~Breast Cancer Awareness~

As women we need to be aware of the signs and symptoms to that all to often heard word," CANCER." Many times if we pay attention to our body and what it is trying to tell us then we can get help before it is to late. I know we are all busy and don't have the time to be sick or be waiting in doctor's offices. It is so important though! Just set aside time and DO IT. I for one, absolutely hate doctor appointments.I feel like they waste my time b/c I have to sit there so long to even be seen, and most of the time I have my two little boys, whom would rather be anywhere else but there, and I could diagnose myself but due to not having a PH. D. I am stuck with visiting them for my perscriptions. So I completely understand. Thank the Lord I do not get sick very often. Although, since I have had children I still try to remember to do my once a year check-ups. I want to maintain a healthy life and teach my children by example how to do that.

Hopefully this will give you that boost of encouragement you need!

Breast Cancer Risk Factors:

A “risk factor” is anything that increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Many of the most important risk factors for breast cancer are beyond your control, such as age, family history, and medical history. However, there are some risk factors you can control, such as weight, physical activity, and alcohol consumption.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about all of your possible risk factors for breast cancer. There may be steps you can take to lower your risk of breast cancer, and your doctor can help you come up with a plan. Your doctor also needs to be aware of any other risk factors beyond your control, so that he or she has an accurate understanding of your level of breast cancer risk. This can influence recommendations about breast cancer screening — what tests to have and when to start having them.

Risk factors you can control

Weight. Being overweight is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, especially for women after menopause. Fat tissue is the body’s main source of estrogen after menopause, when the ovaries stop producing the hormone. Having more fat tissue means having higher estrogen levels, which can increase breast cancer risk.
Diet. Diet is a suspected risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer, but studies have yet to show for sure which types of foods increase risk. It’s a good idea to restrict sources of red meat and other animal fats (including dairy fat in cheese, milk, and ice cream), because they may contain hormones, other growth factors, antibiotics, and pesticides. Some researchers believe that eating too much cholesterol and other fats are risk factors for cancer, and studies show that eating a lot of red and/or processed meats is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. A low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables is generally recommended. For more information, visit this page on healthy eating to reduce cancer risk in the Nutrition section.
Exercise. Evidence is growing that exercise can reduce breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society recommends engaging in 45-60 minutes of physical exercise 5 or more days a week.
Alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that breast cancer risk increases with the amount of alcohol a woman drinks. Alcohol can limit your liver’s ability to control blood levels of the hormone estrogen, which in turn can increase risk.
Smoking. Smoking is associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk.
Exposure to estrogen. Because the female hormone estrogen stimulates breast cell growth, exposure to estrogen over long periods of time, without any breaks, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Some of these risk factors are under your control, such as:

• taking combined hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone; HRT) for several years or more, or taking estrogen alone for more than 10 years
• being overweight
• regularly drinking alcohol

Recent oral contraceptive use. Using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) appears to slightly increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer, but only for a limited period of time. Women who stopped using oral contraceptives more than 10 years ago do not appear to have any increased breast cancer risk.
Stress and anxiety. There is no clear proof that stress and anxiety can increase breast cancer risk. However, anything you can do to reduce your stress and to enhance your comfort, joy, and satisfaction can have a major effect on your quality of life. So-called “mindful measures” (such as meditation, yoga, visualization exercises, and prayer) may be valuable additions to your daily or weekly routine. Some research suggests that these practices can strengthen the immune system.

