Red Flags of Autism Spectrum Disorders:

February 28th, 2010 | Comments (0)

If your baby shows two or more of these signs, please ask your pediatric healthcare provider for an immediate evaluation.

Impairment in Social Interaction:

Lack of appropriate eye gaze
Lack of warm, joyful expressions
Lack of sharing interest or enjoyment
Lack of response to name
Impairment in Communication:

Lack of showing gestures
Lack of coordination of nonverbal communication
Unusual prosody (little variation in pitch, odd intonation, irregular rhythm,
unusual voice quality)
Repetitive Behaviors & Restricted Interests:

Repetitive movements with objects
Repetitive movements or posturing of body, arms, hands, or fingers

Early Detection and intervention is key for most of the developmental problems in children.
Call us and make an appointment if you wish to get your child evaluated by the pediatrician.
Dr Bar
Newport Concierge Pediatrics
359 San Miguel Dr #200 Newport Beach Ca 92660



Teen Med Spa: Treatment for excessive sweating

February 21st, 2010 | Comments (0)

Sweaty underarms, excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, affects about one in 25 people. Excessive sweating can cause embarrassment, low self-esteem, and general discomfort in social situations. Hyperhidrosis occurs when sympathetic nerves cause sweat glands to produce too much sweat. The underlying cause is not known, but anxiety and other heightened emotional states can trigger the condition.

BOTOX® is the most popular treatment for excessive sweating of the palms and underarms. BOTOX® weakens the nerves that supply the sweat glands, preventing the release of acetylcholine, and therefore greatly reducing or eliminating sweating in the treated area. The amounts of BOTOX® used are not enough to significantly affect the muscle motion of the hand, although some very slight weakness is possible. BOTOX® treatment of hyperhidrosis lasts about one year. Other areas treated for excessive sweating include the soles of the feet. Dr. Bar believes that BOTOX® treatment of hyperhidrosis is simply the safest, most effective therapy we currently have for this disorder.

Call us today for a consult with Dr. Bar
949 706 1212
Teen Med Spa
Fashion Island
359 San Miguel# 200
Newport Beach Ca 92660



Breast feeding tips: How to increase your breast milk

February 18th, 2010 | Comments (0)

I wish you all the best of luck with breast feeding and I would love to help and meet with you if you have any questions regarding breast feeding.
Visit our Eco-Baby workshops and join other loving parents in this great journey and learn together how we can raise our children healthy naturally.
Here are some tips for moms planning on Breast feeding from your local pediatrician Dr. Bar on how to produce more milk in the first weeks after the baby is born.
First remember drink 10 to 12 cups of water a day
Take your vitamins with the extra calcium and Iron and omega’s ( check our motherhood vitamins available in the office.)
Nap later during the day this will increase your milk supply ? how simple is that ?.
Eat a healthy balanced diet and here are some herbs to keep in mind that will help you make more milk just remember very important use organic herbs and small amounts.

Fennel
Dill
Barley
Basil
Fenugreek tea
Cumin

Certain foods (known as galactagogue foods) are known to stimulate the production of breastmilk.

While herbs such as fenugreek and fennel have been used for centuries to increase a nursing mother’s milk supply, little is known about how herbs affect a nursing baby. Play it safe and use organic herbs and also small amounts and a variety of herbs not just one.

Fennel water
Fennel has been used for centuries to increase lactation. It is also believed to help digestion and prevent colic

Ingredients:
1-2 tablespoons fennel seeds
1 litre filtered water

Method:
Add fennel seeds to one litre of filtered water.
Bring the mixture to boil.
Lower the flame and let the mixture boil for another 10-minutes.
Remove from the flame. Allow it to cool till the water is warm.
Strain and store in a thermos, so that the water remains warm for several hours
Sip the fennel water all through the day. Continue doing this as long you are breastfeeding your baby, if possible.
Tip: You can also chew a teaspoonful few roasted fennel seeds after meals to aid digestion. Add fennel seeds to your tea, vegetables and soups for nutrition as well as an enhanced flavour.

Fennel tea

Believed to increase lactation and aid digestion.

