As the summer break comes to an end, it’s time to gear up for another exciting academic year. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, proper preparation is the key to a successful start. In this comprehensive back-to-school guide, we’ll explore essential tips and must-have supplies to ensure a smooth transition. From organization strategies to study hacks, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to optimize your back-to-school experience and set yourself up for a year of achievement. Plan Ahead for a Smooth Transition The key to a successful back-to-school experience lies in effective planning. Start by reviewing important dates, such as orientation, registration, and the first day of classes. Set up a calendar or digital planner to stay on top of deadlines and commitments. Create a routine that balances academics, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Establishing clear goals and objectives will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the year. Optimize Your Study Environment Creating an optimal study environment is essential for concentration and productivity. Choose a quiet and well-lit space with minimal distractions. Keep your workspace organized with storage solutions and desk accessories. Consider ergonomic furniture for maximum comfort during long study sessions. Invest in noise-canceling headphones or a white noise machine to block out disturbances. Customizing your study area to your preferences will enhance your ability to retain information and boost your efficiency. Essential School Supplies for Every Student Equipping yourself with the right tools is crucial for academic success. Start by making a comprehensive list of essentials, including notebooks, pens, highlighters, and folders. Invest in a quality backpack that offers ample storage and back support. Don’t forget to stock up on sticky notes, index cards, and a reliable planner to stay organized. Additionally, consider digital tools such as tablets or e-readers for accessing textbooks and taking notes electronically. Being well-prepared with the necessary supplies will help you stay on top of assignments and classwork. Healthy Habits for Academic Excellence Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for academic success. Prioritize regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet. Exercise boosts cognitive function and improves focus, while proper sleep enhances memory and learning abilities. Pack nutritious snacks and lunches to fuel your brain throughout the day. Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle. Incorporating these healthy habits into your daily routine will enhance your overall well-being and contribute to academic excellence. As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s important to embrace the opportunity for growth and learning. By following the tips outlined in this ultimate back-to-school guide, you can optimize your academic experience and set yourself up for success. Remember to plan ahead, create an optimal study environment, gather essential supplies, and prioritize healthy habits. With careful preparation and a positive mindset, you’ll be ready to tackle the new school year with confidence and achieve your academic goals. 

 Exploring the Benefits of Homemade Baby Foods As a parent, you want to give your little one the best start in life, and nutrition plays a vital role in their early development. One way to provide optimal nutrition while ensuring complete control over ingredients is by making your own baby foods. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of crafting homemade baby foods and why it’s worth the effort. 1. Nutritional Superiority Preparing baby foods at home allows you to choose the freshest, organic, and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring maximum nutritional value. You have the power to select a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins that cater to your baby’s specific needs, taste preferences, and dietary requirements. 2. No Unwanted Additives Commercially prepared baby foods often contain additives, preservatives, and sweeteners that may not align with your desired nutritional standards. By making your own baby foods, you have complete control over what goes into your baby’s meals, ensuring a pure, additive-free experience. 3. Customized Flavor Profiles Babies are developing their taste preferences during their first experiences with solid foods. Homemade baby foods expose them to a wider range of flavors, textures, and aromas, encouraging a diverse palate and expanding their willingness to try new foods as they grow older. You can experiment with various combinations and gradually introduce new ingredients, fostering a love for wholesome and natural foods. 4. Cost-Effective Preparing baby foods at home can be cost-effective compared to purchasing commercial baby food jars or pouches. Buying fresh ingredients in bulk and utilizing seasonal produce can help you save money in the long run. Additionally, you can prepare larger batches and freeze individual portions, ensuring a convenient and economical approach. 5. Allergen Management If your baby has specific food allergies or sensitivities, making your own baby foods allows you to carefully select ingredients and control exposure to potential allergens. This can be particularly beneficial during the early stages of introducing solids, allowing you to monitor your baby’s reactions and tailor their meals accordingly.   Making your own baby foods is a rewarding and empowering experience that promotes optimal nutrition, taste exploration, and cost-effectiveness. By taking control of your baby’s meals, you provide them with a solid foundation for healthy eating habits and long-term well-being. Embrace the joy of crafting homemade baby foods and witness the positive impact it has on your little one’s health and development. Remember to consult with your pediatrician for guidance on introducing new foods and to ensure your baby’s nutritional needs are met at each stage of their growth journey. Happy cooking and happy feeding! Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your baby’s specific dietary needs and any concerns related to allergies or other health conditions.

