HEALTH & WELLBEING – enfantsdazur

Top 10 Safe and Effective Sunscreens for Children and Families

Marie1_1 — Fri, 02 May 2025 16:27:28 +0000

Top 10 Safe and Effective Sunscreens for Children and Families

by Enfants d'Azur

An adult helps a child apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Pediatric experts emphasize using high-SPF, water-resistant sunblock on children and reapplying regularly during outdoor play.

Sun protection is a must for children – not only to prevent painful sunburns, but to reduce long-term skin damage and cancer risk. In fact, research shows that more than five sunburns in youth can double a person’s risk of melanoma later in life. Young skin is delicate and extra susceptible to UV radiation, so choosing a safe, effective sunscreen for your family is essential.

However, parents today are rightly concerned about certain sunscreen ingredients that may pose health or environmental risks. Recent medical reports have flagged chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate for their potential endocrine-disrupting effects and harm to coral reefs. Some studies even found that the UVA filter avobenzone, while considered safe on skin, can break down in chlorinated water to form toxic byproducts.

So, how do we protect our kids from the sun without unwanted chemicals? The good news is that many modern sunscreens offer broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection with minimal health impact. The top products are free from controversial ingredients (like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and others), use gentler mineral blockers or advanced low-toxicity filters, and are water-resistant for active play.

Below, we’ll first explain the basics of mineral vs chemical sunscreens, then present a curated list of 10 safe and effective sunscreens ideal for children (and the whole family).

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for sunscreen, you’ll encounter mineral (physical) and chemical formulations. Both types can protect well, but they work in different ways:

• Mineral sunscreens use natural mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals sit on the skin’s surface and act as a shield that reflects and scatters UV rays before they penetrate. Mineral sunscreens tend to start working immediately upon application since they block rays physically. They are often recommended for babies and those with sensitive skin because they are inert and less likely to cause irritation. On the downside, traditional mineral creams can be thicker and may leave a visible white cast (the infamous pasty look) on the skin. Newer formulations use micro or non-nano zinc that rub in more clearly, sometimes adding a slight tint to mask the whiteness. Overall, minerals are the most well-tolerated UV filters with the fewest potential adverse effects.

• Chemical sunscreens use organic compounds (like avobenzone, octocrylene, octisalate, etc.) that absorb UV radiation within the skin’s upper layers and convert it into heat. They tend to be lightweight and invisible once applied, which many people prefer for daily use. However, chemical filters usually need to be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure (to allow time to bind into the skin). Some older chemical filters have raised safety questions: for example, oxybenzone (a once-common ingredient) is readily absorbed into the body and has shown hormonal effects in lab studies. The great news is that today’s “family safe” chemical sunscreens often use new-generation filters that are more stable, less absorbed, and approved in regions like the EU for their excellent UVA/UVB coverage with minimal systemic uptake. Many are also labeled “reef-safe.” In this article, we include a few of these low-toxicity chemical sunscreens which have no oxybenzone or octinoxate (and in some cases no avobenzone), instead using safer UVA filters like Tinosorb S/M, Uvinul or others.

Which is better? Dermatologists agree that the best sunscreen is the one you will use consistently. Mineral and chemical sunscreens can both effectively protect your child if they are broad-spectrum and SPF 30–50. For babies under 6 months, direct sun is not advised (shade and clothing are best); for older infants and kids, mineral-only formulas are often preferred to minimize any chemical exposure on young skin. However, if your child won’t tolerate a pasty zinc cream, a reputable chemical or hybrid sunscreen that they will wear is far better than none. Ultimately, look for a product that is broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB), water-resistant, and gentle (free of fragrances and irritants). All the options below meet those criteria. Most are SPF 50 (for a high safety margin) and suitable for adults too – so you can buy one set of sunscreens for the whole family.

