modernmums - Issue 1 Spring 2009

by Dr Natalie Geary

by Dr Geary

Dr Geary March 12, 2009

Vaccine update: what you need to consider 1. Immunizations and Autism?

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects 1 in approximately 170 children. It effects a child’s communication, social relationships and interactions. There appears to be both a genetic and environmental component to the cause of autism.

A study in the late 1970’s, showed that autism was linked with the administration of the MMR vaccine at one year of age. As a result, several large studies have attempted to confirm this, but have not been able to prove any association between the MMR and autism. However there continues to be a lot of concern about the preservatives used in vaccines (thimerosal) and its possible link to autistic symptoms.

Thimerosal is ethyl mercury was used for years as a preservative in vaccines to prevent infections at the site of the injection. No studies exist that definitively link autism and thimerosal. However, because of a possible association with developmental delay, the vaccine manufacturers made the decision to take this substance out of vaccines over 5 years you’re your doctor should be able to show you the list of manufacturers they buy vaccines from and the report that shows the level, if any of thimerosal in the vials. Most vaccines used in pediatric offices are thimerosal free, and some office can order certain vaccines completely preservative free, such as the flu vaccine.

2. Changes in Immunization recommendations 1) Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A, as opposed to Hepatitis B can be contracted not only while traveling but even at home. Usually through contaminated foods. Therefore, children are now encouraged to get this vaccine as early as age 1 year. There are two doses that are 6-18 months apart.

2) Meningitis vaccine: Menactra vaccine is given to protect your preteen and adolescent from lifethreatening meningitis which, even if not fatal, may result in chronic disabilities. I urge you to get your child vaccinated. It is one dose at 11-12 years old. Older teenagers who missed it should also get the vaccine, and it is required by most camps and colleges.

3) Chicken pox vaccine (Varicella) The 2007 Immunization Recommendations now advise a second dose to boost your child’s protection, unless he/she has had the chickenpox. Most children receive their first dose at age 1 but now the recommendation is for a second dose for children over four.

4) Tdap. (Adacel) Every child gets a tetanus booster when entering junior high school but the new tetanus booster also includes a pertussis (whooping cough) booster as well.

5) Human Papilloma Virus (Gardasil) is a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine is the only vaccine that prevents a type of cancer caused by a virus that most women are exposed to during their lifetime. Only some of the strains of the virus cause cervical cancer, and the gardasil vaccine is targeted against those strains. It is recommended for all females between the ages of 9 and 26. There are three doses spaced six months apart. modernmums.com

Dr Geary March 5, 2009

Possible help for kids with Peanut Allergies According to an update posted on Medscape pediatrics for professionals, a new study shows that if a child who is allergic to peanuts eats a small amount of peanut flour every day it can increase his peanut tolerance.

This sounds very similar to principles in vaccine immunology and homeopathy.

Of course, the scientists are not recommending you try this at home: “However encouraging, these results are preliminary and [the technique] should not yet be attempted outside clinical trials,” the researchers write online in the journal Allergy.

In England, where this most recent study was conducted, the children were tested for peanut allergy and then fed peanuts one at a time. The children had an allergic reaction after one peanut, and one child developed anaphylaxis and needed an adrenaline shot.

Each child was given instructions to eat 5 milligrams of peanut flour mixed with yogurt each day, and slowly increasing that over the next six weeks. The theory with immune tolerance is that if the body stops seeing the allergen as “foreign” and starts to “tolerize” to it, that the immune system will stop responding as if it was a threat.

After six weeks, during which time none of the children had any reactions, they were re challenged with whole peanuts. All of the children could tolerate eating at least 10 peanuts.

That does not mean that they are no longer allergic, noted the researchers. But It may provide a bit of a margin of safety should they accidentally consume a few peanuts.

“We’ve got them to a point where they can safely eat at least 10 whole peanuts. It’s not a permanent cure, but as long as they go on taking a daily dose they should maintain their tolerance.”

Clearly, this trial with your child should be done in a controlled setting with your allergist’s approval and monitoring- but it does signal that there may be hope for those children with serious peanut allergies in the future.

