Healthy Habits - Camilia Bedtime

Parents know that teething can make even the simplest routines more challenging, especially when little ones are dealing with sore gums and evening restlessness. To help families navigate this developmental milestone, Boiron is introducing a new addition to the Camilia family available at Walmart: Camilia Bedtime.

 

Building on the trusted Camilia Original line, Camilia Bedtime is designed for use as part of an evening routine, helping relieve teething symptoms, including painful gums, irritability, and restlessness associated with teething, so babies can become more comfortable before bed.

 

 

With Camilia Bedtime now on Walmart shelves and online, more families have easier access to Boiron’s baby-focused wellness products when they need them most, including during those challenging evening hours when establishing a calm routine can make a difference.

Healthy Habits - Hair Loss and AI Advice

Millions of Americans are turning to ChatGPT and other AI tools before they ever call a doctor - even when it comes to their health. One growing trend? People are uploading photos, describing symptoms, and asking AI why they're losing their hair. But can artificial intelligence really diagnose hair loss? Or is it giving people false confidence, unnecessary anxiety, or even dangerous advice?

I had a chance to learn more in this interview with Dr. Keith Kantor, PhD, ND, Trichologist, Clinical Director of Regen Therapeutics and a leading trichologist specializing in hair loss and scalp health.

Dr. Kantor says AI can be a useful educational tool, but it should never replace a professional evaluation. Hair loss is often far more complex than people realize and may be the first warning sign of underlying medical conditions including thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, chronic stress, or medication side effects. Without proper testing and examination, people risk delaying treatment or spending hundreds - even thousands - of dollars on products that won't address the real cause.

How accurate is ChatGPT at identifying reasons for hair loss?

I jokingly call ChatGPT “my little genius,” because it has become a valuable tool in my practice. Every day I review patient intake forms, and when I see a medication I'm not familiar with, I ask ChatGPT whether it has any known association with hair loss or hair growth. It has consistently been remarkably accurate and saves me a tremendous amount of research time.

That said, ChatGPT is only as good as the information it receives. It can recognize patterns, summarize research, and identify common causes of hair loss, but it cannot examine a patient's scalp, perform blood tests, or make a medical diagnosis. I use it as an educational resource and research assistant—not as a replacement for clinical judgment.

What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when using AI for medical advice?

The biggest mistake is believing AI has diagnosed them. AI provides possibilities, not certainty. Hair loss has many causes that can look almost identical, yet require very different treatments. Another mistake is leaving out important information, such as medications, recent illnesses, rapid weight loss, hormonal changes, or family history. Finally, some people delay seeing a healthcare professional because an AI answer sounds reassuring. That can delay treatment for conditions that are much easier to manage when caught early.

How can AI be used in beneficial ways for medical questions?

I think AI shines as an educational partner. It helps patients understand complicated medical information in plain English, prepares them to ask better questions during appointments, and allows healthcare professionals to quickly review the latest information on medications, supplements, and medical conditions. Used correctly, AI makes both patients and clinicians better informed.

What are some myths about hair restoration that people may encounter on social media?

Social media often promotes 'miracle cures' that supposedly work for everyone. In reality, successful hair restoration starts with identifying the correct cause. Another myth is that every case of hair loss is caused by DHT. While DHT is important in hereditary hair loss, other conditions—including autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, scarring alopecias, and medication side effects—require completely different approaches. Be cautious of dramatic before-and-after photos that don't explain the diagnosis or the treatment timeline.

When might hair loss be a symptom of something that requires immediate attention?

Hair loss deserves prompt medical evaluation if it appears suddenly in patches, is associated with pain, redness, drainage, or scarring, or is accompanied by symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, severe fatigue, fever, or other signs of illness. Hair loss itself is rarely an emergency, but sometimes it is the first visible clue that something more significant is occurring. Early diagnosis can also prevent permanent follicle damage in certain types of hair loss.