Top 10 Safe Sunscreens for Kids and Families – 2024 Picks

All the sunscreens listed below are:

• Broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB protection)
• SPF 30 or higher
• Water-resistant (80 minutes or more)
• Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens
• Fragrance-free or minimally fragranced
• Pediatrician-recommended or dermatologically tested

1. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ (USA)
A cult-favorite mineral sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide (20%). This thick but creamy lotion is water-resistant for 80 minutes and free from biological actives like avobenzone and octinoxate. It’s highly rated for safety and is reef-safe. A slightly matte finish may show a bit of white cast, but it's ideal for younger children.

2. Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (USA/AU)
Developed by Australian dermatologists, this zinc-based sunscreen has a child-friendly version with 100% mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), 80-minute water resistance, and a bottle that turns blue in UV light to remind you to reapply. No fragrances or parabens.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Lotion SPF 50+ (EU/FR)
This French pharmacy favorite uses a combination of safe chemical filters including Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, and Tinosorb S – offering excellent UVA and UVB coverage. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and water-resistant. Very fluid texture that spreads easily – great for kids who hate thick creams.

4. Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 (USA)
Certified organic and made with just a few ingredients, including non-nano zinc oxide (22.5%) and sunflower oil, this thick, rich cream is best for babies and toddlers with ultra-sensitive skin. It has a notable white cast but no synthetic chemicals or preservatives. Reef-safe and biodegradable.

5. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50 (USA)
A zinc oxide-based sunscreen (22.5%) with a lightweight, non-greasy formula. It contains natural skin-calming ingredients like calendula and shea butter. This mineral sunscreen is ideal for kids with eczema-prone or reactive skin. Water-resistant for 80 minutes and reef-safe.

6. Eucerin Kids Sensitive Protect Sun Lotion SPF 50+ (EU/DE)
One of the most recommended German drugstore brands, Eucerin offers a chemical sunscreen for kids that uses advanced filters (Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus) with excellent UVA protection. Absorbs easily with no white residue. No perfumes, very gentle formula for daily use.

7. Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (USA)
Made with 100% mineral non-nano zinc oxide (20%) and added squalane for moisture, this baby-safe sunscreen is free of PEGs, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Lightweight and non-comedogenic – popular among parents who prefer “clean beauty” formulations.

8. Mustela Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 (FR)
Mustela is a well-known French brand for baby skincare. This mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, with added avocado-derived antioxidants. Designed for babies and toddlers with sensitive skin, it’s pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested. Water-resistant and biodegradable.

9. Nivea Sun Kids Protect & Care Coloured Spray SPF 50+ (EU/DE)
A fun sunscreen that sprays on blue (and rubs in clear), encouraging kids to enjoy sun protection. Uses newer chemical filters (like Tinosorb) and offers high SPF with 80-minute water resistance. Dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types.

10. Attitude Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 or 50 (CA)
A Canadian brand certified by EWG and EcoLogo. This vegan and reef-safe sunscreen contains zinc oxide, is hypoallergenic, and comes in eco-friendly packaging. There’s a tinted version for easier blending, and it's suitable for babies and adults alike.

Note: All the above sunscreens are broad-spectrum (protecting against UVB and UVA rays). For reference, UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and direct DNA damage, while UVA rays penetrate deeper, causing long-term skin aging and contributing to skin cancer. A good family sunscreen needs to guard against both – look for “broad-spectrum” on the label or a high UVA rating (in Europe, a UVA circle logo or 4-5 star rating indicates strong UVA protection). Additionally, all products listed are water-resistant, but remember that “water-resistant” is not “waterproof” – reapply after swimming or excessive sweating, and at least every 2 hours even if the sunscreen claims 80-minute resistance .

Conclusion: Healthy Sun Habits for the Whole Family

Choosing a safe, effective sunscreen is a key part of protecting your family from sun damage – but it’s not the only part. Dermatologists remind us to use a combination of sun safety measures: in addition to applying sunscreen liberally, encourage your children to SLIP on sun-protective clothing, SLOP on SPF50+, SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat, SEEK shade during peak midday sun, and SLIDE on UV-protective sunglasses (a fun routine known as “Slip-Slop-Slap-Seek-Slide,” shown in the graphic above). Practicing these habits will greatly reduce the risk of sunburns and cumulative UV damage.

