Month: January 2022

The Importance of Children's Eye Health

Pamela Terry

With studies showing that around one in three children have some form of visual trouble, it is important to have regular eye tests. Eye problems in children can develop quickly and can result in permanent loss of vision if left unchecked.

The Northern Laser Vision Centre knows that health care is a top priority for parents but is also very expensive. For this reason, Ophthalmologist Dr Kim Frumar, medical director with over 30 years experience in eye care at the Northern Laser Vision Centre is now offering: FREE eye health checks for students from Kindergarten through to year 12 as well as a $5 donation to your school’s latest project or charity.

The Student Sight Solution Program (SSS) is a community initiative that helps encourage eye testing and raise awareness of the importance of early prevention and detection of eye conditions. It reaches out to students and their parents or guardians in the North Shore Region to protect their eyes and their futures. 670 million people worldwide are vision impaired due to lack of access to eye examinations. The SSS program along with Northern Laser Vision Centre aim to lower or abolish this disheartening statistic. Dr Frumar has visited developing countries such as Cambodia, opening new health care centres and treating young children and families. After seeing the devastation and poor health conditions first hand, he has brought this initiative to Northern Laser Vision Centre.

Brother and sister Alivia and Jake recently had their eyes tested at the Northern Laser Vision …

3 Herbs to Reduce Breast Milk Supply While Weaning

Pamela Terry

Ideally, weaning should take place gradually. An abrupt end to breastfeeding can cause both emotional and physical disruptions for the mother and child. However, if circumstances have mandated that you must wean your child immediately, you may find yourself facing breast engorgement: a painful condition that can lead to complications like mastitis and clogged ducts. Fortunately, natural herbs can help to relieve breast engorgement caused by weaning, often with few or no side effects.

After getting the go-ahead from your health care provider, consider using these herbs to decrease your breast milk supply while weaning.

Sage

According to lactation consultant Kelly Bonyata, common sage (Salvia officinalis) is a highly effective herb for reducing breast milk supply. Bonyata recommends taking 1/4 teaspoon of the dried herb three times per day. Within one to three days, you should see a noticeable reduction in engorgement. Dried sage powder is difficult to swallow "straight," so try mixing it with a salty drink like V-8 tomato juice. If you'd prefer a tea, try steeping one tablespoon of sage in 1 cup of water six times daily.

Jasmine

Unlike many traditional treatments for breast engorgement, jasmine has been validated by scientific evidence. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reported that jasmine is as effective as bromocriptine, a prescription drug, for "drying up" breast milk production. Consider applying jasmine essential oils to your breasts (don't let your child inhale or drink the oil). Crushed jasmine flowers are also highly effective.

Mint

Members of …