Pediatrics - Carolina Total Wellness

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023

Dining Out With Kids

It’s tricky enough to find restaurants with healthy options for grown-ups. Here are a few suggestions for dining out with the whole family.

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar- With locations in Raleigh, Charlotte and Orlando, Cowfish melds the deliciousness of sushi and burgers to make sure there is something for everyone on the menu. Cowfish makes special occasions fun with their playful ambiance and noisy gong birthday song!

With most kids’ meals priced at $8, it’s affordable for a regular dinner out, too. Their kitchen takes care to accommodate a variety of allergies. The kids’ menu is made up of Bento Boxes with main dishes including California rolls, grilled nuggets, PB&J Sushi Roll and more. Each one comes with two sides and a rice crispy dessert. Healthy side options include oranges, carrots, edamame, apples and sweet potato fries. For the grown-ups, gluten sensitive and vegetarian options are clearly marked. Try the Double Salmon Roll and the Tuna & Avocado-Tini.

Firebirds – Okay, confession time. I am guilty of ordering from the kids’ menu at Firebirds. It’s tough to beat grilled salmon with two sides and a drink for less than $11. In my defense, I do tip generously when I go this route.

Firebirds is a chain with locations around the country – including Raleigh, Durham, Morrisville, Winston-Salem and Charlotte. The dining room is nice enough for a special occasion dinner.

For healthy kids’ options, try the grilled chicken breast, salmon or steak with broccoli, fresh veggies and/or fresh fruit and 1% milk or an Honest Juice Box to drink. They also have mocktails for fun, non-alcoholic drink options for the whole crew. Food allergies? Ask to see a manager to ensure your food is prepared in a way that is safe for you and your family.

Chipotle- For a quicker meal on the go, Chipotle offers vegetarian, vegan, paleo, Whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and even sulphite-free options. They do not use eggs, mustard, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, shellfish or fish as ingredients. Kids meals are less than $6 and include a fruit side and organic milk as healthy side/drink options – and I admit to ordering the kids’ meals here, too. I still tip like a grown-up, though. This is a fantastic option for tired grown-ups in the middle of a Whole30.

Your partner in health,

Erica Nelson, MSPH, NBC-HWC

July 29, 2022August 2, 2022

Toothpaste: What should I use?

Caroline Wilson, M.Ed., FMHC

Do you ever wonder if the toothpaste you and your kids are using is toxic? Let’s take a look at some ingredients of concern that are in most conventional toothpaste brands.

Artificial Colorings – Linked to ADHD & hyperactivity in children.

Titanium Dioxide – It’s just there to make toothpaste white. EWG has a list of safety concerns, including possibly a carcinogen when ingested.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – Causes canker sores for many people.

Triclosan – A pesticide and hormone disruptor.

Glycerin – It isn’t toxic, but ideally has no place in the mouth as it’s a soap that can strip your body’s natural oral mucosa and leaves a film. This could alter the microbiome in the mouth.

Ingredients we love:
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) – is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up 97% of our tooth enamel and has been scientifically-proven to strengthen and protect your teeth without fluoride. While Hydroxyapatite is not as well-known in the US, it’s been the gold standard in Japan for over 40 years.
TIP – Don’t rinse your mouth after brushing with HAp.

Bentonite Clay – A natural polisher that is rich in minerals and not too abrasive. It’s alkaline and helps reduce acidity in the mouth.
TIP – Make sure it’s “lead-free” clay.

Xylitol – Reduces cavity causing bacteria in the mouth.

Approved Hydroxyapatite containing toothpaste: Boka, Risewell, Wellnesse, Karex

Find these approved non-toxic brands in our clinic: Dentalcidin and Hyperbiotics Probiotic Toothpaste.

Call our office and schedule and appointment with one of our Health Coaches to learn more about non-toxic personal care products.

Your Partner in Health!
Caroline Wilson, M.Ed., FMHC

November 15, 2021November 28, 2022

PEDIATRIC COVID-19 Vaccination Prep

Supporting Resiliency for Children 5 years – 11 years

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have announced recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in children 5 years and older, who do not have contraindications.

At Carolina Total Wellness (CTW), we seek to empower our patients and their families with up to date information and provide medical recommendations through our personalized approach.

If you have questions regarding vaccinations, please reach out to your established medical provider.

PEDIATRIC COVID-19 Vaccination prep:
Supporting resiliency for children 5 years – 11 years

Start 2 weeks BEFORE and continue for 1 week AFTER vaccination:

1. Clean water: ½ body weight in ounces
2. Vitamin C: 125-500mg two times a day
3. Daily Multivitamin (ActivNutrients chewables)
4. Daily Probiotic (Ther-biotic complete chewables)
5. Vitamin D: 1000IU per 25 lbs, daily (CTW Liquid D3)
6. Zinc 7.5mg daily (Zinc Drink liquid)
7. SPM Active 1 caps daily: cut/puncture the softgel and squeeze out contents onto spoon, ok to take/mix with food.

