I took Anna for her second (regular) seasonal flu shot today. Her doctor confirmed that our family probably did have H1N1 back in October. I asked what level of immunity we would be blessed to enjoy, if the virus later mutates into something more deadly. He said we would probably be fully protected, but it would depend on how bad the mutation is.
Your family may well have had this virus too. Here are some symptoms to consider, which didn't end up being the same in all of us, or in all of my sister's family.
1. fever
- some get no fever, some get only a mild fever, some get a high fever.
2. sore throat
- we all got this, and it was painful
3. chills
- not everyone gets chills, but our family did seem to get this to different degrees; my sister doesn't recall any chills
4. dry hacking cough, could be productive cough later
- everyone involved in both families got a bad cough, which lingered a few weeks
5. nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
- Timothy vomited for 24 hours; Daniel once (some diarrhea for him); Emily had diarrhea twice; only my sister's ex-husband vomited in their family; I did have nausea, my husband didn't
6. congestion, runny nose
- a runny nose is more of a cold symptom than a flu symptom, but you can get some drainage halfway through the flu; only Anna and I had some drainage, probably due to our secondary sinus infection.
- everyone in both families did get congestion
7. fatigue, muscle aches
- we all got this to varying degrees; my husband and my sister were only tired for two days; the kids and I were tired and weak for one to two weeks
8. secondary bacterial infection
- While flu is a virus and not helped by antibiotics, your system is less able to fight off bacteria when you're ailing with the flu. This means you could get a secondary bacterial infection and need antibiotics to fight it. Examples of secondary infections are: ear infection, sinus infection, bronchitis, pnemonia
All of these things can also be viral, but if you begin to feel a bit better from the flu, and then get worse, suspect a bacterial infection. Anna and I got sinus infections, my brother-in-law and nephew got pneumonia. You are less likely to get something secondary if you drink plenty of water, get extra sleep, use clean humidifiers, and wash your hands frequently.
9. sudden onset
- Colds come on gradually, and the flu comes on suddenly. Since congestion is common in the heating season in cold climates, it can be difficult to determine if symptoms came on gradually or suddenly. I get congestion from having the heater on, and congestion can give me a headache. Indoor allergies can also cause symptoms that might be confused with a gradual-onset illness.
10. headache
- We all got this to varying degrees. It is hard to determine how bad this symptom might be in young children.
I hope this helps someone! You may not need an H1N1 vaccine if you've had these symptoms in 2009. It's something to consider, although I read that having antibodies to this virus, and then getting a vaccine on top of that, is not dangerous. They aren't doing much testing now, since H1N1 is now so widespread. Most people presenting with flu-like symptoms do have H1N1, rather than the regular seasonal flu.
Showing posts with label medical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label medical. Show all posts
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
good finds (nutritionally)
Did you know I have standards? Perfectionists tend to be slaves to these things called standards. Mostly, it's a curse. The average mom of four probably just goes with the flow when all family members, sick and weak, stop picking up after themselves. The house might look like a bombing site, but she just laughs about it, and maybe even takes photos for the Christmas letter.
And then there's me. The perfectionist. My house is never perfect--not even close. But my standards never relax. They stay in place, driving me insane, and keeping me awake at night. When I can get up a few hours before the family, things will improve, but probably not to the extent I'd like.
That said, there is one good thing about my standards. It's my grocery shopping. I check labels. 100% whole wheat bread has to have at least 3 grams of fiber per slice. I check serving sizes, to make sure I'm not being cheated out of my fiber. Three grams of fiber, per slice. Not per two slices.
And tortillas have to have at least four grams of fiber each. Along with the refried beans and the 7% lean ground turkey, they make for a very healthy dinner. The cheese provides the fat that the children need.
Recently, my not-so-beloved Walmart Supercenter stopped carrying the high-fiber (5 grams) multi-grain tortillas that we like. At first, I thought it was their maddening habit of not hiring enough stockers. No matter what time of day I shop, their shelves are missing something I need. But five consecutive trips have confirmed that my favorite tortilla went the way of my favorite whole wheat pizza. Slashed. Replaced.
The replacement is something called Flatout Flatbread. It's made with stone ground 100% whole wheat and includes flax seed. Flax seed is good stuff. Try adding it to your pancakes! Finally, the kicker is that this flatbread has 8 grams of fiber per slice! It's fine in recipes requiring tortillas, and you can even use it to make a personal pizza (it's thicker than a tortilla).
Now I knew it had to pass muster with my terribly persnickety Timothy. It didn't. He took one bite of his burrito that first night and said, "Yuck, this isn't my regular tortilla."
Momma (trying to keep cool): "Yes, that's true Timothy. They don't carry our tortilla anymore. But this happens to be even healthier, and I think it tastes very good."
Timothy: "I only like my regular tortilla!" (He can sound like such a brat at the dinner table!)
Yesterday's trip to Walmart again turned up negative on our regular tortilla. So I bought the Flatout Flatbread again, but this time I also bought pizza cheese and pizza sauce, and a small package of the terrible-for-you pepperonis. They are high in everything that is bad, but if we put only four or five on each pizza, we'll survive. The serving size is about 15 pepperonis, totaling 12 grams of fat. Yuck! But we all lost too much weight recently, so maybe they're okay for this month.
My guess is that tonight Timothy will not complain about the Flatout Flatbread. He loves to make his own dinner!
Not that I'm keeping score with Timothy, but if I were, here is how I think it will go.
Momma = 3 points for the three extra grams of fiber, -1 point for losing the fiber in the refried beans.
Timothy = -3 for having to eat 3 extra grams of fiber, +1 for getting Momma to buy pepperonis
Another great buy for your family:
Baked Barbecue Lays Potato Chips
Nutrition
14 chips = 3 grams fat
Calories = 120
It's best to stick to 3 grams of fat per 100 calories. It's recommended we don't get more than 30% of our total calories from fat. Fat = 9 calories per gram Carbohydrates = 4 calories per gram. I'm not a fan of low-carb diets. They're just bad nutrition IMHO. Follow the food pyramid for good nutrition.
Chip nutrition, cont.
potassium = 230 mg
fiber = 2 grams
calcium = 2%
thiamin = 4%
niacin = 4%
phosphorus = 6%
vitamin C = 4%
riboflavin = 6%
vitamin B6 = 8%
magnesium = 4%
And then there's me. The perfectionist. My house is never perfect--not even close. But my standards never relax. They stay in place, driving me insane, and keeping me awake at night. When I can get up a few hours before the family, things will improve, but probably not to the extent I'd like.
That said, there is one good thing about my standards. It's my grocery shopping. I check labels. 100% whole wheat bread has to have at least 3 grams of fiber per slice. I check serving sizes, to make sure I'm not being cheated out of my fiber. Three grams of fiber, per slice. Not per two slices.
And tortillas have to have at least four grams of fiber each. Along with the refried beans and the 7% lean ground turkey, they make for a very healthy dinner. The cheese provides the fat that the children need.
Recently, my not-so-beloved Walmart Supercenter stopped carrying the high-fiber (5 grams) multi-grain tortillas that we like. At first, I thought it was their maddening habit of not hiring enough stockers. No matter what time of day I shop, their shelves are missing something I need. But five consecutive trips have confirmed that my favorite tortilla went the way of my favorite whole wheat pizza. Slashed. Replaced.
The replacement is something called Flatout Flatbread. It's made with stone ground 100% whole wheat and includes flax seed. Flax seed is good stuff. Try adding it to your pancakes! Finally, the kicker is that this flatbread has 8 grams of fiber per slice! It's fine in recipes requiring tortillas, and you can even use it to make a personal pizza (it's thicker than a tortilla).
Now I knew it had to pass muster with my terribly persnickety Timothy. It didn't. He took one bite of his burrito that first night and said, "Yuck, this isn't my regular tortilla."
Momma (trying to keep cool): "Yes, that's true Timothy. They don't carry our tortilla anymore. But this happens to be even healthier, and I think it tastes very good."
Timothy: "I only like my regular tortilla!" (He can sound like such a brat at the dinner table!)
Yesterday's trip to Walmart again turned up negative on our regular tortilla. So I bought the Flatout Flatbread again, but this time I also bought pizza cheese and pizza sauce, and a small package of the terrible-for-you pepperonis. They are high in everything that is bad, but if we put only four or five on each pizza, we'll survive. The serving size is about 15 pepperonis, totaling 12 grams of fat. Yuck! But we all lost too much weight recently, so maybe they're okay for this month.
My guess is that tonight Timothy will not complain about the Flatout Flatbread. He loves to make his own dinner!
Not that I'm keeping score with Timothy, but if I were, here is how I think it will go.
Momma = 3 points for the three extra grams of fiber, -1 point for losing the fiber in the refried beans.
Timothy = -3 for having to eat 3 extra grams of fiber, +1 for getting Momma to buy pepperonis
Another great buy for your family:
Baked Barbecue Lays Potato Chips
Nutrition
14 chips = 3 grams fat
Calories = 120
It's best to stick to 3 grams of fat per 100 calories. It's recommended we don't get more than 30% of our total calories from fat. Fat = 9 calories per gram Carbohydrates = 4 calories per gram. I'm not a fan of low-carb diets. They're just bad nutrition IMHO. Follow the food pyramid for good nutrition.
Chip nutrition, cont.
potassium = 230 mg
fiber = 2 grams
calcium = 2%
thiamin = 4%
niacin = 4%
phosphorus = 6%
vitamin C = 4%
riboflavin = 6%
vitamin B6 = 8%
magnesium = 4%
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Down
When Momma takes care of four sick kids, night after night, there are consequences--like a weakened immune system. By the time I fell sick, my body was already depleted. Quickly, a sinus infection took root. I tried to handle the pain, but after three days, I made my way to the emergency room, ready to beg for pain relief.
