Decrease in bone and heart health threatening the little balerina

HealthDay News in early June reported that the little balerina, the kid who learn ballet seriously, have the likely decrease the risk of heart and bone health. Many complaints from the little balerina required to follow a very strict diet to maintain body shape and feed of fat.

General found that the complaint is menstrual irregularity. This is caused by a lack of food to Feed the body, so that no body has enough energy. The cause is also a risk that can be a decrease in heart and bone health.

How to choose the right and safe baby stroller?

Nowadays, the train or push a baby stroller, is already one of the mandatory equipment owned by young couples. In the various shops that sell baby equipment, you will see the 1001 type of push cart or stroller. Not only the color variation of the variety, but also shape or model. Each offers different features and prices many varies also.

However, from various model strollers available in the market, it is surely all can be divided into three major groups, ie, regular stroller, twin stroller for the child, and now starting as trend stroller is a jogger alias for the ordinary people who bring love and baby to participate in jogging.

The Guava (Psidium guajava), miraculous fruit against the Dengue Fever

At the first stage of the disease and the recovery phase, guava can be consumed to help overcome the lack of liquids and trombosit, and to increase body resistance. So can be said that the guava potential cure dengue fever.

Generally, the guava fruit (Psidium guajava) rounded shape, slightly rounded, slightly pointed up. Fruit allegedly came from South of Mexico has a thin skin so that it can be eaten without the need peeled.

In accordance with the name, it contains a strong, small-sized and many small. If you want to try to count the number of seeds can range between 112 to 600. The number of seeds which are hard and it was quite the pleasure consume guava. Hence, experts guava cultivation are now working to varietes that does not have seeds, or at least contain the seeds in a little amount.

As fresh and processed food , this fruit have a lot of vitamin, the actual vitamin A and vitamin C. Did you know that the actual vitamin C fruit is 4-fold higher than the orange.

As a source of vitamin C, guava is less popular than the orange. In fact, in reality the actual vitamin C guava so far higher than the orange. In every 100 g guava contains about 183 mg vitamin C, while the orange only 50 mg vitamin C.

How to select, store and consume

With consuming guava regularly will give good nutrition for the body. That is vitamin A. Moreover, if the guava does not need to be consumed with the skin peeled. Why? Because the skin of the guava has vitamin C contents are very high.


We must be carefull to choose and save the guava

1. If you buy guava, choose according to needs. If it will be eaten immediately, would buy a guava is ripe and soft fruit. However, if the purchase amount in the relatively more and be saved, then buy a guava is old (mature) but still hard and green. In the cases such as this, the fruit guava resistant stored in the refrigerator for more than 1 week.

2. If it will be consumed or processed further, guava need to remove from the refrigerator and put in room temperature for 1-5 minutes until it is soft and cooked texture. If you do not want it mature, then can be taken directly from the refrigerator without the need to be put in the room temperature first.

3. When mature, guava only survive in one or two days. One way to use guava that already cooked, or overcooked, is a way into porridge or squash puree (can use blender), and store in freezer. Guava pulp can be used as material to be mixed with drinks and yoghurt drinks, or other.

How can Melamine in Our Food?

Because of want to make it appear higher proteinnya womb, milk products in China mixed melamine. No half-hearted, at least four infants died and to this day is more than 13,000 babies have been treated.

Fact that similar cases have occurred widely years ago due mixing melamine in animal feed from China. As a result, hundreds of dogs and cats died and thousands of other suffering kidney failure.

What is melamine? Is this same with melamine that is used for the equipment we eat? What danger? What lessons can be drawn from this case? Short paper will try to give the following answers to the things that.

It is different with tools

The danger melamine is the organic compound with the formula C3H6N6 basa, contain of nitrogen up to 66 percent, usually obtained as white crystals. Melamine is usually used to make plastics, glue, and fertilizer.

Of melamine plastic, because the nature of heat-resistant, used for wide kitchen utensil. Therefore, the dangerous melamine is different plastic with tools. That material is basic plastic melamine.

Based on the information on the WHO site, the melamine was mixing with the water. Due to this dilution, make matrix of milk protein is down. Because the manufacturer of raw materials of milk is usually to check the womb through the determination of protein nitrogen contents, the addition of melamine checks are intended to deceive in order to make normal contents of protein.

Data security of melamine

The addition of melamine to food is not allowed by the authority of supervisors of any food. The studies on the effects of melamine on humans have not yet, the results on the extrapolation from animal studies can be used to estimate the effect on humans.

This is when the melamine appears to have joined the polluter melamine will form crystals which can be a kidney stone. Kidney stones have been visible on the animals sacrifice case of mixing melamine years ago. This is the kidney stones that can clog small channel in the kidney and can stop the production of urine, kidney failure, even death.

Has been known that melamine is carsinogen on animals. Symptoms observed due to melamine contamination found in the blood in the urine, the urine production slightly, or not produced at all, signs of kidney infection, and high blood pressure.

Food and Drugs Administration (Food and Drugs Agency) declares the United States, which can be daily Feed tolerated (tolerable daily intake / TDI) melamine is 0.63 mg per kg body weight. In the European community, supervisory authorities will set a lower standard of 0.5 mg per kg body weight.

The Lessons

This case gives us many lessons. First, the analysis of protein in the food with the method of determining nitrogen in this case appeared can be cheat with the another high nitrogen womb . In fact, there are other means for analysis of protein than with the determination of nitrogen contents, in which case such as this needs to be done.

Second, knowledge about the dangers of the use of additional substance for food should be given to all, and is involved in food production. Desire greater profit, which may be combined with ignorance, the impact is very large.

Recognize the trauma of injury teeth

Don't be panic! You may follow:

• Learn the required emergency course of action in orofacial trauma cases.
• Be able to advise parent of best course of action following the injury.
• Recognize that other orofacial structures may have been damaged.
• Understand the significance of early referral to a pediatric dentist for careful assessment of the injury.

