Do Your Kids Get Boils?

Children get boils on their body more often than they ever have in history. Would you believe it is because they spend so much time at computers. These are known as pilonidal cysts. Initially they were thought to be caused by ingrown hairs but doctors now have discovered it comes from sitting down in one position for too long every other.
This type of boil is called pilondal cysts and is caused by having to sit for long hours in uncomfortable positions. The condition was first discovered during World War II.
Another reason kids get boils is because they become infected with a staphylococcus bacteria. This bacteria can enter through any break in the skin. It can also invade through hair follicles. This is a highly virulent bacterium that cause a lot more serious medical conditions so you need to be very careful and keep an eye on those boils your kids develop. Another alarming thing is that it can mean that your kid is becoming less resistant to infections due to the overuse of antibiotics.
For example, if your immune system is somehow compromised, the chance of becoming someone who suffers from boils on a regular basis is significantly increased. Consequently, conditions such as kidney failure or diabetes which weaken your immune system are likely to make you more susceptible to an outbreak of boils.
In addition, lesser-known medical conditions such as hypogammaglobulinemia that reduce your body's ability to fight against infection as they weaken your immune system can also make you more prone to skin abscesses and other staphylococcus related problems.
Then there are certain types of medicines that also weaken your natural ability to fight back against infection successfully. These include drugs that are used in chemotherapy to treat cancer and cortisone-based drugs like prednisolone.
I have been known to get a boil or two myself. Surprise! These breakouts in adults are actually stress related! Who knew?
T here is some evidence to suggest that there is a connection between stress and hormonal changes (such as the onset or the menopause or the monthly cycle) that may cause the condition to flare up in women who had previously suffered only slightly or not at all.
So you see that boil could mean much more than just a simple 'pimple.' Be vigilante to make sure that it never develops into an infection.

Healthier Holiday Kid Snacks

Healthy and Fun Holiday Snacks for Kids
Holiday time is party time and your bored kids are going to want stuff to snack on. The thing is they are going to want all of that expensive high calorie stuff that is just slick with grease and artificial flavorings and chemicals.
I make my own treats to help keep their weight and sugar and salt intake in check. I find if I do this they are less likely to be hyperactive and cranky as well because they are simply not poisoning their brains with additives. Here are some great ideas to keep your kids healthier and slimmer during the holiday season.
First off take cookies out of the cookie job and put crackers in there instead. You can also fill it with peanuts in the shell or roasted nuts with no salt. Or just fill it with raisins, nuts, banana chips and chocolate chips to make a no fat snack.
Popcorn is always a much sought after food for kids. Try sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese or American cheese on popcorn. I sometimes mix cinnamon and peanuts with the popcorn.
You can also make your own Cracker Jack.
Here is my recipe for home made Cracker Jack
Heat honey and butter in a saucepan until blended. Cool. Pour over popcorn that has been mixed with peanuts, stirring as you pour.

When well-coated, spread the mixture in a pan in a single layer. Bake at 350 for 5 – 10 minutes or until crisp, stirring several times. Package in plastic bags and twist.
You might also want to try my recipe for Popcorn Candy Clusters which is almost as good as the ones you get at the local amusement park.
For this you will need 1 cup (8 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips,1 cup freshly popped popcorn and 1 cup nuts.
First you need to melt the chocolate chips. Add popcorn and nuts and stir until they are well coated. Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet or wax paper and let set infirm. If the crowd is rushing you for a taste, chill the clusters in the freezer for 5 minutes. When firm, store in plastic bags.
You can also make your own salty CRUNCHY MIX
Mix 4 cups crunchy cereal (Cheerios, or Corn Chex, etc) 1 cup peanuts or
mixed nuts 1 cup pretzel sticks with the smallest size 1 cup seasoned croutons
Then make sure you combine 1/2 cup salad oil or 6 tbsp melted butter 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
In a shallow pan coat crunchy ingredients with the combined oil and seasonings. Heat in oven at 250 for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool.
You will find that these are much healthier alternatives than buying the store bought stuff!! Cheaper too!