Natural Allergy Relief

My allergist recently prescribed me a $100 per month allergy medication.  That's not something we can afford with three kids and me staying at home. 

So, I wanted to look into natural allergy remedies.  In every online article and blog that I read about this topic they all had similar findings. 

Natural Remedies:

• Nasal Rinse - a simple saline nasal spray and/or the use of a Neti Pot is great for flushing out allergens from your nose.
• Butterbur is a weed found in Europe that works like a antihistamine without the drowsy side effects.
• Stinging Nettle is also a weed but it is found in the United States but also works like an antihistamine.
• Quercetin is another natural antihistamine that is found in foods like onion and apple skins and even in wine.
• Bromelain is good for nasal inflammation.
• Honey when locally produced can help you become acclimated to your regions allergens.  It is also great for soothing a dry throat and cough that can come with allergies.

Most if not all of these natural supplements can be found at your local natural goods stores.  However, before starting any new allergy remedy, it is best to talk to your doctor first.

For more information on these natural remedies and more visit:

• Web MD: Natural Allergy Remedies
• 10 All-Natural Allergy Remedies 
• 6 Natural Allergy Remedies

Time to Get Healthy!

Three kids and an undisclosed amount of weight later, I realize it's time for me to get real and get healthy.  I'm not only doing it for myself but for my kids.  Being a stay-at-home mom can make you lose yourself in the mommy-role.  When you make or get food, it's what the kids want, which is more chicken nuggets and french fries than most of us would like to admit.  

We don't put ourselves on the top of your priority list and for most of us, that's hard to do.  We think it's selfish or worry that others will think it's selfish.  Even though we think we are taking care of ourselves, if you break it down, you are just taking care of your kids.  It's time for a change!  I need to take care of myself.  If I don't take care of myself, who will be around for my kids? 

With a recent medical problem, I had my ah-ha moment and decided to get serious this time.  I began doing research (some done in the past) and really thought about how my head works and how my life is.  After checking out my options I decided to sign-up for Weight Watchers online.  I'm still figuring things out but am allowing myself time to do so.  I am also making sure that I make realistic, small goals and work my way to my ideal weight.  And my ideal weight is not the ridiculous recommended weight based on my height and age but, a healthy weight.

I have a long way to go and I'm nervous with lots of questions.  My biggest challenge will be making this new meal plan work with my family.  But, I hope that this change will make a healthier me, make me a better role model for my kids, give me the energy I need to keep up with my kids and help my family get healthier too.  I look forward to this new beginning and plan to share the knowledge I learn along the way with all of you. 

Please share with me:  

• Have you tried something to help you be a healthier you?  Did it work? 
• How did you stay motivated? 

*You can sign-up for free at Weight Watchers Online, now through June 18, 2011 with a 3 month plan.

Insect Repellents for Your Family

For a few years there has been talk of the main ingredient of most insect repellents, DEET, being unsafe especially for children.  People began turning to natural insect repellents that didn't contain chemicals.  Now you can find both natural and DEET insect repellents at the stores like Walmart.  So, it can be a bit confusing as to which one to get.  With a family camping trip coming up, I decided to do some research on DEET to help me find the best insect repellent for my family.

DEET is the active ingredient in a lot insect repellents.  It's applied to human skin to repel insects, not kill them.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, DEET is not a health concern as long as insect repellents containing DEET are used by following the label's directions and consumers take proper precautions like:

• Do not apply to open wounds, cuts or irritated skin.
• Do not apply to children's hands or near their mouths and eyes.
• Do not allow children to handle insect repellents.
• Only used repellent on exposed skin and/or clothing (not under clothing).
• Only use the amount needed and not more.
• When you go indoors, wash off repellent with soap and water.
• Do not spray indoors.
• Spray repellent on hands and apply to face.  Do not spray directly on face.

During my search I read a few articles that state that insect repellents with DEET should not be used on children under the age of 2 months old.  Also, it is recommended that no more than 30% of DEET be used on children.  The amount of DEET does not make a repellent more effective but, it does make it last longer.  So, if you will only be outside for a few hours you can use a product with a lower percentage of DEET.  Insect repellents can always be reapplied but, do read the labels instructions for more information. 

Natural repellents do not contain chemicals like DEET.  However, they do not last as long and leave a greasy layer on your skin that may be tempting to wipe off.   Natural repellents tend to use oil of eucalyptus but the labels read that it should not be used on children under the age of 3 years. 

With this information in hand, it was time for me to decide whether to go with a natural insect repellent or one with DEET.  Since I have young children (including a 2 year old), I thought it best to try a repellent with a low percentage of DEET. 