Do the injury baby or permanent teeth of your child like ones of these?



















Further, visit this site.

Source:
www.nypartnersinoralhealth.com

First Aid: Injury to a permanent tooth

Injury to a permanent tooth, however, is a medical emergency that could have long-term effects if not handled quickly and properly. Follow these steps in the event of an injury:

• If the tooth is still in your child's mouth, that's the best place for it. If the tooth has fallen out, find it.
• When you find the tooth, hold it by the crown (the enamel-covered part of the tooth, the widest part of the tooth).
• Using cool water, rinse the tooth. Don't scrub away or remove any tissue fragments.
• If your child's mouth is injured and you can't put the tooth back, put it in milk or saline solution. The PH level of milk is similar to that of saliva and can help preserve the tooth. Parents can ask their pediatric dentists how to obtain a "tooth saver kit," which has all of the necessary supplies to save a child's tooth for transport to the dentist's office.
• Take your child and the tooth to the dentist immediately. If your dentist is unavailable, go to the emergency room.

source:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/

Injuries to baby teeth

Injuries to child's teeth can occur from falls, during play or during sports activities. Knowing what to do if a child's tooth is injured can be the difference between saving and losing the tooth. It can be cracks or chips, or tooth loss. The child may experience bleeding from the area, pain or increased sensitivity when a tooth is injured.

Injuries to baby teeth and permanent teeth are usually treated differently. Because there is no threat of long-term disability from a missing baby tooth, these injuries are not treated as medical emergencies. In some cases, a temporary partial can be fitted to the child's mouth to replace a missing baby tooth, but it is most common to allow the child's mouth to heal and wait until the permanent tooth grows in.

The good news is that children who have dental injuries can have their teeth repaired and keep them for a lifetime.The parent or caregiver should immediately call the dentist and take the child and the tooth or tooth fragments to the dental office. Because, when it comes to dental injuries, time is a critical factor. The length of time before a tooth is reimplanted and how it is transported to the dentist are crucial in successfully saving and reimplanting the tooth.

When are baby teeth most at risk from injury?

Children are most accident prone between the ages of two and four years. The majority of accidents happen in or around the home. Injuries to baby teeth often result from a fall. Damage can be caused by either a direct blow to the teeth, or by the impact of the lower jaw being forced upwards. The front teeth are the most likely to be affected.

Always consult your dentist after a child's tooth or jaw has been injured.

How to prevent tooth injuries in children?

• Teach them not to walk or run while holding an object in his or her mouth.
• Teach them not to suck or chew on hard, sharp or pointed objects.
• Have them wear a mouthguard for sports activities that could cause injury.
• Always wear seat belts when riding in vehicles.

What can be done if a baby tooth has been chipped or broken?

Loosening or displacement is the most common injury to baby teeth. This is because the bone in which the root is anchored is soft and elastic in a young child.

If a tooth is chipped, and only the enamel is affected, smoothing the sharp or roughened edge is usually all that is needed.

If a front tooth has a chipped biting edge, a tooth-coloured plastic filling can be bonded to the tooth. This will restore its shape and appearance, and protect the edge from further damage. Since the enamel has no nerve supply, these treatments are painless.

When larger piece of tooth has broken off, the tooth can become painful. This is because the dentine layer of tooth under the enamel has become sensitive to hot and cold.

• The tooth can be repaired with a tooth-coloured filling or with an amalgam.
• The injured tooth should be checked regularly for any colour changes.
• A colour change to grey indicates that the nerve and blood vessels have died.

The treatment for a baby tooth that has been knocked out:

• Re-implantation of a baby tooth is not done as it would damage the permanent tooth under it.
• The gap left by the loss of a baby tooth must be kept open for the permanent tooth that will eventually replace it.

A space maintainer can be fitted to prevent other teeth from drifting into the gap.

What happen with Grey discoloured or Fractures tooth?

A colour change to grey indicates that the nerve and blood vessels have died. Should it become painful or infected, the tooth may need to be extracted. This is to preserve the health of the underlying permanent tooth.

• An alternative may be to perform a pulpotomy. This is the removal of the nerves and blood vessels in the crown of the tooth. It is not a difficult procedure and is usually successful.
• Severe fracture of the crown of a baby tooth is not common.

Fractures mean a tooth can be driven into the jawbone by a fall or any impact on the tooth.

• This could damage the permanent tooth growing under it.
• If an x-ray confirms that the permanent tooth is at risk, the baby tooth will have to be

From many source

Baby teeth

Healthy teeth are important to your baby's overall health, because they help your baby chew food and form words and sounds when speaking. They also affect the way your baby's jaw grows.

For an infant, the mouth is an exquisitely sensitive portal connecting the world around him to his developing mind and body. He uses his mouth to meet his mother, to sate his constant hunger, to comfort himself between feedings, and to explore objects in the widening world around him. When hard teeth begin protruding into this soft, sensitive orifice, it is a major event in the life of an infant.

What are deciduous teeth?

The first set of teeth in the growth development of humans and many other mammals known as milk teeth, baby teeth, temporary teeth, primary teeth. They can be call deciduous teeth. They develop during the embryonic stage of development and erupt — that is, they become visible in the mouth — during infancy. They are usually lost and replaced by permanent teeth, but in the absence of permanent replacements, they can remain functional for many years.

When will the development of deciduous teeth start?

Deciduous teeth start to form during the embryo phase of pregnancy. The development of deciduous teeth starts at the sixth week of development as the dental lamina. This process starts at the midline and then spreads back into the posterior region. By the time the embryo is eight weeks old, there are ten areas on the upper and lower arches that will eventually become the deciduous dentition.

When will my baby's teeth appear?

