A Heartfelt Salute to Parents from Grandparents

By Kate Jerome

September 1, 2021

Photo: Johnny Cohen on Unsplash

You’re so focused on being a great parent today that you are probably not thinking about what kind of grandparent you’ll be tomorrow…I get it. But busy parents like you deserve more than a little praise right now and here’s the good news. Everything you are currently pouring your heart into is going to help your family for generations to come. And if you are lucky enough to wear the Grandparent hat one day, here is why you will succeed:

1. You have us! And by us, I mean the countless Boomer age (and older) parents who are no longer clueless. How did this happen you ask? Simple longevity plus trial and error have their rewards—from the inane (if you sit too close to the TV you won’t really go blind) to the significant (there is no such thing as loving your child too much)! As a result, we know that doing even simple things with children, such as giving hugs and spending time with them, releases feel-good hormones (like oxytocin) that help a child feel content and calm. So, of course, that’s what we do with your children. Please take note it works for us, too.

2. You are already Rock Stars. Okay. At first, we weren’t sure how this parenting thing would go for you. But we’ve now seen you in action. Do you know how many times we have thanked God we are not now raising kids because of social media issues alone? Throw in the pandemic and you are by far the best parents we have ever seen! Seriously. We have watched you do everything—from homeschooling to grocery wipe downs. We’ve seen you shine with everyday successes. More importantly, we’ve seen you fail and get back up again. This “can-do” attitude, coupled with your absolute ferocity in protecting your loved ones (including us) humbles our hearts and warms our souls. We also know you will only improve with age. See point one.

3. Your kids are smarter than you. Yes, I know this may be hard to believe when your (supposedly) potty-trained toddler still asks for a diaper so she can go number two. But hang in there. Even today’s pre-teen children already care about really important issues—everything from diversity and inclusion to healthy eating and protecting the planet! There’s no way they are going to ignore the benefits of what you, as a grandparent, can bring to the table for their own kids! We already know that people who have more social support through intergenerational connections have better mental and cardiovascular health—not to mention stronger immune systems and cognitive performance. And the research will only get better. So you’re pretty much gold.

We current Grandparents will joyfully accept all kudos on this year’s Grandparents Day (hint: Sunday, Sep. 12th!) But we also must raise a glass to you parents…right now…for all the marvelous things you do, day in and day out. Your children will reap a lifetime’s worth of benefit and, to be purposefully grandiose for a moment, the nurturing you’re doing today will contribute to a healthier society in the future. So congratulations and take a well-deserved breath!

We love our grandchildren mightily…but you are the ones who originally stole our hearts!

Kate Jerome

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kate Jerome, a seasoned publishing executive and award-winning children’s book author, is co-founder of Little Bridges, an innovative company dedicated to creating products that foster enduring multi-generational experiences, including themed, intergenerational activity kits with content and activities designed to encourage interactive experiences and meaningful conversations based on family traditions and history.

Check Your Charcuterie: Fratelli Beretta Recalls Uncured Antipasto Due to Salmonella Risk

by Sarah ShebekAugust 30, 2021

Love your meat and cheese boards? You’ll want to pay attention to this announcement. Fratellli Beretta USA is recalling approximately 862,000 pounds of uncured antipasto products due to potential salmonella contamination.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made the announcement on Friday. The uncured meat trays were produced February 28, 2021 through August 15, 2021. Affected products are 24 ounce trays split into two 12 ounce packages: “UNCURED ANTIPASTO PROSCIUTTO, SOPPRESSATA, MILANO SALAMI & COPPA.” The UPC code is 073541305316.

After a larger salmonella outbreak in 17 states, the FSIS traced some of the illness reports back to the antipasto trays. Contamination with the bacteria can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever and may last four to seven days. Although most people recover at home, older adults, infants and those with weakened immune systems may require hospitalization.

If you find this product in your fridge, toss it out immediately. If you have more questions regarding the recall, contact Fratelli Beretta USA Inc.’s recall hotline at 1-866-918-8738.

