|
REAL Health - Does Your Child Have It? |
 |
 |
|
Written by Dr. Sue
|
|
Tags: REAL Health  Health is not the absence of disease. We want REAL health for your child, for all children. What is REAL health anyway?
REAL health is REAL balance.
Imagine your child on a teeter-totter, a long board pivoted in the middle so as one end goes up, the other end goes down. Instead of your child sitting on either end of the teeter-totter she is standing in the middle. Does your child ever do that? Mine does! She leans to one side, then the other, then back again, etc. Back and forth, balancing herself, grinning ear to ear. Lock that image in your mind, got it? That is REAL health! She is balancing herself, controlling her body in response to her external environment. Flowing, happy, at ease.
Now imagine that her mother sits on one end of the teeter-totter. Thud! She’s stuck, or is she? If she adjusts herself from the middle toward the other end of the teeter-totter she can get the motion started again. When her mother gets off...whoa...she adjusts herself again towards the middle and voila...she’s still in motion, balancing herself. REAL health is exactly that - dynamic balance. As your child’s environment changes, she changes. She adjusts herself to ensure her stability.
In medicine, we call this balancing act homeostasis. It’s the body’s ability to physiologically regulate its internal environment in response to changes in its external environment. An easy example is shivering when you’re cold to increase your body’s temperature.
So if that’s REAL health, what’s disease? Disease is fixed imbalance.
From our teeter-totter example, disease is when your child is stuck! Someone sits on one end of the teeter-totter and your child doesn’t adjust himself to compensate. He’s stuck, fixed in an imbalanced position. For whatever reason, he is not able to change his position and rebalance.
In medicine, we call this homeostatic imbalance. The body loses it’s ability to regulate its internal environment to ensure its stability and survival in response to it’s external environment. Loss of stability leads to disease, and loss of survival is death.
An easy disease example is diabetes. The body regulates blood sugar with the hormone insulin. When blood sugar rises after eating, your child releases insulin from her pancreas to pull the glucose into her cells for energy, maintaining her blood sugar within a normal range. Your child’s cells only need so much glucose for energy; if her cells have reached their glucose limit, blood sugar rises producing more insulin. Yet despite more insulin, more glucose doesn’t enter her cells because her cells are full (insulin resistance). With time her pancreas tires from having to produce insulin surges to normalize rapid spikes in blood sugar, and less insulin is secreted (insulin deficiency). The result is diabetes, elevated blood sugar.
What happened? The body lost it’s ability to regulate it’s blood sugar in response to overeating (too much glucose). The body became imbalanced and couldn’t adjust itself to compensate. The result? Disease. Fixed imbalance. In this case of sugar imbalance, the disease is diabetes. However this analogy can be applied to other diseases as well, such as allergies, asthma, eczema, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, heart disease, and cancer to name a few.
But my child doesn’t have any of those diseases, is he healthy? Does my child have REAL health? He may, or he may still be imbalanced. Disease doesn’t always come with labels such as diabetes. Look at the word dis-ease - it means not at ease. Not flowing easily, back and forth, stuck in an un-easy pattern such as constipation, diarrhea, recurrent tummy aches, frequent headaches and rashes, or a nagging cough. These too are dis-ease. A state of fixed imbalance.
But as a parent we can’t stand to see our child “stuck”. It pains us. As a pediatrician, I feel the same way with my patients. How can I help this child rebalance himself? I hold that image of REAL health for my patient, envisioning him on that teeter-totter grinning ear to ear. Flowing, happy, and at ease.
Unfortunately today, many children don’t have REAL health they have “Band-Aid Health”. Band-Aids (medications) are placed on boo-boos (symptoms) to make them go away. Yet, every parent knows that Band-Aids don’t make boo-boos go away. Band-Aids cover the boo-boo so your child can’t see the boo-boo. Out of site, out of mind, right? Well maybe for a simple cut, where the body can heal and rebalance itself easily. For childhood chronic diseases, it’s a different story because once you remove the Band-Aid (medication), the boo-boo (symptom) returns. Wheezing for asthma, rashes for eczema, and stuffy noses for allergies. Take away the stimulant medication and the inattention or hyperactivity return. Why? Because by treating symptoms we have not addressed the root of the disease.
Imagine you have an apple tree, firmly planted in the ground, secure and stable. Initially the apple tree grows gorgeous beautiful ripe juicy apples. Nothing better! Every year that follows more and more apples are “bad apples”. So you toss those apples. Within a few years, the only fruit your tree bears are bad apples. They’re all bad! Why? You never addressed the root of the problem. Did you nourish your tree? Did you water it? Did you enrich it’s soil with organic compost? Did you protect it from wind or prune it? Did you plant another tree next to it to ensure its pollination?
"If you want to change the fruits, you must first change the roots.
If you want to change the visible, you must first change the invisible."
