Welcome back to our holiday edition of the Dr. Sears Family Newsletter. The holidays are quickly approaching. We want to take this time to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season.
Dr. Bill & Family |
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Whooping Cough Cases Continue to Climb
The number of Whooping Cough cases reported in 2012 was at a 50 year high. Many parts of the country are experiencing more cases in 2013. Whooping Cough is extremely contagious and difficult to treat. This disease is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella Pertussis. This bacterium infects the respiratory tract and causes compromised breathing and severe coughing.
If you suspect someone in your family has Whooping Cough, follow these tips:
- Seek medical treatment immediately
- Steam treatments can assist in decreasing chest congestion
- Drink lots of water
- Rest after each coughing fit
If you would like to learn more about diagnosis and treatment, click here for information from
askdrsears.com. |
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The Truth about Santa
Reader Question:
“My husband and I are debating what to do about Christmas for our 20-month-old son this year. Since his birth we have followed the attachment parenting approach and, as such, we think it’s wrong to lie to him about Santa, but don’t want him to miss out.”
Deciding whether or not to let your children believe in Santa can be a difficult dilemma. Dr. Jim weighs in on how to navigate this difficult decision. Read Dr. Jim’s response.
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Baby Play Tips for the Holiday Season
The holidays are a time to focus on family and close friends. Parties and get-togethers are a hallmark of the season. This time of year is especially fun with a baby in the family. Try this creative playtime opportunity with your baby:
Deck the Halls! Decorating provides a fun new experience for you and baby.
- Shapes – Explain the different shapes as you decorate the house and let baby touch non-fragile items.
- Textures – Let your baby explore various textures by having them gently touch wreaths, trees and holiday plants.
- Colorful lights-Take advantage of holiday lights to teach your baby colors.
Learn additional play tips for this season.
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Helping a Toddler Ease into Independence
Encourage your toddler to build relationships with other significant adults including relatives and family friends this holiday season. This can help your older toddler learn to depend on adults other than their parents. Invite significant others into your child’s life so that as he separates from you he learns that they can depend on a variety of people for help.
Here are some ways of keeping connected while helping your toddler become more independent.
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Decrease Sibling Rivalry
As parents – and referees – of eight children, we have survived personality clashes, ability battles, attention tactics, and multiple mini-battles, only to conclude that sibling rivalry, like nigh twaking, is one of the inevitable annoyances of having children. These rivalries can intensify with and excitement from the holidays. We have compiled twenty tips to stop quibbling siblings and promote sibling harmony this holiday season.
Tips to decrease rivalries this season:
- Set limits
- Referee quarrels
- When in doubt, intervene
- Listen to both sides
- Begin the day in harmony
See all 20 tips to decrease sibling rivalry in your household.
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Healthy Holiday Eating During Pregnancy
It can be difficult for anyone during the holidays to avoid gaining a few extra pounds. It is especially important during pregnancy to retain your healthy eating habits. Poor eating habits can lead to an increased chance of pregnancy or birth complications.
Expecting moms should focus on selecting nutrient dense foods. Mothers who are well-nourished during pregnancy have a lower amount of high-fat cravings. Try Dr. Sears’ Pregnancy Super Smoothie recipe to help keep you on track this holiday season. Read additional benefits of eating healthy during pregnancy.
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Recent Product Recalls
Manhattan Group Recalls Baby Rattles
Manhattan Group has recalled Manhattan Toy® Quixel™ baby rattles due to choking hazard. Four incidents have been reported of the arches breaking posing a choking hazard, no injuries have been reported at this time. Read More.
Angelcare Recalls Movement and Sound Baby Monitors
Angelcare has recalled movement and sound baby monitors as a result of two infant deaths from strangulation hazard. The hazard stems from a cord that is placed under the crib mattress and has the potential to be pulled out by the infant. The model numbers included in this recall include: AC1100, AC201, AC300, AC401, AC601 and 49255. Learn More.
Go here for more product recalls. |
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Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
View Directions
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