But lo and behold, I didn't have to beg. I must have looked so terrible, the nice doctor actually asked if I wanted something stronger for the pain. With a prescription for an antibiotic and for Darvocet, I made my way to the pharmacy. Thankfully, I only needed the pain drug for about the next twenty-hour hours.
Five days later, I still feel like I'm recovering from a surgery or something. Bacterial infections wipe you out like nothing else. Poor Anna Grace also has a sinus infection, so both of us are a couple of weaklings right now.
Hopefully, regular blogging can resume soon.
Have a nice Sunday! Try to stay well. Run your humidifiers at the first sign of a cold, or all the time during the heating season--even in the adult bedroom. Manage the congestion early! Don't make the same mistake I did!
But lo and behold, I didn't have to beg. I must have looked so terrible, the nice doctor actually asked if I wanted something stronger for the pain. With a prescription for an antibiotic and for Darvocet, I made my way to the pharmacy. Thankfully, I only needed the pain drug for about the next twenty-hour hours.
Five days later, I still feel like I'm recovering from a surgery or something. Bacterial infections wipe you out like nothing else. Poor Anna Grace also has a sinus infection, so both of us are a couple of weaklings right now.
Hopefully, regular blogging can resume soon.
Have a nice Sunday! Try to stay well. Run your humidifiers at the first sign of a cold, or all the time during the heating season--even in the adult bedroom. Manage the congestion early! Don't make the same mistake I did!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Oh Boy
Please say a prayer for us.
The children have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (comes in summer or early fall), evidenced by painful sores in their mouths. Trouble is, they also have had diarrhea and vomiting, persistent productive coughing, and some mild nighttime croup, all of which are not part of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. There is no evidence of a bacterial infection, no ear infection, or any unmanageable breathing problems, so I don't need to take them to the doctor (not yet anyway...they're still sick).
We either have three different viruses (above mentioned, then a cold, and also a stomach bug) or they have the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, along with the swine flu, which causes tummy problems and respiratory problems. It's too early for the regular seasonal flu in this area. Still, all symptoms are mild enough that I don't need to take them in.
The whole thing is really waring on Don and me. We are exhausted, and now we are having trouble with Daniel's behavior. We took him off his ADHD medicine to see if it was causing the extreme anxiety. I had to cancel his therapist appointment and reschedule it for two weeks from now, due to this illness.
Rosey has begun a fear of monsters, worsened by the shadows in her room (nightlight creates the shadows). She's battling insomnia due to the pain of the sores in her mouth, and due to the monster fear.
Things are just really hard right now. Your prayers would be appreciated.
Baby is well so far, but if she gets the mouth sores, it will be hard to nurse. Dehydration is the main risk from Hand, Foot, and Mouth, due to the difficulty in swallowing liquid or food.
Don't you love cold and flu season? For the six months of winter, parenting can be a lot like boot camp.
The children have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (comes in summer or early fall), evidenced by painful sores in their mouths. Trouble is, they also have had diarrhea and vomiting, persistent productive coughing, and some mild nighttime croup, all of which are not part of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. There is no evidence of a bacterial infection, no ear infection, or any unmanageable breathing problems, so I don't need to take them to the doctor (not yet anyway...they're still sick).
We either have three different viruses (above mentioned, then a cold, and also a stomach bug) or they have the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, along with the swine flu, which causes tummy problems and respiratory problems. It's too early for the regular seasonal flu in this area. Still, all symptoms are mild enough that I don't need to take them in.
The whole thing is really waring on Don and me. We are exhausted, and now we are having trouble with Daniel's behavior. We took him off his ADHD medicine to see if it was causing the extreme anxiety. I had to cancel his therapist appointment and reschedule it for two weeks from now, due to this illness.
Rosey has begun a fear of monsters, worsened by the shadows in her room (nightlight creates the shadows). She's battling insomnia due to the pain of the sores in her mouth, and due to the monster fear.
Things are just really hard right now. Your prayers would be appreciated.
Baby is well so far, but if she gets the mouth sores, it will be hard to nurse. Dehydration is the main risk from Hand, Foot, and Mouth, due to the difficulty in swallowing liquid or food.
Don't you love cold and flu season? For the six months of winter, parenting can be a lot like boot camp.
Friday, October 2, 2009
another perspective
The other book I checked out at the library is entitled The ADD Answer, How To Help Your Child Now, by Dr. Frank Lawlis. I've just read sixty pages of it. It is much different from the other book--featured in yesterday's post--in that it is anti-medication, pro-psychology, and pro whole-child/whole-family care. Much is included regarding the psychological ramifications of labels (ADD/ADHD, etc), including their affect on the whole family. After reading these sixty pages, I'm ready to give up on the medication route, at least for a time. This author presents a very convincing case against medication.
Needless to say, my mind is full, and my spirit is troubled.
It's easy to say that medication should only be used in the worst of cases, when learning is affected, and then only for short periods of time. But inattentiveness isn't the only problem. The impulsivity of AD/HD makes Daniel a danger to himself and to his siblings. For example, I only allow him to be alone with the baby when she's in her playpen. If she is playing in the living room, I allow Daniel around her only if we are there to supervise. This isn't because he is mean or aggressive. Rather, it is because he is too physical, with frenzied, uncontrolled movements. While medicated, his physical movements are more controlled and predictable. I can walk away and not worry about what he might do. And, he receives far less negative feedback while medicated, because we're not having to harp on the multitude of things he needs to stop doing.
Incidentally, Emily Rose received her forehead scar and stitches earlier this year because Daniel was carrying her and impulsively dropped her, even though he had the strength to set her down gently. He never picked her up again after the accident, thank God. I'm relieved that he received this wake up call before something more serious happened.
I think the outcome for AD/HD children depends more on the feedback they receive from their families than anything else--including what their report cards say. We know that for every one negative interaction, they need ten positives to overcome the pervasive feeling of failure. But the tricky part is that it's nearly impossible to come up with that many positives, due to the annoying characteristics they display. Perhaps if the AD/HD child were the only child in the home, meeting their weighty emotional needs would be a relative breeze.
Right now, I feel very human--flawed, powerless, and defeated. I'm not a relaxed or good enough parent to give him what he needs. The anti-medication crowd gives compelling arguments--I'll give them that. When I read their writings, I desperately want to throw out everything in my medicine cupboard. Their modifications and interventions all sound very good on paper, but implementing them consistently in daily life, in moment-to-moment interactions, is another matter altogether.
I hate medication. I just hate it. It scares me that the safety testing for AD/HD drugs has been done on rats and on adult humans. It's a huge gamble to assume they're safe for most children.
Tonight, all I know for certain is one thing--the outcomes for Daniel's life are up to God. The more I try to make them up to me, the greater my disservice to my son.
Needless to say, my mind is full, and my spirit is troubled.
It's easy to say that medication should only be used in the worst of cases, when learning is affected, and then only for short periods of time. But inattentiveness isn't the only problem. The impulsivity of AD/HD makes Daniel a danger to himself and to his siblings. For example, I only allow him to be alone with the baby when she's in her playpen. If she is playing in the living room, I allow Daniel around her only if we are there to supervise. This isn't because he is mean or aggressive. Rather, it is because he is too physical, with frenzied, uncontrolled movements. While medicated, his physical movements are more controlled and predictable. I can walk away and not worry about what he might do. And, he receives far less negative feedback while medicated, because we're not having to harp on the multitude of things he needs to stop doing.
Incidentally, Emily Rose received her forehead scar and stitches earlier this year because Daniel was carrying her and impulsively dropped her, even though he had the strength to set her down gently. He never picked her up again after the accident, thank God. I'm relieved that he received this wake up call before something more serious happened.
I think the outcome for AD/HD children depends more on the feedback they receive from their families than anything else--including what their report cards say. We know that for every one negative interaction, they need ten positives to overcome the pervasive feeling of failure. But the tricky part is that it's nearly impossible to come up with that many positives, due to the annoying characteristics they display. Perhaps if the AD/HD child were the only child in the home, meeting their weighty emotional needs would be a relative breeze.
Right now, I feel very human--flawed, powerless, and defeated. I'm not a relaxed or good enough parent to give him what he needs. The anti-medication crowd gives compelling arguments--I'll give them that. When I read their writings, I desperately want to throw out everything in my medicine cupboard. Their modifications and interventions all sound very good on paper, but implementing them consistently in daily life, in moment-to-moment interactions, is another matter altogether.
I hate medication. I just hate it. It scares me that the safety testing for AD/HD drugs has been done on rats and on adult humans. It's a huge gamble to assume they're safe for most children.
Tonight, all I know for certain is one thing--the outcomes for Daniel's life are up to God. The more I try to make them up to me, the greater my disservice to my son.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
some help
Today was Daniel's monthly AD/HD appointment at his pediatrician's office. I brought up the increased anxiety, and the doctor said it was time for Daniel to be seen by a therapist. I was so relieved! This is a long time in coming. This pediatrician in the past several months has had the attitude that while AD/HD rarely travels alone, the related disorders could be diagnosed and treated in later years, when Daniel was mature enough to participate in his own treatment. While I thought it was true that trying to counsel a seven year old would be hard for a therapist, I also felt that at least it would get us started and would ensure that as parents, we were responding to Daniel's anxiety in an appropriate, supportive manner. I don't want to coddle him, or be overly dismissive. I want my son to experience childhood as a time of joy and discovery--not anxiousness.
