Dr. SEARS TIPS FOR PREVENTING SINUS CONGESTION

Wash those little hands. Many winter illnesses are spread by hand-to-hand contact. Teach your children to wash their hands frequently, especially after group play.

Eat immune-boosting foods. In our medical practice, especially during winter season, I encourage families to follow our immune-strengthening five-S diet: salmon, smoothies (recipe), salads, spices, and supplements (such as omega-3 fish oil, vitamin D, etc.).

Keep the nose and sinuses clear. Germs settle first in the nose and sinuses, so it’s important to keep these passages flushed out... Read more.

Omega-3s Help Build Healthier Skin

Pills and Pregnancy

Knowing that you carry a pill-sensitive little person inside you may be just the motivator you need to lower your dependence on medications. Dr. Bill always encourages his patients to develop a pills-skills mindset. Rather than asking “What can I take?” ask yourself and your doctor “What can I do?” Besides increasing your skills to reduce or avoid pills during pregnancy, there are popular pills you need to be extra cautious about such as antidepressants and antianxiety medicines, cholesterol-lowering drugs, botox, and over-the-counter pain and fever reducers. Read more and understand the risks.

Winter Coats and Car Seat Safety

Snow and ice are sweeping the nation leaving roads icy and dangerous. During these frigid temperatures you may be tempted to leave your baby’s coat on while buckled into their seat. However, remember that bulky clothing, such as winter coats and snowsuits, can compress in a crash and lead to increased risk of injury. Straps on your infant’s car seat should be tight enough to pass the “pinch test.” When fully buckled in, you should not be able to pinch the webbing together at the shoulder and the chest clip is at armpit level. Ideally you should dress your baby in thinner layers and tuck a coat or a blanket around your baby over the buckled harness straps if needed. Click here for the full car seat safety guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Artificial Caramel Coloring Linked to Cancer

Caramel color is the single most used food coloring in the world and concerns over this artificial coloring containing 4-methylimidazole is back in the news as the FDA is studying it again. As physicians, we always advocate avoiding any artificial coloring or ingredients in your foods, especially for children. Consumer Reports put together some great information, a video and chart on caramel coloring. It is worth checking out.

Getting Baby to Sleep Through the Night

“Help! My 18-month-old baby is waking up in our bed every hour to breastfeed. She has been doing this for months, and I just can’t take it anymore. I don’t want to completely wean her, but I need sleep. What do I do?”

This is a dilemma faced by many parents who share a family bed with their nursing toddler. Dr. Bob Sears discusses this problem with parents in his office almost on a daily basis. There are several different answers to this question, depending on both the parents’ temperament and the baby’s personality. Here is how Dr. Bob approaches this situation with the different types of parent and child dynamics.

Product Recalls

Playtex recalled the Hip Hammock baby carrier due to risk of the buckles cracking and breaking. Eighty-seven incidents and two injuries have been reported. If you have this carrier, immediately stop it and contact Playtex for more information. Learn more.

IKEA expands recall of KRITTER and SNIGLAR junior beds due to laceration hazard from a metal rod breaking. Stop using these beds and contact IKEA to receive a free repair kit. Learn more.