I am pretty realistic with my patients and understand that on occasion unhealthy foods are going to be consumed. Suggested ways families can help reduce their intake of unhealthy food options are:

In 2014, one in every four (23.1%) of Canada’s youth were considered to be overweight or obese and in the U.S., the statistics are one in every three children.* These figures have significantly increased over the past two decades and childhood obesity is now considered a public health concern. Overweight children tend to become overweight or obese adults which can lead to the premature onset of a variety of illnesses. There is even a rise in childhood diabetes (type 2) that was not seen before. Excessive weight at any age is linked to many physical health concerns from insulin resistance, high blood pressure (hypertension), and other chronic diseases. A decrease in emotional and social well-being is also noted for many overweight individuals and this is also true in children from a lack of self-worth to social isolation. 

Travelling with children can be stressful, especially on long road trips or if you’re stuck in an airport. I’ve travelled long distances with my daughters since they were six weeks old and we have certainly had our fair share of meltdowns – admittedly, I’ve had my moments too – but it never ceases to amaze me that at least one fellow passenger comments every time about how relaxed we all seem to be. But with help from experts like Dr. Pamela Smith, ND and lifestyle and wellness expert and nutrition coach, Michal Ofer, and the Moms at Calmmother I know we’re in good hands.

Here are our top six tips to help make traveling with children stress-free regardless of whether you’re on a road trip or an airplane with a newborn or a five year old (or both!).

You should never place anything inside your child’s ear unless instructed by your child’s doctor. However, it is ok to place a warm, or cold – depending on your child’s preference, compress overtop of the ear. Here are instructions on how to use a warm onion as a drawing agent to help draw the infection out of the ear. Sounds crazy but it works!