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West Nile Virus in Baton Rouge: What Parents Need To Know

July 18, 2018 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

If there is a mosquito within a 1 mile radius, it will find me. I am that person in our family that mosquitos seem to love which my husband finds as a convenient thing for him. Unfortunately, two of my three children “inherited” this trait from me. Not only do mosquito bites cause lots of itching and huge red welts if you are like me and my kiddos, but the bite of a mosquito can be the culprit of unwanted illness such as West Nile Virus. You may have seen recent news headlines here in the Capital City making us aware yet again this year that mosquitos in our area have tested positive for West Nile Virus. In this two part series, we will discuss what exactly is this virus, what does it mean for your time outside as the summer winds down, and how can you protect your family?

West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus that is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. The life cycle of the WNV involves mosquitoes feeding on infected birds. The virus then remains in the salivary glands of the mosquito, and when that mosquito “feeds” on humans, WNV can be passed onto the human host.

WNV has been documented across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India since the mid-1900s, but it did not make its appearance here in the United States until 1999. This virus was “imported” to the US by way of New York- most likely by a person who may not have even known they had the virus. Since 1999, WNV has been detected in every state except Hawaii and Alaska. We often see outbreaks of WNV during the mid to late summer months of June to September when the Culex mosquito is most common. In 2016, there were 40 cases of human infection with WNV here in Louisiana. By comparison, there were 335 cases of WNV in humans in 2012 here in Louisiana. So far this year, there have been mosquitos that have tested positive for WNV here in Baton Rouge, but from available resources, it does not appear that there have been any confirmed human cases thus far.

Ok so now to what everyone really wants to know…how common is WNV and what should parents be on the lookout for in regards to symptoms? Great news here- about 80% of people who become infected with WNV will have absolutely no symptoms. For 20% of people infected, they will most commonly have West Nile fever which is a mild, self-limited illness with symptoms that include fever, body aches, headache, vomiting and/or diarrhea and fatigue. Approximately 1% of those that are infected with WNV will come down with the serious form of the illness which can include swelling of the brain, known as encephalitis, or inflammation and swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis. Symptoms of neurologic involvement with WNV include high fevers, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, and seizures. For this 1% of infected people, WNV can be deadly.

There is no specific treatment for WNV. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics are not helpful. For those with the more serious form of WNV, hospitalization might be required in order to provide fluids as well as pain control. There is lots of ongoing research into possible treatment options for those with encephalitis or meningitis from WNV, but at this time, all of these treatments are considered experimental. Also, at this time, there is no vaccine to prevent WNV.

Now, we all know that the chance of getting a mosquito bite in the next few months is almost as much of a guarantee as the afternoon rain showers here in the South, so how do you know when to be worried? No need to panic at the first sign of fever during the summer months as there are lots of other circulating summer viruses other than WNV (In fact, I have been seeing a particularly bad “fever” virus making the rounds in the past few weeks here in Baton Rouge). Now, if your child ever has a fever along with a drastic change in behavior, weakness or other neurologic changes, immediate medical evaluation is needed (and this is really true anytime of the year and not just during WNV season).

Stay tuned for the second part of this blog series where we will discuss the best ways to protect yourself and your kiddos from the bite of those pesky mosquitos.

“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.

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.

Simple Steps To Pamper Mom This Mother’s Day – Holly Clegg

May 10, 2018 by Guest Contributor

What do you get your mom for Mother’s Day when she deserves the world but you can’t quite afford that? Moms do everything for us since the day we are born and they only get one day a year to be really recognized for that. And on that one-day, they are still the ones who usually end up planning whatever event you do that day! I usually make our favorite make-ahead easy brunch casserole from KITCHEN 101 and serve with Cheese Grits but this year I have a different plan!

This Mother’s Day, I have decided to pamper my mom like the Queen she is, follow these simple steps so that you can too. After you get home from your Mother’s Day brunch, party, or cookout it’s time for your mom to relax. Waiting for her in the refrigerator will be delicious Chocolate Truffles dipped in White Chocolate from Too Hot In the Kitchen along with an Avocado Carrot Cream Mask. Both are homemade by you with all of the love in the world. And, there’s even a Chocolate Mask too-the ultimate pampering chocoholic favorite!

