Conjoined Twins
Twins are a kind of multiple births, i.e., when a woman gives birth to more than one baby at the same time. Twins occur when more than one egg is fertilized or when the same egg is fertilized more than once by one or two sperm, leading to formation of more than one fetus.
Conjoined twins are identical twins who are joined together somewhere in the body. Conjoined twins are monozygotic twins, in the sense that they share the same zygote. Sometimes, they also share some vital internal organs. Formation of conjoined twins is believed to be the result of late twinning. When the twinning occurs more than twelve days after fertilization of the egg, it may lead to formation of conjoined twins because the embryo may not split completely. This may be due to genetic or environmental factors.
Conjoined twins are also known as Siamese twins, named after the famous conjoined twins, Eng and Chang Bunker from Siam. Conjoined twin births are very rare, amounting to around one birth in every 1,00,000 births. Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst, famously referred to as the biddenden maids, are one of the earliest known set of conjoined twins. The ratio of male and female sets of conjoined twins was found to be three to one, and they are found more in certain countries like India or Africa.
Conjoined twins rarely survive because of the complexity of the bodies. Most of them are stillborn or die within twenty-four hours after birth. Conjoined twins can be separated surgically if none of the vital organs are involved. There are different kinds of conjoined twins, depending on the part of the body where they are joined. These are cephalopagus, craniopagus, craniothoracopagus, dicephalus, iscopagus, omphalopagus, parapagus, pygopagus and thoracopagus. There are also some rare kinds of conjoined twins, such as parasitic twins (where one twin is not completely formed and depends on the other twin to sustain life), and fetus in fetu (where one twin�s fetus is present inside the body of the other twin).
Some people consider separation of conjoined twins as unethical if it involves death or disability of one of the twins. Conjoined twins, if they survive, can lead healthy lives. There are instances where conjoined twins have even married and become parents. The famous Siamese twins, Chang and Eng Bunker, fathered twenty-one children in thirty-one years.
Conjoined twins are identical twins who are joined together somewhere in the body. Conjoined twins are monozygotic twins, in the sense that they share the same zygote. Sometimes, they also share some vital internal organs. Formation of conjoined twins is believed to be the result of late twinning. When the twinning occurs more than twelve days after fertilization of the egg, it may lead to formation of conjoined twins because the embryo may not split completely. This may be due to genetic or environmental factors.
Conjoined twins are also known as Siamese twins, named after the famous conjoined twins, Eng and Chang Bunker from Siam. Conjoined twin births are very rare, amounting to around one birth in every 1,00,000 births. Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst, famously referred to as the biddenden maids, are one of the earliest known set of conjoined twins. The ratio of male and female sets of conjoined twins was found to be three to one, and they are found more in certain countries like India or Africa.
Conjoined twins rarely survive because of the complexity of the bodies. Most of them are stillborn or die within twenty-four hours after birth. Conjoined twins can be separated surgically if none of the vital organs are involved. There are different kinds of conjoined twins, depending on the part of the body where they are joined. These are cephalopagus, craniopagus, craniothoracopagus, dicephalus, iscopagus, omphalopagus, parapagus, pygopagus and thoracopagus. There are also some rare kinds of conjoined twins, such as parasitic twins (where one twin is not completely formed and depends on the other twin to sustain life), and fetus in fetu (where one twin�s fetus is present inside the body of the other twin).
Some people consider separation of conjoined twins as unethical if it involves death or disability of one of the twins. Conjoined twins, if they survive, can lead healthy lives. There are instances where conjoined twins have even married and become parents. The famous Siamese twins, Chang and Eng Bunker, fathered twenty-one children in thirty-one years.
Identical Twins provides detailed information on Twins, Identical Twins, Twin Babies, Conjoined Twins and more. Identical Twins is affiliated with Maternity Clothing Store.
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Child Dental Health
You should start taking care of your child�s dental health even before the child�s first tooth comes in. To begin with, wipe your baby's gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings. That helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When teeth begin to show up, start using a soft children's toothbrush twice a day.