Finally, make sunscreen a daily routine in your family during sunny months. A high-quality, gentle product like those listed gives you peace of mind that you’re shielding your kids with minimal risk. As one expert put it, “Even if it’s not the perfect sunscreen, it’s better to wear something rather than nothing.” In other words, consistency is key. Model good sun protection behavior yourself – kids who see parents applying sunscreen and wearing hats will learn that this is a normal, important part of outdoor life. With the safe sun creams above and smart sun practices, you can enjoy the outdoors with your children while keeping everyone’s skin healthy for years to come.

Disclaimer: The following products are not official endorsements by Platinum Nanny Ltd., but selections informed by dermatological recommendations and safety data from recent studies. Always consult your pediatrician or dermatologist if you have specific concerns.

Winter Wellness: Fun Ways to Build Healthy Habits with Your Kids

hgrattan — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Winter Wellness: Fun Ways to Build Healthy Habits with Your Kids

By Enfants d'Azur

As the colder months settle in, so do the sniffles, sneezes, and coughs. But what if this season could be about more than fighting off illness? What if it became a time for connection, exploration, and teaching kids about vibrant, healthy choices?

Here’s how you can turn wellness into a family adventure—starting right in your kitchen!

Eat the Rainbow: Bright Plates, Bright Smiles
Fresh vegetables and fruits are packed with natural vitamins that help keep little immune systems strong. Plus, their bright colors are a feast for the eyes!

Why not make it a game?

Color Hunt: Head to the supermarket or a local farm and let your kids pick one fruit or vegetable from each color of the rainbow. Can they find something red (tomatoes), orange (carrots), yellow (bananas), green (spinach), blue (blueberries), and purple (eggplant)?

Weigh and Learn: Have them weigh the items, count them, and name the colors—turning grocery shopping into a fun, educational outing.
When you get home, create colorful plates together. Let them arrange the rainbow on their plates—think red bell peppers, orange carrots, yellow corn, green cucumbers, and purple cabbage.

Smoothie-Making Fun
There’s something magical about blending fruits and vegetables into a vibrant smoothie. The whir of the blender, the transformation of ingredients, and the excitement of tasting their creations make this a favorite activity for kids.

Smoothie Ideas to Try:

Berry Blast: Blend yogurt, frozen berries, a banana, and a splash of milk or water.
Green Machine: Blend spinach, pineapple, apple, and coconut water.
Sunshine Smoothie: Blend oranges, carrots, mango, and a pinch of grated ginger for an immune-boosting treat.
Let kids smell, touch, and taste each ingredient before adding it to the blender. Talk about how fruits feel—fuzzy peaches, bumpy oranges, or smooth bananas. It’s a sensory experience that encourages them to explore and try new foods.

Cold Remedies They Can Make
Teaching kids about natural remedies is a wonderful way to empower them. Simple recipes can help them understand how food can support their health.

Lemon-Honey Elixir:

Slice a lemon and let them squeeze the juice into a mug.
Add a teaspoon of honey and pour in warm (not boiling) water.
Stir together and enjoy.
This soothing drink is great for sore throats and a natural way to introduce them to wellness traditions.

Hydration Station
Water is essential for staying healthy, but let’s face it—plain water can feel boring. Spice it up with these ideas:

Add slices of oranges, lemons, or cucumbers to a jug of water and let your kids “design” their flavor.
Let them use a special cup or straw to make drinking water more exciting.

Togetherness in the Kitchen
Cooking together isn’t just about preparing food—it’s about creating memories and teaching valuable life skills. Kids love feeling included, and involving them in small tasks, like washing vegetables or stirring a pot, boosts their confidence.

Simple Vegetable Soup Recipe:

Let them wash and chop vegetables like carrots, celery, leeks, and potatoes.
Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté garlic and onions (with adult supervision).
Add the chopped veggies, some vegetable stock, and let it simmer.
Let them taste-test and add a pinch of salt or herbs.
Make it fun by calling it “Superhero Soup” and explaining how each vegetable is a “power-up” for their bodies.