Risk factors you can’t control

Gender. Being a woman is the most significant risk factor for developing breast cancer. Although men can get breast cancer, too, women’s breast cells are constantly changing and growing, mainly due to the activity of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This activity puts them at much greater risk for breast cancer.
Age. Simply growing older is the second biggest risk factor for breast cancer. From age 30 to 39, the risk is 1 in 233, or .43%. That jumps to 1 in 27, or almost 4%, by the time you are in your 60s.
Family history of breast cancer. If you have a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) who has had breast cancer, or you have multiple relatives affected by breast or ovarian cancer (especially before they turned age 50), you could be at higher risk of getting breast cancer.
Personal history of breast cancer. If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk of developing it again, either in the same breast or the other breast, is higher than if you never had the disease.
Race. White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African American women. Asian, Hispanic, and Native American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.
Radiation therapy to the chest. Having radiation therapy to the chest area as a child or young adult as treatment for another cancer significantly increases breast cancer risk. The increase in risk seems to be highest if the radiation was given while the breasts were still developing (during the teen years).
Breast cellular changes. Unusual changes in breast cells found during a breast biopsy (removal of suspicious tissue for examination under a microscope) can be a risk factor for developing breast cancer. These changes include overgrowth of cells (called hyperplasia) or abnormal (atypical) appearance.
Exposure to estrogen. Because the female hormone estrogen stimulates breast cell growth, exposure to estrogen over long periods of time, without any breaks, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Some of these risk factors are not under your control, such as:

• starting menstruation (monthly periods) at a young age (before age 12)
• going through menopause (end of monthly cycles) at a late age (after 55)
• exposure to estrogens in the environment (such as hormones in meat or pesticides such as DDT, which produce estrogen-like substances when broken down by the body)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnancy and breastfeeding reduce the overall number of menstrual cycles in a woman’s lifetime, and this appears to reduce future breast cancer risk. Women who have never had a full-term pregnancy, or had their first full-term pregnancy after age 30, have an increased risk of breast cancer. For women who do have children, breastfeeding may slightly lower their breast cancer risk, especially if they continue breastfeeding for 1 1/2 to 2 years. For many women, however, breastfeeding for this long is neither possible nor practical.
DES exposure. Women who took a medication called diethylstilbestrol (DES), used to prevent miscarriage from the 1940s through the 1960s, have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. Women whose mothers took DES during pregnancy may have a higher risk of breast cancer as well.

Published by BreastCancer.org

Getting your kids to eat Fruits and Veggies!

Getting your kids to eat fruits and veggies!

So lets face it... We all at some time or another have a hard time getting our kids to eat a particular food. Even as adults sometimes won't try certain things. I know I will cook Eggplant for my family but I do not eat it.We probably aren't to concerned about our kids not eating it if it isn't something healthy.  If it does happen to be a fruit or more then likely veggies that they won't eat, then hopefully this will help.
Now, remember, Moms, pick your battles!!

I have been reading on some ways to "hide veggies in your kids food." I know we don't all get the recommended amount and it wouldn't hurt us, as parents, to practice what we preach, now would it?

{Homemade Brownies with Hidden Veggies}

Homemade Brownies with Hidden Veggies

{Burgers with Hidden Veggies}

 Burgers

If time allows, make the burger patties ahead of time and chill them for an hour before grilling so they're firmer and easier to handle.

{Light Mac n Cheese with Hidden Veggies}

Light Mac n Cheese
Make about 4 servings:

Why Drinking Water Really is the Key to Weight Loss

I found this article very interesting. Please read!

Why Drinking Water Really is the Key to Weight Loss

by Maia Appleby

Don't roll your eyes! The potion for losing that excess body fat is all around you. It covers two thirds of the planet. If you eat right and exercise at the intensity, frequency and duration proper for you, but still can't get rid of a little paunch here and there, you're probably just not drinking enough water.

No need to get defensive. You're actually quite normal. Most people don't drink enough water. Most people are also carrying around a few more pounds than they would be if they did drink enough water. If you can't seem to get that weight off, try drowning your sorrows in nature's magical weight-loss mineral. It works, and here's why:

"Let's Get Organized"

So here is the first blog on organization...

 I love to feel organized.. Don't you? Well maybe some of us love it and others it doesn't bother at all. It makes me feel lighter and happier when I walk into a room vs. feeling overwelmed and almost like you don't even want to step foot in that room. You start to feel like a tornado hit it and you wished you had a magic genie. Well here are some tips to help solve those problems.
Don't forget, Start small.