As your child reaches preschool age, brush his teeth with a tiny quantity of fluoride toothpaste. Kids have a tendency to swallow toothpaste, and too much fluoride can lead to permanent stains on their teeth. Fluoride strengthens teeth by hardening the tooth enamel. If your tap water lacks fluoride, your doctor may prescribe daily fluoride tablets when your child is about six months old. Although fluoride is a vital part of your child's dental health, its overuse should be avoided.
Children generally suffer from cavities, i.e., holes that are formed when bacteria in one�s mouth use the sugar in food to make acid which eats away at the teeth. To prevent cavities, avoid giving your child too many sugary foods like raisins, cookies and candy, and sweet drinks like fruit juice. If your child was born prematurely, weighed very little at birth, has ongoing special health care needs or has white spots or brown areas on any teeth, he/she might develop cavities.
All family members should take care of their teeth, as they can pass the cavity-causing bacteria to children. Apart from brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, everyone should see the dentist twice a year.
Avoid giving your child sweets, sticky foods and between-meal snacks. Follow a regular schedule for meals and snacks. Fresh fruits and vegetables, and cheese and crackers are good for teeth. Do not let your child walk around with a bottle, and teach him to use a drinking cup as soon as possible. Thumb sucking is normal for children unless it persists after age 4. It is advised that parents take their child to a dentist around his first birthday.
As your child reaches preschool age, brush his teeth with a tiny quantity of fluoride toothpaste. Kids have a tendency to swallow toothpaste, and too much fluoride can lead to permanent stains on their teeth. Fluoride strengthens teeth by hardening the tooth enamel. If your tap water lacks fluoride, your doctor may prescribe daily fluoride tablets when your child is about six months old. Although fluoride is a vital part of your child's dental health, its overuse should be avoided.
Children generally suffer from cavities, i.e., holes that are formed when bacteria in one�s mouth use the sugar in food to make acid which eats away at the teeth. To prevent cavities, avoid giving your child too many sugary foods like raisins, cookies and candy, and sweet drinks like fruit juice. If your child was born prematurely, weighed very little at birth, has ongoing special health care needs or has white spots or brown areas on any teeth, he/she might develop cavities.
All family members should take care of their teeth, as they can pass the cavity-causing bacteria to children. Apart from brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, everyone should see the dentist twice a year.
Avoid giving your child sweets, sticky foods and between-meal snacks. Follow a regular schedule for meals and snacks. Fresh fruits and vegetables, and cheese and crackers are good for teeth. Do not let your child walk around with a bottle, and teach him to use a drinking cup as soon as possible. Thumb sucking is normal for children unless it persists after age 4. It is advised that parents take their child to a dentist around his first birthday.
Dental Health Plans provides detailed information on Dental Health, Dental Health Plans, Dental Health Care, Child Dental Health and more. Dental Health Plans is affiliated with Dental Plans.
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Birth Certificates
A birth certificate is one of the most important documents a person must keep a copy of. Almost all major and official transactions � application for visas, passports, driver�s license, opening a bank account, among others, require birth certificates to authenticate a person�s identity. One has to present a birth certificate to acquire marriage license or get into college, even.
Hospitals have forms that have to be filled out with the assistance of the parents upon the birth of their child. It will contain details like the names of the baby and the parents, complete present address of the family, name of the hospital, and the baby�s biological information � birth weight, height and gender, as well as the exact date and time of delivery. The attending physician will authenticate the information. The parents will have to submit a copy to the city hall�s registry where a birth certificate will be prepared. An authenticated copy of the original is given to the parents, and the city hall keeps the original document.
Some transactions like applications for credit cards may not require an authenticated copy of your birth certificate � a photocopy of the authenticated copy may suffice. Sometimes, institutions may only require seeing your passport or driver�s license � and you wouldn�t get those without a birth certificate.
To avoid unnecessary trouble and inconveniences, always have an authenticated copy of your birth certificate at the ready. You wouldn�t know when you need to submit one. Also, keep it in a secure place. You wouldn�t want it landing in the hands of people with malicious intent who could steal your identity.