Many parents worry about the timing of the appearance of their children's teeth. Every baby is different. While the average time for the appearance of the first teeth is between 4 and 7 months of age, there is a wide normal variation of timing. The teeth might come in as early as one month of age, or they might wait until a child is almost one-and-a-half-years old.
The first teeth to come in are usually the 2 front teeth on the bottom. Generally girls' teeth erupt earlier than those of boys (much like with everything else). Delayed eruption of all teeth may be the result of a nutritional problem, such as rickets, or a systemic condition, such as hypopituitarism or hypothyroidism.

Natal teeth or teeth present at birth are found in about one out of two thousand newborn infants. These are often extra teeth, but this should be confirmed radiographically before any attempt is made to remove them. Natal teeth may cause pain to the infant, poor feeding, and, if the baby is nursing, maternal discomfort. Natal teeth may also cause damage or even amputation of the tip of the newborn's tongue due to strong sucking behavior. Early appearance of all teeth may indicate a hormonal problem such as hyperthyroidism.

Baby teeth fall out on their own to make room for permanent teeth. Once your child loses his or her first baby teeth, the remaining baby teeth will gradually loosen and fall out until about age 12 or 13 years. They generally fall out in the order they came in, with the center incisor teeth first, followed by the first baby molars, then the canines, and the second molars.

The average time and usual order of appearance is
• Four central incisors (cutters) start appearing at around 6-7 months
• Four more side incisors appear at around 8 months
• Four back molars (chewing teeth) appear at between 10-14 months
• Four canines (pointed teeth) appear at around 16-20 months.
• Four more back molars appear at between 24-30 months.
The following tables outline the normal ranges for teeth to erupt and to shed: (Adapted from chart prepared by PK Losch, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, from Nelson's Textbook of Pediatrics.)

Eruption of Primary or Deciduous Teeth

	Upper	Lower
Central incisors	6-8 months	5-7 months
Lateral incisors	8-11 months	7-10 months
Cuspids (canines)	16-20 months	16-20 months
First molars	10-16 months	10-16 months
Second molars	20-30 months	20-30 months

Shedding of Primary or Deciduous Teeth

	Upper	Lower
Central incisors	7-8 years	6-7 years
Lateral incisors	8-9 years	7-8 years
Cuspids (canines)	11-12 years	9-11 years
First molars	10-11 years	10-12 years
Second molars	10-12 years	11-13 years

Eruption of Permanent Teeth

	Upper	Lower
Central incisors	7-8 years	6-7 years
Lateral incisors	8-9 years	7-8 years
Cuspids (canines)	11-12 years	9-11 years
First premolars (bicuspids)	10-11 years	10-12-years
Second premolars (bicuspids)	10-12 years	11-13 years
First molars	6-7 years	6-7 years
Second molars	12-13 years	12-13 years
Third molars (wisdom teeth)	17-22 years	17-22 years

What will happen to my child while losing baby teeth?

Some children are excited about losing baby teeth, while others are nervous about this milestone. While losing baby teeth often causes:

• - no discomfort,
• - some children experience sore gums and
• - minimal bleeding.

Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and over-the-counter topical analgesics may help.

What can I do to help my teething baby?

Teething is usually painless, but it can make some babies uncomfortable and fussy. Giving your baby a cold teething ring or a cold washcloth to chew or suck on may help. Teething gels should be used carefully because too much is not good for your baby.

Teething does not cause a fever. If your baby has a fever, you should talk to your doctor.

What about breast feeding, bottles and sippy cups?

Breast feeding is good for your baby's teeth. If you give your baby a bottle, always hold the baby when you feed him or her. Do not leave a bottle in the crib. Do not put juice in a bottle.

Your baby can start using a sippy cup when he or she is 6 months old. Stop giving your baby a bottle when he or she is a year old. Do not let your baby walk around with a sippy cup unless it has only water in it. Do not give your baby a sippy cup of juice or milk in the crib.

After your child is one year old, give only water or plain milk between meals instead of other drinks. If you give your child juice or flavored milk (like sweetened milk products), only give it with meals. Juice and flavored milk have a lot of sugar in them.

When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?

Start cleaning your baby's teeth twice a day as soon as the first tooth appears. Until your child is 1 year old, you can use a wet washcloth or gauze to clean your baby's teeth and gums. At about a 1 year to 18 months of age, you should start using a soft baby toothbrush and a small dab of toothpaste that does not have flouride in it. (This type of toothpaste is safe for your baby to swallow.)

When should I take my baby to the dentist?

Be sure to take your baby to a dentist by his or her first birthday, especially if there is a high risk for cavities or any other problems with his or her teeth. It is better for your child to meet the dentist and see the office before he or she has a tooth problem.

How to take good care of permanent teeth?

Because your child's permanent teeth will have to last a lifetime, it's important to take good care of them. Teach your child to brush his or her own teeth after each meal. It's also a good time to start showing your child how to floss at bedtime. Children should have their first dentist appointment at about age 3 years — earlier if problems occur.

As soon as the permanent back teeth have broken through, your child's dentist may cover them with a brush-on sealant. This can help protect them against tooth decay. Other steps you can take to decrease your child's risk of tooth decay include:

• Limit sugary treats. This includes juices with high sugar content, such as apple juice.
• Give your child a fluoride supplement, if your water doesn't contain fluoride. Your child's doctor or dentist may prescribe a fluoride supplement.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduous_teeth http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/kidshealthy/healthy-choice/834.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/baby-teeth/AN00355
http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/baby/teeth/order_appearance_teeth.asp#

Caesar Surgery (seksio sesarea) and Tips That Surgery

The process of the birth of a baby often does not smooth that and be like. Many factors that cause a mother can not reasonably undergo childbirth (per vaginam). Caesar surgery (seksio sesarea) often become the last option.