Ingredients:
1-2 tsp powdered fennel seeds
2 cups water
1/2 – 1 tsp honey/sugar/jaggery (optional)

Dill (suwa) tea

Dill is believed to increase lactation and appetite. It may also reduce gas and colic. However since it is a mild diuretic it should be consumed in moderation.

Ingredients:
1-2 tsp crushed/powdered dill seeds
2 cups water

Method:
Boil the water in a pan and add the crushed/powdered dill seeds.
Cover and let the seeds steep for 10-15 minutes. Longer steeping makes a stronger tea.
Strain and pour into a cup. Add honey/sugar. Serve hot.
Have 1-2 cup a day

Barley and fennel water

Barley and fennel water is believed to increase low milk supply. It may take a week or two for the effect to show. In addition, this drink also eases gastric problems, constipation and colic, aids digestion and prevents colds.

Ingredients:
½ cup whole or pearled barley (bajra)
1-2 tsp of fennel seeds (saunf) or fennel powder
4 cups filtered water
½ – 1 tsp honey/sugar/jaggery (optional)

Method:
Wash barley grains well and soak them overnight in filtered water.
Strain and keep the water aside.
Now measure four cups of water, including the strained water as it carries the nutrients of barley, and add it to soaked barley grains.
Add fennel seeds to the mixture and bring to boil. Lower the flame and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove from the flame and allow it to stand for another 10 minutes.
Strain and pour into a clean thermos so that it stays warm for several hours.
Drink this water throughout the day.
You may want to add honey/sugar/jaggery to increase the taste.
Note: Do bear in mind that the longer barley simmers the thicker the consistency. Add more water to dilute the mixture to a pouring consistency.
Tip: For a variation and different flavour you may want to use fenugreek (methi) powder instead of fennel seeds.

Basil water

Basil is believed to stimulate milk flow and an excellent source of carotene, niacin, thiamine and iron. It calms the nerves and initiates the let-down reflex. It aids digestion, reduce flatulence and increase appetite. You can also add basil leaves to your tea, milk, soups and cooked vegetables.

Ingredients:
7-8 fresh basil leaves
1 cup filtered water
½-1tsp honey (optional)

Method:
In a pan add water and crushed/finely chopped basil leaves.
Bring the mixture to boil.
Simmer and let the leaves steep for about 5 minutes.
Remove from the flame and sieve through a cup.
Add honey to taste. Serve warm.
Have 1-2 cups a day.
Fenugreek tea

Research shows that mothers report an increase in their milk supply within two to four days after taking the herb.

Ingredients:
1-3 tsp of crushed fenugreek seeds (methi seeds)
1 cup filtered water
½-1tsp honey (optional)

Method:
In a pan add water and fenugreek seeds.
Bring the mixture to boil.
Simmer and let the leaves steep for about 5 minutes. Cover and let the seeds steep for 5-10 minutes or longer to make a strong tea.
Remove from the flame and sieve through a cup.
Add honey to taste. Serve warm.
Have 1-2 cups a day.
Note: The tea has a characteristic bitter taste and it may take you a few days to develop a taste for it.
Cumin water

Cumin seeds are believed to help milk production. This drink also aids digestion and helps relieving constipation, bloating and gas.

Ingredients
1 litre filtered water
1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

Method:
Add cumin seeds to one litre of filtered water.
Bring the mixture to boil.
Lower the flame and let the mixture stand for another 15-20 minutes.
Let it cool till the water is lukewarm.
Store the water along with cumin seeds in a thermos to ensure it stays warm for several hours.
Take sips of this water all through the day.
Tip: You can also try chewing few dry roasted cumin seeds every morning. Adding cumin seeds to your everyday cooking will help.

Visit my website DrBar.org for videos on breast feeding and other useful tips on how to raise your baby healthy naturally.
Dr.Bar
359 San Miguel Dr. 200
Newport Beach Ca 92660
949 706 1212



Too many diaper choices? lets narrow it down for you

January 14th, 2010 | Comments (2)

Based on your personal philosophy, environmental concerns, cost, convenience, you may choose one or a combination of the following diaper options:
Disposable diapers; more expensive than cloth; more convenience; easier to use than cloth. (In general, less ecologically sound than cloth, although some disposable diapers are now biodegradable.