If you have lost your copy, you may obtain another from the city hall where you were registered. Remember that you can only get an authentic copy from the city hall. Forging your birth certificate is a criminal offense, because it is, after all, an official government document honored in major transactions.
Birth Certificates provides detailed information on Birth Certificates, Copy Of Birth Certificates, Birth And Death Certificates, Obtaining Birth Certificates and more. Birth Certificates is affliated with Twin Birth Announcement.
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Birth Announcement Cards
It is a common practice among parents to announce the birth of a child to all friends and relatives. Birth proclamation cards are a custom that not only allows the world recognize the prized new member of the family, but furthermore preserves the memory of this vital occurrence.
A range of birth message creators and product preferences can be located on the Internet. The majority of admired proclamations are photo cards that incorporate a picture of the newborn. Getting and placing the orders of the ideal photo card for birth messages can be fun.
Most of the birth proclamations available on the Internet pursue a related process for ordering and printing cards. Normally, an assortment of card patterns and size choices are exhibited on a website. After going through the patterns offered, parents can choose the one that is desired. After this the order procedure commences.
One will regularly be given the chance to adjust the fundamental pattern with background colors, fonts and printing alternatives. Numerous companies permit parents to use their personal text up to a particular letter count, and are often encouraged to insert text of their own.
After the ordering process is finished, parents will be given a web address to upload the photograph of the baby. Within three to five days the parents will take delivery of the cards.
Should parents desire to make the birth proclamations unique, then they should find talented designers. The majority of card designers will be eager to furnish suggestions and testimonials from preceding customers.
Birth messages are available in print, and mistakes can be modified during the proofing procedure. Numerous companies will present an irresistible choice of patterns, text messages and color arrangements. Designers offer a wide assortment of options to enable parents to choose the best birth announcement possible.
A range of birth message creators and product preferences can be located on the Internet. The majority of admired proclamations are photo cards that incorporate a picture of the newborn. Getting and placing the orders of the ideal photo card for birth messages can be fun.
Most of the birth proclamations available on the Internet pursue a related process for ordering and printing cards. Normally, an assortment of card patterns and size choices are exhibited on a website. After going through the patterns offered, parents can choose the one that is desired. After this the order procedure commences.
One will regularly be given the chance to adjust the fundamental pattern with background colors, fonts and printing alternatives. Numerous companies permit parents to use their personal text up to a particular letter count, and are often encouraged to insert text of their own.
After the ordering process is finished, parents will be given a web address to upload the photograph of the baby. Within three to five days the parents will take delivery of the cards.
Should parents desire to make the birth proclamations unique, then they should find talented designers. The majority of card designers will be eager to furnish suggestions and testimonials from preceding customers.
Birth messages are available in print, and mistakes can be modified during the proofing procedure. Numerous companies will present an irresistible choice of patterns, text messages and color arrangements. Designers offer a wide assortment of options to enable parents to choose the best birth announcement possible.
Photo Birth Announcements provides detailed information on Birth Announcements, Photo Birth Announcements, Twin Birth Announcement, Birth Announcement Cards and more. Photo Birth Announcements is affiliated with Birth And Death Certificates.
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Birth Announcement
When a baby is born, it's a matter of joy to the parents, grandparents and all their near and dear ones. A Birth announcement is one way of sharing the joy with the community.
Birth announcements come in many forms -- printed text messages, photo messages, web pages or interactive blogs.
People who are conservative and traditional literally write their announcements by using pens or felt pens on glossy high quality paper. Some of them use hand drawn gorgeous and unique designs and a few photographs to go with the message. They fit this arrangement inside hand painted frames. Some prefer varnished wooden or gold plated metal frames. Others like colored ribbons to enhance the beauty of the announcement cards.
Some people develop their announcements using MS Word and computer graphics such as Word Art for message text. Lucida Console, Comic Sans and Monotype Corsiva are some of the popular fonts used. An increasing number of people prefer computer aided designs, multimedia web pages and blogs to tell the world that there infant has arrived.
It was not to long ago parents spent a lot of time preparing birth announcement cards. Today, birth announcement companies can help with all the preparations. Most of these companies have their own web site and parent and well wisher can go to the webpage, click the relevant link, get all the necessary information need to make an announcement card and place an order. The company will do the rest from design to hosting.
