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Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

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Back to school…three words that represent great joy to parents who are ready to get back to routine and bring great anguish and “pain” to kids who aren’t quite ready to give up their summer freedom. In order to ensure a smooth transition from the fun and less structured summer into a new school year, I think it is important as parents to take the time to talk to our children about their worries and concerns going into the fall semester.

Back to School

Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

Back to School – Ask Questions

The question could be as simple as, “Is there anything you are worried about for this school year?” I know in my office when I ask this question, I have had many a parent be surprised by the answer their child might give. When we know what our children are worried or afraid of, it makes us, as parents, better equipped to give them the guidance they need to maneuver through the unchartered waters of a new school experience happily and successfully.

Back to School – Set Expectations

I encourage parents to teach children to view school as their job—what better time to start teaching children about work ethic than from the very beginning of school. As parents, we should set expectations for our children in regards to their “job” performance, and if these expectations are not met, then they should be held accountable.

Now, the expectations, as well as the consequences, will, of course, vary by age, but even the youngest child should understand that they should strive to be the best they can be at their job. Even my son, who is starting Pre-K 3, knows that mommy and daddy expect him to listen to his teacher, follow directions, and be a good friend to his classmates. If he doesn’t achieve these things, he doesn’t get to read books at night (his favorite pre-bedtime activity).

These expectations are established from the get-go so that there is no confusion about the “job description.”

Back to School – Establish a good rapport with your child’s teacher

I also encourage all parents, but especially the parents of elementary-aged children, to establish a good rapport with their child’s teacher. After all, the reality is that in many cases, their teacher will spend more time with them during the weekday than we will.

It is crucial to make sure there are channels of communication that exist between parents and teachers, and these should not be one-way avenues. Parents should feel comfortable bringing up concerns to teachers, just as teachers should be respected when they bring concerns back to parents.

A partnership between teacher and parent is vital to helping children achieve success in the classroom which often translates to increased self-confidence in kids.

Stay positive

So as everyone heads back to school, establish those expectations, let them know their “job description,” and then make sure your voice as a parent is a positive one with excitement, support, and encouragement for the upcoming school year.

As kids make the trek up the ladder to reach those expectations you have set, make sure they know you are their biggest cheerleader and will always be behind them to catch them when they stumble, to give extra little pushes along the way, and to celebrate all of their achievements all from a place of unconditional love.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting, and living in Baton Rouge.Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share family resources and Baton Rouge Family Fun’s experiences with food, fitness, and health as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Understanding Dental Insurance: An Ultimate Guide

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Dental insurance is an important part of ensuring access to the dental care you need to maintain your oral health. But with so many types of dental insurance plans available, understanding dental insurance isn’t always easy.

Understanding Dental Insurance:
An Ultimate Guide By College Family Dentistry

Whether you receive dental insurance through your job, have purchased individual dental insurance or are navigating seeing a dentist without insurance, it’s important to understand how dental insurance works and what your options are.

Keep reading to explore the ins and outs of dental insurance.

Understanding Dental Insurance

How Dental Insurance Works

Most dental insurance plans are designed to cover a portion of the costs for your dental care services.

Dental insurance plans typically cover 100% of preventative and diagnostic procedures, such as regular cleanings and X-rays, and a percentage of other procedures such as cavity fillings, root canals and tooth extractions.

While some dental insurance plans may cover cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, teeth straightening and veneers, many plans do not include coverage for these elective procedures.

Some dental offices will have you pay out of pocket at the appointment for any fees not covered by your insurance, while others may send you a bill following your appointment.

Either way, “it’s important to have a good understanding of your dental benefits before arriving at the dentist for an appointment,” said Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Evan Morse. If you’re local, the best way to do this is to call your Baton Rouge dentist office and talk to a treatment coordinator, who can help you navigate what is covered under your dental plan and what your out-of-pocket costs may be.

When working on understanding dental insurance, it’s also important to keep in mind that dental insurance plans are typically annual plans. Most include a “use it or lose it” feature, meaning that if you don’t use your benefits within the calendar year, they won’t carry over into the following year.

If you’re nearing the end of your annual plan and still have unused benefits, be sure to call your dentist and talk with them to identify which benefits need to be used before the end of the year.

“If you need work done we will work hard to get you into the office before benefits expire to maximize your covered,” said Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Morse.