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service

Recall Alert: Frozen Stuffed Chicken Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

Recall Alert: Pre-Packaged Muffins May Be Contaminated With Listeria

by Sarah ShebekJuly 23, 2021

Pre-packaged muffins make a super-convenient breakfast option. But if you’ve purchased muffins from Walmart, 7-Eleven, or Stop & Shop lately, check your packaging. Give and Go Prepared Foods, which distributes muffins at the retailers, has announced a voluntary recall on multiple products due to potential listeria contamination.

The list of products is lengthy and includes Uncle Wally’s brand, The Worthy Crumb and Freshness Guaranteed. Products sold include regular and mini muffin size and many have a lot code date of August 28 or 29. Check the recall announcement for the full list of affected muffins.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious or sometimes fatal infections in young children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Fortunately, there have been no illnesses reported yet.

If you have one or more of these products at home, discard them and make note of the lot code on the packaging. If you decide to contact Give and Go’s customer support for more information, you can call 1-844-366-1171 and provide them with the lot code.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of the FDA

Recall Alert: Ergobaby Strollers Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

Recall Alert: IKEA Recalls Dinnerware Due to Burn Hazard

Dirt + Water = Fun! 9 Muddy Play Ideas for Toddlers

by Oz SpiesJuly 23, 2021

Making mud pies, digging in the dirt and searching for roly-polies: opportunities for messy playtime in the dirt are endless. Playing in the dirt and mud isn’t just fun outdoor exploration for toddlers. Digging in the dirt gives developing immune systems a boost and nurtures creativity, all while making muddy, messy memories. From making mud bricks to edible “dirt,” you can give your little ones loads of joy with these muddy play ideas for toddlers. And yes, you should plan on your child needing a bath afterwards.

Mud Kitchen
Making mud pies is a classic kid favorite for a reason: It’s good, dirty fun. Mud kitchens bring indoor play kitchens outside for messier creative play. Kids can start mixing up feasts in a mud kitchen when they’re toddlers and continue to host mud-pie tea parties and make dandelion soup for stuffed animal friends for years to come. Like a play kitchen, a mud kitchen can be fancy, or it can be very basic with nothing more than a few bowls and cups. You can order Mud Mama's step-by-step building plan, pictured above after being fully built, for $10 from Etsy or order one that's pre-built. You can also check thrift stores for plastic kitchen sets that can handle being outside in the elements. If you’d like a more temporary mud kitchen set-up, rinse out plastic yogurt containers or butter tubs, throw in a few sturdy spoons, and add a little water and a lot of dirt and voila! Your chef’s mud pie bakery is ready for business!

Mud Bricks
Making mud bricks is easy! Just pack dirt inside egg crates or ice cube trays and leave them in the sun. Experiment with the ratio of water to dirt: a damp but not dripping mix compacts well and creates nice solid bricks for building towers or fairy houses. In a few hours, you’ll have mud bricks that your little one can use to stack and build.

Edible “Dirt”
If your toddler puts everything in his/her mouth, there’s a safe way for muddy sensory play. Whip up a batch of this taste-safe mud substitute from Entertain Your Toddler; the website has the direction to make your own. This edible dirt has a secret ingredient you may already have in your house! Mix up the fake mud, put it in a bowl with plastic measuring cups and spoons or plastic toys, and get ready for messy fun.

Clean-Up
Plastic cars, dirt and soapy water. Combine all three for instant fun. First, let your little one get their plastic cars dirty on a muddy race track or dirt-clod-filled construction site. Then, fill a plastic tub with soapy water and you can both scrub those cars clean. If dinosaurs or farm animals are more your kid's speed, swap this in for this mud and bath party.

Garden Grow
Let little ones dig in the dirt and nurture plants with their own custom planter. You can set aside a bare patch of dirt for your little one to dig in and explore, or turn old dump trucks into garden beds a la Hello Wonderful. Fast-growing seeds like cosmos or leafy greens are a fun choice for little ones exploring in the garden, because they sprout so quickly that kids can see the impact of water and sunshine. Add a watering can and a set of sturdy plastic shovels to fuel muddy garden play, whether your little one has a fancy flower bed or just a patch of dandelions to water.

Mud Painting
Feeling ooey gooey mud between your fingers is a fascinating sensory experience for little ones. Babies can try to finger-paint with mud (or chocolate pudding if you want an edible option). Or, collect mud in a bowl and add a few pint-sized sticks and let older toddlers create masterpieces on white paper the way Twin Mom Refreshed suggests. Mud painting is an easy-to-put-together activity that combines nature exploration with fine motor skill development. Holding a tool, like a paintbrush or a stick used as a paintbrush, builds the muscles and coordination little ones will need in a few years when they learn to write.

