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Playtime and interactive toys are important for parents looking to give their children a head start in life. But these products aren’t the only way to help stimulate a baby’s brain and eye development – nutrition is important, too.

A baby’s brain and eyes depend critically on nutrition and there are specific nutrients, which have been shown to play a role in brain and eye development.

A Closer Look at Lutein

During the critical time of brain and eye development, Lutein and DHA are important nutrients, yet Lutein has gone virtually unnoticed by parents.

Lutein is found in foods such as leafy greens, certain fruits and eggs. Emerging science demonstrates that Lutein helps protect important cells in the eye. Now, new research from Tufts University demonstrates – for the first time – that Lutein is not only present in the eyes, but it is also present in the infant brain. The regions of the brain where Lutein is found are associated with memory and learning.

“Moms should be aware of the emerging research on Lutein,” said Dr. Alanna Levine, a pediatrician and mother of two children. “Moms in my practice ask me every day about ways to promote development in their children. Many focus on products, games, and toys and sometimes overlook nutrition.”

Sources of Lutein

Prior to the introduction of solid foods, babies can get Lutein from a few sources, including breast milk and Similac. “Expecting and breastfeeding mothers alike should eat a well-balanced diet that includes foods with Lutein like leafy green vegetables and eggs,” added Levine. “And parents who formula feed should look for an infant formula that contains Lutein, as well as DHA.”

For Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants Transitioned to Solid Food

(Not an exhaustive list. Foods listed in descending order of Lutein content.)

• Spinach

• Kale

• Zucchini Squash

• Yellow Squash

• Green Beans

• Corn

• Kiwi

• Eggs

• Apples

For Infants

(Prior to the introduction of solid foods.)

• Breast milk

• Infant formula supplemented with Lutein, such as Similac Advance

I See, I Learn

“In addition to the right nutrients, playing together does encourage brain and eye development,” said Levine. “Rather than focusing on the latest toy, parents can do simple things like spending time with their children in front of a mirror, playing peek-a-boo or tracking the objects on a mobile.”

To learn more about Lutein and brain and eye development, visit www.similac.com/lutein. Or, using a mobile phone, scan the code below to visit the mobile site for Similac infant formula.

Going back to work after having a baby can be a challenging transition for new moms – especially for those who want to breastfeed. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, only 35 percent of babies are exclusively breastfed at three months, and not quite 15 percent at six months, according to the Centers for Disease Control 2011 Breastfeeding Report Card.

Research suggests there are many challenges that moms face that prevent them from reaching this breastfeeding goal. Some of these obstacles include lack of breastfeeding information or supportive health care resources; lack of support at home; or challenges with finding time and privacy to express breastmilk in the workplace.

As a working mother of five who breastfed all her children, including twin boys, Amy O’Malley, RN, MSN, Director of Education and Clinical Services for Medela, understands both the importance of breastfeeding, and the challenges women face in doing so.

“The longer a baby is breastfed, the greater the health benefits for both mom and baby. Yet at three months, we see the most significant drop-off in breastfeeding which is around the same time most nursing moms return to work,” O’Malley said. “Fortunately today, there are many tools that can help mom continue to breastfeed and provide breastmilk to their babies even when they cannot be there. Breastpumps, for example, allow moms to keep that connection while providing optimal nutrition for their babies. It also allows dads and other caregivers to bond with babies when mom is away.”

And many moms agree. In fact, a recent survey of 1,000 women with infants, commissioned by Medela, found that 78 percent of breastfeeding moms use a breastpump.

O’Malley shares some tips and useful information for breastfeeding mothers returning to work:

• Plan in advance with your employer/human resources about your breastpumping needs. If your employer is unaware, let them know how breastfeeding will benefit all. Not only will you and your baby be healthier – research has shown that there are fewer missed work days and shorter absences for mothers who breastfeed.
• Familiarize yourself with the Protection and Affordable Care Act, which now requires certain employers to help support breastfeeding by providing working mothers a private place and time to pump, so that they can express breastmilk and maintain their supply. In addition, a new provision will require health plans to include breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling without cost sharing for insurance policies with plan years beginning on or after August 1, 2012. Read More

Parenthood is difficult enough as it is. But many parents find themselves with aches and pains because of their bundle of joy. All the lifting and twisting can really cause a lot of damage to new moms and dads. But there are ways to enjoy every minute with your child – without the pain.

