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Superfood Oatmeal: This is How They Become a Real Fat Burner – All Day Long

Oatmeal is a true superfood, keeps you full for a long time and can help you lose weight. With this variant you can also boost fat burning.

Oatmeal is considered a superfood – why?

Oatmeal (Avena sativa) is tasty and versatile. As a low-gluten grain, they are also very trendy. They enhance your muesli, add the right bite to patties, can be baked into bread and rolls or provide sweet moments as delicious oatmeal biscuits. Despite their high calorie content, around 350 kilocalories per 100 grams, they can help you lose weight. In addition to the good taste, the crushed cereal grains also contain a lot of healthy nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals.

These healthy ingredients are found in oats
Complex carbohydrates keep you full longer because our body needs more time to digest long-chain carbohydrates. As a result, stomach emptying is much slower and you feel full longer. In addition, the blood sugar level rises only slowly and less insulin is required.
Dietary fibers are largely indigestible food components that swell up in the stomach and bind water. Oatmeal contains about 10 grams of dietary fiber in the form of pectin and cellulose for every 100 grams. These serve as food for the beneficial intestinal bacteria. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends that adults consume at least 30 grams of fiber per day.
Beta-glucan is a soluble dietary fiber that forms a kind of protective film on the stomach and intestinal mucosa. Studies show that beta-glucan has a positive effect on cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The oat diet has also proven to be very effective for controlling blood sugar levels. The health-promoting properties of beta-glucans from oats and barley have been sufficiently proven in studies. Corresponding health claims (health-related information) have been approved by the European Commission and included in the positive list of permitted health-related information.
Minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc, manganese and selenium provide the body with an extra portion of important micronutrients.
Vitamins, of which the high content of B vitamins stands out, support important body processes.

This is how oats become a fat burner

To boost your fat digestion, you should include oat bran in your diet, which consists only of parts of the whole oat grain. Oat bran consists of the oat seedling and the outer layers of the endosperm. It is more like a coarse, coarsely ground flour and has a slightly nutty taste. The benefits of oat bran are:
Oat bran contains 15 grams of fiber per 100 grams, which is 50% more fiber than the pressed whole grain oatmeal.
Oat bran also has fewer calories (240 to 330 kilocalories per 100 grams) than oatmeal.
Oat bran contains less fat than oatmeal.
Oat bran contains more beta-glucan than oatmeal.
Although oat bran doesn’t contain all of the oat grain, it has most of the vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber of an oat grain, but fewer carbohydrates.
Oat bran is not very tasty on its own. But you can refine your muesli wonderfully with it. To increase the protein content here, it is best to combine oat bran with yoghurt, chia seeds or nuts. This automatically reduces the proportion of carbohydrates and you support fat burning. You can achieve an additional fat burner effect by adding spices such as ginger or cinnamon. If you also mix your oat bran muesli with water instead of milk, you save even more calories. But oat bran is also very valuable as a flour substitute when baking bread or biscuits and stirred into sauces.

Tips on buying and eating oatmeal and oat bran

Prefer organic quality: In addition to the health benefits, oat bran is also a very cheap food. Even in organic quality, oat bran remains affordable and long delivery routes are eliminated due to regional cultivation. The consumer magazine Öko-Test repeatedly finds impurities in oatmeal. In addition to glyphosate, these also include mold toxins, mineral oil and nickel. Among the oat flakes rated “very good” all of the first five places were organic products.
Increase fluid intake: Oat bran swells in the stomach, so it also increases stool volume and stimulates bowel movements. That’s why it’s very important that you drink enough fluids, otherwise constipation or, in the worst case, an intestinal blockage can occur.
Increase the amount slowly: You should also slowly get your body used to the higher fiber content, otherwise digestive problems such as flatulence can occur.
Be careful with digestive problems and allergies: If you suffer from swallowing problems or constrictions in the digestive tract, you should avoid oat bran.
If you are allergic to oats, eating oat bran is also not recommended.
If you suffer from celiac disease (gluten intolerance), you can use non-contaminated, gluten-free oats, which must be marked with the crossed-out ear of corn symbol.

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Mother Juices: What’s Behind It – And How Healthy Are They?

Fruit juices are known to provide you with many healthy nutrients. This also includes the so-called mother juices: They are made from acidic fruit varieties.

Worth knowing about mother juices

In principle, all fruit and not-from-concentrate juices, including mother juice, have a fruit content of 100%. This is even regulated by law: apart from the fruit, there must be no other ingredients in a fruit juice.

This type of juice is called mother juice because it comes from the first pressing. It is therefore often referred to as pure direct juice. The fruits are pressed once and briefly and gently pasteurized so that most of the natural, healthy ingredients are retained. The same applies to fruit juices and other not-from-concentrate juices: These too are only pasteurized gently and briefly, so that the loss of nutrients is minimised.