SOURCES: Clark, A. Allergy, online early edition., News release, Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Resource Centers Allergy Resource Center

modernmums.com

by Dr Geary

Dr Geary February 26, 2009

Fire Retardants In a shocking report from the Environmental Working group (www.ewg.org) apparently young children had as much as three times the amount of the chemicals used for fire retardants as their mothers did!

PBDEs, (or polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are the chemicals used to make products fire-retardant. They are considered to be “hormone-disruptors” and are especially worrisome for young children because of their developing brains and organ systems. PBDEs have been shown to cause neurological behavioral changes including hyperactivity, as well as thyroid disorders. Furthermore, small children ingest more PBDEs than adults because young children put so many things in their mouths.

Two forms of PBDEs known as Penta and Octa are no longer made in the U.S. because of health and safety concerns, but still exist in older furniture and foam items (such as mattresses). The largest volume of PBDEs known as Deca are used in electronics which is banned in European electronics and in some U.S. states. However, Deca continues to be widely used in this country despite the warnings, and Penta, one of the PBDEs banned earlier, can still be found in imported furniture.

Until changes in the regulations pass, it is important to consider alternatives to flame retardant products. Notably, learn about your child’s pajamas and mattress.

* 1. In the United States, children’s sleepwear sized 9 months to 14 years must meet certain flammability requirements. The requirement is intended to protect children from burns. To meet the regulatory flammability requirements, children’s sleep wear must either pass certain flammability tests, or be tight fitting and meet certain specifications as to dimesions.

If the fabric is synthetic it has flame retardants because all synthetic materials have flame retardants added. Chemically treated fabrics have a chemical flame retardant added to the sleepwear. In contrast, most synthetic fiber sleepwear has a flame retardant inserted into the fabric fiber, including most polyester fabrics. To avoid flame retardants in children’s sleepwear look for snug fitting natural fiber pajamas, such as cotton. Sleepwear that is snug fitting meets flammability standards because the child will theoretically avoid having a stray sleeve catch fire. * 2.

Your Furniture and Mattresses: most foam mattresses and furniture contains flame retardants. That does not mean you have to throw out all your belongings, but consider getting tight fitting covers for over the furniture and mattresses. The company where you purchase your furniture should be able to provide you with information about the chemicals used in their materials. Going forward, purchase pieces that don’t contain foam or in which foam is wrapped in layers of natural fibers. For most of us who cannot afford to replace all the furniture, cover it with a wool, hemp or linen to create an additional barrier to the foam.

* 3.

Cleaning: limit your exposure to PBDEs by using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and a damp mop to keep household dust in check. Wash your children’s toys often in warm water.

modernmums.com

Dr Geary January 22, 2009

Product safety Update: Some recent news updates you need to read Playsets: It turns out that many older wooden play sets have been treated with arsenic!

What to do: *

Replace high exposure areas like handrails, steps, or deck boards with non-arsenic alternatives- get help from your local builder!

*

Wash your child’s hands( and your own) after playing on the play set especially before eating.

*

Be sure to bring a tablecloth to cover potentially arsenic-treated picnic tables in the playground.

*

If you have a deck, do not store toys or tools underneath because Arsenic leaches from the wood when it rains.

Skincare *

Just because a label says “natural” doesn’t mean it is safe for your little one’s delicate skin.

*

avoid triclosan, BHA, fragrance, and oxybenzone.

Check out www.vedaPURE.com for more information and healthy products.

Food *

Choose to buy organic fruits and vegetables, or use FoodNews.org to find conventionally grown produce with the least pesticides.

*

Please buy only organic when it comes to dairy and and meat to avoid growth hormones.

*

Limit canned food and infant formula, as can linings contain bisphenol A (BPA).

*

Many plastics contain BPA, which is carcinogenic. Avoid clear, hard plastic bottles marked with a “7” or “PC.”

*

Don’t microwave plastic containers. Stay away from toys marked with a “3” or “PVC.”

*

Filter your tap water. Mix infant formula with fluoride-free water.

Household Chemicals *

Non-stick cookware can emit toxic fumes. Instead, try to cook with cast iron or stainless steel .

