Health and Hygiene » Four Against Two

Bonding With Baby Isn’t Always Immediate

A Mom's Job, Breastfeeding, Education, Family, Frustrated Mommy Moments, Health and Hygiene No Responses »

Jan 232013

I had an interesting conversation last week with a patient about how long it took her to really, really love her first child. When we spoke she had just had her third baby and was amazed with how in love she was already with her latest edition. She talked about how overwhelmed she had been with her first child. That it was too overwhelming to even keep track of the baby’s pees and poos. She admitted it took a while to fall in love with her first baby. She had not experienced Postpartum Depression, but she did have a delayed bonding. She was a healthy, everyday mom who admits she bonding didn’t happen instantly.

After having this conversation I returned home to read a touching piece on BlogHer written by my in-real-life friend @Firemom about post-partum depression. While not immediately bonding with your child doesn’t mean you will have PPD, we as nurses, do look at delayed bonding as a sign of possible PPD. I struggle with saying that last line as immediate bonding doesn’t happen for everyone, and that can be normal. This is a phenomenon that we don’t seem to talk about.

Most of us just assume that once your child is born from your body that you will look at him or her and fall, madly in love, enchanted even. While I don’t have actual numbers to share, I can tell you that as a nurse who has worked on the OB floor, that the delivery room is often not the place of falling in love. In fact, if I were a betting person, I don’t even think the hospital is the place where mama bear instincts and adoration kick in for most moms.

I do see it happen. Baby comes out, dad is crying, mom cries and holds her newborn with an amazed look in her eyes. I have to admit that with both my girls I was over the moon with them, immediately. I am not sharing that to show off or be condescending but because that when I noticed this did not happen for many moms, I realized that it was something that needed to be addressed, talked and written about to let moms know that it is okay, that it is normal.

I have had moms whisper to me things like, “I don’t think that child is mine.” ”She doesn’t seem like she came from me.” They are embarrassed, but reaching out to know if this is normal, wondering what is wrong with them. I’ve even had a few moms tell me that their first reaction of seeing their baby was something along the lines of “yuck”! Not everyone can get passed the body fluids and that is okay to.

There is nothing shameful about wondering how that child in the bassinet beside you is actually yours. There is nothing shameful about feeling like you are taking care of the neighbors kid. The key thing is to remember that by taking care of your child, you will bond and fall in love with him. Keep on holding, loving, nursing, feeding your baby. It may take hours, days or even months for some, but he will feel like yours someday.

If this sounds like your experience, you are normal, don’t be ashamed. Like most things in life, birth doesn’t happen like we think it will. We do want to watch for PPD though, so if you feel the following symptoms or see them in someone you know, it doesn’t hurt to seek medical attention. Mood swings, irritability, trouble sleeping, trouble caring for the baby, trouble completing everyday tasks, or thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby.

I have so much more to say, especially how I think the medical system impedes quicker bonding, but I think I might turn it into another post. This one, I want to keep simple.

(Disclaimer: This post is based on personal experience I have had working as a RN, IBCLC, not medical advice, please consult your doctor with questions or concerns.)

Mammogram Moments

A Mom's Job, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Health and Hygiene, Stuff No Responses »

Dec 042012

In the waiting room for my first Mammogram.

I got my first Mammogram not to long ago. A few years earlier than normally recommended thanks to my breast reduction surgery. I recently learned that after breast reduction it is common to have issues with scar tissue and other stuff can come up in years to follow. Hmmm. The surgeon never mentioned that piece of knowledge. I would have had it done anyway and have no regrets, but the thought of having lumps and bumps pop up the next few decades will not be an easy roller coaster to ride.

The cape they have you wear is quite fairy like and pink so you feel quite childish and in need of a wand. The room is dark, warm and hummmms.

The technician constantly apologizes for the discomfort…I can only imagine how many times a day she says her sorries.

So I got squished and it wasn’t bad. I have little feeling in my left breast, it feels like it’s asleep or numb and my right has diminished feeling as well, so I don’t feel like I a normal person. It was odd and awkward, but really peaceful and I got to see my breasts from the inside which is always fun. Well, fun for me.

Then I had the ultrasound. I almost feel asleep as the room was dark and the gel was warm. Again, not a bad thing. When they move the ultrasound pictures around it looks like a lunar surface…

Two procedures that are simple and not horrible, but lifesaving. So please. Go do it.

All light-hearted-ness aside. I know that when some of us get these procedures they are because you have found a lump and the stress is quite horrible. I wish no one had to get a mammogram. But we do. There are ways to get free ones if you cannot afford it, talk with your health care provider or call your local American Cancer Society.

Get the girls looked at.

Do it for you.

I Lost Gluten And Found My Toes

Health and Hygiene, It's all about me!, Stuff 1 Response »

Oct 262012

Way back in late August I went on an elimination diet. No gluten, no sugar, no dairy, no caffeine ..no anything your grandma wouldn’t have had in her cupboard! It was not as hard as I thought it would be. I also upped my vitamins, minerals and the good bacteria for my gut. After three weeks I started adding some caffeine and very little real sugar, but stayed on the no gluten and no dairy.

After my elimination time was up I added a bit of gluten and turned into a nasty, grumpy, gassy person. I added some dairy about a week after my gluten experiment, I did okay. I had a bad stomach ache after having straight milk, but no issues with cheese. Lovely cheese. My best friend cheese :)

So now what I do? I’m off gluten for sure. I haven’t had a Dr. Pepper since August and hope to stay Dr. Pepper free. I’ll add some cheese here and there, but I am trying to go light on the dairy.

My results. While I don’t weigh myself, I estimate that I have lost about 20 pounds and two jean sizes. My belly isn’t puffy and my face looks lean. I feel better, sleep better, am less of a grump and have energy.

I encourage everyone who has issues with not feeling great to try the elimination diet. See what your body is reacting to. Honestly, it wasn’t that hard and it can really make some great changes.

No one asked me to write about this and I am getting no money for it! I just wanted to share :)

Go Away Fuzzy Head

A Mom's Job, Books I Have Read, Earth Friendly Ideas, Frustrated Mommy Moments, Health and Hygiene 2 Responses »

Aug 272012

I was a bit fuzzy-headed this past summer. Everything ran in together it seems, I never was able to catch up and I certainly didn’t get to play around with my camera. My one personal summer goal was a failure. I barely took pictures let alone learn how to use the thing more effectively!

I forgot my wallet when I went to the store…twice in four weeks. I think that was the kicker. How crazy is it to go shopping without your wallet? Something that happens once or twice in your lifetime, not twice in a month!

Fuzzy head had to go. I had a plan. I implemented that plan last week when the kids started school. I didn’t want to go withdrawal mommy crazy on them. I feel better. I’m not so fuzzy-headed. I actually only started part of my plan due to the fact I didn’t want to overwhelm myself and I was sick with a bad respiratory virus. Another clue that I am unwell. My Hubby and two kids caught a sore throat and when I catch it it ends up being a four-day illness where I am in bed or wish I was in bed.

