Posts Tagged ‘Family Health’
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By Tamsin Oxford in Reviews on
8 September, 2010 at 1:00 pm
 Many mums who’ve endured the horrors of morning sickness (and what a misnomer THAT one is) know about the trick with the acupressure and the points on your wrist. If you haven’t strapped an entire stationery cupboard’s worth to your wrist in desperation, then you’ve likely tried out the professional products. And one such product is the Sea-Band.
These acupressure wrist bands have been designed to ease nausea, including travel sickness, and they come in sizes to fit both kids and parents. Now we got sent a bunch of these to review as a part of our travelling theme this month and I winged them across to our Mum in Waiting, Rosalind.
Poor Rosalind has been suffering from some hideous morning sickness and so she grabbed these bands with glee.
“Useful, yes, I do think that they offer some relief but the best effect I had was combining them and a drink of ginger root in boiling water,” she said.
 “They do not take the feeling away completely, but I noticed a difference when I took them off to have a bath. This meant that I really did not want to take them off to get in the water. It might actually be worth having two pairs so that I can get one wet.”
The Sea-Band works by exerting a constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist called the Pericardium 6 acupressure point. Which makes me feel nauseous as I hate anything touching my inner wrist, obviously the Sea-Bands are not for me…
“They are comfortable to wear and the instructions are easy to follow,” continued Rosalind, “I did find they slipped quite a bit over the course of wearing them so I spent a fair amount of time adjusting them. “
Rosalind was also suffering from another pregnancy symptom – clean, clean, clean – so she was rather pleased that the Sea-Bands had clear washing instructions on them. She did, however, feel that it would be nice to have different colours to make them more interesting, but not luminous ones (you’ll see why in a minute).
 “The only thing is that you look a bit like an 80s dancer when you wear them,” she said, “They are not very discreet. I found that I did feel much less self conscious when I was wearing long sleeves. I think, because it is such early days, I did not like to draw attention to why I was wearing them on my wrists.”
I was hugely amused by the 80s dancer remark myself. Visions of pregnant 80s styled dancing women made me laugh out loud.
“I am definitely going to keep wearing them,” Rosalind concluded, “Anything to ease the symptoms a bit. All in all, definitely worth trying. I think that it has eased a bit and I would say that the bands have helped. It’s also nice to have something that I can keep after the pregnancy and use on holiday as well.”
And Finally
 While we were unable to find a child suffering from travel sickness about to go on a boat/long car trip in time for this review, it is entirely possible that they will be just as effective. As a mum of a very fussy toddler, I reckon that the hard bit would be persuading them to keep wearing them.
For the pregnant mum who’s tum is at war I love Rosalind’s final comment…
“If I was going to be pregnant again (which I am not), I would get some it stock so I could wear them from the word go!”
The Sea-Bands retail from £7.99 at Lloyds, Superdrug, Tesco and other such useful places.
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By Tamsin Oxford in Freebies on
6 September, 2010 at 6:00 pm
 If you were unlucky and missed the chance of winning a free sample of Simple’s eye make-up remover this morning, then this freebie is just for you. While not eye make-up remover, it is another of the lovely Simple skincare products that will keep your skin clear and glowing.
So if you fancy a free pack of Simple Spotless Skin Quick Fix Cleansing Wipes (that’s quite a name), then fill in your details on the page and soon a sample will be on its way to you.
The new Simple Spotless Skin range has been designed for teenage spot-prone skin (or young adults) and is a nice blend of spot fighting ingredients and antibacterial goodness. Wahoo! I have used these even though I’m not a  teenager and they are really light and lovely.
So, whether you’re a grown up teenager or happen to have teenage kids that need a spot of spot fighting action (ha ha) then get your name down on this page and send off for your free packet of wipes.
Thanks to Turtlehead at HUKD!
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By Tamsin Oxford in Freebies on
1 September, 2010 at 6:00 pm
While summer may be on the out (and boy did that happen quickly) it doesn’t mean that the diets are too – why not keep that gorgeous figure going with a free sample of Birt & Tang’s slimming tea. For a limited time you can nab yourself a free sample and enjoy the benefits.