The advantage of this production method is that you can benefit from all the nutrients and vitamins of the fruit to the maximum. Depending on the variety, the fruits contain numerous antioxidants, secondary plant substances, vitamins A, E, C, B1, B2 and B6 as well as the minerals phosphorus, magnesium and iron. These ingredients strengthen your immune system, can prevent nutrient deficiencies, have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect against free radicals. Currently there are no studies that prove this effect of the mother juices; however, you can be sure of the many healthy ingredients.

Mother Juices – derived from acidic fruit varieties

Mother juices are derived from acidic fruit varieties. These include, for example, cranberries, cranberries, elderberries, pomegranates, sea buckthorn or black currants. Not everyone likes the taste of pure mother juices: They usually taste a bit more sour and bitter than well-known fruit juices. It is a good idea to dilute the juices slightly with water or process them in a smoothie or jelly.

A mother juice is also often the basis for a fruit nectar, often with the addition of water, sugar or honey for a sweeter taste. Due to the positive effect on health, it makes sense to integrate fruit juices and thus also mother juices into your diet and to enjoy them from time to time.

Tip: When buying, you should pay attention to organic quality; This is the only way you can be sure that no chemical plant products were used during cultivation.

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Fructose Intolerance: How To Recognize The First Symptoms – and What You Can Do

Fructose is found in fruits and vegetables, but it’s not always healthy for you. Fructose intolerance can lead to unpleasant symptoms. How can you treat these?

Do you like to eat fruit and vegetables and drink fruit juices? But do you often suffer from flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea afterwards? Then a so-called fructose intolerance or fructose intolerance could be the reason. Even if you don’t see it at first glance in the products, most foods contain more sugar than we would like. Fructose is found in numerous foods and at first glance an intolerance is not so easy to identify. Fructose intolerance is now affecting more and more people, with almost 40 percent of the western population now suffering from it.

What is fructose anyway?

Fruit sugar, also known as fructose/fructose, is found in numerous foods. It usually gives them their sweetness and is mainly found in fruit, fruit juices, jam, honey, some syrups and numerous finished products, but fructose is also found in table sugar, lemonade and sweets. It is absorbed in the small intestine via transport proteins and then reaches the liver via the bloodstream. Fructose provides no directly available energy and has no effect on insulin levels. However, our body is not at all dependent on fructose in terms of nutrition, which is why the human metabolism is overwhelmed by large quantities, only 25 to 50 grams can be used without any problems. The excess amount is always directed into the large intestine and can cause flatulence and abdominal pain there, even in healthy people. Fructose comes in different forms. Once in free form as a simple sugar (monosaccharide) in food, i.e. in fruit, vegetables, fruit juices and honey. Here it consists of a single sugar molecule. The simple sugars also include glucose, fructose and mucilage, but monosaccharides are also found in industrially manufactured drinks, sweets and finished products.

There is also fructose as a double sugar (disaccaride), with fructose together with glucose forming the usual household sugar, which is used very frequently and is contained in numerous foods and drinks. Disaccarides consist of two simple sugar molecules, including lactose, cane and beet sugar or malt sugar (maltose). This occurs when grain germinates and is contained in pasta, potatoes and beer, among other things.

Fructose also occurs as multiple sugars (polysaccharides). This consists of many fructose molecules firmly connected to one another, at least ten simple sugar molecules, such as inulin or the levan type, which is also found in small amounts in local vegetables such as asparagus, leeks, garlic or onions. Polysaccharides also include starch, dextrins, glycogen or roughage.

What is fructose intolerance?

There is talk of a food intolerance when, for example, fructose is simply not well tolerated. On the other hand, one speaks of an intolerance when the body cannot break down a certain substance properly because it lacks the necessary enzyme. Fructose intolerance is more widespread than intolerance. The intestines can only absorb limited amounts of fructose, but can metabolize it normally, and an enzyme deficiency can also play a role here. A disease is present when the body cannot process unusually small amounts (less than 25 grams) of fructose in the small intestine or when no fructose can be metabolized at all. Doctors also speak of a “hereditary fructose intolerance”.

In the mucous membrane of the small intestine there are small transport proteins (so-called GLUT) through which the nutrients from the interior of the intestine get into the blood. Fructose is also transported in this way, but the transport proteins can only absorb a limited amount of fructose. How much the body can ultimately transport is very individual. If the transport limit is reached, fructose enters the large intestine undigested. The bacteria that live there use them as energy suppliers and break down the sugar. This produces gases and short-chain fatty acids, which can trigger typical symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence or diarrhea. Some of the gases are also absorbed into the blood and exhaled through the lungs. A so-called breath test can measure the increase in the concentration of the gas in the breath and thus provide a possible diagnosis of fructose intolerance.

