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Benefits of Cord Blood Banking

May 1, 2012 By

Baby PJ

{image source}

As a busy mother, there are plenty of things that you have to remember when preparing for the birth of a new baby. In addition to decorating your nursery and picking out baby clothes, you also have to take into consideration the future health of your baby. That’s why cord blood banking is an important decision in the lives of both you and your newborn baby.

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the stem cells that are derived from your child’s umbilical cord blood. These stem cells can then be used to treat a wide range of blood diseases, such as leukemia or lymphoma. In most cases, they are used to treat the donor child or a family member; however, other children, who are not related, can also benefit from your child’s cord blood stem cells.

Many parents believe that their child will never require a stem cell transplant, but cord blood banking presents peace of mind just in case any unfortunate circumstances should arise. As researchers discover more uses for cord blood stem cells (such as heart disease, diabetes and brain injuries), the chances that a family member may need a transplant will continue to increase. As such, the decision to take part in a cord blood Canada program is an important one in preparing to bring your baby into the world.

Filed Under: Blog, Promotions 1 Comment

Periobalance Dental Probiotics {Giveaway}

April 17, 2012 By

My little guy had his first dentist appointment last year {This reminds me I need to make another check-up!} I was proud of how he handled his first filling, something that I remember holding back tears as a kid. Hopefully he will never get another cavity, as I’ve taken initiative to make my family’s oral health just as important as general health {Did you know the two are linked?}

I have been a fan of adding any foods that aid digestion to our diet, including flax seed, whole grains, and probiotic-filled yogurts.

But what does this “good bacteria,”  have to do with oral health?

Many of us associate probiotics with aiding digestion and other intestinal issues, but Sunstar GUM has come out with a new dental probiotic called Periobalance. These mint-flavored lozenges are taken daily to reduce plaque and promote healthy teeth and gums. Clinical results have shown positive changes in gum health and overall oral health in just 28 days!

Remember I said that oral health and general health are linked?

Studies have shown that the bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream and cause serious problems such as increased risk for cardiovascular disease, aggravation of diabetes, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, stroke and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. {Source}

Almost all gum diseases are caused by plaque, which is a mixture of saliva, food and fluids. Many of us can’t get rid of all of the plaque with brushing alone. That’s why we need to take more preventative steps and maintain a healthy dental routine including brushing, flossing and using Periobalance. Periobalance dental probiotics reduce all of that bad bacteria that lead to many gum diseases.

Now that you know the connection between oral and dental health, it’s time to add those extra steps to your routine!

Sunstar GUM would like to offer 5 readers a one month supply of Periobalance. For those of you that would like to order any Sunstar GUM products, here is a special coupon code for 25% off your order at gumbrand.com and free shipping (online only, minimum order of $15) with code:  BM25 Expires 5/31/12

To Enter: Leave a comment below letting us know what you do besides brushing to achieve a healthy mouth.

You can gain an extra entry each for liking Busy Mommy on Facebook as well as SunstarGUM.
{This is a paid parntership.}

Filed Under: Blog, Current Giveaways, Health, Promotions 7 Comments

Whole Wheat Mixed Berry Shortcakes

April 16, 2012 By

I am usually a decadent dessert-loving girl, but there’s something about fresh berries that taste so satisfying when craving something sweet. I’ve been trying to eat a bit healthier and eat a wide range of fruits and veggies everyday, but my motto has always been everything in moderation. I sure don’t feel guilty eating a serving of these Whole Wheat Mixed Berry Shortcakes.

The whole wheat shortcakes are filled with blueberries and topped with beautiful turbinado sugar. For the mixed berry topping, I used both fresh and frozen berries. You can use whatever you have on hand. I let the strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries mascerate {ie: I sprinkled them with sugar and set aside so they release their fruit juices!} If you are using all fresh berries, add 1/4 cup pomegranate juice {or apple}. Frozen berries seem to create a lot more juice.

Whole Wheat Mixed Berry Shortcakes
Serves about 12

For the Berries:

  • 4 cups berries, frozen or fresh {raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and diced strawberries}
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate or apple juice {if using fresh berries}

For the Whole Wheat Shortcakes:

  • 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, diced small
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Turbinado sugar
  1. Place berries in a small bowl with 1/2 cup sugar {and juice if using fresh berries}. Set aside and let macerate.
  2. For the shortcakes, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Add your diced butter and mix until combined. {If you aren’t using a KitchenAid Mixer, I recommend using your hands or cut in the butter to combine.
  3. Whisk the cream, egg, egg yolk and vanilla and add to the flour mixture. Stir until moistened. Fold in your blueberries.
  4. On a floured surface, roll out your dough to 1 inch thickness {I like to just use my hands. It doesn’t need to be perfect.} Using a round 3 inch cookie cutter or a large drinking glass, cut out your biscuits and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
  5. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown. To serve, cut a shortcake lengthwise and top the bottom portion with the berry mixture, followed by the top of the shortcake and additional berries. Serve warm with COOL WHIP.

As you may know, I currently have a partnership with COOL WHIP {Check out my ad here!}, but this recipe is not part of the paid campaign.

Filed Under: Blog, Desserts, Recipe Box 6 Comments
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