The offer is running in conjunction with the BBCs GoodFood magazine so to request your sample you need only to fill in the form on the page I linked to above. This is Birt & Tang’s premium weight-loss tea called SlimArt and the value of the sample is £4.99. That’s an ace freebie! Oh, and the answer to the question is 95…
So, what exactly is in this fabulous tea? It has been specifically formulated to be packed full of antioxidants which help protect cells from irregular metabolism. It blends Puer Tea with Rosehip and WaterLily Leaf to produce the ultimate slimming tea.
I’ve gone ahead and got one for myself. I’m not sure it sounds very tasty but, hey, anything to be thin!
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By Lynley Oram in Reviews on
1 September, 2010 at 1:00 pm
I should probably be ashamed to confess now that I once spent a hour in a pub arguing over whether the ubiquitous nappy rash remedy was Sudocrem or Sudocreme. Perhaps I shouldn’t admit that! Embarrassingly, I was wrong. It might be a cream, but the name is not. I think that dates the conversation a bit though, as these days with the internet on your phone it isn’t likely to be the sort of argument you’d have after a few pints of cider or house white.
The thing is though, that everyone knows what this stuff is because just about everyone has a use for it. If you’re a teenager, it is good on spots (yes I was suprised by that one myself, I had no idea!). For adults, it is a great soother for dry skin, and for adults and children alike it can work wonders on mild eczema and rashes.
 The cream is now available in a 30g squeezable tube. To be honest, my reaction to that news was one of a surprise that they hadn’t already made the step to tube. After all Marmite has been doing it for years!
So I gave some to PlayPennies mum Emma to try out.
What was her first reaction? “I’ve never seen it in this sort of container. I’ve only ever seen it in those instantly recognisable grey tubs that I’ve seen for years. I got a 30g tube, which is actually a really great size to throw in my baby’s changing bag for when I am out and about.”
As a mum, I think the grey tub will still remain the preferred container, at least for keeping at home. The reason is that you can unscrew and remove the lid, then start on the nappy changing process. Thus if you find you need some you can, using just the one hand (while the other has baby’s legs up in the air), scoop some out of the pot and apply. I can’t see it being easy to do that with a squeezable tube. I was given a couple of tiny little empty plastic jars with screwtop lids by another mum when my son was born. These were a fabulous gift as I could put in just as much cream as needed to take out with me when out and about, leaving the big jar of Sudocrem at home.
However, the target market for the squeezable may not be us mums necessarily. While the packaging on the tubs reads “Antispetic Healing Cream“, on the tube it says “Skin Care Cream“.
As Emma comments “I’ll be honest, when I think of sudocrem, the first thing I think of is baby’s bum. I remember first using it 21 years ago… when my niece was a baby! And Sudocrem has quite a distinctive smell, I’d recognise it anywhere.”
With the squeezable tube to hand though, she found it useful, and not for baby’s bottom. “Last year, I was staying at a friend’s house and I had a severe allergic reaction to their long-haired Belgian shepherd dogs. I came out in a rash all over my body, particularly on my arms and legs. It was very itchy and incredibly annoying. My mum happened to have a large tub of sudocrem with her, and I generously slathered this all over my itchy skin. It was a big help, and kept me same while the rash disappeared.”
 It isn’t unpleasant to use on your own skin, and as most mother’s already know, a little goes a long way making it quite good value. “I actually have quite dry skin on my cheeks (on my face), so I’ve been using Sudocrem on them for a few days. I like the feel of Sudocrem, nice and smooth. It’s also a very thick cream, you only need to use a little bit to cover a large area.”
And Finally
The price for the tube varies a bit. On the Hight Street I found it priced at £1.89 at Boots, and £1.99 in Lloyds Pharmacy. If you don’t fancy leaving the house, you can buy Sudocrem products on Amazon with free delivery if you use Amazon Prime!
So tell us, what do you use Sudocrem for? Have you found better (and cheaper) nappy rash remedies? Share with us here!
