Hanging By a Thread

Photo Op {Pro-Woman....Need I Say More?}

Isn't it funny how a place can feel like home even when you haven't been there for years and years and all the memories come flooding back and you can navigate by instinct? Well, last weekend I was in Austin, Texas; my birthplace; the capital city of Texas. We were there with lots of other Berends for a cousin's wedding and staying just off the Congress Ave. bridge; the one where millions of bats live (aside – a very cool thing to see at sunset).

It was the first trip to Austin for our sons. I was so excited to show them the Texas State Capitol and regale them with stories my childhood memories of visiting this magnificent building on school trips and with my mom and brother during summer excursions and playing and picnicking on the beautiful grounds and how my birth (& my brother's) had been proclaimed in the legislative chambers and of my great uncle, a state representative, etc.

It was a hot day; 104 degrees we later found out. The boys had complained of walking too far in the intense heat on our way to brunch (remember, they're Minnesotans). Our most helpful waiter told us we could catch a city bus for $2.50 just a across the street from the Snack Bar (sidebar – this is an amazing, delicious, fresh, farm to table, very accommodating café on S. Congress – go there if you have the chance!) So, we did; getting off just a few blocks from the capitol building and walking up the street, capturing all its grandeur and all my memories, as we did.

As we walked, a sign caught my eye. It was written in red marker on a white poster board and it had been stuck into the wall of a boarded up storefront. It made me think of that magical night just a few weeks back when there was that possibility that women could win a battle over choice and autonomy when it comes to their own bodies; that night when Wendy Davis stood, unwavering, for 11 hours, prepared to go longer, intending to go longer; that night when men and women filled the layers of that awe striking white rotunda, going up and up and up; cheering and shouting. The images I saw made me long to have been there; filled me with gratitude and admiration for leaders like Wendy Davis who refuse to stand down just because it's a difficult battle and an unpopular opinion. It made me proud to be a woman from Texas.

This photo is of the sign I saw on Congress Ave just two blocks down from the Texas Capitol last Saturday. Need I say more.... Over and out....

Anna

Gut Feeling {A Gluten Free Update}

Clear Answers

"If it wasn't so easy, this would be hard." Sounds like a Yogism, doesn't it? But it's not. Nope. I said it. And Will laughed. But I meant what I said.

Three months ago, we, as a family, went gluten free. It was a trial. Would it make a difference with the increasingly bothersome symptoms? Would it be too difficult to give up the gluten-laden foods? Would we have trouble sticking to a limited diet? We now have answers to those questions.

It has made a remarkable difference. It has not been hard at all. We don't feel as if we are giving up anything. And if I'd known I'd feel this good and it would be this easy, I'd have gone gluten free years ago.

One of the best and most unexpected results is no more migraines, which I've experienced since I was a teen. A few other added bonuses; I've dropped a pants size and I'm not always craving food. But the reason it became necessary to try a gluten free diet was the joint pain, the painful skin rash and the painful bloating after every meal; that's a lot of pain.

Gluten Free Trends

Interestingly, I have begun to see articles online, in parenting magazines and in news magazines discussing the pros and cons of being gluten free. Many of the articles I've read are clearly written by people who have not experienced distressing medical issues and found relief by eliminating gluten from their diets. Some of the articles seem to think that going gluten free means withholding all whole grains; which is unhealthy. Many of the articles are written in the tone that I used to have about the idea of gluten free; that is, slightly hostile.

The hostility stems from a feeling of "Do you think you're better than I am since you aren't eating gluten?" "I mean we all have some digestive issues, aches and pains, skin conditions, etc., but that doesn't mean I have to stop eating baguettes and croissants and pasta and pastries full of gluten-based flour." "You do whatever you want, but I'm just as healthy as you are with my gluten!" "And really, is that kind of diet even healthy – whole wheat is healthy!"

I know this because these are the hostile, defensive feelings and thoughts I had about a gluten free diet for several years prior to throwing in the towel when my health issues continued and intensified.

The truth is that our diet has actually improved since giving gluten the old heave ho. While we always avoided artificial colors and flavors and processed foods and ate fresh veggies and fruits and whole grains and limited meat, we had become stuck in a rut with meals and snacks.

We now eat even more fresh and varied (and mostly organic) fruits and veggies, and we eat other types of nutritious whole grains. We read labels with renewed vigilance. We eat flavorful and delicious foods. We have given up only ill effects caused by gluten.

Another common thread in these articles is that there are so few choices at the grocery store that it will mean giving up whole grains or making everything from scratch with a complicated blend of non-gluten flours. Here's the truth: there are a plethora of gluten free choices out there.