Family Kitchen: Parmesan and Herb crusted Salmon

Parmesan and Herb crusted Salmon

Family Kitchen: Cheesy Potato Casserole

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Family Kitchen: Mashed Sweet Potato

 Mashed Sweet Potato
Recommended serving: one sweet potato per person.
This recipe is for 4-6 sweet potatoes

Family Kitchen: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Family Kitchen: Banana Bread

Banana Bread

Parenting:" DIfferent Food Allergies and How to Deal with Them"

The latest on children and allergies

Doctors used to recommend waiting until age 1 or even much later to introduce solid foods that are common allergens, especially with children at risk for allergies. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has changed its tune, because studies show that these delays probably don't help keep allergies from developing.
It's still a wise idea, though, to introduce new foods gradually, waiting several days after each new menu item to make sure your baby doesn't react to it. And if you believe that your baby is likely to have food allergies -- for example, if allergies run in your family -- check with his doctor to determine the best strategy for introducing allergenic foods like eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

That being said, Check out the following for questions you might have on allergies:

Parenting: "Foods that can be unsafe for your Infant/Child"

As your baby grows, he/she will be eager to sample food from your plate – and you'll be eager to introduce some variety to his diet. But not all foods are safe for your child. Some pose a choking hazard, and a few aren't good for your baby's still-developing digestive system.

Food to Avoid from 4 months old - 3 and up

Parenting: "TIPS for New Mommy's"

Some Tips for New Mommy's


Spiritual and Emotional:
First things first - you won't find time to spend with God. You will need to make time -to do it. His patience, love and strength will help in transforming you to be the mother you (and He) want you to be.
Begin training your mind and heart to freeze these special moments so you can bring them back to your memory when this baby gets bigger. Time flies when you're in love. Trust me.

When you feel a little resentful that your husband's life hasn't seemed to be affected by the new bundle, realize that you are only jealous that you can't do what he still can (i.e. get up, pop out of bed and be ready to go in no time, or to read a book, or check your e-mail - if you can get up, it will be to nurse the baby! if you have a second it will be to get a shower). Go ahead and grieve the loss of freedom that you once had. Go ahead and get it over with so that you can willingly embrace the 'bond'-age of the little life before you.
Don't let him/her steal your time, sleep, space - give it to her willingly..

Mommy Care:
Rest. I mean, really rest. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby. Put your feet up during feedings. Take some deep breaths. When the baby sleeps, take a nap or lie down. The first few weeks is a huge time of healing for your body. Don't push it. Allow other people to pamper you. And if someone offers to help, actually give them something little to do.This is something I did not do. I can't take naps and I refused to sleep when my first born slept. I had things I felt I had to get done, but looking back they were not that important. A happy mommy is more important then the clothes, or dishes...
Do something nice for yourself everyday - take 15 minutes each day to do something for yourself. It will make you feel human again...
Don't get dressed to go anywhere until AFTER you've fed, burped and changed baby. I'm sure you're carrying an extra outfit or two for baby, but why don't you pack one for yourself to keep in the car? You never know when they will have a blow out and get it all over you.

Baby Care:
When baby poops from head to toe (and they will!), don't freak out - grab the camera and laugh it away.
One thing I did that worked - gave my baby a bath and baby lotion massage at night. It relaxed both of us and he smelled wonderful.
Get ready to set some time aside for your husband and very soon! You need to get out either alone, with your husband, or with a friend. And the earlier you begin with this, the easier the baby will adjust to other caregivers. Don't worry about the cost - a) you can't afford not to take care of yourself and your marriage (you were a woman, wife and friend before the baby came and you will be long after they leave!) and b) there are PLENTY of women who would love to hold and cuddle a baby for a couple hours while you get a much-needed break - so use them!

Husband:
If your hubby offers to do anything let him, let him, let him. True, it may not get done exactly as you would like (diapering, feeding, bathing, trips to the store, etc.) but it will be one less thing for you to do.
Now this next thing is HUGE and VERY important:
Get ready to set some time aside for your husband.  I know getting out at first isn't what is on your mind but you will need to eventually give him some of your time. Without the baby! If you don't want to leave the house and leave your baby with someone then have someone come over to watch him/her while you and your husband have dinner or watch a movie or talk at home.This is so important b/c with the business of a new baby we can forget that our husbands still need us to communicate with them and show them that we still love and care for them.