Area Attractions - CTC's Triple Thread Production of Hadestown: Teen Edition (Minneapolis, 8/7-8/8)

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is about to put on the 2026 Triple Threat production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, by Anaïs Mitchell – a bold and unforgettable musical journey inspired by the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice. Hadestown: Teen Edition will be directed by Alli St. John, with music direction by Justin Cook, and choreography by Cleo DeOrio. More information is available at childrenstheatre.org/hadestown.

 

Students enrolled in the Triple Threat Summer Intensive spend the first half of their day in theatre arts training (classes in acting, movement, voice, and more) and the second half in rehearsal for the production. Past productions include Carrie, Rent, Be More Chill, Head Over Heels, Twelfth Night, and the World Premiere of The Garden. The students work with professional directors, professional designers, and other experienced theatre artists and practitioners. The focus is on process; students have the opportunity to hone their craft, dig deeper, and build their community.

 

About the Show

Blending folk, jazz, blues, and contemporary musical theatre, Hadestown: Teen Edition follows two intertwining stories: young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and the powerful King Hades and Persephone. As Eurydice is drawn into the underground world of Hadestown, Orpheus must risk everything to bring her home, discovering the power of hope, love, and perseverance along the way.

 

With a hauntingly beautiful score by Anaïs Mitchell and a Tony Award-winning Broadway legacy, Hadestown: Teen Edition offers audiences a theatrical experience that is both timeless and deeply relevant.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview with director Alli St. John.

- What makes a musical like Hadestown, based on an ancient myth, still relevant today?

               The great thing about myths, legends, and folktales is that their themes are enduring. Themes of love and loss, hope and desire, greed and temptation, and the fallibility of man show up in stories old and contemporary. What Anaiis Mitchell has done with the story of Hadestown is highlight those themes in the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, and layer in contemporary concerns of capitalism and climate change. There are many moments throughout the show that stab the heart with the familiarity of these circumstances, despite the setting of a Greek myth.

 

- What is your favorite part about working with students to put on a theater production?

               I have been making theater with young people for over a decade and my answer to this question is always the time- their enthusiasm and desire to create something meaningful. The rehearsal process is entirely joyful, and I love watching them grow as theater artists and humans. I lead a room that makes space for their ideas and developing understanding, starting with script analysis before we even get up on our feet. Digging into the text allows them to understand the entire arc of the story, find the nuances, and make stronger choices once we are up and moving.  

 

- Has there been a moment working on this musical that gave you a new perspective?

              I have been directing for many years, and every show teaches me something new. There have certainly been moments in the rehearsal process where suddenly we hear or understand a part of the story in a new way that cracks it wide open and impacts the choices we are making in order to make the story clear. Walking into this project, I had one idea in my head, but now that we are deep in rehearsal, new things are bubbling to the surface that makes this an exciting challenge. 

 

- What do you hope audiences take away from this production?

               I hope audiences will identify with someone or something in this story. Even though it’s an old story, the themes remain relevant to a modern audience. Whether audiences consider their own love stories or the impacts of industrialization and marginalization and the climate crisis, there’s a lot to think about with this piece. Additionally, I hope audiences leave this production with an increased understanding of what young people are capable of. This is an incredibly challenging musical, and we are asking these students to put so much of themselves out there and try new things. The work they are doing is at a professional level and should be applauded!

 

CTC’s Triple Threat production of Hadestown: Teen Edition will perform on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 7pm, and Saturday August 8, 2026 at 3pm and 7pm.

 

All performances will take place on CTC’s Cargill Stage (2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55404). Tickets may be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/hadestown or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. All tickets are $27.    

 

About CTC’s Triple Threat Summer Intensive (Grades 8-12)
 

Theatre Arts Training’s performance opportunities are specifically designed for students who have a demonstrated commitment to their craft as performers and display a positive attitude in their work. Students work with like-minded peers and industry professionals to produce a play or musical. During this five-week intensive, students spend their mornings in studio classes advancing voice and dance skills; the afternoons are dedicated to rehearsal.
 