I do live in a large metropolis with lots of grocery store and restaurant options, including a variety of natural food co-ops, Whole Foods and Trader Joes which all offer lots of choices, but more and more companies are offering gluten free options. I can get my hands on muffins, breads, cookies, pizza, pasta, bars, cakes, basically anything my gluten free heart desires. There are flour blends and mixes and pre-made options galore.

Many of those pre-made gluten free "junk" food choices are expensive and not necessary for a healthy diet. So, we opt for fresh and from scratch most of the time and splurge every so often, just as we would if we were eating foods with gluten.

A Lesson in Gluten

I'm certainly not advocating for everyone to go gluten free, but if you are experiencing digestive issues, unexplained aches and pains in the joints or skin conditions, even migraines, problems focusing, then you may want to talk to a doctor and/or try ditching the gluten. There are even some articles citing studies that show that going gluten free may also help those who have ADHD/ADD or autism.

Now the thing is that with gluten free you either go big or go home! There is no wiggle room; no just taking one bite here and there; no cheating for one night; even a little can wreak havoc on your sensitive system. It can take several months for your gut to heal. So, give it a fair trial of 3 to 6 months and DON'T even think about cheating! But my guess is if gluten is your problem, after a few weeks you'll feel so much better that you won't want to cheat; it won't be worth it!

So, what is gluten? Where do you find it? What symptoms might tip you off that you should give this a try? What should you avoid? What is gluten sensitivity? What is celiac disease? What's the difference? Check out these sites:

http://www.celiac.com/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140

The Scoop

So, if it wasn't so easy, this would be difficult! I do wonder what kind of difference it would have made if I would have tried this several years ago, but the simple fact is I wasn't ready then. In January, in the throes of my influenza induced fevers I had a gut feeling. I was ready to give it go. And I'm so glad I did.

What does your gut tell you? Over and out...

Anna

Getting a Handle on Health “Care” {Fighting the Flu and the System}

Urgent Care

I dragged my achy, feverish, hacking body out of bed, put a hat on my head and headed to a HealthPartners urgent care on Sunday evening. It was Day 6 of a losing battle with the flu. I was concerned that it might be turning to pneumonia and wanted a suggestion on how to get this horrendous cough to stop long enough for me to sleep and not wake up choking and gasping.

What I got was tired, used up, rude and rushed. I was the only patient in the waiting room, but I waited 45 minutes, which didn't ruffle my feathers at all. I was in a peaceful, quiet waiting room; I can't complain about that. My family had left me and walked up the block to eat dinner in a café.

When I was called back, it was just past closing time; something I had already noted. The nurse was friendly and compassionate, despite my awful cough and rasping, grating, whispering, squeaking, gravelly voice.

Lack of Care

Then, the nurse practitioner came in. She looked tired, but smiled. I was still hopeful.

But as I began to try to explain my chief complaints and concerns, she said, "I can't really hear you. Can I just get on with the exam? I was here late last night and it's been a long day."

To which I said, "I understand, I waited 45 minutes." To which she retorted, "45 minutes? Wow! That's an excellent wait time for this weekend."

To which I fixed my cold gray eyes on her and smiled and nodded. I now knew where we stood.

She did a quick exam and then sat down at the computer with her back to me, going through a checklist. She got to a line about my ears and said, "Well, your ears looked good." To which I said in a very firm whisper, "You didn't look at my ears."

At this point, she realized she was messing up. She tried to laugh it off with statements like "oh, I've just seen so many people this weekend;" "So sorry about that;" "Can I get you a bottle of water?"

Too late; I had already made a mental note to stop at the front desk and get the manager's name and number; and once I have a voice to be "heard" I will be calling to file a complaint.

In the beginning of the exam before even listening to my lungs, she asked me if I'd like a lung X-ray. I told I have no idea if I need one. Then, as I was leaving she said, "Well, I hope you don't have pneumonia." Really? Well, me too. That's why I came here!

Service with a Smile

Too harsh? I don't think so. I have high expectations of any customer facing profession. I have worked in customer facing positions at various points and in various capacities since I was 16. I have always had high expectations for myself in these roles too.

No matter whether the customer/patient/client you are seeing is #3 or #23 of the day, you better treat that person like he or she is the only person you are seeing that day. Tired? Feet hurt? Head hurt? Grin and bear it! Nothing less than what I have done myself. That's your job.

Where's the Love?

