Tips for Preventing Summer ER Visits

Want to stay out of the emergency room this summer? I know I do. Across the United States, emergency care facilities see nearly a twenty percent jump in traffic during the summer months… and now that I think about it, the majority of my ER visits have been during the summer. Knowing is half the battle… preparation and prevention is the other half. (Sorry, G.I. Joe!) Here are some things you can do to make the summer months safer and healthier. Always drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a huge health issue during the summer months! Always wear sunscreen. Yes, … 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

Baby Blog Week in Review: September 22nd Through September 28th

Here is the week in review for September 22nd through September 28th. September 22nd Having a Clean Home Might Be Bad for Your Baby Did you go through a period of nesting before the birth of your baby? Where you frantically cleaning and organizing? Most of us go through that time, close to birth, where we want to make sure that we are prepared and that everything is ready for our new little one. Baby Blog Week in Review: September 15th Through September 21st September 23rd The Link Between C-Sections and Childhood Asthma Did you deliver your baby by c-section? … 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

When Mom Is Sick

I’m holed up in my room with a laptop, a 32 ounce bottle of orange Gatorade, and a body full of aches. It’s flu season and I have not escaped its wrath. Unfortunately, having the flu also means I’m quarantined from my toddler, which has been harder for me than battling this nasty bug. For the past two days, my husband has become our son’s primary care giver, giving me the chance to recuperate. I find myself torn between appreciation for the rest I’m getting and missing my little guy. Last night, my husband brought him into our bedroom to … Continue reading

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis — irritation and/or inflammation of the stomach and intestines — is a common cause for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other symptoms can include a low grade fever, bloating, and cramping. Lots of things can cause a bout of gastroenteritis, but the two most common culprits are viruses and bacteria. Bacterial versions can last a week or more; viral versions are mild in comparison and last just a few days. Some bacterial causes of gastroenteritis can include: E. coli, salmonella. Some viral causes of gastroenteritis can include: adenoviruses, rotaviruses, and noroviruses. In fact, the norovirus (also known as Norwalk virus … Continue reading

Drawing the Line: At-Home Care or the Vet’s Office?

Moose’s recent illness has had me thinking a lot about my judgement as a pet owner. Because Moose often has a sensitive stomach, I often end up treating him at home. This last time, we needed the vet. But did I call for help quickly enough? Could I have saved him (and me) some suffering by calling the vet in sooner? Between writing about pets for more than three years, working at the cats-only boarding and vet, and reading a lot of pet health books, I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of what’s an emergency and what … Continue reading

Where the Cold Germs Hide in Your Home

If someone comes down with a cold or flu in your household, it is usually inevitable that at least one other family member will get it. At least that is the way it is in my household. By the time one person starts exhibiting the symptoms, chances are that we have all already been exposed to the same germs. That still doesn’t stop me from disinfecting everything in sight. But what if someone who appears ill comes to visit you in your home? It could be anyone from a friend stopping by to little kids at a playdate. While I … Continue reading

New Children’s Vitamin D Recommendation May Require Supplements

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a new recommendation for the amount of vitamin D for newborns, babies, kids and teens. Read on to learn more. If you are a breast-feeding mom, then chances are that you are familiar with vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D is usually present in formula but very little is available in breastmilk. Because of this fact, a liquid vitamin supplement that includes vitamin D is usually recommended for newborns who are breast-feeding. Older kids usually get their vitamin D from drinking regular cow’s milk. The vitamin was added many years ago to both milk and … Continue reading

Fans May Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is an as yet unexplained phenomena that takes the lives of many babies each year. It is defined as the sudden death of a child under one year of age that cannot be explained. The highest risk of SIDS seems to take place between the ages of two and four months old, and as any parent who has checked their quiet child in the middle of the night knows, it is a scary possibility. The Back to Sleep campaign, launched in the 90s has made significant progress in reducing the number of SIDS deaths, … Continue reading