Parents are rightfully concerned about their children’s respiratory health. Add to that the recent concerns over the safety and effectiveness of children’s cold remedies and now many parents are thinking twice before opening the medicine cabinet to treat their little ones.

A new survey conducted in March 2009 by Harris Interactive shows that while 90 percent of parents claim to be at least somewhat knowledgeable about the possible dangers associated with over-the-counter cough and cold medicine for children, 62 percent still give these products to children when they are experiencing cough and cold symptoms.

“It’s very concerning to me that so many parents are still giving their children these OTC cough and cold products with the possible associated dangers and the question of their effectiveness in children,” says Marcela Dominguez, MD, certified family medicine physician, Orange County, Calif.

While the FDA is now recommending parents not give OTC medicines to children younger than 4, more parents than ever are looking for ways to proactively support their children’s respiratory health and immune systems. Keeping kids healthy has become the universal objective rather than awaiting illness and then attempting a rescue.

“Evidence shows that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines likely don’t work for very young children, and can, in fact, create potentially lethal side effects,” says Dr. Bob Sears, a noted pediatrician. “Overdosing and side effects of cough and cold medicines send about 7,000 children to the emergency room each year.”

Just last fall the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine released survey results that found 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children were using complementary and alternative medicines. The new Harris survey shows that the desire to use these remedies is high and that the public might be using natural remedies more if the products had credible information (a proven track record and clinical testing) to support their claims.

Staying healthy is the safest approach and easier than you think. Here are some tips to keep your kids breathing easier, naturally this summer:

Tip 1:  Use a saline solution to flush noses. Look on the Internet for directions on how to do this, or use a premade kit that includes a squeeze bottle or a Neti pot, available at many drug stores.

Tip 2: When your child plays outside, remove his clothing when he comes in. You might consider showering children to rinse pollen from their skin and hair. Close doors and windows at night or any other time when there are high pollen counts.

Tip 3: Use natural, non-drug remedies to keep kids healthy such as Sinupret for Kids. This helps promotes healthy drainage in the upper respiratory tract, improves airflow in the nose, and supports healthy mucous flow in the nose and sinuses.

Tip 4: Take a multivitamin to support overall health. There are many chewable options for children that taste great.

“While natural, herbal remedies have been in use around the world for generations — Sinupret has been a staple in Europe for 30 years — they are just coming into their own in the United States,” Sears says. This syrup is not a drug, but is a natural remedy for healthy sinus, respiratory and immune support in children ages 2 to 12. It does not contain stimulants, caffeine, ephedra, pseudoephedrine, codeine, steroids, narcotics or gluten.

“Parents are looking for a natural and safe approach to support their kids’ respiratory health, and they need to know if the herbal remedies they are considering have a long track record of effectiveness and lack of any harmful side effects,” Sears says.

Sinupret for Kids syrup is now available at more than 25,000 retail locations across the country, including Wal-Mart. Visit www.SinupretForKids.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

While braces are more attractive than they used to be, most teens are still a bit anxious about getting them. “My daughter wanted to know if wearing braces would be painful, how often she would have to see the orthodontist and how she would floss. We both had a lot of questions,” says Lisa McCoskey, mother of 16 year-old Grace.

“I’m involved in lots of school activities and worried that braces would only get in the way,” says Grace.

Parents can help make teeth straightening a positive – and effective – experience for their teen by taking a few simple steps.

1) Talk it out.

Talk to your teen about the importance of correcting their teeth now so they don’t have problems in the future. Explain why you or other family members had braces and how it has benefited you in adulthood. Ask the orthodontist as many questions as necessary. And, make sure you both understand how to care for the corrective method you and your doctor choose to get the best results.

2) Consider your options.

“You can still select metal braces that sit on the surface of the tooth, or you can consider clear, removable braces like the new Invisalign Teen, which is virtually invisible and does not interfere with teens’ desire to be ‘braceless’ for milestone events like prom, senior pictures and interviews,” says Ohio-based orthodontist, Dr. Dan German, of German and Burke Orthodontics.

This option, which was developed with the help of leading orthodontists who understand the unique needs of teens, consists of a series of clear aligners that fit over the teeth and are switched out about every two weeks. “Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations and custom fitted to gradually and effectively move teeth into place without metal wires or brackets,” explains German.

When compared to metal braces, the clear aligner option has many benefits. Although the cost is about the same as traditional braces, the system usually requires fewer office visits, shorter appointments and no “emergency” visits for broken wires or brackets.  Metal wires and brackets can cause irritation or even accident-related injuries, especially for teens involved in sports. Clear aligners are made of lightweight plastic that sits smoothly on the teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit. Because the aligners can be removed, you can eat, brush and floss as you would normally. Invisalign Teen aligners feature a Compliance Indicator that is designed to fade from blue to clear, so parents can gauge generally whether their teen is wearing them as much as they should be.

“The teen patients that I’m treating with this option also appreciate that the aligners can make spaces between teeth appear smaller or disappear completely beginning the first day,” says German. “Self-esteem has such paramount importance to teens that any immediate improvement in aesthetics is a motivating factor that aids with compliance throughout treatment.”

3) Decide on an orthodontist both you and your teen feel comfortable with and engage the doctor and staff during appointments.

Don’t be afraid to meet with several orthodontists and check references to find one both you and your child connect with. Some orthodontists specialize in certain types of procedures. One might have more experience working with aligners and should be considered if you decide on this option.

Grace and her mom chose Drs. German and Burke as their orthodontists, asked plenty of questions, and decided to try Invisalign Teen. “It’s cool because your teeth are getting straighter, but people don’t even notice that you have them,” says Grace.

“The relationship between a teenager and a parent can be challenged when the parent forces the teenager to wear braces,” says German. “Teens appreciate that the parents are making an effort to care for them in a manner that is sensitive to their desires and lifestyles.”

Nearly a million people have used the Invisalign system to correct common issues like overly crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, cross bite and overbite. For more information, visit www.InvisalignTeen.com to find an experienced orthodontist near you.

Courtesy of ARAcontent