Understanding Dental Insurance: Types of Dental Insurance

The first step toward understanding dental insurance and your specific dental plan, is to explore the types of dental insurance available. There are several primary types of dental insurance plans.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)

A PPO dental insurance plan typically features a network of dentists under contract to the insurance company. Contracted dentists must accept the maximum allowable fee outlined by the plan. With a PPO

plan, you’ll likely look for an “in-network” dentist, but can still see an out-of-network dentist, though out of pocket costs may vary. For example, if you’re in Baton Rouge dental insurance PPO plans will typically cover dentists in your area.

Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO)

With a DHMO plan, dentists are pre-paid a certain amount each month for each patient assigned to them. Dentists then provide specific services at no-cost or reduced cost to those patients. Because the plan doesn’t reimburse for individual services, patients usually must see an in-network dentist to use their benefits.

Indemnity Plans

This is sometimes referred to as traditional insurance. In this type of dental insurance plan, the insurance company pays claims based on the specific procedures performed, usually covering a percentage of the total fee. Patients are typically able to choose their own dentist.

Direct Reimbursement

With a direct reimbursement dental insurance plan, benefits are based on actual dollars spent, rather than on the type of treatment received. Patients are able to go to the dentist of their choice. A patient typically pays the dentist directly and then submits a receipt to be reimbursed by their insurance company.

Discount or Referral Plans

A company selling a discount dental plan typically contracts with a network of dentists, who agree to discount their dental fees to enrolled patients. Patients pay out of pocket for the discounted rate. While these are often sold to individuals, companies may also purchase discount plans for their employees. Additionally, some dentist offices, like our Baton Rouge dentist office, may have discount dental plans of their own.

Understanding Dental Insurance: Choosing Your Best Option

If you get your dental insurance from your employer, you likely won’t have a choice about the type of dental insurance you receive. But if you’re shopping around for an individual dental insurance plan, or you’re looking for a plan for your employees, it’s important to consider a few key factors when choosing a plan.

  • Costs: Make sure to review the cost for the plan compared to the cash cost of preventative procedures. While dental insurance is a valuable resource, you want it to be worth it.
  • Coverage: Make sure that your dental plan covers at least basic preventive and diagnostic dental care, such as regular cleanings and annual x-rays.
  • Waiting Period: Does the dental plan have a waiting period before benefits take effect? If you need care quickly, seek out dental insurance without a waiting period so you’re covered right away.
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Much like health insurance, any pre-existing dental conditions you have could impact your coverage or your dental insurance costs. Be sure to look into whether there are any existing dental issues you’re facing that could affect your insurance.

No Dental Insurance? You Still Have Options

It’s great to have dental insurance, but you can still see a dentist without insurance. If you don’t have dental insurance, you typically have a few options.

Pay Out of Pocket

Most dentist offices, including our Baton Rouge dentist office, accept cash, credit cards and checks to cover dental procedures. This is one of the simplest ways to pay for the dentist without insurance, especially if you’re able to afford the costs of your dental treatments.

Purchase Individual Dental Insurance

If you don’t get dental insurance as a benefit through your job, there are plenty of options to purchase personal dental insurance so you’re not faced with a trip to the dentist without insurance at all.

Sign Up for A Discount Dental Plan

A discount dental plan could also be a good option. At College Family Dentistry in Baton Rouge, our Discount Dental Plan includes two healthy hygiene cleanings, two exams and an X-Ray series per member, as well as a periodontal evaluation and intraoral camera exam. Additional services, including cosmetic or restorative dental procedures, emergency visits and Invisalign services, are offered at a discount.

Be sure to read our full guide to seeing a dentist without insurance.

Understanding Dental Insurance: Is Dental Insurance Worth It?

If you’ve generally had good oral health throughout your life, it can be easy to wonder if dental insurance is really worth the cost.

On average, Americans pay about $360 each year, or between $15 or $50 per month for dental insurance. While this amount may exceed the annual cost of a discount dental plan, it is significantly lower than the costs for more intensive dental procedures like fillings, root canals or tooth extractions.

And while simply skipping the dentist if you’re experiencing no obvious dental issues or pain may seem like a fine idea, it can cost you a lot more in the long run – to both your wallet and your health.

Keeping up with regular cleanings, X-rays and other preventative dental care can help spot a potential issue early on, reducing your need for expensive procedures and improving your oral health overall.

If you have any questions about your insurance plan or need more help understanding dental insurance, please contact one of our family of Baton Rouge area dental offices. We’re always happy to help!

Car Seat Safety

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

 

Summer Travel Safety Tips – Ask the Expert

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“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge. This week on Ask the Experts, Smith Shanklin Sosa, fellow Baton Rouge parents, are sharing a few Summer Travel Safety Tips.

