It's COLD season, and I'm Back!

I was just talking about “my blog” last night, and it reminded me of how much I loved doing it.. and I do sorta miss spreading my opinions and research around the web.  Not sure if anyone really reads it… but it makes me feel better.  So today I want to talk to you about some info that I have picked up in my first few weeks of nursing school.. and that is the value of a good HANDWASHING!

In the upcoming cold and flu season don’t forget the value of a good hand-washing.  I’m not talking about a quick squirt of soap and a rinse.. I’m talking a thorough scrubbing for at least 20 seconds! (That is what us nursing students must do).  Think about what you taught your kids when you first taught them to wash their hands and sing the abc’s or happy birthday and srub the entire front and back of your hand and underneath the nails!! Hand-washing is PROVEN as the first, and most simple, defense against the spread of germs and infection!   And because you know my favorite spot for public info the CDC says it best  look here for the best info I could find!  Good luck in this cold and flu season and be well!!

S.A.D or Just Plain Sick of It??

Around this time of year here in Rochester you start to get the itch--the itch for spring! Honestly I would just be happy with warmer weather, and when I say warmer I'm not talking about 80° I'm talking anything above 25° with a little bit of sunshine!!! Several people tend to suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is a form of depression that is most common in the winter months. While I do not think I have SAD, I have taken quite a haitis from my blogging hobby… but only to fulfill my creative needs. I have been painting everything!!! It started with a rehab of an old dining room cabinet that has always annoyed me, and then carried on to the whole dining room because with cabinet looking so good, I just coulden't stand the drab 4 year old paint. And then I stumbled upon some super awesome baskets that were clearanced out and that inspired a whole new project of rehabilitation of an old piece of furniture that was in my basement for an eternity. What does this have to do with Seasonal Affective Disorder... well I think that these projects are the culmination of my boredom with the dark dismal days of winter and my way of dealing with it has been to make things around me a little brighter. I guess there is an artist in here somewhere, anyway I do know several people who do have SAD and hope I can offer some good ideas to combat it! If you don't feel like repainting your house like me, how about reading a book that is set in a tropical oasis, or even someplace warm? I for one am thoroughly enjoying a  Brimax book that Jack and I have been reading about animals on a farm, "The Farmyard Counting Book",  the illustrations of this childrens book always make it feel like spring!! It's just the little things ya know! Also I have read several things regarding the benefits of sunlight via artificial UV rays in a tanning bed (which I don't advise because you know my cancer fear) or through photon therapy (just food for thought). Or even better, Rochester has a hidden gem to combat the winter blues - the Lamberton Conservatory at Highland Park. We went there on a field trip recently and wow... the smell, the flowers the warmth… you could taste spring and summer. My latest realization though, has got to be the discovery that February break exists for a reason, because it perfectly coincides with about the time that the itch begins!! So instead of taking a staycation, I think that a trip to a warm and SUNNY climate might just boost your tolerance to a few more weeks (or months of winter). Just a few ideas to help brighten your days until the sun comes back to us here in Upstate NY.

Another thing to look into that is a somewhat less serious cause of winter blues could simply be a deficiency in Vitamin D… which is very common in our area due to our lack of sunshine from September to March.

 However, if you are feeling that my previous suggestion just aren't enough there are several signs and symptoms of SAD some of which include decreased activity and enjoyment of things, weight gain, social withdrawal (several symptoms that mimic those of regular depression). The main characterizing factor of SAD is that it occurs in the fall and winter months where regular depression will occur at anytime.  Some studies suggest that those who are prone to depression are more likely to experience SAD.   You can obtain detailed descriptions of SAD, and even quizzes to test for it  by visiting my favorite website and clicking here! But I would suggest a visit to the doctor if you think you do have SAD because it's no joke, and you should be treated!

As for me, I do have a hefty dose of spring fever though, and most recently the sun coming out on a semi-regular basis has got me really wanting this winter to end, but realistically, this is Rochester, and we have until AT LEAST mid-March :/

My FAVORITE Remedies

My #1 all time favorite and always reliable home remedy is Traditional Medicinals Organic Echinacea Plus Tea... I SWEAR by it.  When I feel a cold coming on I drink 2-4 cups of this tea per day and if it helps kick the cold super quick!!  You can find it at Wegmans for sure (in the organic section) I think it’s about $5 per box... and TOTALLY worth it!!