My plan is not simple. It’s not even fun. But it is working:

No gluten. No sugar (real or fake). No caffeine. No Dairy.

I am surviving. I am making a lot more from scratch. I’ve probably saved $10 in fast food/Dr. Pepper. Watching my family eat lasagna was hard last night as lasagna is my favorite meal, but I did it. My plan is a six-week elimination diet and then re-introduce foods slowly into my life to see if I react to any of them badly. I don’t think I have any allergies, but I may be a bit sensitive to some foods I don’t realize and the elimination diet helps be figure it all out in a relative short period.

I think what I am doing is like the Paleo diet I’ve heard so much about. The Hubby and kids are getting the same meals they usually eat, some a bit tweaked for me and other times I just eat something different. If it turns out I do have some foods I have to stay away from for sure, I’ll most likely pass it on into the family meals so I’m not constantly making different foods. The by-product is that we are all eating healthier which is great. I’m not calling this a diet as I don’t really want to model that for the girls, but just a change in eating habits to be healthier. Hopefully I’ll be a better mom with less fuzzy-head so they won’t care we are eating more veggies!

This week I go into my phase two mode of exercising at least 30 minutes a day and increasing the vitamin supplements suggested in The UltraMind Solution by Mark Hyman, MD. I’m not following his plan to the letter as I cannot buy everything organic or spend $300 a month on vitamins, but I’m doing pretty well.

The moral of my story is that I feel better, I have more energy, my clothes aren’t as tight (I don’t weigh myself in general so I don’t know weight loss) and I’m eating as much as I want. I have not yet been hungry and the only real cravings I’ve had were for chocolate (of course!) and they weren’t that bad as I have some real unsweetened chocolate recipes I’ve made.

My fuzzy head is going away and I hope it stays away!

(Disclosure: No one asks me to blog about this book and I bought it myself. If someone wants to pay me for doing this I’m open to that idea :)

My Breastfeeding Story

A Mom's Job, Breastfeeding, Health and Hygiene No Responses »

Aug 042012

I love my swollen nose in this picture!

I cannot remember deciding to breastfeeding my babies. I can remember in high school knowing I would breastfeed someday. I wasn’t from a breastfeeding family, I wasn’t around babies much and the babies I did babysit were formula fed. Breastfeeding wasn’t in my life, but I just knew it would be. I am in the minority I know. When talking with pregnant women I normally hear them say things like “I’m going to try to breastfeed.” or “I’m not breastfeeding”.

When pregnant with Meg, I read the books the magazines, I dreamed about nursing my baby. Then she was here, and quickly taken to the ICN for rapid breathing. I was able to hold her for about two minutes, then didn’t see her again for several hours. My epidural took forever to wear off and I couldn’t walk to see her. When I finally went to her they wer just about to give her a bottle since she was four hours old and a rather big baby (8 pounds 8 oz), but her blood sugars were holding steady. Then she nursed and nursed and nursed and all was well.

Until I couldn’t get her to latch later on. Hmmm, I thought, it is much easier to read about this stuff than to do it! We made it through the first few days. I was sore, but didn’t think about it much as I knew we would get the hang of it sometime. She grew and grew and was very big, passing her birth weight in about a week (babies lose a bit of weight the first few days, even formula fed ones, the goal for breastfed babies is to be up to birth weight by 2 weeks). I was sore. She was clicking a lot at the breast, on and off, on and off. This made her choke a bit. I took her to the doctor’s office because someone noticed that she was tongue-tied. The doctor told me that they didn’t clip tongues anymore and that it didn’t affect breastfeeding.

At my six-week checkup the doctor noticed that I had a sore on my nipple. He told me to use lanolin, no referral to get help, no suggestions. He didn’t tell me that I shouldn’t have such a sore six weeks post partum. We kept nursing.

We nursed for 15 months. One night Meg looked up at me while nursing and gave me a milky smile and never nursed again. She was done. I wasn’t ready, but Meg had moved on. She went on to have back to back ear infections that irritated me to no end since I hadn’t been the one to wean her!

Five years later here comes Elle. She was smaller than Meg, a mere 8 pounds, and severely tongue-tied. Her tongue formed a little heart when she tried to stick it out. We nursed, nursed nursed and she grew, grew, grew. I was very sore and torn up. We eventually found our happy place. I now know that she had figured out a way to latch that was unique but worked until she was about ten months old. She had so many teeth come in that she had to re-learn how to latch. At that time I was working in the Lactation Program and had learned that tongue-ties can effect breastfeeding. It can cause horrible, painful sores on mom and can lead to weight-gain issues with baby. Huh. Well my girls had no problems gaining, but mama was pretty sore!

At tens months of afe they were going to have to put Elle under general anesthesia to clip her tongue. I didn’t want to do that to her, so we worked things out and she kept on nursing and growing. I weaned her at two years, she would have kept going but I was done. It was a hard decision, one I did not take lightly, one that I second-guessed for a while, but our last nursing session was a wonderful one that I will always remember.

Today both Meg and Elle have their tongues tied still. They can sit still and get them clipped but have never had speech problems so we just left it the way it was. Elle’s has stretched a bit, but you can still see the heart! My girls are happy and healthy and I have always felt that breastfeeding them is one of my most proudest achievements. I grew two babies in my womb and out of my womb. Amazing.

I share this story not to say I suffered and it was worth it, but to tell others that sometimes you get bad advice. I was told that tongue-ties don’t affect breastfeeding and it obviously can. I had two different doctors see that I was having issues and neither one of them really cared. I wish I had realized that I could reach out to other doctor or call the lactation program, I wish I had been a bit more questioning. If I had not been so convinced that I was going to breastfeed, if I had any doubts about it, I most likely would have quit and missed out on an amazing experience.

In the past seven years a lot has changed locally. Babies are being evaluated when they are thought to be tongue-tied and tongues are being clipped in cases when they need to be. That makes me very happy. Having the correct information available on breastfeeding is so important for families.

Talking Body To Tweens

A Mom's Job, Health and Hygiene, Parenting, Teendom No Responses »

Mar 222012

Racing towards adult-hood :(

I have an amazing power that was only recently discovered. I don’t twitch when the word puberty is said. I not only don’t twitch, I get happy and love to talk about it with parents and girls. Girls only. I have no idea about the boys.

Armed with this new super power I recently worked with a teen counselor and we put on a program for some local Girl Scouts. We held it around Valentines Day and called it Loving Your Growing Body. It was complete with snacks and door prizes and I have to say it was a huge success. I was elated afterwards that twenty girls ages 9-16 knew how and why their bodies were changing, that it was healthy and normal. Also that ten of them attended with their moms and the continuing conversation was started that day for some of them.

Remember that I always encourage parents that there is no “The Talk” if you want to have healthy communication with your kids. There needs to be several small conversations over several years that make parents and kids comfortable with each other so that when and if a big topic or issue pops up, the scene is set for loving and supportive communication.