Car Seat Safety

Summer and road trips go together like peas and carrots.  Traveling during these high traffic times can be dangerous and it is important to be extra cautious when sharing the road with large trucks and buses.  Even though truck drivers are well aware of the dangers their vehicles present to other passenger vehicles, I can guarantee that this mama is not going to trust my family’s safety to another driver.  As a personal injury attorney, I have seen beautiful vacations turn tragic on highways and interstates.  Follow my top 3 Summer Travel Safety Tips and put your family and yourself in a better position to avoid tragic accidents.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

Summer Travel Safety Tips

  1. Be Aware of the “No Go Zones”

Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots as shown in the below photo.  It is best to spend as little time as possible in these “No Go Zones”.  If you have a feeling that the driver of a large truck or bus does not see you, make some noise and honk that horn.  I know that horns can make you feel like your yelling at the other drivers on the road, but I personally have avoided my fair share of accidents by letting my horn rip.

Summer Baton Rouge

  1. Safe Passing

Make sure you can see the driver in the vehicle mirror. If you do not see the driver, it is best to assume he/she cannot see you.  When passing a truck or bus, make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front giving extra space.  If possible, it is a good idea to avoid passing trucks and buses when you are traveling downhill.  These big trucks and buses take longer to stop and you do not want to be on the receiving end of their failure to slow down.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

 

  1. Avoid Wide Turns

Buses and trucks make wide turns.  Be aware that these trucks usually have around a 55-foot turning radius.  A lot of times truck/bus drivers will swing wide to accommodate this turning radius and you want to avoid them swinging into your vehicle.

Summer Baton Rouge

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

 

Louisiana Summer Safety Tips for Kids

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Nothing says summer here in South Louisiana more than biting into a scrumptiously sweet Louisiana strawberry, having the juice drip down your chin after devouring a big slice of watermelon, or enjoying a strawberry cheesecake sno-ball made the Louisiana way (i.e. the right way) with condensed milk.  And, lest we forget, very soon the kiddos will be “free” for the summer, with swimming, vacations, sports, summer camps, and a seemingly endless supply of other activities (and energy) to take full advantage of that time off.  So if your family is like mine and beginning to prepare for the upcoming summer season, here are a few pediatric tips to keep your kiddos healthy so that they can soak up every last second of that summer break from school.

summer Safety Tips

It’s getting hot out here– As we all know, summer in Baton Rouge means temperatures in the 90s and humidity that seems to exceed 100% on most days.  In order to protect your little one’s skin from those intense sun rays, begin with thin, lightly-colored clothing covering as much of the body as possible, and pair it with a nice wide-brimmed hat.  For those 6 months and older, sunscreen is key.  You want to find a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher and remember – the most important part of using sunscreen is frequent reapplication.  We are talking at least every 2 hours, even with those sunscreens that are “waterproof”, “last all day,” or any other claims the manufacturers might make to entice you to buy their product.

What’s bugging you?- Have you seen those native Louisiana mosquitos that are nearly the size of small birds these days?  OK, so that might be a bit of an exaggeration (albeit a small one), but all joking aside, protecting your kiddos from mosquitos is of utmost importance.  Not only are mosquito bites just plain itchy and bothersome, but mosquitos can also be carriers of things such as West Nile Virus and other insect-borne illnesses.  The Center for Disease Control reported that there were 111 cases of West Nile Virus verified here in Louisiana last year, and there were 5 deaths.  In order to protect children from the nasty bite of these pests, use a mosquito repellent on children 2 months and older that contains DEET of 30% or less.  For infants and younger children, I recommend putting the repellent on your hand and then rubbing it onto the skin of your children to keep the bugs away.  You, of course, will want to avoid the area around the eyes and mouth, and for those infants and young children, avoid those hands as well since they will almost immediately make it to the mouth.

Drowning prevention–  Because of the number of water activities to stay cool during the hottest part of the year, this is part of summer that keeps me awake at night more than anything else.  Here are some startling statistics:

  • Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children 1-4 years of age
  • 70% of preschoolers who drown were in the care of one or both parents when the incident occurred
  • 75% of children are “missing” for five minutes or less
  • For every child the dies from drowning, another 4 are treated in emergency rooms for near-drowning
  • Last year alone, there were 10 children under 16 years of age who died in Louisiana, and there are on average 390 children who die from drowning each year in this country

Drowning in children is often a silent event as children do not scream or thrash around.  It will not look like it does in the movies.  So what is the number one way to prevent drowning in children? Constant supervision!  When children are in the water, use the rule of “touch supervision” meaning that a child should always be within arms reach of an adult.  While age-appropriate swimming lessons are a good idea, never assume that a child is “drown-proof” no matter the number of lessons they have had.  Finally, protect pools with fences that are at least 4 feet high and have a self-closing and self-latching gate, just like the modern glass pool fences, and make sure to remove all pool toys from the pool and surrounding area when done at the end of the day (these can be VERY enticing for younger children).