Birthday announcements can make the baby's special day a most memorable and cherished event.
Birth announcements come in many forms -- printed text messages, photo messages, web pages or interactive blogs.
People who are conservative and traditional literally write their announcements by using pens or felt pens on glossy high quality paper. Some of them use hand drawn gorgeous and unique designs and a few photographs to go with the message. They fit this arrangement inside hand painted frames. Some prefer varnished wooden or gold plated metal frames. Others like colored ribbons to enhance the beauty of the announcement cards.
Some people develop their announcements using MS Word and computer graphics such as Word Art for message text. Lucida Console, Comic Sans and Monotype Corsiva are some of the popular fonts used. An increasing number of people prefer computer aided designs, multimedia web pages and blogs to tell the world that there infant has arrived.
It was not to long ago parents spent a lot of time preparing birth announcement cards. Today, birth announcement companies can help with all the preparations. Most of these companies have their own web site and parent and well wisher can go to the webpage, click the relevant link, get all the necessary information need to make an announcement card and place an order. The company will do the rest from design to hosting.
Birthday announcements can make the baby's special day a most memorable and cherished event.
Birth provides detailed information on Birth Announcement, Birth Control, Birth Certificate, Birth and more. Birth is affliated withBirth Control Patch.
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Anti-Bullying Skills and Techniques for Children
Mark Lakewood, Relationship Specialist, Author, and Motivational Speaker
Bullying is a big problem in our schools today. However, bullying has always been a problem. The main differences between bullying today from the past are the nature of the bullying and the violence that occurs in the aftermath. Cyberbullying is becoming a popular and more destructive form of bullying than traditional bullying. More children today are bringing guns to school to seek revenge on others. Bullying has been around and will probably remain for years to come. Not only was I bullied as a child, but I continue to get bullied today as an adult. I do not believe that we have the power to rid the world of bullying. I believe the answer to the issue of bullying rests with all of us, especially the victims of bullying. I am not suggesting that victims of bullying are responsible for bullying. On the contrary, what I am suggesting is that victims of bullying have the power in themselves to think, behave, and react in ways that limits or eradicates bullying. As a society, we spend too much of our energy identifying and punishing the bully that we fail to spend enough time empowering the victims of bullying. We should spend more of our energy on the things that we can control rather than the things we have limited or no control over. We need to teach children about the power that they already possess. Let me elaborate on a few issues that parents should teach their children regarding the issue of bullying.
Let's first talk about the characteristics of bullying. Typically, bullies and their victims share the same characteristic - low self-esteem. It just depends on whether they internalize or externalize their feelings that will determine if they will become a bully or a victim of bullying. Typically, negative situations and events in the child's life can trigger low self-esteem. Externalizing feelings can cause some children to become bullies as they attempt to control their environment to compensate for their lack of control in their family. For instance, if a child's parents are divorcing and the child is very upset about the divorce, he or she might feel powerless in their ability to keep their parents together. As a result, the child might take out his or her rage on others for purposes of seeking control to compensate for his or her lack of control over their parents' impending divorce.
Given the same scenario (parental divorce), some children internalize their feelings by not talking or acting out how they feel. Instead, they become depressed and withdrawn feeling like a failure. Often, they develop a negative image of themselves and their physical appearance. They look at others and the world around them with shaded lens. When a bully validates this child's feelings about themselves, this child often reacts negatively to the validation because he or she feels the bully is correct in their interpretation.
Often times, children with high self-esteem do not respond negatively to bullies because they already know that whatever the bully says negatively about them is untrue and therefore they do not feel the need to defend themselves against the foolishness of others.