The advancement of Caesar Surgery Technology

Now with the advancement of medical science majunya field surgical technique, anesthesia, and perineonatologi (areas that deal fetus aged 28 weeks, born to be born after 28 weeks), surgical technology caesar experience rapid progress. At this time the frequency of the mother who can undergo surgery safely caesar increased to four times during her life. At the past, she only have chance in three times.

At the past, only known classical techniques of caesar surgery (Corpora) with a longitudinal slice from the navel down to the bone genitalia. Now slice can cross from left to right in the top right above the bikini. The aesthetic, this new surgical technique better.

The Cause of the Caesar Surgery
There are several causes of why the operation should be made caesar, namely

* Plasenta position under the womb
* Tumor arising in the way of birth
* Deviation disposition baby
* Baby is too big
* Maternal pelvis is too small
* Crisis occurred in the infant, such as lack of oxygen
* Plasenta functions that are not too good because the time limit or have a particular disease.

From a variety of factors, which most often is found so that the expectant mother must caesar surgery is risky because the fetus, plasenta location below, and the location of the baby aberration. Caesar operation can be predicted since the beginning of the pregnancy. For example, because the mother's narrow pelvis. However, the decision can also be done for caesar operation some time before birth, such as due to gravity on the fetus or plasenta function that is not good.

Advice and Tips

In each operation requires special preparation. Moreover surgery including caesar is large surgery. Here are suggestions and tips on caesar surgery :

1. Necessary preparation, both physical and mental capital. In this case, the doctor who will perform the operation will give the mother to know about the process of operating it. For example akan injected in the spine or dibius.

2. Doctors also need to know that to the mother after the surgery there will be some inconvenience is felt, can not drink like some time and can not move much.

3. With caesar surgery, then the next pregnancy will be greater the risk. The former have injured surgery have the potential for a lacerated during birth. Therefore, to be more secure, the next pregnancy for at least six months after the caesar surgery done. The next time the pregnancy, will be the better for the mother.

4. There is no prohibition in the food. Mother after surgery is recommended to eat foods that contain many nutrients and vitamins.

5. Just do normal activity as usual, but to accelerate the healing process after surgery. Avoid activities and sports that weight. Healthy way can still be home not too heavy.

6. Injury due to the surgery will usually recover in a total time of six months. Therefore, if you want to get pregnant again, so it's six months after surgery .

Head Lice Prevention Month

September is National Head Lice Prevention Month, which makes sense as kids go back to school. This year, instead of just focusing on treatments for head lice when your kids get a head lice infestation, work towards teaching them how to avoid getting head lice in the first place.

Simple steps to avoid head lice include:

• teach them to avoid sharing things that have been on or near another child's head, including hairbrushes, combs, hats, scarves, towels, helmets, etc.
• make sure your child hangs up his coat and hat on an individual hook, or some other separate area, when he gets to school, instead of just throwing them in a pile with other classmates' clothing
• regularly clean things that your child's head has direct contact with, such as car seats, pillows, head phones, etc., if you are sharing these items with other children
• check your children regularly for nits and live head lice so that you can discover a head lice infestation as early as possible and begin treatment before it spreads to the rest of your family and your child's friends and classmates.

source: http://pediatrics.about.com/

Ways to Help Your Teen Stay Out of a Gang

Criminal street gangs are a serious problem nationwide. Gangs recruit new, very young members every day; many of those new members will become career criminals.

Here are some ways to help your teen stay out of a gang:

• Get him or her involved in activities such as sports or music lessons
• Get involved in his or her school
• Establish rules; set limits, and be consistent, firm and fair
• Get to know his or her friends, as well as the friends' parents
• Show respect for his or her feelings and attitudes
• Develop good communication
• Spend time as a family
• Be a good role model
• Educate yourself about gang and drug activity in your community
• Know where your child is-be aware that 3 to 6 pm is an especially risky time

What are the signs that your child is involved with a gang? You need to pay attention to his or her friends and habits. Has there been a change lately? Here are some things to look for:

• Excessive need for privacy and secrecy
• Use of hand signs with friends
• Injuries from his "friends"
• Peculiar drawings or language on school books
• Unexplained cash or expensive clothing or jewelry
• Gang-member friends
• Obsession with a particular color of clothing
• Withdrawal from family
• New, undesirable friends-and loss of old friends
• Disrespect for you and your expectations

It is extremely difficult for a gang member to get out once he or she has been initiated.
If your child is already in a gang, don't try to handle the situation on your own.

You need to draw on all the resources possible to ensure your child's success. Find out about anti-gang organizations in the community. Contact local law enforcement and the school administrators and counselors.

Source: http://www.parenting.org/

Protecting Your Child from a Sexual Predator Kidnapping

How can you educate your kids and keep them safe from an abductor? Start with these five tips.

Games to Kidnap-Proof Your Child

Most often, sexual predators are people kids know. So how do you help them discern the good from the bad? These resources and tips -- some from organizations created by parents of high-profile kidnapping victims like Polly Klaas and Megan Kanka -- can help.

1. Test your child's safety IQ -- and yours

Does your child know who to ask for help if he's lost? Or what to do if a nice lady asks for directions? The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) offers online safety quizzes that make great educational tools -- for parents and kids. Do you know what to do if you suspect online "stalking" or sexual exploitation of a child? Go to their site and find out at www.missingkids.com.