When I called the clinic to make the appointment, I told the receptionist that it was the pediatrician's opinion that the AD/HD meds were not causing the increased anxiety. She said we would start with a therapist, but later a psychiatrist could get involved, to evaluate and give a second opinion about the medicinal route we had taken.
I feel very positive and suspect that this whole thing will lead to a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Don's nephew has bipolar disorder and two other disorders, and on my side of the family there is agoraphobia (fear of crowds and of leaving the house), and other panic disorders. Certainly, given Daniel's symptoms, a lengthy evaluation is in order.
We'll be seen next Thursday for two hours, and after that the appointments will be one hour each. I'll keep you posted!
When I called the clinic to make the appointment, I told the receptionist that it was the pediatrician's opinion that the AD/HD meds were not causing the increased anxiety. She said we would start with a therapist, but later a psychiatrist could get involved, to evaluate and give a second opinion about the medicinal route we had taken.
I feel very positive and suspect that this whole thing will lead to a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Don's nephew has bipolar disorder and two other disorders, and on my side of the family there is agoraphobia (fear of crowds and of leaving the house), and other panic disorders. Certainly, given Daniel's symptoms, a lengthy evaluation is in order.
We'll be seen next Thursday for two hours, and after that the appointments will be one hour each. I'll keep you posted!
Friday, September 25, 2009
lifestyle choices & grief
We received the devastating news that the credentialed teacher who reviewed Daniel's school portfolio died this last weekend. She was 61 years old, and battled inoperable stomach cancer for two months before her death. Hospitalized for the past two weeks, she requested to go home and live out her days with her husband and her 21 year-old son. Not expecting death so soon, she was even planning her art class lessons, to be taught on Monday.
When we met with her on August 10, she did seem depressed and defeated. She must have gotten the death-sentence diagnosis a week or so before our meeting. I noticed her depression, but didn't mention it, thinking that maybe she was just tired. We had attended two of her art events earlier in the year, so I remembered her to be a very positive and loving person, as my entire homeschooling group would attest to.
I feel for her husband and young son! The whole thing made me realize that as parents, we owe it to our children to take good care of ourselves. Our good health honors God, and works out to be a gift to our children. Healthy parents make good parents, capable and loving grandparents, and easy-to-care-for aging parents.
Let's do our exercise, our veggie, fruit, lean meat and whole-grain eating, our water drinking, and our healthy sleeping, for the glory of God and for our precious children. Some diseases--cancer included--do stay at bay longer when we make good lifestyle choices. Yes, God is ultimately in control, but that doesn't mean we don't have any control over our health.
We have only to look into the grieving eyes of young children left behind to convince us that our lifestyle choices matter.
When we met with her on August 10, she did seem depressed and defeated. She must have gotten the death-sentence diagnosis a week or so before our meeting. I noticed her depression, but didn't mention it, thinking that maybe she was just tired. We had attended two of her art events earlier in the year, so I remembered her to be a very positive and loving person, as my entire homeschooling group would attest to.
I feel for her husband and young son! The whole thing made me realize that as parents, we owe it to our children to take good care of ourselves. Our good health honors God, and works out to be a gift to our children. Healthy parents make good parents, capable and loving grandparents, and easy-to-care-for aging parents.
Let's do our exercise, our veggie, fruit, lean meat and whole-grain eating, our water drinking, and our healthy sleeping, for the glory of God and for our precious children. Some diseases--cancer included--do stay at bay longer when we make good lifestyle choices. Yes, God is ultimately in control, but that doesn't mean we don't have any control over our health.
We have only to look into the grieving eyes of young children left behind to convince us that our lifestyle choices matter.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
It's all good
That lull in the action I spoke of a few days ago? Short-lived. Anna Grace had a day and a half off from teething. My beloved baby is back to biting her crib rail, her knuckles, her toys, and the breast that nourishes her. Still, playtime is unaffected; she continues to practice her standing-up balancing act. She even took one step forward, before falling. I watched her face for frustration. None; there was only excitement displayed on her beautiful, porcelain face. She simply got back up and tried again, and again, and again. I stand amazed at her physical capabilities! Now if she would only babble more! My children all favored physical feats over language development. Is it that hyper-active gene pool?
Sleep is once again hard for Anna to come by. Momma's day is taken up with getting her to sleep, or helping her go back to sleep. In between, there is a load of laundry done, a sandwich made, a drink poured, a hug given, a dance danced, or a spilled drink wiped up. It's all good..all rich. Yes, I have resorted to Tylenol for the teething--for her not me. LOL It helps some.
And the homeschool planning? Exactly two hours have been painstakingly carved out for this endeavor. Anna's teething situation has prevented me from having additional blocks of time, thus far. And yet, I am relaxed. When called by God to do something, failure isn't possible, so long as we follow His lead.
My task later today is to use the computer to design a homeschooling prayer journal. That must be first priority, lest my teaching load start to overwhelm. For not only must I formally teach the boys, but Emily Rose needs extra storytime, more singing, and color, number, shape, and phonics work. Anna Grace needs vocabulary, singing and rhyme time. Homeschooling literally starts at the birth of each child, and continues until they pack up their clunkers for college.
Incidentally, I never drank in college, nor did I run with anyone who drank. And yet these binge-drinking news stories have me petrified about sending my kids to college! How does one send them off, with such danger lurking? Daniel is careful...even timid and anxious; about him, I need not be concerned. It's Timothy and Rose I'll worry about.
Anyhow, the future is already being prayed about. It pays sometimes to be a worrier. Every friendship, every courtship, every spouse, every marriage...even the purity and fertility of each child--I've got it all covered. My nervousness is good for something after all.
Now back to that journal I'll design tonight; it will guide me through daily prayer for the learning needs of each child. With such a tool, their minds will definitely get filled this year--not from me, but from Him, through me.
Anna Grace had another toe prick for her iron level yesterday. After 3.5 weeks of iron-food treatment, her level went from 8.9 to 9.5--despite her six-day virus. It is common for illnesses to temporarily lower hemoglobin levels. A chart I consulted indicated that for a nine-month-old baby, a hemoglobin level of less than 10 is considered anemic. Anna will be nine months in two weeks. She is gaining ground anyway, and will be tested again in October.
Sleep is once again hard for Anna to come by. Momma's day is taken up with getting her to sleep, or helping her go back to sleep. In between, there is a load of laundry done, a sandwich made, a drink poured, a hug given, a dance danced, or a spilled drink wiped up. It's all good..all rich. Yes, I have resorted to Tylenol for the teething--for her not me. LOL It helps some.
And the homeschool planning? Exactly two hours have been painstakingly carved out for this endeavor. Anna's teething situation has prevented me from having additional blocks of time, thus far. And yet, I am relaxed. When called by God to do something, failure isn't possible, so long as we follow His lead.
My task later today is to use the computer to design a homeschooling prayer journal. That must be first priority, lest my teaching load start to overwhelm. For not only must I formally teach the boys, but Emily Rose needs extra storytime, more singing, and color, number, shape, and phonics work. Anna Grace needs vocabulary, singing and rhyme time. Homeschooling literally starts at the birth of each child, and continues until they pack up their clunkers for college.
Incidentally, I never drank in college, nor did I run with anyone who drank. And yet these binge-drinking news stories have me petrified about sending my kids to college! How does one send them off, with such danger lurking? Daniel is careful...even timid and anxious; about him, I need not be concerned. It's Timothy and Rose I'll worry about.
Anyhow, the future is already being prayed about. It pays sometimes to be a worrier. Every friendship, every courtship, every spouse, every marriage...even the purity and fertility of each child--I've got it all covered. My nervousness is good for something after all.
Now back to that journal I'll design tonight; it will guide me through daily prayer for the learning needs of each child. With such a tool, their minds will definitely get filled this year--not from me, but from Him, through me.
Anna Grace had another toe prick for her iron level yesterday. After 3.5 weeks of iron-food treatment, her level went from 8.9 to 9.5--despite her six-day virus. It is common for illnesses to temporarily lower hemoglobin levels. A chart I consulted indicated that for a nine-month-old baby, a hemoglobin level of less than 10 is considered anemic. Anna will be nine months in two weeks. She is gaining ground anyway, and will be tested again in October.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Five a day
There she is, standing and clapping for herself! My goodness! This child looks just like me! That's my smile.
If you're wondering when a picture will be taken of my living room without laundry baskets in the background....well, don't hold your breath. At least I'm keeping up with the washing!
Super Walmart is carrying a new brand of frozen fruit. This is sooo delicious! Highly recommend it on a hot summer day. Just leave out at room temperature and keep checking it for the perfect eating temperature.
Make sure you're getting your five a day by preparing a quick, easy graph you can affix to the fridge, detailing daily produce consumption. Seeing what you're consuming everyday will help you make that extra effort to get enough servings. A graph for whole-grain foods is helpful too. Believe me, it REALLY helps to do this, even if for a month or so.
Friday, August 21, 2009
better day
Hey Jess, thanks for throwing your prayers my way. I actually had a much better day. Both of Anna's rashes (yeast and the viral/fever rash) are nearly gone. She nursed pretty well today, although she still won't take more than a few bites of solids. I fear we are going backwards with the iron levels. Clearly, I have to let go of that stressful issue. I've given it my all, and I'm ready to surrender it.
My floors are clean, and Anna took her naps without any help from me. Due to her nearly constant playtime practice sessions, Anna can stand up unsupported for five seconds now. We keep clapping and getting excited over this, so she began clapping her hands back at us, flashing us a million-dollar smile as a bonus.