Delivery system for cloth diapers: Convenience and comfort benefits include no rinsing or soaking cloth diapers and no regular trips to the store to buy disposables.

Trivia :D isposable diapers take 500 Years in landfills

See bellow a few options and let us know your openion. Good luck

Cloth Diapers :

SwaddleBees Hemp Pocket Fitted Cloth Diaper

g- Diapers
how to use the g diapers
flushable and biodegradable
Here is how you get rid of them ?? unless you have old plumbing

Gro Baby Diapers; they grow with your baby

How to change the inserts

Seventh generation chlorine free diapers however not biodegradable!

You can visit the amazon store and check a variety of diaper options

Please let me know which one you like best and why? waiting for your comments.

Dr. Bar



How to hold, bath, burp and calm your newborn baby; videos

January 14th, 2010 | Comments (0)

How to hold your baby
Most important support your newborns neck

How to calm your baby video
check also how to swaddle your baby they like to be snug in the first weeks

how to burp your baby? After breast feeding and bottle feeding
remember if you let the air out you can avoid frequent spit-up and colics later

Please check how to give your baby a massage on my blog its a great way to sooth the baby
Please send me your questions and comments
Dr. Bar



How to prepare your Herbal drinks

January 3rd, 2010 | Comments (1)

Drinking herbs in water; provides an easy way for your body to assimilate the healing
properties of herbs. The word tea is a general term for extracting herbs into
water. Most people think of tea as putting a teabag into a cup and pouring boiling
water over it. That is a fine beverage, however using loose herbs and being more
specific about your tea making techniques gives you a more medicinal strength
tea.
Infusion and decoction are both methods of making tea. The infusion method of
making tea is best used when your tea contains the more delicate part of a plant
such as the flowers, leaves, soft stems, and herbs containing aromatic volatile
oils. The decoction method of making tea is best when using the hard and woody
part of a plant such as most roots and bark.
Making an Infusion
This is the best method when using flowers, leaves, soft stems and aromatic
plants.
1) Chop, crush or bruise the herbs. If the herbs are fresh, cut them into small
pieces with a knife, scissors or garden clippers. If the herbs are dried, you can
crush them briefly in a mortar and pestle or just bruise them between your fingers
2) Put four tablespoons of dried herb or eight tablespoons of fresh herb into a
one quart container. I like to use quart glass juice jars. Glass juice jars don’t
break as readily as mason jars and they are easy to carry around with you. You
can also make your infusion in mason jars, glass infusion pots and earthen,
enamel or porcelain tea pots
3) Pour one quart of boiling water over the herbs. Put the lid on the container and
let the herbs steep for thirty minutes to several hours. Most seeds and berries
only need about thirty minutes whereas some leaves such as nettles can be
infused for up to three or four hours
4) Strain the herbs from the infusion. Either leave the herbs in the pot and drink
the infusion over the course of the day (it is never strained this way) or use a tight
weave metal strainer and pour the infusion through it to catch the herb material.
Put the left over used herbs in your garden bed or compost pile. Drink the
infusion at room temperature or warm it up in a pot on the stove
Your infusion will last twelve hours to two days, depending on which plants are
used and the level of heat and sun they are exposed to. Infusions should be
stored in a cool dry place, however when you are going about your day that is not
always possible. If the infusion is in the heat just know that it is only good for that
day. Smell the infusion when it is fresh so you can detect the difference in the
smell that develops as it starts to go bad.
It is not really practical to make your infusion in a tea cup. Most tea cups don’t
have lids and you loose some of the medicinal qualities when you don’t cover
your infusion. Also for this amount of steeping time, it is just more practical to
make several cups at once. I like being able to pour the boiling water into a quart
jar and take it with me wherever I go during the day. I just let it sit in my purse
and after it has steeped for a couple of hours I start sipping on it and do this
throughout the day. Many times I don’t even strain the herb out. Drinking from a
clear jar filled with herbs is a great conversation starter.
Decoction
The decoction method of making a tea is best for when you use the hard and
woody part of a plant such as most roots and bark. These plant parts need more
heat in order to be extracted into water.
1) Follow step one for infusions
2) Place herbs into an earthenware, porcelain, glass or stainless steel pot
3) Pour cool or room temperature water over the herbs. Place the lid on the pot
4 Turn stove on medium heat and bring the water to a boil. Once it comes to a
boil, turn the heat down to low and let simmer for ten to forty five minutes
5) Let the mixture cool and then strain the herbs from the tea
Sometimes a recipe will call for plants that need to be decocted and plants that
need to be infused. This is what you can do in that situation:
1) Use the infusion method for all of the herbs and just let them steep for a longer
amount of time to account for the herbs that need to be decocted
2) Start by decocting all of the herbs in the recipe that need to be decocted and
then once you have turned off the heat, add the more delicate and aromatic
plants and let everything steep for thirty minutes. Then strain everything out.
Its good to try to use fresh and organic herbs as often as possible for the best results.
Call us and find about the list of Organic Herbs available for you to pick up.
and sign up for the next “Herb Tasting with Dr. Bar ” in February and learn some cool Herbal remedies.

