Happy. Healthy. Enjoyable.
These are three words that describe the teachings of Headspace to help motivate everyone to live their best life.
Headspace was launched in 2010 by two passionate head health individuals, Andy Puddicombe and Rich Pierson. Their mission – to get people everywhere to look after their health of the mind by sitting to meditate for a few minutes a day, everyday.
Headspace quickly grew from their events company when attendees wanted to take the techniques they’d learned home with them. Since then, Headspace has worked to make such techniques available through events, books, and a comprehensive online resource and mobile app service. Headspace is now used in over 190 countries, with the books translated into 12 different languages.
In June 2016, Headspace released their newest product, Headspace for Kids. This program was created to teach children the basics of meditation and mindfulness in a fun and engaging way, for both kids and parents to enjoy together. Headspace for Kids is offered for three age groups 1) Five and under, 2) Six to eight, and 3) Nine to 12.
For complete information about Headspace, visit their website.
Image provided by headspace.com.
Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell
Tag Archives: health
Meet Veestro – Healthy Eating Made Easy
Are you looking to eat healthier in 2017? Well, you are in luck, because we are introducing one of our new favorite food delivery services – Veestro.
One of our Bell Family sitters, Rebecca Wong, recently took a job with Veestro as their Marketing Manager. Below, she tells us how Veestro works, how it’s different from like-brands, and why it’s great for both sitters and families everywhere!
Q: What is Veestro and how does it work?
Veestro is a gourmet food company that delivers plant-based, chef-prepared meals directly to our customer’s doors in all 50 states. No need to stand in a store line. All meals are ordered online. There are a variety of meals for everyone, ranging from Thai noodles to quesadillas to cheesecake. Everything is made fresh then delivered frozen for extra convenience. Veestro isn’t just for vegans and vegetarians. It’s for anyone who loves food and likes to eat healthy. Veestro is gaining momentum in the media, with recent features in InStyle, GLAMOUR, Men’s Fitness, and PopSugar, as well as TV features on ABC, FOX, The Doctors, and NBC’s Harry with Harry Connick Jr.
Q: With you being a sitter yourself, why would you recommend Veestro to our other sitters? What sets it apart from like-brands?
As a sitter, Veestro makes it convenient to eat on the run, and even bring meals to appointments. You just heat and eat. Each meal is perfectly portioned and cost an average of $10. There are plenty of meal programs that make clean eating simple, and there are tons of gluten-free options. All ingredients are organic, dairy-free, cholesterol-free, preservative-free, and non-GMO. If you handle kids with allergies, this is your safest bet food-wise.
Q: Why is Veestro a great idea for families?
Veestro is perfect for families because it cuts out the prep work, and fulfills all the nutritional needs of both growing kids and adults. There are endless benefits to eating more plants, and this is a brilliant way to get kids to enjoy veggies. They especially love the pizzas and “chicken” nuggets. There are several meals that come family-sized to share, and the more you buy, the lower the costs. A family can order 12 meals for just $99, with free shipping.
Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell
Guide to Raising a Happy, Healthy Mom
The Mother’s Matter blog recently posted an article that talks about how to raise a happy, healthy mom. One big influential factor they highlight is sleep (or lack of) amongst moms.
This post offers three tried and tested tips that can help moms and dads catch a few extra zzz’s.
1. Sleep more = Sweat more.
A study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine, revealed that a home-based, individual aerobic exercise program can reduce fatigue (both physical and mental) in women with postpartum depression. A second study revealed that a group of postnatal women who practiced in-home Pilates, were found to have lower levels of physical and mental fatigue than their non-practicing peers.
2. Wanna sleep? Apply the pressure.
Licensed acupuncturist and owner of Four Flower Wellness in Chicago, Ashley Flores, speaks to the restorative potential of acupressure for new mothers. Instead of using needles, the treatment is administered with the fingers. Flores suggested that applying acupressure to the Pericardium 5, 6, and 7 points (found on the inside of the wrist) can be especially useful before going to sleep.
3. Eat your way to a good sleep.
The foods a new mom opts for can make a difference in helping cope with a chronic case of depleted sleep. Nutritional Consultant, Patricia Daly, BA, DipHE, NT states that one of the best ways to stave off physical and emotional fatigue is to keep blood sugar levels even throughout the day. Complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice are preferable to their white counterparts.
For the complete article and to see more from Mother’s Matter, click here.
Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell
Must-Haves for Flu Season
Looking to beat cold and flu season before it hits your family? Big City Moms provides 10 must-have products to keep in your home to help fight the nasty bug this winter.
1. Crane Cool Mist Humidifier
Having a humidifier in your child’s room increases air moisture for easier breathing and a good night’s sleep.