About CTC’s Education and Engagement Programs
 

CTC’s Education and Engagement programs deepen the theatrical experience throughout our community, reaching tens of thousands of people each year. We create opportunities for audiences of all ages to connect with the art, the artists, and each other. Grounded in ACT One, the theatre’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, we choose programming and partners that reflect all of the experiences and perspectives that make our community strong, with a focus on communities of color, the LGBTQIAP+ community, and the disability community spanning the full socio-economic spectrum.
 

Theatre Arts Training’s Scholarship Program: Made Possible by You

At Children’s Theatre Company we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the arts in order to learn, grow, and discover themselves. But for many families, this exploration is not financially possible. Please consider a donation to help support our Theatre Arts Training Scholarship program. Your gift will help a child live out their dream. Every dollar counts—If we all do a little, we all do a lot. Donate today at childrenstheatre.org/give

 

Children’s Theatre Company’s 2026-2027 Season
 

CTC’s 2026-2027 Season will feature Pinocchio; two world premiere musicals, Twelve Kinds of Ice and Princess Kay of the Milky Way; the return of the beloved holiday tradition Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; the playful adaptation Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical; and the Broadway smash hit School of Rock The Musical, based on the popular film.

 

The 2026-2027 Season will also feature a new Discovery Series, including three exciting shows in limited engagements at CTC: Havana Hop, Mr. Messado's School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart, and Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar.

 

Full season subscriptions for the 2026-2027 Season are now on sale and can be purchased online at https://childrenstheatre.org/shows-and-tickets/subscribe-and-save/ or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400.

 

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people and serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire more than 200,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony nominations (for its production of A Year With Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to creating world-class productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.
 

CTC is the most significant provider of theatre education opportunities in the region. Every year, thousands of children experience theatre for the first time at CTC. Our student matinees and education programs demonstrably benefit the community, from the intergenerational conversations sparked by our world premieres, to the sequential skill-building that happens in our Theatre Arts Training, to the pre-K focus of our Early Childhood Initiative. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. childrenstheatre.org 

Tech Tidbits - AI Fatigue

AI is everywhere, in the workplace, being used for parenting advice, to write personal messages, and it's changing the way we think, remember things, and make decisions!

Solitaire Bliss surveyed 1,500 Americans who regularly use AI. A few findings that connect to everyday life at home:

• Nearly 1 in 3 struggle to make even small decisions without looking something up first.
• 1 in 3 cannot remember the last time they thought a problem all the way through without a device.
• 49% say they trust technology's memory more than their own.
• 71% say AI has made their thinking lazier because it does the thinking for them.

It's also not helping with our mental health, as 36% said they feel foggier since they started using AI regularly, 55% say their brain feels more tired than it did a few years ago, and 44% say they feel mentally exhausted from using AI.

Book Nook - Kids Get Lyme Disease Too

According to recent data, roughly 40% of children in the U.S. currently navigate a chronic health condition. When a child gets a life-altering diagnosis, the impact ripples across the entire family. Parents face severe burnout, while siblings and marriage dynamics shift under the weight of medical crises.

In her new children’s book, Kids Get Lyme Disease Too, medical professional and mother of five Sandra Bargeron opens up about her family’s intense journey after her middle child was diagnosed with complex, chronic Lyme disease. From altering the entire family's lifestyle to moving halfway across the country to escape environmental triggers, Sandra and her husband  learned firsthand how to keep a family anchored during a health storm.

I had a chance to see a copy of the book, told through young Stephen's eyes. It's not very detailed, but it's perfectly appropriate for kids to either see a story about someone else going through what they're facing, or to learn more about some of the experiences that other kids might be having with medical issues.

Book Nook - The Actually Autistic Guide

This week, Apollo Publishers is releasing The Actually Autistic Guide, a vibrant, interactive book created by autistic activists Elora Dodd—the voice behind the 700K+ following @online1roomschoolhouse—and educator/social worker C. R. R. Hillin. It’s a first-of-its-kind activity-driven guide designed explicitly for the neurodivergent community, blending humor, lived experience, and practical tools.

