With approximately two to three out of every 1,000 children in America born with a detectable degree of hearing loss in either one or both ears, it’s important to know the details of how to prepare your child for a visit to the audiologist if they have hearing problems. Here are some ways to do this and have a safe and fruitful visit.

Do Some Practice Wearing Headphones

One of the things you can do is to have your child practice wearing headphones and earphones or even earbuds. If you want, you can play some music on them, but make sure that it’s not too loud. Since they will need to wear headphones and listen to sounds at some point when they’re at the audiologist’s office, it’s good to make sure that they’re comfortable doing so. Inform them that this is one of the activities that will take place at the audiologist’s so that they don’t have a reason to get scared and feel like everything that will happen is unfamiliar and foreign to them.

Let Them Know What’s in Store

As mentioned, it’s good to give them an idea of what to expect. Don’t just stop at practicing with earphones, however, but take it a step further. Look online to see the different tests that will be conducted, or, if possible, call the audiologist you plan to visit and ask them for a rundown of what to expect during the visit. Share this information with your child in a way that’s easy for them to understand and that won’t leave them feeling apprehensive.

Doing this will take the unfamiliarity out of the process for your child, at least to some extent, and have them go smoothly through the process. With almost 16% of adults in the United States reporting that they have trouble hearing, you could ask around in your circles to find out if there’s anyone with first-hand experience with an audiologist. If possible, invite them over to give your child a first-hand account of the events to expect.

Try to Desensitize Their Ears

If your child’s ears are sensitive and not used to being touched when they visit the audiologist, they’re likely to have a hard time. When you know that you need to take them to the audiologist, therefore, try to gently desensitize their ears as early as possible. Get them used to having their ears touched and it will be easier for everyone when it’s finally time for the examination. Play pretend ear doctor with them and take turns examining each other’s ears, involving anyone else in the family who wants to get involved. This will help take the edge off the experience for your child when it’s finally time for the actual visit.

Stay Calm and Reassure Them

Finally, your child will be looking to you for comfort and reassurance, so put aside any anxiety you may have and be strong for them. Showing courage at this time will help them stay calm throughout the process and the visit will likely be a successful one. To make sure you don’t have issues weighing down on you, prepare for the process yourself well in advance. Make sure that matters like payment and insurance are dealt with and won’t lead to undue stress at the last moment. With Medicaid meant to serve individuals with low incomes, it does have fairly strict eligibility requirements. Ensure that you meet them all if this will be your preferred method to pay and you will have fewer worries on the material day of the exam.

With these tips, you can prepare your child for their visit to the audiologist and have it go through without a hitch.

There are many reasons you may want a new home; your family is growing big, you want to move closer to your work, or you just need a change of scenery. Whatever the reason is, buying a new home can be an exciting process but, at the same time, a very costly one. If you are not financially ready, buying a home can put a huge dent in your savings account. However, with a few money-saving tips, you can still get the home of your dreams without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for you; [Read more…]

Let’s face it: life can be stressful. From work deadlines to family obligations, there’s always something that can get your heart rate up. But did you know that owning a pet can help reduce stress levels? In fact, there are numerous ways in which your furry friends can help you do so. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

1. They Provide Companionship

One of the main ways pets can help reduce stress is by providing companionship. When we’re feeling down, they’re always there to provide us with love and support. And unlike humans, they don’t judge us or try to tell us what to do – they’re just happy to be by our side.

So, if you’re feeling stressed out, consider spending some quality time with your furry friend. They’ll be more than happy to provide you with the companionship you need to relax and de-stress.

2. They Help You Get Some Exercise

Another way pets can help reduce stress is by helping you get some exercise. Walking or playing with our pets gives you a chance to clear your head and get some much-needed fresh air. And the added bonus of getting some exercise is that it releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.

Exercising with your pet can also assist you in reducing weight. According to the National Institute of Health, more than two-thirds of Americans are overweight. Fortunately, exercising may help you achieve a healthy weight and keep your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar in check.

3. They Help You Unwind

After a long day at work, it can be hard to relax and unwind. But spending time with your pet can help you do just that. Whether you’re playing fetch with your dog or cuddling with your cat, spending time with your pet can help you forget about your worries and relax.

And if you’re having trouble sleeping, your pet can help with that too. A study by the Center for Sleep Medicine Studies showed that people who sleep with their pets tend to sleep better than those who don’t. So if you’re struggling to get a good night’s rest, snuggling up with your furry friend might be just what you need.

However, if you suffer from pet allergies, it’s important to consult with your doctor before bringing a pet into your bed.

4. They Can Help You Meet People

If you’re shy or introverted, it can be hard to meet new people. But owning a pet can help with that. Pets are great icebreakers and can help you strike up conversations with others.

So, if you’re looking to meet new people and make some friends, consider taking your pet for a walk around the block or to the dog park. You never know who you might meet. And if you’re single and looking to date, owning a pet can actually help you in that department as well.