For more on each of these topics and much more on parenting and pediatrics in South Louisiana, please check out my website The Mommy Doctor at  www.themommydoctor.com .   And as you and your kids head into the impending break, make sure and have a safe, healthy, and, most importantly, fun summer this year!

Ask the Experts Baton Rouge

“Ask the Experts” is a new series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts will share their thoughts, and opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, and parenting. If you have a question for one of our experts, please leave it in the comments below and they might just answer in an upcoming post.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRFF’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

 

Parents Ultimate Guide to Insect Repellent for Kids

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It’s that time of year again, with warmer weather comes the return of Louisiana’s second state bird… the mosquito!  In this installment of our Ask the Expert series, Dr. Mindy Calandro shares the best way to protect yourself and your kiddos from those pesky, Southern mosquitoes.

Parents Ultimate Guide to Insect Repellent for Kids

N,N dimethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)– This compound has been used as an insect repellent since the 1940s, and it is the insect repellent that is likely most widely known. DEET insect repellents may last anywhere from 2-8 hours depending on what percentage of DEET is contained in the products.

On average, products with 10% DEET will last about 2 hours while those closer to 30% DEET will last closer to 8 hours.  There are products available with DEET concentrations higher than 30%, but studies show that these products do not provide any longer/additional protection.

DEET can protect against not only mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus and Zika virus but also against biting flies, gnats and ticks that can carry Lyme disease (although our ticks here in Louisiana do not carry Lyme disease).

Now, a quick Google search will produce results citing that DEET can cause neurologic issues namely seizures.  This sure makes for good headlines, but the bottom line is that there have been 10 reported cases of seizures in children after applying DEET products to the skin in over 50 years!!

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the risk of adverse reaction when DEET is appropriately used (i.e. applied only on the skin according to the recommended time intervals) is on the order of 1 per 100,000,000 people!

Insect Repellent

So what are the downsides to DEET? Well, if you have ever used a repellent containing DEET, you may recall a rather strong smell and a bit of a greasy feel.  Also, DEET can cause skin irritation for those with particularly sensitive skin.  Finally, DEET can cause damage to materials such as plastics, rubber, or leather so make sure to wash your hands prior to touching things like eyeglass frames, golf clubs or certain water bottles.

Recommendation for use: DEET 30% or less is ok for children 2 months of age and older.

Common Insect Repellent with DEET: Off! Familycare and Deep Woods, Cutter Skinsations and All Family, Repel Family

Picaridin– This product was approved by the Center for Disease Control for use as an insect repellent in April 2005 although it has been used for many years prior to this in other countries.  Picaridin is created from the extract of the leaves from the pepper plant and has really no odor, does not damage plastics, and has less risk of skin irritation when compared to DEET products.

Picaridin products are available in strengths from 5-20% with approximately 3-5 hours of protection with a 10% formulation.  Studies show that Picaridin can protect people from many of the same biting insects that DEET protects from including those pesky mosquitos that carry West Nile and Zika virus.

So what is the downside to Picaridin?  Since it is a relatively new product approved by the CDC and EPA, there are not as many long-term studies available here in the US.  However, based on what we know of this compound as well as reviewing many years of data from other countries on the use of Picaridin, it seems that Picaridin is likely a very safe and effective alternative to DEET.

Recommendations for use: 10% Picaridin lotions for children 2 months and older.

Common products with Picaridin: Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard, Natrapel, Sawyer Picaridin

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus– If we are talking about the CDC and EPA approved version of this compound, it is actually a chemically synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus and not the “pure” oil.  Most versions of this repellent you will find are concentrations of 30% and can provide about 2 hours of protection.

However, the data is still out on if oil of lemon eucalyptus can protect as well as DEET or picaridin against West Nile mosquitos.  Another important thing to know about oil of lemon eucalyptus is that it should not be used on children under 3 years of age because of risk of skin irritation as well as significant eye irritation.