Unfortunately, this is not the only time I have received such poor health "care." Some months ago, I found myself feeling wretched a few days before I had to head out of town for work. I decided the quickest solution was to run to Target's "Minute" Clinic after dropping Darling 2 at preschool. I was the 5^th patient to be seen that morning, waited 45 minutes to see a doctor, only to be rushed through the exam because she had lots of people to see that morning. She even told me that she would ask the questions and all I needed to do was answer her. I flat out told her I'd never be coming back.

There are other ridiculous scenarios over the many of years of my life. And maybe it's just me; I somehow find all the quacks out there when I am at my sickest; or so it seems.

Fighting {For/Against} Reform

But here's my point; if this is the face of health care in our country why are so many fighting so hard against a reform?

If you honestly believe there is no room for improvement in care, both from the medical staff and the approach that is taken; you don't think that anyone and everyone in this country should have access to health care; including those with pre-existing conditions, young children and the working poor like the guy delivering you pizza on that cold, snowy night that you don't want to venture out in; and you see no room for improvement in our current insurance/medicare/medical care systems, then please leave a comment here explaining your point. I'm truly curious.

The Scoop

This issue is not about whether you fall in the red or blue category or whether you support our President. This is an issue about people, and the right way to treat each other!

And don't worry, Health Partners, I'll be talking to you soon, but I'm still trying to get over this flu...Day 10. Over and out...

Anna

Falling Through the Dark Portal: Seasonal Affective Disorder {SAD}

Words Elude Me

The words slowly float by on the low, gray clouds. I reach up to capture them, but I'm too slow. The fog is thick; my legs feel like they're stuck in cement. It's hard to think; it's hard to act; it's hard to write or cook or get up or accomplish much of anything.

A bad dream? Unfortunately, no.

It happens every year, and yet it takes me by surprise every year. I sit confused and bleary eyed at first trying to figure out what has happened; what's wrong with me. Then, I look outside at the gray nothingness and it hits me; I have stepped into that dark portal between fall and winter and am free falling into that black hole.

The Darkest of Days

You know, that time of year when you get up and it's dark; you take the kids to school and it's gray, damp and dreary; you go to pick up the kids and the dull sun has started to slip down behind the low, dark clouds; you run a few errands and emerge to find what little sunlight there was has slipped below the horizon; you glance outside and realize you better turn on the porch light for the husband because it's completely dark and the clock has yet to strike 5 o'clock.

Up in the northern regions, this happens in late October and lasts through the winter, but November and early December are the hardest as the days are especially dark and dreary. By mid-December the snow begins to make an appearance, lightening and brightening the night and day and this helps me immensely.

But at this moment, I am stuck in the dark fog that permeates my being.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

This is Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here's what the U.S. National Library of Medicine says about it:

Symptoms usually build up slowly in the late autumn and winter months. Symptoms are usually the same as with other forms of depression:

• Hopelessness
• Increased appetite with weight gain (weight loss is more common with other forms of depression)
• Increased sleep (too little sleep is more common with other forms of depression)
• Less energy and ability to concentrate
• Loss of interest in work or other activities
• Sluggish movements
• Social withdrawal
• Unhappiness and irritability

This about sums it up, but this year my appetite has decreased, which is a plus for me.

Treatment includes managing symptoms by sleeping enough, eating healthy foods, exercising, getting out in the sunlight, when possible and light therapy. I started using a lamp last year for treating my SAD symptoms.

These lamps use a very bright light (10,000 lux) that mimics light from the sun. The U.S. National Library of Medicine makes this recommendation regarding light therapy:

• Start treatment during the fall or early winter, before the symptoms of SAD begin.
• Follow your health care provider's instructions about how to use light therapy. A common practice is to sit a couple of feet away from the light box for about 30 minutes every day. This is usually done in the early morning, to mimic sunrise.
• Keep your eyes open, but do not look straight into the light source.
• Symptoms of depression should improve within 3 - 4 weeks if light therapy is going to help.

The Scoop

As I mentioned, I am caught by surprise each year by this annual visitor. I should have already started light therapy, but I will begin it now. And I will try to remember to pull out my lamp next September in anticipation of this dark portal.

How about you? Do the dark days affect your mood, upset your rhythm and break your spirit like it does mine? Over and out...

Anna

Modern House Call: A Virtual Visit to the Doctor

Medical History

I have a history of allergies; allergies to dust, mold, pollen, etc. I can't really remove these things from my life; unless I went to live in a bubble. And sometimes a quiet, clean, allergen free bubble sounds pretty good, especially at this time of year.

Historically, April is a rough month for me. Here in MN, the temps are up and down; then it's wet; and then it's dry; then it's windy, and on and on. All of these weather conditions make for a sneezy, snotty, achy, fuzzy, bleary-eyed me.

