Guide To Buying Shoes for Children
For Small Feet
>> Always get children's feet measured when buying new shoes (only a third of children are average fir). Return after a few months to have the fit re-checked. During growth spurts, a child can grow two sizes in a term.
>> Don't buy shoes with more than the recommended "growing room" - they are a false economy, as they can cause numerous problems while the child grows into them.
>> Ensure that toenails are cut at least once a month, straight across to prevent thickened or ingrowing toenails. Check sock size regularly, too, as socks can shrink and affect nail and toe growth.
>> Act quickly and, if necessary, consult a podiatrist if you suspect a problem. This can worsen rapidly as a child's foot grows and may cause permanent deformities if it is ignored.
>> Don't allow older children to have heels higher than 3cm except for very occasional use.
Fit Big Feet
>> Ensure that soles are thick enough to provide adequate shock absorption, to limit wear and tear on the joints: We were designed to walk on earth, not concrete.
>> Check your fit: It is not only children's feet that change over time. There should always be room to wiggle your toes.
>> If you suffer pain regularly, have your feet checked. Pain is not normal, even if you have been on your feet all day.
>> Choose shoes with a lace, buckle or Velcro fastening: Support over the instep is necessary to stop the foot sliding and squeezing at the front.
>> Have two pairs of shoes for regular use, so that they can dry out: A foot has more than 200,000 sweat glands and can produce an eggcup of sweat in a day. Sweat can exacerbate skin and nail problem - and old sweat can rot shoes.
Source: New Straits Times, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Kids online safety
Kids Online Safety
Prevent your kids from spending too much time online.
The Internet creates interest and excitement and therefore it can occupy most of your children’s productive time. While in their growing years, it is important for them to manage their time and expose themselves to various activities during the day or the week in order to make their growing years more fruitful and meaningful, apart from just internet.
The following are some tips for parent to monitor their children’s time online and to ensure that they are safe as well.
>> Ask yourself if your child’s Internet use is affecting his or her school performance, health, and relationships with family and friends.
>> Determine how much time your children are spending online.
>> Get help, if your child is demonstrating strong signs of Internet addiction, consider seeking professional counseling. Compulsive Internet use may be symptomatic of other problems such as depression, anger, and low self-esteem.
>> Examine your own online habits. Do you have trouble controlling your Internet use? Remember, you are your child’s most important role model.
>> Don’t ban the Internet. It’s an important part of most kids’ social lives. Instead, establish family Internet rules about where your kids can go online and what they can do there – and stick to them. These rules might include: a limited amount of time online each day; no surfing or instant messaging until kids complete their homework; no chat rooms or online adult content.
>> Keep the computer out in the open. Set up your computer in a public area of your house, not in a child’s bedroom.
>> Establish a balance. Encourage and support your child’s participation in other activities – particularly physical pastimes with other children.
>> Help your child socialize offline. If your child is shy or socially awkward with peers, consider a social skill class. Encourage activities that will bring your child together with others who have similar interests, such as computer classes or hobby groups.
>> Teach your kids that not everything they read or see online is true. Encourage them to ask you if they’re not sure.
>> Monitor your kids. Investigate software that monitors and restricts Internet use, such as the parental controls. Although filtering and monitoring tools are helpful, keep in mind that they can be disabled by a savvy computer user. Your ultimate goal should be helping your kids to develop self-control, discipline, and accountability with the Internet.
>> Suggest alternatives. If your children seem interested only in playing online video games, try an offline tie-in to one of their favorite games. For example, if your child enjoys fantasy role-playing games, encourage her or him to read fantasy books.
Protecting your kids from online predators
The Internet has become an important part of our life, we use it for work, play and study but we must be aware of the dark side similar to real life problems that can affect your children. Talk to your kids about sexual predators and potential online dangers.
>> Young children should not use chat rooms – the dangers are too great. As children get older, direct them towards well-monitored kids’ chat rooms. Encourage even your teens to use monitored chat rooms.
>> If your children take part in chat rooms, make sure you know which ones they visit and with whom they talk. Monitor the chat areas yourself to see what kind of conversations take place.
>> Instruct your children to never leave the chat room’s public area. Many chat rooms offer private areas where users can have one-on-one chats with other users – chat monitors can’t read these conversations. These are often referred to as “whisper” areas.
>> Keep the Internet-connected computer in a common area of the house, never in a child’s bedroom. It is much more difficult for a predator to establish a relationship with your child if the computer screen is easily visible. Even when the computer is in a public area of your home, sit with your child when they are online.
>> When your children are young, they should share the family e-mail address rather than have their own e-mail accounts. As they get older, you can ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to set up a separate e-mail address, but your children’s mail can still reside in your account.
