MILE S Winter 2018
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Foodie Fun
Baby & Toddler
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Healthy Eating
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SMILE Winter 2018
2018
Healthy Eating Habits For Your Child... Help your children maintain a healthy weight and normal growth
Foodie Fun
Embracing The Veggies...Vegetables play a pivotal role in the health of your children
Baby & Toddler
Foodie Fun...Try turning courgettes into spaghetti, soups into smiley faces and salmon cakes into fish! One Lump Or Two...We look at the sugar trap and how to read packaging labels
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Healthy Eating
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C O N T E N T S
How To Stop Germs From Spreading When Your Child Is Sick...Advice on how to prevent germs from getting the rest of the family sick
Tooth Decay In Children...Causes, Symptoms and diagnosing Tooth Decay in children Sleeping Tips For Toddlers...Sleep issues are complicated and have many causes, Author Elizabeth Pantley gives her advice Welcome To Weaning...Is your Baby Ready? Why Cycle?...With so many health benefits, why wouldn’t you ride a bike Trick Or Treat...10 sweet-free alternatives for Halloween fun
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HOW TO STOP GERMS FROM SPREADING
WHEN KIDS ARE SICK! Taking care of a sick toddler isn’t fun. But taking care of two sick children is worse. It means more misery and sleepless nights - and for you, more missed days at work. So short of ordering everyone into hazmat suits, what are you supposed to do the next time one of your kids comes home from school flushed and feverish? How can you protect the rest of the family and prevent germs from spreading? Containing a virus isn’t easy, especially within a family. But here’s some advice on how to prevent germs from getting the rest of the family sick... Get your kids to wash their hands. Yes, this one should be obvious. But it really can't be stressed enough: hand washing is a crucial way to prevent germs from spreading. About 80% of infectious diseases are spread by touch. When you have a sick toddler, germs can get absolutely everywhere. That means that your healthy child is bound to pick them up on his hands. But as long as he’s washing his hands regularly, the germs might not make it from his hands into his eyes or mouth. Step up your disinfecting. Even if you’re not germ obsessed usually, now might be the time to focus more on disinfecting surfaces in your home. It can help prevent germs from spreading. What to do? You could wipe off surfaces that your sick child has touched, like doorknobs, tables and handrails with disinfectant. Many plastic toys can be thrown in the dishwasher and many stuffed animals in the washing machine. If your sick toddler is suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea, take extra care to disinfect the toilet, floor and sink in the bathroom. Don’t allow sharing of meals. Mealtimes may usually be chaotic, with your kids regularly swapping silverware, cups and food. For now, do what you can to prevent that.
Practice good nappy hygiene. Be especially careful with dirty nappies, especially if you have more than one child wearing them. The changing table could be a spot where your kids exchange germs. So you could decide to use the changing table only for your sick toddler and change your healthy kid somewhere else. Or you could always lay a fresh blanket over the changing pad when putting a nappy on your healthy child. Keep the bathroom hygienic. While germs generally don’t live on towels very long, they can live long enough to make a healthy kid sick. So wash them regularly. You may even want to switch to disposable paper towels for a week to prevent germs from infecting other family members. By the same token, consider replacing the bathroom water glass with disposable paper cups for a while. And get your child a new toothbrush after he’s been sick. Preventing germs, the odds are against you. While trying to prevent germs from infecting the rest of the family is a noble goal, remember that the odds are against you. Even if you’re careful, once a virus is in the house, it’s very hard to contain. Remember that with a lot of these diseases, you’re contagious before you have any symptoms. Even if you take every possible precaution the moment you notice that your baby is feverish, it may already be too late. So don’t beat yourself up if you’re unable to prevent germs from spreading in your home.
Remember...Parents aren’t being bad parents if their kids get colds, ear infection, diarrhoea... IT JUST HAPPENS!
HEALTHY EATING HABITS FOR YOUR CHILD By teaching your children healthy eating habits, and modelling these behaviours in yourself, you can help your children maintain a healthy weight and normal growth.
