blush #5, Summer 2010

summer 2010

explore the great

outdoors

» Plan a hassle-free family camping trip

» Make your own first aid kit » Beat the heat with sun safety tips

3

easy recipes

for happy campers meet

Jamie salé figure skater and mom Kids with Down syndrome overcome the odds blushmom.com

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contents Issue 5

{ you } 14

surprise! you’re pregnant

When you weren’t expecting to be expecting.

18

caffeine conundrum

Is coffee safe to drink when you’re pregnant?

20

Where’s my hair at?

14

Tips and tricks to enhance thinning postpartum hair.

22

summer fashion

Beat the heat in our cool maternity fashions.

{ your little one } 30

sign them up

Is your preschooler ready for recreational sports and activities?

34

18 22 28 38

to the rescue

Be prepared for summer with our safety and first aid info.

38

kids with down syndrome The focus is on abilities, not disabilities.

42

rashes

Learn to spot serious health conditions.

46

season in the sun

Have fun while keeping your kids safe from UV rays.

blushmom.com | 3

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contents

{ your life } 52

running for two

Use our tips to go the distance.

54

water babies

Make a splash with your little one at your local pool.

55

let’s play!

Explore the great outdoors with your toddler.

58

camping with the kiddies

Rough it—while keeping hassles to a minimum.

62 54

58

62

happy campers

Fuss-free food to share around the campfire.

66

Jamie Salé

Professional skater and goldmedal mom.

in this issue 9 editor’s letter 11 ask Karlene 26 taking care of you and

your little one 50 books we love 56 what we’re cooing over

56 blushmom.com | 5

Witness The Miracle of Life Publisher Ryan Benn Associate Publisher Rick Kroetsch Editorial & Design

3D/4D Ultrasounds Ultrasounds on DVD Gender Determination Heart Beat Session

Executive Editor Stuart Harries Managing Editor Gail Johnson Senior Editor Sandi Gauvin Editor and Creative Services Liaison Ellen Niemer Editor and Marketing Liaison Amanda Lee Editorial Intern Amy Wood Graphic Designers Keri Piechnik, Maja Wolnik Contributing Photographer Scott Yavis production

Operations Manager Elaine Mavritsakis Digital Content Coordinator Vince Yim Print Distribution Coordinator Victoria Chan Shipping and Receiving Jagdeep Biring sales & Marketing

Director of Business Development Jessica Malach ext 647 Advertising Account Managers Ellen Wheeler ext 619,

Heart Beat Bear Live Broadcasting

Karla Gursche ext 621, Noorani Ramji ext 622, Alexandra Guarascio ext 624 Sales Irene Wong, Cindy Tran Marketing Specialist Bronwyn Logan blush is published quarterly by

contact information

Teldon Media Group 100-12751 Vulcan Way, Richmond, BC V6V 3C8

Phone: 604-295-9333 Toll Free: 1-800-663-6580

Call or Email Us Now! (877) 682.2229

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18 Loctions Across Canada

advertise@blushmom.com Editorial Note

The information provided in this magazine is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed practitioner or health care provider. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Teldon Media or its affiliates. Different views may appear in future articles or publications.

Articles in blush are copyrighted and must not be reprinted, duplicated, or transmitted without permission.

Photo credits index Contributing photographer: Scott Yavis—pages 9, 34, 37, 63-65

Photos copyright: Shutterstock.ca—pages 11, 18, 20, 31, 46, 48, 53, 59 Veer—pages 14, 16, 42, 44, 55, 60 iStockPhoto—pages 32, 54

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Contributors

kathy buckworth is an award-winning writer whose latest book Shut Up and Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children and Chardonnay (Key Porter, 2010) is flying off shelves and into the hands of moms wondering what to make for dinner … again. Kathy has four children/sources of material. kathybuckworth.com or twitter.com/kathybuckworth

RAchel Sanders is a writer, broadcaster, photographer, and work-at-home mother of two. She loves researching and writing about everything from parenting to pop culture, contributing regularly to the CBC Radio program Definitely Not the Opera and the Canadian music magazine Exclaim. She lives in Vancouver with her family.

Photo by CL Buchanan Photography

josie padro is a former nurse who traded in her stethoscope to stay at home full-time with her two boys. Her goal as a parent is to fill her children’s lives with love and happy memories. Josie writes about health, life, and food.

nicole palacios, ACE, has been active in the fitness industry for 15 years. Her passions include her family, health writing, and fitness. Leading classes, personal training, and doing research keeps her busy and out of trouble when she’s not chasing her kids at the park.

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that’s the beauty of nature+science

instincts

Trust your

Honour that gut feeling

Right around press time

for this issue, I spent days in a prone position in my sweatpants on my couch. I ate a little, slept, watched TV, and cuddled with my littlest one.

It almost sounds like a holiday, but instead of laughter there was lethargy.

I wasn’t sick, but my second son was.

Just as some men have sympathy pains when their wife is in labour, I was right there with the poor little guy in all his watery-eyed misery, if not physically then most definitely psychologically.

I’d never seen my two-year-old so ill. It was “just” a cold, though I never cease to be amazed at how this common virus can knock even the strongest characters down. He didn’t want to do anything other than lie on his tummy. He barely ate. He was too exhausted to cry. I adopted his demeanour as if by osmosis. I didn’t want to leave the living room, never mind the house. And that’s how we spent several long days.

The experience reminded me of just how in tune with our children we moms are.

Babies and toddlers are very good at making it clear when their needs aren’t being met. Yet even when there isn’t an

illness or an “owie” involved, mothers unfailingly, instinctively know when something isn’t quite right with one of their kids. Maybe it’s a look in the child’s eyes, a subtle shift in his step, or a mood that’s everso-slightly off.

Although mother’s intuition—that sense of knowing something is wrong without knowing exactly what it is—has long been dismissed by some as mere myth, even experts are now saying otherwise. Recent research published in the Lancet, a British medical journal, advises doctors that if a parent believes something is wrong with their child, she’s probably right.

What an amazing gift. Although I dread the day I ever have to see my boys hurt or heartbroken, I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a unique, unshakeable connection with these two beings.

Even if all moms possess that inner insight, however, it’s not surprising that we don’t always pay attention to it.

At home alone with a newborn for the first time, we often feel overwhelmed, unprepared, or even incompetent.

There’s so much information out there

that it doesn’t take much for self-doubt to rear its intrusive head. When I was desperate for information on sleep (or, more accurately, the lack thereof), I was surprised to find more than 40 books on the subject—all written by “experts” and all claiming to have the most reliable, accurate, up-to-date advice. Ack! All too often we forget that we, in fact, are the experts on our kids. Hey, if we’re not celebrating our mummy tummies, then let’s at least honour that gut feeling.

It’s always there, even if we sometimes need to strain to hear it above all the screaming and squealing.

From all of us at blush, here’s a nod to you and yours—and your instincts. b

Gail Johnson managing editor

blushmom.com | 9

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ask

karlene Karlene Karst, RD, is an author, speaker, and mom to son, Luca, and one on the way.

Q: I’m well into my second

Q:

trimester, but I’m still nauseated. I thought morning sickness was supposed to pass after the first trimester.

What can I do?

My toddler clings to me wherever we go and seems excessively shy.

Any suggestions on helping her overcome this?

A child who displays shyness is actually expressing

a resistance to intimacy with others whom the child is not attached to. Therefore, shyness is a manifestation of attachment. A shy child may feel immense stress when in the presence of a stranger, so it is important that we handle child shyness with care and sensitivity.

As children develop their own personalities, they often grow out of their shyness. Until this happens, respect the attachment your child has for you while encouraging interactive behaviours.

Instead of scolding or apologizing to others for your

child’s shy behaviour, allow it. It is a very natural and instinctive reaction to resist coming in close contact with strangers. Be sympathetic, and praise your child’s efforts to join in with the other kids, no matter how long it takes. To improve your child’s confidence, arrange one-on-one play dates for a more controlled social experience.

Over time your child will likely become more comfortable with people. Continue with your positive approach and encouragement, and in no time you will be able to show off your child’s beautiful personality.

Pregnancy-induced nausea happens in 80 percent of pregnancies and usually goes away by 14 weeks. However, research shows that maternal age, race/ethnicity, and the number of times a woman has been pregnant contribute to symptoms that may continue into the second trimester.

What can you do? Consume small, frequent snacks rather than large meals. Keep saltine crackers on hand to snack on. Choose dry, bland, and cold foods instead of hot foods, which generally have stronger odours. Stay hydrated by drinking iced water with lemon and ginger tea.

Another option to try is an acupressure wristband—originally designed to fight off seasickness. This remedy has proven to effectively relieve nausea in many pregnant women.

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t find relief, talk to your health care practitioner.

You may be one out of a hundred women who suffers from hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition characterized by excessive vomiting during pregnancy. b

blushmom.com | 11

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Sign up for the blushmom.com newsletter Get the latest on: parenting tips � products you’ll love � recipe ideas for the whole family books for you and your little one to enjoy � …and much more

12 | blush summer 2010

Great prizes to win every day!

40-50%

of women experience an extreme shedding of hair within several months after giving birth, due to changes in hormonal levels.

As estrogen levels stabilize, moms can expect their hair to return to its pre-pregnancy state.

For hair care tips, turn to page 20.

{ you } surprise pregnancy 14 路 caffeine 18 路 hair care 20 路 summer fashion 22

blushmom.com | 13

{ you }

Surprise!

You're pregnant When do you really need to worry?

Rachel Sanders

14 | blush summer 2010

In a perfect world, we’d all visit our doctors, take folic acid, and lay off the liquor before trying to get pregnant. Sometimes, however, things just happen. Just when you weren’t expecting to be expecting, a plus sign on that little white stick can send you into serious pregnancy paranoia.

From hot tubs to ham sandwiches, things that were innocuous last week become a source of anxiety. But when do you really need to worry?

Accidental alcohol Cheryl Tucker* had no idea she was pregnant when she went to a friend’s housewarming party in October of 2005.

“I’m not a regular drinker,” says the Toronto mother of three, “but that was a night of full-on wine, ports after dinner, smoking—you name it. It was the craziest night I’ve had in years.”

When Tucker found out shortly thereafter that she was eight weeks pregnant with twins, she was horrified.