“Bedtime Bliss: Nurse Practitioner’s Expert Routine! Sleep Hygiene for Teens Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and practices that promote healthy sleep. For teenagers, getting enough sleep is crucial for their physical and mental wellbeing. Here are some tips for improving sleep hygiene: Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Incorporate activities such as reading, taking a warm bath or shower, or listening to calming music to wind down before bed. Avoid electronics before bed: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt sleep. Try to avoid using electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime. Make sure your sleep environment is comfortable: Your bedroom should be cool, quiet, and dark. Use comfortable bedding and pillows to create a cozy sleep environment. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime: Consuming caffeine or heavy meals close to bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality, but make sure to finish your workout at least a few hours before bedtime. Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep. Try practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. By implementing these tips, teenagers can improve their sleep hygiene and get the restful sleep they need to thrive. Listen to my YouTube channel for more tips on Bedtime Routines at: https://youtu.be/12I8wfFmtKo

10 Things to Do When Your Kid Gets Sick What should I do when my kids get sick? It’s one of the most-asked questions I receive. I know you love your little one so much, and it’s the worst feeling to see him or her suffering at the hands of any kind of sickness. But you’re not helpless! The next time your child begins to fall under the weather, I want you to feel empowered. By the end of this article, I hope you know the actions you can take, the things you can give, and the practices you can rely on to boost your child’s immune system. Thus, helping your child recover as quickly and fully as possible! But first, a note on childhood and sickness in general… Getting sick is natural and even good! Fighting off bugs is a way to build a robust immune system. This is an especially important part of childhood.  Let’s not overreact and over-medicate every little sniffle. Instead, let’s approach sicknesses with the seriousness they deserve, but in full knowledge that our bodies (and our children’s) are made to heal and recover when given the proper support they need.  A final note on childhood immunity and sickness. The best medicine is prevention! For daily year-round support, I’m a big fan of Garden of Life multivitamin, Klaire Labs powder or chewable probiotic, Orthomolecular vitamin D or Seeking Health drops, and Nordic Naturals Omega for kids. Most of these can be purchased via my Fullscript dispensary. With that, here are ten things I do when my little ones come down with an illness: 1. Healthy Foods + Hydration This is pretty much an “all the time” thing for my kids, but never more important than when they’re sick. We cut out sugar, gluten and dairy. If my child isn’t hungry, I don’t force her to eat. The body puts its energy into fighting off sickness versus digestion, so it’s perfectly normal for the appetite to go away during sickness.  When my child is sick and still feels hungry, I lean heavily into foods such as: bone broth  cooked vegetables, rice congee and easy-to-digest soups. If my child has a tummy bug, we do bland foods like bananas and applesauce. If my child has a fever, we do cooling foods like low-glycemic whole fruits (blueberries, raspberries, citrus fruits, etc.).  Garlic and onion have particularly healing properties, so I find any way possible for my child to consume these when he’s feeling sick. Typically, in a soup is the easiest way! I also find that they tend to crave organic, cold pressed juice or smoothies when sick. Hydration is so important, especially if your child is throwing up. The key is to start small and build up from there. First, get him to tolerate ice chips. Then, tiny sips of liquid. And so forth. If you have a baby, you can always try little syringes instead of ice chips. Good liquid options are LMNT, Quinton, unsweetened coconut water, water with a squeeze of lemon, teas such as ginger or peppermint and of course simple filtered water. LMNT, Quinton and coconut water in particular will help replenish electrolytes.    2. Rest + Sleep  I cannot overstate the importance of rest and sleep when a child is sick. This is the time for extended naps and early bedtimes. Don’t stress about the perfect schedule when your child is sick. Give them all the cuddles and rest their bodies need. And a note on rest – while some shows or movies are okay, beware of letting your child “veg out” in front of a screen all day while he’s sick. Screens (and shows/movies targeted at children, in particular) can be extremely stimulating. So while it might appear as though your child is resting, screens can often have an opposite effect. But I get it, you gotta do what you gotta do to get by sometimes when you have a sick kid.    3. Steamy Showers + Healing Detox Baths I’m a big proponent of steamy showers (with Essentially salvee breathe steemer or essential oil splashed on the shower wall) if a child is congested. The oil and steam will combine to help drain congestion. These steamy showers can be done multiple times a day! Detox and healing baths including my favorite Sea Salt + Iodine bath or Epsom Salt Soak bath (1 cup magnesium flakes + 1/4 cup baking soda + (optional) a couple drops of lavender essential oil) are relaxing remedies that most children respond to very well! I find that when my kids are sick, they really enjoy the bath as it can be soothing and relaxing, and it’s a great activity to incorporate to allow time to pass. If my kids have a fever, I do more of a luke warm bath.  I find that sometimes just adding salt to the bath, allows their mucus to drain. It acts almost like a magnet, pulling out the mucus and snot. There have been days where I have done this 2-3 times per day, depending on the symptoms, but it does allow for them to drain their sinuses and rest more comfortably at night/breathe better! 4. Bust the Congestion In addition to steamy showers or baths, saline and suction as necessary are important for clearing congestion and lowering chances of ear infections. Ear infections are so much more likely to occur when mucus becomes stagnant and backed up.  Any time my child shows a hint of ear discomfort, I use Garlic Mullein Oil drops. I personally do 1-2 drops 2-3x/day. If your child has a perforated ear drum or if they have tubes, this is not appropriate.   Personally, I use Seagate nasal spray for congestion, dry sinuses, and irritated nasal tissue.  5. Sunshine and Outdoor Air When Possible If your child is feeling well enough to go outside, and if the weather is agreeable, then you should know that fresh air and sunshine are incredibly healing when fighting