2. Use online games to practice "What would you do..." scenarios
There are lots of games (most for kids ages 5 to 17) that simulate online and day-to-day activities to help kids identify potential dangers. Use them as a springboard to teach your child how to handle them. Pretend you're a stranger on the phone, asking questions about when Mom and Dad come home from work. Would your child know what to say?Here are some of the sites to check out:

• NetSmartz.org -- Meet Clicky, a cute robot that sings catchy rap songs to help kids memorize safety rules. He also stars in videos and games that show kids the right thing to do when approached by a stranger when online. NetSmartz is a joint program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
• McGruff.org -- McGruff is the dog from the National Crime Prevention Council that tells kids to "take a bite out of crime." Puzzles, slide shows, and games teach kids how to say "No!" to strangers and how to get home safely.
• idthecreep.com -- This game teaches kids how to identify the "creeps" on e-mail, chat, and IM. It simulates conversations tweens and teens might have, using different characters kids can select. This site is also from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and it's available in English and Spanish.
• Wiredkids.com -- Superheroes and cute cartoons are the spokespersons for four connected sites: Wiredkids.org, InternetSuperHeroes.org, Katiesplace.org, and Teenangels.org -- all part of Wired Kids, a worldwide charity that offers information on how to keep children safe from online sexual exploitation. Let your kids check out their games and quizzes.

Parental Controls and Training Programs

3. Use Parental Controls and make a safety pledge
Net Nanny Parental Controls, CYBERsitter, and Cyberpatrol are popular software that let you specify with which buddies your child can chat or e-mail and which sites are okay to visit. For a comparison chart, visit http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com.

Once you have the right filtering system for your computer, print out a safety pledge you and your child can sign and post by your computer. Here's one from Safekids.com: http://www.safekids.com/safekidscontract.pdf.

4. Train them to fight back
A program called radKIDS, an offshoot of Rape Aggression Defense, trains kids ages 5 to 12 defense skills against abduction. (Screaming "Stay back, you're not my parent!" when sensing an attack is one of them.) Explain that they'll probably never have to use any of these techniques, but you want them to know what to do -- and that knowing these things will help them feel safer. To locate a program near you, visit www.radkids.org/programs.html.

Be Prepared and Raise Awareness

5. Do some prep work -- just in case
Did you know it takes parents about two hours to gather all the information law officials need to find a missing child? Scary stat: According to the Department of Justice, 74 percent of the children murdered by non-family members are killed within the first three hours of abduction. Always keep pictures of your kids at hand, and consider using some of these tools to help you maximize this crucial time should the unthinkable occur.

• Do-It-Yourself DNA Sampling Kit -- There are several sites that offer them. Check out the one from the KlaasKids Foundation and the State of California DNA Laboratory at www.klaaskids.org/pg_cs_dnakit.htm.
• Child ID Kit -- The National Alert Registry offers a free printable where you can include your child's photo, weight, height, and fingerprints. Visit http://www.registeredoffenderslist.org/child-id-kit.pdf.
• AMBERstick -- This is a USB flash drive where you can store your family's vital information, including photos, and carry it on your key chain. All the information is encrypted and secured with a password. If a family member goes missing, a police officer can plug it into his cruiser's computer USB port and transmit all the info to law enforcement -- even "Missing Person" flyers are automatically created. For more information, visit www.codeamber.org.

source: http://www.parents.com/

Hint to Help Pressure-proof Your Children

Young people are susceptible to social pressure due to insecurities, desire to fit in, looking for status, need for excitement, fear of losing friends, wanting to be noticed or envied, looking to assert autonomy, find an identity, looking for support/approval, wanting to succeed at something. Here are five helpful hints you as a parent can use to help pressure-proof your children:

• Identify what and why your children are susceptible to peer pressure.
  
  
• Protect them by finding ways to lessen how much time they spend in unsupervised activities where sources of social pressure are present.
  
  
• Teach and empower your children with skills that will help them to deal with stressful/pressure-packed situations.
  
  
• Design and implement appropriate ways for your children to get their needs (to fit in, belong, excitement, etc.) met. This might include maximizing the time they spend with appropriate social influences.
  
  
• Maintain strong relationships with your children that include open, honest communication.

source: ttp://www.parenting.org/

Five Conversations to Have with Your Teens

One of the most important things you can do is to take time to talk to your teen, says WebMD's Dr. Charlotte Grayson Mathis. And not just on the topics mentioned below—sit down every day with your teenager and keep up with what's going on in his or her life. Be open-minded, curious and avoid judgments that may backfire on you! Use these talking points to get the conversation started.

Dating and Sex

It's likely that you've already addressed this topic in some form in your child's preteen years. If you haven't, now's the time—and if you have, it's time for a refresher. Most importantly, give your teen the facts about anatomy, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, fertility, birth control, self-image, peer pressure, sexually transmitted diseases, rape and the emotional aspects of sexuality.

If you're uncomfortable with the subject, practice beforehand. You can use available opportunities to open the discussion about sex-related issues, such as a TV show or a book. Help your teen know that it's not cool to date just because everyone else is—dating is a responsibility and he or she should treat others with respect. Share your values and expectations with them and make sure they know that no means no.

Dating should be fun, not stressful, scary or threatening. If any of that happens, tell your teen they should talk to a trusted adult.

Smoking, Drinking and Drugs

The teen years are often your child's introduction to these deadly habits. You need to send a clear—and consistent—message to your teen that smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs are not tolerated. They may listen to their friends, but you're the most important influence in their lives. If you're clear, they'll hear you. Work hard to bolster your teen's self-esteem so he or she can resist the temptations and pressures to try drugs.

Creating a Healthy Body Image

Take the time to sit down and have a conversation with your teen to find out what she thinks of her body. If her thoughts seem unhealthy, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

To create a healthy atmosphere for your teen at home, you should always avoid talking negatively about weight and food. You can keep them on track by stocking your kitchen with healthy food choices and remember—they are growing, so they're always hungry. Lastly, don't forget to compliment their actions more than their appearance. Instilling these simple concepts will help your children grow up feeling confident and secure about who they are.

Money

Now's the time to help your child develop the financial habits that will make or break them in the future. Make your teen responsible for his or her own money. Help them set a budget and track their income and expenditures so they can learn to save—for both short and long-term goals. It's also important to educate them on the wise use of credit and how to start investing.