Yes, I'm sad she doesn't want to stay a baby. She's racing her way out of babyhood, literally. But how can I be anything but happy for her? She works so hard! She's so focused and determined, without showing any sign of frustration. They're good qualities, which I'll praise and clap and jump up about, even as my heart aches for earlier times.
Daniel walked at 9.5 months, and it looks like Anna may match or beat him. I think that boy better start training. Lil Sis is going to give him a run for his money!
My floors are clean, and Anna took her naps without any help from me. Due to her nearly constant playtime practice sessions, Anna can stand up unsupported for five seconds now. We keep clapping and getting excited over this, so she began clapping her hands back at us, flashing us a million-dollar smile as a bonus.
Yes, I'm sad she doesn't want to stay a baby. She's racing her way out of babyhood, literally. But how can I be anything but happy for her? She works so hard! She's so focused and determined, without showing any sign of frustration. They're good qualities, which I'll praise and clap and jump up about, even as my heart aches for earlier times.
Daniel walked at 9.5 months, and it looks like Anna may match or beat him. I think that boy better start training. Lil Sis is going to give him a run for his money!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Oh, No. Yet Another
About 90 minutes after I applied the Oil of Oregano, Anna broke out in a body rash. I panicked, thinking she was allergic and would go into shock. Not likely, I know. But there was still that feeling of "Oh, no! What have I done?"
Since learning of her anemia, I've been so nervous about her health! In a saner moment, I remembered that babies younger than 12 months tend to get rashes with their fevers and viruses--something that happens less often in the older baby.
I called the doctor to see if she should be seen, but he was only having office hours until noon today, and my family was gone with the van. He suspects the rash is related to the virus. No, I don't usually call my doctor this often. Rarely, in fact.
He said it is unlikely that a resistance would have been built up against the anti-fungal cream, by the way.
I'll take her into the office tomorrow if the body rash doesn't clear. If it's an allergic reaction, I want to learn to identify it as such. All trace of fever is gone, and her face, shoulders and trunk are the main rashy areas. It's probably a non-specific viral illness, which are common in summer.
Sorry. Another boring post to read. I figure each sentence I construct--no matter how boring the topic--leads me one step closer to writing for a part-time living someday.
Someday in the very distant future.
Now this is a post worth reading, found below. Joy, the author, is wise beyond her years. She grew up in a solid Christian home, and it shows. I had trouble linking this, as I downloaded a new browser (Chrome), which I'm not used to yet. Here is the cut and paste of her post:
August 19, 2009
Coming to the hard stops of soul care...
I have a dear friend who has gently been watching over me from a distance.
Yesterday, she asked me how I was doing- really doing. Not the "I'm fine, just great!" question. More like the "how are you and God these days?" question. Followed hard upon with the next question- "are you taking care of yourself?"
In my dear friend's mind, the two are quite intertwined. One can't be answered without the other, because to her, taking care of oneself naturally means that one is meeting with God too. Me? I tend the separate out the two by default- as if one could exist without the other, like somehow one could technically be okay without the God-flow in our lives. And there, I err. And I know it too, that I cannot survive, cannot breathe in the space of my days without the sustaining force of my Lord, and yet- and yet...I starve more often than not. I hold myself back from the provision He has so graciously given me, mine for the taking if I would only stop. And listen. And pray.
Sometimes when my friend asks these hard questions, I shrink within. I know she expects an honest answer, and the honesty is sometimes too appalling. Her gentle touches seem to wound, but they are the best kind- the type that excise the infection from a gash and set it to proper healing. But yesterday, I bloomed with the joy that I could answer positively to both questions. Yes, God and I were meeting. He was there, and I was attendant. And yes, I was taking care of myself, as best as I can possibly could with a brand new babe. She probed a bit further, just to be sure, as she knows I have struggled with postpartum depression in the past. And as we talked, I mentioned that it bothered me that it took me until my fifth child, my miracle baby, to finally learn the art of self care. Of soul care. Was it not important with the other four children? Was not my need for sustenance important all the other days that I have walked this journey? I am not sure why. I am still puzzling over this.
As our conversation drew to a close, I was thinking about why this time was different, why I could honestly answer my friend, without one shred of guilt, that yes, I was caring for myself in both the physical and the spiritual sense.
Sustenance.
I tend to try to do too many things at once. Just one more task, one more minute, one more, one more, one more. Until am I exhausted, drawn out, and unable to function. This is my biggest danger when a new baby is in the house, and I knew it. Saw it for the trap it was, and had been prayerfully considering it all summer long. It wasn't until I read Katherine's post, No NAK , that something clicked in my mind. Here's a small snippet of what she said:
NAK is online slang for "nursing at keyboard." I've made this mistake in the past. I won't do it again. The amount of time I spend nursing my newborn is tremendous. If I used every nursing session as a chance to check email, Facebook or Google Reader I would be on the computer for most of the day and night. Nursing is a special time to bond with one's baby, building the foundation for a lifelong relationship. I can't bond and build anything if I'm balancing a nursing baby on an elbow and knee and staring at a screen.
Now, Katherine's post was talking about time spent online in general, and this was just a small part of the whole article. But she goes on from this paragraph to say that she has set up her space near her rocking chair as place for prayer. (She's Orthodox.) I think that's what clicked together in my mind as I read this over a month ago now, before Josiah was born. I feel like I've definitely come to a place of balance with my online time, and I don't feel the least bit guilty about my current usage. My thoughts tend to reflect Katherine's in practically all points. But on the other hand, I am horrible about regular prayer times. It is one of those things that constantly discourages me about myself, because as I've said, it's akin to starving!
I resolved at that point that nursing and prayer time, as much as I was able, were to be definitively linked after Josiah was born. I had also decided, in tandem, that no longer would I try to do forty things at once while nursing (you'd be amazed what you can do with a sling or a moby and a willing baby). I would sit down, I would put my feet up, I would have something to drink nearby, and I would stop. The only thing I would 'allow' myself was the chance to read, but even then, only in the early evening hours.
For the last three weeks, that is exactly what I have been doing. Every two and a half, three hours, I stop. I rest. I pray. I marvel at the miracle of Josiah.
And wouldn't you know, I am in a much better head space, emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually?
Sustenance.
Ann Voskamp has been doing a series on spiritual disciplines, and this month's focus has been on prayer. Today she wrote an article called prayer: why we struggle (and how not to). Please click over and read the whole thing, the whole series. It is very good. But here is what caught my eye:
"I never notice it when I just pray after reading Scripture, early or late, when we pray before and after meals. Prayer's short, convenient. It's only when I began to follow the way of Jesus and the early church in fixed hour prayer, feeding my soul at certain fixed times like I eat at certain fixed times, and I was confronted with this consistent struggle to cease working and kneel in prayer, that I realized the true ugliness of my lack of prayer.
It's a startling, wrenching thing to discover that it's not time, or busyness, or pressing concerns that prevent one from prayer. The extent of prayer in one's life is a direct function of whether something else has been set up as more important than God. "
My nursing/prayer times immediately came to mind. It has been very hard for me to come to these hard stops and well, stop. To meet God. It has been a constant struggle actually, to just be still. But even in these short three weeks, I realize how much the better I am for it. And I am shamed by that realization, that statement, that something else has been set up as more important than God. And I question, with Ann, as to why I let my soul starve when the answer is so very simple. Yet I cannot help but see the sort of humor my Lord has, as he has brought me to sustenance through the very act of sustaining- of nursing! As I am nourishing Josiah, through God's grace, the Lord is nourishing me. It makes me smile to think upon it, this gentle irony. Oh that I would learn! His ways are always better.
Isaiah 66:11-13
11 For you will nurse and be satisfied
at her comforting breasts;
you will drink deeply
and delight in her overflowing abundance."
12 For this is what the LORD says:
"I will extend peace to her like a river,
and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream;
you will nurse and be carried on her arm
and dandled on her knees.
13 As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."
Posted by Joy at 01:55:03 PM in Listening, Momma musings
Since learning of her anemia, I've been so nervous about her health! In a saner moment, I remembered that babies younger than 12 months tend to get rashes with their fevers and viruses--something that happens less often in the older baby.
I called the doctor to see if she should be seen, but he was only having office hours until noon today, and my family was gone with the van. He suspects the rash is related to the virus. No, I don't usually call my doctor this often. Rarely, in fact.
He said it is unlikely that a resistance would have been built up against the anti-fungal cream, by the way.
I'll take her into the office tomorrow if the body rash doesn't clear. If it's an allergic reaction, I want to learn to identify it as such. All trace of fever is gone, and her face, shoulders and trunk are the main rashy areas. It's probably a non-specific viral illness, which are common in summer.
Sorry. Another boring post to read. I figure each sentence I construct--no matter how boring the topic--leads me one step closer to writing for a part-time living someday.
Someday in the very distant future.
Now this is a post worth reading, found below. Joy, the author, is wise beyond her years. She grew up in a solid Christian home, and it shows. I had trouble linking this, as I downloaded a new browser (Chrome), which I'm not used to yet. Here is the cut and paste of her post:
August 19, 2009
Coming to the hard stops of soul care...
I have a dear friend who has gently been watching over me from a distance.
Yesterday, she asked me how I was doing- really doing. Not the "I'm fine, just great!" question. More like the "how are you and God these days?" question. Followed hard upon with the next question- "are you taking care of yourself?"
