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	<title>Parents Mag</title>
	<link>http://www.parents-mag.com</link>
	<description>Edit this line from your Admin Options page</description>
	<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>What You Need To Know About Pregnancy And Tanning Booths</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/pregnancy/What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Pregnancy-And-Tanning-Booths-2349/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/pregnancy/What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Pregnancy-And-Tanning-Booths-2349/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Pregnancy</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[If you are pregnant, there are things you should know about pregnancy and tanning booths. Tanning beds safety while pregnant has become very questionable. A better choice might be to use the sunless tanning spray booth equipment to keep your golden tan.
Initially it was believed that the use of a tanning bed after the first [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are pregnant, there are things you should know about pregnancy and tanning booths. Tanning beds safety while pregnant has become very questionable. A better choice might be to use the sunless tanning spray booth equipment to keep your golden tan.</p>
<p>Initially it was believed that the use of a tanning bed after the first trimester was okay. During the first trimester the concern was about overheating yourself and the baby. However, in the past few years health officials are taking a harder stance and are encouraging pregnant women to not use the tanning bed at all.</p>
<p>You&#8217;re pregnant, feeling a little less attractive than you normally would. Well you shouldn&#8217;t! Pregnant women look beautiful with a glow that cannot be achieved any other way.</p>
<p>However, if you are a little down and missing that sun-kissed skin of previous years, the safest tan you can achieve is from a bottle or a booth. The ingredients in self tanners are harmless to you and your baby. So you can get that golden tan without worrying about hurting your baby.</p>
<p>Not only are sunless tanners safe, they&#8217;ve come a long way in the past few years. No more orange skin or weird uneven finishes. You can choose from spray, lotions, or mousse. Apply evenly and within a few hours you&#8217;ll be golden gorgeous!</p>
<p>Although there is no conclusive evidence that a tanning bed will harm your baby, there is plenty of proof that it&#8217;s harmful to you. So if its harmful to you it only makes sense it could be harmful to your baby. So error on the side of caution and don&#8217;t do anything to harm your baby.</p>
<p>Tanning beds have been directly linked to skin cancer. So if you can increase your risk of skin cancer, doctors are becoming concerned that you may also increase your baby&#8217;s risk.</p>
<p>One very big concern with direct implications to your baby is &quot;heat&quot;. Lying in a tanning bed raises your body temperature. The increase in body temperature can be hazardous, even deadly to your baby. Studies have shown the first trimester to be the period of highest risk. However, many doctors believe that risk continues throughout the pregnancy.</p>
<p>Having a temperature above 102 degrees F during pregnancy has been associated with spinal malformations on developing babies. Your body temperature in a tanning bed always exceeds 102 degrees F. So why would you want to take the chance of causing a serious birth defect to your baby?</p>
<p>There are also concerns that lying on your back too long can restrict blood to your heart and thus to your baby. When this happens, you&#8217;ll know because you&#8217;ll become light headed. Restricting blood to your baby can have serious consequences.</p>
<p>Finally, pregnant woman with sensitive skin are more prone to chloasma. Chloasma are those dark skin splotches that appear on the face and arms during pregnancy. Perhaps not dangerous to the baby but certainly not attractive and that&#8217;s what this tanning thing is all about right? Looking better.</p>
<p>From the moment you found out you were pregnant, the health of your baby became your biggest concern. You stopped socially drink, if you were a smoker you quit smoking. You started eating healthier and exercising regularly. You started taking better care of yourself for both of you.</p>
<p>So why would you risk the unknown, just to have a tan. Yes I admit a tan does make you feel good about yourself. There&#8217;s something about deeply tanned skin that makes one feel attractive. But you can get that beautiful tan right from a bottle or from a spray tan booth. The sunless tanning has been shown to have no bad effects to your baby. So you can have the best of both worlds.</p>
<p>You can have that wonderful glow that pregnancy brings to a woman and you can have that tan you so desire. Take good care of yourself and your baby!</p>
<p>M.D. Stracener from Home Tanning Beds has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.tanabanas.com//">Home Tanning Beds</a>
</p>
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		<title>Making Science Less Abstract for Preschoolers</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/kids-teens/Making-Science-Less-Abstract-for-Preschoolers-2348/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/kids-teens/Making-Science-Less-Abstract-for-Preschoolers-2348/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2008 01:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Kids &amp; Teens</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Making Science Less Abstract for Preschoolers
&#160;by: Nicole Brekelbaum
A simple experiment that can help preschoolers discover and enjoy the wonders of science.
