Slow & steady wins the race

I remember as a child being told to chew my food. I have no idea why children were instructed to follow this mealtime rule. But today's children are always in a hurry to eat their meals as fast as possible so that they can catch up with their next activities, be it tuition, music, or any other extra-curricular activities.

According to several studies, thorough chewing - 15 to 20 times per bite - foods starts to break down before it reaches your stomach, making it easier for stomach acids & enzymes to finish up the job. Also, focusing in this manner serves to reduce stress that can sometimes exacerbate acid reflux.

Other studies show that careful chewing can help people reduce weight. The reason for this is that the stomach & small intestine signal the brain when the body has been fed & doesn't need more. But it takes about 15 minutes for the message to arrive. Slow eaters are able to receive & then act on this message.

One way to correct the eating habit is by turning mealtime into more of a ceremony. Savor the color, texture, smell & the taste of your foods - afterall, you are nourishing your body & honoring it in the process.

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7 Surprises...

7 Surprises to Look Out for While Your Child Grows...

1 Your child will say "I love you"
2 Your child will get too big for your lap
3 Your child will want time alone
4 Your child will teach you a thing or two
5 Your child will hurt your feelings
6 Your child will show true bravery
7 Your child will make you a better person

Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese Zodiac is a 12 year cycle. Each year of the 12 year cycle is named after one of the original 12 animals. Each animal has a different personality and different characteristics. The animal is believed to be the main factor in each person's life that gives them their traits, success, and happiness in their lifetime.

The Chinese zodiac refers to a pure calendrical cycle; there are no equivalent constellations like those of the occidental zodiac. In imperial times there were astrologers who watched the sky for heavenly omens that would predict the future of the state, but this was a quite different practice of divination from the popular present-day methods.

Chinese astrology - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fever in Children

Fever is not a disease but rather a symptom of an illness.

Fever is an elevation in body temperature in response to infection or other illness. When an infection or illness is detected, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus triggers the body to mount a fever to ward off invaders. This mobilizes white blood cells to surround and engulf bacteria, viruses and other toxins. Essentially, your body burns up the invaders. In most adults, a fever does its optimal work at 102 degrees, and then breaks.

For children under 8 years of age & especially for infants, the important thing is how your child is acting, not the thermometer reading.

Most people say 98.6ºF (37ºC) is normal, but kids tend to run slightly hotter than adults. You can think of anything between 97º & 99.4ºF (36º & 37.4ºC) as normal.

Very high fevers above 106°F (41°C) can harm the heart & brain. During most infections, the brain keeps body temperature at or below 104°F (40°C). So you don't need to be afraid that your child's temperature is going to continue to rise above that point.

Home Management of Fevers:

1. Do give your child lots to drink - Fever increases fluid loss & dehydration can drive up your child's temperature. Kids with fever often do not feel thirsty, or by the time they do, they're already dehydrated. So keep offering fluids.

2. Small, frequent sips are often best, especially if the child feels nauseated - If necessary, use a plastic medicine dropper to gently insert water into your child's mouth. The type that holds several ounces is best to use.

3. Dress lightly or bundle? - If your child looks pale, shivers, or complains of feeling chilled, bundle her in breathable fabrics so that sweat will evaporate. If she is comfortable & her fever is low, dress her snuggly & give warm liquids to assist the body's fever production. If she sweats & complains of heat, dress her lightly & let her throw off the covers.

4. Don't push food - People with fevers generally don't have much appetite. Let your child determine when & what she eats. Just bear in mind that consumption of sugary foods could delay the natural immune response.