The Chocolate Truffles are extremely easy to make and contain only 3 ingredients. The best part is that you don’t have to tell your mom that. Let her think that you slaved over the stove all day to make her these authentic French truffles because you love her that much.

Although the truffles are very impressive, the most impressive part of the gift will be the facemask. This Avocado Carrot Cream mask is a really “good-for-you” facemask to pamper your mom with. The avocados are rich in vitamin E, which creates the best moisturizer, while the carrots (high in beta-carotene and antioxidants) help to reduce dry, flaky skin. Why go out and buy a facemask when you can make one and know exactly what is in it? This facemask can provide some good quality time between you and your mom, as well as an amazing refreshing feeling when she takes it off.

Both of these recipes can be stored and enjoyed by your mom all week long. The final step to your perfect Mother’s Day present is to buy “Too Hot in the Kitchen.” This cookbook contains more fun, simple spa recipes as well as many more fun and sassy recipes like these to keep your mom’s Mother’s Day going all year long.

Two of my favorite DIY skincare masks!

Simple Steps To Pamper Mom This Mother’s Day

Avocado Carrot Cream Mask from Too Hot in the Kitchen

A really good-for-you mask with avocados rich in Vitamin E (naturally rich moisturizer), carrots (high in beta-carotene and antioxidants-reduces dry, flaky skin) so these ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots. Leaves you glowing! Makes a lot!

1 avocado, mashed
1 carrot, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg, beaten (unclog pores)
3 tablespoons honey (tightens skin)

In bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth. Spread gently over face and neck 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with toner.

Chocolate Mask from Too Hot in the Kitchen

Everyone wanted to eat this mask it smelled so good but then it made you look and feel good too! Especially good for dry skin.

1 tablespoon cocoa powder
4 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon oatmeal 1 teaspoon plain yogurt

Mix all ingredients in a blender and smooth onto face. Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.

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National Adoption Day in Louisiana – Meet Elijah

November 16, 2017 by Guest Contributor

Elijah Evans, a then 15-year-old young man from LaFayette, Louisiana, defied every one of the many myths of adoption and foster care. Like most children, he entered foster care through no fault of his own. Tragically, he suffered abuse at the hands of the very person who was supposed to love and protect him, his biological mother.

Needing special care to address the damage left from being placed in a bathtub of scalding water as a baby, he met a nurse named Lynore who not only helped him heal, but ultimately became his mother. Today he is a thriving teenager who through his foundation, No Use for Abuse, is reaching out a loving hand to kids just like him to offer them hope and help achieving their dreams.

National Adoption Day

This annual, one-day event has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with policymakers, practitioners and advocates to finalize adoptions, and create and celebrate adoptive families. Communities across the county celebrate every Saturday before Thanksgiving.

It is one day each year set aside to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care still waiting for their forever family. This year, National Adoption Day is particularly focused on the more than 23,000 children each year who reach the age of 18 without ever finding forever families. That’s nearly 1 in 4 children from foster care who age out of the system with no place to call home, no family to support them, no table to join for Thanksgiving.

The fact is that the current U.S. foster care system is very much built to support the false premise that the older a child gets, the less they need a family. As both a daughter and a mother, my life experience has shown me that we never outgrow our need for a family. I am 41 years old and still rely on both my parents and my siblings for guidance and support in life. And my soon to be 10 year old daughter, Grace, very much looks to her dad and me to help support her in her quest to discover who she is as a person and what she wants to be one day. There is no doubt in my mind that both her courage and confidence comes directly from her knowledge that we are there to catch her when she falls. This is no less true for kids in foster care.

So what can be done to bring about change? First, more people need to help in challenging the general public’s belief that there is such a thing as an unadoptable child. There is no such things as unadoptable children – there are just unfound families. And while one would think that most people would agree, a recent Harris poll sponsored by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption found that only 51% of those surveyed agreed that every child is adoptable. And an even smaller number (27%) said that they would personally consider adopting a child over 12.