A Wellness Adventure
Wellness can be a joyful adventure filled with discovery and connection. When you invite your kids to explore colors, textures, and tastes, you’re not just building their health—you’re nurturing their curiosity and sense of adventure.

So, grab your reusable bags and head to the market. Taste a new fruit together. Get messy in the kitchen. Because wellness isn’t just about staying healthy—it’s about creating moments of joy and connection that last a lifetime.

What’s your favorite way to teach your kids about healthy choices?

Share your tips and recipes—we’d love to hear them!

Vision Improved: Eye Yoga and Habits to Protect Your Eyes from Screen Strain

Marie1_1 — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 13:30:18 +0000

Vision Improved: Eye Yoga and Habits to Protect Your Eyes from Screen Strain!

By Enfants d'Azur

Rediscover Clear Vision: Your Solution to Digital Overload

How much time do you spend on your screens daily? For most of us, screens dominate our lives—from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep. Phones, computers, tablets, and TVs consume an average of 8 to 13 hours of our day, with some people reaching up to 17 hours in extreme cases. And what about your children?

The modern reliance on screens takes a toll—not just on our productivity but also on our comfort and well-being. The strain caused by hours of close-distance focus doesn’t stop at screens. Everyday activities like reading, cooking, or even makeup and grooming do contribute.

Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Have you heard of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)? It’s a group of vision-related issues caused by prolonged use of screens like computers, tablets, and smartphones. The symptoms can include:

Blurry vision and rapid vision decline.
Headaches, posture problems, and even typing errors.
Light sensitivity, dry or red eyes, and premature aging.

But here’s the good news: Your eyes can be trained and revitalized, just like the rest of your body!

We diligently care for our skin, teeth, fitness, and mental health. Yet, when it comes to our vision, many of us believe glasses or contact lenses are the ultimate solution. In reality, addressing eye strain requires more than corrective lenses—it demands proper care and effective habits.

Instagram link to explanation on what is eyestrain:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-USWt6I9lA/?igsh=cmRtNXBuOWV1amZk

Instagram link what causes eye strain:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-USWt6I9lA/?igsh=cmRtNXBuOWV1amZk

The Solution: Eye Care That Fits Into Your Life

Ksenia Jarnova, a trained optician with over 20 years of experience, offers an innovative approach to maintaining and rejuvenating your vision. Through her workshops and the “Your EyeZ” web application, Ksenia helps individuals and groups to:

Understand the root causes of eye strain.
Better understand their unique visual needs.
Build lasting habits to rest the eyes effectively, optimize daily eye care improve visual acuity.
Strengthen the connection between vision and the body's motor system.
Improve binocular vision and enhance depth perception.

Your EyeZ Web App

The Your EyeZ Web App is a practical, browser-based application designed for modern living. Guided by a friendly avatar, it helps users through personalized exercises and breaks to minimize screen-related strain. The app offers:

Eye care exercises.
Voice-guided instructions to avoid adding more screen time.
Progress tracking and self-assessment tools.
Secure functionality since it doesn’t install on devices but runs through a browser (App Icon and Notifications are there) .

This affordable and user-friendly solution is perfect for individuals, families, or organizations looking to enhance employee wellness.

Instagram link on how to subscribe “Your EyeZ” Web App :

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA-KESaIWcs/?igsh=MWdtd3EyYjJpZzAwbQ==

Workshops and Corporate Packages

For a more interactive experience, Ksenia’s workshops provide hands-on eye care strategies. Designed for corporate teams or private groups, these sessions include:

Three interactive workshops (1–1.5 hours each) completed over two weeks or in a half a day workshop.
Flexible online or in-person delivery.
A unique opportunity for team-building with long-term benefits.

Price: €210 per participant (minimum five participants).

For those seeking a complete escape, Ksenia also offers vision retreats in the French Alps. These immersive weekends include spa treatments, accommodations, and a comprehensive program to rejuvenate vision and overall well-being.

Invest in Your Vision Today

With screen time here to stay, proactive care is more critical than ever. Whether through workshops, retreats, or the user-friendly Your EyeZ app, you can preserve and enhance your vision for years to come.