~T. Harv Eker
If you want REAL health for your child, you need to examine her roots. Discover some possible reasons why she is stuck, or imbalanced. Nourishing those root causes will push your child back into motion, to REAL health. Think of your child on that teeter-totter. It may take a few pushes, from a few different angles, but try and try again. Once you hit a major imbalance and nourish it - your child will MOVE. The body inherently knows how to fix itself, we may just have to give it a nudge from time to time.
How do you do this for your child? We’ll take a look next week.
~ Dr. Sue
|
|
Feeling Defeated at Mealtime? |
|
|
|
Written by Angelle Batten, MEd, HHC
|
 Great advice to compartmentalize packing lunches, Sue. So much of this REAL food journey is about mindset. Changing our mindset can change everything - for the better or the worse. I've done both over the years.
I find as a Holistic Health Coach, a lot of moms are battling with their kids at mealtime. Kids don't want to eat what is served or they don't want to eat at all. There is arguing, whining and yelling as well as negotiating and bribing going on daily. Moms are exhausted by this. They want to feed their families REAL food but don't have the energy to pull it off on a daily basis. (Sound familiar?) I received an email from a mom about this very issue just this week. She felt so defeated. It was more than I could fully address in one email or coaching session, but here were my initial suggestions to her in an email:
"One thing is you have to find the strength to be in charge when it comes to certain aspects of meal time. Make one meal - don't ask kids for so much input on a daily basis - and put it on the table at a certain time. Let kids know that's what is for dinner and they'll have the opportunity to eat again at whatever time you say. Put out a few choices in the meal when it comes to veggies. Stay calm even when they test you - it's their job to test your boundaries - "Is mom serious about this?" It's an emotional safety issue for them - they ultimately want you to set boundaries.
Play some nice music. Light a candle. Change up the atmosphere. Try 2 Roses and a Thorn - go around the table and have everyone share two great things about their day and one thing that bothered them. Take the focus off the struggle. Get to know each other better. Laugh together.
You can ask your family to sit down with you - outside of meal time - and make a list of some of their favorite REAL Foods. Tell them you will include these as much as possible and tell them ahead of time the new routine. I would consider implementing the 2-bite rule - 2 bites of everything into your tummy each meal time. Talk to them about how you are all going to be Adventurous Eaters and even though Mommy and Daddy don't like a lot of foods you are both going to try new things too. Be calm and consistent."
The very next day I received a much more upbeat email from this mom that read:
"I just wanted to share how tonight went. With what turned out to actually be minimal effort, I put a mostly organic meal on the table tonight at 6:30 - homemade chicken tenders (my son dredged the entire batch and put it in the pan all on his own!!), fresh local sweet corn, grapes, raw carrot sticks and quinoa with peas (which was kinda gross and now I need to do something else with it - soup?). We set the table and were mostly together in the kitchen while the food was prepared. We talked about the two-bite rule and other changes we are going to make (official start monday). We couldn't wait for my husband tonight because he was meeting us at curriculum night at 7 (we fixed a leftover plate for him, with quinoa which he would never take on his own). 6 year-old said she wasn't hungry and ended up just having a half ear of corn. Her friend was over (long story, not the norm) and she sat quietly with us but was definitely distracting. 10 year-old insisted on making her own spag noodles (I did pour the hot noodles in colander but she did everything else) and tried a bite of the quinoa. She tried a bite!! She didn't try the chicken but she WILL eat Wendy's chicken nuggets and restaurant style chicken tenders. My son (8) ate chicken and corn, and additionally was very helpful in the prep and clean-up of the meal.
I was TOTALLY amazed at how easy it seemed to just start the conversation and increase my own effort. The kids seemed to like it even though they protested."
I was thrilled for her. You need to celebrate small successes and build on them. You need to dig deep some days to find the energy to prepare a REAL food meal with your child or to pack a REAL food lunch. It's so much about mindset. Our children need us to be the parent, setting expectations and sticking too them even when it's not easy. Sometimes our spouses need that too when it comes to mealtime. We teach the people we live with how to treat us so teach 'your people' to treat you with gratitude and respect as you work hard to plan and prepare REAL food meals for them.
Peace,
Angelle
|
|
|
Mind of Steel, Heart of Gold |
|
|
|
Written by Dr. Sue
|
|
Tags: Dairy | Parenting | Raw Food Some days I wonder if mindset is EVERYTHING!
A recent story (though I could tell you a TON) comes to mind. Angelle and I had the opportunity to speak at the Healthy Traditions Network's Growing Connections Conference. We knew part of the event was outside, but we didn't realize the entire event was outside ~ including US speaking. When we did make that realization and were standing outside in our heels and short sleeve sweaters on a chilly fall morning, I needed to hit my "mindset reset button" every second! Of course, the event was outstanding, energizing and we highly recommend it. By the end of the day, Angelle and I were sweating in the exact same clothes! So funny.