Most childcare businesses supervise children for more than three hours a day, five days a week. Such long hours in care can have a serious impact on a child&#8217;s growth and development. Businesses that offer [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Making Science Less Abstract for Preschoolers</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>Nicole Brekelbaum</b></p>
<p>A simple experiment that can help preschoolers discover and enjoy the wonders of science.</p>
<p>Most childcare businesses supervise children for more than three hours a day, five days a week. Such long hours in care can have a serious impact on a child&#8217;s growth and development. Businesses that offer educational curriculums help children grow academically and help prepare them for school. Science plays an important role in the learning process and should also be included as part of the curriculum. Science encourages preschoolers to ask questions, make predictions, and find answers to some fascinating questions. Here is an interesting experiment that can help teach science to preschoolers. We came across ideas for this experiment on PBS Kids Website (www.pbskids.org). We tried it ourselves, at Young Achievers Inc., and it was an extreme success. </p>
<p>First, we had circle time with the kids and recited some classic nursery rhymes. One of the nursery rhymes was the age-old rhyme, Little Miss Muffet. After singing in our circle we asked the kids some questions about Little Miss Muffet. We discovered that they knew what Little Miss Muffet sat on, what she ate, and what frightened her. We then posed a thought-provoking question to the preschoolers. “Can the curds be separated from Miss Muffet&#8217;s curds and whey?” The children responded with interesting answers. Their answers became our scientific hypotheses. We documented all responses in large text on our chalkboard so that the children can see and value their predictions. We then headed to the kitchen &#8220;laboratory&#8221; to see whose prediction was true. </p>
<p>We had the kids sit at the table and measure the milk and vinegar portions for the experiment. They counted how many cups of milk were needed and how many tablespoons of vinegar to add. It was now time to blast the mixture into the microwave for two minutes. We recommend that an adult perform this part of the experiment to avoid placing children in harms way. After two minutes, the mixture was ready to be taken out of the microwave. We allowed it to cool for several minutes and then the children compared two samples of the mixture before and after it was placed in the microwave. They observed that the mixture was lumpier after being heated in the microwave. The children then strained the mixture by using kitchen towels. What remained was a white, rubbery substance - the curds. They were excited. They saw first-hand what Miss Muffet ate. Then they discovered through experimentation that curds can be separated from Miss Muffet&#8217;s curds and whey. </p>
<p>The children dyed the curds different colors using food coloring and made their own rubbery type of play dough. They loved touching the curds and feeling its texture. Some children even shaped the curds into cool looking dinosaurs and flowers with our help. At the end of the day the children were enlightened and had a great appreciation for science. They were all proud to show their parents what they had done. They were truly young scientists! </p>
<p>If you would like to try this with children at your childcare business we recommend the experiment for children ages 3 and up. The following materials are needed: </p>
<p>3 cups of Skim Milk </p>
<p>2 tablespoons of white vinegar </p>
<p>Microwave-safe bowl for mixing and heating </p>
<p>Kitchen towels for straining </p>
<p>nicole@youngachieversinc.com</a></p>
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		<title>Healthy Baby Food - When is the Best Time to Start Consuming Juice?</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/babies-toddlers/Healthy-Baby-Food-When-is-the-Best-Time-to-Start-Consuming-Juice-2347/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/babies-toddlers/Healthy-Baby-Food-When-is-the-Best-Time-to-Start-Consuming-Juice-2347/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Babies &amp; Toddlers</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Mother&#8217;s milk is the best choice for healthy baby food. However, there will be a time when the baby needs much more nutrients as they grow up and mother&#8217;s milk can not accomplish it anymore. This will be the time your baby needs some soft food from cereal, fruits or vegetables.