After reading the reviews on insect repellents on ConsumerSearch.com, I decided that I would try OFF! Family Care Smooth & Dry.  It has 15% of DEET, which is in the recommended safety range for children.  It dries quickly, doesn't feel greasy and it is long-lasting (about 8 hours).  However, since it contains DEET, we'll have to make sure to wash it off once we go indoors.  Also, it can damage synthetic materials.  With these things in mind I do still believe this is the best choice for our family. 

Natural Cough Remedy for Kids

Seems like every winter our kids come down with some kind of cough.  Whether it's from allergies, post nasal drip or a cold, the common recommendation for their cough was an over-the-counter or prescription cough suppressant.  After reading the seemingly endless list of side effects caused by these medications, my husband and I often opted out of using it and relied on cool mist humidifiers and steam baths for our kids.  However, our children still would have a hard time sleeping. 

Eczema in Babies and Toddlers

parents.com

My two older children had eczema as babies but luckily outgrew it.  So, when the winter weather began and we started running our heater, I knew my toddler's red raw cheeks were from eczema.   

After seeing the pediatrician, I realized there is new information out there about eczema in children.  For example, our pediatrician told us that the medical community is now realizing the most common causes of eczema are food allergies.  This was not surprising to me because my oldest still gets eczema flare-ups if he eats egg whites.  However, since there are a variety of causes I wanted to do some research online to see what others had to say about their experiences and any advice they had to offer. 

Important Things I Learned Along the Way

1. Eliminate any possible household allergens - dust mites, scented soaps and detergents, etc.
2. Bathe frequently but limit the amount of time in the bath, use mild soaps and use lukewarm water not hot.  Hot water dries skin.
3. Use a cool mist humidifier during dry winter months. 
4. Moisturize!  Even when you child's skin is looking good, moisturize to prevent flare-ups.  It is best to moisturize immediately following bath. 

For More Information 

• Real Mom: My Baby Has Eczema
• Dr. Greene - Eczema
• Baby Center - Eczema
• Infant Eczema
• Toddler and Baby Eczema

MRSA - My Family's Fight

http://www.cdc.gov/

  This year my baby girl, 10 months old at the time, developed a very mild diaper rash.  One week later, the diaper rash was gone but, there was a small red bump with a little white head on it in the crease between her thigh and diaper area.  I thought it was a pimple or possible another diaper rash.  So, I put diaper cream on it.  The next day it was bigger, red and the white head looked more green.  My daughter also developed a low-grade fever.  I knew whatever it was, it must have been infected.  We called the pediatrician right away.  When they saw her they right away said it was MRSA.  The doctor said when she had the diaper rash she probably had a very small crack in her skin from it.  This tiny opening gave MRSA a way in to cause an infection.  They drained the abscess (pimple like bump) and put her on oral antibiotics and she got better soon after.  However, she got another abscess in her diaper area two months later.  I was able to catch it early and they put her on antibiotics yet again. 

Unfortunately, it came back again two weeks later and worse than ever.  As soon as I noticed the symptoms I called the doctor right away and they called in a prescription to our pharmacy.  However, it was getting worse within a matter of hours so I called them back but they were closing.  So, they had me bring her into the doctor's office first thing the next morning.  By the time we got there my daughter (then 12 1/2 months old) had spiked a fever of 103 F and her abscess was so large that her bottom was very swollen, bright red, hard and extremely tender.  My little girl was miserable!  As soon as they saw here they said I needed to rush her over to the ER.  The doctor's office had called ahead so there was a team of people waiting for us when we got there.  

In the hospital with my baby girl.

In the hospital they assessed her, gave her something to reduce her fever and then admitted her.  My daughter needed I.V. antibiotics and surgery!  She was in so much pain and feeling so terrible that I wanted them to do whatever they needed to do to make her better.  The doctors told me that MRSA creates an abscess that has a large pocket of pus deep under the skin and off of this large pocket are several smaller pockets also infected with MRSA.  The surgery allows them to scrape out all the infection in the large pocket as well as the infection hiding in the smaller pockets.  If the smaller pockets are left, they will create new abscesses essentially making it recurring MRSA. 