I am excited to be working on a similar program at the hospital where I work. I want to develope a program for girls to attend with their mom/grandmas. I believe that knowledge is power. Girls (and boys of course, though I know nothing about them and frankly they scare me sometimes!) armed with the knowledge that they are healthy and normal are going to make better decisions. I hope they will delay having sex, will feel better about themselves and not take abuse, have open communication with parents. I feel that the current programs that are in place for this age group are very lacking in that they do not encourage communication with family and when it comes down to it the family is responsible for passing on their values and those values are what is going to form the child. If you are secretive about bodies with no communication your child will most likely have a lot of unanswered questions or obtain incorrect answers from other sources, this may lead to very bad choices.

At the end of the program the evaluations were all positive, I had one mom who wished I hadn’t talked so much about menstruation, but others were asking for more. They want a class on sex, a 16-year-old was asking good questions about her cycle. Kids want to know, they just need a trusting place to ask. Hopefully that place is at home.

To clarify here, there was no talk about sex or birth control. Girl Scouts don’t go there as they are about empowering girls through fun and educational program activities and building self-esteem. This program was simply about feeling good about yourself and knowing the changes that happen to our bodies are normal. The moms who stayed really loved it and learned things they needed to know about helping their daughters prepare for what is to come.

All of this said. Only one of my own daughters came and she admitted it was just for the great goodie bag (several places and people donated beauty and hygiene items). The older two helped me put together the packets and said that they had seen it all. I am mom. They don’t want to watch me talk about boobs and pads to other kids. I get that. Frustration was felt, but I get that. My baby at age seven is not ready for a class like this and I am happy about that. I want kids to be kids as long as they can.

Just today my almost ten-year-old was asking why her butt was so big when she was only a kid. My answer was truthful. “Your butt isn’t big, it’s a woman’s butt. Your body is going on 16 while your mind is about 8 or 9. One day your mind and body will even out, but until then the process can be trying.” No easy answers, but compassion and understanding and hopefully we will get through this one-day!

The Other Side Of The Curtain

Health and Hygiene 2 Responses »

Mar 032012

As a nurse I have sent many patients off to surgery. Open heart, hernia, back surgery…surgery of all kinds. I have washed, prepped and educated people about upcoming happenings.

Last Tuesday I was the patient, and let me tell you it is very different. I felt flustered at times,surreal at other times (like, this didn’t just happen) and the pain. Well, surgical pain is different from other pain…hmm.

I had a great experience at the hospital and with my nurses and doctors. I firmly state that breast reduction should not be done on an outpatient basis, but that is an insurance argument not one with my doctor. My discharge nurse told me that penis surgery, such as rods or implants are not done outpatient. Bitterly she said this. Bitterly I took this. My hubby and my mom took over and did everything for me the first two days and I did well, but I feel for those without great support systems.

Ha. Support systems. Yeah, my surgical bra is quite the support system. I will be buying more for sure and it could be a few months before I actually spend money on a real, honest to goodness bra. The swelling is that crazy.

So coming from the other side of the curtain I have learned how to ask for help, and to make sure you have someone there to remember things, as I didn’t remember much.

I’m sore, but healing, tired by healthy. Thanks all for the prayers and good thoughts. I don’t know how often I will blog. At this point I cannot even read for long periods of time without drifting off to sleep!

Mom Of Tweens: Rapid Growth

A Mom's Job, Health and Hygiene, Parenting, Teendom No Responses »

Jan 162012

Most people know that when girls hit the age of eight or so they seem to grow outward a bit, a bit more rounded. Then poof….they grow several inches and breasts, hips get rounded and they become little ladies rather than staying little kids. These are normal changes for girls, yet we as parents/adults don’t treat them as normal.

We seem to giggle at the pudginess, get exasperated with buying more clothes, talk about how they are growing up too fast - like it is a bad thing. Or sometimes we don’t say anything about it at all, which can be worse.

What we should do and often don’t do, is tell the girls that this is normal. During puberty girls can gain thirty to fifty pounds. Their bodies are getting ready for a change and our body fat needs to increase to hold the estrogen needed. This is a lot of weight in a relatively short period of time. It is hard for us as parents to watch our girls growing up, but it is even more difficult for the girls themselves to live through.

So how can we help our daughters, and ourselves, during this time of growth and transition? Words. Simple words starting when you start to see changes in them, or even before if it comes up in conversation.

“I am in such awe of how beautiful you are becoming.”

“You are growing up, it is a pleasure to watch you become a young lady.”

“That shirt looks nice on you. Maybe we should get a bra to wear under it, for a smoother appearance. What a lady you are becoming.”

“Let’s try another size, you are blossoming!” (Seriously, this line made one of girls smile with pleasure- she loved that I had noticed.)

I am being honest, saying these things are helpful, they may just not seem like it. Remember, the girls will roll their eyes and say things like “You have to say that you are my mom.” Conversation and loving support is always a good thing. Getting Dads to be supportive is a wonderful thing to do as well. They don’t have to talk about bras, but hugs and complements from their father can mean a lot to a young girl.

There are still going to be moments of tears, it is a good chance they will talk about dieting, not liking how they look and of hating themselves. We have to be the voice of reason. Remind them to look around at school, notice the other girls and how they are changing to. Remind them that this is a normal, natural development, but that everyone grows differently and at their own pace. I will give you a link to a great book I reviewed last year about girls and their body image.

And be prepared to spend a bundle on clothes, they will grow out of their pants overnight!

A Product Review And Thankyou: Boiron’s Arnica Gel

A Mom's Job, Health and Hygiene, My Thanks Go To..., Reviews No Responses »

Dec 052011

I’m a Registered Nurse. I have worked in the medical field for close to fifteen years now, so if you said that I believe in medical science and medications and you would be correct. I do, however, also appreciate and use other types of healing that can occur with touch (massage, acupuncture, cranial-sacral therapy) homeopathic medications/treatments and nutritional supplements.

I have been using some homeopathic products from Boiron for several years now and I was excited when the company was at BlogHer11 as they had been in 2010. I love the ColdCalm and the ColdCalm for kids, as well as the famous Oscillococcinum^{® (please don’t ask me to pronounce that!)} The company recently asked me to review their new Arnicare Arnica Gel and I gladly have.

Arnica is an age old treatment made from a plant related to a daisy. It is helpful in aches and pains promotes healing and prevents bruising. An all-around helpful product to have around with a growing household!

My kids have aches and pains like they are ninety. They play rough and bruise hard. Me, myself have back aches often as well. I really like the Arnica Gel. It is non-greasy, is unscented without smelling of medicine and works.

Boiron is a company I feel like I can get behind, because of their helpful products, the education their site offers and the fact that they are giving! They donated a case of Arnicare Arnica Gel to our local women’s shelter! I was so pleased when they agreed to this. Haven of Hope will be quickly given the case so they can pass it out to women who are starting over, and possibly injured and in need of healing themselves.