There's a great program I want to take one day called Mind of Steel, Heart of Gold ~ to succeed in spite of anything, AND be calm, centered and peaceful in any situation. This can be a HARD dance to do some days, maybe all days! I find myself struggling with the second ~ to instantly tap into the calm and centered space. What a gift when you can do that. The faster the better too! That way you can avoid projecting your anger and frustration on others that happen to be "in your way". (Kids anyone?) I find myself getting so MUCH better at that ~ and apologizing to the person (including my children) immediately after I've done it. What a relief for all involved.
Practice makes perfect! I'm celebrating another REAL food journey success. At the Healthy Traditions Network event, Angelle and I learned how easy it is to make your own raw yogurt. So easy, we have to do it! Angelle forwarded me the information for Hick's Dairy ~ where we can get raw milk and get started. Getting it all lined up now. I'm excited to "fold" this into the mix. Dave is completely on board, but wondered if we would be making our own cheese as well someday. Laughing I said why? You can buy raw cheese at Whole Foods and Trader Joes!
Raw dairy has loads of benefits. Like everything in the world, you need to do your research and find a source you know and trust. Learn more from Sally Fallon about the benefits of raw milk and safety concerns of raw milk in this video. Also see Angelle's article What About Milk?
Let us know on Facebook what new things you're folding into your REAL food journey ~ always energizing to see how others do it.
Blessings,
Dr. Sue
|
|
School Lunch: Advocating for Change |
|
|
|
Written by Amy Hemmert & Tammy Pelstring of LaptopLunches.com
|
|
Tags: Laptop Lunch Boxes | Lunches | Planning and Preparation  Jamie Oliver, Rachael Ray, Chef Ann Cooper, Michelle Obama, these school lunch advocates are voicing what teachers have known for years….traditional school lunches are not only unhealthy for our kids, they have negative effects on academic performance as well. For busy parents juggling careers, sports schedules, report cards and a mountain of other responsibilities, tackling an issue as big as the school lunch crisis might seem overwhelming.
But don’t despair! Getting involved in the healthy school lunch movement isn’t as difficult as it sounds, and it can be incredibly rewarding. Voice your opinions and continue to ensure that your children get the fuel they need to thrive all afternoon long. Here are few ideas to get you started:
 Get Involved
- Join your local PTA. By working through a well-respected and organized organization, you can meet with other parents to arrange ways to encourage healthy eating habits in your school. Begin by asking to meet with the principal to express your commitment to the school, while also discussing the concrete reasons why your kids will not eat cafeteria food. To find out more about the PTA in your area, check out PTA.org.
- Visit LetsMove.gov. This site, hosted by First Lady, Michelle Obama, features an array of resources from healthy recipes to listings of chefs who are interested in assisting schools to create healthy lunch programs.
- Surf the web to stay current on movement to improve school lunches. Rachael Ray is working with New York Public Schools, Jamie Oliver is known for his Food Revolution, and many others are getting involved in this important movement.
- Sign on with Chef Ann Cooper: Sign up for Ann Alerts or take the School Food Challenge to connect with new ideas, strategies, tips, recipes, and others who care as deeply as you do.
- Join Two Angry Moms: View their video, join their movement, and get involved at TwoAngryMoms.com.
Pack Brain-Boosting Foods
- Numerous studies have shown that children who eat well tend to perform better in school. They’re more likely to be engaged, active, and better able to participate in classroom activities. Help your children stay focused in school by adding these foods to your children’s lunches.
- Blueberries: Kids love to eat them like candy and they contain antioxidants knows to increase memory and cognition.
- Avocado: Slip a few thin slices of avocado into a sandwich or wrap to provide a healthy sources of fat that will keep the mind and body stimulated.
- Flaxseeds: Packed with omega-3’s, sprinkling these nutty-flavored seeds on salads, sandwiches or yogurts can help improve the learning capacity of your little one.
- Dried Fruits & Nuts: Create a homemade trail mix using ingredients like dried cherries, golden raisins, raw almonds and wholegrain cereal to keep energy levels going strong.
- Lean proteins: Tuna, legumes and tofu contain the amino-acid, tyrosine, known to perk-up the brain. If your child has an afternoon test, give them the extra boost they need to succeed.
- Bonus: As an added benefit, once you start packing healthy lunches for your kids, you’ll be more likely to find ways to incorporate healthy options into your lunch too! For more healthy lunch ideas, visit LaptopLunches.com.
Packing wholesome lunches not only benefits your own family, but also raises the bar for other families as well. Whether you’re advocating on a national level or setting a good example in your local school cafeteria, remember that your efforts make a difference in the lives of real people.
 Amy Hemmert and Tammy Pelstring, two California moms, are co-creators of the Laptop Lunches line of bento-ware. Visit their web site at LaptopLunches.com for kid-friendly menus, inspirational recipes, wholesome menus, and practical lunchmaking tips.
|
|