As Dr. Bernard Jensen said [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mother&#8217;s milk is the best choice for healthy baby food. However, there will be a time when the baby needs much more nutrients as they grow up and mother&#8217;s milk can not accomplish it anymore. This will be the time your baby needs some soft food from cereal, fruits or vegetables.</p>
<p>As Dr. Bernard Jensen said in his Juicing Therapy book that the best time for your baby to start consuming juice as healthy baby food is when their weight has been two times heavier or more compare to their born-weight, that is about 7 kilograms. At this point, babies are able to consume up to 64 pounds of bottle milk.</p>
<p>Some doctors have some different opinions about this idea, that is when babies attain the age of six months or at any other time when babies can hold their own plastic straw cup.</p>
<p>Apple juice can be the first choice for your healthy baby food after mother&#8217;s milk, besides, you can choose one between white grape or pier juice. Remember that <b>home made juice is the best</b>. Strain the juice well and carefully to ensure your baby does not take the juice waste. Mix the juice with purified water in 1:1 portion.</p>
<p>You can also add one teaspoon of green leafy vegetable juice to your baby&#8217;s milk bottle once in two days. Spinach, broccoli or parsley are perfect healthy baby food, they are source of Ferrum (which milk alone can not accomplish), electrolyte and chlorophyll. Anemia case in babies who are merely feed more milk and less soft solid food is not impossible thing.</p>
<p>Therefore, this green vegetable juice is one thing you have to pay a lot of attention, one teaspoon only not more, you have to consider its high concentrate, too.</p>
<p>It is important to notice that, if your baby react to some certain juice by diarrhea or vomiting, leave and wait for some another one-month and then try again. If the problem still persist, you better talk to your doctor.</p>
<p>As your baby growing up and they are getting more and more body weight, reduce the water content in their juice gradually so that finally they will consume the wholly juice.</p>
<p>For discovering more facts about vegetable juice besides as healthy baby food visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.vegetable-recipes-by-cooking-method.com/juicing-vegetable.html/">http://www.vegetable-recipes-by-cooking-method.com/juicing-vegetable.html/</a></p>
<p>For more health articles related to vegetable cooking, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.vegetable-recipes-by-cooking-method.com/health-article.html/">http://www.vegetable-recipes-by-cooking-method.com/health-article.html/</a>
</p>
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		<title>Vasectomy Reversal - A Personal Story</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/Vasectomy-Reversal-A-Personal-Story-2346/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/Vasectomy-Reversal-A-Personal-Story-2346/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Parenting</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Vasectomy Reversal - A Personal Story
&#160;by: Roy Thomsitt
This article is a very personal one, but one I wanted to share with you, as there are always tens of thousands of men considering whether to have a vasectomy reversal.
The desire for a vasectomy reversal can come from two main causes: divorce or relationship break up, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Vasectomy Reversal - A Personal Story</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>Roy Thomsitt</b></p>
<p>This article is a very personal one, but one I wanted to share with you, as there are always tens of thousands of men considering whether to have a vasectomy reversal.</p>
<p>The desire for a vasectomy reversal can come from two main causes: divorce or relationship break up, and a change in financial circumstances that makes having a baby affordable whereas before, at the time of the vasectomy, it may not have been.</p>
<p>Most commonly, men have a vasectomy in marriage, when they or their partner, or both, have decided they do not want any more babies. The reason does not matter, really, the fact is they have the vasectomy because of that particular relationship.</p>
<p>Should a couple make a decision to have no further children then a male vasectomy is the best option. It is a simple outpatient operation. I always compared it to going to the dentist, except you open your legs instead of your mouth. It is also quite painless, although in my case I did not appreciate the painkiller wearing off while I was driving home, after I was assured it was going to be ok. Using the clutch was not a bundle of fun for the last few miles. But the vasectomy was done, as it is commonly every day for thousands of men around the world. At the time, I never gave a thought for vasectomy reversal in the future.</p>
<p>Many years later I was divorced, and it was not long before I was thinking about having the vasectomy reversed. I was in England then, but later in 1998 I decided I would probably move abroad. I eventually decided on the Philippines as the most suitable country that I would settle in the quickest.</p>
<p>In 1999 I started researching vasectomy reversals, but there were not many places in the UK that I could find on the internet at the time. Eventually, I did find one in my own county, Dorset, so I quickly earmarked that for my eventual vasectomy reversal. By that time, I was firmly of the idea I wanted more children.</p>
<p>In July of 2000, I visited the Philippines for 3 weeks to check out a few possible locations to settle in, and to confirm to myself that it would be the best place for me to live. As it turned out, it was way beyond expectations. The beauty, the friendliness, the warmth, the character of the place and the people, all told me that I was going to the best possible place to escape the cold miserable climate of England.</p>
<p>After the visit, I gave myself just 6 weeks to get myself organised, personally, financially, and business wise, to leave England for good. I knew that getting a vasectomy reversal was not likely to be possible in the Philippines, so if ever I was going to have one, it had to be there and then, while still in England.</p>
<p>I fixed the vasectomy reversal operation for just 3 weeks before I left the country. It was a short outpatient visit to a private hospital some 25 miles away. The operation was done under full anaesthetic, and I recall it being a very relaxed sort of day. By then I had sold my car, and had to rely on a taxi to get me to the hospital and collect me. The lady driver was very sympathetic, and actually very supportive, helping to make it more of a day out than a trip to hospital.</p>
<p>The surgeon was making no promises about the success of the vasectomy reversal, and my chances of fathering any more babies. He told me beforehand that he could usually tell, as soon as opening up a man, whether or not he was likely to have sufficient sperm to produce a child. I wondered what chances he thought I had, but I never saw him afterwards to ask.</p>