“It was a devastating feeling,” she says. “I thought, ‘What have I done?

There must be some kind of side effect from that night.’ I was totally freaked out.”

When pregnancy paranoia strikes, the first thing to remember is between 97 and 98 percent of babies in Canada are born healthy. Of the small number of abnormalities that do occur, only 10 to 13 percent are known to have purely environmental causes.

Dr. Shirley Schipper, a family physician who practises prenatal care at the Grey Nuns Family Medicine Centre in Edmonton, says that Tucker’s experience is very common.

“There are studies that show that up to 50 percent of women have taken something during part of their pregnancy,” she tells blush. “But 50 percent of children aren’t walking around with something seriously wrong with them.”

Dr. Schipper reassures women in Tucker’s situation that everything is probably fine. Health Canada advises total abstention from alcohol for pregnant women because there is no known safe amount during pregnancy.

While Dr. Schipper fully supports this recommendation, she says a couple of accidental drinks before you know you’re pregnant are unlikely to cause damage.

“Usually alcohol is only in your system for a couple of hours,” says Dr. Schipper, “whereas organ formation and fetal development is happening 24 hours a day, seven days a week for several weeks. So unless you’re actually consuming something 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it’s not likely to have a big impact. Especially if it’s before anything has really happened, before implantation.”

Web intensifies worries Tucker says the information she found online about alcohol and pregnancy just made her paranoia worse. Dr. Schipper agrees Internet research is

not the best way to dispel worries.

“Every woman’s situation will be different, so they won’t be able to find accurate information online.

Everything they find will be potentially scary.” She advises women, instead, to share their concerns with a trusted health care practitioner.

Tucker agrees that reassurance from her doctor and normal ultrasounds put her mind at rest about her night of drinking. In 2006 she gave birth to healthy twin girls.

It’s not just accidental drinking that can be cause for concern. Vancouver lawyer Andrea Kim* was unaware that she was several weeks pregnant when she took Gravol after a long flight last year.

“When I found out, I started to panic,” she says. “So I did some research online. Some sites said it’s not recommended but never gave a reason why.”

Dr. Schipper says while certain over-the-counter drugs such as Gravol and ibuprofen can cause problems in pregnancy, occasional accidental use is unlikely to have much effect.

“There’s more concern if you take it throughout your pregnancy, or when organs are being formed, or later in pregnancy,” she says. “Taken periodically by accident, there’s no evidence that they’re harmful.” ➳

blushmom.com | 15

{ you }

What about…?

Hot tubs

“ W hen pregnancy paranoia strikes, remember between 97 and 98 percent of babies in Canada are born healthy.”

She does, however, advise women to consult their doctors if they’ve been taking large amounts of any medication before realizing they were pregnant— including herbals.

“Herbal doesn’t mean safe,” she says.

“It’s just a natural form of drug.”

Share with friends Although Kim wasn’t able to see her obstetrician for several weeks after her positive pregnancy test, talking with a friend helped relieve her fears.

“My friend said she’d accidentally taken it too, and her babies are fine and healthy,” she says.

Dr. Schipper agrees talking with friends or joining a support group for newly pregnant women can be helpful.

Recent studies have found women who

16 | blush summer 2010

deal with stress by seeking support from friends have better overall health.

Since a fetus can be negatively affected by maternal stress, learning to relax should be a priority.

Focus on the things you can do to make the rest of your pregnancy as healthy and peaceful as possible.

Eat well. Take your vitamins. Find a prenatal exercise class. Brush and floss regularly, as good dental health can help prevent preterm labour. Finally, don’t forget to give yourself credit for all the good things you do every day for your developing baby. b *names have been changed

Rachel Sanders is a Vancouver writer and mother of two.

Hot tub use is discouraged during pregnancy. If you’ve already been in one, Dr. Schipper says you probably would have felt uncomfortably hot if your body temperature had reached a dangerous level.

Deli meat, unpasteurized cheese, raw meat and fish

These foods can be contaminated with Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. If you’ve eaten something contaminated with this microbe, you likely would have developed symptoms of food poisoning soon afterward.

Retin-A

Accutane (isotretinoin), a vitamin A derivative taken orally for severe acne, can harm fetal development. Retin-A (tretinoin), is another vitamin A derivative commonly used as a topical wrinkle creme. Even though very little is absorbed through the skin, doctors recommend that you stop using the creme if you are pregnant.

Accidents

The uterus is so protective that it would take a lot to hurt your baby.

“Even in car accidents where a woman’s muscles and bones are jolted, babies are well protected,” says Dr. Schipper.

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{ you }

“ Cut back gradually: go half-caff to start.�

Caffeine conundrum The truth about coffee in pregnancy Kimberley Foster

18 | blush summer 2010

The list of forbidden items for expectant mothers is long and seems to be lengthening all the time.

Wine. Brie. Sushi. Still, with some sacrifice, a person can live without these treats for nine months; it’s a rare woman who consumes spicy tuna rolls on a daily basis, after all.

But coffee? That’s a different story. A lot of us depend on our morning latte to get through the day. Most physicians advise their pregnant patients to cut back on caffeine or consider cutting it out altogether. But when facing nine long months of steady weight gain, insomnia, swollen ankles, and the other delights of pregnancy, it’s natural for a mortal woman to ask: coffee, really? Do I really have to give up my one little morning pleasure?

Examine the evidence The question is: what does the evidence show, exactly? There is no easy answer, even after reading the latest research.

It’s known that caffeine readily crosses the placenta, but the exact nature of harm is uncertain. Despite years of research, findings remain conflicting.

Even so, there have been some decent studies published recently.

In March 2008 the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published a study that showed an increased risk of miscarriage with caffeine consumption. They found that the greater a woman’s daily consumption, the higher the risk. Women who consumed more than 200 mg of caffeine a day were found to have twice the risk of miscarriage as women who consumed no caffeine.

Moreover, a 2008 study in the British Medical Journal linked caffeine intake with fetal growth restriction and low birth weight. The findings of this study suggested an even lower threshold of caffeine consumption, perhaps as low as 100 mg per day. This will clearly need to be studied more in the years to come.

Remain within recommendations For now the official recommendation from Health Canada and the US Food and Drug Administration is to limit intake to 300 mg per day. The official UK recommendations cite 200 mg per day as the limit.

While there doesn’t appear to be enough evidence from the existing research to recommend a total elimination of caffeine, it does seem wise to cut back and to keep below the recommended thresholds.

Okay, so how do you know how much you’re getting? See the sidebar for the caffeine content of various drinks. But keep in mind that much depends on the size of your drink and how strongly it’s brewed. Don’t forget that tea has caffeine, too. And take note: green tea, with all its apparent health benefits, is not caffeine-free.

Cut back the caff In practical terms, how do you go about cutting back? Interestingly, many women develop a natural aversion to the taste of coffee early in pregnancy. But if you don’t fall into this category, how do you curtail your intake? Whatever you do, don’t go cold turkey. The withdrawal effects can be unpleasant: headaches and feelings of fatigue and depression. Instead, cut back gradually. Go half-caff to start.

Be careful about substitutions: energy drinks can contain as much, if not more, caffeine as a cup of coffee.

And a word of warning about herbal

Adjust the jolt Beverage

Size (oz)

Caffeine (mg)

Tea, black

8

40-120

Tea, black, decaf

8

2-10

Tea, green

8

30

Coca-Cola Classic or Zero

12

35

7UP (regular or diet)

12

0

Red Bull

8

76

Designer coffee to go Beverage

Starbucks

Tim Hortons

12 oz (tall)

10 oz (medium)

Caffeine (mg) Coffee

260

100

Coffee, decaf

20

6

Cafe mocha

95

66

Coffee frappuccino/ iced cappuccino

70

120

tea: be mindful of ingredients, as some herbs are not a great idea in pregnancy.

Red raspberry leaf, for example, may cause uterine contractions.

So if you’re nixing the caffeine, how to get through your day? Let’s face it, pregnancy is a time when you could use every little extra bit of energy. Here are some ideas. A simple, but oftenignored piece of advice: get more sleep. No, you don’t need to watch yet another episode of American Idol—turn off the TV and get to bed earlier. Try adding a little exercise to your routine.

There are many benefits to this, of course, and boosted energy is one.

Also, bump up your fluid intake.

A woman’s need for fluids increases in pregnancy, and mild levels of dehydration can really sap your energy.

As for me, I feel reassured that I can enjoy my one small morning coffee, guilt free. The guilt of motherhood will come later, I have no doubt … b KIMBERLEY FOSTER is a family physician and writer in Victoria, and is expecting her second child in July.

blushmom.com | 19

{ you }

my hair

where’s

at?

A new mommy’s guide to postpartum hair loss Christina Dennis

Remember the thick and luscious locks you had during pregnancy? The kind you’d see in shampoo commercials?

Now that baby’s here things are looking a little thinner in the hair department, and sometimes postpartum hair loss can be frightening. What is happening, and what can you do?

Here’s a guide to help you through.

Why is this happening?

The fancy term for the general shedding of hair is telogen effluvium, a condition that is caused by a traumatic event that interrupts the normal cycle of hair growth. In the case of postpartum hair loss, that event is childbirth.

Eighty-five to 95 percent of the hairs on your head are in the anagen phase (when the hair is growing), and the remaining 5 to 15 percent are either in the catagen phase (when the hair has stopped growing) or the telogen phase (when the hair starts to become loose in the shaft until it falls out). On average, a woman loses about 100 strands of hair each day.

During pregnancy a larger number of hairs are in the anagen stage because of an increase in estrogen—hence the thick and luscious mommy-to-be locks. After birth,

20 | blush summer 2010

estrogen levels plummet and so does hair production. The vast amount of new hair you’ve acquired during pregnancy now enters the telogen stage all at once and can start falling out in heart-stopping clumps. This can begin to happen between one and five months postpartum.

While the amount of hair loss new mothers experience can vary from woman to woman, this condition is generally unavoidable. But don’t worry, you won’t feel like you’re balding forever! You should see the rate of your hair loss return to normal between 12 and 15 months after giving birth. Meanwhile, there are some things you can do to help.

What can you do?

Continue to take your prenatal vitamins. They will help keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy. Also look for omega acids in your foods (in fish, oils, and nuts) and dietary supplements—they help with hair growth.