See you soon
Dr. Bar



Organic Herbs for the cold season

December 27th, 2009 | Comments (0)

Five Herbs to See You Through Winter

The following list of herbs will help you avoid the colds and flu. (Swine or not)

Common cold and flu are caused by any of 200 different viruses. The viral infection and the immune system’s battle against the viruses produce all-too-familiar symptoms: sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, hacking cough and sometimes fever and chills. These viruses spread directly from person to person by coughing or sneezing or by hand-to-hand contact. The virus gets on one person’s hands and can spread to the hands of others. If the virus-contaminated hands touch your nose or eyes, you catch the cold. The virus can also live for several hours on everyday surfaces like counters and doorknobs. Your hands can literally pick it up that way as well. (That’s a good reason to wash your hands often during cold and flu season.)

The average American adult suffers two to three colds a year; the average young child has as many as nine. That adds up to something like one billion colds a year.

If you are getting more than your fair share of colds, your immune system may need help. Enjoy my pick of the Five Herbs that can help boost your immune system’s cold-fighting power this winter season.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

In a 1993 clinical study performed during a flu outbreak in Israel, Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu at Hadassah University in Jerusalem found that the extract reduces the severity and duration of flu symptoms compared to a placebo. Apparently, the extract’s compounds inhibit the ability of the flu virus to enter cells, and thus disarm the virus’s ability to infect or penetrate the cells. The Germans prescribe elderberry flower to treat fevers and increase bronchial secretions associated with colds. To make a tea, simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes and drink up to three times daily.

Juniper ( Juniperus)

Juniper contains a potent antiviral compound (deoxypodophyllotoxin) that seems to inhibit many different viruses. Many herbalists recommend it as a cure for flu. During the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic, which killed around 20 million people worldwide, a number of hospitals tried to stop airborne infection spreading by spraying vapourized essential oils into the atmosphere of flu wards – juniper was one of the herbs which was found to be particularly effective. To make a tea boil a cup of water and add 1 tea spoon of dried fruit and simmer for 10 minutes, do not boil.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).

This is one of the most traditional herbal cures for flu, and has been used for centuries. It is such a powerful antiviral that the active ingredient has been isolated by scientists, and it is currently sold in Germany as “Lomaherpan” to cure herpes. Lemon balm also relieves many of the symptoms of flu, bringing relaxing sleep, relieving cramps and gas, stopping spasms, and relieving pain. Use fresh or freeze-dried leaves in a tea. Lemon balm tea can be made using two tablespoons of the herb; by steeping the powdered herb for ten to fifteen minutes in 1 cup of boiling water

Licorice (black)

Licorice is a powerful antiviral. The licorice root contains numerous compounds, including glycyrrhizic acid (GA). GA inhibits the replication of several viruses in vitro including herpes viruses, HIV, and the SARS coronavirus. Licorice is also useful for treating symptoms of flu, including sore throat, bronchitis, cough, and arthritis. Licorice is widely available – but limit your intake. Low quantities of glycyrrhizin can build up over weeks and cause elevations in blood pressure, fluid retention, and alteration in potassium levels. Don’t take licorice if you are pregnant – it has been associated with premature births. It would be recommended just for the first few days of a cold or flu illness in patients without any chronic problems. Boil 1 cup of water and 1 to 2 teaspoons of the root and simmer for 10 minutes. May consume tea 2 to 3 times a day during the cold for 3 to 4 days only.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