Nursing:
Be patient with breastfeeding - it gets easier.
If you're nursing - drink, drink, drink. If you notice frequent headaches, you could be dehydrated and in need of more fluid. Good rule of thumb: each time you sit down to a feeding, grab a glass of water.
Another little thing I want to add-Don't be surprised if you get pregnant while nursing. It happens alot! Nursing does not prevent you from becoming pregnant, nor does (the pill that you take while nursing) prevent pregnancy either. More on this in later post...

Developing Good Sleep habits:
To help care for you new baby-teach your baby to get him/her to sleep by putting him/her down awake. When you know your baby is tired, have him/her fall asleep in his crib without you holding, patting, or rocking them. It will teach  him/her to go to sleep, without creating bad habits that will have to be broken later.

Practical:

Start off right! If you want your child to eat fruit and veggies, give him fruit and veggies, from the beginning. If you want him to drink lots of water, give him water, from the beginning. It is easy to do anything "right" from the beginning. Your young child only knows and experiences what you present him. It is difficult changing set habits or customs when he is older.

Change newborn diapers often - there is nothing worse than diaper rash.

Carry an extra pacifier on you at ALL TIMES. If you are a lucky mom and your baby takes it!

Always carry a changing pad - most changing stations in malls, etc., do not have disposable ones.

Be flexible- not everything goes as planned. More important than the event is our attitude when things don't turn out.

"It's Raining, It's Pouring" Now what am I going to do with the kids today?

So as many of you moms right now, I was sitting at home yesterday listening to rain come down and thinking," What am I going to do today?" With all this rain lately we haven't been able to get out and play. I am thankful however that in the evenings we have had a break in the weather and have been taking evening walks.


Here are a few ideas:

1. Turn your living room into a giant fort. Go ahead, grab blankets and toss them over the couch and chairs.
2. Arts and Crafts: take anything that you have in the house that can be a kid projects. Lunch bags can keep them entertained with some ribbons and thread. Or macaroni glued on paper plates. Let them express themselves.
3. Play red light Green Light. Yes, from your childhood. You can play this indoors. Start down a hallway!
4. Board Games, for the older one!
5. Hide and Seek. You count and they hide!
6. Have a Treasure Hunt: Hide something and draw a map
7. I Spy, You can start out and have them finish up. There are plenty of things in the house that will keep them guessing.
8. Baking, Let them help you bake a nice treat. They will love to help out and enjoy eating their creations, go even more and let them decorate.
9. Have a talent show.
10. Enjoy a Fashion Show. Grab a camera and take shots, let them pose and you take pictures, later you can download them and have a nice keepsake.( for the girls, more then likely)
11. If you are feeling really lazy and don't want to do anything-then grab a cute movie and watch it with the kids.
12. Read- We have started reading a book series lately with Ethan and he doesn't want us to put the book down. This is great to get kids interested in reading!! 

Here are some game ideas:

Edible Jewelry:
This one you might want to have your older kids do, unless you keep an eye on your little one. Get a piece of string and have them make a necklace or bracelet out of cheerios or even candy. If your kids are going to wear the bracelet or necklace, you might want to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get choked while wearing it.
Finger Painting Fun:
Pick up some non-toxic, completely child-proof finger paint and some paper at your local superstore. Put a big shirt on your kid as to not make a mess, lay some plastic down on the floor, and give them the paper and paints. All you have to do is sit back and relax as their fun unravels.
Indoor Bowling:
Get some empty water bottles and set them up like bowling pins in your hallway, living room, anywhere really. Then get a ball, preferably rubber or those soft balls, and have them try to knock all of the pins down. Gus and I did this the other night with Ethan and we used his table legs (that come of those short plastic tables) and we had a blast.


Hopefully these fun things for the kids will keep them entertained and having fun. Not to mention you will be able to finally relax.

Why Exercise?

Why Bother Exercising?