Second, if you have not already, consider stepping up to play a role in the life of an older child in foster care. Those who have already answered their calling to parent these children will be the first to tell you that becoming a parent to a teenage child is no less magical than the birth of an infant. In fact, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recently captured some of these parent’s hearts in a moving video.

And finally, speak out for these children. Tell your local, state and federal policymakers it is unacceptable that our system is putting more than 23,000 kids out on the streets to fend for themselves each year. Demand better for them than group homes. Push for more programs that are specifically designed to connect these children with permanent, loving families.

If you are already an adoptive parent, you can help too. The National Adoption Day Coalition has created the One Day Project to give hope to children waiting in foster care, and to encourage others to adopt, by sharing their stories of what their “one day” in the adoption process is like. Help us spread the message that adoption changes lives by submitting a short video about your adoption story, a few words of encouragement or why you support National Adoption Day.

For more information about the events taking place locally and foster care adoption, please visit nationaladoptionday.org.

Kathleen Strottman
Kathleen Strottman served as executive director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). National Adoption Day is supported by a coalition that includes CCAI, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Freddie Mac Foundation, Children’s Action Network, and Alliance for Children’s Rights.

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

June 27, 2017 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

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.”

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 “over protecting” 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 type of submersion injuries occur?

Good news…these are both UNcommon! It is estimated that either dry or secondary drowning probably account 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 vast majority of the time, they are a-ok.

What are the symptoms?

Good news again…dry and secondary drowning do not occur without warnings 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.

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 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 snif while in the water. Let them continue to play, of course under an adults 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 Moms where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

TIGER Kids Study with Pennington Biomedical – Veggie Spring Rolls Recipe

April 28, 2017 by Guest Contributor

As moms, the health and wellbeing of our children is at the forefront of our minds. Balancing busy schedules with school, sports and social lives can make it hard for our kids to consistently eat healthy, exercise, perform well in school and manage the stresses of life in a healthy way.

Summer is fast approaching which means more time for fun activities. I’m also thinking about how to keep my boys healthy and happy during the hot summer months, which leads me to share about a great opportunity for our kids to become “TIGER Kids.”

Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center are conducting a study to learn more about what motivates kids to make healthy choices. The study is called TIGER Kids and it’s a great opportunity right here in our community to contribute to knowledge that could help kids across the country. How cool is that?

Researchers are measuring things that influence how our kids perform in school, how to help them become more active and how to eat healthier. The study is also looking at body image, stress levels, family behaviors (like kids’ relationships with siblings) and other motivating factors that contribute to the choices kids make.

Beyond contributing to research that could help our kids get and stay healthy, what’s in this study for us? Kids will be compensated for participation in TIGER Kids (can earn up to $100 for participation) and they have the opportunity to become a kid scientist! They can help researchers work to discover how to help kids move more, sit less and eat healthier. You and your kids can also get great in-depth information about their health, and kids will receive two “wearables” for a week to track their physical activity.

Participating in this study is easy! You and your child will visit Pennington Biomedical a total of 3 times over a 2 year period. Interested in your child becoming a TIGER Kid? I’ve included the full study details below. To screen for the study, visit http://www.pbrc.edu/TIGERKids or call 225-763-3000.

TIGER Kids Study with Pennington Biomedical

Study Purpose

The TIGER Kids research study will evaluate ways to: increase kids’ physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior (help kids move more and sit less), encourage healthy eating, and assess other factors that may influence school performance, body image, stress and mood.

About the Study

TIGER Kids participants will attend an orientation session at Pennington Biomedical to learn about the study and receive activity tracking tools. Participants will then visit Pennington Biomedical’s Translational Research Center for Children (TReCC) twice during the study – one visit after the orientation session and one visit two years later.

TIGER Kids participants will also receive valuable health information at no cost. Each participant is eligible to receive a copy of:

their lab work; including blood sugar and cholesterol tests;
a printout of their DXA scan, which includes total body fat, total muscle mass, total lean mass and bone density readings; and
a copy of body measurement data including height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate.