I really hate to go to the doctor's office, but I've had enough sinus infections in my time to know when it's time to get the big guns to fight this pressurized invasion in my head. Part of the issue is that I can never get into to see "my" doctor. In fact, I haven't seen "my" doctor since 2006. Instead, I've seen others in her clinic or gone to urgent care clinics covered by my insurance for a quick exam and prescription.

Virtual Office Visit    

Well, a month or so ago, while listening to music on Pandora I heard an ad for a virtual medical clinic. I was only vaguely tuned in since I don't really listen to advertisements, but I did wonder about it and made a mental note to look it up sometime.

Then, just a few weeks ago, a friend was explaining how she had been sick right before leaving on a business trip. She didn't have time for a doctor visit, but thought she needed some antibiotics for a sinus infection. So, my friend went to the online medical clinic, answered a series of questions and got the prescription she needed to feel better.

So, last night as I sat blowing my nose, holding my head and feeling lousy from the pressure in my ears and sinus cavities as I have for the last week or so, I remembered this virtual clinic. And I decided I'd give it a try.

After answering a series of general health and medical history questions and specific questions regarding symptoms, completing forms for payment, insurance information and picking my preferred pharmacy, my file was submitted to a nurse practitioner.

Less than 30 minutes later, I received a text and email that my treatment plan was available at the site. My prescription had been sent to the pharmacy and she also suggested other treatments such as steam, saline sprays, etc for the pressure and pain in my head.

There was even a photo and name of the nurse practitioner helping me; complete with a get well soon note and instruction to call the number provided if I'm not better in 3 to 5 days. It was 11:30 on a Sunday night, and I had "been to the doctor" and was about to get started on antibiotics.

Online Medical Options

The service I used was Virtuwell by HealthPartners, a MN based not-for-profit HMO. Virtuwell currently serves residents of MN and WI, as well as those who are traveling in those states.

There is another similar service here in MN called Zipnosis. Zipnosis is a part of Fairview Medical Services. Both Virtuwell and Zipnosis were created with many patient safeguards in place, but they are constantly re-evaluating and making changes as necessary, meeting as often as once a week to discuss cases and issues that have arisen through the week; monitoring clinician and patient practices, etc.

For those in MN, here are a few comparisons:

• Virtuwell costs $40 per "visit" and accepts insurance, but you don't have to have insurance to use this system.
• Zipnosis $25 per "visit", but doesn't accept insurance.
• Both Virtuwell and Zipnosis are available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year
• Zipnosis serves MN residents only.
• Both have treatment plans, which may include antibiotics, to you within 30 minutes
• Both provide follow-up care/information if treatment plan doesn't work
• Virtuwell treats patients 2 years and up
• Zipnosis treats patients 13 years and up
• Both have limited services as to what types of maladies they will treat.
  • Anything other than routine infections and easily diagnosed and treated illnesses, will be referred to see a doctor immediately
• Both allow the patient to upload an image of his or her condition, if a visual is necessary. {For skin issues, etc.}
• Virtuwell is staffed by nurse practitioners
• Zipnosis is staffed by physician assistants

There are a few other websites that charge a yearly fee, plus a fee for each call or a flat fee per visit to connect to a doctor for a video or phone consultation and diagnosis for sick patients outside of MN and WI. If you aren't in MN, check out these online medical clinics:

• Ringadoc; and
• MD Live Care

The Scoop

These services save time, money and energy, allowing a person with or without insurance to get treated for common infections from any location whether work, home or in the middle of a hectic schedule at any time of day or night at an affordable flat fee.

There is also room for misdiagnosis and/or misuse of this virtual medical clinic model. Of course, there is always a chance of misdiagnosis and abuse of the system {someone trying to acquire prescriptions for the wrong reasons} should someone go to a clinic and physically see a doctor, as well.

I think that each person must use his or her 6^th sense about whether he or she is really ill with odd, inconsistent or serious symptoms and decide whether to go to their doctor, urgent care or an ER. If not, then this convenient, highly monitored system is probably a good idea for your run-of-the-mill, irritating infections. But I don't think I'll use it for my kids unless it's middle of the night, raging ear infection, etc.

Have you used these services? What's your take on them? Over and out...

Anna

 

 

A Holy War: When Women’s Health Care Becomes Collateral Damage

Narrow-Minded Fools

There are a few things that make my blood boil; one being the stupidity of narrow-minded buffoons. Many such people also go by the title Senator, Representative, Governor or Presidential Candidate and associate themselves with the Republican Party. In this instance, I am specifically referring to the stupidity of such buffoons who hail from the Great State of Texas; my home state, I'm sorry to say.

