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Local Business Spotlight: The Clinic at Prairieville

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As parents, especially moms, we often put our health on the back burner as we care for our families. We’re ignoring calls for us to put our oxygen masks on first and tending to our children as we “gasp for air.” But, the older I get, the more I realize that the only true wealth is our health; and it’s so important to have trustworthy, reliable, friendly healthcare close to home. That’s precisely what I found recently when I visited The Clinic @ Prairieville for a wellness visit.

The Clinic at Prairieville

After years of putting off my health, I recently scheduled a visit at The Clinic after learning about them via social media, and I’m so glad I did! I was welcomed in by Stacey McClelland, Patient Liaison, who helped me get set up with New Client paperwork, and soon after had a relaxed and in-depth visit with Gina Jory, FNP-C. I left feeling confident that I found the primary care practice and the people that will hopefully walk with me in my journey to better health for years to come. It’s always a good time for us to put our health first – Gina Jory, FNP-C, ordered me a full panel of bloodwork, and I’m excited to get that back to see how the body is holding up and what I can do better, not only for myself but for my family.

The Clinic at Prairieville

Primary care practices provide health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. To stay safe and healthy today and in the future, you need access to a provider who knows and understands your health history, wellness goals, and concerns. At The Clinic @ Prairieville, they accomplish these practices and look forward to serving the Ascension Parish community and the surrounding areas.

The staff at The Clinic @ Prairieville are focused on being the best medical support system for each individual patient. We provide an alternative to the increasing depersonalization of primary care, and we value the concept of “FAMILY MEDICINE”.

You’ll find that The Clinic @ Prairieville provides the highest quality service at the lowest possible cost, with the best utilization of our resources.

The Clinic at Prairieville

Gina Jory, FNP-C

Gina is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in Geriatrics, Hospital Medicine, advanced wound care, and Primary Care. She has been in healthcare for over 20 years. Gina completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Louisiana College and then earned her Master of Science degree at The University of South Alabama, and is certified with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Meet The Clinic at Prairieville Staff

The Clinic at Prairieville

Stacey McClelland, Patient Liaison

 

Savannah Jory, Receptionist

WHERE: Conveniently-located off of Airline in Prairieville, behind the Prairieville Pharmacy.
16260 Airline Hwy Suite 2D
Prairieville, LA 70769

225-953-7550

If you’re in the Ascension / Prairieville area and need “Healthcare Close to Home”,  be sure to visit The Clinic @ Pariairieville, and follow them on social media, Instagram and Facebook, for important tips and information on health and wellness.

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress – Refinery Counseling Center

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The holidays are notoriously stressful. There are events to attend, kids out of school, parties to host, and financial stress as the cherry on top. Research shows that 88% of Americans feel increased stress during the holidays. Throw in a global health pandemic and crazy inflation rates and this holiday season is primed to be potentially the most stressful yet.

But what if it didn’t have to be?

Refinery Counseling Center is made up of a team of 6 mental health experts, and this holiday season we are bringing you three evidence-based tips to decrease stress and get the most joy out of your holiday experience.

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress - Refinery Counseling Center

1. More Doesn’t Mean Better:

The holiday season is SO MUCH FUN. There are work parties, holiday programs at the kids’ schools, special events in the community, church proceedings, and more family gatherings than at any other time of year. As exciting and enticing as each event may seem, the most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to set a limit and honor the limit.

The limit or identified boundary will be different for each family depending on a number of factors, including the size of the family, the typical schedule, whether or not kids are involved, etc. With young kids, it is often wise to limit special events to weekends and keep a normal routine during the week. For families with older children, you may find that you have more flexibility with later bedtimes, or even a special event or two during the week. As tempting as it may be to want to “do it all,” everyone involved will enjoy themselves more if they are rested, fed, and able to be fully present in whatever event has gotten your “yes.”

2. The Mind-Body Connection is Legit- For You and Your Kids:

Gingerbread men., sugar plums, holiday cocktails, oh my! So many of our holiday celebrations are synonymous with treats and alcohol. Holiday meals feature large servings and heavy pours. Work clients or family members may send cookie tins or boxed candies as holiday gifts. Many holiday traditions center themselves around shared meals and specialty cocktails. Or eggnog. Or spiked cider (you get the drift).