2. NoseFrida Snotsucker
The Snotsucker was doctor invented and recommended. It’s a natural, hygienic baby booger buster.
3. Boogie Wipes
After a while, the dryness of a tissue can irritate noses. Boogie Wipes not only help combat that, but also help dissolve boogies.
4. Ella’s Kitchen Electrolyte Drink
It’s easy for your little one to get dehydrated when they are sick. It’s important that we make sure that they are properly hydrated.
5. Kinsa Ear Thermometer
You can easily take their temperature when they are sleeping to not disturb their peacefulness.
6. Saline Spray
Give their little noses some relief from congestion with these saline drops. Saline naturally breaks up mucus and these drops help give your little one some relief from congestion.
7. Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment is a multi-purpose ointment can be used for many of your baby’s skin needs.
8. Babyganics Sanitizing Wipes
There’s one thing you don’t want to do when someone in your house is sick and that’s spread germs. Keeps these wipes handy and keep everyone’s hands clean.
9. Seventh Generation Disinfection Wipes
They kill 99.99% of household germs botanically and are effective against cold and flu viruses.
10. Zarbee’s Cough Syrup
Naturally get rid of your child’s cough and soothe their throat with this formula from Zarbee’s. It’s made with antioxidant-rich dark honeys which has vitamins, minerals , and antioxidants.
Checkout the full blog post on the Big City Moms website here!
Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell!
Choking Hazards for Kids
In a recent article published by Lucie’s List, they talk about the most common choking hazards amongst children. Now that you are up to date with the CPR procedures from our last blog (read here), we wanted to highlight some of the items to look out for in the case you need to perform CPR.
Choking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children, especially those aged three years or younger. More than 60% of childhood deaths due to choking occur in the first year of life.
Of 17,500 incidences of non-fatal choking here are the items kids most often choke on:
Food: 41%
Candy and gum: 19%
Other non-foods: 17%
Coins: 13%
Unknown: 10%
In the breakdown of these categories, here are some specific items to pay special caution to:
1. Balloons (other) – latex balloons were associated with 29% of deaths overall, making it the most dangerous hazard for kids. TIP: Use the Mylar balloons instead (the shiny foil ones).
2. Hot dogs (food) – about 17% of choking deaths are form hot dogs alone. TIP: Cut hot dogs length-wise before serving.
3. Grapes, carrots, and bananas (food) – the pediatrician of the article writer said that bananas are the number one choking hazard based on his personal experience. TIP: Never give your child a whole item; cut them into halves or quarters.
4. Water bottle tops (other) – bottle tops are everywhere and often ignored. TIP: Make sure the tops are always tightly sealed and/or out of the reach of children.
5. Coins – these aren’t high on the “deadly stuff” list, but coins are around everywhere especially on the ground (a kid’s favorite place to be). Pennies and nickels are the highest risk. TIP: Shiny coins often attract kids. To be safe, don’t let them play with them. Plus, they are dirty and germ-infested. Yuck!
For additional items to look out for, read the full article here.
What You Need to Know About SIDS
Sorry to be a downer with this article, but we want to make sure everyone is aware of every new parents greatest fear, SIDS.
SIDS is very rare, but such a great fear because we don’t know why it happens. The best way to prevent SIDS is to have your baby sleep on his/her back. Most SIDS cases happen between one to four months, with 90% of all cases happening before six months of age.
Ways to prevent SIDS:
1. Have the baby sleep on his/her back
2. Sleep in the same room (not bed) as baby
3. Be firm about baby’s sleep spot
4. Choose baby’s bedding carefully
5. Keep baby from overheating
6. Breastfeed as much and for as long as you can
7. Stick to your doctor’s schedule
8. Avoid smoke
9. Offer a pacifier
10. Avoid baby sleeping in a car seat, swing, or stroller for long periods of time
The data for this article was from The Bump.com.
Written by our CEO & Founder, Lindsay Bell
Village Maternity Making a Difference
There are a lot of options for an expecting mother on how she would like her pregnancy to go. A lot can go as planned, but of course some people have to roll with the punches and figure it out along the way.
Birth transforms your life and body completely. Whom you select as your pregnancy caregiver makes all the difference in determining the satisfaction and safety of your pregnancy journey and birth experience.
Village Maternity believes the best birth for mom and baby comes from blending the unique strengths of midwives and doctors with the safety of a wonderful hospital partner.
The Village Maternity team firmly believe that true collaboration of midwives and doctors provides you with the safest and most satisfying birth experience. They approach your pregnancy with energy and enthusiasm and strive to help make your care with Village Maternity an amazing journey.
