A Happy, Healthy Halloween!

 

As those of you that came to our Fourth Annual Halloween Bash last Friday know, Rubin Family Chiropractic loves Halloween.  It's that one day a year when you can let your inner superhero or princess show on the outside (without raising any eyebrows, that is)  However, Halloween can also lead to sugar highs and tummy aches if not handled carefully.  Here are a few things to consider in order ensure both a happy and a healthy Halloween:

• If you wouldn't want your children eating it, think twice about handing it out to the neighbors kids.  Remember, you get what you give - so put forth the very best!  Consider skipping the more processed candies for something made with organic ingredients.  Yummy Earth makes some of the tastiest organic lollipops around; they're what we like to give out at our office and can be found at Whole Foods.  Perhaps consider giving snack packs of Annie's graham bunny's or other non-candy treats that can be found at your local organic food store.  They might be a little more expensive, but think of it as planting an idea in the heads of other parents who see your treats as they are sorting through their children's pillow cases later!
• Maybe skip handing out food all together! Now, you don't have to be the dreaded "House on the Block that Gives Out Pennies" - you could be the awesome family that gives out new Halloween pencils, or packs of crayons, or other small toys.  A whole variety of handouts can be found at the dollar store and you'll have the benefit of standing out amongst a sea of chocolate.  Plus, it'll last more than 30 seconds once the kiddos get home!
• If you absolutely can't bring yourself to give up on the idea of handing out standard Halloween candy, do your research as to which types are the "least unhealthy", and try to limit the amount that each trick-or-treater takes
• When your own ghouls and goblins come home, try to limit the candy intake per day.  If possible, perhaps offer an exchange - 25 cents per piece of candy they are willing to part with. Or trade the candy for a healthier variety like those described previously.
• As to what to do with all of those leftover treats?  Many dentists offer free toothbrushes and other goodies in exchange for candy you turn in.  There are always food pantries to donate to - not that we want the less fortunate to be stuck with low-nutrient food, but it's hard to justify even candy going to waste when it could brighten someone's day.

What ever your decisions around the holiday are, remember it's about having fun and being safe! Feel free to stop by in costume today - we love to see our patients enjoying the holiday!

Happy Vaccine Awareness Week!

According to the National Vaccine Information Center, September 30th though October 6th is Vaccine Awareness Week!  We here at Rubin Family Chiropractic love to aid our patients in making informed decisions when choosing to vaccinate (or not vaccinate!) their children.  Below are some important websites, movies, and books parents may look to in order to make an educated decision about their child's healthcare.

Websites:
National Vaccine Information Center: http://www.nvic.org/

• This is THE source for vaccine information concerning exemptions, what to do if you believe you or your child has had a reaction, what's in the vaccine itself, and information in regards to adapting the vaccine schedule to suit your child.  It is not, as many believe, an "anti-vaccination" website, but rather attempts to remain neutral and report just the facts.

Mercola Health: http://www.mercola.com/

• This website is a conglomeration of many natural health articles, some of which concern vaccinations and alternatives for boosting the immune system

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association: icpa4kids.org

• This is the headquarters for all things chiropractic and pediatrics.  In addition, it contains several other articles concerning aspects of healthcare unique to children, such as vaccines, and taking an approach that compliments a parent's attempt to raise his or her child naturally.

Books:
Walene James - Immunization: The Reality Behind the Myth

•  This book (Dr. Rubin's favorite n the subject!) is told from a mother's point of view rather than a scientist's, making it approachable to parents and not just doctors.  An out-look changing read!

Barbara Lowe Fischer - Any of her books

• One of the most famous vaccine information advocates, she writes with an attempt to educate, not just influence the public.  As the mother of a child who had a vaccine reaction, she has made it her life's mission to make sure every parent is informed of his or her ability to choose what is believed to be healthiest for their child.

Neil Miller - Any of his books

Documentary:
 The Greater Good 

• An amazingly simple and powerful documentary that examines both sides of the issue and includes interviews with professionals in a variety of fields voicing their educated opinions about the state of the vaccination process and industry, and follows the lives of several families affected in some way by the vaccines.

These are our favorites - what are yours?