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By Tamsin Oxford in Deals on
31 August, 2010 at 4:00 pm
 Originally retailing for £159.99, a rather terrifyingly high price in my opinion, this backpack is now down to a lovely £39.99 at Kiddicare.com. It’s a fantastic saving but they are selling out fast so you’d better hurry if you want to nab one of these!
The Baby Weavers Expedition back carrier is suitable for babies of six months and all the way up until they are 18kg toddlers. Although my daughter isn’t 18kgs yet and she’s about to go to school, so you could get quite a lot of mileage out of this.
It has loads of storage space that can easily handle two bottles and some toys. It is easy to adjust while it’s on your back and has padded hip and shoulder pads that can be modified to suit different heights and sizes. The area where your little one sits is padded and can also be adjusted to suit as they grow.
 You get a removable sun hood that has rain and wind flaps that can be fixed together when needed and the entire carrier can be folded flat for travel. Baby is held in place with a four-way harness, it has a folding stand for easy balance while putting the child in, and it weighs in at 2.65kgs.
Thanks to lynexxxo at HUKD
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By Tamsin Oxford in Deals on
26 August, 2010 at 3:00 pm
 These scales have been marked down from £49.99 to only £16.93 which is a whopping saving for a really fancy set of scales. While I’m not entirely sure I want to know my body fat ratio (cry) this is probably a good thing to get me to stop eating cake.
These scales display your BMI, total weight, body fat and water to the nearest 0.1%. You can even detach the display panel and the clock and mount them on the wall so you can see your measurements more clearly. Now that is clever.
The scales can be set to record the weights and targets of up to four different people, so it’s brilliant if you’re on a family diet and you all want to stay on track and see your individual measurements. It also comes with a ten year guarantee.
 I am dead impressed with these. Although I imagine that setting each person up will be a little tedious at first. Also, how does it now what the water weight is? That’s awesome. Let me know if you get them and what you think!
Thanks to taswir1 at HUKD!
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By Tamsin Oxford in Deals on
13 August, 2010 at 3:00 pm
 Oh, this is CUTE! I haven’t seen these before but now I am in love. How adorable is this little trike? Absolutely brilliant for back to school. Think on it – here they have the zippiest transportation to and from school AND it can fold down for easy storage and carrying.
I don’t think you can get more helpful than that! Down from £25.99, and including free delivery, this is a nice saving for a Mookie Scuttle Bug from Amazon.
The Scuttle Bug is a foot to floor ride on that can be folded and unfolded in seconds using a simple three-step folding system. It is lightweight and compact so it can be easily carried (by beleaguered parents) and stored when not in use. Kind of perfect for school travel so tots don’t get too tired and you don’t have to lug heavy stuff home with you every day.
 The 3 wheel design is stable and allows loads of fun and freedom. Specifically designed wheels allow a smooth and quiet ride both indoors and outdoors. This safe, reliable and durable ride on helps develop balance and steering skills. No assembly is required (which I like) and the adorable bumblebee design is a total winner.
Thanks to kel4 at HUKD!
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By Tamsin Oxford in Reviews on
13 August, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Part of the back to school madness for many parents is trying to find a way of protecting their children if they have allergies or medical conditions. With so many children clamouring for attention it can be a bit daunting for parents who know that even a whiff of a nut could send their child into anaphylactic shock.
 I was very pleased when Mediband offered PlayPennies some samples for review because their range of medical ID devices are bright, clear and very obvious. We asked Mediband to send their products on to our mum, Kimberly, who’s son is allergic to milk, penicillin and dogs.
First, a bit of background about the product. These Mediband bracelets are for both children and adults with specific allergies and food intolerances, as well as medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and epilepsy.
You can also customise your bands to include your telephone numbers or to be reversible if you want to keep your information somewhat private. The bangles come in a range of sizes, styles, and colours so kids should love the fact that they can pick and choose their own funky alerts.
 “The bright colours are really good because they stand out and alert people quickly”, said Kimberly, “I love the fact that I can write as many allergies as my son has on the band, without taking up all the space on the outside.”
She also appreciated the fact that the bands came in a range of different colours.