One simple trick for parents is to clear the clutter from the diaper bag. All the toys and must-have gadgets can add an extra 10 pounds to your shoulders and back. The American Chiropractic Association recommends carrying just 10 percent of your body weight on your shoulders. Opting for only the basics: a few extra diapers, wipes and a change of clothes. If the bag is still a little heavy, place the strap across the body to even the weight distribution.

Lift with Care

Picking children up is another way parents put strain on muscles and joints. Never pick up a child by bending over at the waist. That position can put up to 10 times the amount of normal pressure on your spinal discs. A new mom or dad picking up a 10-pound infant, can really be putting 100 pounds of pressure on her back. To avoid this, bend at the knees with one foot in front of the other to help balance the weight.

Car Seat Safety

Parents should also be aware of the strain caused by putting a child in a car seat. It can be awkward and force your body to bend and twist in ways it shouldn’t. Parents should put at least one leg in the car and face the child when strapping them in. This placement puts less strain on the muscles and joints.

Holding Baby

There are also a few ways to avoid ligament strain when carrying a baby. Try to avoid putting the baby on your hip. It throws your back and hips out of alignment and forces your body to be out of balance. Using a sling that puts the baby in front of you can ease the pressure off your hips and lower back.

Use Both Hands

Carrying a car seat on your forearm can cause a painful inflammation of the cushion between the bone and tendon in the shoulders or elbows, called bursitis. Parents are urged to carry the car seat in front of your body with both hands to avoid this painful condition.

Following these tips will make being a parent just a little easier, at least on the back.

Terel S. Newton, M.D., Board-Certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Pain Relief Centers. Pain Relief Centers are multi-specialty practices that use a combination of innovative and minimally invasive treatments that help relieve patients’ pain and improve their quality of life. Pain Relief Centers’ Board-Certified physicians utilize advanced technology and interventional therapies to diagnose and treat pain effectively. Pain Relief Centers’ comprehensive approach ranges from osteopathic manipulation and nerve ablation to minimally invasive spine procedures. Pain Relief Centers treat a variety of conditions such as neck and arm pain, back and leg pain, complex regional pain syndrome, degenerative disc disease, failed back syndrome, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Pain Relief Centers works with patients to improve their pain and return them back to their busy lives. Visit www.PinellasPain.com or call 727-518-8660 for more information.

If your primary occupation over the last few months (or years) required more bedtimes than deadlines, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 5 million women classified themselves as stay-at-home moms in 2010. Yet, that figure is down from just two years earlier as more mothers return to the workforce.

For any mom taking on new 9 to 5 with duties that go beyond diapers and dinner, your wardrobe will likely need a makeover. However, sprucing up your business style doesn’t have to drain your kids’ college funds nor limit your options.

Here are 8 tips to help you update your wardrobe with fashionable work-wear on a budget.

1. Scope Out Consignment Stores

Back when you were expecting, consignment shops were goldmines for inexpensive maternity wear. Lucky for you, they’re also a great resource for professional attire. Sell some of your gently-used maternity wear and stock up on business basics including blazers, slacks and pencil skirts. For tips on navigating consignment racks, check out this article from Woman’s Day.

2. Shop for Shoes Online

Ultimately, footwear is one of the most important parts of a professional wardrobe. Despite the sheer joy of finding that perfect pair of black-patent pumps, shopping with a toddler is often a trying experience. Avoid the department-store drama and shop online at e-retailers like Endless or Piperlime, who offer free shipping both ways. Alternatively, find free shipping codes for Macy’s and other popular retailers from sites like FreeShipping.org to avoid delivery charges.

3. Think Simplicity

You obviously can’t afford a series of tailor-made suits, but you can afford a few simple pieces you can dress up or down, as the situation requires. Button-up blouses are a must and can be found on the cheap at Target, Old Navy and other discount retailers. And don’t forget cardigans – find a few in your most flattering colors to wear all year long.