Volunteering at a local animal shelter or pet store can also help you meet like-minded people who love animals as much as you do. And given that there are almost 6-8 million homeless animals entering shelters every year, there’s always a need for volunteers.

5. They Help You Stay Present

It can be easy to get caught up in our thoughts and worry about the future in today’s fast-paced world. But spending time with our pets can help us stay present and appreciate the moment.

Pets allow us to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. And when we’re able to do that, it can help reduce stress and anxiety. So, if you’re feeling stressed, try spending some time with your pet. They just might help you relax and enjoy the moment.

6. They Can Give Your Purpose

When we’re going through tough times, it can be easy to feel lost and purposeless. But our pets can help us find meaning in our lives. Caring for another living being can give us a sense of responsibility and a sense of purpose. And when we have a sense of purpose, it can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Apart from a massage, which 23% of consumers between July 2013 and July 2014 said helps reduce stress, owning a pet can be one of the best things you do for your mental health. So, don’t be afraid to get a furry friend. They just might be the key to reducing stress in your life.

Good oral hygiene is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It not only protects your mouth and gums but also the rest of your body as well. In this blog post, we will talk about how you can teach your kids good oral hygiene habits from a young age so that they will be able to maintain them for life.

1. Start Early

The best time to start teaching your kids about oral hygiene is when they are young. This way, they will develop good habits that they can stick to for the rest of their lives. You can begin by teaching them how to brush their teeth correctly. Show them how to use a toothbrush and toothpaste, and explain why it is important to brush their teeth twice a day.

According to one study, only 13.5% of Americans floss at least once a day as of 2021. That’s why it’s important to also teach your kids how to floss their teeth. Show them how to do it properly, and make sure they are doing it correctly, i.e. going up and down the entire length of each tooth.

2. Make It a Habit

It’s not enough to just teach your kids about oral hygiene – you have to make it a habit for them as well. One way to do this is by setting a good example for yourself. If you brush and floss your teeth every day, your kids are more likely to follow your lead.

You can also establish routines for your family regarding oral hygiene. For example, you can have them brush their teeth before bed every night or after they eat breakfast in the morning. This will help them get into the habit of brushing their teeth regularly.

3. Make It Fun

Kids need to have fun while they’re learning, and oral hygiene is no exception. You can make brushing their teeth more fun by using a toothbrush that has a character on it or by giving them a special toothpaste that they like the taste of.

You can also get them involved in choosing their own dental products. Let them pick out their own toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste. This will help them feel more ownership over their oral hygiene and make them more likely to stick to good habits.

4. Reward Them

One way to motivate your kids to keep up with their oral hygiene is by rewarding them for doing a good job. This could be something as simple as giving them a sticker or a prize every time they brush their teeth correctly.

You can also get creative with your rewards. For example, you could take them out for ice cream after brushing their teeth for two weeks in a row. Or, you could give them a new book to read every time they floss their teeth. The possibilities are endless.

5. Encourage Them to Avoid Sugary Drinks and Snacks

One of the biggest culprits behind poor oral hygiene is sugary drinks and snacks. These foods and drinks can cause cavities and other dental problems.

That’s why it’s important to encourage your kids to avoid them as much as possible. You can do this by setting a good example yourself and making sure they have healthy snacks available. Try to provide your kids with fruits and vegetables instead of sugary snacks. And, when they do have sweets, make sure they brush their teeth afterwards.

6. Schedule Regular Dentist Visits

According to Statista, approximately 86% of children in the United States went to a dentist in 2018. That’s a good number, but it could be even higher if more parents scheduled regular family dentist visits for their kids.

Dentist visits are an important part of oral hygiene. They allow your child to get their teeth checked for problems, and they also give your child the opportunity to learn about proper oral care. Remember, getting a dental examination every six months will help prevent cavities.

Teaching your kids about oral hygiene can be a daunting task, but it’s important for their health. Follow these tips to make the process easier for you and your family. Call us today to schedule a dentist appointment for your child. We can help them get on the right track to good oral hygiene.

Skateboarding is a sport that has so many benefits for kids, from making them more physically active to teaching them a skill they can have throughout life. Skates are currently much cheaper than they have ever been in the past and make this sport more accessible to all people. However, there are still purchasing options you must be aware of before buying your own pair of skates! In this article, we explore factors that you should take into consideration before picking out your next set of skates. [Read more…]

As a family vehicle is a necessity, it’s important to try to make some savings when buying one. Use the tips below to enable you to save money when you go to purchase your family vehicle.

Bypass the Extras

When getting a family car, it’s important to get a solid and functional one that will work well to do what you need the car for, which is getting you from one point to another. While modern cars have come a very long way since the first steam-powered engine that could transport people was invented in 1769, you don’t need to get more than you can comfortably afford. Some of the extras you can do without include extended warranties, special detailing, and racing stripes. You can always get these at a later date if you decide that you want them and you have the extra money to get them without straining your budget.