The eating habits your children pick up when they are young will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle when they are adults. Your child’s doctor can evaluate your child’s weight and growth and let you know if they need to lose or gain weight or if any dietary changes need to be made. Some of the most important aspects of healthy eating are portion control and cutting down on how much fat and sugar your child eats or drinks. Simple ways to reduce fat intake in your child’s diet and promote a healthy weight include serving. • • • • •
Low-fat or non-fat dairy products Poultry without skin Lean cuts of meat Whole grain breads and cereals Healthy snacks such as fruit and veggies
Also, reduce the amount of sugar sweetened drinks and salt in your child’s diet. If you are unsure about how to select and prepare a variety of foods for your family, consult a dietician for nutrition advice. It is important that you do not place your overweight child(ren) on a restrictive diet. Children should never be placed on a restrictive diet to lose weight unless doctor supervises one for medical reasons. Other approaches parents can take to develop healthy eating habits in their children include: Guide your family’s choices rather than dictate foods. Make a wide variety of healthy foods available in the house. This practice will help your children learn how to make healthy food choices. Leave the unhealthy choices like chips, soda and juice at the supermarket. Serve water with meals. Encourage your children to eat slowly. A child can detect hunger and fullness better when they eat slowly. Before offering a second helping or serving, ask your child to wait at least 15 minutes to see if they are truly still hungry. This will give the
brain time to register fullness. Also, that second helping should be much smaller than the first. Eat meals together as a family as often as possible Try to make mealtimes pleasant with conversation and sharing, not a time for scolding and arguing. If mealtimes are unpleasant, children may try to eat faster to leave the table as soon as possible. They may learn to associate eating with stress. Involve your children in food shopping and preparing meals These activities will give you hints about your children’s food preferences, an opportunity to teach your children about nutrition, and provide your kids with a feeling of accomplishment. In addition, children may be more willing to eat or try foods that they help prepare. Plan for snacks Continuous snacking may lead to overeating but snacks that are planned at specific times during the day can be part of a nutritious diet, without spoiling a child’s appetite at meal times. You should make snacks as nutritious as possible, without depriving your children of occasional crisps or biscuits, especially at parties and social events.
Discourage eating meals or snacks while watching TV Try to eat only in designated areas of your home, such as the dining room or kitchen. Eating in front of the TV may make it difficult to pay attention to feelings of hunger. As a result, children may try to eat whenever they get a chance. Similarly, when foods, such as sweets, are used as a reward, children may assume that these foods are better or more valuable than other foods. For example, telling children that they will get dessert if they eat all their vegetables sends the wrong message about vegetables. Make sure your children’s meals outside the home are balanced Find out more about their school lunch programme, or pack their lunch to include a variety of foods. Also, select healthier items when dining at restaurants. Pay attention to portion size and ingredients Read food labels and limit foods with trans-fats. Also, make sure you serve the appropriate portion as indicated on the label.
O
VEGGIES
ne of the greatest gifts you can give to your child is encouraging them to enjoy healthy eating habits from an early age. Vegetables play a pivotal role in the health of your children - and your food choices right now is when you start the building blocks of their health as the adults they will become. All over the world, the rise in numbers of people turning to a vegetarian diet has accelerated at a faster rate over the last decade than at any other time in our history. The dietary role of vegetables Vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals and fibre and children should be eating a variety of them. The vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants found in vegetables provide the following benefits:
• • • •
•
They promote good health and help protect against disease, both now and in the future They ensure the health growth and development of your child They strengthen your child’s immune system and help fight illnesses There is also compelling evidence to show that the nutrients found in fruit and vegetables can prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases in later life The high-fibre content of vegetables can help the proper function of the digestive system and prevent constipation Encouraging children to eat well, right from the start will have a positive impact on them in the future, affecting health, weight, and their need for medical treatments.
In 1998, a childcare study was published that recommended a vegetarian diet for children. This sparked much discussion about the scientific and practical issues of implementing the best and most
balanced diets for children. Two of the main points to come from this was highlighting the benefits of vegetarian diet and the practicality of planning meals for children. Vegetarian diets Many meat products, such as burgers and hotdogs are made from processed meat. Consumption of processed meat has been linked to diseases like cancer and heart disease in numerous studies, Vegetables, grains, fruits, legumes and nuts are excellent foods for growing children. Rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, they form the foundation for dietary habits that support a lifetime of health. Research has shown that adults who consume fruits and vegetables are those who consumed these foods during childhood. It therefore makes sense to regularly introduce plenty of vegetarian options for children to try, to help give them great food habits.
Baking forms an excellent platform to teach kids the basics of mathematics and following instructions. A great starting point is a fun, colourful and easy cake or brownie recipe.
Stork with Butter makes cakes light and uffy with a delicious buttery taste while also delivering rich, creamy and smooth icing. It is ready to use straight from the fridge making it the perfect baking companion for families.
For more baking recipes visit bakewithstork.com 12355_Stork_JS_ParaOlympics_A4_AW.indd 1
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FOODIE
FUN
Roll up your sleeves, dig out your aprons and cook up a plate of foodie fun with your little ones. Try turning courgettes into spaghetti, soups into smiley faces and salmon cakes into fish to help liven up your midweek menu by getting your tots into the kitchen young, you’ll help to instil a love of good food...
