Mosquitoes Really BITE!!

My six year old suffers from a mosquito bite allergy... I think.

Every year we end up in the doctors office (usually twice a year) because it gets red, swollen and hot.

Then we end up on an antibiotic or they send us home to wait a few more days and  try

Benadryl and cortisone cream and then we end up back at the doctors office and

 then we get the antibiotic because cellulitis is starting to happen.

Does this sound like you or your child???

 

 The immediate reaction to an insect bite usually occurs within 10 to15 minutes after the incident, with local swelling and itching, which may disappear in an hour or less. A delayed reaction may appear in 12 to 24 hours with the development of an itchy red bump, which may persist for days.

Large local reactions to mosquito bites are very common in children and toddlers seem to have a reaction within minutes to the bite.

Here is what I have learned after numerous mosquito bite issues over the years with him.

 

PREVENTION IS KEY

1. Try to stay indoors around dawn and dusk.

2. Wear long sleeves and pants in light colors even a hat if you must be out at those times.

3. Try a insect repellent spray.

4. Use citronella candles when having fun outdoors.

5. Try a yard spray to knock-down and repel mosquitoes like this all-natural garlic spray.

(have not tried it yet, but I am intrigued)

6. Fix any holes in your screens and make sure your screen door closes quickly.

7. Do not wear perfume when outdoors.

8. Eliminate any standing water in your area if possible.

 

 

TREATMENT

Once bitten here is my regime for combating the reaction.

1. See if you can find the pesky culprit and kill it before it can strike again.

2. Wash area gently with hand soap. DO NOT RUB AREA. pat dry.

3. Apply a cold compress or ice pack for swelling (as often as needed)

4. Apply Topricin for Children to bite three to four times daily or as needed.

5. Circle area with a pen to outline any redness, swelling, or heat and watch it to make sure it is not getting bigger, redder or hotter. Call doctor if it does not start looking better within two days from bite you may be getting cellulitis. Also watch out for any fever, vomiting, headaches which might be a symptom of disease mosquitoes spread.

6. Try an oatmeal bath.

 

 

Once I found Topricin, things really started to change for us in the war on mosquito bites.

This is why I like Topricin:

 

Topricin® Junior Ingredients:HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES (HPUS)... PURPOSE
Aesculus hippocastanum 6X... Relieves pain in the lower back, hip and spine
Arnica montana 6X..................Treats pain of impact, falling injuries and contusion to muscles and joints
Belladonna 6X.........................Treats muscle spasms, night leg cramps
Bellis perennis 6X................... Excellent for bruises, muscle soreness and sprains
Calendula officinalis 4X.............Promotes rapid healing of the skin
Crotalus horridus 8X................ Relief of impact injuries and deep muscle bruising
Echinacea 6X.......................... Relieves sharp stitching pain in joints and muscles
Graphites 6X........................... For skin conditions
Hypericum perforatum 6X......... Excellent for nerve pain and impact injuries to fingertips, toes and tail bone
Lachesis mutus 8X...................Relief of sciatic pain, and carpal tunnel
Naja tripudians 8X....................Relieves nerve injury pain
Rhus toxicodendron 12X...........Pain relief for muscle cramping, joint and post-surgical pain
Ruta graveolens 6X................. Relief of injuries to the knee, shin and elbow
Sulfur 8X................................. Relieves itching, stinging and irritations of the skin

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Purified water, Highly refined vegetable oils, Glycerin, Medium Chain Triglyceride

 

 

We had our first mosquito bite of the season this week.

The culprit got him inside the house through his pajamas, or under them?

I immediately washed the two bites, and applied the topricin and by the second day of applying it 4 times a day the bites were almost gone. Usually be day two we are either on our way  to the doctors.
I am completely in LOVE with this product, finally a safe weapon in the war on mosquito bites!!!

Please note- I am not a doctor. This is just what I have found works for me and I am sharing in the hopes it will help someone else. Please consult your doctor if you have any medical questions about mosquito bites, your bite has become hot and swollen and or their is red streaking around the bite.


 

 







 

Spring Time/ Bug Time- Nontoxic ways to combat the war on bugs

Last summer I posted about our wasp problem. They were invading our front porch.