4. Avoid Trendy

Keeping up the trends is expensive and you’ll often end up with a closet full of unwearable items from last season. Go for the classics and use accessories to showcase your inner trendsetter — think freshwater pearls, stud earrings and a tangerine handbag. For more inspiration, consult the 12 Jewelry Trends for 2012 from JCK Magazine. Read More

Too much time indoors can often lead to cranky, stir-crazy kids. But you can keep your kiddo occupied with kid-friendly, educational activities that will appeal to their imagination. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Pitch a tent and build a campsite. If the weather has prevented you from a camping excursion, pitch a tent in your living room. Use a table, chairs and a sheet to create a tent or fort in your dining room or living room. Then, set out a blanket in front of the tent and make a circle using potatoes in place of rocks and a flashlight or lantern for a fire. Get the whole family involved and take turns telling one another funny stories. Remember to pack some good campsite treats, such as popped popcorn and dried fruits.

Embark on an adventure. From your campsite, go exploring through the jungle of the living room. Encourage your child to use their imagination. What animals do they see? Do they hear any foreign sounds? How tall are the trees? Will they have to cross a river? If so, will they need to build a bridge? If a bridge is needed, let them use some throw pillows to use as crossing stones. Remember, if you’re excited, they’ll be excited too. A great adventure story, like the serial story “Quetzalcoatyl,” can really get their imagination going. This tale about a magical sea creature and the boy he befriends can be found each month in the pages of the free children’s newspaper Kidsville News!

Create a journal. Ask your child to describe their adventure – or just their day – by writing, painting or drawing on a series of pages. Have them start from the beginning by describing what they had for breakfast, what they found in the jungle, etc. You can use a hole punch and yarn or string to put together a journal to help them recall their exciting day.

Head out on the town. What better excuse to head out – even in less than favorable weather – than to take a trip to the library? Keeping your child’s book collection well-stocked and diverse are great ways to encourage their hobby, and help them to continue to develop a larger vocabulary.

Find out if your local library has a reading program and get your child signed up, and don’t forget to check to see if they have story time as well. If you’re looking for children’s book suggestions for your child, ask your local librarian or check out the children’s newspaper Kidsville News! for book reviews and suggestions. Reviews from author James Patterson’s Readkiddoread.com are featured in the publication every month, and online at www.kidsvillenews.com.

Set up a book nook. There are few things better on a dreary weather day than to curl up in a cozy corner in warm pajamas with a good book and a trusted teddy bear. And after a long day of pitching tent and trudging through the jungle and the library, both you and your kiddo are likely to need some quiet time. Designate one corner of your home as the book nook with lots of comfy blankets, pillows and a reading light. Then snuggle up and read some stories together.

If you’re looking for more educational activities, great reading material or tips for encouraging your child to read, look to “Kidsville News!” in your area or online at www.kidsvillenews.com.

This winter try something different with your children to cure the winter blues. Instead of simply reading to them from the books on their shelf, why not come up with your own story? Storytelling is a time-honored tradition, handed down from generation to generation. In some cases, handed-down stories turn into beautifully written-down tales, decades later as in case of my Lima Bear Stories*.

You, too, can create stories either on your own or with the help of your family. The result will not only be entertaining but a source of family memories as palpable as any family vacation photo album.

To get started in creating your family story-telling memories keep these tips in mind:

1. Do not be intimidated. Anything you have to share is going to be interesting to your children.

2. Use what is important to you. If you are super clean, for example, create a character who learns the hard way why cleaning up is important.

3. Use humor. Goofy=happy children

4. Create catchy character names. Catchy names make the story come alive and are easily remembered.

Another way to create terrific tales is to let the story unravel by having your family add the content along with you. For example, why not turn the television off on a cold winter’s night and simply start a story much like the old children’s game “whisper down the lane?” Start with a funny scene using material that is obvious to you. Let each family member add to the story and take the story over for a while. Enjoy as you witness the creative juices flowing. Each family member gets a chance to add and embellish until finally a completed story is created. After you get to the end of the story see if family members can repeat the story back. Did the story change? Try the story again using the new embellishments to see if the changes may become permanent changes. Read More

Many children will have an occasional wheezing episode in their early childhood.  Rather than call it asthma — which is a chronic, recurrent illness — pediatricians initially call this wheezing ‘reactive airways’.  The typical child develops a runny and stuffy nose or viral cold symptoms, and within one to three days, a tight, dry cough develops.  Most parents do not hear wheezing until after the cough develops.  If the wheezing becomes chronic and matches certain criteria, your child may be given a diagnosis of asthma.