In the days leading up to your vaccination, fuel your child’s immune system with healthy, organic colorful foods that are nutrient dense. Avoid pro-inflammatory junk foods and sugary foods. Stick to sleep schedules/healthy sleep hygiene and aim for quality sleep the two nights before the vaccination.

*Day of and day after vaccination, add extra C to above protocol:
Vitamin C: 500mg two times a day

After your vaccination, think muscle, immune and lymphatic system support:

Engage your deltoid! This is the shoulder muscle which received the vaccine. Movement and engagement of the muscle will reduce the tenderness and soreness which can start setting in a few hours later. Example exercises include arm circles, push-ups, patty-cake!

Run around! Walk, run, play after the vaccination to provide a healthy stimulus for the immune system for optimal response and reduce side effects.

Stimulate lymphatic system! After the vaccine, you can begin gentle skin brushing of the vaccinated arm. When able, incorporate whole body lymph support with options like whole body dry skin brushing, gentle rebounding (jumping, hopping), or deep breathing (blowing bubbles, square breath).

AAP statement:
https://www.aap.org/en/pages/covid-19-vaccines-in-children-and-adolescents-policy/

CDC statement:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/planning/children.html

Please contact our office for an appointment to further support and personalize your path to wellness.

Your Partner In Health!

Blair Cuneo, PA-C

April 1, 2021August 28, 2021

Tips for Picky Eaters

By: Caroline Wilson, M.Ed., FMHC

Picky eating often begins early in life for our kids and is often one of the top concerns reported in our practice. It’s not about perfection, it’s about creating a love of food and how it fuels our mental and physical health.

Healthy eating habits start at home. With a few changes and persistence, we help patients go from eating chicken nuggets and white pasta meals to filling their plates with more colorful fruits and vegetables.

Here are a few of my favorite tips for picky eaters:

#1 Lead by example. If you want your children to add more colorful and healthy foods to their plate, then you must eat them too. Help them understand why it’s important to eat healthy. “Because we want to feel good and have energy.”

#2 Make food FUN and Accessible. We eat with our eyes so access and presentation are key. For example, put healthy food at eye level in the refrigerator or create a vegetable tray and set it out on the counter. Cut food into fun shapes or arrange the snacks in a mini muffin tin for something different.

#3 Timed Snacking. Endless snacking does not allow time for kids to get hungry and eat what is prepared for meals. One idea to help guide snack choices is to set out the veggie/fruit tray at designated snack times and “close” the kitchen soon after. If you prefer them to choose their snacks, a great rule is to pick something from the fridge before the pantry.

These are just a few tips to help you get started with creating more colorful plates that your kids will want to eat. Our pediatric team has experience and more ideas to handle the pickiest eaters. Every child is different and learns to eat new foods and make healthy changes at a different pace. With a little persistence, patience, and fun, positive changes can happen.

Contact our office for an appointment to get started with our Pediatric Team

919-999-8031

January 20, 2021February 3, 2021

Allergy Treatments

With pollen seasons getting longer and stronger, you may find that allergy symptoms get in the way of fully enjoying your life. You know the symptoms – drippy or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose and throat, or worsened asthma.

We are now offering a simple allergy treatment.

Sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops, is a safe, convenient way to treat the cause of your allergies and help you build long-term tolerance to the things that once made you miserable.

The patient tailored drops work similar to allergy shots, but are delivered through a liquid drop under the tongue at home or wherever you are.
- This method makes it easier to stay with your treatment and requires fewer office visits than with other methods.
- Although most allergy sufferers can benefit from allergy drops, they’re especially ideal for those who can’t tolerate or don’t respond to allergy shots, as well as those who are unable to commit to allergy shot therapy.

Do allergy drops work?

Use of sublingual immunotherapy in the U.S. dates back nearly 100 years, and research has proven allergy drops’ effectiveness.

Allergy drops are custom to each patient based on testing, history and exam.
- Drops can be used safely for a broad range of people including infants and children, those with food allergies, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, and those with multiple allergies.
- World Health Organization research has shown the use of allergy drops is an effective alternative to shots.
- Allergy drops provide you with an opportunity for lasting, and often permanent, benefits.

If you’re interested in more information, please call us at 919-999-0831 or visit our website, www.carolinatotalwellness.com.

We appreciate being part of your care and are pleased to bring you this option.

