Episode 156: Don’t Fear the Fever

Did you know that fever is an evolutionary response that humans (and other animals) need to mobilize the immune system and fight off infection effectively? And that not all fevers are bad and do not reflect how severe an illness is? Listen in as Dr. Toni dispels the common myths about fever and find out how to support this natural process in your kids and yourself to recover effectively.

In this episode, we cover:

  • What is a fever and how to measure it 
  • The most common myths about fevers, such as:
    • All fevers are bad and must be treated with medication
    • Fevers above 40oC or 104oF are dangerous and can cause brain damage
    • Seizures are often caused by fever and can harm your child
    • Fevers should come down to normal when treated with medication and once it comes down, it should stay down
  • Why you might want to think twice before giving your kids medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • What you can do to make your child more comfortable when they have a fever before considering medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
    • Hydration
    • Hydrotherapy
    • Herbal medicine and homeopathy
  • For more info about myths and facts about fever, see https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/fever-myths-versus-facts/
  • For more info about nutrients that support immune system against viral infections, see Episode 39
  • For more info about leaky gut, see Episode 8

Today’s Mama Must Have:

Dr. Toni is a big fan of having several homeopathic remedies on hand at home to use when her and her family are having symptoms of viral infection like fever, especially aconite, ferrum phosphoricum and belladonna, as well as herbal teas like elderberry, echinacea, yarrow and peppermint.

What’s Else is Happening?

Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing session for expecting parents looking to decrease fear and anxiety to support their natural instincts around labour and birth is next month. Join her at https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/register

Join Dr. Lisa’s new Facebook group Wild Woman Adventures Toronto if you want to get out in nature, connect with other women and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Activities include: sunrise/sunset SUP, tree-top trekking, a new moon workshop and more!

Thanks for joining us!

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Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.

Episode 68: Intuitive Eating for Kids with Jay Baum

In today’s episode, Dr. Lisa discusses the approach of intuitive eating for kids with registered dietitian Jay Baum. Find out how to develop healthy eating habits with your kids and make mealtime fun instead of stress-inducing. You can raise a child who is an intuitive eater, even if you grew up to have a dysfunctional relationship with food.

Jay Baum is a Registered Dietitian with over 10 years of experience working with families. She is the owner of Pommetta Nutrition, a private practice based in Toronto, where she applies an intuitive eating approach with an emphasis on eating competence. Former professional chef and mama of two, Jay knows her way around the kitchen and has firsthand knowledge of the challenges that go along with feeding kids. 

In this episode, we cover:

  • The difference between Intuitive Eating, eating intuitively and eating competence
  • The importance of checking in with yourself about the baggage from the past that you have around eating, dieting and meal times
  • The division of responsibility between you and your child at mealtimes
  • The importance of having a rough schedule of meals and snacks 
  • How to make your main family meal fun so your kids want to be at the table 
  • The difference between kid friendly and family friendly foods
  • The importance of modeling healthy eating to your kids 
  • How to deal with your kids’ eating quirks and changing appetites
  • The pros and cons of processed food and snacks
  • The balancing act between allowing and restricting sweets
  • The importance of normalizing not finishing or liking a food when trying something new

Powerful Mama Advice from Jay:

Start with one small change that you can be consistent with and turn into a habit over the long term. Give yourself some grace and do the best you can!

Check out Jay’s website and blog here (she has a great post about 50 mealtime conversation starters to use with your kids)

Follow Jay on Instagram @feeding.kids_intuitive.eating 

Join Jay’s Pommetta Nutrition Facebook Community

Looking for realistic tips for feeding your kids? Sign up for her newsletter HERE

Interested in taking a course? Register Now

Today’s Mama Must-Have: 

Dr. Lisa enjoys a few squares of 80% dark chocolate after lunch and loves the Zazubean and Giddy Yoyo brands. 

Thank you for joining us today! 

Have any comments, suggestions or burning questions? Email us or connect with us on  Facebook  and  Instagram. We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.

Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!

Stay safe and healthy everyone!