By Laurie Searle
The holidays can come and go in a blur. Here are some tips to make the memories last and the extra party pounds stay away by being mindful in the present and holiday joy.
1. Small snacks keep you from over doing it later on in the day or when it’s party time. If you are holiday shopping or preparing for multiple parties fuel yourself in preparation. Find a small mix of protein, fat and carbs to curb your hunger when you are in line at the cash wrap or buffet table. When shopping for presents keep a bottle of water, string cheese, 100-calorie pack of almonds and a wedge of a single wrapped chocolate in your purse. When the blood sugar dips sip some water. If you feel woozy from being over-heated or in over-crowded spaces grab those almonds. Feeling frazzled and stressed – suck on the chocolate and let it melt in your mouth. A little healthy fat like avocado on a cracker with some Gomasaio (sesame, seaweed and sea salt), apple or banana with a tablespoon of peanut butter or some grapes and low fat string cheese will keep your metabolism steady, digestive fire stoked and keep you from dipping into the chips and dip. You will be able to steer clear of free samples or high calorie and fat temptations at parties if you are well satiated already. (more…)
Nutrition is one of the many topics that parents often come to see me about. Questions range from, “How do I know if my child is getting enough nutrition and how can I help create a healthy eater?” to “Can you tell me how I get him or her to eat more fruits and vegetables?” Many pediatricians say to relax; chances are that although your child may be a fussy eater, he or she is still getting adequate overall nutrition for his or her needed growth and development. Parents are still capable of teaching children good eating habits in their formative years. 
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.
Q: When do I know I’m ready for botox?
Each year on Father’s Day our children make precious gifts and write adorable cards to thank dads for the special ways they have loved them through the year. These cards are a treasure. This year I want to suggest an unconventional way you can show your love to your children that will change their lives forever. My suggestion is to take time along the way to guide them through the many changes they are going to experience as puberty approaches, and later initiate discussions that will help them make healthy choices as they sexually mature. 
Happy Mother’s Day to all of you fabulous overworked, under appreciated devoted moms. It’s true that nothing is more important than our families. Childbirth is forgotten. Toddler tantrums and tween outbursts are in the past and all we focus on is providing a nurturing healthy life for our families.
Q: If my child’s skin is irritated, red and bumpy does that mean he may have eczema?