Another cause of fructose intolerance, in addition to a transport limit of the GLUTs, can also be too fast digestion, i.e. the chyme passes through the small intestine too quickly. There may also be too few transport proteins present or they may only be able to perform to a limited extent by nature. Gastrointestinal infections or even a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that attacks the intestinal wall, such as Crohn’s disease, can also trigger intolerance to fructose. Fructose intolerance is not curable, but by changing your diet, those affected can lead a largely symptom-free life.

Symptoms of fructose intolerance

In addition to abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea, other symptoms can occur that indicate fructose intolerance. However, a doctor should be consulted for final clarification. First, the symptoms of fructose intolerance depend on whether the condition is congenital or acquired. As already mentioned, congenital and inherited fructose intolerance is also called hereditary fructose intolerance and is rather rare. This type of intolerance is caused by a genetic enzyme defect that leads to an intolerance to foods containing fructose and sucrose. If left untreated, this defect can initially lead to hypoglycaemia, later to liver, eye and kidney damage. The hereditary fructose intolerance shows up early on, because the smallest traces of fructose are found in breast milk or in the follow-on milk powder. In addition to nausea and vomiting, headaches and concentration problems often occur, coagulation disorders and hypoglycaemia are further consequences of the innate intolerance. Feeling weak, sweating, dizziness, or seizures and fainting are also symptoms. Fructose should definitely be avoided here. Early detection of the chronic disease in combination with a fructose-free diet can alleviate the course.

There is also the so-called fructose malabsorption, the acquired fructose intolerance. This is a disorder of the glucose transporter GLUT 5, which disrupts the absorption of fructose in the small intestine and causes the sugar to reach the large intestine, where it is broken down by bacteria. A feeling of fullness, bloating and abdominal pain, especially in the lower abdomen, which escalate to cramps, can be the first signs of fructose malabsorption. In addition to audible stomach noises and nausea, diarrhea and/or a changed, mushy or slimy stool can also indicate an intolerance. Constipation, heartburn, acid regurgitation or even extreme tiredness, especially after eating, can also indicate an intolerance. A nutrient deficiency can also be a consequence of acquired fructose intolerance, since zinc or folic acid, for example, cannot be properly absorbed. This can lead to other symptoms such as hair loss, anemia or headaches. In addition to fructose intolerance, milk sugar intolerance (lactose intolerance) often develops. Furthermore, a fructose intolerance can probably even affect the psyche, here scientists suspect that the deficiency cannot produce enough serotonin, which can contribute to the development of depression, among other things.

In general, it can be said that the symptoms of fructose intolerance mainly occur when large amounts of fructose have been consumed. When exactly the symptoms appear and how long they last varies from person to person. They are usually intensified by an unfavorable composition of food, for example if the food contains a lot of fructose but little protein and fat. In general, it can be recommended to consume fructose together with glucose and to ensure a sensible intake, but here too there are no specific limit values ​​for the intake of fructose in the event of fructose malabsorption.

What you can do about fructose intolerance

If you think you might have fructose intolerance, you should first consult your family doctor. They can carry out initial tests or refer you to specialists. There are several ways to diagnose fructose intolerance.

First, the medical history and the type of symptoms, their intensity and duration are queried. Another aspect is asking about nutrition and the daily menu. A physical examination is then carried out, the abdomen is palpated and listened to in order to be able to exclude unusual noises. This is often followed by a blood test and a fructose intolerance test, also known as the H2 breath test. The hydrogen breath test can be used to check whether the consumed fructose has reached the large intestine. Hydrogen is produced when the fructose is broken down by the bacteria in the large intestine. These tiny molecules then enter the blood and are exhaled through the lungs, which is why the hydrogen content in the breath can be determined. First, the doctor measures the basal value (initial value) for the hydrogen in the breathing air. To do this, you have to blow hard into a measuring device. A glass of water containing 25 grams of dissolved fructose is then drunk. Over the next two hours, the doctor measures the hydrogen content in the breath at regular intervals and records the values ​​and symptoms. If the value rises to more than 20 ppm above the initial value once or twice in a row, this indicates a fructose intolerance. However, there is an exception here, as some people do not emit any hydrogen at all. In these people, the bacteria in the large intestine do not produce hydrogen when they break down sugar and the hydrogen breath test is negative, even though they are fructose intolerant. For clear clarification of this there is the so-called methane test, which measures methane in the breathing air, since in some people the intestinal bacteria do not convert fructose into hydrogen but into methane gas.