9 Month Milestones: What You Need To Know At the 9 month milestone, babies have reached a significant point in their development. Physically, they are likely sitting up on their own, crawling, and possibly even starting to pull themselves up to a standing position. They may also be starting to explore different textures with their hands and mouths. Cognitively, babies at this stage are becoming more aware of their surroundings and may start to show interest in objects and people beyond their immediate caregivers. They may also be starting to understand cause and effect, such as dropping a toy and watching it fall to the ground. Socially, babies may be starting to show preferences for certain people or objects, and may even begin to experience separation anxiety when away from their primary caregiver. They may also be starting to babble and make simple sounds in an effort to communicate. Overall, the 9 month milestone marks an exciting time in a baby’s development as they continue to grow and learn about the world around them Look for these traits in your 9 month old  Reach for objects and try to grab them. Try to mimic your actions and facial expressions. Make babbling and cooing noises. Play peek-a-boo. Play with toys like rattles, balls, and stacking cups. Sit up with support. Move around, either by scooting, rolling, or crawling. Laugh and squeal with delight. Put objects into their mouths. Try to stand up while holding onto something. Here are some things you can try with your 9 month old baby Encourage crawling by creating a safe space for them to explore Play games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake to help with their cognitive development Introduce them to different textures and materials through sensory play Read books together to foster language development and bonding Offer age-appropriate toys that encourage fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination Remember to always supervise your baby during playtime and have fun!

Protecting Your Skin with Sunscreen: Why It Matters As we head into the warmer months, it’s important to remember to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreen is a crucial tool in preventing skin damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of sunscreen and how to use it effectively. Why Sunscreen Matters Sunscreen is essential in protecting our skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. UV radiation can also cause premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, and can worsen existing skin conditions such as acne or rosacea. Sunscreen helps to absorb or reflect UV radiation, reducing the amount that penetrates the skin. How to Use Sunscreen Effectively To use sunscreen effectively, you should follow these guidelines: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen: A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen generously: Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin areas, including your face, neck, ears, and hands. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet, the back of your neck, and other often-overlooked areas. Reapply sunscreen regularly: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Use sunscreen every day: Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV radiation can penetrate the skin and cause damage. Therefore, it’s essential to wear sunscreen every day. Other Tips for Sun Protection In addition to wearing sunscreen, here are some other tips for protecting your skin from the sun: Seek shade: If possible, avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats to cover exposed skin. Use sunglasses: UV radiation can also harm your eyes, so it’s essential to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is essential for maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen is a crucial tool in protecting your skin, but it’s also important to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunglasses. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the sun safely and reduce your risk of skin damage and cancer.