In my dear friend's mind, the two are quite intertwined. One can't be answered without the other, because to her, taking care of oneself naturally means that one is meeting with God too. Me? I tend the separate out the two by default- as if one could exist without the other, like somehow one could technically be okay without the God-flow in our lives. And there, I err. And I know it too, that I cannot survive, cannot breathe in the space of my days without the sustaining force of my Lord, and yet- and yet...I starve more often than not. I hold myself back from the provision He has so graciously given me, mine for the taking if I would only stop. And listen. And pray.
Sometimes when my friend asks these hard questions, I shrink within. I know she expects an honest answer, and the honesty is sometimes too appalling. Her gentle touches seem to wound, but they are the best kind- the type that excise the infection from a gash and set it to proper healing. But yesterday, I bloomed with the joy that I could answer positively to both questions. Yes, God and I were meeting. He was there, and I was attendant. And yes, I was taking care of myself, as best as I can possibly could with a brand new babe. She probed a bit further, just to be sure, as she knows I have struggled with postpartum depression in the past. And as we talked, I mentioned that it bothered me that it took me until my fifth child, my miracle baby, to finally learn the art of self care. Of soul care. Was it not important with the other four children? Was not my need for sustenance important all the other days that I have walked this journey? I am not sure why. I am still puzzling over this.
As our conversation drew to a close, I was thinking about why this time was different, why I could honestly answer my friend, without one shred of guilt, that yes, I was caring for myself in both the physical and the spiritual sense.
Sustenance.
I tend to try to do too many things at once. Just one more task, one more minute, one more, one more, one more. Until am I exhausted, drawn out, and unable to function. This is my biggest danger when a new baby is in the house, and I knew it. Saw it for the trap it was, and had been prayerfully considering it all summer long. It wasn't until I read Katherine's post, No NAK , that something clicked in my mind. Here's a small snippet of what she said:
NAK is online slang for "nursing at keyboard." I've made this mistake in the past. I won't do it again. The amount of time I spend nursing my newborn is tremendous. If I used every nursing session as a chance to check email, Facebook or Google Reader I would be on the computer for most of the day and night. Nursing is a special time to bond with one's baby, building the foundation for a lifelong relationship. I can't bond and build anything if I'm balancing a nursing baby on an elbow and knee and staring at a screen.
Now, Katherine's post was talking about time spent online in general, and this was just a small part of the whole article. But she goes on from this paragraph to say that she has set up her space near her rocking chair as place for prayer. (She's Orthodox.) I think that's what clicked together in my mind as I read this over a month ago now, before Josiah was born. I feel like I've definitely come to a place of balance with my online time, and I don't feel the least bit guilty about my current usage. My thoughts tend to reflect Katherine's in practically all points. But on the other hand, I am horrible about regular prayer times. It is one of those things that constantly discourages me about myself, because as I've said, it's akin to starving!
I resolved at that point that nursing and prayer time, as much as I was able, were to be definitively linked after Josiah was born. I had also decided, in tandem, that no longer would I try to do forty things at once while nursing (you'd be amazed what you can do with a sling or a moby and a willing baby). I would sit down, I would put my feet up, I would have something to drink nearby, and I would stop. The only thing I would 'allow' myself was the chance to read, but even then, only in the early evening hours.
For the last three weeks, that is exactly what I have been doing. Every two and a half, three hours, I stop. I rest. I pray. I marvel at the miracle of Josiah.
And wouldn't you know, I am in a much better head space, emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually?
Sustenance.
Ann Voskamp has been doing a series on spiritual disciplines, and this month's focus has been on prayer. Today she wrote an article called prayer: why we struggle (and how not to). Please click over and read the whole thing, the whole series. It is very good. But here is what caught my eye:
"I never notice it when I just pray after reading Scripture, early or late, when we pray before and after meals. Prayer's short, convenient. It's only when I began to follow the way of Jesus and the early church in fixed hour prayer, feeding my soul at certain fixed times like I eat at certain fixed times, and I was confronted with this consistent struggle to cease working and kneel in prayer, that I realized the true ugliness of my lack of prayer.
It's a startling, wrenching thing to discover that it's not time, or busyness, or pressing concerns that prevent one from prayer. The extent of prayer in one's life is a direct function of whether something else has been set up as more important than God. "
My nursing/prayer times immediately came to mind. It has been very hard for me to come to these hard stops and well, stop. To meet God. It has been a constant struggle actually, to just be still. But even in these short three weeks, I realize how much the better I am for it. And I am shamed by that realization, that statement, that something else has been set up as more important than God. And I question, with Ann, as to why I let my soul starve when the answer is so very simple. Yet I cannot help but see the sort of humor my Lord has, as he has brought me to sustenance through the very act of sustaining- of nursing! As I am nourishing Josiah, through God's grace, the Lord is nourishing me. It makes me smile to think upon it, this gentle irony. Oh that I would learn! His ways are always better.
Isaiah 66:11-13
11 For you will nurse and be satisfied
at her comforting breasts;
you will drink deeply
and delight in her overflowing abundance."
12 For this is what the LORD says:
"I will extend peace to her like a river,
and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream;
you will nurse and be carried on her arm
and dandled on her knees.
13 As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."
Posted by Joy at 01:55:03 PM in Listening, Momma musings
yet another
You've probably been thinking lately that if this woman writes one more blog post about yeast, or about menstrual cycles and nursing, or about nipple blisters, than I will most decidedly QUIT reading. Well..........here goes.
I had that rash nearly healed, I tell you. Miss Vinegar Butt was nearly ready to say goodbye to her vinegar rinses, when her beloved Daddy lost the tube of anti-fungal cream. We looked for two days. Nowhere. Instead of calling for another prescription, I thought since it was nearly healed we could get away with an over-the-counter anti-fungal. Well, no. It got worse. So on the third day I asked Don to run to the pediatrician's office and ask for another prescription. My fear was that since we had quit using the first cream before the rash was completely gone, the yeast would likely develop a resistance, making it prudent to use something different this time. Somehow that didn't get conveyed to the secretaries, who just brought out a prescription for the same stuff. $35 later, my fear seems to have been warranted. No response from the yeast colony to this cream.
I am continuing with it for a few more days, however, before embarrassing ourselves one more time and going back for more help. I've added apple-cider vinegar instead of white vinegar, and now also Oil of Oregano, which has been used forever for yeast. I also bought the super expensive Huggies Overnights in size four, which is a size too big. When I can, I am letting Anna fall asleep on my bed, and staying with her so I can keep her diaper open.
Anna is still teething, although the three-day fever is gone. There were no other symptoms so I assume it was the teething. These babies do go through so much their first year! Heavens!
Despite the jaw pain, she is still having fun during playtime, having added a new skill to her gym time--standing up without support. She squats down, then slowly rises up, while trying to keep her balance. It lasts for a few seconds only, but she really enjoys the challenge and practices a lot.
The family went to the much-anticipated playdate without me. I am heartbroken, but I have to focus on getting rid of this rash and helping Anna take reasonable naps during this bout of teething. Walking through the hot and sticky woods, and playing outside in this horrible humidity would have surely made the rash worse.
I do miss my other children! And they do feel neglected! May God's grace take over!
I had that rash nearly healed, I tell you. Miss Vinegar Butt was nearly ready to say goodbye to her vinegar rinses, when her beloved Daddy lost the tube of anti-fungal cream. We looked for two days. Nowhere. Instead of calling for another prescription, I thought since it was nearly healed we could get away with an over-the-counter anti-fungal. Well, no. It got worse. So on the third day I asked Don to run to the pediatrician's office and ask for another prescription. My fear was that since we had quit using the first cream before the rash was completely gone, the yeast would likely develop a resistance, making it prudent to use something different this time. Somehow that didn't get conveyed to the secretaries, who just brought out a prescription for the same stuff. $35 later, my fear seems to have been warranted. No response from the yeast colony to this cream.
I am continuing with it for a few more days, however, before embarrassing ourselves one more time and going back for more help. I've added apple-cider vinegar instead of white vinegar, and now also Oil of Oregano, which has been used forever for yeast. I also bought the super expensive Huggies Overnights in size four, which is a size too big. When I can, I am letting Anna fall asleep on my bed, and staying with her so I can keep her diaper open.
Anna is still teething, although the three-day fever is gone. There were no other symptoms so I assume it was the teething. These babies do go through so much their first year! Heavens!
Despite the jaw pain, she is still having fun during playtime, having added a new skill to her gym time--standing up without support. She squats down, then slowly rises up, while trying to keep her balance. It lasts for a few seconds only, but she really enjoys the challenge and practices a lot.
The family went to the much-anticipated playdate without me. I am heartbroken, but I have to focus on getting rid of this rash and helping Anna take reasonable naps during this bout of teething. Walking through the hot and sticky woods, and playing outside in this horrible humidity would have surely made the rash worse.
I do miss my other children! And they do feel neglected! May God's grace take over!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Canadian Healthcare
I recently asked two Canadian bloggers to give us details about the Canadian health care system, which is known to provide universal coverage. I thought it might help us sort through the partisan "facts" we're being given about reforming health care here in America. You will find the Canadian responses below. Thank you so much, ladies, for taking the time to do this!
Don and I are concerned about the tax burden coming our way from a health-care overhaul. We agree that we need a system that covers everyone, but coupled with the higher energy bills forced on us by Cap and Trade, higher taxes will undoubtedly force me--and other stay-at-home moms--into the workforce. Moreover, we might be forced to obtain cheap, low-quality daycare. Our gas and electric together already run between $280 and $325/month. While not having health care is a huge worry, not being able to raise my own children is an even bigger burden--it's a heartbreaker actually.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authored by Sandi, from the A Mother's Musings blog.
