Health

Back in March, we couldn’t really prepare for remote learning, since nobody knew what to expect and what to prepare for. This time around it is different. I know exactly how to get ready and what to stock up on. Here’s my Back to Virtual-School List:

With the statewide mask mandate currently in place and – although not required – many parents voluntarily and out of precaution wanting their kids under the age of 10 to wear a mask, the demand for kids face masks is high.

Marianne, a stay-at-home mom of three kids (4, 3 and 15 months) from Cedar Park, sews for fun all the time (costumes, linens, alterations, etc). Here's how she started her face mask business The Grateful Thread. Plus, see our beautiful masks she made for us.

Obviously, this is a difficult time for everybody and many local businesses are getting hit extremely hard. We therefore want to use our little platform and help in any way we can.

We asked local businesses to let us know of any products, services, or activities they're currently offering, that can help Austin families keep their kids busy and make this time as enjoyable as possible for their kids and their whole family. In the coming days, we will be introducing those offers on our blog. Sign up for our newsletter, so you don't miss any of these awesome deals.

Read about Austin Youth Fitness' Home Running and Biking Groups for Pre-K to 8th Grade.

Why is everybody stocking up on toilet paper instead of fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods? Why is nobody talking about boosting the immune system?

The reason why the elderly and people with underlying conditions or those who are immunocompromised are more at risk to be seriously affected by illnesses and diseases, is because they don’t have the ability to respond normally to an infection due to an impaired or weakened immune system.

Here’s what should be on your grocery list (this list is not exhaustive and foods listed may have multiple and additional benefits):

So, last year, we were outside enjoying a sunny October afternoon, when my 9-year old said “Mom, you look very old today.” Wait, what did you just say?? “You have a lot of wrinkles.”

Of course I had wrinkles! The sun was shining, so I was squinting. And it was a long and exhausting day. (Not). And — ok, stop. Enough denial. That day I swore that 2020 was going to be a year of more self care and me-love.

My TLC-year started in January with a weekly HIIT and Yoga routine. In mid January I treated myself to a wonderful massage and two weeks ago I had my first-ever HydraFacial at Face to Face Spa at Davenport Village.

Read about my experience and get a $50 off a HydraFacial or a free chemical peel coupon.

The Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) is a national, community-based non-profit that provides a fun, inclusive five-week running series for ages 2-14, designed for kids to get active, feel accomplished and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. HKRS is coming to Cedar Park again this April and May.

Read on for details and how to register.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the average woman uses 12 products containing 168 unique ingredients every single day. Most contain endocrine disrupters, which can affect hormonal balance and fertility. Some contain ingredients with clear links to cancer.

If you want to switch to body and skin care product that contain organically grown ingredients and are free from pesticides and harsh chemicals, check out this Austin Mama's products and receive 20% off your order.

Calling all Moms of littles!

Enjoy a fabulous day at the A Day for Moms Conference organized by the Mommie Support Network, where you will hang out with other moms, listen to inspirational speakers who understand the challenges of being a mom, and shop at our mom-friendly vendor booths!

Enjoy great music, food, door prizes, and fun activities in a loving, non-judgmental atmosphere.

So, it’s September, which means it’s Childhood Obesity Month.

One contributing factor to childhood obesity are sugary beverages, such as soda, fruit punch, lemonade and other “ades,” sweetened powdered drinks, and sports and energy drinks. The average can of sugar-sweetened soda or fruit punch provides about 150 calories, almost all of them from sugar, usually high-fructose corn syrup. That’s the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of table sugar.

So, while not 100% sugarless, but whit a whole lot less sugar, this refreshing drink consumed in Germany throughout the year by young and could be an alternative to all of the above.

Oh, the tummy troubles of a constipated child. Not fun at all.

While we try to eat healthy, our two little humans do not always agree with our food choices. That being said, it is even harder to add natural prebiotics and probiotics to our diet. Even I cringe at some of them.

Here’s what scientists suggest and what you can do to boost your immune system, enhance digestion, and fight off any bad bugs that come along.

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