Category Archives: Health

November 9, 2017 · 12:14 am

Help For Your Aching Back-#HolidayGiftGuide

If you suffer from back pain or just love a good deep tissue massage, keep reading. The Gideon Shiatsu Massager is a full size massaging cushion that is easy to customize. Use with heat or without, get a Shiatsu deep tissue massage of your full back or just your upper or lower back. The seat cushion vibrates in 3 speeds.

The cushion can be used on your office chair, recliner, couch or even your vehicle seat. Use at home, in the office or on the go thanks to the AC power adapter and vehicle power adapter.

Have a problem area that you need to target? No problem, just choose spot massage on the remote and pinpoint where you want a deep penetrating massage. You can increase the intensity by how hard you press your back against the cushion. The attached remote lets you easily control all the available options including a timer.

I have been using this when I am working, and it feels great! When you press against it, you get a really deep, intense massage. The cushion is made well, no loose seams or shoddy workmanship. It looks great on my office chair, and I can use it on the couch too! Very portable, it can go wherever I do. Cannot wait to use it on long road trips.

Makes a great gift, we have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ 2017 Holiday Gift Guide. Let me know what you think? Could you use something like this?

I received this massager at no cost in order to facilitate my review. As always, my words and views are 100% my own.


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October 28, 2017 · 12:55 am

“We’re Amazing 1,2,3!” is Sesame Street’s Newest Big Golden Book! #Giveaway

You might remember several months ago, I posted about Sesame Street’s newest character Julia, a sweet, curious four-year-old girl with autism. Now I want to introduce you to Sesame Street’s newest Big Golden Book, We’re Amazing 1, 2, 3! by Leslie Kimmelman. Just like, The Monster at the End of this Book, We’re Amazing 1,2,3! is destined to become a Sesame Street Classic.

This book contains subject matter that is both relevant and important. It does a great job introducing children to autism in an age-appropriate way that will help them understand why some children may act differently. It teaches kids the valuable lesson that our difference are what make us special. 

The book’s autism storyline was carefully research by Sesame Workshop’s early childhood experts as part of Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children. 

Author Leslie Kimmelman has personal experience as the mother of a child with autism and it helped her create the character of Julia. This book is perfect to use in the classroom and at home. We really enjoyed it and it opens up a springboard for conversation. Books that provide natural conversation about important issues such as autism are such valuable teaching tools.

Giveaway:

Penguin Random House is sponsoring this giveaway. One lucky Mommy Ramblings’ reader will win their own copy of We’re Amazing 1,2,3! Thank you  Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

We’re Amazing 1,2,3! Book Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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October 17, 2017 · 2:00 pm

Top 5 Oils to Keep Your Mind Active

Brain fog can be a real pain. Whether it’s from chronic pain, not getting enough sleep, or mental illness issues, you will often find that it can be difficult to try to keep your head on straight throughout the entire day. Dealing with these issues, you want to be sure that you’re doing everything possible so that your mind can stay active and on top of things.

“Essential oils are suggested to have healing properties for all kinds of illnesses”, says Quick Doctor.  Many people have turned to essential oils to make sure that they can stay on top of any and all of the issues that may come along when dealing with brain fog of all sorts. There are a lot of essential oils out there, though. Which ones are going to do the best job of getting this taken care of? Are there ways to make sure that you can find solutions that work out best for you? Let’s take a look at some of the most important options out there.