<p>My next contact with the surgeon was in 2003. I had been in the Philippines 3 years when I met Mary Ann, my wife. Within 6 weeks of our living together, she was pregnant. I was absolutely over the moon, and one of the first people I told was the surgeon. I also passed on my profound thanks for our little miracle, a baby daughter who now brings delight not just to us, but everyone who meets her.</p>
<p>roy@change-direction.com</a></p>
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		<title>Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear And Special</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/Baby-Clothes-Daywear-Nightwear-And-Special-2345/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/Baby-Clothes-Daywear-Nightwear-And-Special-2345/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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	<category>Parenting</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear And Special
&#160;by: Roy Thomsitt
When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced with many choices that, in the baby&#8217;s younger days, can seem quite confusing. Striking a balance between practical and cute, fashionable and comfortable, need and impulse, and night and day can all play their part in affecting [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear And Special</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>Roy Thomsitt</b></p>
<p>When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced with many choices that, in the baby&#8217;s younger days, can seem quite confusing. Striking a balance between practical and cute, fashionable and comfortable, need and impulse, and night and day can all play their part in affecting decisions on what baby clothes to buy, and in what quantity.</p>
<p>All of these difficulties in choosing baby clothes are made worse by the fact that babies grow so quickly. You do not necessarily buy to fit now, but fit for the next few months if at all possible.</p>
<p>When buying the first baby clothes, and even with follow up shopping sprees as the baby grows, it can be helpful to remember a simple division rule, a rule of three. Your baby will basically need three types of clothes: daytime clothes, night wear (or sleepwear), and clothes for going out.</p>
<p>The baby sleepwear will likely outweigh the other categories, as sleeping is what babies spend most of their time doing in the early stages. But how do you decide what numbers to buy of each? Well, that may depend on how often you want to do laundry, but you will soon find a level that suits both your routine and the level of cleanliness and smartness you want for your baby.</p>
<p>Daywear</p>
<p>The clothes you have for your baby to wear around the home should, most of all, be comfortable, easy to access for changing diapers, and simple. These are the clothing articles that your baby will spend most of her time in, so they are bound to get dirty. When the baby dribbles, brings up her milk, crawls around on the floor, or does any of the other messy baby pastimes, these clothes are going to bear the brunt of the soiling. Because of this, you will probably not want your baby to wear her best outfits, such as special gifts, around the home all the time.</p>
<p>The best clothes for day to day needs are probably simple body suits. Onesies is a brand name, but the term has stuck as a description for this type of one piece baby wear. I seem to recall calling them growbags with my first two children, but that was because I am a keen gardener! You will probably need between five and ten of these one piece baby suits to keep on top of daily requirements.</p>
<p>Sleepwear or Nightwear</p>
<p>Baby clothing for sleeping should meet some of the same needs as the daywear, at least in terms of comfort, and accessibility for changing. In fact, if you live in a warm climate, you may be able to get away with using similar clothes night and day. However, if you live in a colder region with colder nights, then a warmer version of the day wear would be needed, or heavier knit pyjamas or similar sleepwear. It is all common sense really, and it will not be long before your baby tells you in no uncertain terms what she is comfortable in, and cannot abide.</p>
<p>Dressing Up For Special Occasions</p>
<p>For outdoor baby wear, the parents have a chance to dress baby up to look smart and nice. This is where some of those baby shower gifts may come into their own, or the baby clothes that have taken your eye at the local department store.</p>
<p>However, these items should still be checked for their practicality, making sure that straps, snaps, bows and so on do not interfere with diaper changing, or cause any discomfort to the baby. You can, though, show off a bit, and it won&#8217;t be long before baby wants to dress up to go out. I know our baby daughter delighted in dressing up by the age of one year, and at 20 months now she struts around like a teenage fashion model as she waits to get out the front door.</p>
<p>roy@change-direction.com</a></p>
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		<title>Buying Gently Used Baby Clothing</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/Buying-Gently-Used-Baby-Clothing-2344/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/Buying-Gently-Used-Baby-Clothing-2344/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Buying Gently Used Baby Clothing
&#160;by: Mark Freeman
Remember that adorable outfit you bought for your newborn - the one that cost you nearly $40, and got worn three times before it no longer fit? For such tiny things, baby clothing is expensive - and as fast as babies grow, they seldom see much wear. For parents [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Buying Gently Used Baby Clothing</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>Mark Freeman</b></p>
<p>Remember that adorable outfit you bought for your newborn - the one that cost you nearly $40, and got worn three times before it no longer fit? For such tiny things, baby clothing is expensive - and as fast as babies grow, they seldom see much wear. For parents on a budget, those are potent arguments for cutting costs where you can when dressing baby.</p>
<p>Designer duds for baby DO make sense though - and by designer, I mean the elite in the baby design field: OshKosh and Baby B&#8217;Gosh, Carters, Sweat Pea and other top-of-the-line baby clothing manufacturers. They concentrate on the little details that cheap clothing manufacturers skimp on - little details that make a major difference in fit, appearance and comfort. You want to take advantage of nice, flat seams that don&#8217;t irritate, and nylon snaps that don&#8217;t scratch or pull through fabric. But you don&#8217;t want to pay $30 for a sleeper!</p>