Thanks Boiron!

To get a $1.00 off coupon click here. To subscribe to Boiron’s newsletter go here.

Puberty? WTH

A Mom's Job, Health and Hygiene, NaBloPoMo, Parenting, Teendom No Responses »

Nov 032011

I was at the gyno’s today trying to figure out the date of my last period. I used to be so on the ball with things like that, but don’t worry about it much now since I don’t worry about being pregnant. While I was looking at the calendar I could tell you my daughters’ cycles better than my own.

It is a weird thing having maturing daughters. Not bad, just weird. I am rather matter of fact with body functions (see my RN credentials) and thus have passed this on to my girls a bit. It seems all they talk about at times are boobs and pads and it hits me that I am in a different time of life now. The baby-toddler-preschooler-first day of school phase is over for me. My baby (almost 7) was chopping carrots for dinner tonight. I’m concentrating on periods, bras and acne rather than sippy cups and Cheerios.

I have to adjust to this new parenting phase and stop hovering. I should do more talking and share more about my experiences rather than just giving orders. It’s hard. Hard for me and hard for the kids to be growing. I feel my control slipping and I don’t like that feeling.

The struggle I deal with is that I am so afraid I will mess it all up. There is no do-overs in parenting and that is why my normally easy-going personality hit the road when I became mom.

Hubby is handling this “the girls are growing up” well. Better than I am actually. He’s an amazing dad. I would have died to talk to my dad about periods and my girls know they can go to him if they need something or are having a hard time. He takes it all in stride, which cannot be easy sometimes. He grew up with four brothers and now has four daughters. Life is funny that way.

Have you hit a different place in the parenting timeline that has been a struggle? Are you dreading your child hitting puberty or looking forward to watching them grow? Any words of advice are always appreciated!

Artwork Credit

I’m Blogging For My Breasts…Again

A Mom's Job, Breastfeeding, Health and Hygiene, Stuff No Responses »

Oct 032011

More boob talk from the boobologist here. Yes, remember I am a certified boobologist (aka lactation consultant) and I care about breast health overall. Last year I posted about Army of Woman and the good things they are doing. Dr. Susan Love and Avon have teamed up for some really cool Breast Cancer Research and they need YOU to help!

We all want to help out with the breast cancer cause and a lot of us are getting tired of just buying and wearing pink. We want to do something more. Joining the Army of Women is a direct way that you can possibly help out in breast cancer research. I have been a member for about a year now and every once in a while a email is sent to me with a new study they need help with. These studies can range from sending in a breast milk sample to filling out a form. Easy stuff to more time consuming, but you are not required to do anything you don’t want to do or cannot do. I have not qualified for any of the studies thus far, but I am optimistic because if I can help out in some way Army of Women is going to let me know about it.

So how about it? Join up and possibly save lives, feel productive and do a good turn!

In Defense Of Dirt

A Mom's Job, Health and Hygiene, My Soap Box 1 Response »

Sep 302011

Hello. My name is Mandy and I am a recovering germopobe. I used to pride myself on never touching anything in a public restroom with my hands. I was a professional worrier of germs and bacteria.

When Meg was a baby I went a bit overboard at times on protecting her. I kept her from playing and having fun in the name of safety. I have slowly come to terms with the fact that I cannot keep my kids from germs, viruses or worse. The world is a dirty place and we have amazing immune system that needs exposure to work at its finest.

One of the ways I came to this conclusion happened when I took Meg to a impromptu Doctors appointment. She was sick and I hadn’t scrubbed her from top to bottom before the visit as I normally did to prove I was an amazing parent with a perfectly clean child (you know you do this too so don’t judge me!). I was ashamed of Meg’s dirty toes and apologizing for them when the nurse said, “We want toes to look like that. We call it summer feet and it tells us that your child plays like a kid should.” That comment started me thinking about all the things I used to do as a kid and how letting Meg have a bit more freedom with playing in the dirt might be a good thing.

A couple of days ago I read a post on BlogHer. It was a well written, well-meaning piece about the condition of our nation’s indoor play-places and how filthy they are. I agree with everything this mom did and said, but as I mentioned in the comment section, I was surprised that she was surprised. She toured this play ground tube as if she was exploring a different planet and went on and on about the dirt and what was growing in the play place. I couldn’t help but wonder how this women has lived to be so amazed at grime and dirt. Of course it was appalling, and no I would not let me kids play in a obviously nasty place like she showed,however, the stuff she found growing on the tubes can just as easily be growing on her child’s school bus or on her own skin. Germs, viruses and bacteria are everywhere. You cannot hide from them.

Meg is now twelve (next month anyway). I have three more kids. With each child I’ve become a bit more relaxed with the germ thing. I do want them to be clean and healthy of course, but I don’t go into anxiety mode with a trip to an especially dirty bathroom anymore.

A few things I do make the girls do: Wash their hands when they come home from school or the store and before eating. They learned as soon as they were tall enough to squat on a public toilet rather than sit on it. I do have to say that I used to carry a Clorox spray bottle in my diaper bag and I would clean the toilet seat when they were potty training. If I am on my game I clean the door handles regularly. They also have Kleenex in their backpacks as well as alcohol based hand sanitizer for when they are away from soap and water. Remember that alcohol based sanitizer without the triclosan are best as the bacteria doesn’t become resistant to alcohol like they might with the triclosan, but watch the alcohol use with small kids who suck thumbs and fingers!

There is plenty of support for the dirt is good mantra, they are just a google away. Our hyper-clean society is breeding sicker kids with asthma and allergies as well as poor immune systems. I like this article from 2009. That and similar works have helped many overcome our out of control germ fears.

If I was superstitious I wouldn’t write this next sentence. My kids are healthy kids. Normal, healthy kids with bumps, bruises, summer toes and great immune systems. They get normal colds occasionally. Elle has mongo-sized tonsils and just got her second episode of tonsillitis (in her life). Normal kids stuff. Hopefully they will remain healthy and will be able to fight off the nasty stuff they will be exposed to in life.

There is nasty crap (literally crap) everywhere, even if you cannot see it, and our first line of defense is our skin. Then our nose and ear hairs and digestive juices, if germs get past these defenses our immune system kicks in. The more our bodies have been exposed to the better our immune system is equipped to fight the intruder. If our kids are not exposed to dogs, cats, dust and a bit of dirt and grime their immune system isn’t as strong.

My best advice. Let the kids play. Let them kiss the dog and run around barefoot. Play hard, wash hands and feed them well. That is all.

(Photo Credit)

Texting While Driving Is A Big Deal

A Mom's Job, BlogHer11, Family, Health and Hygiene, My Soap Box, Safety, School Issues, Teendom 2 Responses »

Aug 162011

This post will be 2G2B4G, I promise!

Yes, we have another topic to cover in order to parent our kids correctly. Not only are we having to talk about sex, alcohol and drugs, but we must talk about sexting and texting while driving. The check list just keeps getting longer. The good news is that we no longer have to talk to our kids about pulling out the ribbons on cassette tapes or wasting film by opening up the backs of camera.