  1. Lavender Oil. We have all heard that using lavender of whatever sort can go a long way in terms of getting what we need for relaxation. Without a relaxed mind, we will likely find it difficult to take care of the issues that may happen with our brains in the meantime. So, consider adding lavender to the air in order to make sure that you can relax and concentrate, no matter what may come your way.
  2. Frankincense. Your mood plays a significant role in whether or not you’re going to be able to concentrate or take care of different tasks. This ancient oil is actually known for being a very effective mood stabilizer that can take care of a variety of issues related to anxiety, depression, or bursts of anger. This can be quite helpful in regards to getting everything done n a day.
  3. Mandarin Oil. This oil, from the mandarin orange, actually quiets the mind to help concentration. If you’re someone that is used to having racing thoughts that make it hard to think about certain tasks, or you’re a multitasker that needs to take care of all of these things in order to be able to function properly, then you can definitely benefit from using this.
  4. Rosemary Oil. If you have been looking for something that improves memory, this is it. You will have a much sharper memory when you infuse this during studying or when you’re trying to learn material in a specific situation. Memory is a big part of what we do, so having this on our side can go a very long way.
  5. CBD Oil. Hemp oil is getting more and more popular because it helps us to concentrate, can help our moods to be better in general, and make it so that we can actually work out what it is that we need to do on a regular basis. If you have any issues related to concentration or anxiety, using CBD oil in a diffuser or on your temples and neck can actually help you out immensely.

This is a sponsored guest post that does not necessarily reflect the ideals of Mommy Ramblings.


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October 9, 2017 · 4:09 pm

How to Handle Toxic Family Members

 

The holiday season is fast approaching, and that can only mean one thing: Another dinner where you have to endure Aunt Sue. Try as you might, you can’t seem to find good in this person who shares your bloodline. It’s a sad reality, but family members can be toxic too.

What is a toxic person?

When we talk about toxic people, it goes deeper than your personal feelings. A toxic person is someone who consistently hurts other people with their words or actions. They may even be very charming, but you know you’re going to be sorry if you let yourself get too close. Toxic people are selfish, and they aren’t above lying to get their way.

How to handle toxic people

Fortunately, in most cases, you know when you’re going to see that toxic family member. This gives you some time to prepare. Follow the tips below to help protect yourself from other people’s toxicity.

  1. Give yourself a pep talk – When you know you’re going to see this person, remind yourself not to get sucked into the drama. This person cannot hurt you if you don’t engage.
  2. Consider that they cannot help themselves – Oftentimes, individuals who are considered toxic may have reasons for their behavior. They may suffer from a substance abuse disorder (1 in 8 Americans are reported alcoholics), or they may have a personality disorder, such as narcissism. You can forgive them for how they have hurt you in the past, but this doesn’t mean you should let them hurt you again.
  3. Keep contact to a minimum – Avoid talking to this person as much as possible. Try taking the seat furthest away and think of reasons to excuse yourself when this person approaches you. If this person calls or texts you, don’t respond. You don’t need to explain yourself to a toxic person. It’s better to keep your own sanity than to appear polite. This person will eventually take your hint.
  4. Avoid sharing personal information – The biggest problem with toxic people is that they can seem endearing. If you get stuck talking to this person, keep reminding yourself to share as little as possible. Any personal information you share may be used against you at a later time.
  5. Don’t let anyone make you feel small – Toxic people are very good at making you feel like you have to defend yourself. They may spread lies or half-truths about you to others, and you’re left feeling like you have to make up for something. Don’t fall into the trap. Whatever it is, let it go. If someone changes their opinion of you based on hearsay, that’s their problem.

When you know how to handle toxic family members, there’s no need to stress about the encounter. You’re above all of their nonsense, and you’re going to show that by removing yourself from the drama. The more you engage, the deeper you fall into their trap. It may seem gratifying to expose a toxic person, but you’ll likely be sorry you even spent the effort. Walk away with your head held high. After all, you’re not the one who is toxic.

This is a sponsored guest post and does not necessarily reflect the views or ideals of Mommy Ramblings.


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September 22, 2017 · 4:10 am

SingleCare is the Smart, New Way to Save on Health Care

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of SingleCare. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

Nearly everyone is aware that health care is not cheap. I think it is safe to say, most people would love to save on health services for themselves and their family. You are probably nodding your head in agreement as you are reading this. If I am right, you will want to keep reading, because I am going to share something that can help you do just that. SingleCare helps you save on health services without having to jump through any hoops. SingleCare is not insurance, but it helps fill in gaps and helps you save on health services not covered by your insurance.