TIGER Kids participants will attend a total of 3 study visits over the course of approximately 2 years with the following procedures:

Body measurements (height, weight, and waist size)
Blood pressure
Surveys
Dietary Questions
Wear an activity monitor, GPS tracker, and respond to messages on a mobile app for 7-days

Study Qualifications

To qualify, participants in this study should be:

Be between 10 and 16 years old
Not be on a restrictive diet

Compensation

Total compensation for the completion of this study is $100.

Study Contact

Parents, are you ready to see if your child qualifies for the TIGER Kids study? Visit http://www.pbrc.edu/TIGERKids to screen online or call 225-763-3000.

Looking for a healthy family fun recipe to cook this summer? Check out these rainbow fruit and veggie spring rolls:

Veggie Spring Rolls

Makes about 24 rolls, 1 roll with dipping sauce is 110 kcals, 2g protein, 17g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 4g fat, 1g saturated fat, 2g monounsaturated fat, 1g polyunsaturated fat

2 cups shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper
1 cucumber, peeled
1 large avocado, peeled and seeded
2 mangoes, peeled and seeded
1 package of vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package
24 brown rice spring roll wraps
1 cup cilantro leaves
1 cup basil leaves
1 cup mint leaves

Veggie Spring Roll Dipping sauce

1/3 cup peanut butter or cashew butter
2 Tbsp Hoisin sauce
1 ½ Tbsp Reduced Sodium soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp chili sauce (check ingredients for peanut allergens if necessary)
2-4 Tbsp warm water for desired consistency

Fruit Spring Rolls

Makes about 10 rolls
1 roll with vanilla yogurt is 65 kcals, 1g protein, 15g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 0g fat

1 mango
5 strawberries
2 kiwis
6 pineapple chunks
5 romaine lettuce leaves
10 Brown rice spring roll wraps
½ cup mint leaves
½ cup Vanilla yogurt for dipping

Directions

Slice fruit or veggies into skinny strips and tear herbs into smaller pieces. Set aside.
Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan or kettle and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the veggie spring roll dipping sauce by combining all ingredients together. Thin with warm water to achieve desired consistency.
Add the hot water to a large bowl and submerge one rice paper to soften for about 5-10 seconds.
Transfer rice paper to a flat, slightly wet surface and add desired fruit, veggies, and herbs. Fold the bottom of the rice paper up over the fillings, then gently roll over once, fold in the sides to seal, and continue rolling until completely sealed.
Repeat process until all toppings are used.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to a couple days, though best when fresh.

Want more healthy recipes? Check out the Pennington Biomedical metabolic kitchen website! www.pbrc.edu/kitchen

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Mumps – 5 Things Parents Need to Know

March 16, 2017 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

Last week, Louisiana joined the ranks of 37 other states to have reported cases of mumps since January 2017. In an urgent memo released on Saturday, March 11, the Louisiana Office of Public Health reported that several cases of mumps have been confirmed in students at LSU. The number of student affected as well as their vaccine status has not been released at this point in time. So here is what you need to know about mumps and how to protect yourself and your children.

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a viral illness that is spread through respiratory droplets or saliva (so coughing, sneezing or sharing drinks). An infection with the mumps virus may begin as nonspecific fever, headache, and malaise, but then often progresses to the most common symptom of mumps which is pain and swelling of the parotid gland. As you can see in the pictures below, the parotid gland is located just in front of the ear and at the upper part of the jaw. Swelling of the parotid gland, called parotitis, can be quite impressive and cause the ear to push outwards and the angle of the jaw to no longer be easily seen. If you or your child currently have any health issues such as depression or stress inform yourself about kratom benefits that can have a positive impact on your life. More serious complications of mumps include orchitis (which is swelling of the testicles that may lead to sterility) or oophoritis (which is swelling of the ovaries), encephalitis (swelling around the brain) or deafness. Death from mumps is very rare (even in the pre-vaccine era).

How common is Mumps?

Mumps vaccination became commonplace in 1967, but prior to that time, there were over 186,000 cases each year here in the US. Since routine vaccination, there has been a 99% reduction in the number of mumps cases each year, however, mumps has not been eliminated from the US.

