Mommy Babble

Tips for Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy

Cindy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:37:45 +0000

When we are pregnant we often focus so much on getting ready for the baby and what we are eating, we don’t pay attention to our teeth. According to Oral-B, as many as 70% of women are affected by gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, during their pregnancies. Gingivitis is caused by an accumulation of plaque in the mouth on the teeth and below the gum line; this can also be triggered by fluctuating hormones. Additionally, pregnant women are at greater risk for tooth decay when sugary food cravings kick in. Refining your oral hygiene during pregnancy is one of the most important steps you can take to help yourself and your baby.

Dr. Margaret Mitchell, DDS, of Mitchell Dental Spa, a dental and spa facility located in Chicago’s Water Tower Place, provides the following tips for maintaining proper oral hygiene during pregnancy:

Inform Your Dentist: X-Rays can harm the baby, and medications you may be on can affect the treatment your dentist administers.
Clean Where the Toothbrush Doesn’t: Make sure to floss every day; toothbrushes can leave as much as 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched.
Utilize Proper Brushing Technique: Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities.
Increase Time Spent on Oral Care: This means brushing after every meal if possible or at least rinsing your mouth out with water if a toothbrush is not available.
Floss: Make flossing or the use of a Waterpik a regular part of your oral hygiene regimen.
Eat Well: A well-balanced diet will not only give your unborn baby nutrients, it will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Visit Your Dentist: Consider more frequent visits to the dentist during pregnancy, so the risk of pregnancy gingivitis can be decreased through early detection and treatment. At the very least, regular 6 month check-ups during pregnancy are important.

Daisy Fuentes Pilates is coming to the Wii

Cindy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:35:53 +0000

Later this summer, SEGA® of America, Inc. Daisy Fuentes Pilates, the first Pilates workout program for the Wii™. Set at a lush tropical resort and hosted by Daisy Fuentes, longtime Pilates icon and star of the entertainment industry, the title supports the Wii Balance Board™. Created in partnership with Interactive Game Group, Daisy Fuentes Pilates features customizable workouts, fitness tracking real-time coaching and interactive feedback.

Daisy Fuentes Pilates, the first self-titled Pilates endeavor, goes beyond the one-way, static workouts of traditional DVDs using the Wii’s controls to monitor movements and offer instant feedback, ensuring proper body motion so players get the most from every Pilates session. Players stay on track following the integrated, on-screen “timing bar” as well as the real-time feedback from Daisy Fuentes herself, whose voice guides the exercises. Players will be able to choose between English and Spanish.

“This is a great way to get Pilates training that fits your schedule and lifestyle,” said Daisy Fuentes. “You can start out as an absolute beginner then move into intermediate and advanced levels–all at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home, and with responsive feedback that helps ensure you’re mastering core skills correctly before you advance.”

Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century, Pilates has become the exercise program of choice for a growing number of enthusiasts on a worldwide scale. Daisy Fuentes Pilates is built around 10 fundamental exercises that players craft into individual workout routines depending on their level of intensity (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced). Players can track their results – mapping the total amount of exercise completed and how well each movement was performed. Daisy Fuentes also offers exercise and healthy diet tips throughout the program to encourage a full-body approach to health and well-being.

“Pilates is like no other exercise,” Daisy Fuentes continued. “It makes your muscles long and lean – not bulky. It focuses on the connection between your mind and body, giving you smooth control over your movements. And the Wii is a great way to practice it – whether you’re getting started for the first time or looking for a more convenient way to integrate Pilates into your ongoing exercise routine.”

“More and more people are choosing to work-out at home” said SEGA of America’s VP of Marketing, Sean Ratcliffe. “Daisy’s targeted program for the Wii is a very effective way for the millions of Americans who practice Pilates to bring the experience into their living rooms, without losing the value of a group class and an instructor.”

Cuban-born Daisy Fuentes became a household name as an international television star on MTV and MTV Latino; and the first Latin worldwide spokesperson for Revlon. In her storied career she has hosted numerous national television shows, including House of Style and America’s Funniest Home Videos. In 2004, Daisy launched a fashion line, which now includes clothing, fragrances, handbags, accessories, sportswear and more. Daisy Fuentes was the spokesperson for the best-selling Winsor Pilates DVD series for many years.

Frédéric Chesnais, founder of Interactive Game Group and Executive Producer for the Title, added: “This project is exactly why I have created I2G, to bring talented people together and facilitate the creation and distribution of interactive entertainment.”

The game has been developed by Collision Studios in Los Angeles.

Daisy Fuentes Pilates will be released late summer 2009.

Tyson Heat ‘N Eat Entree Giveaway

Cindy — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:23:20 +0000

Tyson Foods has recently added four new flavors to their Heat ‘N Eat Dinner Meats line.