“I think that the different colours are a big deal for children,” she said, “My son wouldn’t wear one of these if it was red because his favourite colours are blue and green. He’s very touchy about that sort of thing so it’s nice to know that he has choice.”
However, possibly due to the fact that Kimberly and her son didn’t go in to get their Mediband personally, there was a problem with the sizing.
 “The band we received was just too big for my son, it just slipped off him!” she said, “I even tried it on and it was far too big for me too.”
This really does just serve to highlight that you must do accurate measurements before you buy your Mediband. It would be tragic if it fell off while they were at school.
“I think that they are a great idea, especially the multi-space one with a pressed strap. You can fit so many different conditions on there and really that does make a big difference,” said Kimberly, “Also, I think that they are very bright and vivid enough to alert people to his conditions.”
Overall Kimberly gave the Medibands a rocking review. Her only complaints were that they were too big but I think that was more due to review product issues than to the range itself. They cost a mere £2.08 to £1.35 depending on the size of your order.
And Finally
 When the cost of a funky, personalised medical alert is less than £5 and saves your child’s life, you can’t help but think it’s a total winner. Bright colours and styles mean that kids are less likely to hate them or refuse to put them on because they can adjust them to suit their own little tastes. Brillaint for back to school safety and security.
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By Tamsin Oxford in Features on
12 August, 2010 at 1:00 pm
I’m terrified.
I have absolutely no idea how I’m going to handle the day my child goes to school for the first time ever. And that day isn’t far off either. Try less than four weeks away…
It feels like just yesterday that she was a teeny little baby all snuggled up in my arms, and now she’s this amazing mini-person who’s going off to school. To her big adventures. And growing up way, way too fast.
 I’m not the only mum whose heart fills up with hope, worry, excitement and sadness at the thought of their child going to school. I think it must be one of the most bittersweet experiences on earth. Amusingly, though, it’s the dads who seem to be quite chilled about it all.
So far, on a poll of about ten dads that I’ve chatted to about this over the past few months, the dads are more of the, “Off ya go! Thaaat’s it!” mindset.
Seeing as I was starting to get more than a little bit jumpy about the whole thing I spoke to Jill Knowles and Sue Twort, Professional Child Counsellors at Childlight. They both specialise in holistic child therapy and offer counselling for children, training for school staff and offer guidance to both parents and teachers. Who better to help us worried parents prepare for, and handle, this situation in such a way that it becomes a wonderful adventure.
They very kindly prepared a list of five top coping tips for parents whose children are starting school for the first time.
1. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
 Many problems occur because of stress due to such horrors as running late, not being able to find socks, and a child not knowing what to expect. Preparing a routine that you know works in advance will make life so much easier for you both. At least a week before the first school day, get up each day and wake your child at the time you will need to be getting up for school.
Washing, dressing and eating breakfast all take time and it will make things run smoothly if you know you will have enough time for all of these. Practise your route to school so that you know how long it takes – traffic is invariably busier on a school day and during bad weather. This may seem like a bit of a chore but time invested now will pay dividends later.
2. PREPARE FOR SCHOOL TOGETHER
 Young children like to know ‘what’s happening?’ and ‘where am I going?’ so in the few days before Day One, walk by the school and look at the building, the gates, the playground and talk about how it might be when s/he is going there every day.
Point out items of interest such as a play house that s/he might look forward to exploring. This familiarisation will enable to you to give reassurance if there are any tears on the first day ‘Remember, we talked about the fun you would have when ….’
If sitting still and listening is not something your child is familiar with, then it will really help if you introduce them to this on a daily basis. Allow them to choose a mat or stool at home to sit on and read them a short piece from a story, encouraging them to listen rather than to interrupt or ask questions until invited to. Start with ten minutes and build up to half an hour.
3. PLAN FOR FEELINGS
 Parents’ reaction is a key factor in how well the settling in process goes. You may be more worried if it is the first child in the family to go to school and sadder if it is the youngest (i.e. the last) to go. Children are very receptive to these feelings and it can start them off feeling anxious and stressed rather than excited and optimistic.
