How To Feng Shui Your Nursery

by Michelle

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, feng shui is a way to instill a sense of calmness to your life and the life of your child. You’ll likely need a Feng Shuibreak from the hectic lifestyle that will be created once your bundle of joy comes into this world, and it helps to have a peaceful oasis waiting for her. Perhaps the best way to do that is to feng shui the nursery. Whatever reason you have for wanting to feng shui your nursery, these tips and techniques can ensure your child and your family will be well-rested and have an inner sense of peace.

Keep a Relaxing Environment

The nursery is supposed to be a place of calmness, so you want to make it a very relaxing place to be. Bright colors and lots of movement should be kept in the playroom and out of the nursery. Colors such as reds and oranges may end up keeping your little one awake at night instead of giving him that bit of solace and quiet that’s necessary for a restful evening. With more soothing hues, such as light browns, greens and blues, your child will behave differently and react positively to its calming effects.

Another way to keep it relaxing is to only have a handful of toys in the room. This is not a play area and should not stimulate a lot of activity and movement. Your child will be able to differentiate between play and sleep if the rooms for each activity are kept separate.

Go Natural

To truly follow feng shui, the nursery should have natural materials, such as wood, rather than synthetic substances like plastic. The crib, rocking chair and other furniture should be made out of real wood rather than hard, cold plastic or laminate.

Also, avoid electronic devices such as television sets, radios and phones. Having these in the nursery can harm the sleep cycle of your baby, according to feng shui adherents. Feng shui experts believe that the noises and radio waves emitted by these items disrupt the child’s regular sleeping pattern and even stunt their developmental process.

The more you keep things natural within the nursery, the more at ease and comfortable your baby will feel. You can even decorate with woods like bamboo to bring more nature into the room.

Clutter-Free Zone

The nursery needs to remain a clutter-free zone. Having a clean, open space is calming to the child. One purpose of feng shui is to allow positive chi to flow freely throughout the room. Also, it is calming to your baby to be able to see everything in the room and not feel overwhelmed by too much “stuff.”  Just like walking into a messy room can cause you to have a mini-panic attack, a cluttered room may cause a similar reaction in your child due to over stimulation. Having an uncluttered room is also a way to keep your child feeling centered. Another way to ensure your child feels calm and benefits from the tenets of feng shui is to have a mobile or a crystal located in the center of the room or to hang one above the center of the crib. The feeling of being centered created by these objects is key to feng shui.

An easy way to keep things clutter-free is to not allow the baby in the room unless it is bedtime or naptime. This will encourage separate behaviors for the nursery and the play area and other rooms of the house.

Keep It Simple and Avoid Noise

Simplicity is an important factor to feng shui. Busy wallpaper, décor and patterns throughout the room may distract from the sense of relaxation desired for this room.

Furniture placement is key when it comes to feng shui, with a square shape favored most highly. If the room has a sloped ceiling or a curved wall, square it off with curtains or furniture. A window is also a busy area of the room where negative energy can flow in freely, so this is not where you want to put the baby’s crib. Street noises as well as sunshine or other lights can deter your child from getting a restful night’s sleep.

The location of the room itself can help create a relaxed environment for your baby as well. If possible, do not have the nursery located above a garage or near a busy door such as the front entryway. The heavy traffic of the location will disturb the peace of the nursery.

To best nurture your child, create a peaceful place for him to sleep. Though an infant may not realize he’s better off sleeping through the night, the rest of your family will appreciate the effort you put in to make it happen and he may thrive more as a result of your dedication.

Written by Michelle of NannyPro.com


Are your kids friends making them fat?

by Dr.Dolgoff

Are your kids turning in to their couch potato friends? If your kids’ friends are the lazy kind, it may be time to re-evaluate who you’re letting them hang out with.

A new study published on May 28th in the Journal Pediatrics says your child’s physical activity level is directly related to their friends. The study shows that children who interact with those who are more active will have a higher activity level as a result. Having a more active role in your child’s choice of social circle is a great way for parents to have an influence on their child’s weight. And starting at a young age will teach them the importance of staying active.

The study was conducted on a boys and girls afterschool program for 12 weeks. A name generator survey was used to map each child’s social network, and accelerometers were used to measure physical activity. The children did not form or dissolve friendships based on physical activity levels, but existing friendships heavily influenced children’s level of physical activity. Interestingly, children made adjustments to their activity level by 10% to emulate that of their peers, increasing or decreasing accordingly. Obesity status and gender had no effect on activity.

The results of this study suggest that our children’s peers do have a critical effect on how active they are on a daily basis, especially for kids as young as 5 to 12 years of age. Taking a proactive role in your child’s life and making a well thought out choice in the types of social programs you enroll your child in can result in a more active kid. As your child gets older it will become much more difficult.