Mud Sculptures
Think of mud as nature's playdough. Kids can mold it into all kinds of shapes, and even add twigs or leaves to create different textures. Sprinkle in a little biodegradable glitter to make the mixing and molding even more interesting.

Bug Hunt
Digging in the dirt for roly-polies is a backyard adventure that’s just right for toddlers. With a bug home like this one, which includes a magnifying glass in the top, your new bug friends will stay safe from toddlers’ grabby hands, and budding young scientists can get a better look at the creatures living in their own backyards. You can also encourage your little ones to make bug habitats of their own by molding mud houses or piling up sticks.

Available on amazon.com, $7.95.

Mud Puddle
This kind of muddy play is one of the easiest since nature does all the prep work for you. If you can't wait, get the hose to make your own puddles so you and your child can splash around like Peppa Pig. Stomp in the mud, stir it with a stick, float a piece of bark inside it—there’s no end to the fun that toddlers can have with mud puddles. In warm weather, lose the boots and tiptoe through puddles with bare feet. Feeling squishy mud between their toes fascinates many toddlers. Then check out the classic book Mud Puddle for a fun read and follow up your adventures with a bubble bath to get squeaky clean.

—Oz Spies

36 Indoor Activities for When It’s Too Hot Outside

Outdoor Activities for Babies & Toddlers You Can Do Right Outside Your Home

Give Your Kid’s Immunity a Boost with These Easy-to-Eat Foods

By Alexandra Gabalda

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 28, 2021

Since a child’s gut and immune system is always adapting we can help our children to develop a healthy response to viruses and other infections that they encounter. We asked the expert, Glaudia Galate, Functional Nutritionist, and busy mom who believes healthy eating should be simple and enjoyable. See what sources of food she recommends to support our kids’ immune systems. Enjoy also lunchbox ideas we curated from the community to help you get started!

Sources of Food to Support the Immune System

Most micronutrients including vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and fatty acids, have a role to play in building a healthy immune response and this is why a varied diet bursting with lots of fresh fruits, veggies, salads, herbs, spices, pulses, nuts, seeds, poultry, meat, and fish really do count.

Whatever the food you get, you want to make sure that they are loaded with Vitamin D, C and Zinc, and Selenium this season.

Vitamin D: Because your kids may have spent more time inside than normal, even during the summer. Vitamine D is modulating immune cells in the body, bone health, cell growth, and more.

The best sources of vitamin D: 5-30 minutes of sun exposure at least twice per week (over 100 percent of daily value), Cod Liver Oil, fish like wild-caught salmon, Mackerel, tuna, sardine, beef liver, egg. Pro Tip: Go for a daily walk and play outside for at least 20 minutes to maximize your vitamin D intake.

Vitamin C: Helps both with wound healing and fights infections effectively.

The best sources of vitamin C: Black currants, kiwi, bell peppers, leafy greens like kale, spinach, broccoli, parsley. Berries (all types, including strawberries, camu, acai, etc.). Pro Tip: Squeezing lemon or lime juice onto foods will also give you a bit of vitamin C.

Zinc: Helps the kids’ learning, growth, and immunity. Interestingly zinc is also important for a healthy sense of smell and taste and we often find that the “fussy eaters” are low in zinc and when you boost this up they are more interested in trying a wider variety of foods, and their appetite improves. Most zinc comes from animal products.

The best sources of zinc: Beef, fish, oysters, crab, beans, lentils, pumpkins seeds, cashews, egg. Pro Tip: You can maximize your kid’s zinc intake (around 5 mg per day) via a whole beef burger or through a few meatballs. A half a can of baked beans is around 3 mg.

Selenium: Benefits immunity because it is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system and can also be a key nutrient in counteracting the development of viruses. It’s also a powerful antioxidant.

The best sources of selenium: Brazil nuts, eggs, liver, tuna, cod, and sunflower seeds. Pro Tip: A single Brazil nut will provide more than enough selenium for kids per day.