Crunchy Salmon Fish Cakes Preparation: 30 minutes Cooking: 10 minutes Makes: 4 portions
∙ 3 spring onions, finely sliced ∙ 200g potato ∙ 170g salmon fillet, skinned and chopped into small pieces
∙ 15g Parmesan cheese, finely grated ∙ 1 ½ tbsp mayonaise ∙ 2 tsp sweet chilli sauce ∙ 2 tsp ketchup ∙ 2 tsp lemon juice ∙ 2 tsp dill, chopped ∙ 15g fresh white breadcrumbs CRUMB MIXTURE
∙ 75g Bite Size Shredded Wheat ∙ 30g Parmesan cheese, finely grated ∙ Sunflower oil, for frying ∙ 2 eggs beaten DECORATION
∙ 1 sliced hard-boiled egg ∙ Sugar snap peas ∙ A sliced radish ∙ Parsley, to sprinkle Peel the potatoes and boil for 20-25 minutes until soft. Drain and mash. Mix together the ingredients for the fishcakes. Season well. Divide the mixture into four balls, chill if possible for 3-4 hours or overnight. Put the Shredded Wheat into a processor and whiz to fine crumbs. Add the Parmesan and pulse to combine. Dip the fish cakes into the beaten egg and coat in the crumb mixture. Put the balls onto a chopping board or tray and make into a fish shape. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a frying pan. Fry the fish cakes for 2-3 minutes on both sides until golden brown and the salmon is cooked through. Place the fish cakes on a plate. If you like you can decorate with a slice of boiled egg and peas for the mouth, parsley for the fins and sliced radish for the air bubbles. Serve on a sea of peas.
Courgette Spaghetti with Carrot, Sun-Blushed Tomato and Pesto
KITCHEN TECH
Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 10 minutes Makes: 4 portions
∙ 2 large courgettes
∙ 1 large carrot, peeled
∙ 2 tbsp olive oil Note: This recipe requires a spiralizer
∙ 1 onion, finely chopped ∙ 2 garlic cloves, crushed ∙ 3 tbsp fresh pesto ∙ 8 sun-blushed tomatoes, sliced ∙ 50g Parmesan, grated
Put the courgettes and carrot through a spiralizer to make long curls. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the onion and garlic and fry until soft. Add the vegetables and quickly toss over a high heat for a few minutes until just wilted. Drain away some liquid from the pan, then add the tomatoes, pesto and cheese. Season and toss together. Serve at once.
s
Hidden Vegetable Tomato Soup Preparation: 10 minutes Cooking: 20 minutes Makes: 4 portions
∙ 2 tbsp olive oil
∙ 1 leek roughly chopped
∙ Carrot, peeled and diced
∙ 1 stick celery, diced ∙ 1 clove garlic, crushed ∙ x 400g tin chopped tomatoes ∙ 2 tbsp tomato puree ∙ 300ml chicken or vegetable stock ∙ A dash of sugar ∙ 2 or 3 tbsp double cream
Cranberry and White Chocolate Krispie Slices Preparation: 5 minutes Cooking: 10 minutes Makes: 12 portions
∙ 75g butter ∙ 100g golden syrup ∙ 50g dried cranberries ∙ 100g Rice Krispies ∙ 40g white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate Line a 8” square or round tin with cling film. Measure the butter, syrup and cranberries into a saucepan. Melt together until smooth, then leave to cool. Add the Rice Krispies and chocolate chips and mix well. Spoon into the tin and press down firmly. Chill for one hour before slicing into squares or bars. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the leek, carrot, celery and garlic and fry for 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, dash of sugar and stick. Season. Bring up to the boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the cream. Blend until smooth using an electric hand blender until smooth.
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Here we look at the sugar trap and how to read packaging labels Sugar. It is in everything we consume, whether it is from the fruit that we eat or milk we drink, sugar is in everything. But it is important to know that not all sugar is bad and certain types of sugar found in fruit and dairy products are beneficial to our health of our children as the naturally occurring sugars are easily broken down in most people and give us added refined
sugar that as parents, we need to be concerned about. Not only can a high sugar diet in children contribute to childhood obesity, but it can also lead to other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, dental caries and an array of diseases as they get older. The recommended drinks for children over 12 months are water and milk, to ensure they stay hydrated and obtain adequate amounts of nutrients for them to grow and develop. But what about when you are out for dinner, or doing the grocery shop and your child wants a drink as a treat? What are the best options? What are the drinks to avoid? How can we make sure our children aren’t over doing it on the sugar intake?
two?
ng labels.
Manufacturers are quite clever in their marketing for children. Bright colours, cute pictures and free prizes given away with their product will have your child wanting it right NOW. Some of them even out headings on their products such as ‘All natural’ or ‘no added sugar’, just to get the mums on board too. We are coming to an age where you almost need a degree in reading and interpreting food labels. So what should you look for? Firstly, look at the ingredients of the drink in question. How many ingredients does it have? Do you recognise all the ingredients? How many numbers does it have listed in the ingredients?
How much sugar does it have per serving? These are all questions to ask yourself before buying a product. Fruit drinks will always contain sugar, as fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found in fruit. Milk drinks will always have sugar, as lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk. So purchasing a sugar-free drink for your child isn’t recommended as a healthier option as artificial sweeteners used in these types of drinks have been linked to a range of health problems such as hyperactivity, asthma, cancer, seizures and nausea and these products have very little nutritional value in them to support growing bodies.