*

Use a HEPA-filter vacuum. Household dust can contain lead and fire retardants.

*

Have your child remove his shoes and school clothing when he gets home to decrease the risk of him/her spreading pollutants and germs inside your house.

*

Use greener cleaners & avoid pesticides.

*

which can irritate kids’ lungs, especially if your child has asthma. modernmums.com

by Dr Geary

Nutrition March 13, 2009

The facts about Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates have gotten a bad wrap lately. But actually they are a necessary and important part of your child’s diet. There really is no solid evidence to support the value of low-carb diets, especially for growing children and young adults. In fact, selective restriction diets are harmful to the growing body and usually cause a rebound effect once they are discontinued. So what’s the truth about carbohydrates?

There are two major types of carbohydrates in foods: simple and complex.

Simple carbohydrates: These are also called simple sugars. If you have a lollipop, you’re eating simple sugars. But they also exist in more nutritious foods, such as fruit and milk. Definitely it is preferable to get your simple sugars from fruit because they contain vitamins, fiber, and important nutrients like calcium. A lollipop does not. modernmums.com

Complex carbohydrates: These are also called starches. Starches include grain products, such as bread, crackers, pasta, and rice. Refined grains, such as white flour and white rice, have been processed, which removes nutrients and fiber. But unrefined grains still contain these vitamins and minerals. Unrefined grains also are rich in fiber, which helps your digestive system work well. Fiber helps you feel full, so you are less likely to overeat.

How the Body Uses Carbohydrates When you eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into sugars. These sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream. As the sugar level rises in your body, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin is needed to move sugar from the blood into the cells, where the sugar can be used as a source of energy.

When the body processes sugars quickly - as with simple sugars - you’re more likely to feel hungry again soon. When it occurs more slowly, as with a whole-grain food, you’ll be satisfied longer. That’s why complex carbohydrates provide energy over a longer period of time.

So, why are children gaining weight? CALORIES, period. That and too much sedentary activity such as TV and video games.

Here are the implications for your family:

* 1. Don’t stop eating carbohydrates. Breads, potatoes, rice, and pasta should remain mainstays of your family’s diet.

These foods can be prepared in very healthy and interesting ways and provide important nutrients for growing children and teens. Your child’s school performance and overall health depend on a healthy balanced diet.

* 2. Only after the age of three years is it safe to limit fat intake. Until three, the brain depends on high quality fats such as avocado for growth. After three, it is important to start to watch cholesterol and fat intake, but never to the point of excluding healthy fats from the diet.

* 3. Be reasonable about portion sizes, especially if your family eats out at restaurants. Portion sizes in America are notoriously excessive- some restaurants serve six cups of pasta in a single size order!!! Teach your children to eat until they are full, not to finish their plate. And “seconds” at home should be reserved for special circumstances such as a birthday cake.

Post-prandial reactive hyperinsulinimia: A Carbohydrate “addiction” : • “A compelling hunger, craving, or desire for carbohydrate-rich foods;?an escalating, recurring need or drive for starches, snack foods, junk food, or sweets.”

• Many children crave foods that contain sugar substitutes, including artificially-sweetened sodas, sports drinks, candies, mints, gum and other foods and beverages sweetened with sugar substitutes.

Furthermore, over 50% of overweight children, as well as kids who may not be overweight but who suffer from learning problems or mood swings, are carbohydrate addicted. These children tend to gain weight easily but no matter what their weight level, insulin-related blood sugar swings and changes in adrenaline may cause extreme changes in mood , as well as an inability to concentrate, focus, or control impulses.

Over time, kids who are hyperinsulinemic can become insulin resistant, At this point, a child may experience symptoms of low-blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) including irritability, shakiness, tiredness, and headaches.

If your child seems particularly sensitive to sugar or carbohydrates, consult with your doctor or a pediatric nutritionist.

It could make a huge difference in his or her ability to perform well in school, feel calm and focused, and behave like a happy child. modernmums.com

by Dr Geary

Nutrition March 13, 2009

Is Pork really safe?