>> If all precautions fail and your kids do meet an online predator, don’t blame them. The offender always bears full responsibility. Take decisive action to stop your child from any further contact with this person.
Source: www.esecurity.org.my
NST1klassifieds, Saturday, September 5, 2009
Why Blog? The Purpose of Blogging
Prevent your kids from spending too much time online.
The Internet creates interest and excitement and therefore it can occupy most of your children’s productive time. While in their growing years, it is important for them to manage their time and expose themselves to various activities during the day or the week in order to make their growing years more fruitful and meaningful, apart from just internet.
The following are some tips for parent to monitor their children’s time online and to ensure that they are safe as well.
>> Ask yourself if your child’s Internet use is affecting his or her school performance, health, and relationships with family and friends.
>> Determine how much time your children are spending online.
>> Get help, if your child is demonstrating strong signs of Internet addiction, consider seeking professional counseling. Compulsive Internet use may be symptomatic of other problems such as depression, anger, and low self-esteem.
>> Examine your own online habits. Do you have trouble controlling your Internet use? Remember, you are your child’s most important role model.
>> Don’t ban the Internet. It’s an important part of most kids’ social lives. Instead, establish family Internet rules about where your kids can go online and what they can do there – and stick to them. These rules might include: a limited amount of time online each day; no surfing or instant messaging until kids complete their homework; no chat rooms or online adult content.
>> Keep the computer out in the open. Set up your computer in a public area of your house, not in a child’s bedroom.
>> Establish a balance. Encourage and support your child’s participation in other activities – particularly physical pastimes with other children.
>> Help your child socialize offline. If your child is shy or socially awkward with peers, consider a social skill class. Encourage activities that will bring your child together with others who have similar interests, such as computer classes or hobby groups.
>> Teach your kids that not everything they read or see online is true. Encourage them to ask you if they’re not sure.
>> Monitor your kids. Investigate software that monitors and restricts Internet use, such as the parental controls. Although filtering and monitoring tools are helpful, keep in mind that they can be disabled by a savvy computer user. Your ultimate goal should be helping your kids to develop self-control, discipline, and accountability with the Internet.
>> Suggest alternatives. If your children seem interested only in playing online video games, try an offline tie-in to one of their favorite games. For example, if your child enjoys fantasy role-playing games, encourage her or him to read fantasy books.
Protecting your kids from online predators
The Internet has become an important part of our life, we use it for work, play and study but we must be aware of the dark side similar to real life problems that can affect your children. Talk to your kids about sexual predators and potential online dangers.
>> Young children should not use chat rooms – the dangers are too great. As children get older, direct them towards well-monitored kids’ chat rooms. Encourage even your teens to use monitored chat rooms.
>> If your children take part in chat rooms, make sure you know which ones they visit and with whom they talk. Monitor the chat areas yourself to see what kind of conversations take place.
>> Instruct your children to never leave the chat room’s public area. Many chat rooms offer private areas where users can have one-on-one chats with other users – chat monitors can’t read these conversations. These are often referred to as “whisper” areas.
>> Keep the Internet-connected computer in a common area of the house, never in a child’s bedroom. It is much more difficult for a predator to establish a relationship with your child if the computer screen is easily visible. Even when the computer is in a public area of your home, sit with your child when they are online.
>> When your children are young, they should share the family e-mail address rather than have their own e-mail accounts. As they get older, you can ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to set up a separate e-mail address, but your children’s mail can still reside in your account.
>> If all precautions fail and your kids do meet an online predator, don’t blame them. The offender always bears full responsibility. Take decisive action to stop your child from any further contact with this person.
Source: www.esecurity.org.my
NST1klassifieds, Saturday, September 5, 2009
Why Blog? The Purpose of Blogging
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Problem From Caesarian Birth
Problem From Caesarian Birth
Babies delivered by Caesarian section are more likely than babies born naturally to have respiratory problems as newborns, according to a Danish study.
Serious respiratory problems that require artificial ventilation are five times more common among babies delivered by C-section, according to the study, which was reported by the Sosiety for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine in Werne, Germany.
The data used in the study showed that every tenth delivered by C-section in the 37th week of pregnancy had a problem with breathing.
"This probably arises from the absense of a rise in catecholamines," said Prof Dieter Koehler of the society.
This stress hormone is released by the mother during a normal birth due to labour pains. It ensures that less fluid gets into the lungs of the child and, at the same time, generates a material that dilates the pulmonary alveoli.
The findings show that a C-section should be undertaken only when medically necessary, Koehler said - dpa.