In order to get the most meaningful test result possible, you should not eat flatulent or sweet foods 24 hours before the test and only drink water, do not smoke, do not chew gum and do not exercise 12 hours before the test. The tests usually take place in the early morning. There are now also fructose intolerance tests that you can take at home, but you should note that these are hardly meaningful and the test samples usually cannot be stored properly.

Conclusion

Even if fructose intolerance is more common than you think, you should generally pay attention to a conscious and healthy diet. Fructose is not only contained in many finished products, the rather unhealthy compounds are often also found in diabetic or light products, where fructose is often used as a sweetener, which is why special attention should be paid here.

Even if a fructose intolerance is not behind every feeling of fullness or bloating, a doctor should be consulted quickly if symptoms are frequent and intense, because if a fructose intolerance is noticed too late, it can have far-reaching consequences. Since the intensity of the symptoms is different for everyone, not every patient with fructose intolerance develops all symptoms. A permanent diet free of fruit or fructose is only recommended in the case of hereditary fructose intolerance. In the case of an acquired fructose intolerance, those affected are advised to avoid fructose for a while. After a phase of fructose and sorbitol-free food, you can start again with small amounts to find out whether and which food is tolerated without symptoms. There are now numerous lists of foods and products that contain fructose and fructans.

About 20 percent of people with fructose intolerance also have lactose intolerance. It is important to pay close attention to this, because the typical symptoms of both diseases can be similar and should be clarified by a doctor. Nutritional advice is often useful here, where an individual menu can be worked out together with the patient. Often a minimal change can bring a big success. When shopping, the list of ingredients should always be checked, as even the smallest amounts of sugar substitutes can promote intolerance. There are also over-the-counter products for people* with an acquired fructose intolerance, which convert fructose into more easily digestible components and can have a supportive effect even with a slight intolerance.

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This is How You Can Save Money While You are at School

From the school cone to the graduation trip – over the years, parents face high costs related to school attendance. In many areas, however, there is potential for savings that add up over the entire school year and are therefore worthwhile. Because not everything is really necessary for the school success of your child.

Parents pay around 21,000 euros for their children’s 12-year school education. There are sometimes horrendous differences between the individual federal states: If you live in Lower Saxony, for example, you will have to pay almost 30,000 euros for your child’s schooling. If you live in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, it is just under half. It is therefore worth taking a close look and exploiting the existing savings potential.

Potential savings in care

More and more parents are working full-time while their children are at school. In this respect, they are dependent on supervision. It is therefore not surprising that the costs for after-school care make up the largest proportion of the total costs of school life. Because: In the open all-day schools, care is offered at lunchtime and also in the afternoon, even if there are no more classes. Many parents are happy to take advantage of this, which means that a share of the childcare costs is incurred. On average in Germany, this amounts to 7,911 euros over the course of school life. In Thuringia, parents only pay 2,750 euros, while in Lower Saxony they are asked to pay 14,000 euros.

If you don’t want to resort to school care, you should try to organize care yourself. Together with other parents or even grandmas, grandpas, aunts, and uncles, neighborhood care can be organized that is completely free of charge. If a childcare contract is drawn up, the costs up to the age of 14 can even be deducted from tax as a special expense. Alternatively, you can hire a childminder or a student to organize the children’s afternoons in a meaningful way. This may even be beneficial for school success.

Potential savings in school materials

School satchels and sports gear are offered in new designs by the manufacturers every year. However, if you go back to a previous year’s model instead, you can save significantly. In terms of quality, this usually makes no difference and most materials are not used for long anyway. And since the children in the higher grades use the same models, your child is not at a disadvantage. In any case, it is worthwhile to compare different providers online, as the prices sometimes vary greatly. If the things no longer fit after a year, it is also advisable to sell them on. For this purpose, many schools have book fairs for school books, where you can buy used books and sell them again.

Potential savings in school meals

A healthy lunch is important. Nevertheless, you can still save here if you give your child a lunch box that you have put together yourself instead of letting them take part in the school lunch. However, arithmetic is required here, since school meals are often subsidized and therefore very cheap.

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Tips on How to Live Together as a Man and Woman

It can be difficult for a man and woman to live together. When the man doesn’t do anything around the house and the woman keeps complaining. There are many prejudices about both sexes. But what happens when a man and a woman move in together? We have tips for peaceful coexistence.

Women are the “weaker sex” and talk a lot throughout the day. Men, on the other hand, switch off at the constant rattling. Given the prejudices, living together should be impossible. Below we have tips for harmonious coexistence and at the same time eliminating gender prejudices.

The difference between the sexes

There are many books, theories, and studies that analyze the differences between men and women. Less serious film in which many prejudices are celebrated and expanded so that they become typical clichés. But where do the differences between the sexes begin and how do the prejudices arise?