Getting a Good Education

While the ultimate decision on career or jobs is up to your teen, you can have a tremendous influence on their choices. If you truly want your child to go to college, they usually want to go, too. Help them to choose the right course work in high school to prepare them for college.

You can do wonders for your children if you instill in them a great attitude and thirst for learning—make academics, not social life a priority.

Source: http://www2.oprah.com/

Be a Character Role Model

One of the most powerful teaching tools parents have is modeling the behavior they want children to learn. In character education, that means "walking the talk," or being the person of high integrity you're helping children to become.

You may be a good role model now, but remember, you don't have to be sick to get better. Everything you do, and don't do, sends a message to children about your values. Be sure your messages are about doing the right thing, even when it is hard to do. When you slip (and all of us do), act the way you want your children to behave when they make a mistake - be accountable, apologize sincerely and work to do better.

The following "Parents' Pledges" were developed by the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition to help parents focus on specific behaviors they can model as part of their teaching. Perhaps they will be a source of inspiration for you.

A Parent's Pledge: Trustworthiness

• I will be as honest as I want my children to be.
• I won't lie to my children or in front of them.
• I will not treat honesty as a rule of convenience by excusing acts of dishonesty or deception as exceptions.
• I will avoid hypocrisy like preaching against smoking, drinking or drugs while doing those activities.
• I will demonstrate consistently the strength of my moral convictions by paying whatever price necessary to do what I think is right, risking loss of money, approval and even employment.
• I will treat my word as my bond in all cases.
• I will avoid legalistic escape hatches in dealing with my children, honoring the spirit as well as the letter of my promises.

A Parent's Pledge: Respect

• I will listen with respect and treat my children's views seriously.
• I will avoid selfish and petty behavior and power plays, especially where my children are concerned.
• I will exercise self-restraint and maintain the kind of self-discipline I expect from my children with respect to violence, yelling or other displays of temper.
• I will use only the kind of language I want my children to use.

A Parent's Pledge: Responsibility

• I will demonstrate a willingness to admit when I am wrong and to take my medicine, and expect the same from my children.
• I will avoid shifting the blame and making excuses regarding my own shortcomings or mistakes, and expect the same from my children.
• I will assign reasonable age-appropriate responsibilities to my children and see that there are meaningful consequences if they fail to perform their duties.
• I will insist that my children keep their commitments at home, at school and in extracurricular activities.

A Parent's Pledge: Fairness

• I will not resort to arbitrary power to get my way when I have taught that general rules of fairness are applicable.
• I will treat all my children equally and fairly.
• I will be open and reasonable to discussion and criticism.

A Parent's Pledge: Caring

• I will remember that my children are stakeholders in everything I do.
• I will demonstrate compassion and respect for others, especially my children.
• I will be visibly charitable and involve my children in choosing charities to support.
• I will not discount, belittle or trivialize my children's feelings and fears.

A Parent's Pledge: Citizenship

• I will obey the law in all matters.
• I will vote in all elections and perform other civic duties such as jury duty, testifying as a witness and reporting crimes as the opportunities arise.
• I will conserve energy and avoid littering or other forms of pollution.

Source: http://www.parenting.org/

Five Conversations to Have with Your Children

It's not always easy to talk to a child, says WebMD's Dr. Charlotte Grayson Mathis. They are always on the go, they have short attention spans and it's often hard to explain things to them in a way that makes sense. There are some important lessons though that you can teach your preschooler or big kid.

Most importantly, make a habit when your child is young to talk to them every day about their life and activities. Don't judge them, just listen…and learn. Developing the habit now will serve you well for the years to come.

Controlling Their Temper

Thankfully, tantrums are far less common than when your angel was a terrible 2. As they get older, it's much easier to talk to your child and teach them how to handle his or her anger and frustration. Just remember to avoid conceding to their demands, and defuse any physical outbursts toward a sibling or others by removing the child from the situation. After the storm's passed, talk to your child about what's troubling him or her.

Why They Shouldn't Use Swear Words

It's shocking to see your precious child say the "s" word. It may even seem a bit funny, but don't laugh. Tell your child to not use the offensive word and offer alternatives to help him or her express themselves. If that doesn't work, consider punishing the child for the behavior.

Eating Right

The battle over what your child will or won't eat is a familiar and frustrating problem for most parents. Remember this: Try to offer your child a variety of healthy choices at each meal, including one thing they definitely like. Don't worry if they eat nothing one day, and pig out the next. And recognize that while their diet may be awful and one dimensional for a few days, over time, it usually balances out.

Sharing

At different ages, kids have different capacities to share their toys and personal items—and every kid is different. So, set a good example, show your kids how you're cooperative at home and reward good behavior. It will come in time.

Recognizing a Stranger

One thing's for certain, our idea of a stranger is very different than our child's. Explain "stranger danger" in an age-appropriate way. For instance, use the movie Finding Nemo to introduce the topic to a preschooler. Tell your child that a friendly face doesn't mean that a person's not a stranger. A stranger is anyone your child doesn't know.