Medicines used to relieve wheezing depend on whether the child needs quick relief or needs a maintenance medication to prevent wheezing. If the child who is wheezing and needs quick relief of respiratory symptoms, bronchodilators and steroids are typically used.  Rapid acting bronchodilators are medicines that relax the muscles that surround the large breathing passages in the lungs, while oral steroids are used to quickly reduce inflammation in the breathing passages.

Long-term controller medications are used for children who have frequent wheezing. These medicines focus on preventing wheezing when the child is exposed to a trigger, such as a viral illness or allergen.  Long acting bronchodilators help keep the muscles around the breathing passages relaxed.  Inhaled (not oral) steroids assist in reducing inflammation over time.  At times, different types of these controlling medications are combined in a single medication.

It is very important that if the child is using long-term controller medications and starts to wheeze, the quick relief or ‘rescue’ medications must be used to relieve the wheezing.  Simply giving more of the controller medications will not work, and your child will not improve.

Learning to use the right medications at the right time for your child can sometimes be confusing.  Be sure to discuss the types of medications your child is using with your doctor and write down the proper way to use them.

Dr. Paula Rooney, board certified pediatrician, After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care.

Remember all those tips saying you should cook rather than eat out? Well the USDA says we might just be wrong about that in the near future. A recent study by the government agency estimated the price gap between eating at home and dining out will narrow even further in 2012. Grocery prices are expected to rise 3 percent to 4 percent, while menu prices will likely go up 2 percent to 3 percent.

That doesn’t mean you have to resort to the McDonald’s Dollar Menu, however. It’s still cheaper to eat at home, but amateur chefs will have to cut even more corners this year. Here are a few tips on dining at home frugally in a dine-out world.

1. Shop on Tuesdays

Wednesdays are the heaviest shopping day for supermarkets as that’s when they publish their weekly newspaper ads. (Manufacturer ads are usually distributed with the Sunday paper.) That means grocery stores are interested in ditching last week’s produce and meats on Tuesday night. Talk to the butcher and produce clerks about slapping a better price on those products they’re about to toss.

2. Use Mobile Coupons

Shopping on Tuesday means you can’t take advantage of Wednesday coupons. Happily, you can access mobile coupons right there in the store from the Coupon Sherpa app. This fab app allows you to search for your favorite local store, access desirable coupons, then download them to your store loyalty card.

3. Plan Your Meals Around Ads

If you plan on shopping after newspaper inserts are printed, plan your menu around featured items and build a list before you hit the store. You can use apps like Grocery Gadget (Apple) and Grocery IQ (Android) to create lists based on your supermarket’s layout.

4. Shop Stores That Double Coupons

Not all supermarkets are willing to double-up on coupons, and not all maintain such a policy continuously. The acceptance rate has gone down since the advent of “Extreme Couponers,” so check before you start clipping. This practice is usually limited to specific days and allows you to double the face value of a coupon, up to a certain amount.

5. Don’t Overbuy Bulk

It may be tempting to buy the super-sized box of Cheerios, but you have to consider whether you’ll actually eat all those little oat donuts before they turn into rocks. Buy just enough to last until the next sale.

6. Limit Produce Purchases

Americans throw away roughly one quarter of the food we buy. For a family of four, that figures out to $2,200 a year in food, according to “American Wasteland” author Jonathan Bloom. Rather than grab fruits and vegetables that look appealing, stick to your list and avoid spoilage. You’re also more likely to use produce if you don’t hide it away in your refrigerator’s bins. Keep it in plain site or make a list of contents that you stick on the fridge drawer as a reminder.

7. Avoid Temptation

King Soopers (owned by Krogers) has launched new “Marketplace” stores in the west, with layouts similar to Whole Foods. Walk in the door and you’re immediately assaulted by the smell of stunning flower arrangements, fresh deli items, and beautifully arranged produce. It’s tempting to fill your cart in this section, so be on your guard. Also beware of the non-food items for sale, including everything from furniture to high-end jewelry.

8. Don’t Use a Cart

Ditch the carry-all cart and carry a basket for quick trips. The less room you have to fill, the less likely you are to make impulse purchases.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc., and has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles.