It appears that moms are right when they make us consume ginger in time of flu. Ginger contains ten antiviral compounds. It reduces pain and fever, acts as a cough suppressant and is “warming” – it can help heat the body up, helping you to ’sweat it out’. Viral replication can’t happen once the body reaches high temperatures, and viruses will die in body temperatures that exceed 101ºF. Scientists have isolated several chemicals (sesquiterpenes) in ginger that have specific effects against the most common family of cold viruses, the rhinoviruses. Some of these chemicals are remarkably potent in their anti-rhinovirus effects. May add 1/2 a table spoon of fresh grated ginger to each cup of soup or a cup of the above mentioned tea or with honey for flavor.

Where to get the Herbs?

Please be advised that I would only recommend that you use organic herbs, Boil the water and make the tea in stainless steel pots and not aluminum. If you can’t find these herbs at Mother’s Market please stop by the office as I have all the selected herbs for convenience in the Fashion Island office in small 4 oz packages and they are all organic and a high grade quality herbs.

I call it: “Green Pharmacy for Colds and Flu”.

Remember, herbal medicine works on colds and flu in two ways: 1) By building the immune system 2) Fighting the virus. Use them frequently and let your children enjoy the tastes of the herbs to help them grow Healthy Naturally. Stay tuned for the Spring Newsletter or sign up on my website www.DrBar.org under the contact page.

Iman Bar M.D.



Eco Baby Generation : Green Baby shopping list and green registery

December 24th, 2009 | Comments (0)

Congratulations on your choice to raise your baby green an welcome to my Eco Baby Generation: and remember our mission is

“Saving Earth one green-feetsteps at a time

Click the following link to visit our store on amazon to view a hand picked choices for Eco Babies:

logosmall

Diapers

G Diapers
I think the video tells it all, its a great choice:
100% fashionable, 100% functional, earth-friendly, green diapers.
g stands for green diapers. gDiapers are breathable, natural diapers you can flush
Only one word of caution if you have an old house the pipes may be a bit challenged and you may have to call Mr. Plumber and loose the saving.

Biodegradable Diapers:
Nature BabyCare:

Product Features
Breathable
Chlorine Free
Natural Material
Safe for the Environment
Eco-Friendly
Product Description
Product Description
The surface of each nappy is covered with a film made from natural maize, 100% GM free, which lets the baby’s skin stay dry and breathe naturally it is not like the plastic surface of other nappies that look similar. The absorption layer is made from natural chlorine tree pulp that has been approved by the Scandinavian Environmental Society. Nature BabyCare nappy has a unique channel construction which reduces the level of super absorbents by 50% compared to other market leaders, without loosing performance. The Nature babycare nappy is easy to put on and thinner than most nappies without loosing their ability to absorb. They are so thin that they allow the freedom of movement your baby needs. The patented crease-line design and superior fit keeps the baby dry and comfortable. Nature babycare is made from 70% natural materials which is unique for a nappy that maintains the same high standards as other market leaders.

Another Option for Chlorine free however non-biodegradable:
Seventh generation Diapers

Chlorine Free Baby Diapers: at the website they list the ingredients
“The diapers are made of chlorine free wood pulp fluff, sodium polyacrylate (also referred to as SAP or absorbent gel), polyolefin nonwoven fabric, adhesives, polyolefin film, synthetic rubber elastic strands
The color of disposable diapers is typically achieved through the addition of color pigments. To the best of our knowledge, there are no known toxicity issues associated with the use of these pigments in our diapers. We use brown pigments to help distinguish Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Diapers from others in the marketplace that are bleached with chlorine-containing substances.”
Please also visit our Eco Baby selections on amazon store and please drop us an email to let us know what you think.
Thank you for visiting and see you soon.
Dr Bar



How to make organic baby food: See you next ECO BABY workshop is on December 18th

November 22nd, 2009 | Comments (0)

Common questions on how to make baby food

When can I start to introduce baby food? Around 6 months around the same time your baby can sit up

What type of food? organic is best, fresh in season vegetables or fruits, introducing one type of food at a time every 2 to 3 days to avoid allergy.