We had to call a pest control company in.

See Invasion of the Insects

 

This year, we are being proactive and using some safe, nontoxic ways of deterring them.

 

Problem #1- WASPS

Last year we had big paper wasps in the eaves of out porch making us need to use the back door for like two weeks when we had not one, but two treatments done by the pest company.

Since they liked that spot so much, we are spraying the front and back eaves with this stuff to deter them from flying near these areas. We also spray under the pool rim as they have been known to build nests there too. Use this directly on any nests to kill them.

 

We also had little yellow jackets in the kids plastic playset so we are spraying there too and this is what the pest control company used on that spot, but their professional grade version.

 

We are trying as a preventative to spray these areas so we don't have any issues this year.

 

The main ingredient is peppermint oil so it gives off a very minty scent which is actually pleasant, but can be strong. If using as a preventative as we are will probably need to spray several times throughout the season. We are trying once in the Spring, once or twice in the Summer

 and then again in the  Fall. Please note product says safe for outdoor and attic use.

EcoSmart Wasp & Hornet Spray

 

 

Problem #2- ANTS

We have a crack in our foundation that we know we have ants in and they are entering the house. We are going to try this company's ant and roach product as we liked their wasp and hornet product so much.  And once the ants are gone seal up the crack. This time the main ingredients are rosemary and cinnamon oil. Please note product says safe for outdoor and indoor use, but says to wipe away aceess product when used indoors.

EcoSmart Ant & Roach Killer

 

Inside the house I use my trusty Basic H spray on the ants- either the all-purpose or the degreaser formula. Just spray the ants and they drown in the soapy water. Then wiped up.
No need to worry about any chemicals as Basic H is organic. If I have a particular area that
 is an issue I will soak it with this stuff and let it sit over night- just so that it keeps working for an extending period of time without the dog or kids running through it-
it won't hurt them, it just less of it on the floor doing its job. :)

Get your Basic H here.


Happy Spraying Y'all!

 

Time for a Detox?

 

The Shaklee 180 Kick Start is a 5 day detox designed to reboot your body. 

It rejuvenates, energizes and removes the toxic junk from your body. It gives you a kick start to clean eating and/or losing fat. 

Reset your cravings, feel energized and maybe even lose a few pounds without going hungry, workouts or cooking.

It is natural, safe and it works.

I  am personally a big fan of cleaning out once in a while.  No one is perfect so this is a great time to start fresh!

The Shaklee 180 Kick Start Detox helps my body let go of the junk it wants to hold on to.

It is super easy to follow!

Watch this simple video to find out how easy it is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FFqnoiJFR5A

To join us, you will need the following products:
alfalfa*
liver dtx*
Tea*
180 smoothee*
180 snack bar*
herb lax*
raw veggies
organic lemons for your water
* Indicates a Shaklee product.  This detox is specific for Shaklee products.


Happy Detoxing!

Spring Cleaning

Its that time of year when we start to feel the slightest bit of freshness in the air, its warming up a bit, the birds are chirping and everyone is getting spring fever.

Well where I am, there is still plenty of snow on the ground and although it is warming up and starting to melt, it is still a little raw outside, which means its the perfect time to start Spring Cleaning so that when the weather does get nicer, I can go out and enjoy it knowing that the inside of my house is clean.

I posted my spring cleaning schedule last year where I went in depth into each room. Then at the end I compiled it all together in my Spring Cleaning 101. If  you missed it then, here it is again-

Spring Cleaning 101

Is your Nail Polish Toxic?

Yes you should now also be checking the labeling on your nail polish! Many traditional brands carry dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde -- commonly called the ''toxic trio."

Toluene is a toxin that may cause birth defects and developmental problems in children of pregnant women who have had extended exposure. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which has been linked to birth defects in studies involving lab animals, and formaldehyde, a carcinogen are all ingredients you want to make sure are NOT in your polish.

Unfortunately, there are no certifications or labeling in the United States that indicate a ‘safe’ or ‘better’ nail polish or polish remover. The best you can do is look for advertising that publicly claims they are free of these specific chemicals, so look for "DBP-free" "formaldehyde-free" and "toluene-free" messages.



