Kale Chips

photo by: camiori

Ingredients

· Small Kale bunch
· Grapeseed oil 

(or Olive oil as substitute)
· Sea salt

 

[recipe cont. below] 

Strawberry Preserves with Black Pepper & Balsamic Vinegar

The medical field today is over-flowing with specialists.  And while we may turn to specialists for serious healthcare issues, it's the old-fashioned practice of "family medicine" that helps you and yours deal with the routine ailments of day-to-day living.  At Los Gatos Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we welcome your entire family, from babies to grandparents! 

In addition to our more specialized services, we also treat:

"Family Medicine"

·      Diarrhea

·      Nausea

·      Earaches

·      Sore Throat and Cough

·      Skin Rashes

·      Allergies

·      Sleeping Disorders

·      Achy and Painful Muscles

However, before you run to the doctor, consider some of the excellent home remedies available for treating you and your family.  

• Diarrhea can be helped by carob powder and applesauce -- two ingredients readily available at most grocery stores.
• Nausea can be soothed by ginger tea made from ginger root and can be diluted to taste with peppermint tea.  Sometimes peppermint tea can actually be aggrevating during pregnancy so try diluting with another tea such as chamomile.
• Earaches can be soothed with just hydrogen peroxide and an eyedropper.  [Note: do not put any liquid in the ear if there is a possible ruptured ear drum.] If the ear drum is in tact, try a dropper-full into the ear and let it bubble for about 2 minutes.  Then tip the ear and let it drain onto a paper towel.  Also good to note is that tea tree oil adds antifungal and antiviral properties.
• A Sore Throat and Cough is eased by mixing ¼ cup of lemon juice, 2 Tbsp. honey and as much cayenne powder as can be tolerated.  The lemon acts as an astringent, the honey coats the throat and cayenne is great for its antibacterial properties.
• Skin Rashes can be soothed by smoothing on extra virgin olive oil, which is both antibacterial and antifungal.  Add a drop of tea tree oil for anti-viral properties.
• Allergies can be reduced by using good allergen hygiene. Wear a brimmed hat and make sure to remove your clothing after taking a walk to decrease exposure to pollens.
• Sleeping Disorders can be helped by having a set bedtime and creating a routine that prepares the body for sleep.  Examples include taking a bath, reading a book, brushing teeth, etc.
• Achy and Painful Muscles can prevent a good night's sleep making anyone cranky! Use Epson Salt to soothe your body after a hard work-out or stressful day.  The magnesium in the salt will help you relax and sleep better.

 

10 Tips to Preventing Vacation Health Emergencies

Summer Vacation

We spend all year planning

and looking forward to our summer vacations.  Don't let your dream trip be ruined by a health emergency.  Here are a few tips that should keep your family happy, healthy and enjoying the fun and sun!

·  Sunburn can ruin a vacation!  Arm yourself with a high SPF waterproof sunscreen. Lather it on liberally well before hitting the pool or beach on sunny AND cloudy days!  And don't forget the extra-sensitive parts like the ears, top of the feet and scalp!

·  Dehydration is a serious health concern.  Make sure to have water with you wherever you go and encourage the family to drink it, even if they're not thirsty. When kids are busy and having fun they'll often forget.  And remember, you CAN get dehydrated while swimming so take water breaks.

·  Make sure to bring an adequate supply of your prescription medications and don't ever check them in your bags. You may also want to bring copies of the prescriptions in case you lose them.  On vacation without a normal routine, it could be easy to miss a medication dose, try loading the prescriptions into pillboxes labeled with the days of the week.  Then you'll never wonder... did I or didn't I, take my meds?

·  Do you wear glasses or contact lenses?  It's always a good idea to have a copy of your prescription with you in case your glasses get lost or broken.

·  If you'll be traveling by car make sure to check your tires before you go.  Cars don't experience engine issues often these days but a flat or blown tire can be frightening and dangerous.

·  Motion sickness is no fun and can be brought on by bumpy, curvy roads or even just being confined to the back seat where it's hard to see out the front window.  There are non-drowsy forms of medications available or try the bands that you wear on your wrist which are also very effective.

·  Bring along a small first aid kit for all your routine "owies".  Make sure to include an antibacterial ointment, bandages and a tummy soother.

·  Traveling out of the country?  Make sure to check the immunization recommendations for the country you're visiting.  For Mom and Dad that might include Tetanus.

·  Bring along your insurance card... just in case.  And if you're traveling outside the U.S., you should call your insurer in advance to clarify any procedures that might need to be followed while obtaining medical care.

·  Bringing along a friend for your child? Or maybe your child is traveling with another family.  Make sure the supervising parents have a signed "Consent to Treat" document that includes drug allergies and other pertinent medical conditions.