This study demonstrates just how much our children’s friends influence their behavior. If our kids will increase their activity level based on having more active friends, it’s safe to say that our kids could potentially lower their activity level as well. As adults we choose our friends based on common interests and an ability to get along and a genuine like for each other. If we choose friends who influence us to do things that don’t benefit our bodies like over-indulge in alcoholic beverages and unhealthy foods, we’ll likely end up leading a more sedentary life and gaining unwanted weight. If our goal is to lose weight and become more physically active, we’ll reach to our friends who resemble those qualities or we’ll seek out new friends who we can relate to in that way. Children don’t choose friends based on how active they are nor will they end a friendship for the same reason. We as parents have to help them make the right choice, or do it for them.

What’s great about this study is that it puts the responsibility back in to the hands of the parents when it comes to choosing the social networks your child is a part of. Ask your kids what types of activities they enjoy and find a local program you can enroll them in with other kids their own age. Help them to get excited about their new social endeavors and get them involved in the process. Our kids thrive on social opportunities, so set them up for success.

Dr. Dolgoff’s Biography:

Joanna Dolgoff, M.D. is a Pediatrician, Child Obesity Specialist, Official Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Author of Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right (Rodale, 2010). Dr. Dolgoff has been featured on Today, The Early Show, Nightline, CNN, MSNBC, GMA Health, 700 Club, Extra, Lifetime, Discovery Health, America’s Newsroom, and most major news outlets. She is the Official Doctor for Camp Shane, the nation’s longest-running weight loss camp and an Official Blogger for the Huffington Post and Lifetime Television. Children and teens from 46 different states and 4 countries have lost weight with her online weight loss program (http://www.DrDolgoff.com). Dr. Dolgoff has offices in Manhattan, Queens and throughout Long Island, NY.

For more information: e-mail info@drdolgoff.com or call 516-801-0022.


Laura Ashley Baby Bedding


Focus on the Food – Not the Delivery Method

by Dr.Dolgoff

While it’s true, more women today are opting for C-sections than in previous generations, they may be contributing to their child’s risk of obesity. A new study reports babies born via Caesarean section are twice as likely to become obese by age 3 as infants delivered vaginally. If you have no specific medical need for a C-section, choosing one may do more harm than good.

This is an important element for women to consider if they are contemplating an “elective” C-section for convenience. However, if a section is medically necessary, the increased risk of obesity is not enough to override the need for surgery.

The study included more than 1,250 mother-child pairs admitted to the Massachusetts hospital between 1999 and 2002. Twenty-five percent of babies were delivered by C-section, the rest were delivered vaginally. The babies were measured at birth, 6 months and again at 3 years old.

Nearly 16 percent of children delivered via C-section were Obese by the age of 3, while only 7.5 percent of those delivered vaginally. Also, about 19 percent of the C-section kids were overweight compared to just less than 17 percent of the others.

As usual, further research is needed to confirm these findings. What is causing the increased risk is not quite clear, however, researchers and physicians believe that the different modes of delivery may influence the gut bacteria at birth. According to the researchers, the gut bacteria may influence obesity by affecting the calories and nutrients absorbed from the diet and may also stimulate cells in a way that boosts insulin resistance, inflammation and fat.

While C-sections may be associated with increased risk of obesity, it is not the cause of the obesity epidemic. We still need to focus on what we are feeding our children, regardless of mode of delivery.

What this study failed to consider is the types of foods these kids were being raised on and the amount of physical activity they did or did not participate in. It’s no secret that American children are getting heavier, but taking the responsibility away from the parents and placing blame on the way in which the mother gave birth is crippling our children even further.

With so many resources at our fingertips it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle forgetting what really needs to be taken care of – our health. Today’s generation wants everything now and that may not be the healthiest choice when it comes to our diet. Processed foods and fast food restaurants are filled with excess sugars, fat and calories contributing to our kids [and our own] expanding waistlines and increasing stress levels. While time and convenience rule over other considerations when making a decision, it’s usually not the right choice. Taking the time to prepare a nutritious meal for you and your family will get you further in all aspects of your life.

Whether or not you deliver your baby via C-section, we as parents need to teach our children how to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right from day 1. Starting early with your kids will empower them to be in charge of their own weight and health related destiny providing them with the tools to keep them out of risk of becoming overweight or obese as an adult. If you’re unsure of what to do, start by introducing nutritious foods early and focus on making food fun. Choose fruits and vegetables from all colors of the rainbow and get your kids involved in planning the weekly menu, grocery shopping and preparing foods. If your kids are having fun with food their mind will be open to eating [and liking] a wider variety of nutritious options.