Learn more at Alternative Vision or subscribe to the Your EyeZ Web App at Your EyeZ. Special rates are available for families and corporate clients.

Don’t let screen fatigue hold you back—take the first step toward clear, comfortable vision today.

Authors Note:

Ksenia Jarnova is a professional optician with over 20 years of experience in eye care, specializing in methods for eye strain relief, vision improvement, and helping individuals of all ages and occupations invest in their eye capital. As the founder of the "Your EyeZ" web app, she offers practical tools and strategies to combat screen-related fatigue and promote visual wellness.

Learn more at www.alternative-vision.info or www.youreyez.app. Contact: info@alternative-vision.net | (+33) 06 60 34 19 56.

Breastfeeding Instincts: Bonding for Mother & Child

hgrattan — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 09:15:12 +0000

Breastfeeding Instincts: Bonding for Mother & Child

By Céline Bourganeuf

Biological Nurturing "BN" is a concept developed by Suzanne Colson, a doctoral midwife with more than 40 years of experience. BN is a method of observation that promotes a healthy start to breastfeeding.

Our society often teaches breastfeeding techniques and habits regardless of maternal instincts, yet every mother has the power to instinctively breastfeed her baby without being taught a technique. Allowing hormones to express themselves and fulfill their role in milk production and milk ejection in a suitable environment is the basis of BN.

Breastfeeding is more than just a way to feed a baby: it is a relationship, a bond, a dance between the needs of the mother and the needs of the baby. Observing the behaviour of the mother and baby to better accompany mothers and support their breastfeeding remains the key to an appropriate follow-up. Biological Nurturing encompasses both the biology of breastfeeding and all the love one shows for their baby through actions that are done on a daily basis, such as changing them. Thus, the mother trusts herself and her baby to allow optimal fulfillment of their respective needs.

Be Part of a Continuity

In the womb, the fetus is continuously fed by the umbilical cord. This continuity is maintained after birth when the healthy child is breastfed when they feel the need as they gradually adapt to the short fasting time after birth. During the first few days, the baby's place is on the mother's body (in the continuity of pregnancy: one against the other and not next to each other), this is "tummy time"!

The Mother

BN is above all a question of comfort. The position is one that a mother naturally adopts. She will instinctively know to lean backwards, upper back in support and maternal body in full support to allow relaxation and release of oxytocin, the hormone of love and milk ejection. Also triggered by essential eye contact, the dyad takes refuge in a bubble, communicates through the gaze and creates the bond of attachment. These observations allow the awakening of the newborn’s archaic reflexes, facilitating feeding and triggering lactogenesis II "let down".

The Baby

In general, babies use natural involuntary "reflex" movements to migrate to the mother's breast. When the child is in continuous ventral contact with the mother's body, archaic reflexes are used by the baby. They stabilize and take the breast, favoring the transfer of milk while supported by their mother.

Gravity is an important component in BN. It naturally takes the baby's head to the breast and thus promotes the opening of the baby's mouth to breast. The baby is therefore naturally at the "right address" to secure, warm up, wake up, feed, fall asleep and develop. The child needs continuous contact with their mother at least for the first three days both while awake and asleep for a smooth landing on earth.

Let's Free our Reflexes!

Mums and mothers-to-be, trust yourselves, the key to successful breastfeeding lies in our genes, in our mammalian reflexes, as well as our babies!

Professionals and Future Professionals

Let's take the time to observe the innate and acquired behaviours of women and the expression of the archaic reflexes of newborns before intervening and risk disrupting natural breastfeeding. Let us simply put the means to establish a safe environmental framework for breastfeeding in the first place.

Author: Céline Bourganeuf, IBCLC-certified lactation consultant, BN companion, Colson approach, trained in baby massage, carrying and specialist in restrictive oral brakes and babies' sleep. www.celinebourganeuf.com

Thriving in Lockdown? Yes It’s Possible

hgrattan — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:32:28 +0000

Thriving in Lockdown? Yes, It's Possible.

