Posted on Thursday, July 7, 2016

What You Need To Know About the Zika Virus

Summer comes and goes too quickly. So we all want to spend as much time outside as possible, even at night. And let’s face it: some nights the bugs are unbearable. Although bug bites are itchy and annoying they typically don’t pose too much of a health concern. However, this summer things are a bit different. With the emergence of the Zika virus in the United States, you need to be extra careful of mosquitos and mosquito bites. Today, we will discuss what Zika is, how it is transmitted, and how to prevent it, as well as the possible ramifications of it.

First, what is Zika? Zika is a virus which is spread through mosquito bites. The symptoms of the virus are usually fairly mild, and a lot of people may not even know they have it. Those who have symptoms may experience a rash or low grade fever, conjunctivitis or fatigue, as well as muscle and joint pain lasting seven days or less. These symptoms are similar to a mild flu.

Second, how is Zika transmitted. The virus is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites. However, it can also be passed along through urine, saliva or even sexual intercourse.

Third, how can I prevent getting the Zika virus? The only real way to prevent contracting the virus is to avoid getting mosquito bites. So wear lots of bug spray and use citronella candles.

Fourth, what are the possible ramifications of contracting the virus? One of the main concerns is microcephaly in newborns. Many infants have been born in Brazil with microcephaly in the past months. Some health agencies are also recommending delaying pregnancy at this time due to the increased risks during pregnancy.

Knowing these tips can help to protect you from contracting the Zika virus this summer.

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Posted on Monday, July 4, 2016

Healthy Tips For Summer Cookouts

Happy Fourth of July! With hot dogs, hamburgers and s’mores being a staple at all summer cookouts, it can be hard to stay on track when it comes to healthy eating. But that doesn’t have to mean you have to turn down invites or throw healthy eating out the window. July is National Grill Month and what better way to celebrate than by sharing some tips on how to stay healthy during BBQ season!

First, think lean protein. Opt for grilled chicken or fish over hot dogs which don’t contain enough protein to hold you over. Burgers are an okay choice but make sure you choose a lean beef with a low amount of fat, and don’t choose a burger every time you grill. Opt for healthier options whenever possible.

Second, fill your plate with healthy options first. Don’t start by filling your plate with the potato salad; start by adding salad, grilled veggies, baked beans or other healthy options. This will ensure that you fill up in nutrient-dense foods while still getting a taste of the sides you enjoy such as macaroni and cheese. Also, be mindful of portions. Meat should be about the size of the palm of your hand, a fist is equal to a cup, so choose that amount when grabbing veggies, and the amount of condiments you use should be around the size of your thumb. Knowing how to eye-ball portion sizes is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Third, bring a healthy dish to contribute. The more healthy options there are the easier it will be to stay on track. Bring a tray of cut-up raw veggies with homemade dip, or a napa cabbage salad, or even a seven bean salad. One of my favorite healthy foods is grilled asparagus. You can throw them on the grille with a little salt and Parmesan cheese and you have a perfect healthy side.

Fourth, eat before you go. People always make this mistake. They arrive to a party starving and then end up gorging on potato chips and junk food to fill themselves up. Arriving shortly after eating will allow you taste everything at the party without totally destroying your diet.

Fifth, keep alcohol to a minimum. Alcohol, especially beer, is calorie dense and will increase your waist line. Make a pact with yourself to only drink once a week, even when you have special events.

Sixth, stay hydrated. Dehydrated can be mistaken for hunger. Keep water on you at all times. This will help to keep you full and prevent you from munching.

Seventh, opt for healthy dessert options. S’mores are a fun treat at cookouts, but leave them for the kids. Instead, try grilling some fruit. It’s high in fiber to hold you over.

Hopefully you found these tips helpful for enjoying BBQ’s and cookouts all summer long. Now, lets eat!

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Posted on Thursday, June 30, 2016

Childproofing Your Home

They joys of becoming new parent are fun and overwhelming. There is so much to do to prepare for when you bring your new baby home. And the thought of child proofing your home can be daunting. In order to make this process easier I’ve put together some helpful things to do to get your home safe for your children.

First, use safety gates. Whether it’s at the top or bottom of the stairs or blocking entrance to certain rooms within your home gates prevent them from getting in to areas they shouldn’t be. Also, if you have a pool or any sort of body of water in your yard a safety gate is a must.

Second, install smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Make sure there are smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement. Also, installing a carbon monoxide detector will help protect your family from CO poising. It’s an odorless gas which is virtually impossible to detect. You should check the batteries on your smoke detectors once a month and the carbon monoxide detectors once a year.

Third, use safety locks on all of your cabinets and drawers. Kids get into stuff really quickly. You could turn your back and they could get into something they shouldn’t, such as poisonous chemicals and sharp objects. Also, keep safety locks on the doors to the outside of the house.

Fourth, once baby has started crawling it’s important that you get outlet covers installed immediately. This will prevent children from sticking their fingers or other objects into the outlet. However, be careful that the covers aren’t easy for them to remove. This can pose a chocking hazard.

Fifth, use anchors for furniture and appliances. Once babies start pulling themselves up on stuff everything becomes a potential danger. They can all be pulled down and crush the child. Also, never install things such as pictures directly over their crib, not only can they fall off the wall, but once the child starts standing up they can pull them down and cut or injure themselves.

Sixth, have a plan for emergencies. Keep a book with phone numbers accessible for the children in case there is a situation where you are incapacitated. If you give them the tools, they will be able to call for help in emergency situations. Also, have a designated meeting spot in the event of a fire or other disaster. Explain to your kids that in these circumstances their safety is the most important. And if you have a specified spot, for example the tree in the front yard, as a meeting point, this will allow them to worry about their safety as opposed to finding you or your spouse.

Hopefully these tips have been helpful for how to secure your home for when baby arrives and for your children as they age.

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