A summary of an article from NY Times correspondent Nicholas Kristoff 3/12/09 MRSA is back in the news: Apparently pigs are now a source of infection! Doctors are reporting strange rashes on their patients. And The New York Times (3/12/09) reported that doctors are seeing “ innocuous bumps” that rapidly became huge red angry and painful lesions.

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) has generated a lot of press as the “flesh-eating bacteria.” Parents wonder if they need to travel through the playground with Purell and the general public is condemning doctors for creating super bugs by over prescribing antibiotics to their patients.

Medically, the biggest concern is for hospitalized patients who are already ill and immune compromised, and are uniquely susceptible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov) reported that by 2005, MRSA was killing more than 18,000 Americans a year, more than AIDS, according to the recent NYT review.

But recently, there seems to be cases of MRSA transmitted from pigs to humans. According to the recent review, the suspicion that pigs could infect people with MRSA came in the Netherlands in 2004, when a young woman tested positive for a new strain of MRSA, called ST398. The family were farmers and the public health authorities found that three family members, three co-workers and 8 of 10 pigs tested all carried MRSA. Since then, that strain of MRSA has been found in throughout the Netherlands. Studies showed that pig farmers there were 760 times more likely than the general population to carry MRSA and Scientific American reports that this strain of MRSA has bee documented in over 10% percent of Dutch retail pork samples.

According to the NY Times report, this same strain of MRSA has now been documented in the United States. According to Tara Smith, a University of Iowa epidemiologist 45 percent of pig farmers sampled carried MRSA.

What does this mean for you and your child?

As always, pork needs to be handled with care, and cooked thoroughly. Wash hands well with hot water and soap after handling raw meat. Don’t eat pork outside the home in a restaurant of dubious quality. And alert your child’s doctor immediately if he/she has an unusual rash.

modernmums.com

Dr Geary Recommends January 29, 2009

Dr Geary recommends Here in Manhattan it is cold and everyone is a little tense…but Obama is president and Valentine’s Day is only three weeks away…as a pediatrician I rarely have time to shop and I avoid a lot of Hallmark holidays but I confess Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that always gets me shopping….here are some suggestions for healthier treats for your kids on the day when the rest of America is overindulging in heart-shaped boxes of bad chocolate.

The ultimate lunch box from www.lunchsense.com is not just healthy for the environment ( BPA free, lead free and vinyl free ) they are super healthy for your child-they promote the idea of portion control and reduce food waste! Plus they are light and hip to carry and it opens up to double as a sitting mat or placemat.

Planet Pixies Save the Earth from www.gifts.com (Kayla the Marsh Pixie). The Planet Pixies are eco-friendly soft dolls. Each doll character hails from a different endangered zone of the globe and is crafted from certified organic cotton and natural materials. Even the packaging is made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled cardboard.

The HABA Duck Pull Toy from www.childtrek.com is an adorable wooden duck that can help babies and toddlers learn to walk. The HABA Duck Pull Toy is made of beech wood and acrylic using child-safe, nontoxic, water-based paints. HABA is a family-owned and multi-award winning German company.

Betty Lou’s organic smackers from www.veganessentials.com. North Shore Smackers have the healthy benefit of1000mg of Spirulina in each treat. Made from chocolate, almond butter, oats and crisped brown rice. Almond Butter Smackers taste like peanut butter but safe for kids with peanut allergies.

Little Cupid Tutu from www.greenstartbabyart.com This cute adorable tutu has been pixie cut on the bottom and then red and silver sequins have been hand sewn onto the tutu. Just remember that rhinestones and sequins are choking hazards for children under 3 years of age, so if you choose to have these extras please watch your child carefully.

modernmums.com

by Dr Geary

Nutritional Guest Advice Februar 26, 2009

Nutritional guest advice - Victoria Amory ...Here is a great Tomato Risotto recipe that always receives great acclaim. Home made tomato sauce is best, as you can tweak the flavors and make it a bit blander and smoother for the children, but a really good quality store bought sauce will work too. I sometimes serve this with fried eggs and small sausages or bacon for dinner, as my version for the classic “Huevos a la Cubana” (which is traditionally served with chorizo). http://www.modernmums.com/nutritional-guest-advice-victoria-amory.htm

* Tomato Risotto 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 white onion, cubed 1 cups Calasparra or Valencia rice 2 cups homemade or organic smooth tomato sauce 1 cup organic chicken or vegetable broth Sea salt and freshly ground pepper Makes 4 servings.