Next in my arsenal is Nana Mary Nana’s Bay Leaf Tea.  This tea is my grandmother’s remedy (hence the name I gave it) and is super simple.  Boil water and add a bay leaf or two to the hot water.  This tea is excellent for relief of an upset stomach, or constipation (add a dash of sugar).

I also am a firm believer in the power of zinc and vitamin C! I picked this one up from my mother-in-law, who always pushes zinc when she doesn’t feel well, and we all know about the power of vitamin C!! Both of these vitamins boost the immune system.  I reserve them for times of illness ONLY!  I feel that making them a part of your normal day to day minimizes the power.

And how about massage for all that ails you! Especially for us ladies in our 30s there is nothing better than a sweet neck and shoulder massage to relieve headache pain.  Or how about this for some serious pain relief... I had pain in my lower back for YEARS went to the Dr. make sure it wasn’t my kidneys and said that it was most certainly muscular.  So I get a few massages and the pain I had lived with for 2/3 years was gone!

Another one of Nana Mary Nana’s remedies is Vicks VapoRub!  Let me tell you what I love about it : if you have kids under 5 then you know that they can’t take a cough suppressant yet and Vicks has been my savior in this specific department (especially this winter)!! It really does sooth the cough and congestion.  Also if you haven’t heard yet let me let you in on a great secret if you rub Vicks on your feet at bedtime when you have a cough and put socks on it helps stop the cough while you are sleeping.  I have no physiological explanation for this phenomenon all I can tell you is that it works. Another trick that I picked up from grandma… rub a little Vicks on your temples if you have a headache and it helps!!

While we are talking about coughing let me also let you in on another great remedy for coughs… GUAIFENESIN (http://www.drugs.com/guaifenesin.html)!  This is another over-the-counter medication, its cough syrup that is really great at breaking up congestion in adults and children alike.  I always take it (as directed) when my chest is beginning to get congested and it really does the trick.  I have recently found that CVS carries it in crystal form (for kids) they are little grape flavored sprinkles that you can give to your kids... because to be honest getting a kid to drink the guaifenesin syrup is virtually impossible as it tastes very strong and somewhat nasty.

While I’m on a roll with products that I love let’s talk about ICY HOT (this one is my husbands least favorite bc I usually slather so much on that it clears his and my sinus’ for a week).  But WOW!! If you have a sore muscle… ICY HOT rocks!! I prefer the cream form, it’s less greasy!  

Well there you have it, my favorite remedies! Hope you find them useful!

Mind Body Connections

When I have a headache, I think it's a brain tumor, when I have a stomachache I think its stomach cancer. Hypochondria is defined as an obsession or preoccupation with one's health often times focusing on one or more symptoms that are "indicative" of a more serious problem. If that is what defines hypochondria… then I guess my preoccupation is cancer, since no matter what is wrong with me I automatically assume its cancer.

Don't think I'm neurotic, well, maybe I am, but what I am even more concerned with as of late is what kind of effect my hypochondria is actually having on my health. I have stumbled upon a very interesting and loaded topic, one that goes much deeper than I care to go in this blog, but I am going to give you some tools and a spark of incentive to look deeper, as I did. I decided to explore the mind-body connection, because what I would really like to know is if my preoccupation with having cancer is going to lead to me actually developing it (god I hope not)!

Western beliefs are centered strongly around the mind and body's connection. The practice of yoga alone really focuses around the sentiment that a centered mind and body are one in the same. And to be honest when I was practicing yoga on a regular basis my hypochondria was at its best, and so was my stress level. Tai Chi, deep breathing, acupuncture and massage therapy also rank high in the area of mind-body connection, and many people (myself included) have felt the calming effects these activities can have on general health and well-being. The chakra's of the body are different zones in your body which have a direct connection to well being, see them described in detail in the chart below. Here is a great link that describes the chakras. http://www.drnorthrup.com/womenshealth/energycenters/index.php

As of late, research across the medical community has shown a definite mind-body connection. And the now trendy holistic health craze has really taken off. The results of those medical practices that were at one time considered to be performed by "witch doctors" are now more mainstream and acceptable.