Get a haircut. Now’s a great time to experiment with a shorter or more “styled” hairdo. Shorter cuts or styles with more layers often give the illusion of fuller hair. Bangs that frame the face might be a fun option to experiment with. Plus, if your hair’s shorter, there’s less for your new baby to tug on!

Be gentle with your hair. Treat the new hair that’s coming in with great care by using gentle shampoos (baby shampoos work well) and moisturizing conditioners (look for

240 hours of testing and research every week Our full-time laboratory is staffed with 1 PhD, 3 MSc and 2 BSc

Gentle styling products: ingredients to look for Just as it’s important to use gentle shampoos and conditioners on postpartum hair, it’s also imperative to look for styling products that are nontoxic and moisturizing. Look for products that contain soothing ingredients such as

wheat protein: adds gloss and moisture to hair honey: moisturizes the scalp witch hazel extract: a natural astringent jojoba oil: a moisturizing oil that leaves no oily residue black tea: a natural shine enhancer

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“ Try a new hair colour.

Highlights or a brighter new hair colour can also give the illusion of fullness.” ingredients such as olive or jojoba oil). Avoid putting your hair up in a tight ponytail and using a lot of heat styling.

Try a new hair colour. Highlights or a brighter new hair colour can also give the illusion of fullness. Be diligent, though, to use dyes that are gentle on hair.

While you can’t stop your hair from falling out after the birth of your new baby, you can take steps to take care of the hair you do have. When you feel like there’s more hair in your brush than on your head, remember that you’ll soon be back to normal. Enjoy your new baby, take care of your hair, and wait for your gorgeous new locks to grow. b Christina Dennis is a crafty new mommy living in Alberta. She finally has hair again. Christina blogs at thediymommy.com.

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{ you }

get busy Amanda Lee

Saavy moms know that being

pregnant doesn’t mean you have to hide behind boring maternity tent dresses in blah tones. Get busy with stripes and bold prints this summer for a chic look that beats the heat.

➳ Concentrate your effort

Why it works: With this look, the

busy-ness is concentrated in one zone only—the bottom half. A mono-colour top lets the sweet motif of this brightlyhued skirt shine through to best effect.

Styling tip: Don’t get overly cutesy

with too many add-ons. Pull things together with a simple silver bangle, and wear a fun, floppy sunhat for protection if you’re heading out midday.

Fit tip: Look for a well-fitted top in

a soft stretchy material that hugs your bump for the most flattering look—a sleeveless one is great for warm summer days.

22 | blush summer 2010

“ The fresh sailor style of a navy-andwhite sundress has a timeless appeal.”

➳ Stripe it up

Why it works: Forget your fear of stripes making you look fat—the fresh sailor style of a navy-and-white sundress has a timeless appeal that never fails to look polished yet casual.

This page: dress: Old Navy, oldnavy.ca; Badgley Mischka bag: Wear Else, wearelse.ca; shoes: Old Navy, oldnavy.ca Opposite page: Monica top and Poppy Field skirt: Ella Bella Maternity, ellabella.ca; bangle: Mimi & Marge, mimiandmarge.com; hat: joe fresh, joefresh.ca

Styling tip: Pair this look with some strappy gold lowheeled sandals. Grab a sleek black bag with gold accents and you’re good to go.

Fit tip: Make sure to wear a

racer-back bra underneath this dress. Visible bra straps would take this look from busy to just plain messy.

blushmom.com | 23

{ you }

➳

Go for contrast

Why it works: Black and white is a bold combination that always draws attention. The contrasting swirls of black and white on this dress follow the rounded shape of your bump perfectly!

Styling tip: Throw on some chic aviator shades for a fuss-free complement to this look. Pick up a juicy ruby handbag to make the black and white really pop.

Fit tip: A classic empire waist

sundress easily accommodates a growing belly, but still fits well after baby is born. The fitted top adds structure, so that extra material at the waist won’t matter.

24 | blush summer 2010

“ A classic empire waist sundress easily accommodates a growing belly."

“ A straw fedora with this floral pattern keeps it funky.”

➳ Rock the floral Why it works: A busy

floral frock doesn’t have to be frumpy. Key accessories and the right cut make sure that this look is unique.

Styling tip: A straw fedora with this floral pattern keeps it funky (stay away from big sunhats when wearing patterns this bold; it’s just too much!).

Add some edgy bling such as a beetle ring for fun.

Fit tip: An A-line cut like this is perfect on everyone as long as the hemline isn’t too long.

Keep it just above the knee for the lines to fall flatteringly. b

This page: dress: joe fresh, joefresh.ca; ring: H & M, hm.com; hat and sandals: joe fresh, joefresh.ca Opposite page: Maternal America dress: Ella Bella Maternity, ellabella.ca; sunglasses: joe fresh, joefresh.ca; Badgley Mischka bag: Wear Else, wearelse.com

blushmom.com | 25

{ you }

taking andcareYourof You Little One

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For more information visit sinoveda.com blushmom.com | 27

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15

minutes unprotected in the sun is enough to sunburn you or your baby, according to Health Canada.

To protect your little one, be sure to protect her skin properly with sun-protective clothing before taking her outside, and use sunscreen if she is six months or older.

For more sun care tips to protect you and your little one, see page 46.

{ your little one } sign-up sports 30 路 first aid 34 路 down syndrome 38 路 Sunscreen 46

blushmom.com | 29

{ your little one }

Sign them up For fun!

Lola Augustine Brown

Flicking through the pages of your local recreation centre’s brochure, you’re likely to see a wide range of classes and activities geared toward your preschool-aged child.

Although they all sound great, how can you tell which ones are suitable for your child? How do you know whether your child is mature enough to participate and is going to have fun?

Pretty much the minute my daughter, Perdida, turned two, I signed her up for gymnastics classes—which were really just an opportunity for her to play on gym equipment with other kids.

My normally confident kid was totally freaked out, refused to participate, and had no interest in using the equipment.

We attended two out of 10 classes—it was a complete waste of money.

Look for signs of readiness “Whether your child is ready depends on the physical activity and personality of your child, as well as the type of programs available in your community,” says Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, a family physician in Kanata, Ontario (and mom to three children who are all involved in sports).

Fullerton advises trying out different activities early on to discover what your child enjoys and what is best suited to her abilities.

Veronique MacKenzie has been teaching three- and four-year-olds at Halifax Dance for 20 years. She says

30 | blush summer 2010

there are definite signs your child might be ready to participate in a dance class.

“Every child is different, but if they are already fairly independent and dancing to music at home, they could well be ready,” she says. “If they are having separation issues or are very shy, though, it might require sitting and watching lessons for a while. There is no point in pushing if your child isn’t ready to participate.”

Choose an activity they’ll love Vancouver mom Bridget Roberts signed her daughter Hanako up for dance lessons at age two. Dance seemed like an obvious first choice for Hanako: she’d always loved putting on a show and was coordinated from an early age.

“She loved it and was one of the best listeners in the class,” says Roberts. “She started gymnastics at three, and still does both classes now that she is six.”

Look for company Pairing up with another family to do an activity may help your child stay interested. Shemim Manj signed up two-year-old Neena for dance classes at the local community centre and says that as long as her little friend Malcolm

was there too, Neena had a blast.

When it was just Neena, all she wanted to do was run around without really participating.

“But I’d still sign her up for more classes, because it gets us out of the house and lets us meet other people,” says Manj. “I’d suggest parents test the waters: see if they could take their child to one class for free, without having to sign up, to see whether they like it.”

Be patient If your child doesn’t find her groove immediately, don’t pull her out of the activity too soon. MacKenzie says she always asks parents to give it three to six weeks before letting their child drop out.

“In my class I’ve had the most reticent of children, who are slow to warm up, settle in after a while and have a ball. In my career I’ve had maybe three or four who couldn’t handle it,” she says.

Reap the benefits Getting your kids into organized activities at an early age has numerous benefits, one of which is your child’s health, especially given the continuing rise in childhood obesity. ➳

“Try out different activities early on to discover what your child enjoys and what is best suited to her abilities.”

Get a tax break, too Canadian parents who register their child in a program of physical activity are eligible for an annual tax credit—called the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit—of up to $500 per child, so be sure to save those receipts.

blushmom.com | 31

{ your little one }

How active should your preschooler be?

Tom Warshawski, MD, is chair of the Childhood Obesity Foundation and head of pediatrics at Kelowna General Hospital. He advises that toddlers be active for at least 90 minutes a day and that they maintain that level of activity right through to adulthood.

“Organized sports and activities are a good way to achieve this, with the short-term goal being fun and an introduction to sport. The longterm goal is a lifelong love of being physically active. There is strong evidence that being physically active promotes a longer and healthier life, something all parents want for their children,” says Warshawski.

However, Warshawski advises that competitive sports or highly focused activities be only a part of the exercise that your child gets, as they may tire of them over time. “For this reason children should be encouraged to enjoy other types of physical activity, such as hiking, skiing, and dancing,” he says.

“ It's advised that toddlers be active for at least 90 minutes a day, and that they maintain that level of activity right through to adulthood.”

“Prevention of childhood obesity requires encouraging and providing opportunities for physical activities, which can be formal and informal,” says Fullerton. “But this must be coupled with good eating habits, including portion control.”

According to Fullerton, it isn’t only your child’s body that benefits from organized activities; they + encourage mastery of one’s body + provide a feeling of accomplishment + offer social engagement

32 | blush summer 2010

+ promote an improved sense of well-being + provide a social link beyond their immediate neighbourhood or school

Are there risks?

Any activity for your preschooler needs to be age appropriate, be adequately supervised, and demonstrate attention to your child’s safety (protective gear, appropriately sized for your toddler or preschooler, should be used when necessary).

“The activity should be fun, safe, and respect the needs of the child.

I usually tell parents to trust their instincts; if something concerns them about the activity, they need to address it,” says Fullerton.

There’s a world of opportunities for your preschooler; just open up that brochure and dive in. b Lola Augustine Brown’s articles have appeared in Redbook, Canadian Family, Flare, and Fashion. She is mom to Perdida, aged 3, who will be starting ballet classes in the fall.

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blushmom.com | 33

{ your little one }

To the

rescue Summer first aid basics Serenity Aberdour, ND

34 | blush summer 2010

It’s summertime once again, and the warm weather means more time outside for the whole family.