Warm the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat, add onion and cook until soft. Add the rice and stir to coat well. Add the tomato sauce, and stir again to coat the rice with the tomato sauce. Add the broth and bring mixture to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Remove cover, increase heat to medium and cook an additional 10 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Deana’s Dish Februar 28, 2009

MIND, BODY and PURSE..

Times are tough right now and I know everyone is feeling it one way or another. I have been speaking to some friends of mine and have decided to compile some easy tips on how to live a bit more stress free and feel a bit more in control.

Let’s first take care of your mind and body: Hilary Bergmann, owner of the Mindful Body in San Francisco, CA gives a few tips to stay centered: Take some time out for yourself to take a yoga class or get a massage so you can have some “quietude”; to refresh and ground yourself before you return to your busy life.If you don’t have time for a yoga class or massage, yoga can be incorporated for short moments into day to day life. Give yourself the gift of time—take ‘Savasana”(corpse pose) for 5 minutes. Savasana is a relaxing posture intended to rejuvenate one’s body, mind and spirit. Also doing child’s pose between two busy errands is a great way to stretch out the body and release tension. If you let your body have a moment of rest it will help you be restored to face the day and be more present for the people in your life (like your family!) ... http://www.modernmums.com/mind-body-and-purse.htm

The A-Lysst October 30, 2008

THE WINTER LYSST Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we New York City Moms have lots of places to go, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! … Let It Snow In Winter Style! * Lisa Jordan design bracelets are the perfect gift for new moms.

All pieces are fine jewelry (14K gold) some have diamonds, some come in pink and blue enamel, solid gold, brushed gold, & pink and blue sapphires. ... http://www.modernmums.com/the-winter-lysst.htm modernmums.com

About

:

Dr. Natalie W. Geary, top New York City pediatrician, creator and founder of the skincare collection vedaPURE™, has accumulated a wealth of parenting knowledge from her years both as a doctor and a mother. The word “veda” itself is the ancient Sanskrit word for knowledge, and it is just this that she has brought to her skincare collection and now to her new online parenting blog, modern mums. modern mums provides mothers of all stages with valuable information ranging from how to help your child deal with holiday stress, to the pros and cons of your child receiving the flu shot. Unlike other parenting blogs, readers can be assured that advice is being given not only from a mother’s tried and true experience, but from a doctor’s professional standpoint. With frequently updated video and written blogs, a Q & A section, and an “It” list with the latest mommy must-haves, modern mums is like having your own personal pediatrician on call 24/7.

“To me, this blog seemed to be the next logical step in both my career as a parent and as a doctor. I have a lot to share from a personal and professional perspective. I want to give my readers as much information and reassurance they can get without actually sitting in my office,” says Dr. Geary.

Dr. Geary first began giving mothers out-of-office care with the launch of vedaPURE™, the first and only skincare collection using ancient ayurvedic principles of balance and health, herbal remedies for calming and soothing and the highest standards of excellence in modern care. vedaPURE™ includes lines for the whole family, vedaMAMA™, vedaBABY™, and vedaDUDE™. Dr. Geary just introduced the latest addition to the collection, vedaRX, a line of creams, oils and salves that have an added touch of an at home pediatric call.

modernmums.com

OUR PHILOSOPHY The essence of vedababy is the combination of ancient ayurvedic principles of balance and health, herbal remedies for calming and soothing and the highest standards of excellence in modern care to create simply natural and honestly pure products for babies and children that actually work.