Let’s look at some statistics shall we:

45% of teens admit to texting and driving but only 4 percent of parents believe their teens have ever texted while driving. (LG Stats)
Drivers who type or read text messages contribute to at least 100,000 crashes each year, leading to thousands of preventable deaths. (FocusDriven.org)

Numbers don’t lie and we mustn’t lie to ourselves. Our kids learn best by example. We have to make sure we are not texting while driving and using our cell phones carefully when we are behind the wheel. We can tell them a million times not to text and drive, but if they see us do it: Our words don’t mean anything!

In San Diego , MomOutnumbered and I got to go to a fun cocktail party hosted by LG with spokesperson Jane Lynch. On top of being a party with amazing food and drinks, we got the 411 (do kids still say that?) on texting and driving as well as what some of the letters that our kids use frequently mean. 4COL I learned a lot. The LG site is not only a great resource on texting and driving but it goes into sexting, bullying and also on how we as parents can use the texting technology to help us in our parenting. It is an easy site to navigate and is worth a few minutes to read I promise!

MomOutnumbered

On a personal note: Jane autographed a picture for Mita and read the letter Mita had written her and given to me to give to Jane. (Mita is in love with Jane, I don’t know why, I don’t let her watch Glee (story lines are a bit racey for an eleven year old) but Mita is celebrity obsessed so…) Mita is head over heels happy and I thank Jane for being so kind, I almost WMPL I was so happy.

So, tell the truth. Do you still text and drive? Have your kids called me on it? Mita has insisted she saw me do it once, I don’t remember honestly, but never again!

2G2B4G = To good to be forgotten

4COL = For crying out loud

WMPL = Wet my pants laughing

(Disclosure: I was not asked to write about LG or this event, but the subject matter is important for all of us and I was happy to share what I had learned. I did not receive any compensation for this post, but the party really did have great coconut shrimp!)

Why World Breastfeeding Week?

Breastfeeding, Health and Hygiene 2 Responses »

Jul 312011

Happy World Breastfeeding Week to all of you out there. Now, I know that most of us don’t consider the first week of August anything but miserably hot, but it does have an official purpose: Breastfeeding Advocacy.

Why do we need a World Breastfeeding Week? Most of us in the states see breastfeeding as a nice thing to do (if you can) and are supportive of each other, as long as we don’t see if happen (the horror). I don’t believe it is necessarily seen as the important, healthy, preventive necessary thing that it is.

A few items to share with you:

Breastmilk is a living substance. It is full of active antibodies and nutrition that changes with the weather as well as what mom and baby are exposed to. Formula doesn’t come close and it never will, no matter what the millions of dollars in advertisments tell you. I say this not to make people feel guilty, but to just simply state the facts. We have to stop thinking that they are interchangable.

Breast feeding saves money. Lots of it! Look at these numbers!

The Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding: A Review and Analysis by Jon Weimer. ERS Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Report No. 13. 20 pp, March 2001.

“A minimum of $3.6 billion would be saved if breastfeeding were increased from current levels (64 percent in-hospital, 29 percent at 6 months) to those recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General (75 and 50 percent). This figure is likely an underestimation of the total savings because it represents cost savings from the treatment of only three childhood illnesses: otitis media, gastroenteritis, and necrotizing enterocolitis. This report reviews breastfeeding trends and previous studies that assessed the economic benefits of breastfeeding.”

The newborns intestines are meant to be lined in colostrum (first breastmilk) to keep bacteria and infections in the baby. Formula irritates the fragile lining, which causes small bleeding patches on the intestine. The baby is then exposed to proteins, and foods to early which can lead to food allergies, and possibly eczema and Diabetes.

What we need to do is start thinking of breastfeeding as The normal way to feed your baby. Not the extra-special, gold medal goal for you and your baby, but the normal. We have put breastfeeding up on a pedestal that makes it seem like a great thing, but not something everyone can achieve. The truth is 99% of woman can breast feed. 92% can provide a full milk supply. I’ve worked with the few mother’s when it truly doesn’t work out and it is heartbreaking for them. There are always exceptions to the rules of nature and I have never and will never admonish a mom for not breastfeeding. I will, however, not act as is formula is just as good or even a close second.

Breastfeeding has value. Support your friends and relatives who are breastfeeding. Don’t shy away from them when they are nursing, cheer them on! Don’t make them feel guilty because you cannot feed the baby a bottle or slip the baby a bottle when mom is sleeping. Don’t tell them to wean just because the baby has teeth. And please no telling an expectant mom or nursing mom horror stories about nursing. Just cheer them on and do the dishes for them!

When you think of World Breastfeeding Week what pops to mind? Warm, fuzzy feelings, annoyance or indifference?

Give Blood

All you need is love!, Health and Hygiene No Responses »

Jul 122011

Meg's BFF

During my senior year of school I donated blood for the first time. I was so excited to do something so important. About an hour later, I apparently turned green in Biology class and remember my teacher holding my hand while they waited for the wheelchair. He was telling everyone that reactions like this to blood donations are all in your head. That I really wasn’t ill. I can tell you that I fibbed a bit on the weight so I probably shouldn’t have given at all that day. You have to be 110 pounds to donate and I was about 100 at that time (oh the days). Sure I lied, but I wanted to give. To help. To save a life. Corney maybe, but true.

Picture hating Mita

The other day I got an email asking to get some of my Girl Scouts to help volunteer at a local blood drive. They needed the girls to walk around the Farmer’s Market and get people to go to the Bloodmobile parked on the street.

I used to work for the American Red Cross over a decade ago (yikes!). I took blood from volunteers. During my time I was so impressed with people of all walks of life donating blood, in essence giving life. While walking around the market last week talking to people, it amazed me of the responses from people.

“It hurts to bad.”

“I need my blood.”

“No one wants my blood.”

Worse were some of the looks people gave us without bothering to even use words.

The girls walked a lot and moved out of their comfort zone, learning how to make a “pitch” and asking people to donate. It is not easy. We came up with a few jingles that we didn’t use, but got a good laugh over. One was “Lose some weight, Donate today.” Another was ” Save Bella, Donate today.” Good times!

I thought I would share a few facts to help encourage others to donate blood:

*Every blood donation has the potential to help (possibly save the life) of three different people.

*It will take about an hour of your time.

*All needles used are new, clean, safe.(Yes, some people are still afraid of getting AIDS from giving blood)

* It really isn’t painful. Just a stab at first…come on a little poke. It’s more painful to have a splinter dug out!

Check out if you are eligible to give. Here is a great page to learn about blood, it even has games!

I encourage you all to think about donating blood in the next few months. Not all of us are able to due to health conditions and such, but if you can, please give it a try.

Have you ever donated blood? What were your thoughts about the process and how did you feel afterwards? I am scheduled to donate at BlogHer11 in a couple of weeks, after the 5K run thankfully!