Although summer will be filled with fun and adventure for most children, some will be spending time at the doctor’s office or at the hospital as a result of an accident, illness, or injury. You can help reduce your child’s risk by equipping yourself with some basic summer safety and first aid information.

1. Heat exhaustion

The long hot days of summer can mean too much heat, for too long, with too little rehydration. This can put babies and young children at particular risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as their bodies are less well equipped to regulate temperature, and they can become very ill very quickly.

In heat exhaustion, the body has lost fluid and salt as a result of excessive sweating. Children require particularly close attention because heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms · profuse sweating · normal (98 F/37 C) or elevated temperature · pale skin · fast and weak pulse · rapid breathing · headache · nausea · fatigue

Treatment · Move child to a cooler location immediately. · Remove excess clothing. · Reduce body temperature with cool compresses and fans if possible. · Administer cool fluids if the child is not nauseated. · If symptoms do not improve within the hour, seek medical attention.

Prevention · Limit outdoor activities when temperature, and especially humidity, are very high. · Take frequent rests in the shade and air-conditioned indoors. · Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and every 20 minutes during active play, regardless of thirst. To prevent dehydration, encourage your child to take regular sips of cool water or a diluted oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte. A diluted sports drink may also do the trick, but beware of high sugar content. · Never leave a child alone in a car. · Wear hats, sunscreen, and lightcoloured clothing. · Avoid salt tablets, as they can provide too much sodium.

2. Heat stroke

Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that can be fatal. Parents should call 911 or their local emergency number if their child is showing these symptoms: · hot and dry skin · high fever · loss of consciousness · seizures · vomiting

3. Food poisoning

Summer picnics, barbecues, and outdoor parties can increase the risk

of food poisoning, as food is often left outdoors in the heat.

Symptoms · nausea · vomiting · diarrhea · symptoms develop within hours of eating · others who ate the same food are also ill · dehydration: dry mouth and tongue, irritability, loss of energy, fewer wet diapers or very concentrated urine

Treatment Most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own, though severe cases require medical intervention. · Provide sips of an electrolytereplacement solution. If tolerated, progress gradually to larger quantities. · Continue nursing or formula feeding if tolerated. · Consult with your health care practitioner about the benefit of a probiotic supplement. · Seek medical help for severe diarrhea, or if vomiting continues for over four hours.

Prevention · Wash hands thoroughly and frequently when handling or preparing food. · Thoroughly cook meats, fish, eggs, and poultry. · Keep meats separate from fruits and vegetables during storage and preparation. ➳

blushmom.com | 35

{ your little one }

“ Knowing about choking hazards and taking precautions can help you to reduce your child’s risk.” · Never place cooked and raw meat on the same surface. · Clean all cooking surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards thoroughly and regularly. ·R efrigerate uneaten food as soon as possible. · Do not leave food out in the heat for more than two hours. · When eating outdoors, keep food covered, in coolers, and in the shade.

4. Choking

Each year in Canada, dozens of children are taken to hospital due to choking. Problem foods include hot dogs, grapes, nuts, seeds, raw carrots, apples, pears, celery, gummies, and popcorn kernels. Also of concern are hard, rubbery foods that require a lot of chewing, especially for children under the age of three.

Knowing about choking hazards and taking precautions can help you to reduce your child’s risk. · Keep a close eye on young children at all times. Although choking can occur at any age, those two years and younger are at highest risk—and the most likely to put everything in their mouths. · Don’t give hard candies and gum to children until they are at least five years old. · Store small household items out of reach, including coins, small batteries, and hardware. · Avoid giving rubber balloons to small children, as they are a common cause of choking. · Keep toys with small removable pieces away from children younger than three. · Carefully remove bones from fish and poultry before serving them to children. · Teach children the importance of properly chewing food, speaking only

36 | blush summer 2010

when there is no food in their mouths, and sitting down to eat.

5. Drowning

Pools, lakes, and other places for water fun are popular in the summer. Sadly, drowning is the second most common cause of injury-related death for Canadian children.

Take the following precautions to help keep children safe from accidental drowning: · Never leave children unattended near pools, bathtubs, lakes, or other bodies of water. · Enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age. Many pools offer parentand-tot swimming lessons. · Teach children pool safety tips such as avoiding pools unless supervised by an adult; walking, not running, on the pool deck; jumping rather than diving in; and checking water depth before plunging in. · If you have one, ensure your backyard pool is fenced in and locked when not in use. Fences should be at least four feet high and surround the pool entirely. Children should not be able to crawl under or over the fence. Approximately 50 percent of drownings occur in backyard pools; roughly 70 percent of these could have been prevented by proper fencing. · Put life jackets on weak swimmers and children under five years of age when they are playing in or near water.

6. Fireworks

Celebrating with fireworks can be exciting for children, but it can also be dangerous. Fireworks can cause

Infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) In the event of illness or accident, every parent should have the ability to perform CPR and basic first aid.

Parents should ensure babysitters and other caregivers have these skills as well. In an emergency, having even basic first aid and CPR skills can enable you to get treatment started as you wait for professional help to arrive, and CPR may have a positive impact on the outcome. Check local community centres and organizations such as St. John Ambulance (sja.ca) for child and infant CPR and first aid courses in your community.

serious injuries and burns, particularly to the head, eyes, and hands.

To keep fun but safe, follow this advice from the Canada Safety Council: · Attend large, professionally organized fireworks events instead of having backyard displays. · Never allow children to play with fireworks. · Read instructions carefully—and then read them again. · Wear protective goggles and gloves. · Never hold fireworks in your hand during or after lighting. · Designate one adult to light fireworks for the group. · Have water, sand, and a working fire extinguisher at the ready. · Never relight a dud. · Spectators should stand back at least 25 feet (8 m), in an area where the wind is not blowing toward them. · Light fireworks on a hard, flat surface in an open area away from buildings and structures. · Light fireworks at arm’s length. b

1

2

3 4

5

Basic family first aid kit First aid kits can range from the basic to the elaborate, and it can be difficult to know what to include in your own. Size and expense will limit most family first aid kits to necessities. You may need to include special items, such as an EpiPen or an asthma inhaler, depending on the needs of specific family members.

6 7

8

9 10

Here are some items that every first aid kit should include:

1 first aid manual 2 hand sanitizer

11

3 pain medication—ibuprofen or

acetaminophen, in child and adult dosages

12

4 antiseptic wipes 13

5 sterile gauze pads 6 antibiotic cream 7 disposable gloves

14

8 kling gauze or Tensor bandage 9 tweezers 15

10 triangular bandage or some kind of sling 11 Band-Aids of different sizes

16

12 instant cold packs 13 thermometer 14 safety pins 17 18

15 small flashlight with extra batteries—if you have to look into a mouth or up a nose, it’s dark in there. Also, you should be able to administer basic first aid even if the lights go out.

16 medical tape and scissors 17 barrier device for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation 18 oral rehydration solution

19

19 emergency foil blanket 20 a sturdy, weather-resistant first aid container that can be easily stored, carried, and opened (see page 34) Serenity Aberdour, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Vancouver. serenitynd.com

blushmom.com | 37

{ your little one }

Kids with Down syndrome The sky’s the limit

Josie Padro

Tamara Taggart, mother of Beckett and Zoë, is a well-known CTV British Columbia weathercaster in Vancouver. In 2009 she won a spot as a guest co-host of the popular television show, Live! With Regis and Kelly. What’s less well-known is that her son Beckett, two-and-a-half, has Down syndrome.

She reassures parents who find out their child has Down syndrome. “I tell them that it is really scary and it’s painful, but I promise them that in just a few months they won’t remember how they’re feeling right now,” says Taggart.

“Once you realize that you are the leader of this child’s team and that you need to provide them with the best life possible, as you would any child of yours—then it’s all just fine,” she says.

“Everyone just falls in behind you; they really do.”

Like Beckett, Charles Levatte is twoand-a-half. He loves to tussle with his three siblings; he loves to swim; and he loves gymnastics. He follows along to “Head and Shoulders Knees

38 | blush summer 2010

and Toes” in French. Charles also has Down syndrome.

Changing societal beliefs Not long ago societal beliefs about Down syndrome may have kept children such as Charles and Beckett from doing the things they love.

Luckily, times have changed, and kids (as well as adults) with Down syndrome are showing us exactly what they can do—and the sky is the limit.

“Bottom line, most of the time they’re like children without Down syndrome; they just need a little extra time to reach certain milestones,” says Charles’s mother, Lynn Levatte of Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Like Taggart, Levatte also speaks to new parents of babies with Down syndrome. The first thing she does is congratulate them. “They’re still babies, Down syndrome or no Down syndrome. They still need their parents, and they’re still going to walk and talk and reach all of those traditional steps; it’s just going to take them a little bit longer,” she says.

A few facts Approximately one in every 800 children is born with an extra chromosome number 21, which results in Down syndrome.

The cause of this alteration is unclear, and while some evidence

suggests a link to environmental factors, further research is needed.

What is established is that mothers over the age of 35 have a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome, and the risk of giving birth to a second child with the syndrome is about 1 percent.

According to The Journal of Pediatric Health Care, babies with Down syndrome are often born with accompanying health conditions including heart defects, eye problems, hearing loss, sleep apnea, thyroid disease, and digestive disorders.

They may be born with one or more of these conditions in varying degrees of severity, or none at all.

Down syndrome is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means children may reach milestones later and may experience mild to moderate learning hurdles. As a group, however, they have a range of abilities—from very high functioning to fairly low, with the majority somewhere in between.

The future looks bright Thankfully, the days of institutionalization are gone, and today living with Down syndrome is a matter of focusing on abilities rather than disabilities. Improvements in therapy and medical science have made a dramatic difference in both quantity and quality of life. In 1983 life expectancy for a person with Down syndrome was 25 years; today it’s twice that. ➳

Sounding out stereotypes While the outlook for kids with Down syndrome continually improves, stereotypes die hard. Inaccurate beliefs can be hurtful and can create barriers for children already facing challenges.

Myth: the majority of babies with Down syndrome are born to older mothers Dr. Alberto Castro, neuroscientist and parent of a teen with Down syndrome, points out that although the risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome is higher among older mothers, the chance is still extremely small.