TAMING YOUR SWEET TOOTH
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
If you want ot reduce your sugar intake then you need to do more than simply cut back on soft drink, lollies, cakes, biscuits and pastries. You also need to avoid those less obvious processed foods that contain excessive amounts of added in sugar. In particular: • Sugar-laden breakfast cereals - some of these contain up to 30 per cent sugar • Pre-made meals and sauces • Supposed ‘health foods’ such as muesli bars and other snacks found in the health food section • Spreads including jams and sugar-free fruit spreads, as well as less obvious suspects such as peanut butter.
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. The government recommends that free sugars – sugars added to food or drinks, and sugars found naturally in honey, syrups, and unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies and purées – should not make up more than 5% of the energy (calories) you get from food and drink each day. • Adults should have no more than 30g of free sugars a day, (roughly equivalent to 7 sugar cubes). • Children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than 24g of free sugars a day (6 sugar cubes). • Children aged 4 to 6 should have no more than 19g of free sugars a day (5 sugar cubes). • There’s no guideline limit for children under the age of 4, but it’s recommended they avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and food with sugar added to it.
ADDED SUGARS VS NATURAL SUGARS
SWEET TIPS
It is very important to make the distinction between added sugars and sugars that occur naturally in foods like fruits and vegetables. These are healthy foods that contain water, fibre and various micronutrients. The naturally occurring sugars are absolutely fine. However, added sugars are thosethat are added to foods. The most common added sugars are regular table sugar (sucrose) or high fructose com sugar.
•
• • •
There are many different names for sugar: Sugar, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), dehydrated cane juice, fructose, glucose, dextrose, syrup, cane sugar, raw sugar, corn syrup and more. If a packaged food contains sugar in the first 3 ingredients, avoid it. If a packaged food contains more than one type of sugarm avoid it. Be aware that other sugars often labelled healthy like agave, honey, organic cane sugar and coconut sugar fall into the same category.
Look at information on nutrition labels and ingredients lists to help reduce your intake of free sugars. Nutrition information can be presented in different ways, including on the front and the back of packs. It’s important to look for the “of which sugars” figure on nutrition labels, which is part of the carbohydrate information. While this does not tell you the amount of free sugars, it’s a useful way of comparing labels and can help you choose foods that are lower in sugar overall. Look for the “Carbohydrates of which sugars” figure on the nutrition label. Products are considered to either be high or low in sugar if they fall above or below the following thresholds: • High: more than 22.5g of total sugars per 100g • Low: 5g or less of total sugars per 100g If the amount of sugars per 100g is between these figures, that’s regarded as a medium level. The “of which sugars” figure describes the total amount of sugars from all sources – free sugars, plus those from milk, and those present in fruit and vegetables. For example, plain yoghurt may contain as much as 8g per serving, but none of these are free sugars, as they all come from milk. The same applies to an individual portion of fruit. An apple might contain around 11g of total sugar, depending on the size of the fruit selected, the variety and the stage of ripeness. But sugar in fruit is not considered free sugars unless the fruit is juiced or puréed. This means food containing fruit or milk will be a healthier choice than one containing lots of free sugars, even if the 2 products contain the same total amount of sugar. You can tell if the food contains lots of added sugars by checking the ingredients list. Sometimes you’ll see a figure just for “Carbohydrate” and not for “Carbohydrate (of which sugars)”. The “Carbohydrate” figure will also include starchy carbohydrates, so you cannot use it to work out the sugar content. Eating too much sugar can contribute to people having too many calories, which can lead to weight gain. Being overweight increases your risk of health problems such as heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes. For a healthy, balanced diet, we should get most of our calories from other kinds of foods, such as starchy foods (wholegrain where possible) and fruits and vegetables, and only eat foods high in free sugars occasionally or not at all.
Sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay. To prevent tooth decay, reduce the amount of food and drinks you have that contain free sugars – such as sweets, chocolates, cakes, biscuits, sugary breakfast cereals, jams, honey, fruit smoothies and dried fruit – and limit them to mealtimes. The sugars found naturally in fruit and vegetables are less likely to cause tooth decay, because they are contained within the structure. But when fruit and vegetables are juiced or blended into a smoothie, the sugars are released. Once released, these sugars can damage teeth. Limit the amount of fruit juice and smoothies you drink to a maximum of 150ml (a small glass) in total per day, and drink it with meals to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
HOW TO MINIMISE SUGARS IN THE DIET Avoid these foods in order of importance. drinks: Sugar sweetened beverages are 1 Soft awful, you should avoid these like the plague. juices: This may surprise you, but fruit juices 2 Fruit actually contain the same amount of sugar as soft drinks.
and sweets: You should drastically limit 3 Lollies your consumption of sweets. goods: Cookies, cakes etc. These tend 4 Baked to be very high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
canned in syrup: Choose fresh fruits 5 Fruits instead. or Diet Foods: Foods that have had the 6 Low-Fat fat removed from them are often very high in sugar.
fruits: Avoid dried foods as much as 7 Dried possible water instead of soda or juices and don’t 8 Drink add sugar to your coffee or tea. of sugar in recipes, you can try things 9 Instead like cinnamon, nutmeg, almond extract, vanilla, ginger or lemon.
be creative and use google to find recipes. 10 Just You can eat an endless variety of amazing foods even though you eliminate sugar from your diet.