As human beings, our behavior, thoughts, and feelings are never dictated or controlled by others, situations, and events unless we allow this to occur. Simply said, others, situations, and events can trigger a reaction based on what we are thinking. In other words, if I really didn't want to go to work today and my car has a flat tire, I might experience happiness because I didn't want to go to work. On the other hand given the same event (flat tire), I might want to go to work today to take care of some undone business. Because the flat tire might delay or eliminate my chances of getting to work, this situation might cause me anger. How could the same event in both situations cause two different feelings? It wasn't the event at all that triggered the feelings. It was what I was thinking about the event that triggered my feelings. Therefore, manipulating the way we think can alter how we feel. We all have the ability to take ownership and control over our thoughts. We however have limited or no control over specific events, situations, and the behavior of others. Sometimes, we attempt to control events, situations, and others but become frustrated when our attempts fail.
Now, how does the paragraph above apply to the issue of bullying? The main goal of bullies is to attempt to get their victims to experience fear, anger, or sadness. Once their victim demonstrates signs of these emotions via the words he or she uses and/or their body language, the bully has complete and total control over them. The bully will continue to bully their victim until the victim no longer verbally and/or physically displays fear, anger, or sadness in response to the bullying. The bullying will end once the victim responds the opposite of what the bully expects.
How do we get children to react the opposite of what the bully expects? This is where role-playing comes in handy. Parents should regularly sit down with their children helping them learn to react the opposite of what bullies expect. Often times, this task is much easier when the parent knows what hurtful words or phrases bullies say that makes their children feel fearful, angry, or sad. Using these hurtful words and/or phrases in role-plays will emotionally prepare children when they are approached by bullies.
It is also important to teach children that they have the power to change or affect the agenda of bullies by the words they use. For instance, if a bully calls a child 'stupid', the child could defuse the bullying by stating to the bully, “That's niceâ€, “How about thatâ€, “Oh, wellâ€, and so forth. The worst thing that the child could do is respond by telling the bully that he or she is stupid or make any other negative statement. A negative response will only inflame the situation encouraging further bullying.
In addition, parents should teach and role-play with their children specified forms of body language that reflects a child with high self-esteem from a child with low self-esteem. Body language communicates feelings more so than spoken words. If a child yells at a bully that he or she is not bothered by their behavior, the bully knows that the child is bothered because of the yelling. Lack of eye contact, looking down, slouched posture, lack of hygiene, and low tone of voice can be viewed as symptoms of low self-esteem.
Parents need to teach their children that bullies rarely get angry with them. Bullies are typically angry at themselves and/or events that are or have occurred in their own life for which they have limited or no control. Bullies indirectly take out their anger on the ones they could easily control.
Parents should never teach their children to physically fight back when approached by a bully. The problem with fighting back is that children will get themselves into trouble for engaging in physically assaultive behavior. Think of it this way - bullies rarely ever throw the first punch. They always entice their victim into throwing the first punch. This way, when they are asked who started the fight, the bully could easily and truthfully state that their victim started it. In addition, there are significant legal ramifications that can arise as a result of physically assaultive behavior.
It is important to remember that physical violence typically occurs after a negative verbal interaction. Violence typically is provoked and rarely unprovoked. Therefore to avoid violence, the conflict can and should be defused during the verbal exchange. This is why the words victims say and their body language are so significant and detrimental to the outcome of bullying. Recent school shootings suggest that the shooters were bullied by their classmates. The bullying subsequently provoked the school violence.
Parents should be cautious when teaching their children to ignore bullies. The problem with ignoring is that the bully knows that their behavior is irritating, annoying, and controlling their victim. Therefore, the bullying will continue.
Parents should be cautious when teaching their children to constantly report bullying to an adult. Parents should encourage their children to first attempt to resolve the bullying on their own with the skills taught above. If their children are unsuccessful resolving these issues on their own, they should be encouraged to report the bullying. If their children automatically report the bullying without attempting to defuse the situation on their own, they will be perceived and labeled as a tattle-tale which will encourage more bullying.
Parents need to teach their children the correct definition of the word 'tattling'. Some children feel that reporting misbehavior to adults is considered tattling. Parents need to teach their children that reporting on others just to see them get into trouble is considered tattling. A child that reports to his or her parents that their brother is picking his nose is tattling. Children always need to report to an adult if they were physically, sexually, or verbally harmed by others or if they witnessed others engaging in destructive or illegal behaviors.