“The reality [is],” says Dr. Castro, “a 41-year-old woman has a slightly less than 1 percent chance of having a child with Down syndrome, and 80 percent of all kids who are born with Down syndrome are from women who are younger than 35 years of age.”

Myth: people with Down syndrome can’t learn to read As recently as 1979 the belief among professionals was that children with Down syndrome could not be taught to read, and that belief occasionally still persists, even among some education professionals. What many of us may not know is that children with Down syndrome learn to read the same way all children learn.

UK nonprofit organization, Down Syndrome Education International, recommends teaching children with Down syndrome to read, starting at preschool age. They point out that reading helps children develop their speech, vocabulary, and memory, and is an essential skill for everyday living.

Myth: people with Down syndrome are always happy Recent research has shown that people with Down syndrome report levels of happiness similar to those of the rest of the population. While being happy is not a bad thing, some parents feel the stereotype fosters the impression that their children are one-dimensional.

“My child is happy because he lives in a happy home and he’s showered with love 24 hours a day, and that’s why my daughter’s happy too. She doesn’t have an extra chromosome, and she’s just as happy as Beckett,” says Taggart.

Right: Charles Levatte; Tamara Taggart and son, Beckett; Charles Levatte and his siblings.

Opposite: Tamara Taggart and her children Beckett and Zoë. photos of Tamara Taggart by KA Davidson Photography

blushmom.com | 39

{ your little one }

“ Kids are exceeding expectations all over the place—and a lot of it has to do with early intervention.”

Finding support Check out the following resources for support and information about Down syndrome:

» Canadian Down Syndrome Society (cdss.ca)

Early intervention One factor that’s making a difference in the lives of children with Down syndrome is early intervention, a team approach tailored to the developmental needs of each child.

According to speech-language pathologist Susan Fawcett, of the Down Syndrome Research Foundation early intervention starts at birth, teaching parents how to help their baby at home. It progresses to one-on-one therapy, focusing on gross motor movement, language, social skills, and daily living skills.

Susan Robins, an Edmonton mother of Aaron, a seven-year-old with Down syndrome, believes this approach starts kids on the right foot. “Nowadays kids are exceeding expectations all over the place—and a lot of it has to do with early intervention,” she says.

Advances in medicine At one time babies born with heart defects, Down syndrome or not, faced poor odds of survival. Thanks to modern cardiac surgery, today children are surviving—and thriving.

Thanks also to early screening for thyroid function, as well as hearing and vision testing, kids with Down syndrome can get down to the business of growing and developing, without having to deal with undiagnosed health problems.

Many with Down syndrome have memory impairments. Researchers are looking at new ways to improve this

40 | blush summer 2010

function, which will have a positive effect on learning. Dr. Alberto Costa is researching the effect of medication on memory, and his findings have the potential not only to help children learn, but also to maintain healthy brain function later in life.

Going the extra mile There’s no doubt children with Down syndrome are extremely capable, but there’s also no doubt they have to work hard.

“Our kids have an amazing amount of barriers to overcome just to be successful in society, and they still do it. For Aaron’s siblings that’s a great example: you try your best no matter what. Aaron’s got fine motor problems and speech problems too, and he still motors on and gives it his heart,” says Robins.

Parents say their children teach them valuable lessons in life. “One of them,” says Robins, “is [to] slow down.

Relationships are important. You need to stop and smell the flowers and take joy in the little things in life. That’s how Aaron actually lives his life.”

While it’s true that these children will face extra challenges, we need to keep in mind the birth of a child with Down syndrome is something to celebrate. Just like other babies, they need love to thrive, and just like other babies, they will bring much joy to their parents. b Josie Padro is a Vancouver health writer.

Check out their resources page to find the chapter in your province.

It can put you in touch with other parents who share their experiences and offers many helpful resources.

» Down Syndrome Research Foundation (DSRF) (dsrf.org) Based in Burnaby, BC, DSRF is a leader in Down syndrome research and education. Those across Canada who can’t visit in person can explore this website for current information on social, physical, and emotional health.

» Down Syndrome Education International (downsed.org) This British site is an excellent source of current information and advice on many topics, including health and education.

» La Leche League International (llli.org) Here you’ll find supportive information on breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome along with some compelling personal stories.

» downsyndrome.com This grassroots site connects parents all over the world. The site contains links to information about Down syndrome and parent blogs, featured books, and videos.

» facebook.com Social networking is a great way to meet other parents and share information. Taggart reports having established many supportive connections this way. Type “Down syndrome” into the search bar.

blushmom.com | 41

{ your little one }

Rashes

Cathy Carlson-Rink

Keep your baby’s skin healthy

42 | blush summer 2010

Rashes are common in the first few years of life. As a parent you may worry about every little spot, but most rashes require little or no treatment. However, on rare occasions serious conditions can result.

Rashes run the gamut from benign skin irritations to infectious rashes accompanied by fever that can signal diseases such as measles or chicken pox. Being able to identify the symptoms of your child’s rashes will help you decide whether you are dealing with a medical emergency.

Infectious rashes with fever These include rubeola (measles), rubella (German measles), chicken pox, Fifth disease, and roseola.

How to identify them Most viral rashes (other than chicken pox) are non-itchy, flat, red spots that may join up to form red blotches.

All are transmitted via respiratory droplets and are highly infectious.

They are associated with a fever,

muscle aches, coughing, runny nose, and sore throat.

Chicken pox starts as red or pink pimples that become very itchy, small, fluid-filled blisters for three to four days and then crust over.

Usually children recover from these diseases without treatment, but severe complications can develop such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and heart and kidney damage.

When to seek medical attention • rash is accompanied by a high fever • rash looks like tiny bruises that do not fade with pressure (a sign of serious blood infection) • itchiness is associated with a swollen throat and difficulty breathing • skin has begun to break down, weep, and ooze • your child is extremely irritable; you’re unable to provide comfort

• y our child seems lethargic, weak, limp, apathetic, or difficult to awaken • y our child has a high fever; red rash; swollen limbs; a sore, cracked mouth; swollen glands in the neck (symptoms of Kawasaki disease)

“ Benign skin rashes require no treatment and are harmless to the infant.”

Rashes are an inevitable part of childhood. Whenever in doubt, always contact your health care practitioner for an accurate diagnosis. ➳

Rashes that don’t require treatment These benign skin rashes require no treatment and are harmless to the infant.

Type of rash

Symptoms

Cause

Duration

milia (milk rash)

» pinprick yellow or white spots occur on a newborn baby’s face

» believed to occur in undeveloped sebaceous glands

» appears and clears up in the first few weeks of life

stork bites (angel kisses)

» pink or red birthmarks on the face and neck of a newborn

» tiny dilated blood vessels under the skin

» disappears by 4 years of age; usually disappears from the face by 18 months

erythema toxicum neonatorum

» flat, red, uneven patches on a newborn’s face, trunk, legs, and arms

» unknown but occurs in up to 50% of newborns

» appears from 3 days old to 2 weeks

» similar to adult acne, it appears on baby’s face

» influenced by mother’s hormones and overactivity of the sebaceous glands

» birth to 6 months

newborn acne

» u sually clears within 2 weeks but may take up to 4 months

blushmom.com | 43

{ your little one }

Diaper rash The most common of infant skin irritations, diaper rash has several causes.

Type of rash diaper rash (contact)

diaper rash (Candidiasis yeast infection)

44 | blush summer 2010

Symptoms

Cause

Treatment

Duration

» fiery red, moist, scaly skin confined to baby’s diaper area; rash may ulcerate

» prolonged exposure to an irritating substance such as feces, urine, soap, or chemicals

» leave diapers off as much as possible » change diapers frequently » apply a soothing calendula cream

»u sually occurs between 4 and 24 months of age »p eaks between 7 and 12 months

» skin is bright red with small satellite lesions and involvement of inguinal folds (creases between lower abdomen and legs)

» antibiotic use » Candida grows well in moist, warm places such as diapers

» see diaper rash (contact) » minimize sugar in mother’s diet while breastfeeding and in baby’s diet » baby can be given probiotics » use an antifungal topical cream

» s ee diaper rash (contact)

“Identify the symptoms of your child’s rashes to help you decide whether you are dealing with a medical emergency.”

Heat rash Young children can be very sensitive to heat. Well-meaning parents often overdress their infants and young ones without realizing the uncomfortable consequences when not fully developed sweat glands become blocked and irritated. Fortunately, heat rash is easily remedied and usually clears up within a few days.

Other names · prickly heat · miliaria rubra

What to look for

» small, clear blisters with a red halo around them » look under clothing and inside folds of skin, such as neck, armpits, groin, under hats

Cause

· overdressed or too-hot children may become hot and sweat, blocking sweat ducts

· sweat ducts become red and inflamed · may cause stinging or feel “prickly” and itchy

How to prevent

»d ress your child in weatherappropriate and loose-fitting clothing to avoid overheating »a void very hot and humid conditions wherever possible »a void using topical ointments, moisturizers, or oil-based products that can block sweat ducts

How to treat

»m ove your child to a cooler environment such as an air conditioned building or car » r emove warm close-fitting clothing »u se cool-water compresses to bring heat down » t reat rash with calamine lotion »a ntibiotics may be required if rash becomes infected b

Rashes that require treatment Some rashes are more serious and need to be treated by your health care practitioner.

Type of rash

Symptoms

Cause

Treatment

Duration

» itchiness

» hypersensitive reaction including food allergies

» allergy testing for food allergies

» most common in infants

» dry red patches on face and in folds of skin on legs and arms eczema (atopic » blisters with oozing and crusting dermatitis)

» family history of allergic conditions

» probiotics » antihistamines » lubricating lotions or creams

» most children outgrow it by early adulthood

» avoid irritants such as wool, strong soaps, or detergents » yellow to brown, greasy, non-itchy scales on the scalp

cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis)

» can spread to face and behind ears » in the diaper area, it has a red base with fine yellowish scales

» hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands

» apply 10 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 oz (30 mL) of jojoba oil; apply to scalp before bed » in the morning gently remove crust with mild baby shampoo on a washcloth » seek medical attention if it spreads to other parts of the body

» appears in the first months of life and can last until 2 to 3 years of age » most children outgrow it

Cathy Carlson-Rink is a licensed naturopathic physician and registered midwife practising at the Family Health Clinic in Langley, BC, with a focus on pregnancy, infertility, and women’s and children’s health.

blushmom.com | 45

{ your little one }

Season in the

sun

Protect your family from summer rays We want our kids to enjoy the outdoors while the weather’s fine. A few simple precautions will make it easy for your family to have fun in the sun.