Simply put, exercise …

These are true facts:

• Makes you feel better physically.
• Improves self-esteem and provides a more positive mental outlook.
• Makes you look better and helps to control your weight.
• Increases your balance, coordination, and agility.
• Helps prevent osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and non-insulin-dependent-diabetes.
• Makes you feel invigorated and more energetic.
• Strengthens bones and muscle, giving you the functional strength for everyday living.

Before you begin, there are some things to consider:

• Have realistic expectations. For all you beginners, don't expect to turn into your favorite movie star overnight. (The majority of us never will.) We have to understand that people come in all shapes and sizes, and genetics plays a major role in your body makeup and proportion. Rule #1: exercise is about looking and feeling your best—not somebody else's best.
• Set responsible goals for yourself. Plan reachable short-term goals each week that will not leave you overwhelmed or set you up for failure. An example of a reasonable goal is: “I will work out four days this week and eliminate all high-fat desserts.”
  Not a reasonable goal: “I will work out two hours every day and lose 10 pounds in three weeks.”
  
• Work exercise conveniently into your day. You know the story: unless exercise sessions are planned during realistic time slots, your “workouts” ain't gonna “work out.” Take into consideration your schedule. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Some people are lucky enough to have leisurely lunch breaks and can sneak in a quickie during their day.
• Rise and shine. Studies show that exercisers who work out in the morning are 50 percent more likely to stick with it. Basically, get it out of the way before the day wipes you out. (What's more, it can also save you an extra shower later.) If you have the capacity to endure a grueling day at the office and then shake, rattle, and roll in the gym—more power to you.
• Keep it short and sweet. Most people have hectic lifestyles and cannot afford to dedicate hours each day to the gym. And they shouldn't! Each workout should be short and efficient. The consistency of regular physical activity is as important as duration and intensity. Without any of these three elements, exercise is simply not effective. Furthermore, people who get carried away usually wind up burned out.

9 Health Symptoms Moms Shouldn't Ignore

9 Health Symptoms Moms Shouldn't Ignore:

note: I felt this was a helpful and important article and therefore am posting it to my blog. See below for reference information

Sooner or later, every mom realizes an important truth: You don't have time to get sick. So it becomes second nature to overlook the messages your body is sending you -- symptoms that would send you straight to the doctor if your kids complained of them. Stomach pains? Just gas, or menstrual cramps. Tired and feeling sad? Must be PMS. Heart racing? Everyday stress.
But some body signals are cries for help. After having a baby, you go through physical and emotional changes that can trigger -- or mask -- certain health problems. And as your kids get bigger, the pressures of motherhood can make it easy to continue to put off your own checkup. Aches and pains often have innocent causes, of course.

But be sure you talk to your doctor if you have any of the following:

Painful Intercourse

If you feel pain at the start of intercourse, the culprit may be vaginal dryness, which usually stems from lowered estrogen levels after childbirth and during breastfeeding. Your doctor may prescribe an estrogen cream or suggest that you use a vaginal lubricant, such as KY Jelly. But if the real reason is lack of arousal, the cause may be a problem in your relationship, which can best be handled by spending more time together or perhaps even seeking couples therapy. Another common reason for discomfort is a yeast infection, which can cause irritation and pain during sex. Over-the-counter antifungal medications are effective, but see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis first.

If you've recently had a baby and you underwent an episiotomy, you'll heal in one to two months, but you may still feel pain and tenderness, especially during the beginning of sex, for three months to a year.
Pain that comes later in the act of sex, however, may mean something else entirely. "If the start of intercourse goes smoothly, but pain occurs upon deep penetration or thrusting during intercourse, the most common reason is endometriosis growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus or cysts or tumors, benign or malignant, in the vagina or uterus or on the ovaries," says Donna Sweet, M.D., professor of internal medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, in Wichita.
Such problems can be detected during pelvic exams or through a vaginal ultrasound (a noninvasive procedure) or a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgical technique in which a tiny endoscopic tube is inserted through a small incision in the pelvic area).
Be sure to tell your doctor if pain during sex tends to be worse right before your period -- that could be a sign of endometriosis.