January 20, 2021March 31, 2021

Pediatric Guidelines for “Colds”

By: Blair Cuneo, PA-C

Pediatric Supplement Prevention Options:

1. Annual Vitamin A “flu” shot (Seeking Health liquid vitamin A, CTW Vitamin A caps): • 150,000 IU vitamin A once

2. Vitamin C (CTW Complete Vitamin C):

• 3-5 years: 125-250 mg daily

• 6-12 years: 250-500 mg daily

3. Vitamin D (CTW Liquid D3 or CTW Vitamin D3):

• 3-6 years: 1,000 IU daily

• 7-12 years: 2,000-3,000 IU daily

• 13-18 years: 3,000-4,000 IU daily

4. Zinc (Zinc Drink, Zinc Glycinate):

• 3 years: 5-10 mg daily

• 4-12 years 10-25 mg daily

5. Probiotics (Ther-biotic Chewables, CTW Daily Probiotic, CTW S. boulardii):

• All ages: 1 a day

6. Omega 3 (Nordic Naturals DHA (strawberry), Nordic Naturals CLO (orange), CTW Omega 3s):

• 4-12 years: 2000 mg daily

7. Elderberry: • <7yo: 250mg daily • >7yo: 500mg daily

8. Boiron Oscillococcinum (homeopathy):

• 1 vial once a week

Pediatric Supplement Therapeutic options: Start at first signs of upper respiratory illness.

1. Vitamin C (CTW Complete Vitamin C)

• 3-5 years: 125-250 mg dosed every hour, reducing if loose bowel movements

• 6-12 years: 250-500 mg dosed every hour, reducing if loose bowel movements

2. Zinc liquid or lozenges (Zinc Drink or Zinc Glycinate)

• 3 years: 5-10 mg every 6 hours

• 4-12 years: 10-15 mg every 6 hours

3. Elderberry:

• Kids: 1-2 tsp 3-4 times a day

• Teens and Adults: 1 TBL 3-4 times a day

Homeopathy options begun at symptom onset:

1. Boiron Oscillococcinum

• One vial 3xday for 24 hours

2. Boiron ColdCalm

• Ages 3+: 2 tabs under tongue every 15 min for 1 hour; then 3xday until symptoms resolve.

3. Umcka ColdCare/Cough/Cold+Flu (ages 12 and older) and Umcka ColdCare Kids (ages 6 and older)

• Use as directed

Carolina Total Wellness also carries “Viracid” and “Viragraphis”, combination formulas to combat viral illness, in capsule form. Ask your provider for more information on dosing.

Healthy foods and restorative sleep are fundamental, especially when sick. Bone broth daily, minimum 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Restorative Sleep guidelines from AAP:

Children 3-5 years old: 10-13 hours of sleep every 24 hours (including naps)

Children 6-12 years old: 9-12 hours of sleep every 24 hours

Children 13-18 years old: 8-10 hours of sleep every 24 hours.

December 11, 2020August 29, 2021

A Note From Blair Cuneo PA-C Lead Pediatric Team Care Provider

Thinking back to my childhood, it was difficult to list many friends or classmates with multiple medical conditions that decreased their quality of life. Fast forward to working as a family practice PA-C, I saw not only the list of medical conditions and medications increasing for my adult patients, but also those of my pediatric ones. These included severe food or environmental allergies, difficult to treat eczema or asthma, overwhelming anxiety, sleep difficulties, chronic or recurrent pain with migraines, menstrual cycles, joints. I did as I was well trained to do, prescribe, and refer; prescribe and refer. I felt confident in suppressing their symptoms but not genuinely appreciating the cycle we were all in.
Traditional visits to family care or pediatric providers do not allow the time to truly sit down with a family and understand where their child is, how and why they got there, and where they want to be. Pediatric functional medicine appreciates this thorough discussion, as it will powerfully impact the creation of an individualized plan of action. Pediatric functional medicine works to understand root cause of symptoms and diagnoses. We implement medical and lifestyle therapies that will change the momentum of chronic illness and improve quality of life.

Your pediatric functional medicine team includes a medical provider and health coach certified through the Institute of Functional medicine. We work with families to target nutrient needs, understand inflammatory triggers inside and outside of the body, diversify and increase colorful, anti-inflammatory whole foods and address lifestyle balance. We work to increase the resiliency of these young bodies who are under increasing pressure to detox from stressors on their systems.

Every BODY can benefit from a functional medicine approach to wellness. Lists of medicines and medical concerns have become normalized in our society, but it is not normal and it’s definitely not optimal.
Call or go online to learn more how Carolina Total Wellness pediatric functional medicine team can optimize health for the special children in your life.

Tag: Pediatrics