With SingleCare you can see pricing for prescriptions, dental procedures, vision procedures and video doctor visits. Yes, video doctor visits. Have you ever had one? I have, they are awesome! Imagine not having any billing surprises and being able to access affordable treatment. Well, you don’t have to just imagine it, you can live it with SingleCare.

So, let’s cover the basics. SingleCare’s pharmacy savings card is accepted nationwide at over 35,000 pharmacies including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, Harris, Teeter, Duane Reade, Longs Drugs and Fry’s. You can easily look up the price of a prescription and find out if your pharmacy accepts SingleCare by going to the SingleCare website or using the SingleCare App. On average you can save 50% on your prescription drugs.

Since SingleCare is not medical insurance there are no issues with exclusion due to pre-existing conditions. As long as you use a SingleCare provider, you can take advantage of SingleCare’s discounted rates.

While you cannot use SingleCare if you are paying for your visit through your insurance, it helps you to pay for dental, vision and many medical services not covered by insurance. Dental procedures are expensive, and so many do not have dental insurance. SingleCare offers savings on crowns, implants and a range of outpatient dental services.

Welcome to the future, see a doctor without leaving your home. Consulting an online doctor instead of going into your local pharmacy can save you both time and money. Video doctor visits are used for colds, flu, fever, rash, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, meal planning, special diets, diabetes and more. The cost for a video doctor visit depends on the type of doctor you see. An Urgent Care video visit for a SingleCare member costs $44, while a counseling session of 45 minutes costs $79 with an MSW and $99 with a PhD/PsyD. Video visits for diet and nutrition cost $25 a session.

A SingleCare membership is free, there are no fees or premiums to pay. The only thing you pay for are the services your received during provider visits. The charges are billed to the payment method you chose when you opened your free membership. A SingleCare fee is already included as part of the costs you see displayed on their website. This means, no unpleasant hidden or unexpected charges when you receive your bill from your visit.

You can learn more on the  SingleCare website and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. SingleCare takes the confusion out of health care. Isn’t it time you discovered the smart new way to save on health care?


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July 24, 2017 · 2:02 am

Caregiver Basket Tutorial

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ConquerInco #CollectiveBias

Being a caregiver for a loved one is not easy, especially when it is a family member we are close to. After my mother passed away suddenly, I became a caregiver for my father. My father passed away 364 days after my mother. In those days there were many emotions that surrounded me, my own grief, my father’s grief and my children’s grief. Even though, it was a sad time, we still were able to do things together like go out to dinner, visit with friends and family, travel during the holidays and more. Those special times created many precious memories we treasure today.

My father never lost his love of cooking for his family, and he liked to get out and shop for the things he needed with me. One of his favorite stores was Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club made it easy for us to get everything we needed including all the caregiving needs for my dad.

Today, I have several close friends and relatives who are acting as caregivers for aging or sick parents.  I know they too, appreciate being able to have a one stop store like Sam’s Club where they can get all their essentials along with the caregiving supplies they need. Sam’s Club Members Mark Total Protection products like their adjustable briefs for men and women are the perfect choice to help your loved ones carry on doing the things they love, without losing their self-confidence. Total Protection briefs help them #conquerinco with quality and performance that is just as good if not better than the more expensive brands.

Loaded with features like adjustable side panels for a secure fit, these briefs quickly wick moisture into a super absorbent core for superior dryness. The odor guard technology gives wearers confidence to get out and do the things they want without fear. This is a great thing, because everyone should enjoy, every moment, doing the things they love for as long as possible. This means more fun times making cherished memories together.

Members Mark Total Protection products are located near the pharmacy department of  your local Sam’s Club. The large packs are affordably priced, giving you the great value and superior quality that Sam’s Club members like myself depend on.