With an older child, review the scenarios in which they may be lured away from you, including offering candy or requesting help finding a lost pet. Tell your kids to always stick with their friends and not go off alone. Teach your kid how to shout "NO" and run away from a situation that's uncomfortable. Make sure to teach them their address and home phone number.

source:http://www2.oprah.com/

Hints for Parents to Start Talking With Children about Sexuality

• Set good examples that show kids how our lives are enriched by our values.
• Reassure them that they're normal.
• Build their self-esteem — give credit for talents and accomplishments, offer constructive advice, and avoid criticism and punishment.
• Respect our kids' privacy as much as we value our own. Do not pry.
• Use correct names for sex organs and sexual behaviors.
• Take advantage of "teachable moments." A friend's pregnancy, neighborhood gossip, and TV shows can help start a conversation.
• Include topics such as sexual orientation, sexual abuse, and prostitution.
• Be clear about our values and let kids know that others may have different values about sexuality. Teach them that respect for differences is important.
• Don't use scare tactics as a way to stop young people from having sex — it doesn't work.
• Give accurate, honest, short, and simple answers.
• Admit when we don't know an answer. We can help our kids find the answer in a book or other resource.
• Accept questions at face value. For example, "How old do you have to be to 'have sex?'" doesn't necessarily mean, "I'm thinking about having sex."
• Let our kids know that we're available, and make it a habit to share what we think and feel.
• Ask questions even if they don't — questions about what they think and what they know.
• Figure out what we want to say about our own feelings and values before we speak.
• Let our body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice support what we say with words.
• Get to know the world in which our kids live. What pressures are they feeling? What do they consider normal?

source: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

How to Talk with Your Child About Sex

It's best to start talking with children about sexuality in early childhood.

• But it's never too late.
  
  
• Always be open and available when a child wants to talk.
  
  
• The most important lesson we can share with our kids is, "Being different is normal."

We live in a very sexual world. There are messages about sex all around us — on the Internet, radio, and TV, and in movies, magazines, and music. Sex is used to sell everything from soap to sports cars. Political and religious leaders have a lot to say about sex. So do people in locker rooms, at the mall, and in our own homes. And our kids hear it all.

But despite all the talk, our kids don't get much useful information.

Many young people become confused and may be pressured into sexual intercourse before they are ready. Too often sexual abuse, sexually transmitted infections, and unwanted pregnancy shape their lives.

We want our children to have healthy and rewarding lives. And we all know that teaching them about sex is very important. But for many of us it's hard to talk about sex — especially with our own children.

What Is Sexuality?

All of us are sexual. Our sexuality includes
• our bodies and how our bodies work
• our biological sex
• our gender identity — our feelings about being male or female
• our sexual orientations — straight, gay, or bisexual
• our values about life, love, and the people in our lives

And sexuality influences how we feel about all of these things and how we experience the world.

Why Do Children Need to Know About Sexuality?

Understanding sexuality helps kids cope with their feelings and with peer pressure. They can take charge of their lives and have loving relationships. It also helps protect them from sexual abuse — and from becoming sexual abusers.

Kids learn about sexuality from the day they are born. Home can be the most meaningful place to learn about it. We can help our kids feel good about their sexuality from the very beginning. Then they will be more likely to trust us enough to ask questions about sex later on in life.

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Information?

No. Information does not encourage kids to be sexually active. Young people make better decisions about sex when they have all the information they need and when there are no taboos on what to talk about at home.

What If I'm Uncomfortable Talking About Sex?

Join the club. Most of us feel that way, and it's not surprising:

• Many of us were taught that sex is too "dirty" to talk about.
• Many of us are afraid that we don't have all the answers.
• It's hard for some of us to admit our children are sexual.
• It's even hard for some of us to admit that we are sexual.
• And many of us fear the normal sexual feelings between our children and us.

But we can be open with them about being uncomfortable about talking about sex. We can start by saying something like, "This is hard for me to talk about. My parents and I never discussed these things. But I want you to have someone to talk with."

Don't cover up your feelings or avoid the issue. That will make matters worse. Start a conversation, keep it going, and be open from the beginning. Just remember — information about sexuality is as important as food, shelter, and loving care.

When's the Best Time to Start?

It's best to start as soon as children begin getting sexual messages. And they start getting them as soon as they're born. But don't worry if you haven't started yet. It's never too late. Just don't try to "catch up" all at once. The most important thing is to be open and available whenever a child wants to talk.

What Do Kids Want to Know? What Do They Need to Know? When Do They Need to Know It?

What kids want most is to know that they're "normal." We can help them understand that it is "normal" for everyone to be different. In fact, the most important lesson we can share with our kids is just that — Being different is normal.

Here's how to help children at different stages of their lives.

Birth to 2

We give babies a sense of themselves from birth. We make them feel secure or insecure by

• the way we hold and touch them
• the way we feed, wash, and diaper them
• the tone of our voices
• letting them feel comfortable with their bodies and emotions

They can develop healthier feelings about their sexuality if we do all these things in a pleasant, loving, and caring way.

All babies explore their bodies. They learn quickly that touching their sex organs feels good. This is a natural and normal part of their development. They should be allowed to enjoy this. If we yell at them or slap their hands, they'll do it anyway — but they'll feel guilty about it. And they won't trust us later in life when they're looking for guidance about sex. It's also important that kids know that bowel movements and urinating are normal and healthy functions.

3 to 5

By the time they are three, kids are ready to know that women and men have different sex organs. Talk about it the same way we talk about elbows and noses, fingers and toes. Always use the right names for sex organs. Say "vulva," "penis," and "breasts," instead of family or street words. Otherwise, kids may get the idea that something is "wrong" with these parts of the body.

Toddlers are often curious about the bodies of their parents and other children. They may play "doctor" to look at each other's sex organs. This is a normal way for kids to find out differences and learn about their sexuality. We can choose to allow it or not. But it won't help to punish children for being normal.

Most kids touch their sex organs for pleasure. Masturbation is very common during this time. We must reassure kids that it is normal to masturbate — but only in private.

Three-year-olds also develop a curiosity about "Where do babies come from?" We don't have to describe sexual intercourse at this point. Answers can be simple for now. We might say something like, "Babies grow in a special place inside the mother." As the years pass, we can add other details as the child becomes able to understand them.