Don’t forget to enter my contest!

(I am not affilated with the American Red Cross, nor was I asked to blog about this. I just like the idea of helping others!)

Rocking The Red Pump

Health and Hygiene, Stuff 1 Response »

Mar 102011

AIDS. HIV. What runs through your mind when you read these words? Do the words frighten you. Do you think twice about your own HIV status? Do you think of a friend or family member with the disease?

Did you know that every nine and a half minutes a person is infected with HIV? Did you know that there are different strains of the HIV virus and that you can have one or more of the viruses?

Rock the Red Pump is a campaign to promote awareness of HIV and AIDS. Take a few minutes and read some facts here: AIDS/HIV 101

Realize that Black and Hispanic women are statistically more likely to contract the disease. How can we reduce these numbers? What is the best way to educated our children to prevent transmission?

Let’s remember that AIDS did not go away just because science came up with effective treatments. It is still a desease that affects lives in the USA and is currently devestating developing countries. It still needs to be paid attention to and I don’t think it is on our radar as it was in the 1980′s and 1990′s.

I don’t have red heels, but if I did I’d be wearing them today!

Twenty-Five Days Of Thankfulness #19

25 Days of Thankfullness, Health and Hygiene, It's all about me! 3 Responses »

Nov 092010

So my random choice didn’t happen today. We had a medical emergency and I am starting this post at my in-laws house, with my list of thanks at home. This means I will just choose a topic because I am the boss of my blog (na na na na na na!). Did I also mention today’s post would be short and sweet? Time is doing funky things this week. I cannot keep up!

#19 Health

When people list what they are thankful for, health is normally somewhere up at the top of the list. I want to be healthy, but don’t think about it much until I am ill. A bad cold or the flu can knock me on my rear and I pray about how grateful that it will pass, that it is not forever.

My extended family is struggling right now with health issues. I’m struggling with the “whys” of it all.

I’m thankful that I am healthy right now. I will do my best to eat right and to continue to exercise to maintain my health. I am diligent with preventative health practices. I try to raise my kids to be healthy. I take care of those who are currently in poor health. That is all I can do, and I am grateful that I am healthy enough to do it.

What is your trick to staying healthy? I may steal it from you!

Breast Cancer Prevention

A Mom's Job, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Breastfeeding, Earth Friendly Ideas, Health and Hygiene No Responses »

Oct 182010

As a nurse my first love with health is prevention and always has been. I love teaching people how to prevent disease and illness. The basics of good health are good nutrition, hygiene , and mental/ physical activity.

Of course even the healthiest of people get sick at times. Disease like cancer can strike anyone at anytime. That does not mean we need to wait around for a diagnosis or not take care of ourselves because it may happen to us anyway. Attitude means a lot in our health.

We all hear of the special diets, exercises and pills that are supposed to reduce our cancer risks. Whether these work or not is always doubtful. Like almost everything in life moderation seems to be the key.

Let’s look at proven ways to reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

*Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

*Limit amount of alcohol intake.

*Know your family history and your cancer risk. There are medications that some women can take to prevent cancer. Knowing your history may also help you with deciding if you should take Hormone Replacement Therapy.

*Breastfeed your babies (You all knew this was coming!) Women who Breastfeed for one to two years total in their lifetime (all babies total) have a decreased risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer. There is some evidence that nursing only for a few months may help as well.

*Watch your environment. This is a little more controversial as in everyone seems to have different answers, but is always good to avoid know carcinogens. Decreasing our exposure to BPA is a good way to start when wanting to decrease toxins around us. Check out this link for a list of chemicals that may cause cancer.

So what am I doing to prevent breast cancer in myself and my family (Remember it does strike men)?

I see my doctor annually and will get my baseline mammogram in five years.

I do self breast exams.

I’ve gained a lot of weight in the last two year and have finally started taking steps get get back into a healthy shape by exercising at least three times a week.

I try to get as many fruits and veggies in our diet and use supplements as well.

We do not use bottled water and I use stainless steal water bottles for our purified tap water.

I have gotten rid of all plastic and containers that contain BPA.

I have breastfed for about three years total between Meg and Elle.

I know my history and limit my alcohol content.

I use enviromentally healthier cleaning supplies.

I am trying to buy more organic and less processed foods.

I teach my girls the importance of knowing their bodies and taking care of them.

What do I need to do more of?

Check out the content of the beauty products in our home and Keep up on the new research so that I can learn more and pass on this knowledge.

I would love to hear what you are doing in your own lives to help prevent breast cancer. Please share your knowledge!

Sites of interest:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

American Cancer Society

It’s National School Lunch Week!

A Mom's Job, Health and Hygiene, School Issues 3 Responses »

Oct 122010

Notice there is no drink. My daugher cannot drink straight milk and the school will only let her have juice with a doctors note!

Yes I’m going to talk about this again. The tiresome school lunch saga continues. It is National School Lunch Week.I hate to participate in this week, yet my four daughters want me to come eat with them of course (except the fifth grader, but I went anyway!). I like spending time with my kids and their friends at school. It is fun to get to put faces with the names I hear at home and to meet more teachers. I totally agree with encouraging parents to eat at school with their kids. I disagree that there is a week to celebrate school lunches when the majority of school lunch programs are substandard in nutrition.

I’m not expecting gourmet meals with all organic ingredients, I just want some carrot sticks and whole wheat bread. Maybe some meat that is not breaded and deep fried and less High Fructose Corn Syrup (corn sugar?!).

We are raising the most obese generation that ever was. Diabetic children (type 2) and high cholesterol is running rampant in our young ones bodies, and they are malnourished. Not starving, but lacking in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. What are the school districts doing about it? Not much. There hands are tied because it all comes down to money. As long as the government subsidies for school lunches agree that french fries qualify as a vegetable, we are stuck with what we have. Schools are sponsored by companies (Cola machines in the lunch room, Milk posters) to make ends meet and our kids are the ones who suffer. Of course we know that preventing desease and encouraging healthy living will save us all money in the long run, but the schools, companies and government have not caught on to that fact yet.

A new face needs to be put on the school lunch. We need more raw foods and whole wheats offered and less sugary products. We have to give them the chance to learn how to eat and the options to choose well. Kids will eat healthier foods in time.

In my children’s school district they have taken a few steps in the six years I have had a child in school. They switched the whole milk to 1% milk and they do not offer extras (aka dessert) to Kindergarteners. Also for a short period last year they offered a half of slice of wheat bread with a half a slice of white bread.

Every year I have offered to help revamp the school lunches and no one has taken me up on my offer. I am an RN and will do it for free… Let me help!

My suggestions to schools.

Offer fresh veggies with low-fat dips…try some hummus if you are really motivated.
Only offer chocolate milk on Fridays. Or get non-sugar chocolate milk.
Whole wheat bread makes a difference, believe me. These kids need fiber!
Don’t cut the apples offer small ones. The kids won’t eat browned fruit.