It is very easy to feel sorry and sympathy toward victims of bullying. However, it would be more helpful to the victim if we are more empathic to their needs by empowering them to diffuse bullying on their own. As a result, their ability to defuse the bullying would ultimately raise their level of self-esteem and self-worth.
If you would like additional tips and suggestions regarding bullying prevention skills or if you would like to attend an online educational seminar, please feel free to log onto the Building Strong Families National Seminar's website.
As a Motivational Speaker, Mr. Lakewood facilitates seminars on family-related issues. Graduating with a Master's degree in Social Work, Mr. Lakewood authored his first parenting DVD series entitled "The Sudden Compliance" program designed to help children significantly and swiftly improve their behavior at home, school, and within the community. He also authored the"Standing Up To Bullying" bullying prevention program designed to reduce bullying within schools, homes, and the community.
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Children's Health: 5 Ways Parents Can Help Children Lead Healthier Lifestyles.
Believe it or not, you impart a legacy of health to your children that goes well beyond the genes you give them. You also pass along health beliefs and model health-related choices.
Here are 5 tips that will set your kids up on a path towards a healthy life.
1. Instill a sense of wonder about the body.
Many adults fear and distrust their bodies. They believe that the body is fragile, and illness is just around the corner. The myth that you will catch a cold if you go outside without a coat persists. Your kids are listening when you look in the mirror and say to no one in particular, “I’m so fat.â€
The truth is your body is the most miraculous mechanical system on the planet. Cuts heal without a single thought or action on your part. Your immune system is your own personal homeland security system, protecting you from bacterial and viral terrorists. Yes, illness is part of the human condition. And we have powerful treatments that add to your body’s own ability to heal. Look at your body’s ability to battle illnesses, such as the common cold. This alone offers concrete evidence of your body’s resiliency.
Comment on your child’s amazing body. “Wow, that cut healed in no time!†or “You have such strong fast legs†or “Look at what your hands have been able to draw.†Remind your child how great it is to have eyes and kidneys and hearts that work so well.
2. Become a student of the human body with your child.
Your kids will come to you with questions about how their bodies work. It can be uncomfortable for both you and your child when you don’t have the answers. This discomfort can teach children that they should avoid questions about how their bodies work, which may, in part, explain why parents themselves are reluctant to ask doctors embarrassing questions.
Remember, no one has all the answers. That’s why your doctor participates in continuing medical education. Your child can remind you of the joy of discovery. Together you can look for answers. I mentioned to my son that bones make blood and he asked, “What about creatures with exoskeletons?†I said, “What an interesting question. Let’s get on the Internet and see what we can find out.†Have a child-appropriate book about the body available and learn and use anatomically correct words. Maybe you can have a family contest to come up with the coolest medical term.
3. Teach your kids to listen to their bodies.
Often it feels as if adults are rewarded for ignoring or overcoming the signals from their bodies. The “hero†who comes to work with the flu or the mom who ignores her need for food or sleep. Health is maintained when you know the signals that suggest your body is out of balance and respond in a timely manner when your body indicates it needs something.
Help your kids identify when they’re cold or hungry or tired. You can say even to an infant, “You look hot, so I’m taking off the blanket.†Give your child some experience regulating his external environment like taking on and off sweaters. Educate your children that pain is there to keep them safe. Say, “Owies are no fun, but they’re there to keep you from burning yourself on the stove or cutting yourself with a knife. That’s how your body reminds you to be careful.â€
4. Model healthy eating habits.
Childhood obesity is a growing problem. Talk with your kids about good food choices and bad ones. Encourage them to ask themselves, “What kind of food is my body hungry for right now?’ and “Am I full?†even if there’s still food on the plate. Pay attention to see if your child is a “grazer†or a 3-squares-a-day kid and set an eating schedule that reflects their style. Decide whether it’s OK to indulge in unhealthy food choices now and then. When I inquired about the nutritional value of my son’s snack of donuts, he said, “It’s health food for the soul!â€
5. Reward health rather than illness.
Some of my best childhood memories come from times when I was sick. In an effort to ease my pain, my mother unwittingly rewarded illness by lavishing attention on me, delivering endless bowls of ice cream and playing games with me. Who wouldn’t want to be sick!
