Archie's Archery Depot

More Info On Kids Compound:

Preventing Allergies in Kids

As a person with multiple chemical sensitivities and allergies (food and plant), I have always been very aware of that same potential in my children, especially the ones who share my fair, blond, blue-eyed complexion. I had not identified that my children had specific allergy or sensitivity problems, but in seeking a better understanding of my own health situation, I came across listings of symptoms of potentially unrecognized allergies (circles under the eyes, red cheeks, and red ears). Those I could identify in my own kids.

I therefore sought to address this issue in several ways before it really became a problem for my children: (1) by removing toxins from their environment as much as possible, especially in the area of household cleaning products; (2) by eliminating or limiting foods that I know to be common allergens and paying close attention to the quality of their diets in general; and (3) by strengthening their immune systems through a comprehensive nutritional program. Putting a priority on these three areas has been relatively easy for my family.

I have eliminated all the toxic cleaners and detergents in my home and replaced them with non-toxic, environmentally safe and extremely effective household cleaners. From everything from laundry detergent to germicide to heavy duty oven cleaner, I now have wonderful options in keeping my house clean without compromising my health or the health of my children.

For other air-borne toxins, I invested in filterless air purification technology. This gives us all a "safe haven" in the home, one place where our bodies don't have to deal with pollens, dust, volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde or even bacteria and mold.

The dietary issues are mostly the same ones we all should be looking at -- avoid the processed food, eat fresh as much as possible, stay away from high fat content and the like. Yes, I let the kids eat candy. But it is closely rationed and is available only after the fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy and whole grains.

As for the potential problem foods, I have not been overly strict, but do pay attention to the issue. Because of its known role as a common allergen, I do limit the dairy intake somewhat (making sure the calcium needs are met through supplementation). And several in the family seem to have happier digestive systems when not dealing with gluten in wheat. These dietary adjustments take more effort and commitment, but I believe they are worth the hassle.

Having introduced the supplement program when my children were fairly young, that has been a given. It amazes me when parents say they can't "get" their kids to take their vitamins. It's a non-negotiable at my house... just like brushing your teeth. You'd make sure your kids got the medicine the doctor prescribed whether they wanted to take it or not, wouldn't you?

Overall, this approach has met with great success. We no longer have doctor visits every winter, they haven't been on antibiotics for years, the children are eager, focused learners, and the potential allergies are not manifesting. I believe that as their immune systems are strengthened through the support of nutritional supplementation, they are better able to withstand the offenders that might otherwise contribute to allergies and sensitivities.

It is such a blessing to be contributing to optimal health for my children. When I think about what the alternatives might be, I shudder. I can easily picture my family like others that I know - responding to health crisis after crisis in their children; always trying to play "fix-it" from a point of disadvantage, rather than circumventing the problems in the first place.

About the Author

Anne Lamansky is a work at home mom who runs her own business as an independent Shaklee distributor.

My 13 and 14 year old boys fight at Mom's house but not at Dad's. How to help them?

I have 2 boys, 16 months apart. They have problems w/each other at least once a day. The scenario: Older one wants something from younger one, such as a change in behaviour, a change in where he sits, or change in TV station. Younger one resists, sometimes with nasty tone or w/getting quietly angry. Older one gets REALLY angry, sometimes getting so frustrated that he grabs his younger brother. He yells and when I ask him to be quiet, he says that this is all my fault because I don't stop his younger brother from being rude to him. The anger is much worse than any rudeness, but the older child doesn't see it that way, and believes that I favor the younger one. I recently started putting them both on time outs like little children, and they have responded a little. To make matters worse, my husband, their stepdad, doesn't get involved because they aren't "his" kids. Compound this w/the fact that their biological dad sees them 3 days a week. They don't act like that at his house. Help?!

Well, I'm 18 and I have a brother who is 17 and we still fight a lot. Time outs do not work at all. That just gives me time to think about how mad I am at my brother. The first thing I would do is give MUCH stricter punishments. Let them know that fighting is NOT acceptable and remind them that they are brothers and when they have nobody else in the world they will still have each other. Then I would try to get them into doing things that they can do together as equals. It seems your oldest is a little controlling and it is important to let him know you are the boss, not him. And that no matter what he thinks he has no right to try doing your job. Also I'd ask the father why they don't have problems there. My guess is his physical presence alone alters their behavior. Which means you may have to get creative.

Diane Sawyer on President Richard Nixon: 'I Was Someone He Knew and Understood'
In the Web exclusive below, Diane Sawyer opens up about the memories she has of her former boss, President Richard Nixon. Sawyer served as a press aide in the former presidentâ’s administration from 1970 through his resignation in 1974. She also spent time with Nixon at his compound in San Clemente, Calif., helping him to write his memoirs.Having a front-row seat to to a history-making Nixon ...

Thanks for visiting!