Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2017

4 Tips to Make Your Child’s Dentist Visit Easier

Most people, including adults, hate going to the dentist. All of the drilling noises and metal instruments scraping teeth makes people uncomfortable. But going to the dentist is vital for your overall health, especially for kids, who may not be that great at taking care of their teeth.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s important to start kids visiting the dentist at a young age for the health of their teeth and because it helps them get comfortable with going. Here are a few tips to make those dentist visits easier.

1. Explain to them what is going to happen.
Talk to them about why we go to the dentist, what happens when we don’t go to the dentist and what will happen while they are there. Explain that there might be some scary noises, so they aren’t startled.

2. Choose a dentist that has good reviews for working with kids.
There is nothing worse than going to a pediatrician who is bad with kids. The same goes for your dentist. Your child will not feel comfortable with a grouchy, mean dentist. A nice, caring, smiling dentist will help them feel more comfortable. Before scheduling an appointment, check online for dentists with the best reviews for working with children. Also, ask your friends for recommendations. They may have insight regarding who is good or who is not.

3. Let them bring their favorite toy.
Having their favorite toy or stuffed animal there with them will make them feel more secure.

4. Make it a family affair.
Try and schedule at least two of your appointments at the same time. Let them watch your appointment first to see exactly what the dentist does. Kids always do better when mom or dad does something first.

To learn more about women’s health check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. It contains 6 interviews by top female health professionals plus two workout videos and 3 bonus videos on mind-body wellness with MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard.

Posted on Thursday, February 9, 2017

5 Heart Smart Valentine’s Day Treats

This Valentine’s Day, skip the candy and pick up some heart healthy treats instead. You may be surprised to hear that many of the foods associated with Valentine’s Day are actually superfoods. So indulge a little this February 14th!

Strawberries
They’re an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin C, as well as essential vitamins and nutrients.

Red wine
The tannins in red wine, contain procyanidins which can help prevent strokes and heart attacks. You can even drink red wine every day to reap these benefits, just limit it to one glass a day.

Pomegranate
Pomegranate and pomegranate seeds support mitochondria. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells and are what gives them energy.

Dark chocolate
One of the compounds found in dark chocolate helps to expand blood vessels. So, eating dark chocolate can improve blood flow and, therefore, lower blood pressure.

Goji berries
These funny looking berries fight inflammation and boost your immunity.

So head to the store and pick up some of these healthy treats before date night!

Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2017

The 4 Best Moves to Whittle Your Waistline

We all strive for that hourglass shape, cinched in waistline and full hips. Not only do a woman’s curves look beautiful, but they are also indicative of her heart health. Waist circumference, as well as your hip to waist ratio, can tell you a lot about your weight and overall health. When it comes to where you carry your weight you want to be sure it is dispersed between the lower half of your body, not concentrated around the abdomen. Having too much weight in your abdomen can be harmful to your vital, visceral organs. This body style is characterized as apple shape. The body type you should strive for, in order to keep your heart as healthy as possible, is pear shape. Pear shape is characterized by those hourglass curves, slim waist and fuller hips. Keep in mind that any excess fat is bad for your health, but certain areas which you hold your weight are better than others.

As we know, the size of your waistline can be greatly affected by diet and exercise. Today, we’re going to share with you the top four moves to whittle that waistline!

1. Wood choppers
Stand up straight holding a weight above your head with both hands. Start twisted facing slightly to your right (twist at your waist not your feet). In a chopping motion bring the weight down diagonally across toward the left side your body. To end you will be facing left and you will have a slight bend in your knees. Perform three sets of 12 reps on each side.

2. Russian twist
Sit on the floor with your knees bent, feet hovering above the mat. You will be balancing on your sit bones. Holding one dumbbell with both hands. Twist toward your right, then quickly, with control, twist toward your left. The only movement should be coming from your waistline; your feet should not move in space. Perform three sets of 12 reps on each side.

3. Bicycle
Lay on your back with your hands behind your head and neck for support. Your upper body is flexed forward and your legs are lifted off the mat in a table top position. Extend your right leg out long. Twist your upper body toward your knee that is still bent, bringing your right elbow to your left knee. Be mindful to keep the bend knee at about 90 degrees. Twist to the other side and extend the left leg long. Perform three sets of 20 reps on each side.

4. Toe taps
Lie on your back knees bent feet flat on the floor. Flex your upper body forward, hands hover the mat palms facing inward. Close the space between your ribs and your hips and reach your right hand toward your right foot. Return to center and reach the left hand toward the left foot. Perform three sets of 30 reps on each side.

Head over to Instagram @MyHealthSpin to check out a video demonstrating these four moves!