Recommendations for use: Only in children 3 and older, and I would consider it a distant 3rd to DEET and picaridin

Common products with Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, Off! Botanicals

Plant based oils:  In this final category, we will group all essential oils but those referenced most commonly include soybean, lemongrass, citronella, peppermint, and lavender.  It is important to realize that none of these oils have been approved by the EPA or CDC for efficacy in protecting against insects.

If these products do provide any protection from bug bites, and that is a big “if,” it is likely a very short window of less than 1 hour.  Also, as with all essentials oils, I would use extreme caution with these products on children with sensitive skin.

Recommendations for use: In my mind, I would not use these as insect repellents.

Common products with plant-based oils: California Baby Natural Bug Blend, Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent

A few things to keep in mind no matter what type of insect repellent you choose:

  • For young children, parents should use their hand to apply the repellent to children rather than spraying it on them.  For those children who tend to put their hands in their mouth, do not put the repellent on the hands.
  • Do not apply in close proximity to the eyes or mouth of children
  • Do not apply to open cuts or wounds
  • Products that are a combination of sunscreen AND insect repellent should not be used.  Since sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours, this would lead to most insect repellents being applied far too frequently.
  • When coming inside make sure to wipe/wash all insect repellent off prior to children getting into bed.

As you and your family are enjoying the last days of summer, and if you are like me, looking forward to the upcoming fall, realize that those pesky mosquitos will be hanging around for at least another few months.

Across the board for all of those 2 months of age and older, there may be many options out there when it comes to insect repellents, but I would recommend sticking with either a DEET or picaridin based product to provide the most protection for your loved ones.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, and opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting, and living in Baton Rouge.

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share Baton Rouge Family Fun’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Dry Drowning 101: Know the Signs with Dr. Mindy Calandro – Ask the Experts

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As if the idea of drowning didn’t strike enough fear into the heart of every parent, recent news headlines and social media posts have brought a new term to the forefront… dry drowning.  You might be thinking, “Well of course my kiddo has had a cough a time or two after their face inadvertently went into the water. Is this something to worry about?”  Here is what parents need to know about so-called “dry drowning.”

Dry drowning

What is dry drowning?

To get scientific, there are actually two entities here:

Dry drowning– This occurs when a small amount of water gets into the nose or mouth, and this water causes a sudden spasm of the airway where it shuts close.  It is almost like the airway is “overprotecting” itself from the water that isn’t supposed to be there.  With dry drowning, there is no water in the lungs.  In these cases, you will see symptoms almost immediately after the water gets into the airway (the airway will not spasm if the water isn’t there).

Delayed or Secondary drowning– In delayed drowning, a child inhales a bit of water through their nose or mouth, and the water actually does make it down into their lungs.  Once in the lungs, the water begins to cause significant irritation and inflammation (after all, water is not supposed to be in our lungs) which leads to something called pulmonary edema.  This can occur anywhere from 1-24 hours after the initial inhaling of the water.

You can see that while these two terms mean something different from a medical standpoint, the term “dry drowning” is often used in the news headlines and on social media to refer to secondary drowning.

How common do these types of submersion injuries occur?

Good news…these are both UNcommon!  It is estimated that either dry or secondary drowning probably accounts for only 1-2% of all drowning-related injuries in children.  Think about all the times your child has inhaled a bit of water while in the bathtub or the pool, and the vast majority of the time, they are a-ok.

What are the symptoms?

Good news again…dry and secondary drowning do not occur without warning signs.  When it comes to dry drowning, the symptoms will often be sudden in onset, and remember, they will occur at the time of the incident (like while they are still standing in the pool water).  Children will have immediate coughing that doesn’t resolve and sudden difficulty breathing.

Now, with secondary drowning, the symptoms usually do not start immediately after they inhaled the water.  It takes time for the inflammation to begin in the lungs.  Rather kiddos will start with coughing, trouble breathing, faster breathing, fever, vomiting, extreme sleepiness or a drastic change in behavior anywhere from 1-24 hours later.

dry drowning

What should parents do if they suspect dry or secondary drowning?

If your child has been swimming and in the hours following a swim they show any of the above signs, they need to be brought to medical attention immediately.  These symptoms certainly might end up being just the start of a circulating summer virus, but it is important to make sure that it is not secondary drowning.  Often a good physical exam by your child’s doctor as well as checking of vital signs including their oxygen levels and sometimes even a chest x-ray can help to ensure that their lungs do not have fluid that shouldn’t be there.

And a quick reminder here as well…anytime a child has required a pool rescue of any kind, at a minimum, there needs to be a call to your child’s pediatrician.  Depending on how long the child was under water, many of these kiddos also need to be evaluated by a medical professional.