Fatigue

Of course you're tired; you're a mom! Sure you've gained a little weight -- or maybe you've lost some; ever since the baby, your eating schedules have been crazy. And your periods have been a little irregular, what with the hormonal roller coaster you've been on. What else could it be? Quite possibly, a problem with your thyroid, a small hormone-producing gland in your neck that helps regulate metabolism.
"It's easy to overlook fatigue and weight fluctuations, since these are so common in moms of young children," says Christine Laine, M.D., senior deputy editor of the Annals of Internal Medicine. But, she says, thyroid problems are not only more common in women than men, they typically surface in the 20s to 40s. They're often discovered after a pregnancy, though it's unclear whether that's a trigger.
Your doctor can diagnose a thyroid problem with a blood test that measures levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). But first you may need to recognize the symptoms. An under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause irregular or very light periods, fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and/or constipation. It's easily treated with prescription medication -- thyroid-hormone pills.
An overactive thyroid (hyper-thyroidism) may announce itself with diarrhea, anxiety, and/or heavy, irregular periods. Your doctor may suggest surgery, medication to reduce levels of thyroid hormone, or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid -- usually followed by pills to replace an appropriate amount of thyroid hormone.
Sometimes, no treatment is necessary. About 1 in 10 women will have thyroid problems after pregnancy, says Dr. Laine. In most cases, they last up to a few months after delivery, and then the thyroid begins to function normally again on its own. So careful monitoring by your doctor is all that's needed.

Excessive Thirst/Frequent Urination

These are common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, in which the body gradually loses its sensitivity to insulin, leading to unhealthy high blood-sugar levels. The incidence of Type 2 diabetes is skyrocketing, and in women it's often diagnosed in the childbearing years. The main cause is obesity, which can be exacerbated by pregnancy. "Some women gain a lot of weight during pregnancy and don't lose it all, and that excess weight gain puts them at risk of diabetes," says Dr. Sweet. (In contrast, Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the body loses its ability to make insulin, is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.) If you developed diabetes when you were pregnant, it usually goes away after childbirth, but you're at higher risk of becoming a diabetic again in later years, says Dr. Sweet. "If you don't eat well or exercise, and you live long enough, you'll get it again." But if you do lose weight and work out during your 30s, you can help prevent the disease. Even if you have diabetes, doing both now may actually clear up the problem. For others, medication may also be needed to bring the disease under control.
Diabetes is easily diagnosed by your primary-care physician through a blood test. But left untreated -- or poorly controlled -- the condition can increase the risk of heart disease, as well as kidney and nerve complications. "That's why early diagnosis and treatment are so important," says Dr. Sweet.

A New/Changing Mole

Caught early, melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer -- is more than 90 percent curable. But if it spreads to the lymph nodes or beyond, survival rates drop below 50 percent. It's particularly easy to ignore a mole that looks a little darker. That happens a lot after pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. (Hormonal contraceptives -- the Pill, the Patch, NuvaRing -- may also darken moles.)
"Any time a mole changes, you should get it checked by a dermatologist," says Dr. Laine. Follow the ABCD's of melanoma detection when you're keeping an eye on your skin: Look for Asymmetry (an irregular rather than a normal round or oval shape); Border (a wavy, unclear border); Color (multicolored, with bits of brown, black, red, even blue in it rather than the uniform brown of a normal mole); and Diameter (larger than a standard pencil eraser). Plus, if a mole is itchy, bleeding, or painful, have it checked.
accompanied by fatigue, pale skin and nails, dizziness, problems concentrating, or difficulty exercising for more than a few minutes -- these could be signs of anemia. That means you've run through the iron stores in your body and there's not enough for the red blood cells, which carry oxygen to every cell in the body.
You can become anemic if you lose a lot of blood each month through heavy periods, if your diet is low in iron, or both. (Normal blood loss during childbirth may also contribute.) If the problem is due to heavy periods, birth control pills may help.
Your diet may be low in iron if it's short on red meat, iron-fortified cereals, beans, or dark greens -- and you're not taking a multivitamin with iron. A blood test can detect if you're anemic -- or iron-deficient, which increases your anemia risk. If so, your doctor will probably prescribe a high-dose iron supplement.