Four-year-olds may become very attached to a parent — even an absent parent. Kids may even be jealous of the other parent or partner. They can become attached to parents or caregivers of both genders. None of these attachments means a child is gay or straight. We should let our kids be comfortable with whatever attachments they form. We should not tease them about having "girlfriends" or "boyfriends."

Four-year-olds may want to snuggle in bed with parents or caregivers. They may also want to see them without clothes on. We should set limits that make our families comfortable. But children should not be punished for such desires.

5 to 7

Kids usually become less attached to parents and caregivers at this time. They are beginning to realize their own femininity or masculinity. It is very common for them to say they hate children of the opposite gender. We can encourage them to develop their own sense of self of being an individual and we can also teach them to be respectful of others. Again, it's better not to tease them about their feelings.

Kids in primary school may be shy about asking questions. But that doesn't mean they don't have questions. Most of them have heard about such things as AIDS, rape, and child abuse. So keep talking with them.

Sexual fantasies about family members of both genders are common, too. Kids may find these thoughts upsetting. We must reassure them that just dreaming or thinking about things doesn't make them happen.

8 to 12

Preteens need all the facts about menstruation, wet dreams, and other signs of puberty and growing up. They need to know that everyone develops at different times.

We need to let pre-teens "fit in" with their peers. But we must also encourage them to think for themselves.

Preteens worry a lot about whether they are "normal." Boys worry about their penis size. Girls worry about their breast size. Reassure them that no two people are the same — that being different is normal.

Kids are fascinated with the way their bodies change. It's common for them to look at and less common for them to touch each other's sex organs. When normal touching occurs it is infrequent. This exploration is one of the ways they may learn that their bodies are normal. They may do this with friends of both genders. This kind of sex play does not make a child gay or straight.

Most preteens are ready to know about sex and reproduction. They want to know about sexual and social relationships. They need to know about sexually transmitted infections, birth control, and the consequences of teen pregnancy. And they need to know how all of this can affect their lives.

13 to 18

Teens must learn how to say "no" and understand what "safer sex" is. "Safer-sex" activities lower the risk of spreading sexually transmitted infections. They should also know about birth control methods. It's important to talk with them about how to have relationships without getting hurt and without hurting other people. And they must know they are responsible for their choices.

Reassure them that their sexuality and feelings are normal. Gay, bisexual, and questioning teens may need even more reassurance.

All teens have to make sexual decisions. Parents and their kids can consider the following list of questions. Parents may want to think about how they would have answered these questions when they were kids.

• Are you embarrassed about being or not being a "virgin"?
• Do you know how to protect yourself against pregnancy and infection?
• Are you being pressured to have sex?
• Will having sex make you feel differently about yourself?
• Is trying to be more popular a good reason for having sex?
• Are you considering having sex to get back at your parents or anyone else?
• Do you know what your sexual limits are?
• Will you be able to let sex partners know your limits?
• Are you emotionally and financially ready to accept the consequences of pregnancy or infection?

source: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Helping a Child with Internet Addiction

Encourage other interests	Get your child out from behind the computer screen. Expose kids to other hobbies and activities, including sports, music, art, and educational or cultural pastimes. Take your kid to a ball game or a play, sign up for swimming lessons or a ceramics class, visit your local library or a museum.
Encourage social activities	Excessive computer use can be isolating. Help your child reconnect with other children and make new friends. Options include team sports, the Boy or Girl Scouts, and afterschool clubs.
Set clear limits and rules	Establish rules about when and for how long your child can surf online. Limit the amount of Internet time your child is allowed each day, and restrict Internet use until homework and chores are done.
Monitor computer use	Make sure the computer is in a common area of the house where you can keep an eye on your child's online activity. While personal supervision is essential, parental control software can be a useful supplementary tool.
Be a good role model	Your child looks to you as an example. Make sure your own computer use is not out of control. It will be difficult to enforce Internet rules if your child sees you breaking them.
Seek professional counseling	If your child has an Internet addiction, it may indicate a deeper problem such as anxiety or depression. If symptoms are severe or you're concerned about your child's emotional state, schedule an appointment with a mental health professional.

How to Get Toddler To Take a Bath?

Is your toddler afraid to take a bath? All children have fears at some point in their life and it is usually considered to be a normal part of development. These fears are only abnormal if they are persistent or keep the child overly preoccupied with the subject that is feared, so that it interferes with normal activities, if the child can not be reassured or distracted away from the fear (becoming a phobia), or if it is an irrational fear. Whether or not a fear is irrational depends on a child's age and developmental level. For example, it is normal for a 2 year old to be afraid of sitting on the potty, but it would be irrational for an 8 year old to have the same fear.

Toddlers normally have simple fears of separation, noises, falling, animals and insects, using the potty, bathing and bedtime.

Fear of bathing does seem like a common problem, and one that usually passes, but that doesn't mean that you just force her to continue taking baths as that might make her more fearful. It also doesn't mean that you should give up baths altogether, since she does have to get clean, although a daily bath isn't necessary.

Trying different things, such as toys, bubbles, bath finger paints, coloring agents, playing her favorite music, etc. should help. Having a consistent routine of when she takes a bath and letting her pick a couple of toys might also give her some control and make her more likely to want to take a bath.

You might also let her play in the tub without any water in it, so that she can get used to being in there. Or use sponge baths for a few days or weeks.

Other things that may help:

• don't let your toddler actually see the water go in or drain out of the tub.
• take baths with your child
• take a bath by yourself, and let her play in the bathroom while you are bathing and let her help you rinse off by pouring water over your head etc.
• take her to the store to pick out some new bath toys
• try giving her a bath at a different time of day. If you normally give her a bath at bedtime, try doing it earlier in the day or in the morning.
• let her give a bath to one of her favorite dolls or let her watch you do it
• set up a special activity, such as watching her favorite video or reading some books, after the bath, so that she has something to look forward to
• make or buy some washcloth puppets

source:http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/