<p>The answer is shopping around for gently worn using baby clothes and checking with friends and relatives for outgrown hand-me-downs. Yard sales are a great source in the spring and summer months. You&#8217;ll often find great clothes that are barely worn in sizes for the next couple of years. Check the newspaper for upcoming yard sales - baby clothes are often one of the advertised items.</p>
<p>Another great place to buy designer baby clothes at rock-bottom prices is a good consignment shop. Strike up a relationship with the owner, and she may even put aside items that she knows you&#8217;ll love and give you a call to let you know what she&#8217;s got. In addition, you can often sell the same baby clothes BACK, or trade them in on the next size up when baby outgrows them.</p>
<p>How about a place to get gently used baby clothing for the cost of the gas to go pick them up? Freecycle.org is a national movement of community bulletin boards who are committed to the concept of &#8216;one man&#8217;s junk&#8217;. Check <a href="http://www.freecycle.org" target=new>http://www.freecycle.org</a> to see if there&#8217;s a chapter near you, and join up. Seldom a day goes by that someone doesn&#8217;t offer a few bags of baby and children&#8217;s clothing in various sizes. The quality varies, but the younger the baby, the more likely that the clothing is still in excellent shape.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t overlook church and community thrift shops as sources of good, well-cared for baby clothing. If there&#8217;s a Junior League thrift shop in your city, you&#8217;ll find beautiful clothing for baby at bargain basement prices.</p>
<p>When you do pick up used clothing for baby, launder it as soon as you get it home. Pretreat stains if there are any, and wash with a gentle laundry soap meant for baby. Add borax to the water for extra whitening power, and be sure to rinse at least twice if you use bleach. By the time you&#8217;re done, you&#8217;ll have one of the best-dressed babies in town - without breaking your piggy bank.</p>
<p>support@arundel.net</a></p>
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		<title>The Effects of Televised Sexual Content on Adolescents</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/The-Effects-of-Televised-Sexual-Content-on-Adolescents-2343/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/The-Effects-of-Televised-Sexual-Content-on-Adolescents-2343/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[The Effects of Televised Sexual Content on Adolescents
&#160;by: Brent Sitton
According to a September 2004 study by the RAND Corporation, &#8220;Adolescents who watch large amounts of television containing sexual content are twice as likely to begin engaging in sexual intercourse in the following year as their peers who watch little such TV.&#8221; In addition, the National [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>The Effects of Televised Sexual Content on Adolescents</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>Brent Sitton</b></p>
<p>According to a September 2004 study by the RAND Corporation, &#8220;Adolescents who watch large amounts of television containing sexual content are twice as likely to begin engaging in sexual intercourse in the following year as their peers who watch little such TV.&#8221; In addition, the National Institutes of Health-funded study found that these children&#8217;s sexual behavior was akin to those adolescents who were 9 to 17 months older, but who watched only average amounts of TV with sexual content.  &#8220;Television habits predicted whether adolescents went to &#8217;second or third base,&#8217; as well as whether they had sex for the first time,&#8221; said Rebecca Collins, a RAND psychologist who led the study. &#8220;The 12-year-olds who watched a lot of television with sexual content behaved like the 14- or 15-years-olds who watched the least amount of sexual television. The advancement in sexual behavior we saw among kids who watched a lot of sexual television was striking.&#8221; This alarming trend occurs within the context of ever-increasing amounts of implicit and over sexual content on television. As reported by the Parents Television Council, &#8220;In a sample of programming from the 2001-2002 TV season, sexual content appeared in 64% of all TV programs. Those programs with sexually related material had an average of 4.4 scenes per hour. Talk of sex is more frequent (61%) vs. overt portrayals (32%). One out of every 7 programs includes a portrayal of sexual intercourse.&#8221; According to the RAND study, talk of sex had just as much of an effect on adolescent sexual behavior as overt behaviors. Sexual behavior among U.S. teens is on the rise. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46% of all high school students have had sexual intercourse. The National Institutes of Health has found that, each year, one of every four sexual active teens contracts a sexually transmitted disease. Teen pregnancy in the U.S. is also the highest among industrialized nations.   Now, more than ever, parents need to be concerned about what their children are watching on television. The first step parents need to take is to monitor the content of the shows their adolescents watch. According to RAND researcher Collins, &#8220;The impact of television viewing is so large that even a moderate shift in the sexual content of adolescent TV watching could have a substantial effect on their sexual behavior.&#8221;</p>
<p>Other important steps you can take to curb or mitigate your children&#8217;s exposure to sexual content on television include:</p>
<p>Watch TV with your children and discuss your beliefs about sex and about the sexual behaviors portrayed on TV. </p>
<p>Develop TV-watching guidelines for your children and enforce them. </p>
<p>Limit the amount of time your children watch TV. Instead, use family movie reviews to rent movies with appropriate content. </p>
<p>Encourage and reward your children for reading instead of watching TV. </p>
<p>Encourage your children to find and develop non-television related hobbies and interests.  </p>
<p>By taking these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your adolescents&#8217; attitudes and beliefs about sex more closely mirror your own, and that their sexual initiation is delayed.</p>
<p>bsitton@discoveryjourney.com</a></p>
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		<title>How To Avoid Post Partum Depression</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/how-to-avoid-post-partum-depression-2-2342/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/how-to-avoid-post-partum-depression-2-2342/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Parenting</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[How To Avoid Post Partum Depression
by: Moss Greene
New mothers sometimes experience ï¿½postpartum blues.ï¿½ This is understandable. Pregnancy and birth are very dramatic events for your body - both physically and emotionally. So, it&#8217;s common to feel a little weepy, irritable or moody in the first few days after birth.