Lisa Bendall

46 | blush summer 2010

J

ust why is it important to protect babies and young kids from ultraviolet rays?

From the time your child’s born, every minute of exposure to the sun causes gradual damage to her skin and increases her risk of cancer later. “It all adds up,” says Dr. Ian Landells, a pediatric dermatologist in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

When you practise sun safety, says Dr. Glen Ward, a Surrey, BC, pediatrician, you’re also helping your kids establish a lifelong habit. “It becomes a routine,” he says. “A child who is used to grabbing a hat or eye protection when they go outdoors in the sun is more likely to do that when they’re independent.”

Slap on the sunscreen When it comes to protecting your child, sunscreen is one of the first lines of defence. Look for one with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 30, preferably 45 or higher. The SPF number refers only to UVB rays, so be sure to select a broad spectrum product that also blocks UVA. Most sunscreens contain a chemical block, such as Parsol 1789, as well as a physical block, such as zinc oxide.

Sunscreen chemicals haven’t been proven to harm children, but if you’re concerned, you can opt for a product that contains only a physical block. In the past, these would leave the skin looking chalky, but new technology has reduced this effect.

As for the rest of the ingredient list, it needn’t be long: basic is best.

Additives such as fruit and nut extracts and oils may make a product smell good, but they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Melanie Bertrand of North Vancouver says it took some experimenting to find a sunscreen that worked for her son Cameron, age four. “Some gave him horrid rashes. Now I use a standard brand, kids’ high-SPF sunscreen.”

Sunscreen works best when applied 30 minutes before going outside.

Don’t skimp. That reduces the SPF. “Literally, a tablespoon in the palm of your hand will do part of one arm,” says Landells.

“Some people think if they put it on in the morning, the child is good for the day,” says Ward. “That’s not always true.”

Sunscreen must be reapplied if you’re outside for more than a couple of hours, sweating or playing in water, even if the bottle says it’s waterproof.

Babies under six months of age shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight at all. But the American Academy of Dermatology now suggests that if that’s not possible, even young infants can use sunscreen on small areas, such as the backs of the hands and the face.

BACK-TOTHE-GARDEN BEAUTY FROM A COMPANY AS OLD AS EVE.

Ok, so we don’t actually date back to the Garden of Eden. But we were using “botanics” back when people called them plants. Today, our Natural Apothecary line is one of the very few brands deemed worthy of certification by the Natural Products Association. You see, we’ve always thought nature was beautiful. And some things never change.

Cover up with clothing Clothes, hats, and sunglasses are another way to keep the sun off. Use a sun hat with a wide brim that goes all the way around, rather than a baseball cap, which won’t shade the face and ➳

Natural since 1868.

And way too stubborn to change. blushmom.com | 47

{ your little one }

“ Sun protection doesn't have to mean inconvenience. It’s easy, once it’s routine.”

— Melanie Bertrand

UV Index The UV Index (UVI) is a rating of the intensity of the sun’s radiation. The higher the UVI value, the faster the sun’s radiation can damage skin and eyes. In Canada it usually ranges between 0 and 10 depending on the time of year, weather conditions, and ozone layer thickness.

We should take precautions even when the UVI is low. But when it’s above 8, pull out all the stops with heavy-duty sunscreen, protective gear, and shade.

Learn more at Environment Canada’s website ec.gc.ca. See “UV Index and Sun Protection.”

neck enough. Look for sunglasses labelled UV 400, meaning they’ll block both UVA and UVB rays.

Clothing will protect best if you choose loose and lightweight cotton pieces with a tight weave. Thinking about shelling out for specially designed sun-protective outfits? They do work. But check the label for a high rating of ultraviolet protective factor (UPF), which measures the amount of UVA and UVB that makes its way through the fabric. Shirts must have a rating of 15 to 50 before they qualify as sun-protective.

After Anna Caverley’s baby, Olivia, was born last summer, the Toronto mom used a sun shield for her stroller whenever she and her daughter were outside. “She was covered up all the

48 | blush summer 2010

time,” Caverley says. “Baby’s skin is so much more sensitive.”

This season, Olivia is using a hat and sunglasses all the time. “She’s still bald,” Mom notes. “I don’t want to burn that little noggin!”

When you’re thinking sun protection, don’t forget all the body parts. Lips, ears, and tops of feet can get badly battered by the sun. “The flatter the surface and the more that surface faces up toward the sky, the more likely it is to burn,” says Landells.

Stay out of the sun You can avoid the worst the sun can throw at you just by staying indoors between 11 am and 3 pm. When you do go out, teach your children to seek shade.

“Choose where you play,” says Ward.

“Sometimes there’s an option to play in a shady location.” But remember that shade only filters out about 60 percent of UV rays, so it doesn’t eliminate the need for sunscreen and protective clothing.

Bertrand says she and her son usually visit the beach either in morning or in late afternoon. In the heat of midday, they may choose a hike in the woods or a picnic in a shady park.

“We go out and have our adventures and play,” Bertrand says. “Sun protection doesn’t have to mean inconvenience. It’s easy once it’s routine.” b Lisa Bendall is the author of Raising a Kid with Special Needs (Key Porter, 2008) and a contributor to Between Interruptions: 30 Women Tell the Truth about Motherhood (Key Porter, 2007).

blushmom.com | 49

{ your little one }

Books we love

Visit

blushmom.com

to WIN these great books!

Finger Puppet Board Books

On the Night You Were Born

Extraordinary Pets

What is it about a little bear’s den or a little owl’s tree that makes it so cozy? The die-cut pages of this sturdy board book will help your child realize that what makes a home so cozy is the loving family that’s in it.

It’s no wonder this poetic children’s book became a New York Times bestseller. The lyrical sweetness of the story will woo both children and parents alike, and the detailed illustrations are truly something of beauty.

This beautifully illustrated flap-book asks your little ones what kind of pet they’d like—an ordinary one or an extraordinary one? Sure your family can stick your dog in a raincoat, but a frog is waterproof!

By Sara Gillingham and Lorena Siminovich, 12 pages each, $10.99 each

By Nancy Tillman, 32 pages, $9.99

By Barroux, 72 pages, $18.99

Chronicle Books, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-8118-7053-5 (In My Den)

Go Greenie Board Book and Colouring Placemats Ryan Sias, storyboard artist on the movie Robots, makes eating veggies and fruits a fun experience for kids, and his book of 36 colouring placemats engages children to play with their food—in a good way!

By Ryan Sias, 8 pages and 36 placemats, $9.99 and $12.50 Blue Apple Books, 2010, ISBN: 978-1-60905-018-4 (Board Book)

50 | blush summer 2010

Feiwel and Friends, 2006, ISBN: 978-0-312-60155-3

Blue Apple Books, 2010, ISBN: 978-1609050115

Stories in Motion Board Books

Baby’s First Foods and Baby’s First Journal

These colourful board books use innovative animation technology to create a moving image on nearly every page. Bee & Me, Zoo Babies, and Trucks are sure to entertain and engage your curious child.

By Various Authors and Illustrators, 12 pages each, $12.50 each Blue Apple Books, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-7407-9201-4 (Zoo Babies)

Keep track of baby’s reactions to different foods with Baby’s First Foods. Categorized by different food groups, this book ensures that all of baby’s food allergens and preferences are recorded. Baby’s First Journal allows mom to record baby’s feeding, sleeping, and changing schedule.

By Glow Baby, $22.00 and $15.99 Glow Baby, ISBN: 978-0-9812572-3-5 (Foods), 978-0-9812572-2-8 (Journal)

41

national parks and park reserves are spread across Canada just waiting to be explored this summer, along with hundreds of provincial parks.

Private campgrounds are also a great option for families with smaller children or babies, as they often have amenities such as stores, pools, and playgrounds.

To help plan your family’s camping adventure, see pages 58 and 62.

{ your life } fitness: pregnancy, baby, toddler 52 · camping 58 · food 62 · jamie salÉ 66

blushmom.com | 51

{ your life }

fitness: Nicole Palacios, ACE

This issue we look at activities for pregnant women, new moms, and those who are chasing after toddlers (as if that isn’t exercise enough!).

1. Running when pregnant—is it a good idea? We offer expert advice for runners with a baby bump.

2. Teaching baby to swim—it’s a great way to bond with baby while getting your little one comfortable in the water.

3. Getting outside—games you can play with your toddler that will bring out the kid in you, too.

1.Running for two For experienced runners only Pregnancy can change many of your plans, especially when it comes to fitness.

If you’ve been running for a while and hope to continue running during your pregnancy, there are plenty of reasons why you should continue—and a few reasons why you should stop.

According to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), running is safe as long as you were a runner before you became pregnant, and you’re in good physical health. You may have to modify your routine to accommodate your changing body; with added bulk in your abdomen also comes a shift in your centre of gravity, which can alter the way you move and balance during running.

As well, “… due to the biomechanical changes of pregnancy, women may be at a higher risk for injury,” says Carl Petersen, Lower Mainland physiotherapist and coauthor of Fit to Deliver (Raincoast Books, 2005).

52 | blush summer 2010

Lower intensity There are also some guidelines you should follow, says certified exercise physiologist and mother of two, Catherine Decelles. “You will need to lower your intensity; you should be able to carry on a conversation easily.

Also, listen to your body. If you’re overly sore or fatigued after running, then you should find a new activity.”

Maintain fitness level Another thing you’ll have to rethink is why you’re running. If you are used to running to gain endurance benefits or win races, those desires will need to be temporarily set aside.

The SOGC encourages women to exercise in order to maintain good

fitness levels rather than to reach peak fitness.

Heed contraindications For those with contraindications such as bleeding, preterm labour, or cervical weakness, running and any other type of exercise can be resumed after your baby is born.

Starting any type of new exercise can be a challenge at the best of times, let alone while your body is changing and nurturing a new life. Decelles does not recommend starting a running program while pregnant. She says that “with the exception of low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, or prenatal exercise training, you don’t want to start anything new during a pregnancy.” ➳

“ Running is safe as long as you were a runner before you became pregnant, and you’re in good physical health.”