Supporting mental health & well-being for children & young people across the UK Children’s mental health is finally being recognised as an issue that society needs to address. Unravel CEBPC is an organisation that sits between Educational Psychologists and CAMHS to provide prompt, bespoke mental health support for schools and families across the country. Educational Psychologists
CAMHS
This pioneering new model is helping children, young people and those in their life, gain insight into what children and young people are feeling and more importantly offers the specialised action to drive positive changes in well-being. What we do: l Act quickly. Most children and young people can be seen within 2 weeks l Work 1:1 with children and young people in schools and privately l Educate all involved in how best to support individual needs l In house training on issues around children and young people’s emotional and behavioural issues l Provide specific assessments on children and young people with appropriate and relevant recommendations l The same principles are subtly incorporated into The Blinks books which also support children’s emotional well-being.
Some results: At Unravel we work collaboratively to ensure each child or young person we work with progresses to the best possible level of well-being. Over our time, we have taken many children and young people from suicide to outstanding in well-being and academic progress. The graph below shows some negative behaviour score comparisons. Name A B C D E F G H
Sept 16/Feb 17 39 19 161 88 (started 15/6-12/7) 16 = one month 80 95 88
Sept 17/Feb 18 6 0 66 33 2 (average monthly score Sept-Feb) 0 14 76
% difference 84% improvement 100% improvement 59% improvement 62.5% improvement 87.5% improvement 100% improvement 85% improvement 14% improvement
can help you: Contact hello@unravelsupport.co.uk If you are interested in how Or have a look at www.unravelsupport.co.uk and www.theblinks.co.uk
Are you raising a disabled child or young person? Our grants may be able to help
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TOOTH DECAY IN CHILDREN UK healthcare professionals have reported an “oral health crisis” in children, that saw 42,911 children put under general anaesthetics in hospital to have teeth extracted last year. This 17 percent increase in hospital tooth extractions is said by health chiefs to be attributable to tooth decay cause by sugar in the children’s diet. Tooth decay is the breakdown, or destruction, of tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard, outer surface of the tooth. Tooth decay can lead to cavities (also called caries), which are holes in the teeth that bacteria can penetrate. So what causes tooth decay in a child? Tooth decay is caused by bacteria, amongst other things. It can happen when foods containing sugars, starches and other carbohydrates are left on the teeth. These foods include milk, soda, raisins, sweets, cake, fruit juices, cereals and bread. Bacteria that normally live in the mouth react with these foods, resulting in the production of acids. The combination of bacteria, food, acid and saliva form a substance called ‘plaque’ that sticks to the teeth. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Children at risk of tooth decay All children have bacteria in their mouth, so they are all at risk of tooth decay. But the following may increase your child’s risk:
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High levels of the bacteria that cause cavities
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A diet high in sugar and starches
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Water supply that has limited or no fluoride in it
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Poor oral hygiene
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Less saliva flow than normal
Symptoms of tooth decay The following is the common way that teeth develop decay and cavities. But decay may be a bit different for each child. •
White spots begin to form on the teeth in areas affected. These spots mean that the enamel is starting to break down. They made lead to early sensitivity in the teeth.
•
An early cavity appears on the tooth. It has a light brown colour.
You can help prevent tooth decay in your child with these simple steps:
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The cavity becomes deeper. It turns a draker shade of brown to black
•
The symptoms of tooth decay and cavities vary from child to child. Cavities don’t always cause symptons. Sometimes children don’t know they have one until their dentist finds it. But your child may feel pain in the area around the tooth and sensitivity to certain foods, such as sweets and hot or cold drinks.
•
Diagnosing tooth decay in children Your child’s dentist can usually diagnose tooth decay based on: • • •
A complete history of your child An exam of your child’s mouth Dental X-rays
Treatment at the dentist Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. - In most cases, treatment requires removing the decayed part of the tooth and replacing it with a filling. Fillings are materials placed in teeth to repair damage caused by tooth decay. They are also called restorations. There are different types of fillings: •
•
Direct restorations. These need a single visit to place a filling directly into a prepared hole. These fillings may be made from silver, fine glass powders, acryclic acids, or resin. They are often tooth coloured. Indirect restorations. These require two or more visits and are constructed with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. Many of these materials can look like natural tooth enamel
Prevention of tooth decay in your child
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• •
•
•
•
Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears in your baby’s mouth. Brush the teeth, tongue and gums twice a day with flouride toothpase Supervise as your child brushes his or her teeth when they are a little older. For children younger than three years old, use only a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a cooked grain of rice. Starting at age three, your child can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Floss your child’s teeth daily after age two. Make sure your child eats a well balanced diet. Limit snacks that are sticky and high in sugars, such as crisps, sweets, cookies and cake. Prevent the transfer of bacteria from your mouth to your child’s by not sharing eating utensils. Don’t clean your infant’s dummy with your saliva. If your child uses a bottle at bedtime, only put water in it. Juice or formula contain sugars that can lead to tooth decay. Schedule routine dental cleaning and exams for your child every six months
FACT BOX: TOOTH DECAY IN CHILDREN WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?
WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DECAY?
Tooth decay is the breakdown of tooth enamel. It an lead to holes in the teeth, known as ‘cavities’ or ‘caries’
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria make a sticky substance called plaque that can erode the tooth enamel.
WHAT RISK FACTORS ARE THERE?
HOW IS TOOTH DECAY DIAGNOSED?
Poor hygiene can raise your child’s risk of tooth decay.
A dentist can diagnose tooth decay with an oral examination and XSraye
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR THIS? Treatment requires removing the decayed part of the tooth and replacing with a filling.
SLEEPING TIPS FOR TODDLERS
In her book, ‘The No-Cry Sleep Solution’, Author Elizabeth Pantley says that up to 70% of children under age five have sleep problems. Sleep issues are complicated and have many causes. This is her advice.
A toddler who has trouble sleeping is hard to deal with because when children don’t sleep, parents can’t sleep. And that lack of sleep affects every minute of every day for every person in the family, because lack of sleep isn’t just about being tired. Sleep has a role in everything - your child dragging their feet, temper tantrums, hyperactivity, growth, health and even learning to tie his shoes and recite the ABC. Sleep affects everything. The following ideas will benefit almost any sleeper. of any age. These tips can bring improvement not only in your child’s sleep, but also in her daytime
mood, as well as facilitating improvements in your own sleep and outlook as well. Maintain a consistent bedtime and waking time Your child’s biological clock has a strong influence on her wakefulness and sleepiness. When you establish a set time for bedtime and wake up time you set your child’s clock so that it functions smoothly. Aim for an early bedtime. Young children respond best with a bedtime between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Most children will sleep better and longer when they go to bed early.
to function on auto-pilot at the time when you are most tired and least creative. Create a cozy sleep environment Where your child sleeps can be a key to the quality of her sleep. Make certain the mattress is comfortable, the blankets are warm, the room temperature is right, pyjamas are comfy and the bedroom is welcoming. Provide the right nutrition
“
Encourage regular daily naps
It can help to follow a soothing pre-bed routine that creates sleepiness
Daily naps are important. An energetic child can find it difficult to go through the day without a rest break. A nap-less child will often wake up cheerful and become progressively fussier, crankier or hyper alert as the day goes on. Also, the length and quality of naps affects night sleep - good naps equal better night sleep. Set your child’s biological clock Take advantage of your child’s biology so that she’s actually tired when bedtime arrives. Darkness causes an increase in the release of the body’s sleep hormone - the biological ‘stop’ button. You can align your child’s sleepiness with bedtime by dimming the lights during the hour before bedime.
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Exposing your child to morning light is exposing the ‘go’ button in her brain - one that says, ‘Time to wake up and be active’. Develop a consistent bedtime routine Routines create security, which helps a toddler to stay calm. A consistent, peaceful bedtime routine allows your child to transition from the motion of the day to the tranquil state of sleep. An organised routine helps you coordinate the specifics, bath, pyjamas, tooth-brushing. It helps you
Foods can affect energy level and sleepiness. Carbohydrates can have a calming effect on the body, while foods high in protein or sugar generate alertness, particularly when eaten alone. A few ideas for pre-bed snacks are whole wheat toast and cheese, bagel and peanut butter, oatmeal with bananas, or yogurt and low-sugar granola. Help your child to be healthy and fit Many children don’t get enough daily physical activity. Too much TV watching and a lack of activity prevents good sleep. Children who get ample daily exercise fall asleep more quickly, sleep better, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed. Avoid activity in the hour before bedtime though, since exercise is stimulating - they’ll be jumping on the bed instead of sleeping in it! Teach your child how to relax Many children get in bed and aren’t sure what to do when they get there! It can help to following a soothing pre-bed routine that creates sleepiness. A good pre-bed ritual is story time. A child who is listening to a parent read a book or tell a tale will tend to lie still and listen. This quiet stillness allows him to become sleepy. Work with these eight ideas and you’ll see improvements in your child’s sleep, with the whole family enjoying a more restful time.
Welcome to weaning... Is your baby ready?
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All babies grow and develop at different rates. However, whether your baby was born early or late, struggled to establish breastfeeding, or sailed through the early weeks there are some important development signs to look out for, usually present between four and six months, that indicate she is probably ready to start being weaned onto solid foods.