This is such a hot and difficult topic. For the record I am an American who's been living in Canada for 11 years.
There are pros and cons to both systems. Health Care in Canada is NOT free as others seem to think. The taxes are high IMO and we pay a monthly fee, yet when we couldn't pay it was free. The crazy thing about that though is they base your coverage off your last year's income. So if you made 100,000 last year....your med coverage is based on that when you are unemployed the next year. Doesn't make too much sense.
In Canada you do wait for things. If you have a heart attack they deal with it but several other non life-threatening yet painful surgeries are cancelled to do so. I remember with one of the babies I lost at 12 weeks, I spent 5 hours in the hospital waiting for the DNC, with IV all hooked up ready to go. I was sent home because of some emergency and was told they had no idea when I could get in again to have it done. They said my only option was meds to force it. My baby had been gone for 4 weeks and even with that risk I was sent home. It does feel like at times you have to be dying to get attention. Waiting for a hip replacement for 18 months is a real quality of life issue.
But I also have a friend whose husband was diagnosed with cancer and he was taken care of right away. You wait for MRI's, which shouldn't wait. The waiting list to get a child evaluated for ADHD, Austism, etc. is up to 2 years where I live. We went private and fortunately have great extended medical through my husband's work. If you don't have extended or money ....you wait.
When government runs everything with a heavy hand, that spells trouble to me.
My personal experience in Canada--no tomatoes please--is that this health care system has created an entitlement mentality. People go to emerg for silly things because it won't cost them extra money. Doctor's offices become revolving doors instead of a place to get "needed" care. It is almost impossible where I live to get a family doctor; they aren't taking patients.
Yet, the socialist way is that all are equal and shouldn't go without care due to lack of money. Which is a great idea and I agree, but how to do that practically is the dilemma.
Yet again, there is a quality of life issue that comes up. When my son was pre-natally diagnosed with T-18, they wrote him off and told me they WOULD NOT medically help him when he was born. They can legally do that on the grounds that he wouldn't have a full life anyway. They even suggested I starve him if he did live through labor. Let's just say they got an earful.
I did have four births and 2 miscarriages without paying a dime above our monthly fee and taxes so it "feels" like it's free, but nothing is ...is it!
Not sure if this helps.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authored by Steph, from the Footnotes blog.
First off, no system is perfect. Sandi is right - there are pros and cons to both. I also agree that, technically, our health care is not free. We do pay higher taxes in Canada. My parents traveled in the States last summer and were amazed by how inexpensive it was to eat in a restaurant. Once you pile on the taxes here, it can get costly. I also agree with Sandi's entitlement comment. This is something that annoys me - I hate people going to emerge for hangnails. I consider very carefully before I go to the doctor because I know the system is sometimes stretched.
I think what astounds me the most about the American reaction is that it sounds to me (and forgive me if I am wrong or oversimplifying) that what is being proposed would simply guarantee coverage for people who don't have insurance. I think many politicians are opting for partisan politics and scare-mongering rather than trying to find ways to make this work, which is typical of democracy. I was amazed to learn that millions and millions of Americans don't have health insurance. The idea that there are people in the U.S. who opt not to go to the doctor for something truly serious because they will have to pay for it is so foreign to me - and I think that is an unfortunate thing for a developed nation.
Yes, our taxes are higher. Yes, our system is overburdened. Yes, we have a shortage of doctors in some communities (they can make more money in the States so that's where many of them go). Yes, sometimes wait times are longer. But these are all things that an injection of cash can fix, and up until the economic recession, government surpluses helped. Wait times vary depending on the community, but if it's an emergency you're dealt with. My mom has had two knee replacements. She had to wait several months, but didn't pay a dime. My dad has had heart surgery (quadruple bypass) and colon surgery (cancer) and was treated in a reasonable timeframe and didn't pay a dime. I have had two babies and two miscarriages. I had good care and didn't pay a dime.
I am a Canadian and have lived in the same community for most of my life. I was fortunate to have the same doctor for about 30 years before he left his practice, and was lucky enough to find another doctor in my town even though there is a doctor shortage. My experiences with our health care system have, so far, been good. Not everyone has positive experiences and, yes, there can be glitches, but the comfort of knowing that if I am sick I don't have to think about seeking help - I wouldn't trade that.
I think governments - yours and mine - need to put people first more often. I would rather see my tax dollars go to health care and the environment than to many other "priorities" that have been deemed in Canada. Maybe both of our governments need to think about redirecting cash spent on other initiatives. After all, healthy people can achieve great things.
I don't know if that helps...no tomatoes here, I hope! :)
Don and I are concerned about the tax burden coming our way from a health-care overhaul. We agree that we need a system that covers everyone, but coupled with the higher energy bills forced on us by Cap and Trade, higher taxes will undoubtedly force me--and other stay-at-home moms--into the workforce. Moreover, we might be forced to obtain cheap, low-quality daycare. Our gas and electric together already run between $280 and $325/month. While not having health care is a huge worry, not being able to raise my own children is an even bigger burden--it's a heartbreaker actually.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authored by Sandi, from the A Mother's Musings blog.
This is such a hot and difficult topic. For the record I am an American who's been living in Canada for 11 years.
There are pros and cons to both systems. Health Care in Canada is NOT free as others seem to think. The taxes are high IMO and we pay a monthly fee, yet when we couldn't pay it was free. The crazy thing about that though is they base your coverage off your last year's income. So if you made 100,000 last year....your med coverage is based on that when you are unemployed the next year. Doesn't make too much sense.
In Canada you do wait for things. If you have a heart attack they deal with it but several other non life-threatening yet painful surgeries are cancelled to do so. I remember with one of the babies I lost at 12 weeks, I spent 5 hours in the hospital waiting for the DNC, with IV all hooked up ready to go. I was sent home because of some emergency and was told they had no idea when I could get in again to have it done. They said my only option was meds to force it. My baby had been gone for 4 weeks and even with that risk I was sent home. It does feel like at times you have to be dying to get attention. Waiting for a hip replacement for 18 months is a real quality of life issue.
But I also have a friend whose husband was diagnosed with cancer and he was taken care of right away. You wait for MRI's, which shouldn't wait. The waiting list to get a child evaluated for ADHD, Austism, etc. is up to 2 years where I live. We went private and fortunately have great extended medical through my husband's work. If you don't have extended or money ....you wait.
When government runs everything with a heavy hand, that spells trouble to me.
My personal experience in Canada--no tomatoes please--is that this health care system has created an entitlement mentality. People go to emerg for silly things because it won't cost them extra money. Doctor's offices become revolving doors instead of a place to get "needed" care. It is almost impossible where I live to get a family doctor; they aren't taking patients.
Yet, the socialist way is that all are equal and shouldn't go without care due to lack of money. Which is a great idea and I agree, but how to do that practically is the dilemma.
Yet again, there is a quality of life issue that comes up. When my son was pre-natally diagnosed with T-18, they wrote him off and told me they WOULD NOT medically help him when he was born. They can legally do that on the grounds that he wouldn't have a full life anyway. They even suggested I starve him if he did live through labor. Let's just say they got an earful.
I did have four births and 2 miscarriages without paying a dime above our monthly fee and taxes so it "feels" like it's free, but nothing is ...is it!
Not sure if this helps.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authored by Steph, from the Footnotes blog.
First off, no system is perfect. Sandi is right - there are pros and cons to both. I also agree that, technically, our health care is not free. We do pay higher taxes in Canada. My parents traveled in the States last summer and were amazed by how inexpensive it was to eat in a restaurant. Once you pile on the taxes here, it can get costly. I also agree with Sandi's entitlement comment. This is something that annoys me - I hate people going to emerge for hangnails. I consider very carefully before I go to the doctor because I know the system is sometimes stretched.
I think what astounds me the most about the American reaction is that it sounds to me (and forgive me if I am wrong or oversimplifying) that what is being proposed would simply guarantee coverage for people who don't have insurance. I think many politicians are opting for partisan politics and scare-mongering rather than trying to find ways to make this work, which is typical of democracy. I was amazed to learn that millions and millions of Americans don't have health insurance. The idea that there are people in the U.S. who opt not to go to the doctor for something truly serious because they will have to pay for it is so foreign to me - and I think that is an unfortunate thing for a developed nation.
Yes, our taxes are higher. Yes, our system is overburdened. Yes, we have a shortage of doctors in some communities (they can make more money in the States so that's where many of them go). Yes, sometimes wait times are longer. But these are all things that an injection of cash can fix, and up until the economic recession, government surpluses helped. Wait times vary depending on the community, but if it's an emergency you're dealt with. My mom has had two knee replacements. She had to wait several months, but didn't pay a dime. My dad has had heart surgery (quadruple bypass) and colon surgery (cancer) and was treated in a reasonable timeframe and didn't pay a dime. I have had two babies and two miscarriages. I had good care and didn't pay a dime.
I am a Canadian and have lived in the same community for most of my life. I was fortunate to have the same doctor for about 30 years before he left his practice, and was lucky enough to find another doctor in my town even though there is a doctor shortage. My experiences with our health care system have, so far, been good. Not everyone has positive experiences and, yes, there can be glitches, but the comfort of knowing that if I am sick I don't have to think about seeking help - I wouldn't trade that.
I think governments - yours and mine - need to put people first more often. I would rather see my tax dollars go to health care and the environment than to many other "priorities" that have been deemed in Canada. Maybe both of our governments need to think about redirecting cash spent on other initiatives. After all, healthy people can achieve great things.