How can you prevent dry or secondary drowning?

Both of these entities really fall on the spectrum of drowning-related injuries, and the best way to prevent any kind of drowning is constant adult supervision while swimming.  I have written before about drowning prevention (you can click here to check out that blog post),  but close attention to a child while they are in the water and vigilance for new onset of symptoms after a swim are key.  And again remember, these dry or secondary drownings are NOT common.

So hopefully now that you understand these frightening terms of dry or secondary drowning, you will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this does not happen commonly.  Kiddos will be kiddos playing in the water which often means an inadvertent inward sniff while in the water.  Let them continue to play, of course under an adult’s watchful eye, and if something doesn’t seem right after pool time is done, then you know the next step.  Happy summer!

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, and opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting, and living in Baton Rouge.

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM moms’ experiences with food,  fitness, health and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Car Seat Safety Choosing the Right Car Seat – GIVEAWAY

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“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge. This week on Ask the Experts, Smith Shanklin Sosa, fellow Baton Rouge parents, are sharing car seat and booster seat safety tips and laws. Be sure to check out the helpful printables that can be used at home, for babysitters, grandparents, or anyone that might need a car seat safety refresher. The best way to keep your child safe in the car is to use the right car seat in the right way.

Smith Shanklin Sosa is also hosting a fabulous giveaway for a GRACO Extend2Fit® Convertible Car Seat below!

Car Seat Safety

Car seats have come a long way. In the past, they provided minimal protection and were only used for babies; toddlers and other young children simply used seat belts. Thanks to extensive studies on vehicular injuries and advancements in technology, car seats, and booster seats are now mainstays throughout early childhood. Choosing and installing car seats can be confusing, but understanding their basic features and functions will help.

The Three Types of Car Seats

Children under the age of 1 should ride in rear-facing car seats. Louisiana law states that, due to the superior safety of this position in car accidents, children should be kept rear-facing until they are at least a year old or 20 pounds. However, safety experts recommend using rear-facing car seats until children outgrow them or are at least 2 years old.

The next step is the forward-facing five-point harness option. Children should be kept in these car seats until they’re at least 4 years old or 40 pounds. Then, booster seats should be used until children are tall enough to sit unassisted with seat belts safely crossing their shoulders and chests. Parents can choose between high-back and backless booster options. Typically, high-back boosters are used for younger children who don’t yet meet the height and weight requirements of a backless booster seat. These size restrictions should be clearly displayed on the packaging of all booster seats.

Multi-stage Car Seats

Though each type of car seat can be purchased individually, some companies have introduced multi-stage car seats that can adjust to fit children as they grow. Some of these options include the following:

– Convertible: These seats can be installed as both rear-facing and forward-facing to last until the booster stage.

– Combination: Equipped with removable harnesses, combination car seats can be used as both forward-facing five-point harness seats and booster seats.

– 3-in-1: The most advanced option on the market, these complete car seat solutions last until children are ready to use seatbelts.

Properly Installing Car Seats

Each car seat has its own installation requirements, and their instruction manuals provide detailed directions. Car seats and some booster seats are installed using one of two systems, seat belts or lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). The LATCH system is available in most vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002. LATCH systems should not be used when the combined weight of the child and the car seat exceed 65 pounds. For larger children or cars that do not have lower anchors, car seats can be secured by using the seat belt in a locked position. For parents who need assistance installing their car seats or want to make sure they’ve done it correctly, car seat inspections are available at local government facilities such as police stations, health departments, and fire stations.

Learning about car seats and booster seats can simplify the process of choosing the right one for your child. Car seats are safer than they’ve ever been, but accidents can still happen. If you or your child has been hurt in a car accident, the attorneys at Smith Shanklin Sosa may be able to help. To schedule a free consultation, call them at 225-223-6333 or contact us online.

In honor of Car Seat Awareness Month, check out these helpful car seat & booster seat tips to ensure you are keeping your child safe! Click on the image for the full free printables! 