So much research is available about the link between our minds and our body. When we aren’t fueling our bodies well, we can’t expect our mind and our mental state to be well either. And that’s not to say that a special treat or beverage can’t be enjoyed during the holidays- certainly it can! But if the goal is mental wellness, then moderation is key. There are many ways to be proactive about caring for your mind and body during the holidays, such as going on a daily walk, tracking water intake, limiting sugar consumption, and implementing stretch or cardio intermittently. Small, intentional habits can yield powerful results.

3. Expectations Will Make or Break You:

Many people go into the holidays with the best of intentions. But even the self-imposed pressure can be overwhelming. Are the teachers going to like their gifts? Is the event planning complete? Is the meal going to impress the family? Was the donation large enough to the holiday charity? Will the gifts arrive in time? Will anyone be sick for the trip back home? Will grandma or grandpa be able to travel? Are the kids in enough holiday camps or activities? Did the company make enough to give end-of-year bonuses… the lists could go on and on.

Slow down. Remember the reason for the season. If a task or event seems overwhelming, practice a moment of gratitude to ground yourself and refocus. Ask for help and delegate. Communicating clear expectations to everyone involved in an event will help set the scene so that everyone can enjoy it to the fullest.

If you need help, assign responsibilities. If you need time, specify how much time you need to set aside prior to the task. If you need hands, recruit them early on. Bringing young kids? Pack snacks. Taking a few minutes on the front end to prepare for whatever is at the center of your stress will allow you to prepare and communicate your needs before reaching a stressor or breaking point.

In the end, all of the tips that will help you thrive during the holidays are going to be rooted in mindfulness. Remembering the reason for the season and practicing gratitude will help reduce stress and bring more enjoyment to the holiday season for you and your family.

When stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, you may be experiencing clinical mental health struggles. Refinery Counseling Center is a team of licensed professionals who specialize in mental health treatment for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. If you believe your anxiety or seasonal depression may be more than just stress, please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about mental health treatment options.

3 Tips to Help With Holiday Stress - Refinery Counseling Center

To learn more about mental wellness, visit our website, check out our blog, and download our free Holiday Survival Guide and Holiday Survival Guide for Kids!

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.

Beaching with Baby – 10 Mom-Approved Tips, Hacks, and Products

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If you’re heading to the shore with the family this summer, you will want to read on for some mom-approved tips, hacks, and products that will make Beaching with Baby a breeze! You won’t want to head to the beach without these beach essentials for toddlers and babies!

Beaching with Baby and Family

Beaching with Baby: Tips for a Successful Trip to the Beach

Here are some fabulous tips for Beaching with Baby from a mama who recently had a first-hand experience!

Umbrella Stroller

We brought an old, cheap one that I found in my in-law’s garage. It did the trick and would probably use it even if the baby was walking. It helped with trips back and forth to the room.

Beaching with Baby and Family

Swim Diapers / Baby Wipes / Regular Diapers / Clothes

I used the Huggies Little Swimmers and didn’t have any issues with them. They were just the first ones that I saw on the shelf. We brought a pack of normal baby wipes, as well as regular diapers. I packed the diapers and an extra set of clothes, and a light blanket for nap time. I packed a hooded towel and a hooded cover-up in case of a change in weather.

Sun Protection

I saw this fabulous Mom Hack on Facebook, and it’s a game-changer! Use a beauty blender to apply sunscreen on the face!

Set an SPF timer

Set a timer on your phone so you know when it’s time to reapply sunscreen to your child and yourself. Make sure you cover sensitive exposed spots like the tips of the ears and back of the neck. Set another timer to remind you both to drink liquids so you don’t get dehydrated. Check out our favorite sunscreens for babies and toddlers.

Hats with Ties

In addition to sunscreen, sun hats with ties are a beach must-have with kiddos. Our favorite hat is the  SwimZip Kid’s Sun Hat – Wide Brim UPF 50+ Protection Hat for Baby, Toddler, Kids. With ADJUSTABLE HEAD AND CHIN STRAPS – Both the head strap and the chin strap are adjustable to easily create the best fit possible with a breakaway chin strap that helps prevent choking. Side venting keeps heads cool. Wide brim for optimal protection. 

Battery Operated Fan / Air Pump

We didn’t need a fan because there was a good breeze every day and it was never too hot. We used the air pump to blow up the kiddie pools/floats/toys after getting down to the beach. It is easier to carry floats not inflated.