Thinking about my friend, I decided that making a caregiver basket would be a really good thing. Many times as caregivers, we focus so much on the needs of others, we can forget to take care of ourselves. I wanted to make sure my basket would include things to help caregivers replenish their energy and hydrate their bodies so they can be the best they can be for their loved ones.

 

Below you can see a video tutorial for creating a caregiver basket. If you know someone who is caring for a loved one, why not make them up a similar basket to let them know you care about them.

 

I packed everything in a medium size plastic bin but you can use any kind of container that will fit the contents. Don’t stress too much over making it perfect, because the thought will mean the most to them.

What do you think about this basket? Do you think it is something a caregiver would appreciate?  Have you ever been a caregiver to someone. Let me know in the comments.


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July 13, 2017 · 8:56 pm

How to Talk to Your Kids About the Importance of Mental Health

This is a sponsored guest post, that may or may not express the views of Mommy Ramblings.

Years ago, mental health was more of a taboo subject, and people were more likely to hide their struggles.

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way as a society. Most people now understand that mental illness isn’t much different from physical illness. The brain is a muscle that we must nurture and exercise in order to avoid issues. Now for explaining this all to your kids…

Why it’s important to discuss mental health

According to data from the CDC, suicide rates are on a steady incline for the first time in over three decades, and one of the most concerning demographic group is girls between the ages of 10 and 14.

To be honest, no one is really sure why suicide rates have increased so drastically in this group, but one theory has to do with puberty.

If you have a teenager, you are intimately familiar with the way hormones can impact your child’s mood. And there’s a ton of research that links puberty with depression in both boys and girls.

To say the least, it’s a precarious time for the child and parent.

Opening the discussion of mental health can let your child know that it’s ok to feel down sometimes, but it’s also important to talk about your feelings.

 More consequences of mental health issues

Suicide is a terrifying consequence of mental health issues, but it’s not the only one. Teens who struggle with anxiety and depression are more likely to experiment with drugs in an attempt to self-medicate. Not only is this a problem for teens, but it can lead to bigger issues in adulthood. No less than 90 percent of all adult addicts in the U.S. started smoking, drinking, and/or using drugs under the age of 18.

Tips for talking to your kids about mental health

  1. Start with the basics – Talk to your kids about mental health as it relates to overall health. Let them know that it’s as important to be mentally healthy as it is to be physically healthy, and there’s no shame in having mental health struggles.
  2. Have compassion for others and for yourself – If someone is or seems to be struggling with mental health, try not to take it personally or react in anger. Their actions are not this person’s fault any more than they are your fault. Have compassion. Treat this person with kindness to the best of your ability. The same applies to yourself. If you find that you’re struggling with mental health issues, show yourself some compassion. Try not to be hard on yourself.
  3. Talk about your feelings – If you notice you’re having a lot of negative feelings that you cannot control, don’t be afraid to get help. Let your kids know that they can talk to you about anything. If they don’t feel comfortable talking with you, let them know that you can make a counselor available to them. The important part is to talk to someone.

The topic of mental health should never be taboo – and your children should always know this. They should always feel comfortable talking to you about how they are feeling. And this is more likely to happen when you open the dialog. For more tips, check out this Parents Guide: How To Help Your Team Cope With Mental Health Issues. Let me know what you think, and if you have any tips to share, leave them in the comments.


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June 8, 2017 · 9:10 pm

How I Keep My Little Athletes Hydrated #Switch2BODYARMOR #BringIt

This post is sponsored by BODYARMOR. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

As a parent of active kids, I know how important it is for them to stay hydrated. My kids play sports year round,so I don’t want them guzzling down sugary sports drinks. I want something healthier for them and I found that with BODYARMOR. BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink that is packed with potassium, electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins. BODYARMOR has everything I want to replenish their bodies and none of the artificial flavors and sweeteners I don’t want.