How to make my first baby food? Mix a whole grain organic cereal with water or breast milk and a soft fruit or a vegetable ( steamed if its a hard) Important tip make sure it is very water and soft the first times until your baby is used to the different texture.

What foods do I avoid in the first 1 to 2 years of life?
peanuts, fish and shell fish and eggs

Are the Nitrate Levels in Vegetables too high and what is he harm?
Nitrates are natural constituents of plants since they are their main source of nitrogen required for growth.
If high levels are reached in young babies usually less than 6 months methemoglobinemia may occur (a type of anemia)
There are a few things you can do to protect your baby from nitrates.
Nitrates increase with storage time unless frozen.
When using fresh vegetables for your baby food, prepare it as soon as possible.
Freeze extra servings right away or better make small portions.
Nitrate fertilizers are not used on land where produce is grown organically, so the risk of nitrates is much lower with certified organic produce.
Foods that tend to accumulate large amount of nitrate include spinach, beets, cabbage, broccoli, and carrots. Recommendations for home preparation of high nitrate containing foods are: Freeze vegetables immediately after harvest. Do not use vegetables which have been frozen longer than five months. Thaw vegetables no longer than 15 hours at room temperature
Do I need to add salt or sugar on the food?
No salt or sugar and for sure no honey for the first year of life

Remember when introduce the first pure food, your baby has to learn a whole new way of eating dynamics and may splash and spit and spray out the food while making cute faces so don’t just assume that your baby did not like the taste,
you may want to water down the food more or just plain try it again the next meal.
Here is a great product to buy form amazon that will help you to make great quality baby food. Bon apetite Bebe.

Please email me if you have any questions or comments. Good luck and enjoy.
Dr. Bar
Boutique Pediatrics
359 San Miguel suite 200
Newport Beach Ca 92660

tel 949 706 1212



Green Baby Registry: Dr. Bar’s Picks for the ECO Baby

November 11th, 2009 | Comments (0)

You can buy all these products they are linked bellow to the amazon store:
click on the link to go to amazon store for more cool picks
You click on the product and If you do not have an amazon account its very simple to start one and best of all they deliver to your door.
Moms can use this link and send it out to friends and family that can only choose for these ECO and green products that are safe and most important all these items are picked by a pediatrician. Enjoy shopping and see you soon.
boutique organics
For skin care please check my natural and organic line at www.BoutiqueOrganics.org
Dr. Bar
Baby Bed
Here is an overview of some specific chemical compounds to avoid in the conventional crib mattress.
1. Polyvenyl chloride: PVC most toxic and environmentally unfriendly plastics used today.
2. Phthalates: associated with asthma, reproductive problems ( most conventional baby mattresses contain phthalates.
3. Polyurethane foam, is essentially solid petroleum and is a common filling in conventional mattress.
Also avoid toxic fire-retardants chemicals ( a common one is the penta BDE) , associated with hyperractivity and neurobehavioral alterations.

Crib Mattress: Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
1.

or
2 the Organic firm mattress for standard baby crib may be another good choice:

Organic Mattress pad that is waterproof what a great idea for leaky diapers: (you may need two)

Organic cotton sheets are produced without harsh chemical bleaches or dyes. They are natural and hypoallergenic: A cute colorful choice made from soft organic cotton rather than the usual white and creams, so pure and gentle for your baby’s pure skin

The Crib:
I would pick that made of wood; they have that made from oak, for sure better than the artificial materials used in making most cribs, check this 4 in 1 crib that is very useful and it can be used for a long time as your baby grows.

As for winter covers: I would go for the Organic Wool safer than the synthetic comforters laced with the fire-retardent:

And remember its safe to keep your baby sleeping on the back for the first 6 months.
Please avoid toys or pillows in the crib at least for the first 6 months as well.

Baby strollers:
The Rolls Royce of all as most parents tell me;

Another good stroller that comes with a car seat

For luck families with twins check this double stroller:

Baby food and safe feeding products:

Born free baby bottles free from toxic plastics:

Baby teething give him fresh food to chew to sooth and nourish

Breast feeding friend firmer and more support for the back than the boppy

The best diapers and the must have for sure is: (and they ship them to your door)(:



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