At a time when an estimated 168 million people worldwide are on the spectrum—and still facing widespread misunderstanding and underdiagnosis—The Actually Autistic Guide flips the script. Instead of clinical language or outsider perspectives, it offers an insider’s voice: candid, funny, and deeply validating.  

I had a chance to see an e-copy of the guide, which actually really resonated with my newly adult daughter. She found it extremely helpful as she's transitioning into exactly what her type of autism means as she works towards living independently. This book is easy to read, colorful and intriguing (but not childish). It's also good for someone who is just now navigating a new diagnosis, or for someone who wants to learn a little more about what exactly that means, as well as get practical life tips and exercises to help understand themselves more.

Book Nook - The Benjamin Franklin Book of Quotes

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the nation is taking stock of its past—and questioning its future. In that moment of reflection, the voice of Benjamin Franklin feels less like history and more like a guide.


The Benjamin Franklin Book of Quotes by Travis Hellstrom, brings together hundreds of Franklin’s most powerful insights—on democracy, personal responsibility, civil discourse, innovation, and the fragile balance of freedom.

Franklin wasn’t just a Founding Father. He was a printer, a scientist, a diplomat, and perhaps most importantly, a sharp observer of human nature. His words helped shape a young republic—but they also speak directly to today’s challenges.

The Benjamin Franklin Book of Quotes isn’t just a collection of historic sayings. It’s a timely invitation to reconnect with the principles that shaped the nation—and to reconsider how those principles can be lived today.

As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, this book offers a compelling way for readers to rediscover Franklin not as a distant figure in a textbook, but as a relevant, pragmatic thinker for our time.

Music MInute - Linda Imperial: Your Silence is Deadly

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Linda Imperial gives a voice to the deafening silence of a relationship unraveling in her new single, “Your Silence Is Deadly.” Driven by raw frustration, loneliness and the need to be heard, the track confronts the emotional toll of loving someone who has become increasingly distant and disconnected. Turning the familiar phrase “silence is golden” on its head, Imperial captures the painful space between two people who were once “so rock and roll,” but now find themselves separated by unanswered questions, absent emotion and the kind of silence that can cut deeper than words. Available for pre-save now and available to radio via PlayMPE on July 24, 2026.

Photo: Linda Imperial

Stay updated with all things Linda Imperial by visiting her official website and connecting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Fans can also subscribe to her YouTube channel for the latest music videos, behind-the-scenes content, and special holiday releases. Her music is available now on all major digital platforms, including Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music HERE.

About Linda Imperial:
Linda Imperial, a true survivor whose life and decades-long musical career have been a whirlwind roller coaster of highs, lows, and dark struggles followed by shining through redemption, showcases the blues-rock side of her artistry like never before.
After a tour with Big Mama Thornton’s rhythm section, Linda found her breakthrough success with Loverde, a 70’s-early 80’s dance/vocal group she co-founded. Linda toured the world to promote their hit “Die Hard Lover,” which debuted on the Billboard charts at #4 and stayed in the upper reaches for months. 
​Her list of later credits and association is truly dizzying, having worked for and with the Jazz supergroup New York Jazz Explosion, Sylvester, The Weather Girls, Gary Duncan’s Quicksilver Messenger Service and Jefferson Starship, where she met her husband David Freiberg (an early member of both Quicksilver Messenger Service and Jefferson Airplane and an original member and current member of Jefferson Starship).

Book Nook - Katie Koala's Biggest Fight

Katie Koala can’t wait for camp, until a tiny scratch turns into something much bigger. When Katie starts feeling sick, Mama Koala rushes her to the doctor. There, Katie learns she has sepsis, a sneaky illness that spreads fast but can be stopped with quick action and care. 

Written by sepsis survivor Audrey Leishman, Katie Koala's Biggest Fight: A Little Koala's Fight Against a Big Illness [Begin Again Books; July 2026] uses an engaging, age-appropriate story to help children and families recognize the signs of sepsis, trust their instincts, and seek medical care quickly. All proceeds from the book will help fund sepsis education and support survivors through the Begin Again Foundation, co-founded by the author and her husband, professional golfer Marc Leishman.