The different gender roles

It starts in childhood: the boys have to play with cars and the girls with dolls. But the situation is different. Girls like to climb trees just as much as boys do. And many guys are not even interested in cars, they are creative and prefer to paint. Many years ago, an invisible power ruled over the role models for men and women. Also, read the facts and prejudices about men and women.

Gender roles 100 years ago

Society dictated how the sexes had to look and act—those who didn’t fit the picture were forced to change. More than 100 years ago, it was perfectly normal for all interests to focus on the husband. At that time, women and girls could not live out their interests, but had to support the “stronger sex”.

The modern image of women leads to changes

Today, the position of women in the western world is different: women have almost the same opportunities to enjoy great success in both their professional and private lives. Although women often earn less than an equal man, society has accepted that men and women are equal. The situation is different in other countries: in Japan, for example, many women give up their careers around the age of 25 to have children and devote time to their families. While the man earns the “daily bread”, they stay at home, take care of the household and the children and manage the household budget.

In the West, on the other hand, these “given” roles are absent, it seems much more as if the future of the genders is a question of education. In families where traditional gender roles are firmly anchored, they are also passed on to the children. Conversely, there are families who raise their children freely and where men appreciate the everyday life of housewives. It’s normal there for Dad to wash the dishes while Mom enjoys a glass of wine in front of the TV. On the other hand, some things happen unconsciously: Media such as television and the Internet, but also friends, acquaintances, and teachers influence children so that their development and thus their opinion on gender roles is hardly predictable.

3 tips for living together

No matter how a person has developed, both sides have to learn how to deal with the opposite sex. Here are some tips for those who have just moved in together or will do so in the foreseeable future:

1) Honest Communication

Communication is the key to success. Any issue should be addressed and resolved by both sides before a little secret suddenly leads to the end of the relationship. Also, note our post on how to win back the lost love.

2) Accept imperfections

After moving in together, couples often discover each other’s quirks. Both sides have to get used to each other. Nobody should have to hide their less beautiful side. The sooner you find acceptance, the better the relationship will go. Because this is a good basis for a long relationship.

3) Leave spaces regularly

Everyone needs a retreat! But living together can often be restrictive. Especially when you live in a small space. Both men and women need time for themselves at some point, the partner should accept that and not misunderstand it. Therefore, consciously creates free space and free time alone. Give yourself time to relax.

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Make Your Own Colors – That’s How it Works!

A guide to making your own paint. So you can produce colors yourself naturally, quickly, and cheaply. And that sustainably and without chemicals, with food from your own household!

Step by step to your own color: Producing natural colors is very easy and doesn’t take much time or money. You can store homemade food-based paints in the fridge for a few days and use them as you like during that time. The big advantage: They are naturally degradable and contain no chemical components.

1) What are colors made of?

Colors consist of three main components: pigments, binders, and solvents. Many substances that are suitable as basic components for DIY paint production can either be purchased cheaply in hardware stores (acrylic binder, white glue, etc.) or can be made in your own kitchen using simple household products.

2) Gain color pigments

Pigments can be obtained from food colors, which are available in pharmacies, or made from the food itself. You can see which food you use to achieve which color in the table below.

3) Egg as a binder – egg tempera

You can use egg tempera to bind your paint. For this, egg yolk, oil, and water are mixed together in the same ratio. The amount of oil and water can vary (less oil and more water can be used).

Any vegetable oil can be used as an oil. However, linseed oil is particularly suitable because it dries quickly. The color pigment is then worked into the mixture of egg and oil until the desired color is achieved.

To avoid lumps, small amounts of the pigments should be worked in one at a time. If the shade is too intense, the mixture can be diluted with water. Such paints from egg tempera are well suited for painting.

4) Flour as a binder

As an alternative to the egg as a binding agent, you can also use the top household remedy flour. To make such so-called paste paints, you have to heat 2 tablespoons of flour in a saucepan with 400 to 500 ml of water and bring it to a boil. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If there are any lumps, you can simply pour them off through a sieve.

Alternatively, you can add the flour directly to the colored juices. However, you have to mix this mixture very thoroughly. The more heat, the fewer lumps will form. The pigments can be incorporated into the mass once it has cooled. Again, water can be added to get lighter shades. Paints made with flour as a binder can be used well as finger paints.

5) Milk as a binder

Instead of flour and egg, you can also use dairy products as a binding agent. For such a color, which uses casein as a binder, a tablespoon of quark (alternatively milk or condensed milk) is mixed with pigments in the same ratio.

You can then stir a small amount of water into this mixture. You can then use water to correct the color tone you have achieved afterward. This color is suitable for painting walls and artistic painting.

6) Starch as a binder

To make cornstarch-based paints, cornstarch and baking powder are mixed together in equal amounts. Then twice as much vinegar is added. Then food colors or natural colorants (see table) are added. Such starch-based paints are particularly useful as water-based paints.