On average, there are anywhere from several hundred to several thousand cases each year. In 2006, there were 6,584 reported cases (many on college campuses) and in 2009, there were more than 3,000 cases. As of February 25, 2017, there have been 1,077 cases so far, and now our cases here in Baton Rouge will be added to that total.

How contagious is Mumps?

As with most viruses, people are contagious before they even know they have symptoms of the illness. Those with mumps can spread the disease 2 days before the onset of symptoms and up to 5 days after symptoms begin. Therefore, when someone is diagnosed with mumps, they should avoid contact with others for at least 5 days.

Can you treat Mumps?

Well, unfortunately, since it is a virus, antibiotics do not help to treat mumps. For those diagnosed with mumps, the virus simply has to run its course. As with other viruses, lots of fluids, rest and medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to help with symptoms.

How can you protect yourself and your children?

VACCINATION is key!! Children receive their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine between 12-15 months of age and again between 4-6 years of age. These two doses of the mumps vaccine are 88% effective at preventing mumps viral illness. As you can see, the vaccine is not perfect, but it is the best protection that we have against this virus. For adults born after 1957, blood work can be done to see if you have immunity against the mumps virus, and if no immunity, then vaccination is recommended. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) those born before 1957 are likely to have had the mumps virus and therefore, should have immunity to the virus.

Well, why does it seem that people who have been vaccinated are getting the mumps virus?

That is a great question! As I stated above, the MMR vaccine is not perfect, but those who have received their MMR vaccines are 9-10 times less likely to come down with mumps illness if exposed to the virus as someone who is not vaccinated. Look at this example created by the CDC of a hypothetical outbreak: say a mumps outbreak affects 1,000 people. If 95% of those people have been vaccinated, that means that 50 people are unvaccinated. If 30% of those unvaccinated come down with mumps, that would mean 15 people would be sick with the mumps virus. If 3% of the vaccinated crowd got the virus, that is still 29 people who would be sick. So just by looking at the numbers (15 vs 29), there are more in the vaccinated group that have the mumps. HOWEVER, if none of those 1,000 people were vaccinated, you could expect 300 people to be sick (again with a 30% “attack” rate). It is not just the number that are affected, but more importantly the percentage of the population in question that is important.

Something else that we are learning about in regards to the mumps vaccine…it appears that over time, there might be waning immunity to the vaccine. We know that over time our immunity to vaccines may diminish which is why booster vaccines are so important (think about your tetanus booster which is given every 10 years as well as the recent push for pertussis, or whooping cough, booster vaccines). At this time, there is not a universal recommendation for a 3rd booster for the mumps vaccine, but in certain circumstances (areas with large outbreaks, for example), a third booster dose of the MMR vaccine may be recommended, since this vaccines are just one of the products people use to keep their health and there are other products that are qualified between health and beauty but are as well important as https://analbleachadvice.com/my-amaira-review/ and others.

As the mumps story of 2017 continues to unfold, stay tuned to see what, if any, new recommendations might be made. In the meantime, make sure that your children have received their MMR vaccine on time, and for those parents with soon to be college students, make sure they have received both of their MMR vaccines as well before heading off on their new college adventure!

“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.

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

February 20, 2017 by Guest Contributor

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.

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.
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.
1^st 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.
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.
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.

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.

Get Organized Month – Week Three – Bedrooms

January 19, 2017 by Guest Contributor

Do you get up in the middle of the night and have to walk an obstacle course to get to the bathroom? Well, it’s week number three of “Get Organized” month and we are going to focus on our bedrooms. This could mean your bedroom, your children’s bedroom, or your guest bedroom where your guests can’t sleep because you use it for storage. Remember your tools! Get your timer and 2 different colored trash bags.

Day One: Bedside Tables.

Set your timer. I bet this one can be 15 minutes! Clear your bedside table of all the trash. Now, think about what truly needs to be next to your bed. A clock? A book or magazine? A photo of that special someone? Whatever it is that you truly need, put aside. Now put away or donate the other items. Wipe the table and drawer and put needed items back neatly.