Instead, lavish attention on your kids when they’re well. While you don’t want to punish your kids for being sick, consider which privileges of health should be withdrawn during sick days.
When you instill in your children a sense of pride, wonder and respect for their bodies, you have given them the foundation of health.
Here are 5 tips that will set your kids up on a path towards a healthy life.
1. Instill a sense of wonder about the body.
Many adults fear and distrust their bodies. They believe that the body is fragile, and illness is just around the corner. The myth that you will catch a cold if you go outside without a coat persists. Your kids are listening when you look in the mirror and say to no one in particular, “I’m so fat.â€
The truth is your body is the most miraculous mechanical system on the planet. Cuts heal without a single thought or action on your part. Your immune system is your own personal homeland security system, protecting you from bacterial and viral terrorists. Yes, illness is part of the human condition. And we have powerful treatments that add to your body’s own ability to heal. Look at your body’s ability to battle illnesses, such as the common cold. This alone offers concrete evidence of your body’s resiliency.
Comment on your child’s amazing body. “Wow, that cut healed in no time!†or “You have such strong fast legs†or “Look at what your hands have been able to draw.†Remind your child how great it is to have eyes and kidneys and hearts that work so well.
2. Become a student of the human body with your child.
Your kids will come to you with questions about how their bodies work. It can be uncomfortable for both you and your child when you don’t have the answers. This discomfort can teach children that they should avoid questions about how their bodies work, which may, in part, explain why parents themselves are reluctant to ask doctors embarrassing questions.
Remember, no one has all the answers. That’s why your doctor participates in continuing medical education. Your child can remind you of the joy of discovery. Together you can look for answers. I mentioned to my son that bones make blood and he asked, “What about creatures with exoskeletons?†I said, “What an interesting question. Let’s get on the Internet and see what we can find out.†Have a child-appropriate book about the body available and learn and use anatomically correct words. Maybe you can have a family contest to come up with the coolest medical term.
3. Teach your kids to listen to their bodies.
Often it feels as if adults are rewarded for ignoring or overcoming the signals from their bodies. The “hero†who comes to work with the flu or the mom who ignores her need for food or sleep. Health is maintained when you know the signals that suggest your body is out of balance and respond in a timely manner when your body indicates it needs something.
Help your kids identify when they’re cold or hungry or tired. You can say even to an infant, “You look hot, so I’m taking off the blanket.†Give your child some experience regulating his external environment like taking on and off sweaters. Educate your children that pain is there to keep them safe. Say, “Owies are no fun, but they’re there to keep you from burning yourself on the stove or cutting yourself with a knife. That’s how your body reminds you to be careful.â€
4. Model healthy eating habits.
Childhood obesity is a growing problem. Talk with your kids about good food choices and bad ones. Encourage them to ask themselves, “What kind of food is my body hungry for right now?’ and “Am I full?†even if there’s still food on the plate. Pay attention to see if your child is a “grazer†or a 3-squares-a-day kid and set an eating schedule that reflects their style. Decide whether it’s OK to indulge in unhealthy food choices now and then. When I inquired about the nutritional value of my son’s snack of donuts, he said, “It’s health food for the soul!â€
5. Reward health rather than illness.
Some of my best childhood memories come from times when I was sick. In an effort to ease my pain, my mother unwittingly rewarded illness by lavishing attention on me, delivering endless bowls of ice cream and playing games with me. Who wouldn’t want to be sick!
Instead, lavish attention on your kids when they’re well. While you don’t want to punish your kids for being sick, consider which privileges of health should be withdrawn during sick days.
When you instill in your children a sense of pride, wonder and respect for their bodies, you have given them the foundation of health.
Have you ever left your doctor's office with unanswered questions? Been embarrassed to talk with your doctor about a health issue concerning your child? If so, you're not alone. Vicki Rackner MD is a board-certified surgeon who helps people get the health care they want, need and deserve. Sign up for Dr. Vicki's free monthly newsletter at www.DrVicki.org and get tips that will put you incharge of your child’s health care.
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