Perfect timing
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Working out the best time to wean your baby can make a difference to how smoothly the process goes. Most babies are weaned between 17 weeks and six months; every baby is individual and there is no one-size-fits all rule as to when exactly to start your baby on solids. You do need to make sure your baby is showing the developmental signs shown opposite. Be guided by your baby and talk to your GP or health visitor if you’re unsure whether she is ready, especially if she was premature. Never start weaning before 17 weeks of age. Before this age, your baby isn’t able to process foods properly because her kidneys and digestive system are too immature. It’s also inadvisable to leave it later than six months as by then your baby needs more nutrients than milk alone provides. Continuing breastfeeding while weaning is thought to be beneficial, especially if you started weaning before six months. There is some evidence that babies who are breastfed alongside first solids (including allergenic foods such as wheat) before six months of age (but not before 17 weeks), are less likely to develop coeliac disease, type 1 diabetes, or wheat allergy.
One of the main goals of the weaning process is to teach your baby to fit in with your healthy family meals.
What’s the official line?
You may find yourself confused by the contradictory official guidelines, as many governments advise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. The advice stems from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is based on the beneficial effects of breastfeeding in countries where poor hygiene makes this the safest option, as well as on the positive long-term effects of breast milk. Some experts, though, think the WHO guidelines are not as relevant in developed countries. They highlight that breast milk alone doesn’t supply enough iron and zinc for a baby by the time she is six months old , especially if she was 2.4kg or more at birth.
What’s the official line? When you decide to start weaning may be influenced by the so-called “window of opportunity”. Child Psychologist suggest that babies who are developmentally ready and start weaning between four and six months accept
new tastes and textures more readily than those weaned later. This period, which extends to seven months, is seen as a chance to expand your baby’s diet. If you wean at six months, you need to introduce new flavours more quickly, and move more rapidly on to lumps and finger foods.
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y?
If your baby shows the following signs, she’s probably ready for solids:
holds her head steady
Good head control is essential before your baby starts on solids; this muscular coordination also helps her to swallow foods easily.
shows an interest in food
starting to chew
She may be displaying a growing interest in what others are eating, and may even grab at the food on your plate.
Your baby may start to make chewing motions, gnawing her fists and any other object that she picks up.
sits (maybe with support)
Your baby should be able to sit up before she starts weaning, although it’s fine if she still needs some support.
brings objects and food to her mouth
A keenness to explore everything with her mouth is one of the signs she’s ready to wean; the first thing she may do with any new object is pop it in her mouth!
Rays of Sunshine children’s charity brightens the lives of seriously ill young people across the UK aged three to 18 years old by granting wishes, fulfilling hospital ward wishes and organising outings, events and providing entertainment for children during their time in hospital. Every day of the year, Rays of Sunshine gives brave and deserving young people the chance to put their illness on hold and enjoy a moment of escape.
Rays of Sunshine receives no government funding and, since 2011, the charity has seen a 93% increase in the demand for its service.
For more information on Rays of Sunshine and our events, please visit: www.raysofsunshine.org.uk or call the team on 0208 782 1171.
Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2018 T
he charity is proud to have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2018. The award was created to recognise excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community and is the MBE for volunteer groups.
Impact of a wish
Our Wishes A review of the wishes granted by Rays of Sunshine in 2017
Wishes
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n 2017, we received 971 wish applications and granted 652 individual wishes. Seven percent of the wishes we fulfilled were for children with the most serious illnesses or ‘rush’ wishes. When we grant a wish, we include the whole family so that everyone can share life-long memories. Around 22% of the wishes we fulfilled last year were for children to go to Lapland or have Disney experiences. The charity takes care of every aspect of these wishes including flights, airport transfers and funding the medical insurance. Every wish is unique and every wish brings joy and strength to our brave wish children and their families.
Group Events and Outings More than 900 wish children and their families attended our events. Highlights included the celebrity pro-am day at the BMW PGA Championships at Wentworth where wish children had the incredible opportunity to meet their sporting idols, an exclusive sound check party with Little Mix and our Christmas parties.
Ward Wishes and Activity Days Our ward wish scheme, which we started in January 2012, continues to grow and in 2017 we granted 13 ward wishes. Ward wishes enable us to reach hundreds more children and help to make their stay in hospital just that bit more bearable. Wishes granted in 2017 included a new sensory room at Jack’s Place, the children’s ward at Northwick Park Hospital and a sensory garden for Chestnut House patients at The Children’s Trust in Tadworth.
652 wishes 13 ward wishes Over 11,000 children reached
Types of Wishes
Wishes by Medical Condition, 2017 2%
Possessions
4% 2% 14%
20%
Celebrity
11%
Neurological
2%
To Go Wishes
Cystic Fibrosis
7%
Disney experience
36% 5%
UK holiday To Be ...
Cancers
20%
18%
Non UK holidays
Renal illness Cardiac illness Muscular Dystrophy
5%
Endocrine/Metabolic
Lapland
7% 23%
Gastrointestinal 7%
17%
Other
Holiday Wishes Holiday wishes remain by far our most popular type of wish
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n 2017, we received 429 wish applications for children to go to Disneyland in Paris, Disney World in Florida and a range of other international destinations. Requests have been made to swim with dolphins and meet Woody, the Disney princesses and, of course, Mickey Mouse. We now have a waiting list to cope with the increase in demand for these wishes. Holiday wishes give families the chance to spend precious time together away from hospitals and treatment, creating lasting memories. Here are some of the magical memories we have made possible.
