except for the half-price left-over Valentine’s candy in the drug store.

• Remember that just because it looks like others have wonderful or desirable marriages and attentive, loving spouses doesn’t make it so. If you could see behind the scenes, you’d see that the truth is often very different from the exterior appearance. Just because a spouse gives the partner a flashy Valentine’s gift doesn’t mean the marriage is healthy and satisfying.

• Plan ahead so that you have some fun activities for the day or evening. If things are strained with your spouse, plan a special lunch or dinner with a close friend. Or you might decide to see a movie or have a massage after work. Be proactive about making plans and schedule something you’ll look forward to.

• Give yourself a Valentine’s Day present. Gifts to consider include a new CD, a book, clothing, sports equipment, a facial, a session with a personal trainer, or enrollment in a gym or night class. While you’re at it, buy a bouquet of tulips or other fresh flowers to brighten up your house or office.

• Pamper yourself. Slow down and take time for yourself in the little ways that count. Eat well, get enough rest, slow the pace down, and build in some relaxation time. Be good to yourself—you deserve it. And don’t forget to laugh. Be your own valentine and treat yourself with love and respect.

• Count your love blessings. Make a list of all the people who show their love and caring for you throughout the year. Include family and friends, as well as the neighbor who always volunteers to feed your cat when you’re out of town and the co-worker who looks out for your interests. Then take a moment to savor the feeling of gratitude for being so richly blessed.

• Send cards, notes, emails, or phone messages to the people in your life who are your “loved ones.” Remember how much fun it used to be when you were a child to get valentine cards and little candy hearts with messages such as “I Love You” or “Be my Friend”? Find a way to express your caring and gratitude to the special people on your “Love Blessings” list. You’ll make their day!

• Let your love, caring, and compassion for others shine brightly in everything you say or do on Valentine’s Day. Give the gift of yourself to others all day long. Print out the following quote and read it throughout the day to remind you of the power of love and giving:

“Each time anyone comes into contact with us,
They must become different and better people
Because of having met us…
We have been created in order to love and to be loved.
Love does not measure…it just gives.”
—Mother Teresa

Spouses don’t have to wait until their marriage is problem-free to enjoy Valentine’s Day, says Wasson. “And even more importantly, the bigger picture is that they don’t have to wait until their marriage is perfect to enjoy life. Now that’s something to celebrate!”

Marriage counselor Nancy Wasson, Ph.D., has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for more than twenty years. She coaches couples in unhappy marriages and provides immediate help through the privacy of telephone and email consultations. She is the author of “Keep Your Marriage: What to Do When Your Spouse Says ‘I Don’t Love You Anymore!’ ” She offers a free weekly marriage advice newsletter at www.KeepYourMarriage.com.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 10, 2006 — With Valentine’s Day once again approaching, a new independent survey by social dating website TeamDating.com polling 500 married men and 500 single men ages 25-40 years old yielded very similar results in their opinions on the holiday. Whether married for years, or still looking for Mrs. Right, men seemed to agree that the expectations established over the years about how and what they should do have put them in a no win situation. Some key findings of the survey conducted in Los Angeles and Orange County, were the following:

Married Men Survey Results:
• 91% said it was their least favorite Holiday of their marriage due to the expectations of topping what they did the previous year
• 97% said that they plan what they are going to do the weekend before
• 94% said that any money spent on this day is a waste of money
• 72% said they plan on giving a gift certificate
• And only 4% of the men said they feel that the Holiday is even intended for men

Single Men Survey Results:
• 97% said it was their least favorite Holiday of the year
• 99% said to them it’s just another day
• 86% said they will go out and try too find single girls that are out as well
• 89% could not remember what they did the year before
• And a staggering 93% didn’t even know that it fell on February 14th every year

“The overall disdain for the Holiday seems to be caused by the over expectations that women have placed on the meaning of what is done that day, or better yet, what is not done that day,” explained Teamdating.com Chief Dating Officer Ray Doustdar, an expert in relationships and the online dating market. “Men feel that no matter what they do, it won’t be enough. Some try and take a creative approach with something out of the ordinary, but most fall back on the old reliable such as flowers and candy. At the end of the day, I think the thing they are missing is that women mainly want to see that you put some effort into whatever you did. If you are going to get flowers, get them from a different florist so they are not a carbon copy of what you gave for their birthday or another recent event”, commented Doustdar.

For radio and press interviews with Mr. Doustdar on or before February 14th, or any additional information, please contact Kipp Gillian at (949) 637-6401.

About www.Teamdating.com:
Team Dating.com is a unique and revolutionary online dating concept for consumers nationwide — both those who currently online date and those interested in trying. The site provides the online dating world a safer, less stressful, and more natural way of meeting people online through their “Team of Friends” approach. This approach mirrors how people meet one another in their real lives, and addresses the current weaknesses in the online dating industry, including safety concerns, profile elaboration, time consumption, and inflated costs. As Chief Dating Officer, Mr. Doustdar has been featured in articles in the Cincinnati Enquirer, Seattle Times, San Jose Mercury News, wired.com, and Variety.com.

1. Never leave the poor baby all alone in the back in a car seat. Always provide comfort and protection by driving with baby on your lap. (full story).

(Photo: Spaly-Sasha-cooper/X17agency.com)
2. Don’t waste film taking pictures to show friends, family (and fans). Simply dangle baby from wherever you are. (full story)

(Photo: CNN)
Have good “Bad Parenting” tips? Great! Share them in the comments section below.

Note: All images are copyright of the respective web sites/agencies, as noted below the pictures. These have been published under “fair use” and BabyNamesIndia.com does not claim copyright to these pictures in any way or fashion.

As life unfolds, we get married, have kids, and
watch them grow up, one thing that is most precious,
is the memories.

I can’t tell you how I long for my 7 year old
daughter to be 2 again. Of course, when we are
frustrated with our kids, we sometimes wonder
if they are *ever* gonna grow up!

And then, we quickly regret that thought and spend
the rest of our lives wishing they hadn’t grown
up so fast!

One thing I never miss out on, is taking pictures
of my kids - and thank god for digital camera’s,
I no longer worry about missed moments — or wasted film.

I got my Canon Elph 4 Mega Pixel just one day before
my son (now 2 1/2) was born. Don’t do the same
mistake and buy it at the last moment - you don’t
want to be distracted from the most joyous moments
of your life by something trivial, like having to
go to a store and stand in line!

I buy almost all my electronic items from Buy.com,
because I have researched a lot of online stores,
and usually nobody ever beats their price - and they
even have free shipping on many items.
Check out their various “shakin’” deals - they usually
list the best deals on this page.
In a future post, I will tell you how to set up
a free online album - you’ll need one, because
the last thing you want is to not be able to send
friends and family pictures of your little one(s).

Browse Baby Names Book from Amazon .com