7 smart ways to prepare for your doctor visit

1. Keep a diary of symptoms you want to discuss, noting when they occur and relevant details -- such as what you ate or drank beforehand, where you were, and what you were doing.
2. Write down questions so that you won't forget them.
3. Know your family medical history -- especially if your parents or siblings had heart disease or cancer. Make notes of your own medical history: the start date of your most recent period, dates of your most recent checkups, pelvic exams, etc.
4. Bring with you any medication (including nonprescription medications and herbal or dietary supplements) that you take regularly, as well as files of exams by other doctors or test results you want to discuss. If you've gotten information from the web or a magazine, bring along a hard copy.
5. Confess your worst fear. If you're really worried that your lower-back pain is a sign of ovarian cancer, come out and say it. The doctor may be willing to do some tests to look into your concerns or be able to quell your fears in other ways.
6. Be honest and answer your doctor's questions fully. Try not to be embarrassed, even if the symptom is personal.
7. Take notes, and ask if it's best to pose follow-up questions via e-mail, a call to the nurse or doctor, or in another visit. Inquire about learning more: Is there a good book or website that the doctor can recommend?

Bloated Stomach

Well, if lunch was raw broccoli or cooked beans and the bloating goes away in a few hours, never mind. And if you tend to feel bloated a few days each month before your period, that's hormones. But if the bloating is constant, doesn't get better when you have a bowel movement, and tends to worsen over time, see your doctor; it can be an early sign of ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or even ovarian cancer, says Dr. Sweet. If your doctor takes a thorough history and does a pelvic exam and possibly a vaginal ultrasound exam, he can pinpoint what's causing the problem and treat it. Most little aches and pains mean nothing. But when something is bothering you, you owe it to yourself -- and your family -- to make sure.

What Not To Overlook

And don't overlook these emotional symptoms... Of course, we all feel anxious, angry, or down sometimes. But how do you know if your feelings are getting the better of you? If you have any of these kinds of symptoms, it's the right time to seek help, says Ellyn Kaschak, Ph.D., professor of psychology at San Jose State University:
* A significant change in your day-to-day personality. For example, you've always been easygoing, but lately you've been getting angry more easily or feeling unusually frustrated.
* People who are close to you comment on your behavior or say you just don't seem like yourself.
* Disturbing emotions are surfacing more frequently or not going away. If you've been feeling unusually sad, anxious, or mad for weeks rather than for a day or two, make an appointment with your primary-care physician, who can then refer you to a therapist.
Anxiety, depression, and anger are the most common emotional problems, and you can pinpoint each by the following signs:
You may have anxiety problems if...
* You avoid situations, such as meeting with your child's teacher, because you fear you'll run into certain people there. And the number of situations you avoid is growing.
* You wake up often with nightmares or panic symptoms, such as a racing heart, feeling hot all over, trembling, or sweating.
* You find yourself worrying all the time -- even about things over which you have no control, such as whether your child will develop a life-threatening disease.
You may be depressed if...
* You get little or no pleasure out of doing things that used to make you happy, such as spending time with family or friends, or a hobby.
* You feel lethargic.
* You're sleeping or eating more or less than usual, especially to avoid facing your problems.
* You're feeling stressed to the point where you're forgetting things.
* You're shying away from people, even your kids and your husband, preferring to be alone almost all the time.
You may have anger problems if...
* You're yelling at your children more than usual.
* You've fantasized about hitting your kids, stopped yourself from doing so, or have hit them.
* You resent your kids or blame them for things they didn't do -- or can't really help doing.
* You have trouble keeping perspective; your child spills juice on the floor, and as you clean it up, you yell, "You're ruining my life!"
* Your rage is affecting other relationships too.
* You don't get over things quickly; anger builds, even after an incident has passed.
"For each of these problems, even short-term therapy -- ten sessions or less -- can be very helpful. So can, in some cases, short-term use of medication," says Kaschak. Problems usually occur together -- you feel both anxious and blue, or depressed and very mad. Often, treating one negative emotion helps the others.\


This article was taken from this site

Recalls: Tylenol for Childrens and infants'

Pass this along:

 

 

ATLANTA, GA -- The makers of Tylenol are recalling some of their Childrens' and Infants' Tylenol made between April and June 2008.