I myself have reaped the benefits of alternative medicine, massage in particular, and as I said earlier- yoga, and I truly believe in the benefits of the healthy mind! Take some time and take a peak… maybe you can benefit too!

Here are some great mind-body links:

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/mental/782.html

http://www.webmd.com/video/rippe-mind-body-connection

 

 

 

Shot or not???

For the past several years I have hemmed and hawed as to whether or not to get the flu shot. According to the CDC:

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine There are two types of vaccines: The "flu shot" — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. Flu Shot: Vaccination Information Statement (VIS) The nasal-spray flu vaccine —a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine" or FluMist®). LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant. Nasal Spray: Vaccination Information Statement (VIS) http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

 

My main argument is how can you vaccinate against the flu... a virus?? My second argument is that the flu shot IS NOT a guarantee that you will not get the flu. This is because the flu shot is a scientists guess at the strain of the flu that is "most likely" to affect the population each year. Why would I willingly inject myself and my children with the dreaded flu? And really who's to say that the flu shot isn't just another media induced frenzy??

Let me tell you why my objections are valid. First, the flu is a virus; the only way for a virus to die is for it to be killed off by your body's natural defenses. There are no antibiotics, no cold medicines; no herbal remedies that will kill the virus, only time and a healthy immune system can help. Second, the fact that the flu shot is a guess is not good enough. It is impossible to predict with 100% accuracy every time, therefore there is only a chance that the same virus which you will get in the flu shot is the one you will get if you get the flu. Unless of course we are talking about the H1N1 vaccine, which is in fact composed of the H1N1 virus and will prevent you from getting the "swine flu". And I know that some of you are saying "Its not the live flu that you are being injected with!" But you know what; I'm not a fan of virus' living or dead.

Natural immunity is immunity that is acquired by your body as a result of fighting an illness successfully. This type of immunity is the only guarantee that you will not EVER get the same virus twice. The live nasal spray version of the "shot" is the only way that you can attain natural immunity as a result of the flu shot. Therefore with the most flu shot you will still feel the effects of the flu, just much milder than you would if you had acquired it on your own.

Here is another thing that frustrates me about the flu shot madness... it is now mandated by some employers (mainly hospitals) that employees get the flu shot, why are people allowing this to happen? It is such a violation of your rights. Not only that, but how about the people that get their flu shots and then immediately assume that not only are they not going to get sick, but that you are because you did not get it. And every time that my children get sick I am bombarded with people who ask… "Did they get their flu shot??" and when I answer "no" I am almost immediately looked at like a careless mother who's kids got sick because they did not get the flu shot. Guess what scornful supporters of the flu shot... my girlfriends son currently has this years flu... and guess what else... HE GOT THE SHOT!!! So there you go... maybe my children did get sick but at least it was out of my control.

Ok enough of my evil ranting... there are some benefits that I can find in support of the flu shot. One of which I learned in my microbiology class this year. The smallpox vaccine was created several years ago and eradicated smallpox. The smallpox vaccine was actually created from a strain of cowpox that was a close enough match that it prevented the smallpox as well and therefore allowed for people to develop immunity to smallpox. In light of this phenomenon I can see how the flu shot may have some benefits, and could potentially work. However that being said, it is still a gamble that I'm not willing to take.

 

 

Searching for a STRESS FREE me!

Top 10 Stressful Life Events Spouse's death Divorce Marriage separation Jail term Death of a close relative Injury or illness Marriage Fired from job Marriage reconciliation Retirement Source: Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory

Stress is one of the biggest problems faced by Americans today, 11% of American women, and 5% of American men are currently taking some form of anti-depressant to combat anxiety, stress or depression.  Is this a problem that has existed for hundreds of years that was just never addressed or is modern day living just more stressful than it was for previous generations?  I have to think that it is a little of both.  America has become obsessed with moving on to the next thing… putting pressure on all of us to "keep up with the Jones' " rather than sit back and enjoy what we have.   