Source: Family Tips, theSun, September 8, 2009
Proven Ways to Make Money on the Internet
Babies delivered by Caesarian section are more likely than babies born naturally to have respiratory problems as newborns, according to a Danish study.
Serious respiratory problems that require artificial ventilation are five times more common among babies delivered by C-section, according to the study, which was reported by the Sosiety for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine in Werne, Germany.
The data used in the study showed that every tenth delivered by C-section in the 37th week of pregnancy had a problem with breathing.
"This probably arises from the absense of a rise in catecholamines," said Prof Dieter Koehler of the society.
This stress hormone is released by the mother during a normal birth due to labour pains. It ensures that less fluid gets into the lungs of the child and, at the same time, generates a material that dilates the pulmonary alveoli.
The findings show that a C-section should be undertaken only when medically necessary, Koehler said - dpa.
Source: Family Tips, theSun, September 8, 2009
Proven Ways to Make Money on the Internet
Danger in Blanket Cover
Danger in Blanket Cover
Older infants are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrom (SIDS), especially if they sleep with a blanket, according to a study by the University Hospital Muenster. Physicians, therefore, recommend that a sleeping bag be used instead.
In the study, conducted by a research team led by Dr Mechthild Vennemann, more than a quarter of the infants who died of SIDS were found under blanket. Their average age was 30.5 weeks, reported the Aertze Zeitung.
Previously, it was thought that SIDS victims found under a blanker had pulled it over their heads as they were dying, and that the blanket itself was not responsible for the death.
But a more plausible explanation, in the view of the researchers, is that the blanket causes the baby's temperature to rise because a large amount of body heat escapes through the head.
This causes the infants's brain to overheat, which together with the reduced supply of oxygen under the blanket could be fatal, they said. - dpa
Source: Family Ties, the Sun, September 8, 2009
Older infants are at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrom (SIDS), especially if they sleep with a blanket, according to a study by the University Hospital Muenster. Physicians, therefore, recommend that a sleeping bag be used instead.
In the study, conducted by a research team led by Dr Mechthild Vennemann, more than a quarter of the infants who died of SIDS were found under blanket. Their average age was 30.5 weeks, reported the Aertze Zeitung.
Previously, it was thought that SIDS victims found under a blanker had pulled it over their heads as they were dying, and that the blanket itself was not responsible for the death.
But a more plausible explanation, in the view of the researchers, is that the blanket causes the baby's temperature to rise because a large amount of body heat escapes through the head.
This causes the infants's brain to overheat, which together with the reduced supply of oxygen under the blanket could be fatal, they said. - dpa
Source: Family Ties, the Sun, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Cancer and Cell Phone Use
Cancer and Cell Phone Use
Cell phones are particularly dangerous for children and using them could increase risk of brain cancer, according to a report released recently by the International EMF Collaborative, a UK-based watchdog group that studies electromagnetic radiation exposure and its effects on health.
The report highlighted a Swedish study published in May in the International Journal of Oncology that showed that digital cell phone and cordless phone use begun in the teenage years led to 420% increased risk of brain cancer.
Children should not sleep with cell phones under their pillows and they should only be used by children under 18 except in cases of emergency, the report said.
Source: Healthbriefs, theSun, September 7, 2009.
Cell phones are particularly dangerous for children and using them could increase risk of brain cancer, according to a report released recently by the International EMF Collaborative, a UK-based watchdog group that studies electromagnetic radiation exposure and its effects on health.
The report highlighted a Swedish study published in May in the International Journal of Oncology that showed that digital cell phone and cordless phone use begun in the teenage years led to 420% increased risk of brain cancer.
Children should not sleep with cell phones under their pillows and they should only be used by children under 18 except in cases of emergency, the report said.
Source: Healthbriefs, theSun, September 7, 2009.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Make Your Kid's Bones Stronger
Make Your Kid's Bones Stronger
Life-shattering bone diseases such as osteoporosis can be avoided when parents take preventive measures right from the start of their child’s life. Are you doing what it takes to help your child develop strong bones for life?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and break easily from a minor fall, or in serious cases from a simple act like sneezing. While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person’s disease, it can strike at any age.
This condition is particularly worrying in women, who are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
While millions suffer from this disease, it is known that osteoporosis is preventable, especially if the right measures are taken from as young as infancy. Ensure your child gets the recommended amounts of calcium, vitamin D and exercise today. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Why is Calcium important?
The human body does not produce calcium on its own, while each day our bodies lose calcium through our skin, nails, hair, sweat, urine, and faeces. So when we do not consume enough calcium for our body’s needs, it is taken from our bones to be used for other bodily functions such as enabling the nervous system to send messages and allowing muscles to contract.