This issue should not be politically motivated; it is. This issue certainly should not be religiously motivated; it most certainly is. This issue should be about health and humanity; sadly, it is not.

Perhaps I've missed something, but the last time I checked abortions were still legal. And yet, in Texas and other states run by narrow-minded fools, medical clinics serving women, most of which are not performing abortions, are losing funding by the millions and being forced to close all in the name of "Pro-Life."

Guilty By Association

A great number of these clinics are Planned Parenthood. These clinics screen for breast cancer and cervical cancer, perform pap smears, counsel adolescents about abstinence and provide infertility guidance, prescribe free birth control pills, and other routine care; they do not perform abortions. In Texas, clinics that perform abortions are already barred from collecting government funding.

The decision to take away funding is based purely on the fact that the conservative base is so obsessed with abortions. So, the right wing politicians continue to focus on ways to block women from access to an abortion, even if it means leaving hundreds of thousands of women without medical care for health-related issues that have nothing to do with abortions; and regardless of the fact that abortions are still legal procedures.

In a New York Times article, Wayne Christian, a Republican state representative for District 9 in East Texas, is quoted as saying, "I don't think anybody is against providing health care for women. What we're opposed to are abortions...Planned Parenthood is the main organization that does abortions. So we kind of blend being anti-abortion with being anti-Planned Parenthood."

In essence, what Mr. Christian is saying is that because they are waging a moral war against abortions, clinics closing and thousands of women being left without medical care is just collateral damage that can't be helped.

We aren't talking about a non-profit, pro-life organization taking aim at clinics or organizations that perform abortions; we're talking about elected officials of the Texas State Legislature. But I guess this most recent move shouldn't be surprising.

Since the historic 1973 Texas case of Roe v. Wade made abortion legal, the Texas legislature has passed a number of laws regarding abortions in order to make it as difficult as possible to obtain this legal procedure. But now they are trying to hit clinics that serve low-income residents where it hurts most; their budgets.

Losing Federal Funding

On Friday, the U.S. Health and Human Services Sec. Kathleen Sebelius announced that the Texas law cutting off funding to Planned Parenthood because some of the clinics in that network perform abortions violates federal Medicaid regulations that require women to be allowed to choose where they go for health care. Sec. Sebelius noted that Texas had been warned of the repercussions of passing this law and enforcing it. The law goes into effect this week and the federal funding for the Women's Health Program will now be withheld from Texas based on this law.

At this time, the federal government pays 90% of the cost of this Medicaid-financed program in Texas that aids about 130,000 women. Gov. Perry's office issued a statement saying that the state will somehow cover the amount lost by the federal government to enable women to get care, but was not specific about which clinics or type of care would qualify for such funding.

If the conservative base has it their way, it's going to get worse for these clinics that largely rely on government funding to serve underprivileged women. Republicans across the country are targeting Title X.

Title X is where most of the federal funding for family planning comes from. These funds provide cervical and breast cancer screening, testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, adolescent abstinence counseling, infertility counseling and other services. Title X does not fund abortions and only a small part of it covers birth control costs.

Of the $300 million Title X budget, Planned Parenthood gets about a quarter of it. The remaining three-quarters of it goes to clinics, community health centers, hospitals and state agencies across the country. If Title X is done away with, it will mean more closings of clinics that help women who have few resources for health care.

Abortion Statistics

All of this in the name of eliminating abortions because some perceive it to be a moral wrong that should be policed by the government.

It's worth mentioning that over the years, the number of abortions across the nation have been decreasing for years, including those in Texas. It's also worth noting that according to the Center for Disease Control's reports, the highest percentage of reported abortions were performed on white women under 25.

In Texas, the median age of women getting abortions is 22 with 34.2% of the total number of women between 15-44 having abortions in Texas being white women and 36.3% being Hispanic, according to a report from 2006.

The Scoop

Let me clarify that I am not in favor of abortions; I know no one who is. What I am in favor of is the right for each person to decide for himself or herself what is the best path to take based on the medical options available and one's personal set of beliefs and circumstances.

I also want to be clear that I am a Christian, and I live my life based on Biblical principles and prayer, but I am also open-minded, a free thinker; some might say liberal in my thinking. This means I view the whole picture, not a small, fractured piece of the picture before making a decision.

Where the elected Texas officials have erred is allowing their personal and religious beliefs to interfere with simply aiding people who need help. In the name of Christianity and righteousness, the leaders in Texas are leaving vulnerable women exposed and without medical care.