Village Maternity proudly collaborates with Metropolitan Hospital – a hidden gem for NYC families. Among Manhattan birth sites, Metropolitan has a long history of true midwifery care, including support for unmedicated birth with one of the lowest epidural rates. Metropolitan has one of the lowest cesarean section rates and the least overcrowding. Metropolitan physicians provide support for one of the highest rates of vaginal birth after cesarean section.
Village Maternity offers both Maternity Care (prenatal and postpartum) as well as Preconception Care. Not to mention 24/7 phone access. How reassuring to have your doctor a call away. They even have weekend and evening office hours. Village Maternity offices are conveniently based in midtown east.
Note: Village Maternity did not pay for this post. I met the doctors at Village Maternity and truly believe in their mission. For more information please visit their website.
Written by our Founder & CEO, Lindsay Bell
Sitter 411
Are you looking for a refresher on caring for children. Here are some helpful posts we have done over the past few months to help guide sitters. It is always a good idea to stay informed and updated on the latest childcare trends as methods do change.
1. Diapering
2. Burping
3. Nap & Bedtime Schedules
4. CPR
5. Bath Time
6. Teething
7. Entertaining Kids
8. Bee Stings, Mosquito Bites and Food Allergies
9. Swaddling
If you have any questions please contact us! We are always here to support our sitters in providing the best of care.
Treatments for Kids
Are you looking for ways to treat some of the common pests that wiggle their way into your child’s life?
We found some great treatments that we wanted to share with you all when it comes to bee stings, mosquito bites, and food allergies. Take a read below and find pests no more!
1. Bee Stings
What’s a normal reaction? It often includes, pain and swelling or redness around the bite. Swelling may extend beyond the sting site.
What can you do? Make sure you clean the area and apply ice if necessary, but make sure you have a garment of some sort between the ice and the child’s skin so that the ice is not directly on the skin.Then per the family’s permission you can use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to ease the pain or discomfort of the child. If the child is struggling with the pain, tell the parent and the child may need an antihistamine.
When to call the doctor? If you see hives, swelling near the face or mouth, wheezing, restlessness or anxiety, rapid pulse, or dizziness.
— At home itch remedy: mix baking soda with water to make a paste. If you see the stinger, make sure the stinger is taken out. If you can pull out with your nails, make sure they are clean. Or if you can pull out with tweezers.
For more information on Bee Stings click here.
2. Mosquito Bites
What’s a normal reaction? When a child gets a mosquito bite they may have itching, swelling and red lumps. The size of the bite varies.
What can you do? Mosquito bites often do not require treatment, but you should encourage the child not to scratch the bite. You can apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, but speak to the parents first.
When to call the doctor? If it is large in size, yellowish drainage, crusting, warm to the touch, or the child has a fever and muscle weakness.
For bug or mosquito bites, some parents use calamine lotion. Make sure this is okay with the parents first! This will dull the itch.
For more information on bites click here.
3. Food Allergies
Overall – Make sure you get the rundown on any food allergies from the parent upon arrival. Most families keep their profile updated with this information, but in case they don’t, make sure you ask.
What can you do? You’ll want to review each ingredient label of the food the child eats. If you are still not sure, snap a photo of it and send it to the parent to review before you give the food to the child.
If the child needs an epipen, make sure you carry that at all times. The parent can train you on how to use it, or you can read and watch a tutorial video here.
For more information on food allergies click here.
Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell
Keeping Kids Hydrated
In a recent article published by Parents.com, they spoke about how to keep kids hydrated during the heat of the summer.
Hydration for the little ones is very important in order for the fluids to be replaced in their bodies that are being sweated out. Ensuring they have plenty of liquids will keep them healthy and active this summer, and help them develop good hydration habits as they grow older.
Try these methods below:
1. For a Long Day. If you have a strenuous day ahead, add some extra hydration with your child’s first meal. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking the equivalent of a standard bottle of water (16.9 oz.) about two hours before vigorous exercise.
2. Don’t Wait. Don’t wait until your child is thirsty to offer refreshment; by that time they are already dehydrated.
3. Six Glasses. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children drink six glasses of water on an average day.
4. Frozen Bottles. When you pack a cooler for a game, freeze a number of water bottles ahead of time. The frozen bottles will keep the others cool and you will be able to pack more drinks in the cooler instead of filling the cooler with ice.
5. Flavor Wins. Studies have shown that children routinely prefer flavored beverages to plain water and will drink up to 90 percent more when it is offered to them.
6. These Don’t Win. Avoid those drinks that have caffeine, such as iced tea or many sodas. As a diuretic, caffeine can contribute to the dehydration process by increasing fluid loss.
7. Fun Hydration. Offer a popsicle to get kids to jump at the chance for a rest period. These frozen treats have high water content (a two-stick Popsicle has just about the right amount for a young child’s needs).
For the full article on Parents.com, click here.
Written by our Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Taylor Bell