Veda is the ancient Sanskrit word for knowledge. At vedababy, we combine the knowledge and the wisdom and practices of ancient science with modern pediatrics to provide practical daily care.

simply natural Cosmetic labeling allows for a great deal of confusion for the customer about what is “natural”. For example, a fragrance is a blend of more than 100 synthetically derived chemicals, usually phenyls, aldehydes, and alcohols that give an aroma to products. Fragrances mentioned on a label imply a natural product but actually consist of many undisclosed artificial ingredients and are the cause of the vast majority of adverse allergic reactions to products. Essential oils, on the other hand are highly concentrated super distilled oils extracted from plants, leaves and other naturally existing products. There are no chemicals involved, and each essential oil comes from one source, a living plant.

honestly pure Similarly, many “baby safe” products for the skin contain steroids and preservatives known to be potent drugs that have widespread effects on the body. The skin is a porous organ, the largest organ in our body,and chemicals placed on the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream in varying amounts and potencies.

Use of steroid-containing products may unwittingly expose your baby or child to steroids and their potential long-term effects. vedababy products are also free of methyl parabens, propyl parabens and formaldehydes which are synthetic preservatives in the majority of skin care products.

vedapure.com

our offer

vedababy takes pride in the purity and quality of our products. The product line is made from products that are 100% natural, free of animal and petroleum-based ingredients, artificial dyes or fragrances. What distinguishes us from other “natural� product lines, is that unlike many other baby products, the ingredients are honestly pure and natural without dangerous chemical or chemical preservatives.

Although Dr. Geary originally formulated the products for her patients with allergies and eczema, the products are indicated for every family that wants to offer their babies and children the safest and the purest products.

vedapure.com

vedapure.com

Fresh: Shampoo and Body Wash This pH balanced shampoo and body wash is gentle on your baby’s skin.

Splash: Soothing Bath

Cool: Soothing Cream

Revive and soothe your baby’s skin with a bath that includes this therapeutic bath powder.

This cream is VedaBABY’s most intensive cream for dry skin associated with allergies.

Soothe: Body Cream

Baby Butt: Diaper Balm

This baby body cream is pH balanced and perfect for daily care of sensitive baby skin.

This hypoallergenic all natural butt balm provides quick and effective care for an irritated diaper area.

Calm: Moisturizing Cream

Baby Butt Plus: Diaper Rash Cream

Formulated to treat eczema, dry, sensitive and irritated skin types.

Promotes healing, relieves chafing and protects the skin from unwanted wetness.

Breathe: Decongestant

Console: Ear Defense

A natural decongestant made from essential oils of Camphor, Pine, Eucalyptus, Sage, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Wintergreen.

This popular oil is made from a combination of fresh flowers and other botanicals. It is used to help fend off ear infections and pain without the use of antibiotics.

Heal: Infection Protection

Cradle Clear: Scalp Relief

This oil is anti-septic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It can be applied directly to the skin to clean and clear minor skin infections.

The ultimate effective relief of cradle cap.

Warm the oil slightly, and gently rub a small amount into the scalp: leave on overnight and gently brush away the residue in the morning.

Erase: Scar Solution

Relieve: Pain Reducer

This proprietary recipe is a superconcentrated elixir to heal, fade and diminish scars. VedaRx’s premium product.

Use for sprains, bruises, and other injuries to prevent, relieve, and reduce swelling. Absorbs well and is soothing to the skin.

Relax: Body Cream

Luscious: Nourishing Face Cream

Indulge your body in a rich moisturizing glow.

Nourish and refine your skin overnight.

Smoothe: Body Polish Gently exfoliates for a peaceful recharge of your skin.

Nurture: Nursing Cream Free of chemicals and Lanolin, this nipple cream is safe for baby.

Purify: Detoxifying Body Cream

Scrumptious: Restorative Body Cream This Shea Butter cream is a restorative for dry skin.

Refresh: Refreshing Body Cream Formulated with Ginger and lime to create a synergistic scent that uplifts and restores your balance.

Butter: Rich Body Cream

Reinvigorates to restore the elasticity of your skin.

A luxurious combination of Shea, Cocoa, and Mango butters wrap the body in hydrating warmth.

Caress: Moisturizing Cream

Supple: Stretch Mark Cream

This cream will soothe and calm while nourishing your skin.

Full of moisturizers and vitamins that reduce the appearance of pregnancy lines.

Clean: Face Cleanser A synergistic blend of Green clay and Vitamin C that helps protect the skin against free radicals.