To those who will not and cannot separate church from state, I leave you with this question to ponder: What Would Jesus Do?

I know the answer to this question. Jesus neither feared nor despised the poor, the wretched, the criminals, the misguided or the despicable; instead Jesus helped and loved all people of all backgrounds and social classes; even politicians.

I apologize if any conservative toes were stepped on, but this is my opinion and my platform for presenting my opinion. Over and out...

Anna

Mortality and Friendship

Mortality has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. There's nothing that puts life's bumps and bruises in perspective like a real medical scare.

We go along complaining about being tired or busy or little nuisances like allergies or colds, but there are so many who must contemplate a scary, life-changing prognosis every day.

People are living longer than ever before. We have incredible modern medicine at our fingertips. Those factors should be a comfort, but it's not enough when I'm feeling afraid for a friend facing medical questions.

While she would have us, her friends, believe it's not a big deal and she's not worried and everything is going to be fine {and I believe she'll be fine too}, it's our job to hold her hand, pray for her, listen to her and worry about her. 

In fact, she would probably say I'm making a bigger deal out of this than I should by writing about it, but I love her dearly and I'm very concerned for her. I know what support there is out in the blogosphere; I know the amazing power of prayer; and I know I can count on you to pray for her and her family; sending positive energy to her in whatever way you communicate with God.

As we age, we will be faced with mortality many times over and we will continue to hold on to each other through these life events. These little hiccups make you appreciate your friends and those times you get to spend with them even more. Our friends are what make the rough patches bearable.

I had decided to stop posting on the weekends, but on Monday morning my friend will be heading to the hospital for a medical procedure that will give her more answers. So, please do say a prayer for her. And while you're at it, give one of your friends a call or send an email and say hi and let her know you care. Over and out...

Anna

 

Change Your Whole Lifestyle: The Missing Piece {On a Soapbox}

A Full Picture of Health

How often we talk about changing our eating patterns, buying more locally produced and/or organic groceries, exercising more and having a healthier lifestyle overall. While I think these things are important pieces to the puzzle, I also think that many are missing a large chunk of the picture of health. Until recently I was included in this group.

I'm talking about radically reducing the number of chemicals in your home. Yes, I realize I'm biased now because I am a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. But, honestly, the reason I'm buying, selling and telling everyone I know about these products is because I have been doing researching, reading and becoming more educated about the number of chemicals we are bringing into our homes under the premise of cleaning our homes and clothes and the harmful effects of these chemicals.

Linking Household Chemicals and Cancer

PreventCancer.org reports, "Approximately 70,000 chemicals are now in commercial production, many of which are used in household products. Many of these chemicals accumulate in the human body and cause cancer and other diseases, yet they have been inadequately tested or remain completely untested for their safety."

When I searched, "connections between cancer and chemicals in household cleaners" I was shocked at the alarming number of articles in the query results on links between chemicals in household cleaners and breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. It was expected that in 2011, almost 300,000 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed in women. Breast cancer and lung cancer kill more women each year than any other cancer.

The Studies

Interestingly, there was a study done a few years ago by Silent Spring Institute in MA that found a significant link between household cleaners and breast cancer. This study was made up of 1508 women; 787 of the women had been diagnosed with breast cancer; 721 of the women had not been. The women who reported the highest use of cleaning products had a doubled risk of breast cancer; the use of air fresheners and products for cleaning mold and mildew was associated with the highest increased risk for cancer.

The Silent Spring researchers are the first to admit that the results are imperfect though, considering the data came from surveys. So, that means that women who had been diagnosed with cancer may have been influenced by the belief that the cause of their cancer was something other than a genetic link; or it could mean that women diagnosed with cancer more accurately recall their past product use. Either way, the results of this study show that further research is warranted in this area.

In another study conducted by Silent Spring Institute researchers took air and dust samples from 120 homes on Cape Cod and measured the concentrations of 89 chemicals identified as endocrine disrupting compounds. They identified 67 of these chemicals in these samples, but the most interesting finding of this study was that they identified a number of chemicals that had been banned for years. One such chemical found in dust collected from the homes sampled was DDT. This banned chemical was found in 65% of the homes, even though it was banned 30 years ago. This fact suggests that chemicals don't break down indoors.

Making Healthy Changes

There are a number of hazards concerning the numbers of chemicals contained in household cleaners besides cancer including asthma, allergies, headaches, fatigue, pulmonary issues, depression, conditions involving the nervous system and more. These chemicals are inhaled, absorbed and ingested.