If you eat well, supplement your diet [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>How To Avoid Post Partum Depression</strong><br />
by: <strong>Moss Greene</strong></p>
<p>New mothers sometimes experience ï¿½postpartum blues.ï¿½ This is understandable. Pregnancy and birth are very dramatic events for your body - both physically and emotionally. So, it&#8217;s common to feel a little weepy, irritable or moody in the first few days after birth.</p>
<p>If you eat well, supplement your diet with high quality whole food supplements (especially omega-3 oils and B vitamins) and get enough rest, mild cases should pass quickly.</p>
<p>But, if ï¿½the bluesï¿½ continue for more than just a few days, or if you&#8217;re feeling really depressed and down, please don&#8217;t try to tough it out. Get professional help. Ask your midwife or doctor to connect you with someone who can give you appropriate counseling.</p>
<p>Here are some tips that can help prevent or ease the symptoms of postpartum depression:</p>
<p>1. Ask for help after the birth. Here are some things friends and family could do for you during the first few weeks that might work better than giving the traditional baby shower gifts. They can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bring you a complete dinner (hot and ready to serve);</li>
<li>Volunteer to do your laundry;</li>
<li>Take care of your house cleaning;</li>
<li>And/or entertain older children with a day of play.</li>
</ul>
<p>2. Get yourself out of the house - if only onto the deck or front steps - for at least a few minutes each day. Set up a lawn chair, wrap up yourself and your baby in a blanket and take a break. Set aside this time for you and baby.</p>
<p>3. Take it easy. Play with your baby. Visit with friends and family. Listen to relaxing music. Watch some old ï¿½feel goodï¿½ DVD&#8217;s. Get someone to take you and baby for a long ride in the car. Baby will probably fall right off to sleep and you&#8217;ll get a chance to shut your eyes and relax for a few moments too.</p>
<p>4. And most importantly, eat really well and get yourself on a complete whole food nutritional program including pure omega-3 oils with EPA and DHA. I&#8217;ve seen high quality whole food supplements, combined with wholesome eating, consistently succeed in overcoming postpartum depression.</p>
<p>This is a special time for both you and your baby. It&#8217;s important to relax and read about <a href="http://www.tramadolultram.eu/2007/effects/">tramadol ultram effects</a> enjoy it. And remember, if your depression continues for more than a few days, please don&#8217;t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Support is only a phone call away at the National Post Partum Depression Hotline 1-800-PPD-MOMS (773-6667).</p>
<table width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" border="0" bgcolor="#dddddd"><strong>About The Author</strong></p>
<p>Moss Greene makes it easy for you to look and feel better. Visit her site at <a target="new" href="http://nutrition.bellaonline.com">http://nutrition.bellaonline.com</a> to learn the simple things you can do for yourself right now. Be sure to subscribe to her free newsletter - you don&#8217;t want to miss a thing!</table>
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		<title>Babies Bring Love, Joy, and Opinions</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/babies-toddlers/Babies-Bring-Love-Joy-and-Opinions-2341/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/babies-toddlers/Babies-Bring-Love-Joy-and-Opinions-2341/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Babies &amp; Toddlers</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[The old saying &#34;babies aren&#8217;t born with instruction manuals&#34; has opened the door for unwanted advice from family and friends, alike. If you&#8217;re a mother, specifically a &#34;new&#34; mother, at first you may appreciate the guidance of those that went before you. But eventually even the most patient of women will break. You will most [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The old saying &quot;babies aren&#8217;t born with instruction manuals&quot; has opened the door for unwanted advice from family and friends, alike. If you&#8217;re a mother, specifically a &quot;new&quot; mother, at first you may appreciate the guidance of those that went before you. But eventually even the most patient of women will break. You will most likely become a hermit, hiding the car in the garage, locking the doors, turning the ringer off and avoiding anyone that perceives themselves as an &quot;expert&quot; on the subject of motherhood and newborns. So before you become a recluse and start avoiding all human contact; here&#8217;s some more advice on &quot;unwanted&quot; advice.</p>