Car Seat Safety Rear-Facing Stats Car Seat Safety

Car Seat Safety Forward-Facing 101Car Seat Safety

Car Seat Safety Booster 101Car Seat Safety
Car Seat Safety

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRFF’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Red Stick Refinement – Eat, Drink, and Mind Your Manners

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There’s a new etiquette teacher in town and our kids may need her more than we would like to admit! Manners, politeness and being confident in social situations are characteristics of proper etiquette — imperative lifelong skills that will transform the lives of our children. While we do our best to teach our children these basic skills at home, with full days and the busyness of life some important lessons can fall through the cracks… that’s where Red Stick Refinement can make all the difference!
Red Stick Refinement
Red Stick Refinement’s Baton Rouge Etiquette Classes focus on teaching both traditional etiquette and also modern etiquette. Founder, April Palombo Setliff, teaches the Importance of Eye Contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions. These are skills students will use their whole life, instilling confidence in children and teens so that they feel confident in any social situation. During class students also learn to set a formal table and learn how to eat both American and Continental (European) Style. They also write thank you notes and for the teenagers discuss Social Media Etiquette. Our children are considered digital natives, and with our digital world managing your social media presence is important.
Red Stick Refinement

April has taught hundreds of kids from over 20 different schools in the Baton Rouge Area. In addition to teaching classes out of her home, she also travels to campuses to teach. Below are a few options for classes at Red Stick Refinement:

PART I – SOCIAL SKILLS
We discuss Eye Contact, Handshakes and Proper Introductions. We also talk about respecting others and writing Thank You Notes. Social Media Etiquette is addressed for classes of teenagers.

PART II – DINING ETIQUETTE
Students learn all there is to know about table manners for both ladies and gentlemen. They learn to set a formal table and also how to eat both American Style and Continental (European) Style.

Red Stick Refinement

Red Stick Refinement‘s Top 5 Etiquette Lessons a Child Needs to Know

1.) Put the device down and make Eye contact. Eye contact, Handshakes, and Proper Introductions are the first things in teach in my class. Having a firm handshake and making Eye Contact not only shows the other person respect, but it also shows self-confidence. I want students to walk away with self-confidence to succeed in any social situation.

2.) For teens, I discuss Social Media Etiquette. They have heard the bad that can happen by posts, so I try to encourage the good. I teach there is a way to position yourself in the best light online.

3.) Send thank-you notes! Thank you notes are becoming a lost art but they are still so very important in my opinion. Send thank-you notes in a prompt manner. State the gift or service you are thankful for then state WHY.

4.) Table Manners: Learning table manners are important because it’s a skill set they will use their whole life. Have your kids take turns setting the dinner table. Make it a fun activity instead of a chore.

5.) Be Kind & Mind Your Manners: I feel a person with good manners can carry a conversation and make the people around them feel comfortable, respected and welcome. When making a proper introduction say the name of the older person first out of respect. Or the person of higher authority. For example, if a teen is introducing a new friend to their parent the parent’s name should be said first. “Dad, I’d like to introduce to you my new friend, Matt. Matt, this is my Dad.” A good conversationalist takes it a step further by making a connection between the two people. This encourages the conversation to continue. “Dad, Matt plays soccer at his school. Matt, my Dad coaches my soccer team. We have a game coming up this weekend. When is your next game?” Make a connection then you could ask an opened ended question.

The above is just a glimpse of some of the lessons kids and teens will learn with April at Red Stick Refinement. And Etiquette lessons are not just for children and teens, April also teaches business and personal etiquette for adults!

For more info., visit Red Stick Refinement online on Facebook, Instagram and on their website www.redstickrefinement.com.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

5 Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy – Dental Health Month

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Being a mom to an infant or toddler is hard work. We know.  With everything else going on, sometimes moms miss a very important aspect of their children’s well-being: their dental health. Statistically, 28% of children ages 2 to 5 will have dental caries in their primary teeth.  That statistic is alarming to us pediatric dentists! We’re here to provide some helpful tips for your child to avoid early childhood dental caries and to promote a lifetime of healthy smiles, the first thing is to make sure you hire the right dentist, like Family Dentist, Mark S. Frey, DDS. He is honestly the best dentist who can work with kids and make them feel comfortable, that´s where I take my kids and that´s where you should take yours. But if I can´t go to him, what I do is to make sure the dentist I use knows about parramatta dental surgery, it will show you how much they care about what they do, the last time I went to the dentist I found one that gave use to Dental Marketing Ninjas: Local Search Optimization – Dominating Local Search and I was pretty surprised by their skills.