The recall was prompted by the detection of bacteria among some of the ingredients used in the manufacturing of the products. McNeil Consumer Healthcare emphasized in a letter to doctors and other healthcare professionals released this week that the bacteria was not found in any finished product, but that the company had decided to recall the products as a precaution.

Parents and consumers who have concerns after having given their children any of the affected products are advised to contact their healthcare providers.

Anyone who has the product is advised to contact McNeil Healthcare at 800-962-5357 to receive a coupon for a new bottle of the product. Any of the affected product they may have should be thrown away.

To find out if you have the product, there is a sticker on the bottom of the box that the product came in; in addition, there is a sticker on the bottle that contains the UPC, Code number and Lot number.

CLICK HERE to download the full list of products covered as part of the recall.

©2009 WXIA. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.

Parenting: "Newborns for the First Time-Intro"

"Intro into Newborn"

So ALOT of girls that I know are almost at the point of delivery or have just delivered there new bundle of joy. So now you ask," What do I do next?" There you are, sitting in the hospital room about to be discharged and the nurse is going over everything with you before you leave. Your thinking: "I am going to be sole provider for this baby and what do I do if I mess up?"

1st off, the baby will never know!! That is the great part of newborns, they won't remember if you forget to clean the belly button EVERY TIME you change them or if they go a few days without a bath (which by the way, for there skin, they really shouldn't be bathed everyday,but that is another post.)

You are already going to be given tons of advice from every friend and family member you know so just remember these few things:

Getting your kids to eat Fruits and Veggies!

So lets face it... We all at some time or another have a hard time getting our kids to eat a particular food. Even as adults sometimes won't try certain things. I know I will cook Eggplant for my family but I do not eat it.We probably aren't to concerned about our kids not eating it if it isn't something healthy.  If it does happen to be a fruit or more then likely veggies that they won't eat, then hopefully this will help.
Now, remember, Moms, pick your battles!!

I have been reading on some ways to "hide veggies in your kids food." I know we don't all get the recommended amount and it wouldn't hurt us, as parents, to practice what we preach, now would it?

Here are some options for helping your kids eat more fruit and veggies:

•  let your kids pick the fruits they want to eat when you go shopping
• mix fruit pieces in with yogurt or serve them with a dip
• make fruit smoothies
• offer a fruit salad, with a mix of watermelon, grapes, strawberries, etc. as a dessert or snack
• make a snack mix with raisins, nuts and cereal
• add chopped fruit, especially berries and bananas, to your child's cereal
• try dried fruits
• mix in some chopped fruit with jell-o 

Fruit isn't usually the big problem though. Getting kids to eat their veggies is usually the bigger challenge.
Creative ways to get your kids to eat more vegetables can include camouflaging them in with other foods, like chopping up and mixing vegetables in with pasta sauces, lasagna, casseroles, soup, chili, omelets, etc. or adding veggie toppings to pizza. You can even find recipes for things like banana raisin pancakes, carrot beef meatballs or zucchini cookies, that your kids might enjoy.
It might also help to:

• offer chopped veggies with a dip, like ranch dressing
• serve vegetables as a stir-fry
• let your child help prepare the meal

Getting kids to eat well, and especially eat fruits and vegetables is a challenge for many parents. To help prevent your child from becoming a picky eater, you should:

• start early by offering a large variety of foods to your toddler
• make mealtimes fun and don't try to force your kids to eat things they don't want
• look for creative ways to offer your kids fruits and vegetables 

If all else fails, consider offering a multi-vitamin and talk to your Pediatrician.

It can also help to learn about the serving sizes of fruits and vegetables so that your expectations aren't too high. For toddlers, a serving of vegetables may be as small as a tablespoon per year of age and a 1/2 piece of fresh fruit. Older kids should eat 1 whole fruit, 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables or 1 cup of raw vegetables to count as a serving.

I will be posting some recipes with "hidden veggies" in them.. Check them out! 

note: I will be putting them under the following labels:
Family Kitchen, Hidden Veggies, Recipes