Hi! My name is Joanna Dolgoff, M.D. and I am a pediatrician and child obesity specialist. My child weight loss program, Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right and I have been featured on The Today Show, The Early Show, GMA Health, Good Day, NY, CNN, MSNBC, Discovery Health, WABC News, WNBC News, Fox 5 Morning Show, My9 News, and WPIX News. I am a contributing blogger to the Huffington Post and Lifetime Television. My biography is included below. My book, Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right, (Rodale, 2010) is available wherever books are sold. Children from 46 states have lost weight with my online weight loss program (http://www.DrDolgoff.com).
I believe you may be interested in the article that I have attached to this e-mail. Please let me know if you are interested in using it for your website or blog. If you have other topics you would like me to write about, please also let me know and I would be happy to write something up! You can also respond if you are not interested in receiving further submissions as I only want to be helpful, not spamful!

Dr. Dolgoff’s Biography:
Joanna Dolgoff, M.D. is a Pediatrician, Child Obesity Specialist, Official Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Author of Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right (Rodale, 2010). Dr. Dolgoff has been featured on Today, The Early Show, Nightline, CNN, MSNBC, GMA Health, 700 Club, Extra, Lifetime, Discovery Health, America’s Newsroom, and most major news outlets. She is the Official Doctor for Camp Shane, the nation’s longest-running weight loss camp and an Official Blogger for the Huffington Post and Lifetime Television. Children and teens from 46 different states and 4 countries have lost weight with her online weight loss program (http://www.DrDolgoff.com). Dr. Dolgoff has offices in Manhattan, Queens and throughout Long Island, NY.
For more information: e-mail info@drdolgoff.com or call 516-801-0022.


School Is Almost Out! Movie Theatre Tips!

by Dr.Dolgoff

When you are at the movies the aroma of popcorn hits you as soon as you walk though the door. For many people, the experience of going to the movies includes popcorn, soda, and candy. These high calorie treats could be scarier than the next blockbuster horror flick! With a little planning, you can still enjoy a yummy snack that doesn’t sabotage your diet.

You may wonder just how bad a tub of popcorn could be. On average, a large popcorn (which contains 20 cups) contains approximately 100 grams of fat- the equivalent of more than six fast food hamburgers. With about 1,300 calories, that large popcorn packs almost a full day’s supply of calories for the average dieter.

If you have more of a sweet tooth chocolate bars and boxes of candy might be your downfall. Although you may think that you are able to eat only half of a candy bar in actuality it is very difficult at the movies. Studies show that while watching television or a movie people tend to consume more calories because they are distracted. If you bring health pre-portioned snacks to the movies you will not have to worry about over eating. The best way to avoid temptation at the theater is to eat a balanced meal beforehand full of lean protein and fiber rich carbohydrates. This will keep you satisfied for several hours.

One way to enjoy a treat at the movies without destroying your waistline is to bring your own snacks from home. Here are some health alternatives you can choose:
• Bottles water, club soda, or crystal lite
• Flavor and Fiber Gnu bar or Chocolite Protein Bar
• Dry cereal: Fiber One, Kashi Go Lean or Puffins
• Low fat mozzarella string cheese
• Orville Redenbacher’s 100 calorie mini bags
• 1oz pistachios
• Baby carrots or Sliced Peppers
• Pretzels
• Fruit such as apples, strawberries, raspberries
• Emerald coco roasted almonds 100 calorie pack
• Shelled, salted edamame
• A mix of almonds, raisins, & mini marshmallows
• Jicama matchsticks, tossed with lime juice & chili powder
• Frozen red or green grapes

Going to the movies is a social experience-and that means eating for many people. But you don’t have to miss out on the fun just because you’re watching your diet. By bringing your own portion-controlled snacks from him the only things you’ll be missing are the inches you’ll lose from your waist!


Are Our Kids And Their Diets Too Sweet?

by Dr.Dolgoff

It’s hard to find a child who doesn’t love sugary foods, and chances are the processed or packaged food your child eats has some amount of added sugar. New research suggests that this trend has spiraled out of control and is causing serious health consequences for families. Foods that are high in added sugar (soda, cookies, cake, candy, frozen desserts, and some fruit drinks) tend to also be high in calories and low in other valuable nutrients. As a result, a high-sugar diet is often linked with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

 

A recent American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement containing specific guidelines on limiting sugar intake has sparked conversation about just how much sugar people should consume and how to make cutting back less bothersome.

 

How Much Sugar Should You and Your Kids Consume?

The guidelines, published in the August 2009 issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, state most women should consume no more than 100 calories, and men no more than 150 calories, of added sugar. These numbers average out to about 6 to 9 teaspoons, or 25 to 37.5 grams, of sugar a day.