With the start of 2012, Nemours’ KidsHealth.org looks ahead with its annual list of “Kids’ Health Issues to Watch.” As they do each year, the physicians and editors at KidsHealth sifted through health issues affecting children and families to choose a few important trends to keep tabs on in 2012. Of course, these are not the only important issues affecting children’s health — far from it — but the physicians and editors at KidsHealth feel that in the midst of many, these are notable:

Kids’ Health Issues to Watch in 2012:

The Risks of Postponing or Avoiding Vaccinations: When it comes to immunizing their kids, increasing numbers of parents aren’t just consulting their pediatricians for advice — they’re also paying heed to rumors and advice spread online. Even when the science or sources behind anti-immunization stances are proved unreliable or even completely discredited, it can be difficult for some parents to accept that vaccines are safe. As a result, health officials are seeing alarming rises in preventable diseases, mostly among people who are not immunized.

Helping Teens Take Charge of Their Health Care: Preparing kids for independence and adulthood brings many challenges for parents. Among them is helping teens start managing their own health care. But it’s important to guide teens toward taking on this responsibility. After all, parents won’t always be around to manage their children’s health care — and in most cases, once their kids become adults, legally they won’t be allowed to.

The Rise of Eating Issues and Disorders: Seeing the rail-thin models who strut down catwalks at fashion shows, you might think that eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia mostly affect women whose livelihoods are based on being thin. But more and more, these problems are affecting people from all walks of life — and, unfortunately, many of them are kids. Of the almost 24 million Americans who suffer from an eating disorder, 95% are between 12 and 25 years old — and many of them are male.

Prenatal Surgery: Helping Babies Before Birth: Operating on a baby before birth may seem like science fiction, but prenatal surgery is becoming more and more common in special pediatric programs throughout the United States. Since prenatal surgery was first pioneered in the 1980s, it’s become an important way to correct certain birth defects that could be severe (and in some cases fatal) if babies were born with them unrepaired.

Mobile Health Apps: Choosing Wisely: Many parents no longer just call their pediatrician for help and advice. Many also look for health information online. And, more and more, their sleuthing is done via smartphones and tablets, which has given rise to health-specific apps. It’s important for parents to take note of where this portable health information is coming from. Just as you would vet a website to make sure it’s run by reputable health experts, make sure your apps are credible, accurate, and up to date.

KidsHealth.org is the #1 site devoted to children’s health and development in English and Spanish. KidsHealth comes from Nemours, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit pediatric health systems and a founding member of the Partnership for a Healthier America, a partner to First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign that mobilizes the nation to eliminate childhood obesity within a generation. For more information about KidsHealth, please visit KidsHealth.org and www.Nemours.org.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, circulatory system, and appearance.  Women have both male and female hormones, but women who have PCOS have higher levels of male hormones and experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles and small cysts on their ovaries.  It is estimated that 5-10% of women who are of childbearing age have PCOS.

Women with PCOS who become pregnant may experience more health problems than the general population including:

• High blood sugar levels which can lead to diabetes

• Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure

• Miscarriage

• Premature delivery

• Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure, protein traces in the urine)

• Macrosomia (a newborn with an excessive birth weight)

All of these serious problems are yet more evidence that it is extremely important to address PCOS and make the lifestyle changes necessary to reverse it and the underlying cause of insulin resistance.  This is vital to prevent the health issues that can compromise long-term wellness for both mother and child during and after pregnancy.

Insulin resistance reduces the insulin sensitivity of your cell walls.  Glucose has to pass through the cells walls to be converted to energy.  Insulin assists this process.  When the cells walls have become de-sensitized to insulin by insulin resistance, the process can break down.  Glucose cannot get into the cell, and remains in the blood stream, causing elevated blood sugar levels.  This process can lead to weight gain and obesity, key factors in creating PCOS.

Metformin (Glucophage) is a drug often prescribed for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant, and in the early stages of pregnancy.  Metformin improves the cell’s response to insulin, and helps move glucose into the cell.  As a result, the body will not be required to make as much insulin, and helps to balance the hormones in PCOS.  Weight loss through exercise and changes in diet and lifestyle can also be effective in treatment for PCOS and pregnancy.  Women should seek out the specialist who can provide nutritional and exercise guidelines to enhance their weight loss success.  This is critical for the health of the women and her baby.

Dr. Jane Frederick, Reproductive Endocrinologist at HRC Fertility in Southern California. For more information, visit  http://www.havingbabies.com/.