I don't know if that helps...no tomatoes here, I hope! :)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
praising chocolate
THIS ARTICLE SINGS THE PRAISES OF CHOCOLATE! READ ON AND ENJOY! LOVE THOSE ANTIOXIDANTS!
Chocolate 'cuts death rate' in heart attack survivors
AFP/File – Heart attack survivors who eat chocolate two or more times per week cut their risk of dying from heart … by Marlowe Hood Marlowe Hood – 1 hr 5 mins ago
PARIS (AFP) – Heart attack survivors who eat chocolate two or more times per week cut their risk of dying from heart disease about threefold compared to those who never touch the stuff, scientists have reported.
Smaller quantities confer less protection, but are still better than none, according to the study, which appears in the September issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Earlier research had established a strong link between cocoa-based confections and lowered blood pressure or improvement in blood flow.
It had also shown that chocolate cuts the rate of heart-related mortality in healthy older men, along with post-menopausal women.
But the new study, led by Imre Janszky of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, is the first to demonstrate that consuming chocolate can help ward off the grim reaper if one has suffered acute myocardial infarction -- otherwise known as a heart attack.
"It was specific to chocolate -- we found no benefit to sweets in general," said Kenneth Mukamal, a researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a co-author of the study.
"It seems that antioxidants in cocoa are a likely candidate" for explaining the live-saving properties, he told AFP in an exchange of e-mails.
Antioxidants are compounds that protect against so-called free radicals, molecules which accumulate in the body over time that can damage cells and are thought to play a role in heart disease, cancer and the aging process.
In the study, Janszky and colleagues tracked 1,169 non-diabetic men and women, 45-to-70 years old, in Stockholm County during the early 1990s from the time they were hospitalised with their first-ever heart attack.
The participants were queried before leaving hospital on their food consumption habits over the previous year, including how much chocolate they ate on a regular basis.
They underwent a health examination three months after discharge, and were monitored for eight years after that. The incidence of fatal heart attacks correlated inversely with the amount of chocolate consumed.
"Our findings support increasing evidence that chocolate is a rich source of beneficial bioactive compounds," the researchers concluded.
The results held true for men and women, and across all the age groups included in the study.
Other factors that might have affected the outcome -- alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking -- were also taken into account.
So should we all be loading up on cocoa-rich sweets?
"To be frank, I'm pretty cautious about chocolate because we're working on weight problems with so many individuals," said Mukamal, who is also a practising physician.
"However, I do encourage those who are looking for healthier desserts to consider chocolate in small quantities," he said.
"For individuals with no weight issues who have been able to eat chocolate in moderation and remain slim, I do not limit it," he added.
The researchers caution that clinical trials are needed to back up the findings of their study.
In the meantime, however, a bit of chocolate may not be amiss, they suggest.
Chocolate 'cuts death rate' in heart attack survivors
AFP/File – Heart attack survivors who eat chocolate two or more times per week cut their risk of dying from heart … by Marlowe Hood Marlowe Hood – 1 hr 5 mins ago
PARIS (AFP) – Heart attack survivors who eat chocolate two or more times per week cut their risk of dying from heart disease about threefold compared to those who never touch the stuff, scientists have reported.
Smaller quantities confer less protection, but are still better than none, according to the study, which appears in the September issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Earlier research had established a strong link between cocoa-based confections and lowered blood pressure or improvement in blood flow.
It had also shown that chocolate cuts the rate of heart-related mortality in healthy older men, along with post-menopausal women.
But the new study, led by Imre Janszky of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, is the first to demonstrate that consuming chocolate can help ward off the grim reaper if one has suffered acute myocardial infarction -- otherwise known as a heart attack.
"It was specific to chocolate -- we found no benefit to sweets in general," said Kenneth Mukamal, a researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a co-author of the study.
"It seems that antioxidants in cocoa are a likely candidate" for explaining the live-saving properties, he told AFP in an exchange of e-mails.
Antioxidants are compounds that protect against so-called free radicals, molecules which accumulate in the body over time that can damage cells and are thought to play a role in heart disease, cancer and the aging process.
In the study, Janszky and colleagues tracked 1,169 non-diabetic men and women, 45-to-70 years old, in Stockholm County during the early 1990s from the time they were hospitalised with their first-ever heart attack.
The participants were queried before leaving hospital on their food consumption habits over the previous year, including how much chocolate they ate on a regular basis.
They underwent a health examination three months after discharge, and were monitored for eight years after that. The incidence of fatal heart attacks correlated inversely with the amount of chocolate consumed.
"Our findings support increasing evidence that chocolate is a rich source of beneficial bioactive compounds," the researchers concluded.
The results held true for men and women, and across all the age groups included in the study.
Other factors that might have affected the outcome -- alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking -- were also taken into account.
So should we all be loading up on cocoa-rich sweets?
"To be frank, I'm pretty cautious about chocolate because we're working on weight problems with so many individuals," said Mukamal, who is also a practising physician.
"However, I do encourage those who are looking for healthier desserts to consider chocolate in small quantities," he said.
"For individuals with no weight issues who have been able to eat chocolate in moderation and remain slim, I do not limit it," he added.
The researchers caution that clinical trials are needed to back up the findings of their study.
In the meantime, however, a bit of chocolate may not be amiss, they suggest.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
friendly advice
Once again I find myself getting valuable information from the Internet, rather than from my pediatrician, who is nevertheless nice and almost always nonjudgmental and unassuming. I've had condescending doctors and they definitely aren't for me. When I'm done nursing most of my disagreements with this doctor will have passed away. In the meantime, I'll research new doctors.
Yeast is the research subject for today. A call into the doctor's office yesterday revealed that the expected cure doesn't come from anti-fungal creams (for diaper rash) until 2-4 weeks. I was told once again to be sure and let baby go without a diaper on, even if it's just in the crib during naps.
I didn't say so, but that appalled me even more this time, because yeast is contagious and can spread. She will reach down there and scratch, followed by putting her hands in her mouth because her gums hurt mightily--leading possibly to thrush. Thrush is a horrible thing to get rid of in the nursing couple. It can invade Momma's milk ducts and lead to excruciating, deep shooting pain between nursings. Baby feels pain as well when she nurses. Many nursing couples have to quit nursing due to the difficulty involved in completely getting rid of the infection. I've only read about this but have never experienced it, thank God.
Anna gave me a nipple blister due to her shallow latch caused by teething pain. No tooth yet--anywhere! I'm desperately pursuing her so she'll keep up with milk production. And I'm putting every effort into getting rid of the diaper rash and keeping her hands away from the area. Having open-skin cuts or blisters make it far more likely that yeast will invade, so I'm being diligent about keeping any yeast away from my nipples (as well as from her mouth). Oh, how I don't want a run in with thrush!
Here are some great tips I found online, which you or a friend might need someday. It is working wonders with Anna's rash--I think it should be gone in a few more days.
-Rinse baby with equal parts water and vinegar at each diaper change. Yeast don't like the acid in vinegar.
-Apply anti-fungal cream nearly every diaper change, rather than just twice a day as instructed. Yeast grow back in 90 minutes, so twice a day isn't enough.
-Wash all linens in hot water and put vinegar into the wash. Just hot water and soap probably aren't enough to kill the yeast.
-Rinse bathmats with bleach or with vinegar, to prevent spreading.
-Cut down on any sugar in the older baby's diet (yeast like sugar-laden diets).
For more information on all things breastfeeding related, I like this Canadian doctor's advice (Dr. Jack Newman), found here.
Yeast is the research subject for today. A call into the doctor's office yesterday revealed that the expected cure doesn't come from anti-fungal creams (for diaper rash) until 2-4 weeks. I was told once again to be sure and let baby go without a diaper on, even if it's just in the crib during naps.
I didn't say so, but that appalled me even more this time, because yeast is contagious and can spread. She will reach down there and scratch, followed by putting her hands in her mouth because her gums hurt mightily--leading possibly to thrush. Thrush is a horrible thing to get rid of in the nursing couple. It can invade Momma's milk ducts and lead to excruciating, deep shooting pain between nursings. Baby feels pain as well when she nurses. Many nursing couples have to quit nursing due to the difficulty involved in completely getting rid of the infection. I've only read about this but have never experienced it, thank God.
Anna gave me a nipple blister due to her shallow latch caused by teething pain. No tooth yet--anywhere! I'm desperately pursuing her so she'll keep up with milk production. And I'm putting every effort into getting rid of the diaper rash and keeping her hands away from the area. Having open-skin cuts or blisters make it far more likely that yeast will invade, so I'm being diligent about keeping any yeast away from my nipples (as well as from her mouth). Oh, how I don't want a run in with thrush!
Here are some great tips I found online, which you or a friend might need someday. It is working wonders with Anna's rash--I think it should be gone in a few more days.
-Rinse baby with equal parts water and vinegar at each diaper change. Yeast don't like the acid in vinegar.
-Apply anti-fungal cream nearly every diaper change, rather than just twice a day as instructed. Yeast grow back in 90 minutes, so twice a day isn't enough.
-Wash all linens in hot water and put vinegar into the wash. Just hot water and soap probably aren't enough to kill the yeast.
-Rinse bathmats with bleach or with vinegar, to prevent spreading.
-Cut down on any sugar in the older baby's diet (yeast like sugar-laden diets).
For more information on all things breastfeeding related, I like this Canadian doctor's advice (Dr. Jack Newman), found here.
Help Canada! Need Answers!
America is becoming increasingly angry about governmental overspending and rising deficits, which put our children and grandchildren at risk of excessive taxes and a lower quality of life. The last six months have been a whirlwind of hasty bills and partisan politics.