When to resume running Once you’ve had your baby and are ready to get back into your running program, you may be wondering when it’s safe to start back up. If you were running throughout your pregnancy, you may not have to wait long.

After a vaginal delivery

You can start back up after postpartum bleeding (lochia) is finished.

After a Caesarean birth

You can start running six weeks postpartum, with your health care practitioner’s approval.

blushmom.com | 53

{ your life }

Tips for happy water babies »M ake the experience a positive one. »P repare your children and psych them up. »R eassure them often. »M odel behaviour you want them to follow.

2.Water babies

»R eact appropriately (if they swallow water, don’t freak out!).

A head start at swimming

Water + babies = happiness, simple as that. The splashing, the spraying, and the sheer joy that comes with water play are an integral part of life.

With summer just around the corner, you may be thinking about enrolling your infant in a baby swimming class, and with programs abundantly available across our country, this is a viable option for you to try.

Optimal age Getting your baby in the water at an early age can help her get comfortable with immersing her body and face, a skill that will come in handy when she moves on to the next stages of swimming lessons. So if your infant enjoys splashing at home and you want to try a class, at what age should baby start?

“Parents who begin parent/tot swim classes around age six months usually feel that it was a good time to start. The baby has little perception

54 | blush summer 2010

of water other than the usually warm and positive experiences of the womb and of the bath. The infant has a very good chance to develop a good, healthy relationship with the water,” says Lana Whitehead, founder of SWIMkids USA. Mark Godard, head lifeguard and swim instructor at Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre in North Vancouver, agrees. “Six months is the minimum age we start kids here; [if they’re] younger than that you can do activities with them in the bathtub.”

Mother and fitness professional, Catherine Decelles of Red Deer, Alberta, started her kids even younger, at four months, and never looked back. She was looking for a change of pace from home and a little sanity break (we can all relate!).

Benefits beyond swimming Decelles has seen the positive results of their early plunge; both of her children love the water, know their boundaries, and are good listeners at the pool. She credits her modelling skills in the water as well as the early instruction at the pool.

Benefits abound when it comes to parent-and-tot swimming programs.

“Some of the benefits of kids swimming from a young age are: the bonding between parent and child, the experience of doing a new activity together, and the introduction to a healthy activity,” Godard says.

Get involved, have fun, and try something new with your baby today.

Your local pool is waiting. ➳

3.Let’s play!

Get outdoors with your toddler Barney! Dora! Blue! If your child is spending more time with his TV characters than being physical outdoors and enjoying nature, it may be time to take a step back and assess how much activity he’s really getting every day.

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education activity guidelines suggest that toddlers should have 30 minutes of daily structured activity, while preschoolers should get up to 60 minutes per day. Both groups should also get an hour of unstructured activity.

“Your child should not be inactive for more than an hour at a time, except when sleeping,” states the report.

Nature walk Easily fulfilling these guidelines, Brenda Ryujin of North Vancouver, mom to an active toddler and a grade schooler, makes sure her kids get outside into nature regularly. Living near a heavily forested area makes it easier for her to get her kids outdoors.

“We’ve always hiked with our kids since they were small. I like to call our outings ‘adventures in the forest’ and

we often meet up with other friends,” says Ryujin. She loves being able to expose her kids to the forest and fresh air as often as possible.

Rainy day fun When it rains, she gets her toddler involved in indoor activities such as yoga. She makes sure to keep the activities short so he doesn’t lose interest, but he’s happy to be involved in activities that the rest of the family is doing.

Summertime in Canada has its definite perks; with plenty of walking trails, playgrounds, and fields to run around in, there’s always an opportunity for some outdoor family fun. b Nicole Palacios, ACE, has been part of the fitness industry for 15 years. Her passions include her family, fitness writing, and pumping iron. perfectfit.ws

Move it!

If you’re having a hard time fitting in enough activity with your toddler, here are some tips to help you in the right direction, rain or shine:

Outdoor fun

»E njoy simple outdoor play involving a yard and a ball. »M ake up games that you play together with your child. »H ave a race in the playground. » Set up a fun obstacle course that you can do with your child. » Go on a nature walk and look for items of interest such as birds, plants, or stones. »H it the park every day and enjoy the equipment and space.

Indoor fun

» Seek out local gyms with free space for toddlers and preschoolers; kick balls, run around, and play some games. » Go to the mall and walk around while window-shopping. » Create a fun maze with furniture and props in your house. » Find an indoor jungle gym and spend a few hours burning off energy.

blushmom.com | 55

{ your life }

WIN these great toys!

Go online to blushmom.com for details.

Little Tikes Get Out ‘n’ Grill and Spray & Rescue Fire Truck

Webkinz Jr. Stuffies

These huggable stuffed toys come with a special code that kids use to bring their Webkinz friends to life online in the interactive virtual world. A great toy for helping little ones learn and grow. webkinzjr.com, $27.99

Teamson Thomas & Friends Toy Chest

This sturdy wooden chest is the perfect space for storing toys and books. Hand painted and easy to assemble, this toy chest is the perfect addition to any child’s room. babyage.com, $134.99

56 | blush summer 2010

Your little ones will enjoy the outdoors with this realistic looking grill set, complete with barbecue accessories and toy hot dogs! Sleek retro look fire truck with a real watersquirting hose will help keep them cool on hot summer days. littletikes.com, $39.99 (barbecue); $69.99 (fire truck)

Tooth Fairy Keepsake Box

This craft set includes all the supplies to make four keepsake boxes for lost teeth, including molds, plaster, and paint.

They even come with a certificate to commemorate each tooth lost. chapters.indigo.ca, $9.95

Little Giraffe Blanket Set

The softest baby blanket you will ever feel!

Little Giraffe’s blanket set is made with cozy, luxurious fabric and a satiny trim. This ice cream-coloured set comes complete with one infant blanket and one mini blanky. littlegiraffe.com, prices vary

blushmom.com | 57

{ your life }

Camping with the kiddies Preparation is key

Kathy Buckworth

For some, roughing it is when the campsite’s electrical outlet isn’t in the most optimal location to charge the laptop. For others, it’s pitching a tent in the middle of a piece of Canadian wilderness. Either way, the addition of young children makes any camping experience one that requires extra planning.

Thankfully, we’ve done most of the planning for you and have come up with this guide—packed full of tips and checklists that will help you meet the Scout motto of “be prepared.”

Stake your territory!

Choosing the right campground for your family’s needs is an important decision you’ll have to make. What really makes a campground kidfriendly? It depends on the age of your kids and what you consider to be bare essentials for being comfortable with your children.

National and provincial parks are well maintained; however, they may lack the basic amenities many parents feel are necessary such as showers, toilets, and electrical plug-ins—though this is not always the case. If you’re thinking of a more comfortable camping

58 | blush summer 2010

experience, you might consider choosing a private campground.

Barb Fine, whose children are two and five, had a terrific family camping experience in a public campground. “The place we went had a great playground area, food concessions, beaches, and even kids programming.” Tick off your necessary amenities in the sidebar on page 56 to determine what kind of camping experience you want.

Also, ask around once you’ve got a few places in mind. Some campgrounds are notorious for hosting rowdy, barely-legal partiers—not exactly good company for your youngsters.

Can’t live without it!

Kathryn Howell, of familypaddlingadventures.com, has

camped with her kids since they were three months old and knows the challenges involved in keeping little hands and feet clean, safe, and busy.

She advises, “When camping with a young child it's important to make sure that you have a nice and cozy tent setup, with lots of blankets, foam pads to sleep on or wrestle on, and make sure that they have lots of extra clothes and stuff to change into.”

Thinking about what each child will need to feel comfortable (blankets, toys, food, et cetera) is a good place to start—keeping in mind space restrictions in your backpacks or car. If you can manage, take along a portable playpen—helpful for both naptime and bedtime as well as keeping baby clean and safe while you set up camp.

For a checklist of other essential items, check the sidebar on page 55. ➳

Don’t leave home without these essentials extra clothes

duct tape

rain gear

sunscreen

first aid kit

sun hats

flashlight

baby wipes

batteries

natural bug repellent

plastic garbage bags

games

little backpacks to keep organized crafts, beads, colouring pages, and crayons stories for campfire storytime

blushmom.com | 59

{ your life }

What do you need in a campground? toilets

playground

cable hook-ups

showers

bicycle rentals

wireless Internet

firewood for sale

games room

kids' activities

electrical plug-ins

pool

laundry facilities

concession

60 | blush summer 2010

“ Don’t just hope for sunshine, prepare for the possibility of nasty weather.”

Prepare for precipitation » Choose a flat, high spot to pitch your tent. » L ay down a waterproof tarp before you set up your tent, and make sure the edges are folded under to prevent water from pooling. » Keep your stuff away from the inside tent walls. »T ie up a waterproof tarp on a slope over your tent. »T ie up a giant waterproof tarp over your cooking area and picnic table.

Keep it clean!

Part of the fun of camping is getting a bit dirty, but babies and toddlers are sensitive to germs so keeping their belongings clean is important. “It is easy to sterilize bottles,” says Howell, “just boil up a pot of water and place cleaned bottles into it.” For washing regular dishes, don’t use the lake as a big sink.

Bring along a washing bin or a large pot that can double for cooking and cleaning.

If you’ve got a babe still in diapers, you might opt to leave the reusables back at home for convenience sake, unless you have the kind with disposable liners. Don’t forget to pack swim diapers so even your tiniest little one can enjoy the water.

Safety first!

It only takes a minute for a child to wander down to an unsupervised beach, overgrown pathway, or open fire pit, so knowing which adult is in charge of which child at all times is extremely important.

Even with careful monitoring, when a child injures themselves at a campsite,

you need to be prepared, because the closest hospital or drugstore can be miles away. There are basics that should be kept on hand, according to these experienced campers.

Howell has learned which first aid items are essential when camping with young kids. She suggests keeping your first aid kit in a separate, waterproof nylon bag, and making sure the kit is handy at all times (see page 37 for a complete list for putting together your first aid kit).

Alison Kramer, of Burlington, Ontario, agrees on the importa nce of a first aid kit, but also advises that many parks have medical services for emergencies.