So, should you stop cleaning, fling open the windows and flee your home? No. Well, opening the windows more often might be a good idea, but you can still clean your house. You just have to clean smarter and better. I happen to think the most efficient and smartest way to clean is with Norwex products.

This isn't a shameless plug for my business though; regardless of whether you're interested in buying Norwex products or not, please take a look at these studies listed above and others; do some research for yourself; start reading the labels on the cleaning products you have in your home; evaluate any illnesses or chronic symptoms you or a member of your family is suffering from; notice the reactions you have while cleaning your house or after your house is scrubbed down with potentially toxic chemicals; and I think you will find the missing piece to the whole picture of health.

The Scoop

You can find more of my thoughts on this issue and information on Norwex at State of Clean. I'm a reformed cleaner, a Norwex convert, and I feel better knowing I've made this change for me and my family. Seeing is believing; so, contact me if you want to know more.

We have a choice about our health. Let's take control of it. Here's a good place to start. Over and out...

Anna

 

The Decision of a Life or Two or Three: What You Need to Know about Organ Donation

Checking the Box

It's not something I often think about, but every four years I briefly ponder it. It may or may not actually ever affect me, but should something happen to me or my loved ones, it will supply the clear answer to a very pressing question. The answer is a five letter word. What is this word I speak of?

On my driver's license there is a small red-lettered word. It is "Donor." It's been on my driver's license for years now when I had license issued from Texas, then Oklahoma, then Iowa and now Minnesota. It's something that as a young, teenage driver I barely thought about; honestly, the whole I idea of donating my organs was freakish to me back then.

In fact, I did not check the box for the 1^st or 2^nd license issued to me. But as I aged and gained wisdom and life experience I realized the importance of providing the gift of life, if possible.

Saving Lives

The stories are too many and all far too tragic of those who wait on the never-ending lists of organ donation. A few people are able to find matches among friends, family or strangers, but so many depend upon someone else losing a life in order to gain their lives back.

As joyous as it is for one family knowing that a loved one is being given a renewed and sustained life with the help of another's undamaged organ, it's equally devastating for someone else's family because one's gain is another loss. It's a cruel twist of fate. And yet, I imagine it can be comforting knowing that some part of their loved one is still living.

The statistics surrounding organ donation are astounding. Here are a few of them:

• 18 people will die each day waiting for an organ;
• 1 donor can save up to 8 lives;
• An avg. of 79 people receive organ donations each day;
• In 2010, 62% of living donors were women;
• In 2010, 67% of all deceased donors were White, 16% were Black, 13% were Hispanic and 2.3% were Asian

From the U.S. Govt. Information on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transportation website.

Clear Choices

Of course, there are also laws and regulations that control when and how organs can be donated. The Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act of 2006 made it possible for more people to be donors by allowing more family members to make such a decision when the patient can no longer do so. The RUAGA also explicitly says that no one can revoke the expressed decision to be an organ donor other than the patient. And the RUAGA provides for an organ donor registry through driver's licenses and donor cards in an attempt to increase organ donations.'

However, in doing so, the Act actually creates a conflict of interest. If a person has a donor card/driver's license designating him or her as a donor, but also has a signed directive expressly setting out end-of-life care, the donor card trumps the directive.

Organs must be "kept alive" as long as possible to continue to be viable until a transplant can be accomplished. Therefore, the Act has created this ethical issue regarding life support and "Do Not Resuscitate" orders and other medical care issues.

In 2008, the Commissioners of this Act did add revised wording to this section in an attempt to work out the kinks and resolve this problematic issue.

"Under this revised wording, if there is a conflict between the express wishes for end-of-life care and maintaining the viability of an organ for transplant, the patient-donor and the physician must confer to resolve that conflict. If the patient is incapacitated (a most likely scenario), then a patient's agent, if there is one and if "reasonably available," must resolve the conflict. Otherwise, "another person authorized by law other than" the UAGA will be asked to make that decision."

Section 21 of the RUAGA (2008).

This process must be accomplished as quickly as possible and the medical care of the patient will continue during this time to ensure medical suitability for the organs should they donated. This revised wording would seem to fix the problem, but many states that enacted the 2006 version of the UAGA have not enacted this language. {Note: Not every state has enacted the 2006 version either though.} 

This distinction is relevant only to those who have advance directives in place. If a person hasn't expressed end-of-life care wishes in a signed, notarized document, but has chosen to be a donor those are the wishes that will be honored. If a person has neither an advance directive nor a donor card, the person's agent or person designated in the RUAGA (a spouse, adult siblings, parents, adult children and grandparents) can make the final decision.