This week we are featuring a local story of a family that has been sheltering in place for a year, and the things they have learned. Mom of the family, Hanna Schaer, is a peaceful and gentle parenting expert who lead her family to lean into the challenges of lockdown and shelter in place, ending up with a thriving family and lots of lessons learned.

By Holly Grattan & Hanna Schaer

Thriving in lockdown? There must be a back story to this.

There sure is. Around this time last year, our family started sheltering in place. My husband works with a Chinese team and he heard early on some pretty scary stories. We saw what was coming, and since I have an auto immune disease we decided that to keep our family safe and sound, our priority was to not get the virus. Since then, we learned a lot of ways and things to do, not only to survive sheltering in place, but to thrive.

What did you do differently?

We knew it was going to take some time, we didn't, and still don't know how long, but we knew we had to structure our life a little different. We looked at our daily structure, what we needed to stay sane and healthy. We looked at how our lives were different and made changes to support that. Most things if not all things we have and do in our "normal" lives can be tweaked and adjusted to fit in a shelter in place situation. And it is possible to not only survive, but to find joy and thrive, even while missing things like our friends.

What has been the most challenging thing for you this year?

Missing our friends and family, for sure. I haven't seen my mom since late 2019 and we do miss seeing our friends in person. I am a silver lining seeker though, so to see the positives in that is for example that my mom has learned to FaceTime, we have connected deeper with some friends thanks to technology and there are some unexpected friendships that have happened and deepened this past year for all of us, for that I am very thankful. The pandemic has served as a filter for us also, we now know who shares our values, who don't and we can focus on our friends that bring positivity to our lives.

A lot of families feel a sense of panic thinking of lockdown, how can you reassure them?

There are very simple things to adjust to make your day to day and your mental health situation stable and sustainable. My dad used to say that "what does it matter in a hundred years?" and although it's not the only question to ask, it's a good one. Focus on the things that matter long term. Don't sweat the little things and be generous and kind to yourself on difficult days. At some point the post pandemic world will reveal itself, and we don't know what it will look like, but there are definitely some skills we learned that are useful now that will be useful then too.

You have designed a workshop to help families handle lockdown, can you tell us about it?

Yes, I decided to create a workshop to share some of the things we have learned this past year that other families can do too to make their experience in lockdown better. It is part big picture and mindset and part practical hands on. It happens live this coming weekend, (February 13 & 14) and then the replay is available as a self paced workshop after the live events. I have been teaching online and running courses and workshops for parents and families for the past eleven years, and I thought it would be a great idea to offer support to families who might not have found their thrive in today's situation yet. I know that you can radically improve the situation from where you are now, and I am happy to share that path with you.

Join Hanna's workshop here:

https://pages.mamatoto.info/thrive-in-lockdown-workshop/

Author: Hanna Schaer, is a peaceful and gentle parenting expert who lead her family to lean into the challenges of lockdown and shelter in place, ending up with a thriving family and lots of lessons learned. You can learn more about Hanna's work on www.mamatoto.info and follow her at @mamatoto.info

The Lenval Foundation : How You Can Help

hgrattan — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 17:00:32 +0000

The Lenval Foundation : How You Can Help.

Paediatric University Hospital

By Holly Grattan

Emergency rooms deal with serious and life-threatening medical emergencies on a daily basis. Being treated quickly in urgent care situations is of the utmost importance for both the experience and the clinical outcomes of patients. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the emergency department of the Lenval Paediatric University Hospital sees on average 160 young patients and their parents each day. Consultations continue to rise and in 2019 they saw 61,698 patients.

What is the Lenval Foundation?

Founded in 1888 the Lenval Foundation is a not for profit, private children’s hospital whose mission is "to receive all children, without condition of resources and without distinction of religion or nationality". Their main focus is the quality of care, supervision and comfort for their patients and on paediatric research. The hospital is spread over 18 sites, from Cagnes-sur-Mer to Menton, and has nearly 1,200 employees. It manages the 1st paediatric university hospital in the PACA region, a 9000 square foot emergency room caring for 61,698 patients every year, child psychiatry units, a social nursery and sites specialising in multiple disabilities, dysphasia, and autism.