Planning is Key to Staying Within Your Vacation Budget

Cindy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:21:46 +0000

According to an Auto Club of America survey, almost one-quarter of polled travelers said they plan to spend less money on summer trips this year than they did last year, compared to 20 percent in 2008 who said they planned to spend less than in 2007. For those planning to spend less in summer 2009, 54 percent cited concern about the economy as a reason, 40 percent cited reduced income, 18 percent mentioned concern about their job stability and nine percent cited the loss of a job.

Julie Casserly of ChicagoHealers.com says, “Position yourself to be lucky to spend the amount of money you actually have for vacation, instead of going into debt and later on having to pay for past choices. No one likes having what I like to call a “spending hangover”…it takes all the fun out of going on vacation in the first place”.

Ms. Casserly continues, “It’s all about what free cash you have to be able to afford a vacation and about what is right for you and your family, there is no right or wrong, it’s about what you have chosen as your financial priorities and making sure that you create a positive energy flow from your spending (spending on a cash basis) and not a negative energy flow (spending with debt).”

Ms. Casserly gives these tips for making your vacation memorable without paying for it until next summer:

Last Minute Deals - We live in a world where there are so many things to do and many, many options. Many of the travel websites will have last minute trips at a deep discount, particularly today with this economic environment. Decide, OK, we have $2000 to spend on vacation and then search online for an all inclusive trip for the long weekend that falls into that number. The exciting part is that you are leaving yourself open to trying a new adventure or a new place.

Look At The End, First - Steven Covey says, “Begin with the end in mind”. I couldn’t agree more. Decide what are your priorities for your vacation, what amount your will choose to spend, then build your plan out from there.

Choose the Day - Choose to travel on cheaper air fare days, say Tuesday – Saturday

Name Your Price - Rent your car, hotel, or your airfare through www.priceline.com where you can name your own price. I have tried a 30% lower price than the market price and most times I am successful.

Pack the Snacks - If you’re taking a road trip, pack a cooler!!! No need to spend extra money on those high cost, high calorie snacks.

One Stop Shopping - Buy in bulk, get airfare, hotel, and car from one vendor.

Locals Know Best - Talk to the locals once you get somewhere, go to the restaurants where the locals eat, they’re not tourist traps with higher costs, and many times better.

Set the Plan and Open an Account - If you don’t have a vacation planned, set those financial intentions by opening up a separate savings account that is ONLY to be used for your vacations. If you’ve decided you want to spend $3000 per year on a vacation, then make sure you put $125 per check (if paid twice per month) into that savings account straight from your paycheck. I’ve met so many people who want to go on vacation, but they don’t because they don’t plan on it….this is a really easy thing to do to go have some fun in life!

About ChicagoHealers.com

Chicago Healers www.chicagohealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit www.chicagohealers.com

Finish this Thought

Cindy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:43:54 +0000

On Facebook there are a lot of meme type questionairres that float around. I like to participate in them when I have time because I think they help my “friends” get to know me a little better and I get to know them when I read their responses. I am posting Finish this Thought here. I would love for you to post your answers on your blog and leave me a comment with a link to your post so we can all get to know each other a little better. Let’s have fun and make some new blog friends.

1. I’ve come to realize that my last kiss …won’t be my last!

2. I am listening to … the hum of my computer.

3. I talk ….when I want to

4. I love funny …people

5. My best friends ……are always there for me even if they are far away.

6. My first real kiss ……was on a youth group outing.

7. Love is …… not an emotion but an action.

8. Marriage is….. forever.

9. Somewhere, someone is thinking … of what to eat for lunch.

10. I’ll always ….be the apple of God’s eye.

11. The last time I really cried was …Monday when I injured my finger.

12. My cell phone … is boring.

13. When I wake up in the morning ….I hit the floor running.

14. Before I go to bed … I play on my Nintendo DS.

15. Right now I am thinking …I have a lot to do!

16. Babies are .. a gift from God.

17. I get on Myspace ….NEVER.

18. Today I miss … my comfy chair.

19. Tomorrow …is the memorial service for a dear, sweet saint. miss Bennie

20. I really want to be …. helpful.

Free DVD for Little Girls

Cindy — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:53:48 +0000

Fischer Price is giving away a Free “The Princesses Save the Ball” DVD from their new Precious Places line.

Little girls love playing princess-and they’re sure to love all the magical surprises of the new Precious Places™ line from Fisher-Price. Catch Princess Sirina and her friends on this exciting DVD, as they discover their own unique strengths and the magic of teamwork.

from the Fisher Price website

Click here to get your DVD while supplies last.