If you want more ideas and tips to boost your immune system don’t hesitate in contacting Glaudia. Also, always ask a physician or health care provider before giving any supplements.

How to Boost Your Kid’s Immune System through Food

Start with simple food ideas that kids will respond to like pomegranate seeds, plums, nectarines, yellow or orange peppers, or purple carrots, and sweet potatoes. Try to introduce your child to one new food ingredient every week at home – pop something a bit novel and exciting in your shopping trolley and they might surprise you and like it. If they don’t like a food straight away, then don’t fret as you can try again another day or serve it in another way.

You can also visit Teuko.com and discover daily lunchbox ideas from other parents, who, like you, want to add new foods and new textures to their kid’s lunches. You can explore various food combinations by searching for the ingredients you like on Teuko.com.

Photo: Tetiana Bykovets on Unsplash

This post originally appeared on Teuko Blog.

Alexandra Gabalda

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Teuko is the first platform that empowers families to simplify lunch packing. Using Teuko, they can find and share kid-approved lunchbox ideas, recipes, and tips, all in one place. Teuko is transforming the lunch packing experience by boosting inspiration and motivation week after week.

Struggling with Fertility? It May Be Time to Assess Your Stress Level

By Dr. Wael Salem

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 23, 2021

The effect of stress on our health has become a major topic of conversation over the last few decades because our lives are continuously becoming more stressful. We live in a society that values ‘busyness,’ and believes that success is tied to action.

This is one of many reasons that makes navigating fertility challenges so stressful. We work so hard at it, invest so much energy, time, and money—we expect success because that is what we’ve been conditioned to expect. So, when pregnancy doesn’t happen and we feel we are doing everything we can, we begin to feel powerless. This lack of control can be frustrating and difficult.

Enter STRESS. Decades of research on the associations between stress and infertility have made this connection well-known and accepted. Encouragingly, there is as much data that suggests that mind-body practices can effectively reduce stress, mitigate the infertility experience, and perhaps even enhance reproductive outcomes.

As Maté outlines in “When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection,” stress can be characterized as having four major causes: 1) lack of control, 2) uncertainty, 3) emotional isolation, and 4) inability to express emotions (2003). If you’ve had or are experiencing fertility challenges, you’re probably nodding your head thinking that these stressors pretty well sum up a life with infertility. When you’re told to relax, this often has the opposite effect, increasing the stress response. We are often left without the knowledge or tools to deal with stress. Also, the situations that cause stress will not go away and tend to cycle monthly.

If these stressors are inherent to the fertility journey and cannot be reduced, how can you minimize stress so you can support your fertility efforts? The prescription of staying stress-free, although based in truth, is extremely over-simplified and almost impossible. The good news is that we can control the way we deal with stress and the effects that it has on the body. We can periodically take our bodies out of the stress response and into the relaxation response. But first, we need to be able to identify stress in our bodies. Let’s break down the three stages of stress, known as the General Adaptation Syndrome, as described by Hans Seyle:

Alarm. When our bodies are in stress response, our body sends us warning signals that things are getting out of control. These warning signals can wear a variety of faces: a) physical – headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite or binge eating, teeth grinding; b) behavioral – alcohol or drug abuse, compulsiveness, restlessness; c) emotional – aggression, irritability, frequent crying; d) cognitive – impaired concentration, judgmental thoughts, racing mind, blaming, and distortions in thoughts like all or nothing thinking, or jumping to irrational conclusions.
Resistance. This is when the alarms are going off, but we choose to ignore them.
Exhaustion. After ignoring the symptoms, our bodies take control and slam on the brakes. This usually comes in the form of falling ill as our immune systems are compromised from being in heightened stress response for too long.

Once you’re able to identify stress, you can begin coming up with a stress management plan to help combat it. The three “A’s of Change” can be a useful framework to begin:

Awareness. Become aware of your warning signs. What are your alarm bells? Behavioral, Cognitive, Physical, Emotional?
Acceptance. Acceptance does not mean giving in. Recognizing and accepting is key to moving on. By saying, “I am sad, and sadness is a normal human response. It’s ok,” we acknowledge the warning signals and can begin to process our stress.
Action. This is the step that is often the hardest because it involves changing our old habits. Rather than reaching for a bottle of wine or the TV remote, find what brings you genuine ease (often bringing the attention inward). List a few options that you can follow to deal with the stress: take a bath, go for a walk, take a restorative yoga class, meditate, or simply stop and breathe deeply. Be preemptive in your action–when you know you have a particularly stressful procedure or appointment coming up, begin a few days before to deep breathe, meditate, and visualize positive outcomes.