This year, in November 2020, they will be undertaking some major renovation work in the emergency department. They hope to limit the waiting time for children visiting the emergency room, facilitate their care and get them back home as quickly as possible. The work will also increase the number of examination rooms; improve family and medical team collaboration; identify a centre dedicated to child psychiatric emergencies; continue to improve the care of vulnerable people; integrate new technologies and promote education (through simulation and clinical research).

How Does The Lenval Foundation Work?

The Lenval Foundation’s funds come from donations from individuals, corporations, and other organizations. Each year at the Lenval Foundation, more than 100,000 medical and specialized consultations, 60,000 emergency room visits (4th nationally), 5,700 surgical operations, 50,000 child psychiatry treatments take place, and about sixty very young children (0 to 6 years old) are placed under protection.

Every euro counts especially during this unprecedented pandemic when many fund-raising events have had to be cancelled. Please help children and families at The Lenval Foundation by making a donation and showing your support this Festive Season. Your donation to The Lenval Foundation can make a huge difference helping to fund this work and achieving these objectives as quickly as possible. www.lenval.org/dons

How Can You Donate?

Visit The Lenval Foundations donations page www.lenval.org/dons

Positive Grooming For Healthy Happy Pets

hgrattan — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 10:45:38 +0000

Positive Grooming For Healthy Happy Pets

Grooming is a vital part of being a kind and loving human friend to our pets, but not just for the reasons you might think. Pets can suffer from mental health issues just like us, so taking steps to ease their anxiety and make them feel good is important. You can accomplish this in your regular grooming sessions!

By Caroline Avy-Meyrignac

Animal mental health issues can be triggered by many of the same factors that unleash mental illness in humans. This includes the loss of family or companions, the loss of routines, loss of freedom, stress and trauma. Your dog or your cat senses your feelings and will know if you are tired, sick or worried about something. If your pet is a rescue with a difficult past, for instance, it might take time and consistency to help your pet heal emotionally. This means plenty of positive reinforcement with treats, a positive tone of voice, and lots of praise and touch. Positive experiences, like exercise and grooming, can also help.

Regular grooming is good for your dog’s physical and mental health. A good looking, clean, brushed dog will make your dog feel happy and has a positive impact on their behaviour as well. Positive experiences like grooming can help tremendously. Animals in the wild groom each other as a soothing tool to create social bonds.

If the prospect of enticing your, often unwilling, dog/cat into the bath again causes you pain just thinking about it, maybe it’s time to find an empathetic professional pet groomer. This is as important as finding the right hairstylist for us humans. While we all want our canine companions to look and smell their best, what is most important is their safety and happiness.

Regular professional grooming allows the practitioner to look for lumps, bumps and injuries, as well as clearing matted fur and ticks from your pet’s coat. Follow up with your veterinarian on any questionable masses found, and you may detect serious issues early enough for treatments to be most effective.If you take your dog for walks in the countryside especially wooded areas, they can pick up ticks especially as the hot weather arrives. Ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme disease both to pets and humans. Your professional groomer will look out for these pests when he/she also checks for fleas and can treat them accordingly. The hairs of the processionary caterpillar found in nests in pine trees and often found crawling in a procession (hence the name) can be extremely dangerous for dogs especially their eyes. Your professional groomer will wash your pets’ eyes and check their health just like your trips to the ophthalmologist.

Dog and cat claws need to be cut and filed occasionally but it is not always an easy job for us humans. For a start, dogs don't all like their paws being held still and some could give you a nasty nip if you are not careful. If you cut the claws too short you can cause pain and bleeding for your pet. It is much safer to have a trained groomer do it for you using professional tools and equipment.

Positive, well managed grooming routines can create an experience that fosters good mental health in your fur baby. Studies have shown that pets increase our mental well-being, so it’s only fair that we return the favour!

Author: Caroline Avy-Meyrignac has run DOG SERVICE for the past 29 years. A professional mobile pet grooming service across the Alpes Maritimes. She works with dogs and cats weighing less than 12kgs and speaks English and French.