Very simple ways to start.

As I talked about last year, a big argument in changing the kids’ lunches is that they will not eat the new lunches and their parents will pack them junk any way. I say, let them pack the junk. Let the parents make the kids mal-nourished, not the publicly funded schools.

Tater tots were the veggie of the day.The apple is browned and uneaten because of it.The pizza is amazingly horrible!

So my goal is to be more verbal this year and to talk to some heads of the school district. No more mrs-nice-mom. I’m going to kick some butt. Politely of course!

Answer my question about school lunches on SkinnyScoop.com!

Cookie Jar Grandma

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Family Pictures, Health and Hygiene 4 Responses »

Oct 122010

Last month I posted about my Grandma Williams and the memories I have with her. Today I want to remember my Grandma Francis. Both were named Evelyn, both were very different woman. One was a farmer’s wife and the other a waitress. Both were loved by me. While dementia took away my Grandma Williams, my Grandma Francis was taken by breast cancer at the age of 52.

Grandma Francis was the mother of ten kids. When she died she still had a couple of teenagers in the house. I was only about seven and at the time didn’t realize how young she actually was. I didn’t see her as much as I saw my Grandma Williams as she worked long hours as a waitress at Howard Johnson’s. I waitressed through high school and college and can tell you that it was weary on a young body and cannot imagine waitressing through my forties and into my fifties!

She had glamorous big hair and was very beautiful. Now I know it was a wig (she had thin hair due to an illness at a young age) but at the time it was amazing to have a grandma with such hair! She also always had cookies in the cookie jar. When telling my brother which grandma we were going to go see I would say Cookie Jar Grandma.

I can remember being in her kitchen with my mom and aunts when she pulled up her shirt to show them the mastectomy site. I left the room. I remember clearly being embarrassed about seeing my grandmother this way. I had no idea what was going on. I hope I did not hurt her feelings by leaving. I’m sure she knew I was just a kid. I now wish I would have stayed and see the scars, and felt that loss with her.

I can also remember her in the hospital. They put her on the children’s ward and we couldn’t visit her. She was to weak to come to the window to wave, but my grandpa waved to us. We handle death so differently now with kids and I am thankful that I have memories of Elle running around and talking to her Pap Pap the day he passed away. She may not remember, but I can tell her about the joy he had watching her at that time.

I feel a loss of not knowing her more. I wonder what made her laugh, what made her cry, what her favorite song was? I’ll never learn these things first hand. I know my mother feels a loss of losing her mother when she was only in her twenties. I am thirty-five and my mom is my dearest friend. What would I do without her? Why has this breast cancer disease been allowed to continue to pillage the lives of our mothers, sisters, daughters and the men in our lives?

We are aware of breast cancer. We know about the pink. We get mamograms, do self-breast exams and donate money. What else can we do? We can help with research and we can work on prevention of the desease. My next post on breast cancer will be dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer.

Cherly’s Cookies sent me two samples of their Cookies For the Cure cookie they have in honor of this month of pink. Ten percent of the money from said cookies will be given to Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Columbus Affiliate). Koman has given my area of Ohio grants for woman to get mammograms who cannot afford them. Women without insurance. Thanks Komen and thanks Cherly’s for donating to this cause. The cookies were delicious by the way, but of course… they were Cherly’s!

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

The Skinny On Self Breast Exams

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Health and Hygiene No Responses »

Oct 062010

We have all heard about them. We have all said we do them regularly. But how well do we really know our breasts and what to look for? I’ve seen handouts, read articles and practiced finding a lump in a fake breast (really difficult I might add), but no one has ever watched me and said “yes” you are doing it right. Maybe I will ask my GYN at my next annual exam. I wonder if anyone has ever asked her that before?

I think I’ll go check You Tube and see if there is an instructional video….sure enough! I found several by just searching Self Breast Exams. Here is my favorite, not only because of the English accent, but it shows an exam with an actual breast. I know people get skittish about breasts, but as an almost boobologist (October 29th I find out!) breasts are like looking at a foot for me and I just don’t get the breast-phobia!

Here are a few tips I have picked up over the years:

Check your breasts the same time each month. A week after your period or post-menopause use your birthday date every month to keep track.
Look at your breasts, don’t just feel them. Look for dimples, a change in shape or size.
Remember to check under your arms as well. There is a lot of breast tissue there. If you ever had engorgement with breastfeeding you will remember!
If you are fibbing about doing regular exams, just do your best to know what is normal for your breasts to look like. The big thing is to pick up on changes.
Find out if you are at a high risk for breast cancer here. You may be surprised to find out the answer. Remember this tool isn’t perfect and factors change.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your nurse or doctor. That is what they are there for and if they don’t want to answer questions they need a new job!

Do you have any more advice or stories about self breast exams? Please share!

*Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Clip Art Credit

Pink-ed Out or Perfect With Pink?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Health and Hygiene, My Soap Box No Responses »

Oct 042010

National Breast Cancer Awareness month was started in 1985 by AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company who makes cancer medications and treatment, to make people aware of breast cancer and the importance of mammography. Since that time October has become the month for pink. We see pink everywhere in stores, on magazines, on-line and especially in the grocery stores. Some are pink-ed out and say that more money should go to breast cancer research and less into products. There is also the feeling that the company is making far more money because of the pink advertising while only giving a token amount to charities and research. And of course there are the stories of no money being given to research at all, just pink products being sold.

My thoughts on this topic are the following. There will always be people, charities and companies making profits off others through less than noble means. We can make this truth turn us into pessimistic curmudgeons who never give anything to anyway in the guise of mistrust or we can become smarter, more informed consumers and give with full hearts and minds.

I choose to be an informed person and give when I feel led to give. Here are my tips for decided what is true pink this month.

What should one look for when buying pink?

*Does the packaging clearly say where the money is going to and how much? If the packaging is vague or mentions a charity you have not heard of, I would ask more questions or just skip it.

*Is the product a quality one? If it ends up in a land-fill before October ends, then I would just leave it be.

*Does the product or service give information on Breast Cancer? The original meaning of encouraging mammograms and early detection has been lost among many of the marketers.

*Will you use the product? If not, then donate the full amount you would have spent to an organization you trust. Why by a $5 pink umbrella you will never use for two dollars to go to cancer research, when you can donate five and have less clutter around your house?

How to check out a charity or organization:

CharityNavigator.org

GuideStar.org

The above two sites are helpful in learning about charities and organizations that you are thinking about giving to or buying products that donate money to certain organizations.

Whenever giving money or time to an organization I want to feel good about it and believe that there is blessing in the giving. Over the next month I will be writing about the topic of breast cancer, breast cancer research and may even review a few pink products. I would love to hear your opinions on being pink-ed out, so let me have it!

*Don’t forget to enter my giveaway!

