Water Bottle Safety

 

By Lynnette Fusilier

Studies have shown that multiple use of plastic bottles allows harmful ingredients, such as bisephenol A (BPA) and certain phthalates, to leach from the plastic bottle into the water or liquid it contains. According to a National Toxicology Program study, BPA could potentially lead to precancerous tumors,
early puberty, and urinary tract disorders. There are many more studies on phthalates that demonstrate equally
harmful results.

Heidi Waltermire, Manager of Little Urbanites, offers the following tips on how to avoid harmful plastics: » Read more

Lion Heart in Laurelhurst: A Family Festival to Support Kids with Congenital Heart Defects

 

Family Festival Supports Kids with Congenital Heart Defects

On July 12th, Lion Heart in Laurelhurst celebrates its fifth anniversary of providing roaring summer fun for a good cause.

The Oregon Chapter of the Children’s Heart Foundation hosts this family fundraising event with the goal of funding the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects (CHD). » Read more

6 Rules for Slimming Down... Your Car Use!

 

6 Rules for Slimming Down... Your Car Use!

By Jessica Davis

You’ve read one dieting article, you’ve read them all… or so you thought. The latest trend in Portland dieting is car-dieting. Perhaps you, like many others, for whatever the reason, (gas prices, eco-consciousness, lovely weather) woke up thinking, “TODAY is the day I start.” We consulted with SE Portland’s Sarah Gilbert—who did not drive at all for more than two years and still gets around sans auto with three kids every day—for advice on the new rules of dieting.

Diet Rule #1 » Read more

Green Cleaning Solutions for Home - make 'em yourself

 

Green Cleaning Products for Home

All purpose
Vinegar and water: Fill a spray bottle or mix in a bucket

Drains
Baking Soda, vinegar, boiling water: Pour baking soda down the drain, add vinegar. Let bubble a few minutes, then add boiling water.

Toilet
Baking soda and vinegar: Make a paste

Polishing Silver
Toothpaste

Cleaning Clothes » Read more

Eye Protection

 

by Brad Smith

Every 13 minutes, an emergency room in the United States treats a sports-related eye injury, nearly all of which could be prevented by using the proper protective eyewear. Whether your child is playing for fun or for competition this spring, do all you can to ensure he or she plays—and sees—well. » Read more

Camp is Best Antidote for Nature-Deficit Disorder

 

Richard Louv’s recent book, “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder” has generated a lot of buzz about the need for children to explore and participate in the outdoors. By linking some of the most serious childhood trends, among them obesity, attention-deficit disorder, and depression to the absence of exposure to nature, Louv has sounded the alarm to parents of today’s wired generation. » Read more

Household Tips for Green Living: It’s Easy

 

By Stephanie Antoinette Horace

Whether you want to reduce your child’s exposure to pesticides and other toxins or care for your child with the best choices in natural personal products, don’t be daunted by the task. A little time at your local bookstore or city library is a great place to start creating a beautiful and healthy home environment. It’s as easy as one, two, three, four… » Read more

Dealing with Colic

 

The bad news is there isn’t much you can do for a colic baby. The good news is they will grow out of it. They will. It just takes time. The key is calming yourself (or your partner). Pediatricians from the Portland Clinic (and the parents at NW Kids?) recommend reading or viewing the DVD, The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. His strategies include swaddling the baby and emulating the womb environment as closely as you can. The tricks really do work for many babies. » Read more

New mamas: Exercise and the New You!

 

Now that you’ve had your baby, getting back into fighting shape may seem a bit overwhelming. The right frame of mind is key to easing back into an exercise program—here are a few ideas to help get you going:

1 First things first, get yourself some new, flattering workout clothes. They don’t need to be fancy or expensive, just cute and comfy, so you’ll actually want to wear them! » Read more

Valentine’s Day Workout

 

Those who exercise together stay together!

Exercise not only strengthens your muscles, it helps release a plethora of feel-good endorphins. Why not fuel your Valentine’s Date Night with them? Fall in love with your partner all over again (or at least kick his bum).
Partner Squat (Strength and Endurance) Face your partner with your feet shoulder width apart. Sit back into a squat,* hold for 10-30 seconds. Grab your partner’s hands in front of you and jump. Repeat 3 times, do 10 reps. » Read more

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