(You can inquire about these when you register for your site.) “I used to do a lot of back country camping when I didn’t have kids, but now that I do, I prefer to be closer to the modern world, just in case,” she says.

It’s raining!

Despite your best efforts, some things just can’t be planned. The weather is one of those things. Don’t

just hope for sunshine; prepare for the possibility of nasty weather and ensure that no matter what the forecast, your family has a fun camping trip. See the sidebar for tips on keeping dry—even in a tent!

A little rain is manageable, but a thunderstorm can be scary to small children, not to mention dangerous. If you encounter a mean storm, consider taking the family to the nearest mall, theatre, or family restaurant. After a few hours the storm should pass, and you and your little ones—dry and happy—can pick up where they left off, chasing squirrels and collecting rocks.

Camping with small children is bound to be a memorable experience.

By planning ahead and being prepared, you can ensure those memories are pleasant ones. b

Kathy Buckworth’s latest book Shut Up and Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children and Chardonnay (Key Porter Books, 2010) is available at bookstores everywhere. Visit kathybuckworth.com or read her blog at blackberrydiaries.net.

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{ your life }

Happy campers Family dining beyond your own backyard Julie Van Rosendaal

/ Photography Scott Yavis

During the summer months, it’s nice to dine alfresco. But that doesn’t always mean on the patio with easy access to kitchen and grill—you may want to take it further and try camping with your little ones. Go beyond traditional weenies and beans with this tasty family camping fare.

Try these delicious recipes for easy, fuss-free food fit for the woods.

foil-pack campfire dinners

Have fussy eaters? Each family member can assemble his or her own foil pack according to taste. Foil packs can be made at home and transported to your campsite in the cooler, which means no dishes to clean up! A huge bonus when you’re camping.

As sorted fresh vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, peppers, squash, garlic, zucchinis, or onions* Fr esh uncooked fish filets or cooked, crumbled beef, bison, or sausage (optional) Oil or butter to taste Salt and pepper to taste Fresh or dried herbs to taste (optional) Heavy-duty aluminum foil *Allow 1 to 2 cups (250 to 500 mL) vegetables per person (depending on whether you are including meat or not) and 2 to 4 oz (60 to 125 mL) fish or

Tips for transport

Of course the preparation of the fire and food is half the fun of camping, so ease and convenience isn’t always the predominant factor. Food storage, transport, and preparation are. » Try not to choose foods that are fragile, go soggy easily, or need to be kept cold. Dried foods such as fruits (try apples, pears, blueberries, cherries, and mangoes) and beef jerky are easily transported and keep well without the need for refrigeration. » Grainy granola and trail mixes travel well, take up less space than chips, and are far more nutrient-dense. Mix your own using ingredients you like, or look for unique blends in the bulk section of your grocery store. » Tubs of prewashed greens are convenient for quick side salads; tuck a paper towel under the lid to absorb excess moisture, which will hasten spoilage, and pack an oil and vinegar (rather than creamy) dressing. » Freeze large containers of chili, stew, and soup. Stashed in the cooler, they will help keep other things cold, and by the time they begin to thaw, you can heat and eat.

62 | blush summer 2010

meat per person (depending on whether you need a smaller kid-sized portion or an adult-sized portion).

1. Chop vegetables into pieces of roughly the same size, so that they cook evenly.

Tear off squares of foil (about the same length as the foil is wide), and fold in half to make a triangle shape. Open foil back up and arrange vegetables, fish (or meat), and herbs slightly to one side of the fold on each piece. Drizzle with oil or dot with butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add a sprinkle of dried herbs or torn fresh herbs as you like.

2. Fold foil over to make a triangle, and fold and crimp around edges to seal packet well; it will look like a calzone. Cook on the grill rack over a fire or add another layer of foil to tuck packet into the embers; gently flip after about 5 minutes. Packets will take about 10 to 15 minutes to cook. Remove with long tongs, let cool before opening, and be careful of steam. ➳

“Each family member can assemble his or her own foil pack according to taste.� blushmom.com | 63

{ your life }

ice cream in a can Serves 6

All you need to make your own ice cream is a big tin can—a coffee can or baby formula can, for example—and a smaller can, from a smaller can of coffee. (They need lids, too.) Many campgrounds have convenience stores on-site that sell bags of ice; bring a box of coarse salt from home.

You’ll also need: 2 cups (500 mL) half and half or coffee cream (18%) 1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar OR 2 to 3 cups (500 to 750 mL) of your favourite sweetened yogourt Ice cubes or crushed ice 1/2 cup (125 mL) coarse or kosher salt Flavourings of your choice: 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla or other extract (such as coconut or maple) 1/4 cup (60 mL) cocoa (stir it into sugar to prevent lumps) for chocolate ice cream Stir-ins: Fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries, cherries, mangoes, or peaches, chopped and roughly mashed with a fork. Also try chopped nuts, crushed Oreos, cookie dough, crushed candy canes, chopped peanut butter cups, or malt balls.

1. In smaller can, combine cream, sugar (or yogourt), and flavourings of your choice.

Top with lid and shake. (If you like, wrap a piece of duct tape around the edge to hold it in place, for extra insurance.) Place smaller can inside larger can and fill it with as much ice as you can. Sprinkle salt over ice. Top larger can with lid.

Each serving contains: 169 calories; 2.4 g protein; 8.8 g total fat (5.7 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 20 g carbohydrates; 0 g fibre; 33 mg sodium

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2. Roll the can back and forth on the ground or picnic table for about 15 minutes, then open to check how frozen mixture is and to add any stir-ins you’d like. Roll for another 10 minutes and check. Repeat rolling and checking until soft ice cream is formed, then serve immediately. (If you do this at home, it can be transferred to the freezer to firm up a little.)

homemade baking mix Serves 4

Preparing fresh biscuits, bannock, or pancakes over an open fire is a snap using this pre-made mix. For added nutrients, substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and replace the butter with 3/4 cup (180 mL) canola oil.

4 cups (1 L) all-purpose flour 2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder 2 tsp (10 mL) sugar 1 tsp (5 mL) salt 1 cup (250 mL) butter Prep at home: Combine everything in the bowl of food processor and pulse until well-blended; transfer to Ziploc baggie.

Prep on site: Stick biscuits: Stir together 2 cups (500 mL) mix and 1/2 cup (125 mL) milk (made with powdered milk and water is fine). Knead dough a few times and then divide into balls the size of a plum; roll out into ropes and wind around end of a cleaned stick. Cook over an open fire (or ideally, hot coals) until golden. Eat warm with jam.

Bannock: Stir together 2 cups (500 mL) mix and 3/4 cup (180 mL) milk or water; spread or pat on an oiled pan and cook over fire until golden; flip and cook on the other side.

Cut into wedges, eat warm with jam.

Pancakes: Whisk together 2 cups (500 mL) mix, 1 cup (250 mL) milk, and 2 eggs; add a little more milk if the mixture seems too thick. Cook on an oiled, preheated griddle until bubbles start to form on the surface.

If you like, sprinkle with berries or sliced bananas as they cook. Flip and cook on the other side until golden. b

Per 1/4 cup (60 mL) mix: 174 calories; 2.5 g protein; 8.9 g fat (5.9 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 19.6 g carbohydrates; 0.6 g fibre; 166 mg sodium

Julie Van Rosendaal is a freelance food writer and author of three best-selling cookbooks. She’s a food and nutrition columnist on CBC Radio One and writes a popular food blog, dinnerwithjulie.com.

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{ your life }

golden

Motherhood is Jamie Salé applies her Olympic lessons to parenting Gail Johnson

It takes more than physical strength to win an Olympic gold medal. Just ask Jamie Salé and David Pelletier, who triple-toe-looped to the top spot in the pairs event in 2002 in Salt Lake City. The Edmonton-based figure skaters knows that being champions also requires devotion, determination, and teamwork.

Little did Salé realize just how crucial those qualities would be when she began her most demanding role to date: mom to two-and-a-half-yearold Jesse.

Rising to the challenge Salé describes the parallels between her skating career and motherhood.

“In my sport, nothing ever comes quickly or easily,” says the genial 33-year-old. “You need patience, dedication, and passion, and I definitely see that those are all about being a mom.”

After their win, the pair turned professional. They tour with Stars on Ice and were commentators for the 2010 Olympic Games. Last year Salé teamed up with Craig Simpson to win the Battle of the Blades. She’s also a spokesperson for various companies, including the Toronto-based Burt’s Bees.

Life in the fast lane Clearly Salé, who married her skating partner in 2005, juggles many different commitments. But in the end she has all the same concerns, challenges, and joys as other moms.

She credits her husband, family, and friends for helping her stay grounded.

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“I don’t have a lot of downtime,” she says. “I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by totally great people who love me for Jamie, not because I’m a champion figure skater. They help me balance things.”

What’s hardest about her career is travelling. Although Jesse goes along whenever possible, sometimes the demands of touring simply don’t allow for it. Salé says he’s as comfortable staying with his grandparents as she is leaving him with them, though she misses her little guy terribly. But she’s come a long way.

“I struggled a lot at first,” she says.

“I had trouble with the separation thing—not on his part, but mine.

Nobody could do it like mom could. I couldn’t handle being away from him.

It took me about a year and a half to get through that.”

A positive perspective Salé says she grew from that experience of her own separation anxiety and from other lessons, both on and off the ice.

“My parents divorced when I was 10. We had no money. I’ve come in 5th, 10th, 20th in competitions and I’ve fallen in front of thousands of

spectators. I’ve struggled, just like everyone else has.

“Life isn’t always perfect, but it’s not what happens but what you do with it, how you deal with it that matters,” she adds. “Nothing to me is tough or hard.

It might be a challenge, but it’s all in your perspective. I choose to always see the good in things.”

Caring for Jesse has changed Salé’s perspective on what she consumes. She eats organic food and looks for ecofriendly products as often as possible.

To keep in shape, she practises Ashtanga yoga along with her husband, and the two also have fitness equipment at home.

Salé is often asked whether Jesse will be an elite figure skater (or an NHL player), but notes that she and his dad want to expose him to all sorts of activities: “Gymnastics, soccer, T-ball, music; I want him to be able to try everything.”

She also hopes Jesse will be a big brother one day.

“Skating still makes me happy,” she says. “But being a mom makes me the happiest person in the world.” b

Gail Johnson is the managing editor of blush.

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