“Holiday wishes give families the chance to spend precious time together�
WHY CYCLE? With so many health benefits, why wouldn’t you ride a bike? Cycling is good for you, and not just because it can make you fitter. It’s a great way to save money, save time and have fun, too. Riding a bike gives your heart and lungs a good workout, but doesn’t have to be strenuous. Modern bikes have as many as 30 gears and are made of lightweight materials, so riding to college, the factory or the office needn’t turn into a slog. Even gentle riding will get your pulse rate up and burn some calories, and the health benefits can last a lifetime. You won’t only be fitter than your mates waiting in line for the bus, you’ll be better off, too. A quality new bike may cost a few hundred pounds, but use it regularly instead of public transport or a car and in the long run you’ll be quids in. What’s more, it’s hard to think of anything else so good for you which is also enjoyable. Regular riders know that cycling is fun, and scientist know that cycling releases endorphins - chemicals produced by the body which give a natural feeling of well-being. So, park the car or put away the season ticket, It’s time to get on your bike.
JOYFUL JOINTS
BURN OFF THAT BELLY
Cycling is a low impact form of exercise, so unlike jogging or running there’s very little pressure on your joints
HEALTHY HEART
Cycling just 20 miles a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%, according to the British Medical Association
Just how much energy is used when cycling depends on a person’s weight and how hard they are riding, but an hour of vigorous cycling can burn as many as 700 calories
BOOST YOUR BRAIN
LIVELY LUNGS
Regular riding will enhance lung function, which is especially beneficial for anyone suffering from bronchitis or asthma
Exercise such as cycling can improve your memory function. A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that pysically fit tests subjects performed 40% better in memory tests than those who were unfit.
SUPPLE SKIN
TOP TIP Worried that riding to work every day will be tiring? Then begin commuting by bike a couple of days each week. Add extra rides as your fitness and confidence approve.
Scientist at Stanford University have discovered that cycling can help protect your skin against UV radiation and reduce the signs of agening.
LIVE LONG
Just 92 minutes of low-level exercise per week can increase a person’s life expectancy by three years, according to one Talwanese study.
10 SWEET-FREE ALTERNATIVES FOR HALLOWEEN FUN
“Trick or treat!” You’ll hear the kids screaming from behind the door and a part of you is thinking if it’s wise to prompt a group sugar high, while there may be a need for other items in their homes. Moreover, does anybody really want to deal with sweet-induced dye sensitivities, food allergies and teeth problems. The kids may hate us, but mum’s have asked: “What are some alternatives to giving out - and receiving - sweets on Halloween night? We’ve picked some kids favourites they’ll be sure to love:
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Glow-in-the dark Halloween stickers won’t weigh down a trick-ortreaters bags and are good for showing off at school. Halloween AND back-to-school fun? It doesn’t get any better than this.
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Snack bags are a great alternative for sugar-filled sweets. You can find individual-serving packets at the supermarket filled with dried fruits or pretzels: the packaging is usually superb too.
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Party supply stores stock fun Halloween accessories that the kids will just love wearing. From spider rings to vampire teeth, these are cute, practical and very Halloween-ish at the same time.
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Would pocket change make a good treat? Of course, it would! We all have some coins next to the door, waiting for the next ‘Deliveroo victim’ to show up. Those pennies are piggy bank material and the kids will be delighted to have them.
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If you’re looking for a sweet-free alternative which also doubles up as a toy, glow sticks are a good option. Apart from how entertaining they are, they’re also practical for navigating dark neighbourhoods. “The Greens”, were looking at you.
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Have you ever seen a kid with a fake moustache? We certainly have, and one or two fancy dress parties are sure to make these a favourite. Easy to pack and easy to wear, you can hand out fake moustaches for some laughs.
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Organic fruit strips are a great alternative to sugary sweets. This treat looks like leather and is both colourful and yummy.
If the kids are feeling a bit ‘rebellious’, temporary Halloween tattoos can also be a great option. There are some very cool designs to enjoy and, best of all, they can be removed.
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It’s slimy, cute and colourful. There are some small play dough packets in the market which you can just slip into the trick-or-treat bag.
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If you really can’t live without sweets, go for the organic alternative. A lot healthier than the sugar-packed alternative, it may not be the best option, but it sure beats its ‘evil’ counterparts.
Schroders is delighted to support the work of Rays of Sunshine
Please remember that the value of investments and income from them may go down as well as up, and you may not get back the amount originally invested.
www.schroders.co.uk/investor Marketing material. Issued in October 2018 by Schroder Investment Management Limited, 1 London Wall Place (1LWP) London EC2Y 5AU. Registered No: 1893220 England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. UK11674 CS00418
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