Ask yourself (and be honest with yourself), do you take the time needed to increase your relaxation with mind-body practices? If your honest answer is no and you think you need a little help or motivation, start looking for that support. Find nice short walks in nature nearby and locate restorative or fertility yoga classes. Find classes online for meditation or yoga and schedule this time into your calendar. Make a promise to yourself to do it, and don’t break that promise. Relaxation takes practice – it’s not as easy as saying, “I am now going to be a relaxed person.” Just like any other skill, this takes time and commitment to make it part of your life. You can’t expect to relax on cue after spending weeks, months, or years in a state of chronic stress.

And finally, let’s reframe our view on relaxation from ‘doing nothing’ and make it more accessible to our ‘doing’ mindset. You are doing something profound, nurturing, and supportive of your fertility that does not involve huge amounts of money, medication, time, or energy. Relaxation is a proactive activity to support your fertility that you can control. You are preparing your body to be as receptive as possible to whatever measures you are taking to conceive.

This post originally appeared on CCRM Blog.

Dr. Wael Salem

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Dr. Wael Salem is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is Board Eligible in Reproductive Endocrinology. His interests include fertility for cancer patients, PCOS, fertility preservation (egg freezing) and preimplantation genetic testing for hereditary genetic diseases. Dr. Salem joined CCRM Minneapolis in 2018.

Simple Ways to Support Your Family’s Immune Health

By Andrea Donsky

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

December 22, 2020

Photo: Hessam Nabavi on Unsplash

With many kids back returning to the classroom and the entire family spending more time indoors, sick days may not be far behind. In addition to frequent handwashing and using hand sanitizers, eating antioxidant-rich foods is one of the best ways to support the immune system. Today, there’s a lot of talk about superfoods. But which superfoods will your kids eat? And what are some “mom hacks” to also help you stay healthy?

What Makes a Superfood So Super?

“Foods that are called superfoods offer more nutrients, bite for bite, than other foods in their category. In most cases, these are fruits and vegetables,” explains Holistic Nutritionist Andrea Donsky. Nutrient-dense superfoods are especially important as kids come into contact with a variety of bugs in the school environment. Even if we are working from home, missed school days are something we all want to avoid.

Donsky points out, “Because kids tend to be picky eaters, a lot of the calories they take in are not nutrient-dense. There just aren’t many vitamins or minerals in cheese pizza. Sneaking superfoods into their diets is crucial.”

How to Make Superfoods Kid-Friendly

Donsky lists some simple, and probably surprising, ways to get kids to consume more superfoods.

Instead of steaming vegetables such as kale and cauliflower, try roasting them in olive oil, salt and garlic. “Roasting brings out the flavor and makes them crispier.”
Another hide-the-nutrients trick that really works is to bake healthy seeds and grains—such as quinoa, millet, flax or chia—into cookies or banana bread.
Introduce kids to black elderberries. “They have a remarkable ability to empower natural immune support. You aren’t going to find black elderberries in the produce section which is why more moms are now stocking up on yummy black elderberry-based products that come in easy-to-use drink mix, syrup, capsules and pastilles as well as pectin-based gummies which are great for kids ages 4 and up. They are free of all major allergens including gluten, nut, soy, dairy and eggs.”
Some moms are surprised to learn that Greek yogurt is a superfood. “It has probiotics and protein and is great for breakfasts and snacks. Add berries for antioxidants and fiber, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to help their blood sugar levels.”
Substitute peanuts in trail mix with goji berries and mulberries. “Sprinkle in coconut flakes and dark chocolate chips for a delicious and nutritious nut-free snack.”
Hide half an avocado in a smoothie. Avocados are good for the brain and concentration. They have good fat plus fiber and protein. “My youngest loves my sweet avocado chocolate power pudding!”