At a glance: This is how you can make colors yourself

To make your own paints, you’ll need things you probably already have at home. So it’s a perfect DIY that doesn’t even require you to leave the house and buy special materials. All paints consist of three elements – pigments, binders, and solvents.

You can always use water as a solvent. You can find the right home remedy as to a basis for the pigmentation of your desired colors in the table above. As a rule, different ingredients lead to the goal there, so there is a high chance that you have one of the foods you need for your favorite color at home.

You have four different classic baking ingredients to choose from as binding agents: egg, flour, milk, and cornstarch. This depends on the purpose for which you want to produce the paints. The egg is suitable for classic painting, flour for finger paints, milk for both classic painting and painting walls, and cornstarch for making watercolors.

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Poor Eyesight in Children: How to Recognize it and What to Do About It

It is estimated that at least every tenth child in Germany suffers from poor eyesight. Ideally, the restriction is recognized quickly and treated immediately. However, it is problematic if a child’s vision problems are only discovered very late or not at all.

Because this can lead to the child being restricted in its entire development and possibly even in its choice of career. In this article, you will learn about the signs of vision problems in children and what parents and teachers should pay particular attention to.

What are the signs of poor eyesight in children?

It is often particularly difficult to determine whether babies and young children have visual impairments as they are not yet very good at expressing themselves and cannot read or write. However, there are some signs that children have eye problems:

Abnormalities in the eyes

  • large pupils
  • squinting
  • whitish or yellowish pupils
  • light-shy eyes
  • clouded cornea
  • eye trembling
  • eyelid changes
  • watery and sticky eyes
  • behavioral problems of the child

Frequent rubbing of the eyes with the fingers

  • excessive blinking
  • rolling eyes
  • tilting of the head
  • sensitivity to light
  • passing objects

Poor eyesight is easier to identify in older children and does not go unnoticed for long, especially at school. Students with untreated vision problems can’t concentrate for as long, have trouble copying from the board, and make more mistakes in reading, which can quickly lead to poor grades. Poor concentration in children can also be an indication of other diseases.

Further problems

In addition to the abnormalities listed above, older children may have other problems that often go unnoticed or are considered normal in babies and toddlers. The most important of these are:

  • headache
  • balance disorders
  • problems catching the ball
  • Bumping on furniture and doors
  • Closing one eye while reading or writing
  • Problems writing within a line
  • Confusion of letters and numbers
  • little distance to the book while reading

What to do if you suspect a visual impairment?

If you suspect a visual impairment, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately, especially if there are obvious problems with the eye itself. The first eye examinations are usually carried out immediately after birth, a few days later, and about 4-5 weeks later. The eyes are examined externally, the sensitivity to light is tested and the lens and retina are checked.

If the child belongs to the risk group, the next ophthalmological examination should take place between the ages of six and nine months. This applies to children with a hereditary predisposition, premature births, and children with developmental delays. A child who shows no abnormalities does not have to see an ophthalmologist for the first time until the age of 1 to 2 years. An eye test should be carried out again at the latest before starting school.

What are common visual defects in children?

The most common visual defects in children include squinting, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and ametropia. We also give an outlook on the treatments of these and how to treat them.

Squinting (strabismus)

When a child squints, this is usually relatively easy to recognize, because the two eyes do not look in the same direction. If left untreated, visual acuity in the squinting eye may not develop properly.

If squinting is not discovered before school starts, it is almost impossible to maintain normal visual acuity. Eyeglasses may be prescribed or occlusion therapy, which involves taping one eye shut, may be performed. In the worst case, an operation of the eye muscle must be performed.

Nearsightedness (myopia)

Those who suffer from nearsightedness see things that are close and blurry in the distance. Short-sightedness is not that common in the first years of life, but only develops over time, often when school starts (school-time short-sightedness).

Myopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. A good way to prevent myopia is to let children play outside for at least two hours a day.

Farsightedness (hyperopia)

Slight farsightedness in small children is nothing unusual and is usually easily compensated for by the elasticity of the eye lens. In the case of greater farsightedness, however, the eye muscles have to exert themselves too much to compensate for the misalignment, which often causes headaches. Weak farsightedness in children does not need to be treated, but severe farsightedness should definitely be corrected with glasses.

Corneal curvature (astigmatism)

With astigmatism, there are small dents in the cornea of ​​the eye, which means that a point is not displayed as a point but as a line on the retina. The images on the retina are therefore distorted, but this is largely compensated for by the brain. However, children with astigmatism see less accurately. In this case, too, early detection can contribute to better treatment. Glasses are usually prescribed for astigmatism.