Entertainment

A kiddie pool is a must-have for babies because it kept them cool and entertained, and contained. We sat the pool on the sand in the shade, so they were out of the sun pretty much all day. Our kiddos weren’t able to get out on their own, so they played in the pool most of the time.  We had the guys bring up water from the gulf in buckets to fill the pool up. It took a couple of trips, but it was worth it.  I brought some beach toys and some water toys from home. The biggest hit was foam bathtub letters and koozies – who would have thought?! We used the Swimways Baby Spring Float Activity Center with a canopy in the pool, and it was perfect.

This is Charlee and Hayes in their kiddie pool at the beach.

Shades and Covers for rest and naps

A small tent for the kiddos or baby to get out of the sun is also a great item to bring to the beach. Our favorite is the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent.

Beaching with BabyAnother option for the baby is this small SUNBA YOUTH UPF 50+ Sun Shelter Baby Travel Crib with Mosquito Net.

Baby Powder

This is a miracle worker! You cover the sandy area and let the powder and let it sit for a minute, brush the sand off and the result is no scratching or pain. However, you will be covered in white baby powder, thankfully, it will wash off easily.

Most importantly, make some new memories with the fam and enjoy soaking up the sun, the sounds, and the breeze of the salty air! 😉

Waterproof bags

When you’re done swimming, you’ll want somewhere to put your wet clothes. Babygoal Wet Dry Bags are especially nice because they have two compartments- one for wet clothes and one for dry.

Beach tips for kids

We’d love to know what beach tips, tricks, and or products worked or didn’t work for you?
Follow the conversation on Facebook! 

This post may contain affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase through our links.

Best and Worst Halloween Candy Options for Children’s Teeth

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All kids (and some parents) want to load up on all the Halloween candy they can get. Why even have the “Trick” in “Trick or Treat”?! Right?

As a pediatric dentist, I obviously don’t want your kids to eat too many sweets. Although I love seeing their smiling faces, I don’t want to find new cavities or an unglued crown that came out when they were eating a Laffy Taffy! Moderation is key here.  I would say don’t deprive your kids of candy. After all, that’s what Halloween is all about! But my advice is to go through all the candy together with your kids and choose 2-3 pieces they can have that day. Then stash the rest away out of sight.

Best and Worst Halloween Candy

Best and Worst Halloween Candy Options for Children’s Teeth

The best types of candy for your child’s teeth are dark chocolates or sugar-free hard candies. Dark chocolates have antioxidants and are crunchy and dissolve quickly in the mouth. This means your child’s teeth will be exposed to sugar for less time.

Types of candy to avoid are hard candies that remain in the mouth for longer periods of time (i.e. lollipops) because these expose your child’s teeth to sugar over longer periods of time and have an increased chance of causing tooth decay. Similar to hard candy, caramels and gummies will stay in the mouth longer and also tend to stick to our teeth’s biting surface, creating a perfect environment for cavities to form. Sour candies have increased acidity and can cause tooth enamel to break down more quickly.

Healthy Halloween Treats

Another great idea is to give kids fun, but healthy (SHH!) Halloween treats.  I love Pinterest for ideas and found a great site with Halloween snacks for kids. Check it out here: http://www.cleanandscentsible.com/2013/09/heathy-halloween-food-ideas.html

Halloween doesn’t have to be a dentist’s nightmare. As long as candy is eaten in moderation and you supplement that candy with some fun, healthier alternatives, your kids can enjoy Halloween and still have a healthy smile!

For more information on children’s oral health or if you have any questions, please visit www.ascensionsmiles.com or call us at (225) 402-4118.

Baton Rouge Zoo Family Zoo Run Run

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Whether you are a turtle or a hare there is fun for all to be had at the Baton Rouge Zoo’s 16th annual Family Zoo Run Run on Saturday, November 13th, 2021. Run like a cheetah to the 16th annual Zoo Run Run 2-Mile Race and ½ Mile Kids’ Fun Run presented by Ochsner! At the run, enjoy the scenery as you scamper, trot or gallop your way through BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. All proceeds from the race support your Baton Rouge Zoo and international cheetah conservation efforts. Again this year, all participants earn a medal! After the race, participants are invited to join the Zoo for food, refreshments, and an award ceremony.

