”Gut Health,” Stress, Dinner Conversations, Bedtime Routines and More

Guest: Christine Callander, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

 

From the earliest age, NP Callander loved playing doctor with her dolls and stuffed animals. However, after looking at many career opportunities, Christine felt called into the healthcare field. She first graduated as a paramedic and then graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Following an exemplary career as an emergency room pediatric nurse at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX, she graduated with honors with her Master of Science in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner from Texas Tech. Throughout her career as a Nurse and Nurse Practitioner, she has always sought to provide the care she expects for her own family. It's this highly individualized treatment and evidence-based medicine with a holistic focus that NP Callander offers to each patient at Pure Health Texas.

 

In addition to her calling as a healthcare provider, NP Callander is a loving wife to her husband, Shawn, and a devoted mother to their three wonderful children, Brenna, Case, and Ainsley. When not in the office caring for patients, you can find her exercising, watching her kids participate in numerous sports, attending church, or volunteering at Young Life & Sky Ranch Summer Camps.

 

Christine@PurehealthTexas.com

Office number: 972-332-1930

 

“Gut health” is a huge component of our physical and emotional well being - many issues that manifest themselves in other areas - including acne - are tied to our gut issues! In addition, some of our food allergies can be traced back to our gut health.

 

Chef Shaun with Sage Dining does a great job of taking several dietary issues and food allergies into consideration in preparing all the selections for the PCA cafeteria.

 

How do we know if our students are struggling with gluten or dairy? You might see a difference in their temperament/behavior or it might be a physical outbreak. Food allergies can change as we age or different situations can alter the way we absorb foods.

 

Stress and anxiety are issues affecting a large percentage of our students - one out of three students struggle with anxiety. Mental health is such an important attribute of our lives - everything flows from the brain downward. How can we better protect the mental health of our children?! Look for your kids being overly tired, sleeplessness, snippy attitudes - is this hormonally related or stress activated?

 

Bedtime routines are important to help get the best sleep possible. Blue light from iPads or cell phones actually keep us awake even when we’re tired! Don’t let your child use their mobile phone as their alarm clock! Don’t plug your phones to charge near your head at night!

 

Try to protect “family dinner time” and use that time for good conversations. Car rides are also great places to engage in meaningful conversation! Ask questions about their day, about how they feel about things and different situations, etc.

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!