Ametropia (anisometropia)

We speak of ametropia when there is a visual impairment in both eyes, but to different degrees and types. It can happen, for example, that one eye is farsighted in one eye and shortsighted in the other. In this case, a correction with glasses must also be carried out as soon as possible.

Increased eye pressure (child glaucoma)

One speaks of congenital or childhood glaucoma when the intraocular pressure is elevated at birth or in childhood. Raised eye pressure is less common in children than the above-mentioned vision problems, but it is more dangerous and can also develop in adulthood.

The optic nerve can be damaged, which leads to a restriction of the field of vision and, in the worst case, blindness. Elevated eye pressure usually occurs without major symptoms or comorbidities.

Basically, what the eye doesn’t learn by the age of six, it never learns again! Regular visits to the ophthalmologist in childhood are therefore strongly recommended.

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How Children Can Help in the Kitchen

Even the smallest children can help their parents in the kitchen, which is not only fun but also a good experience for the children.

That’s why it makes sense to involve the youngsters in cooking. In this way, the family’s own cooking culture can develop. This often shapes the little ones’ whole lives.

1. Mixing and kneading

Children as young as two can help out with mixing or kneading because it’s fun. Washing fruit or vegetables is just as fun. With the help of the parents, it is even possible for kindergarten children to crack open an egg.

2. Let it squish

Toddlers love to squish or knead a bit. They have fun when they are allowed to do what their parents do. So parents can trust their children. There are even special children’s knives that a child of daycare age can already handle.

3. Plan enough time

So that there is no stress when cooking with the whole family, enough time should be planned. In addition, the parents should not take everything so precisely, but rather be generous. The praise is paramount. The child should be able to recognize for themselves that they have done something well. It’s up to the parents to teach them this to make cooking even more fun.

4. Assistance with the preparations

The children can already be brought on board during the preparations. This allows joint considerations to be made as to what to eat at all. A good suggestion is that everyone can take turns contributing ideas and suggestions.

5. A family cookbook of favorite dishes

It makes sense to create your own family cookbook with your favorite dishes. In this way, all family members can be included. It makes sense to photograph the individual steps of cooking. The result is not only lots of fun cooking but also nice memories of the time spent together in the kitchen.

6. Go shopping together

As soon as it is clear what will be cooked, the children should be taken to go shopping. The shopping list can be written together with school children if they can already read and write. Also, note valuable tips for saving when shopping.

7. A ritual for everyone

In most cases, it is not so easy to have the time to cook together every day due to the parents’ professional everyday life. Nevertheless, eating together should be a ritual. It is possible, for example, to mix together muesli for the next breakfast the night before. Everyone can help set the table for dinner. The best time for conversations is usually when setting the table, baking, or cooking. These moments are priceless.

8. Take advantage of the weekend

At the weekend there is a little more time to bake, cook or shop together, or plan the menus with the digital cookbook. As a result, the family ritual can always shift to the weekend. A child not only gets to know a wide variety of foods but also learns how to cook them. Rules are followed because the parents show them how. This includes not only independent small jobs but also washing your hands. The creativity of the children is immensely encouraged by the good time together.

9. Accessibility for the children

Depending on how old the children are, there are always areas in the kitchen that are not accessible to the little ones. An example of this is the cleaning cupboard. If possible, these areas should be locked with a good child safety device. Otherwise, elevations, such as non-slip stools, may be provided for the children so that the little ones get a better overview.

10. The right height

It makes sense to fill the bottom drawers and shelves with things that the children can’t break. Experience has shown that babies have the most fun playing with pots and lids. It is important that it does not become dangerous for the little ones when they start a climbing action.

11. Beware of boiling water and sharp knives

Children should only be allowed to handle meat knives or boiling water from the age of around twelve. Sharp blades and hot steam are too dangerous for the little ones due to the very high risk of injury. Often there is no point in explaining to the children again and again that something is dangerous because the moment will come and something bad will happen.

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How Children Learn to Walk Safely

Watching babies and toddlers grow up seems like a small miracle to many parents. The development steps right at the beginning are very amazing. After all, life begins as a rather helpless newborn child, until more and more skills are added in a relatively short time.

The first free steps are often eagerly awaited and cheered by everyone. The little ones can be tireless when it comes to their own mobility. Especially when it comes to being able to move around on your own two feet. It is therefore a motor milestone that changes everything in the life of the child and the entire family.

Once you can walk on two feet, you get completely different ways of discovering the world. Small children can get from one place to another naturally much faster and still have both hands free. This gives the little ones totally new ways of living and playing. However, it can take a few months for small children to learn to walk, and then the point in time is still very individual. Some start as early as nine months, and for others, it can actually take twice as long. It’s the same as with any other development. Therefore, as a parent, you should not let yourself be unsettled.