For the past 2 years I have enjoyed being a stay@home mom!!  I have loved my time at home, but believe me it has not been the walk in the park that most people assume it is.  The greatest part is that you don't have as much stress as you do when you are working full-time.  However, you still have to run the household, make the dinners, do the laundry, wrangle children, and for me wrestle a Labrador.... so the while the luxury of not having to work 40 hours while doing it is wonderful, it does not mean I live a stress-free life! Because let's face it, job or not, raising kids is difficult. For me, I think that being a stay@home mom is far more stressful than being a working mom is. I know that many of you working moms are saying "OH yeah whatever!!"  but take it from someone who used to say the same thing "How hard could it be??" well... it's A LOT of work... especially if you have more than 1 child.  Also, personally, I enjoy the satisfaction of making money and contributing it to the household (not that raising 2 kids isn't a contribution).  But one thing I can say is that I no longer have an overwhelming feeling that I am not being a good parent or a good employee because I am only half listening most of the time, while trying to get 200 other things completed.   Although, sometimes being THAT busy was good because it forced me (a person who has ADD) to prioritize and complete tasks in an orderly and somewhat more effective way than I can now... when mommy-hood is my main agenda.  

In light of all that I have decided that a part-time job is the perfect solution! Now my goal: to find STRESS-FREE employment.  Does it exist?? Too much stress is definitely counterproductive to one's health and has been linked to migraines, stomach problems, muscle tension, and insomnia just to name a few. I am not going there, and I know that while I was not extremely stressed at my last full-time job itself, the demands of motherhood coupled with that job made for a very stressed person.  Now adding in another child and the pursuit of higher education, and I decided something had to give.  My husband and I decided that rather than put our new baby in daycare...why not quit my job (after all my entire income would have been devoted to paying for daycare anyway). This choice, while a sacrifice, has made a great difference in my stress levels, as well as my ability to be a great mom! After all, these boys are growing by leaps and bounds and in a few years will be asking for the car keys instead of the newest action figures.

Some helpful ways for you working and non-working moms to lower your stress level... other than Prozac, Paxil, or whatever the latest drug of choice is are: YOGA (a great stress reliever), deep breathing, and a glass of wine every now and again. OH, and most importantly... a break from the kids every now and then. You know what they say: "Distance makes the heart grow fonder", well I truly believe that is true with your kids as well as your partners. I have attached an excellent article about de-stressing your life here!! Enjoy and until next time… be well!!

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm

 
 

 
 

You Give Me FEVER

My kids could come running up to me with a bone sticking out of their arm, and I would react much more calmly than I do if they have a fever.  Being a student in the medical field I have read extensively about fever and I know the physiological causes.  Teachers, doctors and nurses have reassured my research with the details of their experiences, yet despite all this knowledge if I see a temp above 100° I freak!!

If you aren't as informed about fever please let me enlighten you to what I know.  Maybe it will help you out if you are a hypo like me.. or even if you aren't.

Fever is usually the body's response to infection.  I say usually because we all know that everyone is different and some people (like my husband, and thanks to genetics my kids too) can just randomly spike a fever, and be fine within a few hours. Anyways, when your body has an infection white blood cells go to work to fight this infection off.  The hypothalamus (located in your brain) is like your body's thermostat, it will elevate your core temperature to make the environment less favorable for bacteria to grow and flourish.  That is the short of it, and instead of getting super physiological and boring on you.. lets just stop there.

Back to the hypochondriacs perspective, I have to remind myself every time that I am in a panic: the fever is HELPING my kids little bodies, NOT HURTING them.  This is the outlook that our pediatric nurse always seems to push on me when I call her obviously sounding a bit frazzled.. yet although I know this.. the sight of 102° on that ear scan sends shivers down my spine and warrants immediate "cool down intervention".  Here's what I do.. cool water washcloths on the forehead, back of the neck, wrists and ankles.  Why? I find that cooling these areas has a direct effect on bringing overall temperature down.  I also immediately administer ibuprofen, unless there is some sort of stomach bug along with the fever, in which case I go for acetaminophen because its gentle on the belly.  Thankfully these methods are usually quite effective.  

Now let me explain to you what freaks me out..

First, an extremely high fever (greater than 105°) for an extended amount of time can cause damage to the brain, seizures and even death. 
Second, fever is something purely physical in that there isn't much you can do to stop it.  You can set a broken bone, put a band-aid on a cut, even have surgery to repair your appendix... but with fever there are no guarantees.

So for now, I have to take comfort in my research and accept that fever is pretty much out of my control, however the only thing that takes the knot out of my stomach is seeing that thermometer saying "98.6°"!