By Martha Soffer
The time-tested and nourishing medicine of Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old system that, through diet, herbs, treatments and practices like yoga and meditation, helps us come into harmony with our own nature. For a new mother, during the six weeks following birth, the practices of Ayurveda are especially profound and restorative.

Modern obstetrical care emphasizes pregnancy, labor and delivery. After birth, as long as everyone’s healthy, they’re on to the next patient. Ayurveda, on the other hand, considers the six weeks after birth to be a precious opportunity, for both mother and baby. (more…)

By Karen Silver
Next to death, divorce is one of the most difficult and painful things a person can experience. It is not only the parties to the divorce who experience anguish, but certainly their children and often family members as well.

Divorcing parties often turn to family members for support. But how do family members provide the necessary support and guidance without relinquishing their own lives, finances and sanity in the process? Here are some useful tips and guidelines for when your family member says “I’m getting a divorce.” (more…)

Are your children prepared to return to school?

By Peter S. Waldstein, M.D., F.A.A.P and Julia A. White, M.D., F.A.A.P
Back to school time is upon us, which is a great opportunity to make sure your child is ready from a health perspective. It is also a great time to refresh on illness prevention while being at school.

Staying Healthy
Maintaining proper health begins at home. Back to school time is a good excuse to refamiliarize your children on the importance of hand washing at home and school. Most illness is spread through contact, and hand washing has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent your child from becoming ill while at school. Washing before eating, after playtime, and anytime before touching the face, mouth, or eyes is key. If you are not able to wash, you may use hand sanitizer instead. You can consider packing a small travel-sized Purell bottle in your child’s bag to encourage proper hygeine. Also remind your child to cover coughs with the arm. Should your child become ill, he or she should stay home to prevent others from becoming ill. Check with your pediatrician if you are unsure if they should stay home. (more…)

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The Ultimate Baby Manual to survive the first year of parenting.

1. FOOD
• Babies have tiny stomachs, filling and emptying quickly. Because of this, moms need to breastfeed their babies often (8-12 times a day).
• Newborn – stomach is the size of a marble, holding about a teaspoon of milk
• Day 5 – stomach expands to hold up to an ounce
• 2 Weeks – stomach expands to hold up to two ounces (more…)

By Dr. Ivan Brooks
Q: Is there a way to really get rid of my leg veins?
A: Yes. Of course with a comprehensive ultra sound evaluation we are able to direct treatment options to the specific area in need. Generally treatment is geared to each patients needs thus ensuring a desirable outcome.

Q: Is the treatment painful? Is there any downtime?
A: The treatment is not painful. It just requires a local anesthetic and minimal down time as far as exercising of lower extremities only. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately post procedure and continue regular daily activities. (more…)

By Shirin Yadegar
Overextended, overscheduled moms are not healthy moms. If your iphone has reminders every 15 minutes to pick up this kid and take that kid to tennis, ballet and soccer you are overextended.

Our kids want us to be happy. Their faces light up when we smile. They won’t remember us as their chauffeurs who drove them around. They will remember the smiles and laughter they shared with us. (more…)

By Shiva Rose
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and for some who are not in relationships it is a good time to focus on reenergizing their heart energy. It can also be a way to nourish us, as mamas since we are constantly giving and creating love for our children. Flower essences work in very subtle ways, but are truly powerful in cultivating deep work.

Flower essences are infusions of flowers in water that can promote spiritual and emotional healing and help with imbalances. The essences are basically imprints of the energy of certain flowers. I have seen subtle but remarkable shifts when taking an essence over time. (more…)

By Jane Sheppard
Boosting immunity can reduce the number of colds, flu and other infections, and your child will more easily be able to recover from illness. With a strong immune system, you can avoid antibiotics or other medications, and your child will be less likely to experience chronic issues such as asthma, allergies, and chronic ear infections.

Children are continually exposed to many different types of bacteria and viruses, including colds and flu. This is actually healthy for the immune system, since immunity develops by being exposed to germs and dealing with illnesses. Recovering safely from childhood diseases helps to build immunity even stronger – so getting sick is not necessarily a bad thing. During an illness, you can help the immune system by boosting its ability to handle the disease rather than suppressing the symptoms with drugs. The CureChild program teaches how to safely help your children recover from illness. (more…)

Shiva shares her story of saving her life holistically.

By Shiva Rose
After the birth of my first daughter I was exhausted. At 25 years old, I was a young mama for LA standards; however I really struggled with recovering after the birth. After a few doctor visits, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening version of three autoimmune conditions: Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Scleroderma. I had one doctor in Beverly Hills tell my mother and I that I had possibly a year to live unless I took serious action. Somehow I knew I could help my body cure itself and that this doctor wasn’t the only solution. (more…)