Remember, flat surfaces are not our friend. They are like magnets so resist the urge to place items next to your bed that truly don’t need to be there.

Day Two: Under the Bed.

No groaning. Set a timer. You may need a broom to help you get whatever is under there out. Leah Hennen from HGTV was told by Feng Shui experts that anything under the bed can disturb our sleep. Our goal with this space is to decide if we really need these items. If we need them, where else can they be stored? Let’s go! Trash, donate, or find a new home. 30 minutes! Go!

Day Three: The Bedroom Floor

Don’t pretend you don’t have things thrown on that floor. Set that timer and let’s knock it out quickly. You know this routine by now. Toss the trash first, touch every item, and add to the donate bag what you don’t LOVE (like that favorite shirt that was too small and is now on your floor because you can’t even think of letting it go. Yes, I know it’s there….donate). Put away all other items that are on the floor that do not belong there. Run a vacuum over the space, including under your bed, and wow, look how nice and peaceful! I realized how good it is to have a good watering system at home, here you will find the best water softener systems and I also recommend to check out http://waterdamageatlanta911.com/ where I always find help with any water damage I might have at home.

Day Four: The Dresser (and/or other furniture in your room.)

I don’t have a dresser in my bedroom, but I do have a nice reading chair and thinking to upgrade it to one of the best recliners to relax. Also have a bookcase and occasionally (more often than I will ever admit!) a coffee cup, water bottle, or clothes end up hanging out there until I take the time to clean it up. Now’s the time!

If you have a dresser stuffed with clothes, take 2 drawers a day and knock it out. You can do this!

Toss anything damaged or stained. Donate items that you no longer love, no longer fit in, or just haven’t used in a year. Put away the other items neatly.

Day Five: The Bed

Wash your bedding, pillows included, and make it up nicely. Use your flat iron to iron the edges of your sheets and pillow cases. As your reward, get a glass of wine or a cup of tea, a great book, and relax! You’ve worked hard. Enjoy!

Chaos Organizing – Creative Help and Organizing Solutions for your home or office.

I’m Martha-Carol Stewart, owner of Chaos Organizing. Everything I know about helping others to get organized, I learned during my 18 years of teaching. I graduated with a BS in Child Development and Family Studies and I have trained my staff as I would train another teacher. Kindness and patience are of utmost importance as you go through your items and decide what to keep and what to toss or give away.

My staff and I use the same teaching philosophy with organizing. We individually tailor the organizing plan to what is maintainable for you. That means there is no cookie cutter plan. It also means we have to think outside the box at times. Our organizers are gentle but firm to help keep you on task.

Get Organized Month – Week Two – Entry Way & Laundry Room

January 11, 2017 by Guest Contributor

It’s week number two of “Get Organized” month and I know you are ready to get moving! We’ve tackled our kitchen and made it into a less cluttered and more efficient space. The next two spaces we will organize are the entry ways to our home and our beloved laundry room. (No eye rolls please!). You need your timer and your white and black trash bags. (White for donations and black for trash.) You may want to get a cardboard box for breakable items too.

Days One and Two: Entry ways.

Stand in the most used doorway into your home. Do you get a feeling of peacefulness and joy? Why not? Assess what is there. Do you need to make a space to store those items or can they be put where they belong? I discovered that soccer bags, backpacks and shoes were a constant at my back door entry way so I bought storage cubes that now hold those items that way my children can keep their Best indoor soccer shoes at home, I use the system of storage things I don’t need from long time ago, I even got a storage unit with the best Self Storage Prices for keeping my extra furniture I can’t keep in the house. I also added command hooks to the inside of a cabinet at that entry way that hold my purse and keys. Never again was I on the hunt trying to find those much needed items. Set your timer for 30 minutes. Go! Toss, donate or put away. Now, sweep the floor, clean the glass on the door, wipe the fingerprints off the door handle area and take a look. Nice? Maybe you can even hang a favorite picture or add fresh flowers to a nearby table. Your home is your sanctuary, your safe place to feel happy with those you love. Entering and having a feeling of joy after a long day is important. Spend 30 minutes at each entryway. Of course we understand that you don’t always have the time to do all the cleaning by yourself, work and other responsibilities gets in the way, for those times you can also hire Maid Complete or other cleaning services like >Monster Cleaning Services London

Day Three: Laundry Room upper cabinets.