Clip Art Credit

Breast Cancer…Let’s Do Something (Giveaway)

Contests, Health and Hygiene 9 Responses »

Oct 012010

Breast cancer sucks. Plain and simple. All families have been effected by this disease in some way if they think about it. My grandmother died of breast cancer in her early fifties, when I was in the second grade. I should have had more time to get to know her. My mom should have had more time with her mom, adult to adult.

I do not have to have a mammogram just yet, but I will in five years. I’m actually looking forward to it. I’ve heard all of the jokes about getting a mammogram. I’ve also heard the complaints. As a general rule I am not intimidated by medical procedures (see RN degree). Since I’m also almost a certified Boobologist, aka Lactation Consultant, breasts and the tests of said subject only give me more experience to share with others.

This October we will see waves of pink everywhere. People will wear pink, participate in walks and raise money for breast cancer research as well as breast cancer services. There is something else you can do that is free and will help with future breast cancer research. Go to ArmyOfWomen.org and sign up to help. I did. It is easy. Just offer your information to a breast cancer research study if you qualify. Not everyone will qualify to be a study participant, but you will be on the list for future studies. The goal is for 1 million women to sign up. Be one in a million!

Win this set!

Watch this video and get motivated.

To honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month I am also giving away an AVON package of crusade socks and foot cream. If you don’t win and still want them the cost of these are only $7.99 and $6.40 goes towards the AVON Breast Cancer Crusade campaign.

I must note here that we have a local AVON distribution center in our area and they have donated $50,000 to Genesis HealthCare Systems (Hubby works there) to go towards a Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator. A nurse navigator is invaluable to those who are diagnosed with this cancer and are trying to find treatment and care. Thanks AVON!

So now you have three things to do:

1) Call your OB-GYN or family doctor if you have not had your yearly breast exam and make an appointment. Now! I ‘m waiting!

2) Sign up at ArmyOfWomen.org and offer your help for Breast Cancer Research.

3) Enter my giveaway! There are three ways to win

* Leave a comment about how breast cancer has effected your life.
* Leave a comment telling me you have signed up at ArmyOfWoman.org
* Tweet or Facebook my post and leave a link/note in the comments.

Giveaway is open from October 1st through October 15th, 2010.

(Disclosure: I am an independent AVON rep and the links above to AVON are to my store. I do not profit from Breast Cancer Fund-raising products.)

Worts, Coughs, Headaches, Ice and Itches

A Mom's Job, Health and Hygiene 2 Responses »

Sep 242010

I am a mom. I am a mom who is a nurse. I am a mom who is a nurse who is sick of the sick. I am a mom who is a nurse who is sick of the sick and am about to turn in my nursing degree and become a holistic healer who just lays my hands on you and cures you.

Yes, you read that right. I will be Mr. Meogee from the Karate Kid and just warm up my hands to heal people. No band-aids, no creams, no pills, no cool compresses, no warm compresses, no gargling, no saline…it will be amazing.

Think of the money I will save on cough syrup, cough drops, Star Wars Band-aids, Littlest Pet Shop Band-aids, Neosporin, Tylenol and camomile. No more oatmeal tub soaks or tea foot baths. Yes this healing power will also cure hygiene issues such as chronic stinky feet and raw butts from not wearing undies.

Think of the time I will save not going up and down the stairs to find the hot pack, the last Tums and the ace bandages. Bed times will be quick as we all know that that is when the aches and pains start. I can lay on my hands (two kids at a time!) and everything will be well.

Think of my sanity restored.

Where do I learn the Mr. Meogee thing? Anyone?

Picture Credit Clip Art Credit

Getting Fit For BlogHer With Healthy Choice

Health and Hygiene, Healthy Choice 5 Responses »

Jul 222010

Like many busy moms I do not take great care of myself. I KNOW what I should be doing, yet I do not do it. I am a registered nurse, I passed Nutrition in college with flying colors. I encourage my children to live healthy lifestyles. Why am I not living healthier?

If you asked this question to other moms like me they will most likely say the same thing : TIME and LACK OF ENERGY!

In our endless days of parenting, housework, blogging, working and trying to maintain a social life we fail miserably with self-care. This is true, but I think I have used this as an excuse as well. There are many other moms out there far busier than I am who find the time to exercise and eat right. I need to find that achievable balance. I don’t expect to be bikini-model-thin. I just want to fit into my clothes, not loose my breath so easily and feel BETTER.

My plans were to get my big butt moving with Elle (my youngest) started Kindergarten this August. Self-imposed deadlines are never good I have found. But in recent preparation for BlogHer 2010 (yeah!) I came across an offer from Healthy Choice that I could not refuse. Getting Fit For BlogHer Challenge is a program put on by Healthy Choice. I will get nutrition and lifestyle tips while eating some yummy Healthy Choice everyday. Over the Challenge time I will be writing several posts stating my progress with healthier eating and letting you know how the meals are. This makes me commit to working on improving my health. Win-win!

The cashier asked me if I liked Healthy Choicewhen I was buying the meals I will be eating for the challenge. (It amazes me how the cashiers tend to comment on my purchases, but that is a whole other post! ) I told her I truly do like the meals. In the past when I was working in the hospital scene I would take a Healthy Choice lunch to eat and have always enjoyed them. As a nurse you never get a full lunch break and are often called away. I loved having a quick and tasty meal ready for me to inhale! This was several years ago and I am looking forward to seeing what is new for lunch.

Follow me along on my challenge. I’ll be sure to share all I learn and pass on what my favorite meals are! Check out Healthy Choice on Twitter and Facebook. Let me know what meals you like best and how you stay healthy while being extremely busy.

(Disclosure: I am being compensated for this challenge and received coupons. I was not asked to give a good review, just to write about my experience.)

Baking Soda and Mis-Matched Socks

Earth Friendly Ideas, Health and Hygiene 5 Responses »

Apr 122010

Whoever said that little girls are sweet and rosy smelling has never met my four daughters. They have to have the smelliest feet the world has ever smelled. At least that is what I tell them anyway. I’m sure that there are other children that smell worse, but I really don’t plan on entering them in any contests to find out!

At a Girl Scout event I learned of a way to keep down the shoe stench is using baking soda and some mis-matched socks. I don’t know about you, but I have a few hundred socks with no mates in my basement and some of them are really cute Littlest Pet Shop or Wizards of Waverly Place socks. The cuter the sock the more fun they have with this project.

Simply fill each sock with 1/3 cup of baking soda and tie tightly with a string or a rubber band. I also tie the sock in a knot just to be sure.

Place filled socks into shoes to keep them fresh and clean! These sachets can also go into drawers or sports duffel bags.

Notice who is still in her pajamas!

Enu was home sick for the day, so I put her to work.

Ahhhh...fresh smelling shoes...okay..Fresher smelling shoes!

This makes a great rainy day or lazy day project before the hot summer heat hits your house and their shoes!

Some baking soda will ooze out of the sock if the sock is used as a weapon to hit with..not that my children would ever do such a thing…but I consider a little baking soda on the carpet deodorizer, so this works for me!

For more Baking Soda ideas check this out.

Four Against Two