Healthier Kids Tips
Read these 27 Healthier Kids Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Alternative Health tips and hundreds of other topics.
Oils & Eczema
To ease eczema, use a moisturizer immediately after a bath and several times a day BUT avoid all mineral oil products, including most baby oils, because they deplete fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E, and K in the skin. Avocado oil or the mashed fruit itself can also help relieve eczema and dry, irritated skin, but I highly recommend emu oil because it does not clog pores.
Hints For Calming a Hyper Child
Diet plays a major factor in many hyper kids' behavior and hard as it may be, it's best to avoid too much caffeine or sugar, candy, cookies, soda, juices, - all the things kids love - and instead incorporate whole grain snacks, fruits & veggies, which can positively affect their concentration levels and their ability to sleep well. Also, often times, food allergies present themselves in behavior problems and irritability.
There are some herbs that have been found to be helpful in helping kids calm down and these include Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Skullcap, Hawthorn, Oat Straw, and Schisandra. These can be used as teas or they can be taken in liquid extract form. Follow directions on container.
Also, many hyperactive kids are deficient in essential fatty acids, so adding a supplement of evening oil of primrose, black currant oil or borage oil daily can help significantly. Dosage is generally 1 teaspoon per 33 pounds of body weight or follow directions on container. These oils can also be mixed into smoothies, salsas, dips, and salad dressings. It can take up to 6 to 8 weeks, however, to see results
Results From Antibiotic Studies & Ear Infections
The book, "Kids, Herbs, and Health," published some interesting results from studies done on the effectiveness using antibiotics to treat middle ear infections including findings that; *A Scandinavian study found that giving antibiotics at the onset of an ear infection increases the chance of recurrent infections nearly threefold. Delaying antibiotics until complications threaten only raises the recurrence rate by a third. Another study analyzing 27 trials, showed that 3 to 5 days of antibiotics worked as effectively as 10 days.
Eczema & Causes
Eczema can be a trying problem for parents when their child has outbreaks, and it's important to make sure it isn't allergy-related, due to introducing wheat, eggs, or cow's milk into the baby's diet. If you are breast-feeding, pay attention to your diet and see if the baby has more noticeable problems when your diet has more of these items in it. Also, use a hypo-allergenic laundry detergent to wash baby's clothing and blankets.
Oatmeal, Barley & Baths
You can add oatmeal or barley to bath water to soothe eczema or irritated skin. Simply mix two handfuls of either grain into a pan of 4 quarts of hot water, simmer 10 minutes, turn off heat, and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Strain and add the WARM (not hot) water to the bath. Or you can buy Aveeno, an oatmeal remedy available at stores, but this can be a bit costly. Avoid soaps and bubble baths
Kids Diabetic Massage
There are some excellent oil blends you can use for massage (which benefits diabetics) and they include:
For (Children)Hands, Legs & Arms
Geranium 10 drops
Ginger 10 drops
Cypress 10 drops
Diluted in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
A foot bath can be made by using 5 drops Geranium, 2 drops ginger, added to warm water. This is excellent for children, especially if they're having a problem with numbness or coldness in the feet.
According to the book, "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy," two full body massages are recommended for helping to prevent circulatory complications caused by diabetes
Tea Tree Oil VS Lice
If some of the other home remedies for lice seem too messy, you might want to begin by trying tea tree oil. Put a few drops on a fine comb and comb the hair well, or add 5 to 10 drops to a non-cream shampoo. Allow lather to remain on hair for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. Repeat daily until no nits appear in hair.
Tea tree oil is an effective antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal - but it can irritate those with sensitive skin - so test a small area before using this remedy.
Calming Chamomile
Chamomile is one of Mother Nature's gifts to frazzled nerves, for kids and grown-ups alike. It also works wonders for stomach cramps, including those caused by colic. It contains antihistaminic qualities & anti-inflammatory chemicals, which can be dabbed on skin to help ease the discomfort of hives or other skin irritations.
You can make your own infusion by pouring 8 ounces of boiling water over a tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers (they should smell fresh & fruity)- cover and let steep for 20 minutes to cool. Or you can purchase tea bags or a ready-made extract tincture at your health food store.