Glide: Shave Gel The non-sticky gel glides on easily for a protected shave and washes off fresh and clean.

Splash: After Shave Organic citrus fruits refresh and purify after shaving, while Lavender calms and softens the freshly shaved skin.

Chill: Face Moisturizer A balm of Organic Coconut and Jojoba that leaves the skin feeling pure, refreshed and re-hydrated.

Gift Set: New Baby

Gift Set: New Dad

For baby showers, just home from the hospital or general baby gift. Calm, Fresh, Baby Butt, vedaBABY Onesie, plus an adorable stuffed vedaBABY Elephant.

For the oft neglected new dad whose skin needs to be clean, fresh and soft for close-ups with the new baby. Clean, Glide, Splash and Chill.

Gift Set: New Baby & Mommy Luxuries for Both. Cool, Baby Butt Plus, Butter, Relax and Smoothe.

Gift Set: New Mom For the Pampered New Mom. Soothe, Refresh, Supple, Purify and Relax.

Gift Set: New Parents Mom and Dad can get a luxurious treat.

Smoothe, Scrumptious, Caress and Clean.

vedapure.com

Selected aRticles Featuring Vedapure

vedapure.com

Interview with Dr Natalie Geary

What is Ayurvedic medicine: Ayurvedic medicine is the medical system developed in India and practiced continuously for over 5.000 years. It is described in the texts as “The science of life” because it delineates not only treatments for illnesses but also a system of daily living practices that restore the balance and harmony of the individual, resulting in self-healing, good health and longevity.

How is that used to help patients?

The Goal is really to integrate modern medicine with some of the traditions of Ayurveda and other healing disciplines, and to work very individually with each patient bring about total health, wellness and balance.

What is so unique about that kind of medical approach?

I am not sure that anything here is so unique- in fact the whole idea is to use what is traditionally been proven thru time and history to show benefit, whether it comes from western or eastern or other forms of healing. In fact I hate the idea of a gimmick or some promise of some “new trick” when it comes to being well- being well should be based on the simplest straightforward time honored and natural practices.

The reason why it may seem “unique” is because there are still a lot of practitioners out there wedded to a single discipline, and worse disdainful of other disciplines within health care. Clearly there are snake charmers selling fish oils out there- but the majority of people committed to health and wellbeing have something beneficial to offer- the problem is that they stay inside the box of their one discipline and don’t enable the patient to utilize multiple modalitiesNow that has changed a lot since I first studied ayurvedic medicine in Bombay in 1982- now more and more practitioners from both eastern and western medicine are talking to each other, working together. But still there is a lot of suspicion, resentment or disdain. And the problem is that the person who suffers from these turf wars is the patient- because they are ashamed to ask questions, and cant get synthetic advise. I try to offer that synthesis- looking at the data from different types of medicine and picking and choosing to design the best program for that patient.

What do you do in terms of an integrative medical practice: I try to offer that synthesis- looking at the data from different types of medicine and picking and choosing to design the best program for that patient.

What are the most common problem children come in with?

Well, to my office I would say allergy-related issues, -i.e. skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal- often the parents do not realize that the three are linked.

What is your skin care line based on in terms of how you made it, why?

Veda is the ancient Sanskrit word for knowledge. The essence of vedababy is the combination of ancient ayurvedic principles of balance and health, herbal remedies for calming and soothing and the highest standards of excellence in modern care to create simply natural and honestly pure products for babies and children that actually work.

Why??

Cosmetic labeling allows for a great deal of confusion for the customer about what is “natural”. For example, a fragrance is a blend of more than 100 synthetically derived chemicals, usually phenyls, aldehydes, and alcohols that give an aroma to products and are the cause of the vast majority of adverse allergic reactions to products. Essential oils, on the other hand are highly concentrated super distilled oils extracted from plants, leaves and other naturally existing products. There are no chemicals involved, and each essential oil comes from one source, a living plants.

Similarly, many “baby safe” products for the skin contain steroids and preservatives known to be potent drugs that have widespread effects on the body. The skin is a porous organ, the largest organ in our body, and chemicals placed on the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream in varying amounts and potencies. Use of steroid-containing products may unwittingly expose your baby or child to steroids and their potential long-term effects. vedababy products are also free of methyl parabens, propyl parabens and formaldehydes which are synthetic preservatives in the majority of skin care products.