<p>Often times, a new mother&#8217;s insecurities get the best of her, and in all honesty, this happens to all mothers; not just the &quot;new&quot; ones. As mothers, we&#8217;re always questioning our abilities to raise our children. You want the best for them and fear you&#8217;ll make bad choices, its human nature. Therefore, when someone offers advice or guidance, we often take their words as criticism. But in all reality, most family and friends mean to help, not judge. Open your mind to their words; ignore the little voice inside your head that says they&#8217;re judging you. In most instances, these same people have been giving you &quot;unwanted&quot; advice for years and you&#8217;ve never paid any attention to it. The insecurities of having a newborn often times warrants defensive behaviors when faced with unwanted advice. However, motherhood is a learning experience; it starts at the birth and never ends. Listening to family and friends that have walked in your shoes before can, however, be a soothing and rewarding experience.</p>
<p>Everyone will have opinions on certain circumstances and if you listen closely, even theirs will differ from one another. Pretty soon, you find yourself throwing your hands up and surrendering like General Lee. However, often times by educating yourself on what the actual &quot;experts&quot; say can eliminate the frustration and the insecurities that a new mom will face. Educating yourself on the best choices that you can make for your newborn can build self-confidence, self-respect, and sanity.</p>
<p>It is very important for mother&#8217;s to have a good relationship with their infant&#8217;s pediatrician, as well. Often times, the trust you put into your child&#8217;s doctor will help fight off those insecurities that you may have. A pediatrician sees most infants several times during the first few months of their lives. These are great opportunities for mother&#8217;s to ask questions. Keep a notebook handy, write down concerns that you have, or questions.</p>
<p>Lighthearted advice is just that, when given it&#8217;s meant to be taken as helpful hints and suggestions. However, in some instances, you will have family and friends insisting on &quot;their way&quot; of doing things. When this circumstance occurs, be prepared. Thank the person and tell them you will consider their advice, quote what you have read from child-rearing books, explain to them that you and your child&#8217;s pediatrician has discussed the matter and you&#8217;re following doctors orders. If all else fails, change the subject or leave the room.</p>
<p>In many circumstances, especially those that are short-term, you may consider following the person&#8217;s advice while they are present. In all reality, they will leave and when they do, so can their advice. Short-term circumstances that have no long-term effects are just that. They won&#8217;t warp or change the big picture. If your mother-in-law comes to your house to &quot;help&quot;, and suggests adding more blankets to the crib or turning the heat up because the baby looks cold, just go with it. When she does leave, you can quickly undo the heartfelt actions.</p>
<p>Often times, you may find yourself in a circumstance where all other methods of deterring an opinion or advice have failed. You have tried avoiding the subject, quoting a doctor or expert, and even ignoring the advice. But yet still, the person insists on you listening to them. It is at this time that you have to result to what I call, &quot;the truth&quot;. In the kindest fashion possible, you explain to them your honest feelings on the subject, you express gratitude that they care, but in all honesty, the child is yours and you know what&#8217;s best. If you&#8217;re uncomfortable saying this to someone; ask a friend, your husband, or another family member to talk to the person and explain to them your true feelings on the situation.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s important to surround yourself with positive people. If possible, find other mother&#8217;s that share your views and values. Then, as mother&#8217;s you can swap stories, not advice.</p>
<p>http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/newborn_baby.htm</p>
<p>Dr. James Brann is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is also the Editor of Women&#8217;s Healthcare Topics an information source for all women.</p>
<p><a target="_new" href="http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com">http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com</a>
</p>
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		<title>Back-to-School success: Support your Child with Feng Shui</title>
		<link>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/BacktoSchool-success-Support-your-Child-with-Feng-Shui-2340/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parents-mag.com/parenting/BacktoSchool-success-Support-your-Child-with-Feng-Shui-2340/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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	<category>Parenting</category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Back-to-School success: Support your Child with Feng Shui
&#160;by: Vicky White
Fall is almost here in the Northern Hemisphere, and back-to-school energy is everywhere. The malls are full of harried parents and children in tow, in search of the perfect new outfit for the school year.