Pediatric Dentists

  1. Bottle Feeding & Nursing – Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed time bottle/sippy cup once their first teeth erupt. Limit your child’s intake of sugary beverages to 1 cup a day and mealtimes are best.
  2. Home Care – Once your child’s first tooth erupts, proper oral hygiene practices should be implemented. Clean your infant’s teeth and gums routinely with a soft, age appropriate toothbrush and pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make it fun! Play your child’s favorite song while you brush.
  3. 1st Dental Checkup – Schedule your child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist as soon as the first tooth appears or no later than his or her first birthday.
  4. Balanced Diet – Infants and young children should be provided a balanced diet. Offer healthier alternatives to sugary snacks and beverages like apple slices with string cheese, carrots and hummus, whole grain pretzels or pita chips, and low fat yogurt. Offer almond milk or water to quench your little one’s thirst.
  5. Use a Cup by Age 1 – The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to have children drink from a cup by their first birthday.

pediatric-dentists

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your child’s first dental checkup, you can visit www.ascensionsmiles.com. Our Board Certified Pediatric Dentist is here to help!

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

pediatric-dentists

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM moms’ experiences with food,  fitness, health and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Holly Clegg’s Kid-Friendly Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

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Holly Clegg was one of Baton Rouge Family Fun’s greatest supporters. She shared many recipes and resources with Baton Rouge Family Fun. We hope they will continue to be enjoyed by families in Baton Rouge and beyond for years to come. Below is one of her posts from 2018, it’s a community favorite and it’s so darn good!! We hope you enjoy it.

Even if you’re limited on time, I promise my crescent roll Kid-Friendly Easy Mardi Gras King Cake recipe will be worth the 15 minutes it takes to make it.  No time-consuming yeast dough but all the richness of the best king cake you have ever put in your mouth!

I know I made an impression with this easy king cake recipe when my five-year-old grandson gave me a stack of cut out king cake newspaper ads and told me he knew I would want them.  You probably have seen, Clegg, on my Facebook Live videos cooking with me. I realized cooking with him has become a teaching moment too.

Who doesn’t like king cakes?  We are so fortunate in Baton Rouge to have some of the best king cakes but I have been told my crescent roll king cake recipe is “just as good (if not better) than at the bakeries!” With reduced-fat crescent rolls, reduced-fat cream cheese, cinnamon and sugar, and a little icing, this is a lighter trim and terrific king cake recipe that can be made wherever you live.  However, all the rage is my new savory and sensational Crawfish King Cake with a scrumptious creamy crawfish filling topped with Mardi Gras colored Parmesan cheese. Sweet or savory, this king cake recipe will be your go-to recipe this carnival season! Having company—check out my easy Mardi Gras Menu filled with recipes and tips.

Kid-Friendly Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

How To Make My Kid-Friendly Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe:  Fun Cooking!

Cooking With Kids:

  • Teaches you to follow directions
  • Measurements teach you math
  • Learn your colors + red and blue make purple
  • Instant gratification with finished recipe
  • Cooking gives kid’s confidence

Easy King Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Cinnamon Filling from Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook

My most popular king cake recipe known as a crescent roll king cake! You can leave out the cream cheese filling if you have picky eaters or sometimes I put half with cream cheese filling and half plain.  Here are photos of the steps of how to make a king cake.

Makes 16 servings

2 (8-ounce) cans of reduced-fat crescent rolls
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Mardi Gras Icing (see recipe below)

  1. Preheat oven 350°F. Coat 10-inch round pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray.
    2. Separate crescent rolls at perforations, into 16 slices. Place slices around the prepared pan with points in the center. About halfway down from points, press seams together.
    3. In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Spread on dough in the center where seams have been pressed together.
    4. In another small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over cream cheese. Fold dough points over filling and then fold the bottom of the triangle over points forming a circular roll like a king cake.
    5. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly and drizzle with colored Mardi Gras Icing.

Mardi Gras Icing:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1-2 tablespoons skim milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Yellow, green, red, and blue food coloring.

  1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients, except food color. Divide mixture into three bowls
    2. In the first bowl, add a few drops of yellow food coloring and in the second bowl, add a few drops of green food coloring. In third bowl, add equal amounts of drops of red and blue food coloring (to create purple). Drizzle over baked cake.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 184 Calories from fat 36% Fat 7 g Saturated Fat 3 g Cholesterol 9 mg Sodium 275 mg Carbohydrate 26 g Dietary Fiber 0 g Sugars 16 g Protein 3 g Diabetic Exchanges 11/2 carbohydrate 11/2 fat

SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL RECIPE NEWSLETTERS ON MY BLOG: The Healthy Cooking Blog FOLLOW ME: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTubeVisit The Healthy Cooking Blog by #TeamHolly here.

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Be sure to check out Baton Rouge Family Fun’s 2022 King Cake Guide here!

Check out our full Mardi Gras Guide for more Mardi Gras Family Fun, King Cake Guides, and more!

Family Friendly Mardi Gras