The product line is made from products that are 100% natural, free of animal and petroleum-based ingredients, artificial dyes or fragrances. What distinguishes us from other “natural” product lines, is that unlike many other baby products, the ingredients are honestly pure and natural without dangerous chemical or chemical preservatives.

What is Mobile Pediatrics and how did you come up with that, how long did you do it for, is it still running?

When my family and I moved to Santa fee I began working at the major pediatric clinic in town. Unfortunately, Santa Fe itself is a wonderful art filled and leisurely town, but just outside of Santa Fe are some of the most impoverished areas in the united states- at the time I think New Mexico rated 49th out of 50 for worst health of its children. Anyway, our clinic was overflowing, and many of the children had no toothbrushes. If we got too full, the only emergency room in town served as their clinic. So I tried to convince the CEO of the hospital to fund a mobile van for us to travel to the rural areas (literally that meant as close as 15 minutes outside of town) to provide health screening and basic care- I tried to point out that it would actually be more cost effective for the hospital than having these kids run up huge ER bills for ear infections. I also pointed out we could enable a vaccine screening program. He laughed. So I did it myself- I started a non-profit and bought a used truck and raised the money and drove around to the schools and churches and post offices where the kids could come and get screened.

Eventually we got several grants and private donors who were incredibly generous. The program has since been moved into the public schools health clinic screening programs, but the situation is still very understaffed and under funded, but better each year.

Medical consultation, articles, expert advice from Dr Natalie Geary

As a leading expert in pediatrics, nutrition, health, and wellness, Dr. Natalie Geary is available for consultation, media contributions and product development.

For more information, please contact: modernmums1@gmail.com

Sample list : Glamour Magazine

NewMomsWhoLunch

Mothering Magazine

NYUKids

Time Out New York

Seventeen

The Parenting Center

Mademoiselle

Lime.com

Yoga Journal

Alphamom.com

Avenue Magazine

Video.Google.com

Big Apple Parent Magazine

Hush Magazine

The Good Life Radio Show

Child Magazine

Cool Mom Picks

Textbook on Family Wellness and Detoxification

Urbanbaby.com

MotherClicks

Through Nutrition, Diet and allergy Control

Kidville

BabyTV

With Oz Garcia- Spring 2008

Veda is the Sanskrit word for “knowledge” and includes teachings from an ancient oral tradition. First compiled in writing in about 6000 B.C., the vedas are the oldest literary works in the world. They cover all fields of knowledge, material and spiritual, and offer principles for physical and emotional health.

NATALIE GEARY, MD is the creator of vedaPURE™ A pediatrician, a graduate of Harvard College and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The vedas are the inspiration for Dr. Natalie Geary’s vedaPURE™ and its subsidiaries, the company that offers you wellness through the purity of knowledge, nutrition, healthy skin, and a strengthened immune system.

DR. GEARY’S STORY She has practiced pediatrics in Santa Fe, NM, and in Manhattan. Her practice integrates natural and ayurvedic principles into a modern pediatric approach. vedaBABY™ began in Dr. Geary’s office: her patients and their families were seeking solutions to their childrens rashes and needed skincare for the dry, sensitive and allergy challenged skin they suffered with. Dr. Geary realized that the skincare available to these families all contained parabens, methyl parabens, harsh chemicals or steroids.

She started formulating the vedaBABY™ products as an alternative for families seeking simply natural and honestly pure skincare. The word spread beyond her patient population and families began calling.

Women bringing their children to the office as well as Dr. Geary’s teenage patients all wanted to use the products, and started buying the vedaBABY™ Butter. During the many pre- and post- natal visits in Dr. Geary’s office, pregnant and nursing mothers asked her about the potential exposures to their baby of many skincare products. vedaMAMA™ was developed to meet the needs of new Moms. Not wanting to neglect the guys in the family, Dr. Geary created vedaDUDE™ for those young and not-so-young men.

by Dr Geary