Offering baby up to 5 ounces of chamomile tea, not more than three times a day, was found to help ease colic in 57 percent of infants in one study.
*Keep in mind that those with daisy-family allergies may have allergic reactions to chamomile.
Bath Time & Eczema
It's wise to avoid bathing a child with eczema for too long because long soaks deplete the skin of oil and can aggravate dry skin conditions. Also, do NOT rub the skin when you dry it. Just pat gently to avoid irritating the skin.
Lavender For Little Ones
Lavender taken as a tea can help relieve nausea, motion sickness, and gas. A few drops of lavender oil placed on a child's a pillow or PJs can help them fall to sleep easier. *Do not ingest lavender essential oil.
You can also bathe your child in an infusion of lavender flowers to unwind tense muscles and to soothe frayed nerves (theirs & yours).
Tea can be made by pouring 8 ounces of boiling water over one tablespoon of dried lavender flowers, steep 20 minutes, strain and drink.
Chiropractic Help For Ear Infections
Chiropractic adjustments can help eliminate chronic ear infections by helping the ear drainage return to a normal state. The adjustment removes vertebral subluxation, which is the misalignment of spinal bones that disturb the nerve energy flow. This then helps the middle ear to drain properly.
No matter HOW many drugs your child takes to correct chronic ear infections the problem will continue UNTIL the middle ear can drain properly.
This treatment works for adults as well and it can ELIMINATE the need for ear tubes for kids. Scientific studies have shown that chiropractic treatment can DOUBLE your immune response, naturally and totally WITHOUT drugs.
E. coli Pool Dangers
The E. coli bacteria can cause FATAL problems for kids and this bacteria can be found in fecal matter. The pool water can become contaminated and small children can ingest the bacteria if they get water in their mouths. Parents or babysitters *must* resist the temptation to sneak a baby in diapers into a public pool - and, diapers should never be changed in or near a pool. Make sure to ask young children frequently if they need to visit Mr. Potty, and although this is almost impossible, kids should be taught to never swallow pool water. One other safety precaution is to keep anyone who has had diarrhea in the previous two weeks out of the water.
Supplements For Healing
If your child has suffered a bone injury, the body's demand for calcium & magnesium will be increased. For kids over the age of 2 years, start with a daily supplement of 800 mg of calcium & 400 mg of magnesium. Do this for 2 weeks, then decrease the dose to 500 mg of calcium & 250 mg of magnesium for another month.
Massaging Away Cradle Cap
Cradle cap, also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition. It can affect not only the scalp, but also behind the ears, forehead, arm pits, groin and eyebrows. A gentle massage with almond or olive oil, which you leave on the baby's scalp overnight, can help ease the problem. In the morning, gently comb loosened flakes out with a fine-toothed comb and then shampoo the oil out.
Avoiding Steroid Creams
Many doctors will recommend using a topical steroid cream for treating eczema, but long-term use of these can literally thin the skin and cause acne and discoloration. Try a gentle, natural product like emu oil instead.
Checking For Allergies
Food allergies can play a major role in ear infections and it is strongly recommended that kids or anyone who suffer frequent ear infections be tested for food allergies. Some of the most common allergenic foods include wheat, dairy, oranges, corn, peanut butter and simple carbohydrates like sugar, fruit and fruit juices. Sugar contributes to a suppressed immune system and also, kids with parents who smoke are also more likely to develop ear infections.
Also, many people who have chronic ear infections (especially children) have been found to have an imbalance in their intestinal flora but this can be corrected by taking acidophilus tablets or by eating yogurt that contains "friendly" bacteria.
Echinacea, Vitamin C and zinc can help get you back on the road to recovery.
When Does A Black Eye Need Medical Attention?
Kids get black eyes from sports and general rough-housing, but sometimes medical attention should be sought, especially if the skin is split open; if your child's pupils are not of equal size; if the child complains of persistent eye pain, double, blurred or decreased vision; or if the eye continues to tear excessively or become inflamed and produces a yellowish discharge.