Children aged one to three should consume at least 500mg of calcium daily, while four to eight-year-olds need at least 800mg.
Snow Brand SUPER KID-plus provides the amount of calcium needed for your child’s daily intake. Apart from calcium obtained from milk, introduce other calcium-rich food to your child’s diet in stages, such as cheese and yogurt.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Severe deficiency can cause rickets in children – a rare bone softening disease that causes bowing of the legs, poor growth, and at times muscle pain. Our skin produces vitamin D from the ultra-violet light (UV rays) in sunlight, however it is difficult to gauge how much, if enough is produced. The recommended daily amount required for children aged three to seven is 400 I.U.
Exercise – Use it or lose it
Bones are living tissues that become stronger and denser when we make them work. It is recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of exercise everyday. It does not have to be done all at once – short 10 to 15-minute spurts of activity works well too. Limit TV, video games and computer time and set a good example by being active yourself.
Tips for stronger bones
To develop stronger bones, make time for weight-bearing exercises like walking, climbing stairs, bicycling or dancing, or even play fun games in the outdoors like catch or Simon Says.
Ensure Calcium and vitamin D are part of your child’s daily diet. Include food like milk, yogurt, spinach and salmon.
Superior nutrition for great kids
Generally, milk formulae formulated by various makers are not of the same quality. Snow Brand SUPPER KID-plus is about the most comprehensive nutrient-enhanced growing-up milk formula in the market today.
It features a balance of nutrients essential for the proper physical and mental development of a growing child such as Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Sialic Acid (SA), Oligosaccharide, Choline, Tryptophan, essential vitamins and minerals with a high content of Omega 3 and Omega 6. It also contains Nucleotides for stronger immune function as well as Taurine and Ferum for added nutritional value.
With no added sugar and flavouring, Snow Brand SUPPER KID-plus retains the all-natural taste and goodness of milk that children love.
Source: StarSpecial, the Star, August 27, 2009
Life-shattering bone diseases such as osteoporosis can be avoided when parents take preventive measures right from the start of their child’s life. Are you doing what it takes to help your child develop strong bones for life?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and break easily from a minor fall, or in serious cases from a simple act like sneezing. While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person’s disease, it can strike at any age.
This condition is particularly worrying in women, who are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
While millions suffer from this disease, it is known that osteoporosis is preventable, especially if the right measures are taken from as young as infancy. Ensure your child gets the recommended amounts of calcium, vitamin D and exercise today. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Why is Calcium important?
The human body does not produce calcium on its own, while each day our bodies lose calcium through our skin, nails, hair, sweat, urine, and faeces. So when we do not consume enough calcium for our body’s needs, it is taken from our bones to be used for other bodily functions such as enabling the nervous system to send messages and allowing muscles to contract.
Children aged one to three should consume at least 500mg of calcium daily, while four to eight-year-olds need at least 800mg.
Snow Brand SUPER KID-plus provides the amount of calcium needed for your child’s daily intake. Apart from calcium obtained from milk, introduce other calcium-rich food to your child’s diet in stages, such as cheese and yogurt.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Severe deficiency can cause rickets in children – a rare bone softening disease that causes bowing of the legs, poor growth, and at times muscle pain. Our skin produces vitamin D from the ultra-violet light (UV rays) in sunlight, however it is difficult to gauge how much, if enough is produced. The recommended daily amount required for children aged three to seven is 400 I.U.
Exercise – Use it or lose it
Bones are living tissues that become stronger and denser when we make them work. It is recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of exercise everyday. It does not have to be done all at once – short 10 to 15-minute spurts of activity works well too. Limit TV, video games and computer time and set a good example by being active yourself.
Tips for stronger bones
To develop stronger bones, make time for weight-bearing exercises like walking, climbing stairs, bicycling or dancing, or even play fun games in the outdoors like catch or Simon Says.
Ensure Calcium and vitamin D are part of your child’s daily diet. Include food like milk, yogurt, spinach and salmon.
Superior nutrition for great kids
Generally, milk formulae formulated by various makers are not of the same quality. Snow Brand SUPPER KID-plus is about the most comprehensive nutrient-enhanced growing-up milk formula in the market today.
It features a balance of nutrients essential for the proper physical and mental development of a growing child such as Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Sialic Acid (SA), Oligosaccharide, Choline, Tryptophan, essential vitamins and minerals with a high content of Omega 3 and Omega 6. It also contains Nucleotides for stronger immune function as well as Taurine and Ferum for added nutritional value.