Currently, the anger is reaching alarming levels as Senators hold town-hall meetings to discuss health-care reform and a possible governmental take over of our health care system. Most of the fear comes from the unknown. Will the astronomical costs of trying to cover so many people lead to rationing and to "death panels", as Sarah Palin's Facebook comments hint at? Will older folks or the disabled--who have a cancer diagnosis or other fatal disease--just be given morphine at the end, with no expensive attempt to prolong their lives? Will their productivity in society be part of the equation?
Too little specifics are actually out there to know for sure. Those that say yes site the health-care systems in Britain and Canada as evidence. I have two Canadian readers--Steph and Sandi--who I hope can shed some light on how it actually works in Canada. My guess is that you're happy with your well-care coverage. But have you--or your family or friends--had experiences with more alarming diagnoses? Please share your thoughts. I'll put them into a guest post if you don't mind. My guess--which may be way off--is that one of you leans to the left in politics and the other leans to the right; between your two perspectives we can probably get some valuable answers concerning our debate here in America. Thank you!
P.S. I know you're both busy so answer only if/when you have the time.
Here is my e-mail: 44us@sbcglobal.net
Currently, the anger is reaching alarming levels as Senators hold town-hall meetings to discuss health-care reform and a possible governmental take over of our health care system. Most of the fear comes from the unknown. Will the astronomical costs of trying to cover so many people lead to rationing and to "death panels", as Sarah Palin's Facebook comments hint at? Will older folks or the disabled--who have a cancer diagnosis or other fatal disease--just be given morphine at the end, with no expensive attempt to prolong their lives? Will their productivity in society be part of the equation?
Too little specifics are actually out there to know for sure. Those that say yes site the health-care systems in Britain and Canada as evidence. I have two Canadian readers--Steph and Sandi--who I hope can shed some light on how it actually works in Canada. My guess is that you're happy with your well-care coverage. But have you--or your family or friends--had experiences with more alarming diagnoses? Please share your thoughts. I'll put them into a guest post if you don't mind. My guess--which may be way off--is that one of you leans to the left in politics and the other leans to the right; between your two perspectives we can probably get some valuable answers concerning our debate here in America. Thank you!
P.S. I know you're both busy so answer only if/when you have the time.
Here is my e-mail: 44us@sbcglobal.net
Sunday, August 9, 2009
More research
I found a very helpful pro-breastfeeding article on the breastfed baby and iron. My belief in the properties of breastmilk is so strong that I just wasn't satisfied with the previous information. This article indicates that the method I'm using to combat Anna's anemia could actually be making things worse. It is better to use high-iron foods to increase her hemoglobin, rather than iron-enriched foods (such as cereal). Additionally, liquid-iron supplementation is particularly problematic because more of it is available to the new bacteria present in the baby's gut (solid food changes baby's intestines--giving them a bacterial presence that breastmilk alone prohibits.) The bacteria utilize the freely-available iron, making less available for absorption into baby's body. Since the bacteria also diminishes the absorption properties of breastmilk, baby might actually be getting less iron than before.
The article includes a link about a mother whose baby tested at 9.1 when she was 7 months, 1 week old. Anna tested at 8.9 at 7 months, 12 days old. The baby in the article was given a small portion of high-iron foods and plenty of breastmilk--but no supplementation--and the hemoglobin went to a normal level in five weeks.
Here is the main article.
Like the author of the article, I do believe that breastmilk is a perfect food for a baby's entire first year, and possibly beyond. Anna was at high risk because of her birth weight being below 6.5 pounds, and because her growth rate has been rapid. Both of these factors caused a depletion of iron stores (present at birth) at a faster rate than they would deplete in the average baby. Anna was 5 pounds, 9 ounces at birth, and now at 8 months, she is 16 pounds, 10 ounces. She was 15 pounds at 6 months.
Timothy, born at the same birth weight, also grew rapidly, but he apparently did fine and has no developmental issues--leading me to believe his iron level probably wasn't an issue. He ate some solids starting at 9 months, but it wasn't until 18 months that his interest picked up and he began to eat three very small solid meals.
If your baby had a normal birth weight and the growth rate has been normal (doubled birth weight around 5-6 months, and tripled it around 1 year) then your baby's iron level is probably fine and you needn't rush the solids. When you do start solids, try using naturally iron-rich foods over iron-ENRICHED.
I've found that conventional advice for solids is mainly for the formula-fed baby. Some doctors aren't interested in digging deeper into the innate properties of breastmilk. Nevertheless, it is probably beneficial to have an iron test around nine months, just in case. The skin prick was barely noticed by Anna. And keep in mind that the iron level in a breastfed baby is particularly vulnerable when solids first start, if the solids chosen are iron-enriched, and especially if they are not served with vitamin C.
The article includes a link about a mother whose baby tested at 9.1 when she was 7 months, 1 week old. Anna tested at 8.9 at 7 months, 12 days old. The baby in the article was given a small portion of high-iron foods and plenty of breastmilk--but no supplementation--and the hemoglobin went to a normal level in five weeks.
Here is the main article.
Like the author of the article, I do believe that breastmilk is a perfect food for a baby's entire first year, and possibly beyond. Anna was at high risk because of her birth weight being below 6.5 pounds, and because her growth rate has been rapid. Both of these factors caused a depletion of iron stores (present at birth) at a faster rate than they would deplete in the average baby. Anna was 5 pounds, 9 ounces at birth, and now at 8 months, she is 16 pounds, 10 ounces. She was 15 pounds at 6 months.
Timothy, born at the same birth weight, also grew rapidly, but he apparently did fine and has no developmental issues--leading me to believe his iron level probably wasn't an issue. He ate some solids starting at 9 months, but it wasn't until 18 months that his interest picked up and he began to eat three very small solid meals.
If your baby had a normal birth weight and the growth rate has been normal (doubled birth weight around 5-6 months, and tripled it around 1 year) then your baby's iron level is probably fine and you needn't rush the solids. When you do start solids, try using naturally iron-rich foods over iron-ENRICHED.
I've found that conventional advice for solids is mainly for the formula-fed baby. Some doctors aren't interested in digging deeper into the innate properties of breastmilk. Nevertheless, it is probably beneficial to have an iron test around nine months, just in case. The skin prick was barely noticed by Anna. And keep in mind that the iron level in a breastfed baby is particularly vulnerable when solids first start, if the solids chosen are iron-enriched, and especially if they are not served with vitamin C.
That awful smell
This morning Anna Grace gave me a strange look during one of her numerous diaper changes. This one was a stinky. I guess we're still not used to that around here. Her face said it all: "What on earth is that awful smell, Momma?! It couldn't have come out of me, surely? Get it away!"
My sentiment exactly. I'm mourning the loss of neutral-smelling breastmilk poops.
And that yeast rash, after nearly 36 hours of treatment, is still not going away--or even looking like it will soon. It IS less raised, but still as red, and the spots seem to be running more together. Is this normal? The Internet says it should clear in about 3 days. Is that only for the Mommas smart enough to recognize it for what it is--and get into the doctor quick like? Did I just let it go too long and create a monster of a rash? We're using a size 4 diaper for now, which is plenty loose. And she is crawling around in just a shirt and diaper--allowing for plenty of air. I'm drying her skin well after rinsing her. Anyone have experience with this?
Thank you for the great tip left on the previous post, Terri! I'm excited about trying that method.
My sentiment exactly. I'm mourning the loss of neutral-smelling breastmilk poops.
And that yeast rash, after nearly 36 hours of treatment, is still not going away--or even looking like it will soon. It IS less raised, but still as red, and the spots seem to be running more together. Is this normal? The Internet says it should clear in about 3 days. Is that only for the Mommas smart enough to recognize it for what it is--and get into the doctor quick like? Did I just let it go too long and create a monster of a rash? We're using a size 4 diaper for now, which is plenty loose. And she is crawling around in just a shirt and diaper--allowing for plenty of air. I'm drying her skin well after rinsing her. Anyone have experience with this?
Thank you for the great tip left on the previous post, Terri! I'm excited about trying that method.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Iron deficiency in older children
Iron deficiency can also be a problem with toddlers and older children, especially those drinking too much milk. Too much milk reduces absorption of iron. Also, diets low in vitamin C put a child at risk. Here is an article with information to help prevent iron deficiency.
Timothy was the same birth weight as Anna (5 pounds, 9 ounces). He was not interested in solids until 9 months, and even then, he loved his breastmilk most of all. He was never tested for anemia, but did possibly have it, given that his birth weight put him at risk, as well as his lack of supplementation. However, that child knew his letters and sounds and numbers to 20 before uttering his first sentence. I didn't teach him--only read books and provided learning videos when he wanted them. Now he can add numbers in his head better and faster than I can, and he reads like a second grader (at 5.5 years old). I AM worried sick about this iron thing, but I keep thinking of Timothy and how he beat the odds. I am praying!
Timothy was the same birth weight as Anna (5 pounds, 9 ounces). He was not interested in solids until 9 months, and even then, he loved his breastmilk most of all. He was never tested for anemia, but did possibly have it, given that his birth weight put him at risk, as well as his lack of supplementation. However, that child knew his letters and sounds and numbers to 20 before uttering his first sentence. I didn't teach him--only read books and provided learning videos when he wanted them. Now he can add numbers in his head better and faster than I can, and he reads like a second grader (at 5.5 years old). I AM worried sick about this iron thing, but I keep thinking of Timothy and how he beat the odds. I am praying!
Article about iron
This article discusses nursing and formula-fed babies and iron issues. Worth reading.
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