Here is a list of brands that are
free of these toxins:

Acquarella

Butter London

Honeybee Gardens

Nars

No-Miss

Nuance

Priti NYC

Suncoat

Scotch Naturals

Zoya Naturals


For little ladies- try these fun non-toxic
brands made in more kid-friendly colors:

Hopscotch

Piggy Paint

Priti in Pink Princess




So now it also stands to reason that if most nail polishes are toxic, then the stuff you use to remove them is also toxic. They’re usually full of acetone, fragrances, methyl ethyl ketone, phthalates and toluene. Most of these cause significant damage to the human body.

So now that you have chosen a toxin-free brand and painted those fingers and toes how do you get the color off safely when you want to change colors? Fortunately some of the brands mentioned above are already ahead of you and have safer polish removers.

Acquarella Polish Remover

Butter London Nail Polish Scrubbers

Hopscotch for kids Polish Remover

No-Miss Nail Polish Remover

Piggy Paint Polish Remover

Priti NYC Soy Polish Remover

Suncoat Polish Remover

Scotch Naturals Polish Remover

Zoya Naturals Polish Remover

And not to leave out our furry friends that might be polish divas- I could not help but share Puppy Paint. A non-toxic brand of polish for posh pups that even covers dark colored nails and dries quickly.

 

Happy painting!



Reeces Cake

Today I want to share a family favorite, my Reeces Cake. Its like eating a huge Reeces cup- so what's not to like, right? It is sooooo simple too. Here's what you need:
-a yellow cake mix
-a container of your favorite brand of smooth peanut butter (ours is Skippy)
-a container of chocolate icing

Bake your box cake mix according to the directions on the box in a 9x13 baking dish. Let cool 15-20 minutes. Take your smooth peanut butter and ice the cake. Then stick the cake in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to let the peanut butter set to make it easier to ice it with the chocolate. Then take your chocolate icing and ice the cake again. Stick back in the fridge and I keep it in fridge afterwards too- keeps it moist. You can decorate with Reeces cups or Reeces pieces if you like.

Keeping Your Kids Healthy this Cold Season

It’s November and that means everyone has been back to school for a few months now, and has been exposed to plenty of germs and now the weather is starting to change. Which also means that your house will inevitably be hit with colds, if they haven't already. Here are some natural ways to combat colds:

TO PREVENT COLDS:

1. A Good Multivitamin- I have my kids on the best children's multivitamin available which is Shaklee's Increditives. My kids love these!  They are actually the first children’s chewable multivitamin in the U.S.with lactoferrin, which helps kids’ immune systems stay strong.
Most kids consume more than 25% of their calories from junk food, and French Fries are the number one vegetable source in their diets.  What is your child’s diet like?

Studies show that kids who consume diets lacking adequate nutrition perform poorly in school.  Poor nutrition can negatively impact a child’s immune system, bone growth, and overall physical development!

 

Incredivites are packed with 23 essential nutrients – with 600 IU of vitamin D to support strong bones and teeth, and 100% of the Daily Value of all eight B vitamins and vitamin C.

• No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives added
• Naturally sweetened with xylitol, which does not promote cavities
• Gluten free
• Packaging is safe from BPA, phtalates, and toxic inks – and it is recyclable.

I give my 6 year old 2 chewable Incredivites a day and my 3 year old gets one a day crushed up and added to applesauce, or you can also crush and add to drinks.

Here is a short video that talks about the Shakleekids products.

*if you need gluten and casein free vitamins try The Ocean Wonders Vitamins


2. DHA-
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid and is a major building block of brain and eye tissue.  Adequate intake early in life is vital to proper brain and visual development and to ensure the cells of the brain, retina, and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly.  Foods that are high in DHA are things like tuna, sardines and organ meat…not really foods high on a kid’s list! :)
Mighty Smarts is 100% natural, ultra-pure DHA.

Mighty Smarts are gluten free, have a natural orange flavor, and contain no artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives. Just one Mighty Smart a day is all you need!

3. Vitamin C-
Vita-C Chewables are formulated to make daily supplementation a simple pleasure for children and adults who have trouble swallowing tablets. Tangy,citrus-flavoured source of vitamin C helps build strong bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. Your body can't make or store vitamin C, so it is important to eat this powerful antioxidant often.