With no added sugar and flavouring, Snow Brand SUPPER KID-plus retains the all-natural taste and goodness of milk that children love.
Source: StarSpecial, the Star, August 27, 2009
Helping Kids Deal With Separation Anxiety
Helping Kids Deal With Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety from a parent is a stressful time for any child – just as much for parents, who may be experiencing the same for their child. This is something the child will eventually come to accept and grow out of – but how do you cope with it in the meantime? Here are a few tips.
During the first year of life, your newborn will develop a strong attachment to you. As young as six months old, your baby may start to become upset when you leave her at daycare, with a relative, or with the babysitter. Separation anxiety is a normal part of infant development. Most babies experience separation anxiety between 12 and 18 months, though early signs may be evident by six or seven months.
Toddlers usually experience separation anxiety when their parents leave them with a caregiver to go to work, run errands, or enjoy a night out. Although this normal stage in development typically only lasts a few months, it can be very frustrating and stressful for both parents and the little ones.
Some parents try to keep separation to a minimum as they wait for their child to outgrow the stage. But for many parents, returning to work is not an option. It may be easier to leave your little one with a friend or relative she is familiar with until she has resolved her separation anxieties. If you choose a caregiver that your baby doesn’t know, spend some time visiting the new environment prior to her first day. Separation may not be as difficult if your baby is at least somewhat familiar with her surroundings and the person she will be spending time with.
Parents need to spend some time away from their children, so leaving your little one with a relative or a care provider is usually inevitable. Make the separation as comfortable as possible for you and your baby. Always visit new care facilities with your child before leaving her alone.
Most childcare centers, will welcome a brief visit. Stay close but allow your child to play and interact without you.
On the first day, you and your baby may want to arrive at the location about 30 minutes early. Tell your baby where you will be while you are away and assure her you will be back to get her soon. Give her plenty of hugs and kisses, but try not to make your separation too big a deal. You may want to stay in the building, but out of sight, for a few minutes to give your little one a chance to settle in. Once you leave do not return until time to pick up her up to go home.
If your child is having an exceptionally hard time, try limiting the first stay to no more than an hour. If the provider’s rules allow it, a familiar toy, may ease her anxieties.
Separation anxieties are a troublesome time for most parents and their toddlers. Though your baby may scream and cry, her fears will typically subside within the first 15 to 30 minutes.
Remember this is a normal stage of development and do your best to help your child through it.
Source: 1klassifieds, New Straits Times, September 2, 2009
Separation anxiety from a parent is a stressful time for any child – just as much for parents, who may be experiencing the same for their child. This is something the child will eventually come to accept and grow out of – but how do you cope with it in the meantime? Here are a few tips.
During the first year of life, your newborn will develop a strong attachment to you. As young as six months old, your baby may start to become upset when you leave her at daycare, with a relative, or with the babysitter. Separation anxiety is a normal part of infant development. Most babies experience separation anxiety between 12 and 18 months, though early signs may be evident by six or seven months.
Toddlers usually experience separation anxiety when their parents leave them with a caregiver to go to work, run errands, or enjoy a night out. Although this normal stage in development typically only lasts a few months, it can be very frustrating and stressful for both parents and the little ones.
Some parents try to keep separation to a minimum as they wait for their child to outgrow the stage. But for many parents, returning to work is not an option. It may be easier to leave your little one with a friend or relative she is familiar with until she has resolved her separation anxieties. If you choose a caregiver that your baby doesn’t know, spend some time visiting the new environment prior to her first day. Separation may not be as difficult if your baby is at least somewhat familiar with her surroundings and the person she will be spending time with.
Parents need to spend some time away from their children, so leaving your little one with a relative or a care provider is usually inevitable. Make the separation as comfortable as possible for you and your baby. Always visit new care facilities with your child before leaving her alone.
Most childcare centers, will welcome a brief visit. Stay close but allow your child to play and interact without you.
On the first day, you and your baby may want to arrive at the location about 30 minutes early. Tell your baby where you will be while you are away and assure her you will be back to get her soon. Give her plenty of hugs and kisses, but try not to make your separation too big a deal. You may want to stay in the building, but out of sight, for a few minutes to give your little one a chance to settle in. Once you leave do not return until time to pick up her up to go home.
If your child is having an exceptionally hard time, try limiting the first stay to no more than an hour. If the provider’s rules allow it, a familiar toy, may ease her anxieties.
Separation anxieties are a troublesome time for most parents and their toddlers. Though your baby may scream and cry, her fears will typically subside within the first 15 to 30 minutes.
Remember this is a normal stage of development and do your best to help your child through it.
Source: 1klassifieds, New Straits Times, September 2, 2009
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