Your child will take their cue from you and so if you seem relaxed and happy, they will too. If you feel anxious or tearful, try to put your own feelings on hold for an hour or two and be positive and upbeat. If you know another parent with a child also starting school, travelling together to give the children a friend to go in with will help them to break the ice.
If they are worried about starting school, spend some time sitting quietly together talking about it or looking at a book about Starting School (see their recommendations below). Allow your child to say if they are worried or scared about school. Avoid saying ‘Don’t be silly’ or ‘you’re a big boy/girl, you’re not scared’. Instead, acknowledge their feelings by saying ‘OK, I understand that you are scared….…’
Reassure your child that school is a good place and there will be lots of fun and new friends to meet. Above all, they will be safe and you will be there at the end of every day to sort out any problems or worries.
 If your child is tearful and clingy when you go to leave them at school, stay calm and determined and do not show that you are upset, even if you feel like howling too! Invariably they will stop crying within seconds of you departing, so leave without looking back.
If it persists after more than a week, work out a strategy with their teacher, this will not be an uncommon problem for them.
4. MINIMISE DISRUPTIONS AT HOME
 Children often worry about what is going on at home when they are not there, especially if Mum will be alone (and might be missing THEM) or if there is a change in routine, such as Mum starting work for the first time. Try to keep things at home the same for when the child returns after school and put the emphasis on everything being ‘back to normal’ at the end of the day.
If you have younger children, try to arrange things so you give the child returning from school some special time when they come home.
If your child is worried about missing you, reassure them that you love them all the time. Plant a kiss on a piece of paper and mark the spot with a big X to be carried in your child’s pocket and taken out whenever they feel upset. If your child thinks you are missing them because you are on your own at home, they are likely to worry about you whilst they are at school.
Be upbeat about your day without them – without being overly ecstatic – whilst showing how glad you are to have them home again.
5. GIVE THEM SPACE
 Children expend a terrific amount of energy when they start school so may be very tired when they come home. It’s a good idea not to bombard them with questions, but just let it come out naturally. They may not have the vocabulary or communication skills to give you a blow-by-blow account of everything that happened from the moment they arrived until they came running out of the school gates, so be open to accepting that they will tell you what they want when they want.
If a snippet comes out when you are in the middle of cooking supper, be ready to show interest then and there or you might let it slip away. Keep an eye and an ear open for any problems which they may mention so you can nip them in the bud.
Building a good relationship with the teacher/classroom assistant will show your child that you like and trust them, which will be very reassuring. If you get on well with them it will be easier to raise any concerns you might have in the future, as well as getting valuable feedback about what happens when you’re not there.
 Jill and Sue also recommend books like Charlie & Lola I Am Too Absolutely Small For School by Lauren Child, and Starting School by Janet & Allan Ahlberg.
I hope that this has helped many of you worried parents out there. I know that some of these really did make me stop, think and breathe a little easier. And, if it is any help at all, I’m right here to offer hugs, tea and sympathy on the big day this September…
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By Tamsin Oxford in Freebies on
11 August, 2010 at 9:00 am
Immergruen stock a huge range of herbal teas that will help with all sorts of different ailments and issues and they’re giving away samples of their Baby Stomach Ease and Nursing teas for free. This is a fabulous opportunity to try out these herbal remedies and see if they work.
Baby Stomach Ease tea contains fennel, aniseed, camomile and caraway, herbs that are reputed to relieve colic, wind and constipations. They are also fab for colds and coughs. This tea is a traditional blend of organic herbs that is specially for babies with no sugar or caffeine included.
You just give baby a teaspoon or more in a cup or feeding bottle, or you can pop some in their formula. Breastfeeding mums can drink the tea themselves so it can pass the effects through the milk.
The Nursing Tea is made from a premium mixture of organic herbs and specifically blended to support breastfeeding mums. It includes Fenugreek seeds, fennel, caraway and aniseed and is a great way to support your breastfeeding and keep you hydrated. The list of benefits is quite impressive including; promoting lactation, GMO free, organic and beneficial for both mum and baby.
So, why not nab yourself some free samples of these teas and see if they can help with any mum and baby issues you may be struggling with.
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