Set your timer! Empty one cabinet at a time. Wipe the shelves clean. Toss broken or damaged items. Donate items that are useful, but not being used. Now, group like items together. I like the Sterilite latch boxes at Walmart for the laundry room because they stack. The white stackable baskets also work well depending on your shelf size. Some things I store in my laundry are light bulbs, batteries, hurricane radio, candles, cleaning supplies, rag towels, animal supplies, tools, laundry supplies and more. 30 minutes! Go!

Day Four: Lower cabinets

Typically, the lower cabinet in the laundry is the one under the sink cabinet if there is one at all. I have noticed that often times, perhaps because of a leaky pipe, this cabinet will emit a not so pleasnt odor. But I fixed that pretty easily with a sink deodorizer. When it comes to what you store in these use the same protocol as we used on the upper cabinets. Remember, keep chemicals in the higher cabinets and away from children and pets.

Day Five: Flat surfaces in the laundry room

For me, this consists of a space for folding the dry clothes. Everything the kids bring into the laundry room tends to land in this space. Now is the time to get it put away, toss it or donate it. 30 minutes!! Go! Don’t forget to wipe the counter! Stand back and enjoy your work.

Day Six: Catch up on laundry and add laundry time to your daily calendar. Throw a load in the washer in the morning and dry, fold and put away when you get home. Some schedule a week’s worth of laundering to be done in one day. Tip: Use a lingerie bag to hold the single socks waiting to find their mate. Who knew your laundry room was a singles bar!

Be sure to check back next week for the second week of quick and easy home organizations tips!

Chaos Organizing – Creative Help and Organizing Solutions for your home or office.

Get Organized Month with Chaos Organizing – Week One – The Kitchen

January 2, 2017 by Guest Contributor

Feeling overwhelmed with all of the clutter left behind from the holidays? You are in luck because January is Get Organized Month!
Over the next few weeks we will be tackling the clutter in each room of our home. Items needed are a timer, white trash bags(donations), and black trash bags(trash.)

Each day there will be a designated space. Touch each item in that space. Do you love it? Do you use it? If not, put the item in the donate(white) or trash(black) bag.
If it is broken, torn, missing pieces or doesn’t work, it is trash!!
Let’s begin in the hub of our home, the kitchen.

Day one: The Pantry
Set your timer for the time you have available to focus on this one space. I like 30 minutes.
Toss all expired food items. Wipe the shelves. Group like items together.
All snacks can go in a basket or bin. Plastic shoe boxes work if you are on a tight budget. Breakfast foods can be contained on one shelf. Cans can be grouped and organized. All these kitchen advises you can also find at knife blog which helps you get organized.
Dry good can be stored in airtight containers that are clear and labeled. (The OXO containers below can be found at Target, TJ Maxx and Marshalls.)

Day Two: Refrigerator
Set your timer! A simple task. Keep or toss. Wipe shelves and door. Put items that you are keeping back neatly and grouped by use. Quickly check freezer for food over a year old. Toss.

Day Three: Kitchen Drawers
Set your timer! Take one drawer at a time. Empty the drawer, wipe it and put back only what you use. Donate or toss anything you haven’t used in a year.

Day Four: Upper Kitchen Cabinets
Using the same process of empty, wipe, donate or toss, group like items and put back neatly.

Day Five: Lower Kitchen Cabinets
I bet you have the hang of this now! Same process!

Day 6: Flat surfaces in your kitchen
This one can make or break all of your hard work because if your cabinets, pantry and refrigerator look fabulous but your counter is cluttered with stuff, your home will not feel organized! Tackle the piles, put away items that don’t belong in the kitchen and wipe down your counters.

Voila! Feel better?

Be sure to check back next week for the second week of quick and easy home organizations tips!

Chaos Organizing – Creative Help and Organizing Solutions for your home or office.