If your kids do feel under the weather, Donsky advises you to encourage them to eat their water if they don’t want to drink it. “Yes, I said EAT. Kids can get dehydrated easily if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. It’s often easier to get them to eat soup, or snack on fruits and vegetables that are mostly water (such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, oranges and tomatoes) than it is to get them to drink enough fluids.”

Mom Hacks: You Need to Stay Healthy Too!

There’s never a convenient time for our own immune systems to be less than strong. Sip on teas that contain immune-supporting herbs and/or squeeze lemon into your tea to reduce phlegm. (The acidity is what does the trick!)

Honey contains antioxidants and helps with sore throats. “Always use non-pasteurized because the heat in the pasteurization process will kill honey’s health-boosting properties,” she advises. For the same reason, she says never put honey directly into hot tea. Wait until it cools down or eat the honey off the spoon then drink your tea.

Finally, get creative by using spices from your pantry. Ginger tea helps reduce inflammation. Cinnamon helps to open sinuses as does peppermint oil when used in a diffuser.

Andrea Donsky

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Registered Holistic Nutritionist. As a pioneer and visionary in the health industry, her passion is to inspire people to make healthier choices for healthy living. She uses her expertise and 20 years of knowledge to educate the public on living a naturally healthy lifest‌yle. www.AndreaDonsky.com and www.NaturallySavvy.com.

Mom Hacks to Help Every Day Life

by #MomLifeNovember 17, 2020

Bethany Jury

I fill my cup with wellness inspired tools for the soul.Full time mom, Addiction Fighter, Mental Health Warrior, & Toddler Referee. Rock bottom has been my trampoline.

Motherhood is so darn complex. We are always needing to take care of all the things; meals, baths, good hygiene, home school, sickness, appointments, sports, manners, laundry… gosh the list is endless. It doesn’t end there. We get a little “work” break from our kids for about 2 hours, before some sort of chaos, bad dreams, thirsty throats, or someone wet the bed- ensues into the night hours. These are the days we prayed for, am I right? It’s so true. But no one tells you that you’ll be out of gas when it comes to taking care of YOU, your mental health, and the little things that help keep you up to par in being the best mom you can be. Through my professional and personal lens, I’ve curated a small list of little things, that when added up can really make all the difference in moms filling their own cup, before they pour into others.

1

Liquid I.V.

Energize with WATER

$24.99

You know so much of my adult life I had no idea that you could take care of your mental health when you take care of your body! Hydration is key in this, but I don't have time to drink 8oz of water a day. On top of that, one of the kids (or all 3), usually jacks some my water when I finally do get around to drinking it. Liquid I.V. enhances rapid absorption of water and other nutrients into you bloodstream. AKA 1 glass of water = 3 glasses! You will be amazed by how much energy you have when you stay hydrated.

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2

Feather the Owl Bundle

Take the guesswork out of motherhood

$135

I pride myself on giving my family the best of the best. One of the hardest things of being a mom is having to figure out if that runny nose is allergies or a cold. If that tummy ache is digestion issues, or stress. If those emotions are something underlying that happened in your kid's day or overtiredness. Not to mention the sleepless nights- oils formulated just for supporting kiddo's needs help with all that guess work. Oils take what your body needs and disperse the rest! We got this set for our 2.5 year old for Christmas last year and it's been super empowering for him.

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3

Decocrated Box

Timeless, Seasonal Decor sent right to your door.

$79.99

I love this box. I love decorating the house! You know what I don't love? Taking all three kids to a thrift shop, or Michaels to buy and pick out decor. Every season, Decocrated sends you a limited edition box that contains timeless, high-quality décor. Subscribe quarterly or annually, and cancel anytime hassle-free. I have been with decorated a full year now. In addition, I have bought their Halloween and Christmas boxes. There isn't a piece that I don't love in the boxes they send. A lot of the pieces I leave out all year long!

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4

Persona Vitamins

Who knew vitamins could support your mental health?!

I love Persona Nutrition for so many reasons. How many times have you woke up, thought you took your vitamins and/or supplements but couldn't remember? MOM BRAIN is real. Persona Nutrtion personalizes your vitamin and supplement system (after you take a quiz) and has it sent straight through your door. Not only that, they have doctors and nutritionists on staff to work with you for your personalized needs. As a mental health professional, and as a mom, I have seen and experienced supplements do wonders for mental health. Talk to your doc about what supplements you might be lacking to support your mental health, and get your own personalized vitamins sent straight to your door, monthly for 30% off through my link!