 

Preschoolers with a daily caloric intake of 1,200 to 1,400 calories shouldn’t consume any more than 170 calories, or about 4 teaspoons, of added sugar a day. Children ages 4-8 with a daily caloric intake of 1,600 calories should consume no more than 130 calories, or about 3 teaspoons a day. As your child grows into his pre-teen and teen years, and his caloric range increases to 1,800 to 2,000 a day, the maximum amount of added sugar included in his daily diet should be 5 to 8 teaspoons.

 

A study conducted by the AHA found children as young as 1-3 years already bypass the daily recommendations, and typically consume around 12 teaspoons of sugar a day. By the time a child is 4-8 years old, his sugar consumption skyrockets to an average of 21 teaspoons a day. The same study found 14-18 year old children intake the most sugar on a daily basis, averaging about 34.3 teaspoons. That is about four times the recommended amount!

For this reason, it is extremely important to be able to recognize sources of added sugar in your diet, understand why consuming extra sugar can be harmful to health, and how best to limit added sugars.

 

Beware of Hidden Added Sugars

Added sugars are sugars and syrups included in foods during processing or preparation, as well as sugars and syrups that consumers add themselves. According to the AHA statement, a healthy and well-balanced diet contains naturally occurring sugars present in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and many grains. Naturally occurring sugars supply healthy nutrients while still fulfilling people’s cravings for sweets.

 

The best way to determine whether a food contains added sugar is to read the ingredient list. Although added sugars may appear in a variety of ways, in terms of calorie content, all added sugars are essentially the same. The names for added sugars used on food labels include those listed below:

  • Brown sugar
  • Corn sweetener
  • Corn syrup
  • Dextrose
  • Fructose
  • Fruit juice concentrates
  • Glucose
  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Honey
  • Invert sugar
  • Lactose
  • Malt syrup
  • Maltose
  • Molasses
  • Sucrose

As of now, sugar grams listed on the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels don’t distinguish naturally occurring sugars from added sugar so it is important to scour the ingredients list for hidden sources of sugar.

 

The main sources of added sugars in the Western diet include soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages such as fruit juices and sports drinks. In fact, according to the AHA statement, between 1970 and 2000, the per-person daily consumption of caloric soft drinks increased by a whopping 70%! While you may know that such foods are sugar sweetened without reading labels, there are other items that may not be so obvious. Examples include ketchup, barbeque sauce, baked beans, and even some salad dressings.

 

The Problem With Sugar Overload

High intakes of added sugar have been linked to overweight and obesity, a lower intake of essential nutrients, increased triglyceride levels, hypertension, and inflammation. All of these are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which is what the AHA scientific statement addresses on specifically. In addition, too much added sugar in the diet can also “take up space,” leaving little room for healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, and lean sources of protein.

 

Defeat the Sweets

Start out small, and note that beverages are often a great starting point for change. Beverages are especially problematic because research shows that liquid calories are not as satiating as calories consumed as solid food. As a result, people don’t compensate for liquid calories in the same way they do calories from solid food. Quench your thirst with these healthier alternatives:

  • Plain or carbonated water being the best choice
  • Add a splash of your favorite fruit juice to a glass of sparkling water

 

Although there’s no added sugar in 100% fruit juice, the calories from the natural sugars found in fruit juice can add up. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting juice intake to 4-6 ounces (118-177 milliliters) for kids under 7 years old, and no more than 8-12 ounces (237-355 milliliters) of juice for older kids and teens.

 

Candy is another sweet treat that many may find difficult to relinquish. Try substituting candy with these healthier alternatives:

  • Mixed nuts, dried fruit (made without added sugar), and low-sugar cereals for candy
  • 1 square of 70% dark chocolate
  • Apple slices with 2 Tablespoons Almond Butter

 

Remember, enjoying a treat now and again is not a bad thing, which is exactly why 2 red light foods are allowed on the Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right meal plans. Those who allow themselves an occasional indulgence rather than trying to abstain often find success making healthy lifestyle changes. Those who attempt to deny themselves all sweets may not have as much success, especially if they previously consumed a lot of sugar. By taking small steps, you can begin to cut back on the sweet stuff and get on track to a healthier, green light, lifestyle.

 

Hi!  My name is Joanna Dolgoff, M.D. and I am a pediatrician and child obesity specialist.  My child weight loss program (http://www.DrWeigh.com) and I have been featured on The Today Show, GMA Health, Good Day, NY, WABC News, WNBC News, Fox 5 Morning Show, My9 News, and WPIX News.  I am also a contributing blogger to the Huffington Post.  My biography is included below.  My book, Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right, (Rodale, 2010) is available wherever books are sold.  Children from 45 different states are losing weight with my online weight loss program (http://www.DrDolgoff.com).