Booster Seat Safety

Cindy — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:54:49 +0000

Before you jump in the car to start your summer vacation, we want parents to make sure their children are safely buckled up in the backseat. The majority of serious injuries and fatalities for children under the age of 14 occur in the summer months due to motor vehicle collisions. With only 28 per cent of children between the ages of four and eight using booster seats, parents are putting their children at risk for serious injuries in the event of a car crash. Booster seats are required in most states for children ages 4-8 and those who have not yet reached a height of 4′9″.

I know that kids, especially as they get older, don’t like to sit in a booster seat. When my kids fought sitting in the seat I just explained to them that, I loved them too much to allow them to sit without a booster seat. They understood that and when a friend would see that they still sat in a booster seat and tease them, which happened often, my kids said, “It’s because my mommy loves me. I guess your mommy doesn’t love you very much.” This “positive” peer pressure actually led to several families in our church getting booster seats for their kids.

Some tips for using a booster seat:

- A child is ready for a booster seat when they are less than four feet
nine inches tall and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds.
- A booster seat lifts a child up so that the seat belt fits correctly.
Both the lap and the shoulder belt must be used and will hold the
child and the booster seat in place during a crash or sudden stop.
- There are two different types of booster seats:
A high back booster seat provides head and neck protection in cars
without head restraints and a no back booster is used in cars that
have adjustable head restraints or high seat backs.
- A child is ready for a seat belt, in the back seat when he or she is at least four feet nine inches or 80 pounds.

Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of injury-related death for children. Every year, an estimated 100 children age 14 and under are killed and more than 10,000 are injured due to traffic collisions. Show your kids how much you love them. Get them a booster seat.

Mom’s Tool Box

Cindy — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:59:13 +0000

I am an organizing junkie. I love lists, bins, boxes and labels. I just downloaded some new FREE lists to help me keep organized this summer. For the first time, the parenting site Mommy Track’d (www.MommyTrackd.com) is offering its wildy popular organizational supplies for FREE! These thrifty, hip and convenient downloads will kick your clunky organizer to the curb in no time!
From the EAT SHEET to the BALANCE SHEET to the MASTER CHECKLIST and more, Moms everywhere will find these downloads to be super helpful in planning weekly meals, grocery shopping, parties, projects and keeping track of things like appointments, soccer games, and family events. Just print out a new one each day, week, or month as needed!

I downloaded The Balance Sheet, To-Do To-Delegate, and The Week-at-a-Glance. I hope these downloads help keep your summer flowing smoothly. While you are there check out all of the other cool stuff that MommyTrack’d has to offer.

At Home Fitness Tips from LA Boxing

Cindy — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:17:50 +0000

For new mothers, there is no greater joy than welcoming home your newborn baby. Unfortunately for most new mothers, there is also no greater disappointment than realizing you no longer fit into your favorite pair of jeans. For those looking to slim down, boxing is a fun and effective way to help new moms get rid of their post pregnancy weight. Boxing workouts are notable favorites among celebrities such as Victoria’s Secret models Adriana Lima (who just announced her pregnancy!) and Marisa Miller, The Office funny girl Jenna Fisher and hunks Matthew McConaughey and Mark Walberg.

Below is a simple at-home workout that will help quickly shed pounds in the comfort of your living room, courtesy of the fitness gurus at LA Boxing (www.laboxing.com), the nation’s leading boxing, kickboxing and MMA organization.

o Partake in 3 minute rounds concentrating on the below breakdown with 30 seconds break in between rounds:

1. Shadow box for the first minute: Keep hands always up (do all combinations with hooks, uppercuts, and straight punches)

2. Power punches second minute (punching hard every punch)

3. Shadow box the third minute

o Do as many rounds as you can. I would start out with five to six rounds. When you get in better shape add one knee after every combination using the opposite side knee of your last punch. Then if you are in really good shape you can add 10 squat jumps (jumping as high as you can in the air, then squatting as low as you can) during your break time.

Leading the fitness industry with their token LA Boxing workout, classes are guaranteed to burn up to 800-1000 calories/hour.

Go Play Outside

Cindy — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:40:03 +0000

Grandparents.com has launched a major national campaign encouraging grandparents to join a movement called: Go Play Outside. The goal is to get kids off the couch – and outside for a collective 1 million hours of play by summer’s end.

The site is asking grandparents to plan outdoor activities with their grandchildren and then come to Grandparents.com and log in their hours and experiences. When the goal of 1 million hours is reached, a donation will be made to KaBOOM!, the national non-profit organization dedicated to bringing play back into the lives of children.

“In just a couple of weeks, we already have thousands of hours logged in,” said Dr. Georgia Witkin, nationally acclaimed health expert and spokesperson for this movement. “And what we’re hearing from participants is that they are not only feeling good about helping their grandchildren – they are having a lot of fun doing it!”

Leave me a comment here and let me know how you are getting your kids/grandkids outside this summer.