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5

Thieves Household Cleaner

One cleaner that replaces it all!

$30

You know what I love most about this cleaner? I mean, other than the fact that I can safely put my kids to work cleaning. No guesses? ALL OF THE UNDER SINK SPACE that I have since this one cleaner replaces it all! There is something in the Thieves line to replace all your cleaners, but if you're into DIY- you can easily make your own stuff too! I keep it simple, because DIY isn't my thing, and use one dilution ratio to clean EVERYTHING. No more worrying about my 15 month old in the cleaning cabinet. No more worrying about the boys skating across the wet floor barefoot, as I clean. This plant based cleaner is full of wonderful goodies to support our immune systems. When you make the switch, it feels like a fog has been lifted within the home. I love that Thieves made it easy for me to make the switch. Don't let the price tag defer you from the purchase. I use 1.5 capfuls per 16oz bottle, and it ends up being cheaper per oz, than other plant based cleaners on the market!

BUY NOW

6

PACT Clothing

Sustainable Clothing for the WHOLE Fam

$25

If you haven't noticed YET, I'm all about 'dat toxin free and sustainable living life! PACT clothing is the company for you if you're into that too. They're a fair trade company, so in addition to helping save water, and using nontoxic chemicals in their clothing, Pact empowers and uplifts local communities! Okay, okay, enough about the company- why PACT for MOMS? They're affordable, comfortable, and I can take any piece and make it versatile for dressing up or lounging around the house. Plus, who doesn't like to feel good about supporting the planet?

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7

Goli Apple Cider Vinegar

Tastes like Candy

$19

What m-o-m has time to be sick? I don't have a Mary Poppins, so not me. ACV has so many benefits (google a credible source)! One of those, is supporting your immune system. This is an easy, affordable and tasty way to do that. Once you go to the site and view the benefits, you'll be on board!

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8

FÜM

Ground yourself with good FÜMs

$34

Did you know that smell is the only sense of our 5 senses, that has a direct connection to our emotional brain and ability to ground your fight or flight in your prefrontal cortex of the brain? If you weren't aware, I am an addict in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Motherhood brings upon plenty of triggers for me in my sobriety and my mental health. I have talked to other mother's (not in recovery), and they experience triggers in motherhood too! Not so much to reach for drugs, but for wine. FUM is a tool that allows for a natural way for me to ground myself when I'm feeling flighty, or triggered. Whether you have smoked in the past or not, you know that a hit from a cigarette or medicinal marijuana can allow grounding for a person. This, is a non mind altering alternative, that I highly recommend!

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9

Coco Village

Heirloom Toys, for Cool Families

$30 BUY NOW

10

Resource for Sobermoms

Momming Aint Easy

While I designed this course for my clients and mothers in recovery, I have shared it many a times with mothers who aren't burdened with the disease of addiction, and they find it very resourceful. Feel free to join for a free 5 day course on making momming just a wee-bit easier!

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5 Simple Ways Parents Can Help Boost Their Kid’s Immunity

By Sonal Patel

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 20, 2020

Photo: Khamkhor via Unsplash

I often get asked “How can I build my child’s Immunity?” Here are some suggestions from an Immunologist (hint: it’s me).

1. It starts with a great diet.

You are what you eat! There may be something to the old saying. Healthy things in everyday foods—from yogurt to walnuts—may help boost a kid’s natural defenses. So whether you’re arming your kid for cold and flu season or just aiming for good health year-round, immune-boosting foods may help. Foods that may boost immunity include…

Yogurt

Yogurt contains helpful germs called probiotics. You may already know that these organisms live in your gut and can improve the way your body uses food. But they’re also important in helping your body fight sickness. What type of yogurt should you get? Look for brands that say they contain live cultures. Just stay away from artificially added sugars, colors, etc.

Walnuts

Walnuts have healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you in lots of ways. Experts believe that omega-3s help your body fight illness. Walnuts are easy to sprinkle into a snack mix or on cereal and are an especially great way to get natural omegas for vegetarians.

Fruits & Veggies

To help your immune system, some experts suggests aiming for ones that are high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli and sweet potatoes.