Sugar Vs Your Child's Immune System
It is a very tough job trying to regulate the amount of sugar that goes into your kid's system. Sugar is lurking in most kids' cereals, juices and of course, in the one zillion candies available. Adults need to be aware that excess sugary foods have been shown to lower a child's immunity. If your child eats too many refined carbohydrates like pasta, cereals with extra sugar, white flour crackers, and sugary juices, it can truly affect their immune systems. Try diluting juices with water and try (hard as it may be) to substitute vegetable sticks and fruit slices for some of the sugary treats they might be reaching for as snacks. Whole grain crackers, bread & cereals are also so much healthier for their systems. It's worth the effort to give them better immunity.
The Importance of Water & Your Child
One of the simplest ways we can help our bodies and our kids' bodies stay healthier is by making sure we drink LOTS of water. Research shows that dehydrated bodies are more susceptible to illness and actually stay sicker longer. If we have the proper amount of fluid in our body, it helps rid our systems of viruses & other invading microorganisms. So, instead of drinking down sodas & sugar-sweetened juices, choose a tall glass of refreshing water more often. Putting water in sports bottles or one of the many adorable drinking containers made for kids is one way to trick them into drinking some extra ounces.
Herbal Warnings & Kids
Certain herbs are NOT to be used by kids and these include chaparral, pennyroyal, ephedra, germander, and comfrey. Also, avoid ingesting the concentrated oils from peppermint, eucalyptus and tree tea, as these can be VERY toxic. Less than ONE teaspoon can KILL a child or cause a severe reaction.
Avoid Tinctures Made With Alcohol
Alcohol is frequently used in tinctures that are concentrated and contain liquid botanical essences because it helps preserve them. The alcohol, however, CAN make your child feel drowsy or woozy IF they are given too many doses in a day. Their tiny systems cannot absorb the alcohol well, so look for tinctures that are made with GLYCERINE as a preservative instead. It's safer and can make the tincture more palatable to kids.
Onions, Babies & Colic
An old home remedy said to be very effective in easing the painful spasms of colic is simply to slice an onion and soak it in hot, pure water for about 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool and them give the baby one teaspoon of the onion-flavored water. Wait an hour and give another teaspoon if pain is still present.
Diaper Rash and Diarrhea
Diarrhea can begin burning a child's sensitive skin as soon as it comes into contact due to the presenece of irritating enzymes. Extra protection can be obtained by using herbal salves containing comfrey, which encourages speedy skin-cell regeneration. If the child develops blisters from the diarrhea, avoid salves and lotions and try to expose the diaper area to fresh air several times a day.
Allergies & Ear Infections
Studies have shown that kids and adults who suffer from recurrent ear infections frequently have food allergies. The occurrence of infection can be decreased by removing the offending food. Check with your doctor to rule out any food allergies that may be contributing to this painful problem.
Oil Of Primrose & ADD
Evening Oil of Primrose (EPO)has no reported problems with adverse interactions with any medications at this time. It is advised, however, to make sure you take magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, niacin, and vitamin B to insure the full benefits of the supplement. EPO has been used to treat diabetes, eczema, Rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol withdrawal, fibrocystic breast disease, PMS, atherosclerosis, MS, irritable bowel syndrome, Raynaud's disease, and attention deficit disorder (ADD). Researchers generally recommend using between 3,000 to 6,000 mg of EPO daily.
If Your Child's Tooth Gets Knocked Out
If your child suffers a dental injury that knocks out a tooth, locate the tooth - hold it only by the crown - and rinse it gently with water if possible. Wrap the tooth in a wet clean cloth or soak in a cup of milk or contact-lens wetting solution. This maintains the life of the tooth until you can get to an emergency room or to your dentist's office.
Keeping Kids Healthy
Kids with low levels of vitamin C, iron, zinc & Omega-3 fatty acids are more likely to have reduced resistance to illness. Some of the foods highest in these nutrients include citrus fruits, apricots, sweet potatoes, green vegetables, squash (like spaghetti squash), fish & nuts, particularly almonds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds & walnuts. Try to incorporate these foods into their diets and it will help give then an extra line of defense against the flu and cold season.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Patricia Walters-Fischer |