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in children, claiming more young lives each year than pediatric cancer. Early detection is critical: for every hour treatment is delayed, the risk of death increases significantly (by up to 8 percent).

Inspired by her own experience surviving sepsis in 2015, Leishman understands the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings. Through Katie’s story, she hopes to give families the language and confidence to speak up when something feels wrong.

“My greatest hope for this book is that it saves lives by teaching children and parents to recognize the signs of sepsis and trust their instincts,” Leishman said. "As a sepsis survivor, I know how quickly it can strike and how important early intervention can be. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s OK to keep asking questions. Sometimes simply asking, ‘Could this be sepsis?’ can make all the difference.”

I saw a copy of this book, and it does an excellent job of making the severity of sepsis clear, and giving kids ways to talk about things not being right with their bodies, in a kid-appropriate way.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

Why did you decide to write this book?

I had never heard the word sepsis until it almost killed me. I was 31. Healthy. A mom to two little boys who needed me. And then, before I knew it, I was in the ICU in a medically induced coma. The doctors told my family that I had less than a 5% chance of survival. 

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection. It can turn deadly within hours, and its symptoms are easy to dismiss. I dismissed them. More than 1.7 million American develop sepsis every year, and most people don’t know what it is until they are in the middle of it. I wrote this book because more children die from sepsis than pediatric cancer and we need to change that statistic. 

Why is it important for kids to have books that mention medical issues?

As parents we try our hardest to always protect our children, but sometimes we can’t. It is important to give children the words to explain what is happening inside their bodies. They may know something feels wrong, but "wrong" can mean a hundred different things when you're six years old and scared. 

That's what I wanted this book to give them: language. A way to say, "my heart is racing" or "I feel really weird" and know that those words matter, that someone will listen.

But it's not just about kids. It's about the parents reading this book. I want this book to empower parents to advocate for their children. Asking your child’s doctor, “Could this be sepsis?” could save their life. 

How do you balance conveying the urgency of a medical issue with keeping a book kid-friendly? 

Sepsis is frightening, but children do not need to be scared of it. Kids do not need a clinical explanation to understand that something serious is happening. They need a character they can root for. Katie the Koala explains how she’s feeling in an age-appropriate way. Children get to see her both brave, scared, and willing to keep fighting. I wanted young readers to finish the book feeling empowered, not frightened.

What should families know about early warning signs of sepsis and how can they keep their kids safe?

Sepsis can develop from any infection. Every hour treatment is delayed; your mortality rate increases by up to 8%. Early detection saves lives. 

As parents, we are our children’s best advocates. No one will fight for your child the way you will. Recognizing the symptoms of sepsis early can save your child’s life:

• A high fever or abnormally low temperature

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Skin that looks pale, mottled, or has a bluish tinge

• Lethargy, or being very difficult to wake

• A rash of small purple or red spots that do not fade when pressed

• Decreased urination

• A racing heart

Know the signs. Trust your instincts. Ask the question, “Could this be sepsis?’

It could save their life, or yours. 

Travel Tidbits - Egypt at Night

Most people picture daytime Egypt. Monuments, heat, crowds, Pyramids. But nighttime at Egypt offers magical experiences: Karnak after dark. A lit, guided night walk through the temple, widely considered the most immersive of Egypt's evening experiences. Philae by boat. Guests cross the water at night to reach the temple, illuminated and quiet. Built-in romance angle for honeymoon and anniversary clients. Abu Simbel under the stars. Requires an overnight in Abu Simbel rather than a day trip from Aswan, which is precisely why it's a premium add rather than a commodity stop. A desert camp night in the White Desert. Chalk formations, zero light pollution, a sky most clients have never seen. Strong for adventure-minded travelers and photographers. Connect with Caper Travel who has all the intel!