I give my kids 1 chewable per day as a preventative. When they are sick, I will give them 2-3 a day.
If you need to you can crush up and give in applesauce.

4. A Healthy Diet-
Feed your kids a well balanced diet that is organic as possible. Now we all have our days when we hit the fast food line for a quick dinner, but I really try to stay away from there as much as possible. When you feed your kids crap, they feel like crap! So try to feed them the healthiest food you can get them to eat as often as you are able to.

5. Sleep-
Everyone needs a good night's sleep! Infants need 15-16 hours a day (including naps), Toddlers 1-3 years old need 12-14 hours a day (including naps), Preschoolers 3-6 years old need 10-12 hours a day, School age kids 7-12 years old need 10-11 hours a day, and teenagers 13-18 need 8-9 hours a day. Sleep is a vital to every one's health and well being, so make sure you and your kids are getting enough!

6. Hygiene-
Be sure to wash hands when you come in from outside, when you come home from being out, before you eat or prepare foods, and after you blow your nose. I go one step farther and change clothes after the kids come in from playing outside (allergies) and especially when we come home from a doctors appointment. My favorite hand soap is Shaklee's Hand Wash Concentrate and dispenser, this super mild, sudsy wash has wheat germ oil and algae extract to moisturize; soy protein to condition; aloe, marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), and linden flower (Tilia cordata) extracts to soothe; and rosemary and arnica extracts to energize and it has a mild refreshing scent. Stay away from soaps with triclosan as it has many adverse affects on your health.

 To Combat Colds-
Once the cold or flu bug hits, here are some ways to combat it naturally and help you get back on your feet sooner.
 
1. Vitamin C-
Vita-C Chewables are formulated to make daily supplementation a simple pleasure for children and adults who have trouble swallowing tablets. Tangy,citrus-flavoured source of vitamin C helps build strong bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. Your body can't make or store vitamin C, so it is important to eat this powerful antioxidant often.

2. Humidifier-
 Use a humidifier in the bedroom at night- this helps to keep the air moist, making it easier to breathe.
My favorites are the Crane humidifiers. Be sure to clean them properly once a week.

3. Elevate your head-
Prop mattress up a little under your head- try sticking a pillow under your mattress directly under where your head lies. This help with keeping drainage going down, not up into your sinuses.

4. Saline-
Flush out stuffy noses with saline. I stock up on the little noses non-medicated saline drops. Since it is just saline you may do this as many times as needed. Helps thin out mucus, making it easier to breathe. Also for little ones, who are not able to blow their noses yet, it may be helpful to get a nasal aspirator (or as we call it in our house- the nose sucker)

5. Stay Hydrated-
Drink plenty of fluids and eat lots of healthy food like fruits. Try to get some chicken soup down too!
Our favorite hydration drink is Shaklee's Performance Drink.

6. Honey-
To help soothe scratchy throats and coughs try some honey before bedtime. Honey has many antioxidants that can help you fight off the cold faster and because it is thick and sweet it helps coat and soothe the sore throat from coughs. It is best to let kids cough during the day to get the mucus up, but when coughing is keeping them up all night, when they need rest try some honey. For kids ages 2-5 try 1/2 tsp, ages 6-11 try 1 tsp, and ages 12-18 try 2tsp.

DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO INFANTS UNDER 1 YEAR OLD- may cause a rare, but serious case of botulism.

I usually give my kids honey mixed in with something they like, usually I mix it with a little applesauce and warm it for 3 seconds in the microwave so its goes down smoother, you could try to add the honey to some warm (not hot) water.
http://suite101.com/article/honey-may-be-best-cough-medicine-a169827

6. Clean-
I find it helpfully to change the sheets everyday or at least every other day to get rid of the germs quicker (can be hard if you are the one sick). I also will run  every one's toothbrushes through the dishwasher and replace them after illnesses. And clean and disinfect with soap and water and vinegar. Keep in mind to do all door handles, phones, computer keyboards and also remote controls- you know the items every one touches all day, but you never really think to clean.

Here's to a happy and healthy fall and winter!


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Fighting colds naturally
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