Right now, they are playing baseball and they love it. They practice all the time at home between their team practices and games. I like to keep my refrigerator stocked with BODYARMOR because they come in sweaty, hot and thirsty. I also pack a cooler full of it when we go to practices and games. It comes in great flavors that my kids like. My one son’s favorite flavor is lemonade. I like drinking BODYARMOR too, it is perfect after my workouts, walks or gardening. It provides us all with superior hydration and great taste.

We live on a lake and with summer coming, swimming is what we do all day, every day! When we go down to our dock,, my kids don’t want to go back up to the house for anything, so I have to pack snacks and drinks to keep us going all day. That is where BODYARMOR comes into play, swimming in the sun, we need to stay hydrated. A cooler full of BODYARMOR is our best friend. Beyond that some wholesome granola bars are a great pairing and keep the kids full of energy until dinner.

BODYARMOR launched two new products this year, BODYARMOR LYTE and BODYARMOR Water. BODYARMOR LYTE is naturally sweetened and has only 20 calories per serving. BODYARMOR Water is a sports water designed by athletes for athletes.

Do you have little athletes like mine? If so, check out how your child could become the next BODYARMOR Athlete.  Here in New York, you can find BODYARMOR at Stop & Shop, Shop Rite, BJ’s, Wegmans and Price Chopper. You can follow BODYARMOR on Facebook and Twitter  to stay in the loop with them. You can get a coupon to save on your next purchase of BODYARMOR by clicking HERE.

 

 


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April 20, 2017 · 1:56 pm

Meet Julia, “Sesame Street’s” First Character With Autism

Meet Julia, she has dazzling, red hair and loves her stuffed toy rabbit. Julia is the newest character on Sesame Street ,and while she has been part of the Sesame Street family in their books, she has just been added to the show.

Adding Julia to the cast is being hailed as a great decision that will spur conversation about autism. It is also helping kids understand and interact with peers with autism. Beyond that, it is inspiring for kids with autism to see a character represent the way they may act or feel.

 
I think Sesame Street has been around so long, almost 50 years, because they adapt and include real issues, situations and difficult subjects into their show. Keeping things real is what they have always done.

On Julia’s first episode, they will show what autism can look like. Big Bird thought Julia did not like him because she ignored him. In helping Big Bird understand that it was not that Julia did not like him, but that she has autism, and it sometimes takes her a bit longer to do things.

I think it will be good for kids to see how they may misinterpret actions of their peers with autism and teach them tolerance and acceptance. What do you think?


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April 5, 2017 · 11:51 pm

Diffusing Essential Oils with the Sparoma Baby Penguin #Giveaway

I diffuse essential oils in my home all the time. My current favorite essential oil to diffuse is Vetiver oil, because it helps so much with ADD and improves our focus. It smells nice too! When I am shopping for a diffuser, I always look for one with a large capacity. I do not want to be bothered refilling it after an hour.

Style is important too! I like sleek diffusers that don’t take up a large footprint. I found what I was looking for in the Sparoma Baby Penguin Essential Oil Diffuser. It has a 300ml capacity that will last for 7 hours. Perfect for using overnight. The easy touch control lets you choose the light and mist selection with a light top of your finger.

The soft white light has 3 levels to choose from including one that cycles between bright and dim creating the feel of a candle. You can set the mist to run continuously or for an hour and then shut off.  The unit will also operate without any light if you prefer. The diffuser has a one year warranty and you can purchase it on Amazon.

Check out my video below to see more details and how it works.

This is such a cute diffuser that looks like a sweet penguin. Perfect for use in the nursery or any room of your home. Would you like a chance to win one of these Sparoma diffusers? If so, enter below.

Giveaway:

Anypro Global is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Sparoma Baby Penguin Essential Oil Diffuser! Thank you to Anypro Global for the review diffuser and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Sparoma Baby Penguin Essential Oil Diffuser Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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