REGISTER HERE! 

Baton Rouge Zoo Family Zoo Run Run 

Where else do you get to run alongside cheetahs, elephants, monkeys, and more? 

Race Day

Race day registration will be located at the front entrance of the Zoo. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge, take Exit 8A off of I-110 North and turn right onto Highway 19. Continue to the second stop light and turn right onto Thomas Road. The Zoo entrance is one mile on the left.

On-Site Registration Begins 6:30am

Kids 1/2 Mile Fun Run Begins 7:30am

2 Mile Race Begins 8:15am

Chip Timing

Only 2-Mile runners will be timed. Your RFID timing chip will be attached to your race bib.

Race T-Shirts

Only participants who are pre-registered by October 22nd are guaranteed a Zoo Run Run t-shirt in thier size on Race Day.

Entry Fees*

Adult/Teen Registration
  • Pre-registration (by Nov 13): $30
  • Race Day Registration: $35
Child Registration (ages 12 and under)
  • Pre-registration: $17
  • Race Day Registration: $22

REGISTER HERE! 

For more Family Zoo Run Run information check out:  BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Website

For questions or to volunteer, please call (225) 775-3877 or email info@brzoo.org.

Flock on down and join the herd for a great event for competitive and casual runners, walkers, and families alike, all for a great cause. We hope to see you there!

 

STRONG Research Study – Pennington Biomedical

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Ever wonder what your body is using for energy? Is it carbs or is it fats? Researchers at Pennington Biomedical are trying to learn more about energy balance in girls. This research will help us develop new nutrition programs to support girls when they are exercising. If your child is between the ages of 13 to 17, she may qualify to join this important research study!

The STRONG research study aims to understand how girls use different fuels in their body (carbs and fat) to provide energy for different levels of activity. This research is important for understanding how to best refuel the body when it uses up energy.

STRONG participants and parents will attend an initial screening visit at Pennington Biomedical to learn about the study, take part in physical tests, and receive a wearable device to track physical activity, which will be used for 7 days at a time and returned at a later visit.

Participants will have two additional visits to Pennington Biomedical at least one week apart and stay overnight for 24 hours in the metabolic chamber each time. The metabolic chamber is a room with a special ventilation system that measures breathing and energy use. This room is like a bedroom with a window, bed, desk, TV, and phone. There is an Xbox to watch movies or play games, in addition to coloring books, puzzles, and other activities. Girls can also bring their own devices (e.g., phone, laptop) to keep busy. On one of the two days, they will exercise.

To qualify, participants in this study should:

Participation will last approximately 2 months and compensation of up to $350 is offered for the completion of this study.

Parents, if you are interested in your child participating in the STRONG study and want to see if your child qualifies, you can click here to screen online, call 225-763-2612, or email pebl@pbrc.edu.

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

Your Child’s First Dental Visit: What to Expect

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“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, and parenting. If you have a question for one of our experts, please leave it in the comments below to be featured in an upcoming article. February is Children’s Dental Health Month and we have an informative article from Ascension Children’s Dental.

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

As a parent, you may be surprised to learn that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you take your child to the dentist when the first tooth erupts or by your child’s first birthday, whichever comes first. Many parents make the mistake of bringing their children to the dentist when they have their first toothache. This can lead to a more traumatic experience for your child’s first visit, resulting in unnecessary fear of the dentist.
Your child’s first visit to the dentist should be as easy and pleasant as possible. At our office, I believe in keeping this first appointment short. During the visit, I will evaluate your child’s teeth and gums and discuss any relevant oral hygiene instructions with you. If your child is older for their first visit, then I may recommend a cleaning and fluoride treatment. This first appointment really helps our team develop a trusting relationship with your child to promote stress-free dental appointments in the future.
As a parent, it’s important for you to know that your child’s behavior towards the dentist is usually a reflection of your own attitude and level of anxiety.
I put together some tips to prepare your child for his/her dental visit, no matter their age, to help the visit go smoothly:

  1. Make an appointment for a time of day that works best for your child. We do not recommend scheduling their appointment during nap time or when they are just waking up from a nap.
  2. Parents are welcome and encouraged to accompany their children during the initial exam. This allows us the opportunity to communicate directly with you about your child’s dental health.
  3. During the initial exam, I often will have you hold your child in your lap with their head positioned in my lap. Before the appointment, you can practice holding your child in this knee-to-knee position so he or she knows what to expect when the time comes.
  4. Never convey anxiety to your child. Children are very receptive to words, moods, tones and body language. If a child can sense that you are fearful, they are likely to anticipate discomfort and become fearful too. Tell your child about the visit but don’t go into detail. Over-preparing your child can create anxiety.
  5. Watch what you say around your child. Never let your child hear of any past bad dental visits – either experienced by yourself or siblings. Be aware not to use words like “needle”, “drill”, “shot”, “pinch”, “yank”, or “pull.” Never tell your child that something may or may not “hurt.” Explain to your child that the pediatric dentist will count his/her teeth and will help them with the important job of keeping their teeth clean and beautiful. Keep it simple!
  6. Do not be alarmed if your child cries during the first visit. Crying is perfectly normal. Remain positive and supportive and work with me during this time.

The more positive and supportive you can remain before and after your child’s first dental visit, the better says Dr. Swauger, a pediatric dentist. He said that it is the parents job to build Healthy Habits For Your Kids. Each time your child visits the dental office, it will be easier and easier, especially if they remember the previous experience as a positive and enjoyable one. Your child will also be more likely to develop good oral hygiene habits and want to take good care of their teeth. Developing a good relationship at an early age with the dentist will most often help your children carry these routines well into their adult lives.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your child’s first appointment, please visit www.ascensionsmiles.com or call (225) 402-4118.

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Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe – Perdue Farms Direct-to-consumer Box

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Lately, my favorite grocery method is online ordering and home delivery. I love the convenience of having my groceries delivered to my home but can’t always depend on the quality of meat or the availably of the meat that I prefer for my family. I’m thrilled to share a brand new program that is sure to help make family mealtime and serving the best quality meats to your family a whole lot easier! Perdue Farms recently launched its brand new direct to consumer bundle boxes and they are everything we didn’t realize we needed!

Perdue Farms Direct-to-consumer Box

High-quality protein is the most important part of the meal when it comes to my four growing teen boys. Now I can get the quality of Perdue Farms meats I know and trust delivered to my door with the direct to consumer box. Be sure to check out our favorite Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe using Perdeu Farms chicken below! 

Thanks to Perdue Farms, my family had the opportunity to try the medium Family Bundle box {a 17% savings) which included:

Perdue Farms

Family Farmers and a Commitment to Animal Care

Over the last 10 years, Perdue Farms has transitioned from conventional chicken & turkey production to becoming the #1 supplier in the U.S. for Organic Chicken as well as a leader in premium Beef, Pork, Lamb, Pasture Raised, Grass-fed, Heritage Breed, Antibiotic Free (No Antibiotics Ever), Non-GMO, Ever, Certified Humane, GAP & more.

Direct to consumer boxes will include heritage, organic, pasture-raised, pork, beef, chicken or lamb – all raised with no antibiotics ever by farm families with the highest standards of animal care. 

Perdue Farms Sustainability and Recyclable Packing 

All packaging is 100% recyclable. The foam insulation is made from water-soluble cornstarch, which can be composted or even disintegrated under running water and safely rinsed down a kitchen sink. Each order also includes a reusable shopping tote and a packet of bee and butterfly-friendly seeds for consumers to plant in their yards to help the local pollinator population flourish. 

Additionally, with each direct to consumer box, Perdue Farms will make a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation to help offset the shipment’s carbon footprint, which will equate to removing more than 70 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere per order. You can read more about Perdue Farms’ Sustainability Initiative on their website.

Perdue Farms

One of my weekly go-to meals is a very simple Sweet Pepper Chicken recipe that my boys love. This quick and easy recipe with chicken and mini sweet peppers, in a savory and sweet sauce, is sure to be a family pleaser! Perdue Farms’ precut diced chicken breasts in our Family Box were perfect for this recipe and made meal prep a breeze. 

Easy Sweet Pepper Chicken Recipe

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Perdue Farms

A 100-Year Tradition of Excellence

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food, and agriculture company in its 100th year of business. Through their belief in responsible food and agriculture, they are empowering consumers, customers, and farmers through trusted choices in products and services. Learn more about Perdue Farms’ new Direct to Consumer program and SAVE UP TO 25% ON BUNDLED PRODUCTS. Shop now!

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.