Anti-Vaccination Mom Changed Mind After Her 3 Kids Got Sick

Vaccinations prevent people from catching dangerous diseases. Vaccines also can help stop the spread of a disease. There are schools that require students to have their vaccinations before the student can attend school. A mom who was anti-vaccinations has changed her mind after her three children got sick. Kristen O’Meara has three daughters, all of whom are under the age of seven. She chose not to vaccinate her daughters because she was a big believer in anti-vaccination research. O’Meara said she actively sought out anti-vaccination research and books and presumed that they were accurate. Anti-vaccination research has been proven flawed. … Continue reading

Baby Blog Month in Review: September 2008

Here are all of the Baby Blog articles that were posted last month. September 1st Baby Blog Month in Review: August 2008 Isn’t it crazy the way babies grow so quickly? It seems that you just get used to one stage and boom they are already into another. Tonight, were busy getting the household all set for my eldest child’s first day of second grade. My two younger ones are excited and want to start school, too. It will be a busy month. September 2nd Babies Are Built to Say “Mama” and “Dada” First! Do you remember your baby’s first … Continue reading

Preventing and Treating Dehydration

With cold and flu season approaching as it does every fall season, dehydration becomes a real concern for babies. It is probably one of the most common issues facing babies, and it is often ignored or under treated. Left without treatment, dehydration can lead to infant death, as it does in many countries around the world. In fact, it is the number one cause of infant death worldwide. Fortunately, with modern medicine at our disposal, as well as some knowledge, we can prevent serious cases of dehydration. Read on to find out what you need to know to protect your … Continue reading

Helping Kids Learn How Eating Poorly Can Make Them Sick

We teach our children to wash their hands to combat germs and bugs; and they learn that if they eat too much candy they might get a stomach ache—but many of us parents don’t even fully understand how our diet can affect the way we feel physically so we may not be passing that on to our children. Did you know that a change in your diet could make you feel like you have a cold or the flu? Too much dairy, for example (cheese, milk, etc.) can make some people have a stuffed up nose and congestion. Too much … Continue reading

Are Your Kids Getting Enough To Drink?

A few days ago the heat index in our neck of the woods hovered around 105 degrees. It was a scorcher. My 3-year-old daughter and I high-tailed it to the pool where we remained for the majority of the day. My daughter splashed in the pool for hours. I didn’t blame her for not wanting to come out. However, pool rules state that food items and beverages cannot be consumed in the water, which meant if I wanted my daughter to consume liquids (and stave off dehydration) she would have to exit the pool. Dilemma. From what I could see … Continue reading

Kids And Juice—Are They A Healthy Mix?

I love Jamba Juice. It’s a type of smoothie made from a concoction of real fruit, fruit juices, and either sherbet, frozen yogurt, plain yogurt or soymilk. Seems like a healthy combo, right? I thought so… and when I discovered my toddler daughter loved them just as much as her mommy I made sure to put Jamba Juice on the top of our snack-time list. Cue the squealing brakes. That practice halted a few months ago when I read one regular serving of the delicious drink contained more sugar than is recommended by the USDA to consume in one day. … Continue reading

5 Tips for Staying Safe this Summer

Summer vacation is in full force. The kids are out of school and many families spend time outdoors enjoying themselves. While you and your family are out and about, make sure you are following these summer safety tips. Summer Safety Tips Prevent Playground Injuries The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that emergency departments in the United States treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries. Check to make sure the surfaces under the playground equipment are safe, soft, and well-maintained. Before letting your child run and play, take a minute to make sure the … Continue reading

The Flu Shot for Baby-Is it Necessary?

In our house, we have always been big proponents of the flu shot. We all get them every year. And, it is that time of year again. My husband works in the medical field, and in past years, he has had to be in contact with flu patients regularly. Since our children are young, we have always been cautious. In his current job, he is not in close contact with patients infected with the flu, although he does still work in a hospital. So, I found myself asking him if it was really necessary. I had never really questioned it … Continue reading

Preschool Health: Constipation in Small Children

Constipation is uncomfortable and often painful. It is hard to watch your child struggle with bowel issues due to how miserable it can make one feel. The best way to alleviate constipation is to avoid it. However, kids have a mind of their own and controlling when they go potty can lead to constipation issues. Parents need to be aware of the causes, treatments and preventative measures to keep their child healthy. Thankfully, the treatments and remedies are not harsh and normally natural means are effective. If you suspect an underlying problem or if your child is having an especially … Continue reading

Surviving the Heat Wave

The sunset more than four hours ago and it is still 90 degrees outside with a heat index of 103. Like most of the country, my neck of the woods is baking under blistering heat. According to news reports, by mid-week more than 40 states will experience highs in the 90s with heat indexes topping 110 degrees. What’s more, the heat wave of 2011 is expected to last well into next week. The National Weather Service defines a heat wave as a period time exceeding three days with high temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Weather experts are also quick to … Continue reading