Buy a Car at The Right Time

The best time you can buy a car, according to data, is at the end of the month, at the end of each quarter, and on holiday weekend sales. This should be around March, June, September, and December. At these times, dealerships are nearing the end of the year and they’re motivated to reduce their prices so they can move cars. In the late summer, many dealerships are also trying to move old cars so they can get space for newer ones. When you do this, you can end up saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your car purchase.

Research Thoroughly

Before you settle on a car to buy, make sure to research thoroughly so that you know its value. Check its history report to find out about any potential recalls, its accident history, and any repair information among others. To have an easier time doing this, simply request the seller to send you the vehicle identification number or VIN so you can research the vehicle’s history online. Also, note that different models of trucks and cars need different amounts of oil, but most engines need between five and seven quarts. Knowing information like this will help you know whether you will be able to maintain the car over a long time.

Buy Cash if Possible

As you will end up paying interest when you pay in installments, it’s advisable to buy it in cash. Save until you can make a one-off payment for your car and you will enjoy the no-strings-attached manner in which you will own your family car. While doing this, don’t forget to negotiate with the seller to ask for a discount. When you’re ready to buy a car, many dealerships will be willing to offer you a discount if you pay in cash and make the full payment for the car. Try to start saving so that you can afford to pay for your car outright.

Go For Used Instead of New

As mentioned, a family car is more a functional purchase than a social status symbol. Don’t try to get more than you can comfortably afford because you will strain your finances for something that won’t be building your wealth. Remember that service intervals can either be expresses in terms of time periods or mileage, and keep in mind that as long as you service your car regularly, you should have less trouble with it. Make sure that the used car you get is in a good condition so you can get years of good service out of it, performing a thorough check with the help of a trusted mechanic so you know you’ve made the right choice.

Use these tips to buy your next family car and save some money while at it so you have something left to spare at the end of the day.

Keeping your baby safe in the home is a top priority, but there are challenges. Whether you recently moved into a home or you have many people inside at once, keeping your baby safe requires a system to make everything around your baby safe and secure. As you start with the baby’s room, then move throughout the house, keep these healthy tips in mind to make sure your baby is safe.

Check For Safety Around The Crib

First and foremost, your baby’s crib should meet government standards. These standards are in place to prevent parents from using cribs that could put their babies in harm’s way. If a baby can fit through the crib’s slats, or those slats are not as strong as possible, the risks to your child are exactly why these standards were put into place. In addition to the crib itself, be sure to remove extra pillows, stuffed animals, and blankets. By keeping extra items out of the way, your baby will be able to sleep more soundly and safely in the crib.

Remove Moisture From the Home

According to This Old House, 60 percent of U.S. homes have wet basements, where moisture, mold, and mildew can pose risks for your baby. Indoor air quality should be your top priority, so if you notice discoloration in the walls, water pooling around the sinks and toilets, or any sign of water damage, there is a risk to your child’s health. Babies are more susceptible to unhealthy air and, as a result, shouldn’t live around leaks, water damage, mold, and mildew. About 38 percent of homes run the risk of basement mold. Cleaning up after a spill, hiring a plumber, or fixing leaks yourself can make your home a lot fresher–and far safer for your baby inside.

Make Sure Fire Safety Equipment Is Working

The smoke alarm and fire extinguishers should be in working condition at all times. Therefore, you should get into the habit of testing these items regularly. And not just you; everyone in the family should know how to use fire safety equipment in the case of a fire. In addition, make sure you have a fire escape plan and an idea of how you’ll get the baby out should smoke and flames ever come through your door. Take safety a step further, by addressing your home security system when you’re checking the smoke detectors. Research shows there are about 2.5 million break-ins per year, mostly home burglaries, so it pays to stay safe from fire–and criminals on the streets.

Cover Wall Outlets And Remove Access to Electricity

When your baby is out of the crib, it’s dangerous to allow them access to wall outlets. The holes in these outlets are large enough for a child to get their fingers through and initiate electric shock. Keeping them covered prevents this terrible ordeal from happening, while also helping you to stick to some general electricity guidelines in the process. Double-check the age requirements for all devices in the home so your baby can’t get into electrical devices. Have a plan in place so that everyone in the household knows the risks.

Keep The Volume Down In The Home

If you’re selling your home you can recoup 68% of the cost of a new roof. But why would you want to do home renovations with the baby in the house? Noise in the home will only serve to agitate your baby while making for an uncomfortable environment. Remove unruly guests, actively tell others to quiet down, and maintain a set of rules for the volume of devices and general activity throughout the home. A baby that is exposed to loud noises will eventually begin to believe something is wrong. To make your baby feel safer, simply keep the home as quiet as a library whenever possible. You may even find that by doing so, your baby may be less likely to cry and be upset, proving that the home is safer overall for you and your family.

All it takes to keep your baby safe in the home is a little more attention to detail. By being proactive and anticipating risks, you can address them safely before you have an accident. From keeping the volume down to checking on the crib, keeping your baby safe means setting the rules. Be on the lookout for other ways to stay safe, and overall, you and your child will feel much safer in the home.