Sugar has been shown in many clinical trials to actually suppress immunity. To keep kids well, limit their overall intake of additives like sugar and find out which foods are allergens. Focus on plenty of fresh veggies, whole fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and eggs.

2. Maintain your child’s microbiota!

Probiotics are the friendly helpful bacteria that naturally occur in our guts. They protect our digestive tracts, help us to digest food, and shield us from invading bacteria and viruses. When this bacterial balance becomes disrupted in children, we can see changes in a child’s ability to fend off infections.

You want your child to eat food that has probiotics like yogurt and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. Urging your pediatrician to write a prescription for an antibiotic whenever your child has a cold, flu or sore throat is a bad idea. Antibiotics treat only illnesses caused by bacteria, but the majority of childhood illnesses are caused by viruses.

Studies show, however, that many pediatricians prescribe antibiotics somewhat reluctantly at the urging of parents who mistakenly think it can’t hurt. In fact, it can. Strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have flourished as a result, and a simple ear infection is more difficult to cure if it’s caused by stubborn bacteria that don’t respond to standard treatment.

3. Help calm their stress and anxiety.

In today’s fast-paced world, parents are overstressed, children are over-scheduled and everyone suffers. Children’s bodies have the same response to stress that adults’ do—their cortisol and adrenaline rises. When this elevation in stress hormones is sustained, their immune systems’ response is lowered. It’s important for children to have lots of down time, time for creative play and simply times of rest.

4. Make sure they’re getting enough good sleep.

Most children are not getting the required amount of sleep. Depending on age, children need between 10 and 14 hours of sleep per day.

5. Remember that fever helps fight infection and infections develop your immunity.

Although many parents panic at the first sign of a rise in temperature on the thermometer, it’s important to recognize that fever is only a sign of and not an illness itself. Fever is your child’s body’s natural response to an infection and without it; her body isn’t as effective at fighting the illness.

Minor illnesses are part of life, and not every infection can be prevented or treated. When you do have an infection, your immune system builds immunity and memory to that particular virus or bacteria.

How are you keeping your kids healthy this cold and flu season?

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Sonal Patel

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Dr. Patel is an allergist in Pasadena California. She is board-certified in Allergy-Clinical Immunology and Pediatrics. She is the co-author of The Mommy MD guides to Twins Triplets and More! She understands that parenting is the hardest and most fulfilling job you can have. You can find her @TMommyMD.

Red Onions Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 3, 2020

Check your veggie bins. A salmonella outbreak that has infected more than 500 people in the United States and Canada has been traced back to onions grown in California. Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California is recalling Red, Yellow, White, and Sweet Yellow Onions shipped from May 1, 2020 through the present.

The onions are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Onions were distributed to wholesalers, restaurants, and retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

The onions were distributed in 5 lbs. carton. 10 lbs. carton. 25 lbs. carton. 40 lbs. carton, 50 lbs. carton. bulk, 2 lb. mesh sacks, and 3 lb. mesh sacks, 5 lb. mesh sacks, 10 lb. mesh sacks 25 lbs. mesh sacks, 50 lbs. mesh sacks under the brand names Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartley’s Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions and Food Lion.

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve red, white, yellow, or sweet onions from Thomson International, Inc. or products containing such onions. If you cannot tell if your onion is from Thomson International Inc., or your food product contains such onions, you should not eat, sell, or serve it, and should throw it out.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections that may be linked to these onions, so Thomson International is recalling the onions out of an abundance of caution. As of now no specific source of contamination or contaminated shipment has been identified, and FDA is also investigating other potential sources of contamination and has not yet reached a final conclusion.

Infections have been reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Consumers who have any Red, Yellow, White, and Sweet Yellow Onions under the above brand names, or who cannot tell if their onions are from Thomson International, should immediately discard these products and disinfect any surfaces that came into contact with the onions.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: FDA

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Resource for Sobermoms

1. It starts with a great diet.

Yogurt

Walnuts

Fruits & Veggies

2. Maintain your child’s microbiota!

3. Help calm their stress and anxiety.

4. Make sure they’re getting enough good sleep.

5. Remember that fever helps fight infection and infections develop your immunity.

Sonal Patel

Related reads

Related reads