How to help children learn to walk

Learning to walk takes a lot of practice. Just “force” is of no use to the little ones. Small children need an environment in which they can move freely and safely and, above all, try themselves out. As parents, you should anticipate the mobility attempts, not fearfully, but trustingly accompany them. This is the best way for children to learn how to deal with possible dangers and assess risks.

Once the first steps have been taken, the little ones will continue to practice the newly learned skills all by themselves and with perseverance. And then a child-safe home becomes important. A practiced sense of balance is very important for free running, as well as for all other types of locomotion. Because soon after the first attempts at running, they move on with other aids, such as a scooter for children or a balance bike.

Motivate and give self-confidence

The best way to motivate young children is to approach it in a playful way. For example, the parents could sit on the floor, open their arms and invite the child to run to them. For example, children who are more advanced often have fun when they can draw on tracks with chalk or walk along tracks laid out with strings. For them, learning to walk is like a nice game and that’s the easiest way to learn it.

The motivation can be the cheering of the parents and their laughter and joy. In this way, the child knows – and is proud of it – that she has done everything right. Parents’ praise is the best motivation for children. But this also means that the things can be done all by oneself (i.e. without any noticeable help from parents or other people) and they can then be proudly presented. Also, note clever tips for working from home with children and how to wash children’s hair without stress.

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10 Tips for Kissing Well and Learning How to Kiss Properly

A good kiss can be important if you want to impress your counterpart. But how do you kiss properly? You can find out whether you can improve your kissing technique with the following tips on how to kiss properly. So nothing stands in the way of your next kissing experience.

The best tips for kissing properly

A good kisser is seldom born. Again, practice can make perfect. Also, everyone kisses differently. In order for the kiss to be good, you have to adapt to your counterpart. But with a few tricks, you can kiss even better than before. Therefore, take the following tips to heart to learn how to kiss properly:

1) Interpret body language correctly

First of all, you should correctly interpret the body language of your counterpart. Is he or she ready for a kiss? Or does the body language indicate defensiveness and discomfort? This is important to know if you want to take the first step. In a partnership, too, it is an advantage for a long relationship to know when your partner would like a kiss or can really use it. If the other person is facing you and looking for physical contact, that’s a good sign.

2) Approach slowly and kiss well

If you now notice that your counterpart is open to a kiss, you can slowly approach it. Of course, things can get stormy in some situations, but you’re on the safe side if things go slowly. It can also increase your desire and lust. Also, read exciting facts about sex from research.

3) Control breathing and kiss properly

When you’re learning how to kiss properly, you should think about your breathing. It is best if you breathe gently and controlled. Because nobody likes it when their breath is blown wildly down their throats. However, you can also use your breath specifically to signal your desire. Then it is very important that you have fresh breath. Home remedies for bad breath can help you not to scare off your counterpart.

4) Not too much saliva!

According to surveys, women do not like it at all when too much saliva is used when kissing. Overall, 67% of women reject a kiss that is too wet. Accordingly, very wet kisses are a no-go. Although men get along better with a wet kiss, you shouldn’t forget to swallow when kissing.

5) A good kiss without tongue acrobatics

Another common mistake is using the tongue correctly. If you dig too much with your tongue or let it go too far into the other person’s mouth, it can be very uncomfortable. Therefore, be careful not to do any tongue acrobatics. Instead, explore slowly with your tongue what your counterpart likes. In addition, note valuable tips for the first date and be ready to kiss properly.

6) Short breaks are allowed

A long kiss can strengthen the relationship, but short breaks are also allowed. You can use these breaks to seductively look your partner in the eye. This can also increase your self-confidence and you can go further with kissing properly. So give your lips a break in between.

7) Close your eyes and learn to kiss properly

As a rule, the eyes are closed when kissing. Because nobody likes to be stared at. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep your eyes closed all the time. On the contrary, the exchange of looks can create trust and increase desire. So you should try to find a balance.

8) Better kissing through a variety

If you’re going to be making out for a long time, then some variety can be beneficial. So you can alternate between french kissing and normal kissing. Other body regions can also be touched and explored with the mouth. Or bite gently on the other person’s lip.

9) Pay attention to sufficient oral hygiene

Another no-go when kissing is a lack of oral hygiene. You should avoid bad breath and have taken care of adequate dental care beforehand. Because then nothing stands in the way of the kissing experience and both have fun.

10) Proper kissing without force

An important point is that both kissing partners have fun and nobody feels forced to do so. Consequently, it is very important to keep an eye on the body language of your counterpart. If you sense that the other person is uncomfortable, ask. And if you don’t want to anymore yourself, tell the other person. This is the only way to make the kissing experience something beautiful. In addition, consider romantic gift ideas for your loved ones.

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