After four nights and five days in the hospital my daughter was released.  However, before leaving I made sure I got all the information I could as to how to prevent this from happening again.  I spoke with nurses, pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, etc. and wrote everything down that they told me.  I never wanted my baby to go through that again!  Nor did I want my two older kids to catch it either.  As soon as I got home I put into action everything I learned at the hospital:

• Always wash your hands with Dial Foam soap: before and after changing diapers, after going to the bathroom, before and after handling food, before eating, when you come home, etc.
• Wash your tub with bleach - before and after each bath (while child has abscess) and 1-2 times a week after.
• Wash all your clothes and linens with non-chlorine bleach.
• Change your child's linens once every couple of days while infected and once a week afterward.
• Never use a towel more than once. 
• Do not share towels.
• Use paper towels to dry hands instead of hand towels.
• Everyone in the family should wash their bodies with Dial Bar Soap.  (Only wash infant/toddler's diaper area with Dial.  Moisturize skin with lotion to prevent drying/cracking).

I am not a medical professional and by all means, I am not trying to give medical advice.  But unfortunately MRSA is becoming more and more common, especially with children in diapers.  While I was in the hospital with my daughter, there was a new infant/toddler patient every day that week for a staph infection.  So, I wanted to share my story with other parents out there that might be going through the same thing.  

I hope you and your child(ren) never have to go through the experience of having MRSA.  However, if you think it's a possibility contact your doctor right away!  For more information on MRSA here are some very informative sites:

• CDC - MRSA Infections
• CDC - MRSA in Schools
• CDC - MRSA and the Workplace
• WebMD - Understanding MRSA Infection

Kids and Colds

It's the time of year when most parents could use their own parking space at the pediatrician's office.  When you have children, especially children in school, someone is always going to get sick in the fall and winter.  However, the last couple of years the pediatricians have stopped handing out antibiotics for colds, sore throats, etc.  This is mainly because the bugs that cause these illness are usually viral and antibiotics don't work on virus.  Taking an antibiotic when it is not needed can do more bad than good.  To learn more go to - Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work.

First, do your best to keep germs out of your house by teaching your kids good hygiene behavior.  These are the rules we have at my house: 

1. Always wash your hands after using the restroom.
2. Wash your hands before eating.
3. Wash your hands whenever you come home from school, from being outside or from the store.
4. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough/sneeze into the inside of your elbow.

You can find tips on how to teach your child good hand washing habits here:

• Strategies for Keeping Your Family's Hands Clean
• The Hygiene Hypothesis 

For the times my kids do get sick there are a few things I make sure we have on hand:  tissues, cool mist humidifier, infant/child pain reliever and fever reducer, saline nose drops and a bulb syringe (for babies).  When our kids get a cold there are a few steps I always take:

• I prop up their heads when they sleep with an extra pillow.  I believe this helps prevent drainage into their ears which can cause ear infections.  (For babies that are too young for pillows, I elevate their crib mattress by putting a folded blanket under it or using a crib wedge that you can buy at most baby stores.)
• I run a cool mist humidifier in their room when sleeping.  This helps my kids sleep better.  It also helps with their cough and their sore throats.
• For head and chest congestion - I sit with my kids in the bathroom with the door closed and run a hot shower.  I do not put my kids in the hot shower!  
• My older children know how to blow their noses but my baby girl doesn't yet.  So, I put a couple of drops of saline solution in each nostril and wait a minute or two.  Then I use a bulb syringe to remove blockage from her nose.  This helps her sleep better.
• Give pain reliever/fever reducer when needed and as directed on package or by doctor.
• Make sure they have plenty of rest, liquids and soup!

Here are some great sites to find some tips on how to treat your kids when they have colds:

• Symptom Relief
• Baby Colds, Cough and Flu
• Colds and Flu in Grade-Schoolers
• Caring for the Common Cold
• Children and Colds - WebMD
• Parents Magazine Articles on Colds

*All pictures are from the Parents Magazine website. 

 

Motion Sickness to Morning Sickness - "It's In the Bag"

If you have ever had morning sickness or motion sickness, you know how embarrassing it is to get sick in front of an audience.  On top of that, the clean up can be a struggle since the smell can trigger another "episode". 

No, I do not have a cure but, I do have a recommendation to help prevent a mess and minimize embarrassment:  Momma's Chic Sicbags.  The creators came up with the idea to make these bags when their daughter became pregnant with their first grandchild.  Check out all these bags have to offer:

•  Tabs for easy and secure closure. 
• A cleansing wipe conveniently attached to the outside of each bag for easy clean-up.  
• Small enough to keep in your purse, diaper bag, car or carry-on. 
• Available in three cute designs:  Momma's Chic Sick Bags, Puke University Bags and Travel Sick Bags.

I took some Travelers Sick Bags with us on our last family vacation.  During our flight home we were glad to have them in our carry-on when our 15-month-old succumbed to the turbulence.  It made things much easier when we deplaned. 

Buy Momma's Chic Sicbags for yourself, your kids or as a great gift for an expecting mother.