By using Feng Shui to give them a bedroom makeover you&#8217;ll have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Back-to-School success: Support your Child with Feng Shui</b><br />
&nbsp;by: <b>Vicky White</b></p>
<p>Fall is almost here in the Northern Hemisphere, and back-to-school energy is everywhere. The malls are full of harried parents and children in tow, in search of the perfect new outfit for the school year.</p>
<p>By using Feng Shui to give them a bedroom makeover you&#8217;ll have more impact on your child&#8217;s energy, learning and creativity than any new outfit could.</p>
<p>Just as for adults, harmonious energy in a child&#8217;s bedroom encourages good study habits, promotes greater success in school and creates well-adjusted children.</p>
<p>Top 10 Feng Shui tips for your child&#8217;s success and well-being</p>
<p>Set an intention to co-create a simple and cozy room. Fill it full of symbols representing possibility and imagination. By giving children some control over how their room is decorated, you can help them prepare for decision making later in life.</p>
<p>To find where the various areas of the Bagua are located in your child&#8217;s bedroom, see the Bagua Map <a href="http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/BaguaMap.html" target=new>http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/BaguaMap.html</a> </p>
<p>1. Clear the Clutter. Clutter is the biggest issue for children. It will suppress their energy and disrupt their growth. </p>
<p>• Remove possessions that they don&#8217;t use or care for. </p>
<p>• Make a habit of clearing unwanted clothes and toys regularly </p>
<p>• Ensure adequate and fun storage for the possessions they choose to keep </p>
<p>• Involve even young children in making decisions about what to keep and what to give away</p>
<p>2. Place their bed against a solid wall, as far away from the door as possible and with a view of the door from where they lie. This will increase their sense of security. Consider hanging a curtain to screen the bed from the more active areas of the room.</p>
<p>3. Provide a solid desk and position it to have a view of the door. A small desk facing a wall represents limitations and obstacles, and sitting with their back to the door can be unsettling and make it difficult to concentrate on homework.</p>
<p>4. Create a recognition corner and acknowledge their successes. Honor them with their ribbons, report cards with good marks and other symbols of their achievement. The Fame &#038; Reputation area, at the middle back wall, is the perfect place for this.</p>
<p>5. Remove the TV from their bedrooms. Not only will this remove a source of dangerous electro-magnetic fields (EMFs), but it will help them concentrate on their study and allow them to sleep well. If there&#8217;s a computer their room, position it as far from where they sleep as possible to reduce their exposure to EMFs. Store electrical toys outside the bedroom for the same reason.</p>
<p>6. Add plants to increase the presence of healthy chi energy. This is particularly helpful near the computer. The more natural the atmosphere, the easier it will be for your child to feel relaxed.</p>
<p>7. Activate the Wisdom area. The Knowledge &#038; Self Cultivation area (near left corner) can be activated with a lamp, a globe or by hanging a faceted crystal from the ceiling in this area. Anything with earth energy, such as a rock collection, will also energize this area and support learning.</p>
<p>8. Enhance the Helpful People area (near right corner) to ensure support from teachers and mentors. Here, you can place a collection of names and photos of teachers, advisors and anyone else the child trusts to support them, such as grandparents.</p>
<p>9. Display maps and educational artwork ­ to encourage curiosity and imagination. A crystal hung from the ceiling over the head of their bed will balance emotions and increase self-esteem. Rearrange the room and make changes regularly to reflect and support changes in the child.</p>
<p>10. Choose a color ­ using non toxic paint whenever possible. </p>
<p>• Blues and greens promote growth, improvement and a positive attitude </p>
<p>• Primary colors help stimulate brain functions in very young children </p>
<p>• Add darker colors to a white color scheme to settle an overactive child. It&#8217;s been found that hyperactive children still need stimulation, so you&#8217;ll need to experiment with the balance that works best in each child.</p>
<p>Each child has different needs. Some thrive with lots of stimulation, some in a more tranquil energy. By creating a room for your child that honors who they are and gives them a safe and stimulating environment, you nurture their world of imagination and possibility.</p>
<p>Learning doesn&#8217;t stop when formal education ends. Take advantage of the back-to-school energy to ask yourself what skills or knowledge will support you as you move towards your personal or professional goals. Then clear the clutter in the Knowledge &#038; Self-Cultivation area of your office, bedroom and home and place a Feng Shui symbol there.</p>
<table width=100% cellpadding=8 cellspacing=0 border=0 bgcolor=#dddddd>
<p><b>About The Author</b></p>
<p>Vicky White is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant &#038; Life Coach. For a FREE e-course &#8220;Your Secret Weapon: A Radical Path to Effortless Attraction&#8221; go to: <a href="http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com" target=new>http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com</a></p>
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