Daily toxin exposure in children has risen dramatically in the past few decades. Children are now exposed to potentially harmful chemicals in everything from plastic wares to sunscreen to pesticides, in food to air pollution and beyond. Chemical toxins have the capability to alter growth and development in children producing potentially lower IQs, increasing risk… Read more »
Healthy sleep habits in children are essential to their physical, mental, and emotional development. Children will show an improved mood, increased IQ, better grades, and seem all around happier with as little as 20 more minutes sleep per night. Establishing a bedtime routine helps parents and children get the extra rest they need. But as… Read more »
Often parents begin noticing unanticipated changes in their children, especially after holidays and special occasions. Consider how endowed children were during these exceptional times, not only in terms of presents but also yummy treats, late bedtimes, entertainment, no homework, less chores, and vacations. Other parents may overcompensate when their children have challenges such as illness,… Read more »
Childhood anxiety is increasingly an issue that many parents have difficulty treating naturally and successfully. Anxiety in children may be caused by numerous issues including food choices and nutritional status. Children do not always need pharmaceutical meds to combat anxiety. There are many natural remedies, dietary recommendations, and behavior modification strategies to moderate anxiety prior… Read more »
The Hazelden Betty Ford Center is world renowned for the significant work they do with those dealing with addiction. But what about the many young children who struggle with an addictive parent or loved one in the family? There are thousands of these young victims for which Betty Ford Center Children’s Program also provides support,… Read more »
Cathedral City High School held its annual disaster drill on Thursday, October 15th. The event goes hand in hand with the Great California Shakeout, which helps prepare all students in California for a massive 7.0 earthquake that could occur at any time. The drill offers a vital tool to inform students how to properly evacuate… Read more »
It’s that time of year again, and flu shots are being offered at every pharmacy and doctor’s office. Vaccine safety is a controversial topic, dividing people into pro- or anti-vaccine groups, and stifling individual choice. U.S. Law has defined vaccines as “unavoidably unsafe.”1 Based on current evidence, I believe that there are no safe vaccines,… Read more »
Seasonal pollen, grass, and environmental allergies can spike in the desert during the fall, especially during the grass scalping and reseeding times. Children commonly suffer from seasonal allergies and it can affect their mood, concentration, and well-being. Seasonal allergies can be treated with dietary changes and nutritional supplements, which help avoid the grogginess and side… Read more »
Imagine being a teenager in a troubled home where daily life is all about survival; or a pre-teen caught up in drugs and looking for a way out; or a young girl coerced down the wrong path and fearful of those maintaining a strong hold on your life. How do you get out? In Riverside… Read more »
It’s the start of a new school year, and parents are faced with the same challenge: how to prepare healthy, easy, and nutritious school lunches every day. Healthy school lunches do not need to be time consuming, or expensive. The key to creating nutritious lunch options is staying well stocked and thinking ahead. Maintaining a… Read more »
Back to school butterflies are a natural phenomenon. The two most frequent words I am hearing in my practice about back to school are “excited” and “anxious.” They are both uttered simultaneously and related to unknowns. When I ask children what they mean by these words, they explain excited to mean seeing friends, discovering their… Read more »
La Quinta is most commonly known for its beautiful golf courses and annual La Quinta Arts Festival; however, it is much more than that. Over the years, it has transformed from a sleepy desert resort community into one that is full of life, action and activities for its residents and visitors. Dotted with walking trails… Read more »
There are no safe plastics. Products made with plastics contain harmful chemicals, and exposure to plastics and their toxic constituents can cause long-term health consequences in developing babies and children. Certain types of plastics, such as BPA, have been banned in bottle nipples because of health concerns associated with BPA toxicity in infants.1 However, when… Read more »
The Coachella Valley has a tremendous resource available for local children experiencing speech and language challenges. It is the Scottish Rite Childhood Language and Learning Center in Palm Desert. Since its inception in 2004, the center has graduated more than 250 children who receive free one-on-one speech therapy with certified professionals. Many people do not… Read more »
Autism now affects as many as 1 in 68 children and adults.1 Those diagnosed may have a wide range of developmental delays, as well as difficulties with communication, motor and language skills, and certain repetitive behaviors that limit their social interactions.2 There are many theories on which therapies best help affected children become more integrated… Read more »
In the last 15 years, a growing number of professional athletes have tried to remain competitive in their sport through the use of sports supplements and energy drinks. Unfortunately, this has trickled down to our youth. A national study done by the Kellogg’s Group in 2012 showed that 40% of all kids skipped breakfast. Of… Read more »
Following the most recent U.S. measles outbreak which began at Disneyland, the vaccine debate has been ignited once again. Whether to vaccinate along the recommended schedule, along an alternative schedule, or not at all, is a heavy decision that needs to work for each family based on their risk factors and what they’re comfortable living… Read more »
Although it is my belief that therapy should be a mandatory requirement for all school-age children and their parents, I am readily aware that this could be an idealistic belief. Like adults, children can greatly benefit from having an objective and empathic listener to help mentor and provide them with direction. Most children face problems… Read more »
In recent years, medical research has shown that an increasing number of children are Vitamin D deficient. Currently, 1 in 10 children in the U.S. is estimated to be Vitamin D deficient, and 60 percent of children have suboptimal levels of this vital nutrient.1 Vitamin D is primarily necessary for building strong bones in growing… Read more »
Cold and flu season is now upon us and as parents, knowing what to do ahead of time can alleviate unnecessary stress and discomfort for our little ones. The first part of combating winter illnesses is of course prevention. This time of year, it is essential to continually remember to wash hands prior to eating,… Read more »