This information is not meant to discourage you from choosing to donate, rather I mean to make you aware of the issues surrounding these choices that can be discussed with loved ones, included in any advance directives and resolved before there is a need for an expeditious decision in the midst of emotion. Clarifying one's end-of-life choices is kind and considerate.

The Scoop

I, for one, do have "Donor" on my license and my loved ones know that's my choice. I always think about how I would feel as a mom if one of my boys needed an organ or tissue from a stranger and this was the only way to save his life, then I'd be praying that everyone was choosing to donate. Over and out...

Anna

EpiPen Access in Schools: Anaphylactic Emergencies and Common Sense

Food Allergies

While my boys don't have any food allergies that I'm aware of, as a mom, I can understand the fear and anxiety that a parent of a child with food allergies must feel when his or her child is in the care of anyone else. I would imagine going to any public location could be dangerous, especially for those with severe allergies to commonly consumed foods like nuts, eggs and dairy products.

The worry of not knowing if a peanut butter and jelly sandwich had been eaten by the former occupant of a picnic table at the park; if the birthday party your child is attending is serving milk to all the kids; or if all the kids in your child's classroom are aware of the severity of the allergy and the dire consequences if the particular food comes in contact with your child could be all-consuming I would imagine. I would think it would be enough to make a parent obsessed with making sure everyone is aware of these allergies.

A food allergy is not to be taken lightly. A child with a severe food allergy could die very quickly if the allergen has any kind of contact with the child and the child does not have immediate access to epinephrine. This very sad truth has recently been in the news.

Ammaria's Tragic Death

Ammaria Johnson, age 7, died at school on her first day back to school in January after the winter break when a classmate, unaware of her allergy, gave Ammaria a peanut to eat while the girls were out on the playground. Shortly thereafter, after noticing hives and having trouble breathing, Ammaria sought help.

The school clinic didn't have an EpiPen on file for Ammaria. An EpiPen, or an Epinephrine auto-injector, quickly and easily is injected into a person suffering from an anaphylactic emergency, thereby reversing the reaction and saving a life. Instead, Ammaria went into cardiac arrest and died before Epinephrine could be administered to her.

EpiPens

EpiPens are by prescription only. Many kids with allergies keep a prescribed EpiPen with their names on them in the nurse's office at school for such emergencies. However, studies have shown that anaphylactic emergencies at school often occur with no prior knowledge of such an allergy.

However, if a child and/or staff member without a prescribed EpiPen on file with the school nurse's office goes into anaphylactic shock, even if there is an EpiPen available for another child, school personnel cannot administer that life-saving medication due to legal issues. More than likely, there was an EpiPen in the very school clinic where Ammaria died.

This and other such tragedies are too much too bear. When there is a life-saving solution available at one's fingertips, one should have access to it. There should be no "red tape" or threat of lawsuit, criminal prosecution or loss of license stopping anyone from administering this life-giving serum.

School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act

Last November, a bill that would cut through this red tape and give those in need of an EpiPen at school access regardless of whether there was one on file for that particular child was introduced in the U.S. Senate (S. 1884). And in December, this bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (HR. 3627). It has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act would allow for schools to maintain a stock of EpiPens and administer such injections, just as they do bandages. The stock of EpiPens would not be prescribed to any particular students, but would instead be at the ready for any child and/or staff who experienced an anaphylactic emergency while at school.

This bill does allow for protection of school personnel from liability in administering such emergency injection. However, it's worth noting that if epinephrine is administered without need, a child would merely experience light-headedness, rapid heart rate and nausea, which would last only 15 minutes or so. Epinephrine is dangerous only to children with congenital heart conditions, which should be noted in school records. On the flip side, a child in need of epinephrine can die without it.

The Scoop

While this act is too late to save Ammaria, it could be instrumental in preventing many other deaths in similar circumstances. Ammaria is certainly not the first child to die at school due to anaphylactic shock, and she won't be the last if this common sense bill doesn't become law.

The saddest part of this story is that Ammaria's death was preventable, but we have become too restrained by the threat of punitive actions if protocol is not followed precisely. When a child's life is in danger, all protocol should go out the window.

If you feel strongly about this bill, please email your U.S. senators and representatives. This is a nonpartisan issue we can all support. Over and out...

Anna

The Lockout: Averting Catastrophe with an Emergency Kit & Some Chocolate

The Locked Door

Yesterday in my haste to get out the door with Darling 2 to pick up Darling 1 from school, I grabbed the garage door opener, left from a side door, locked it behind me and walk/ran the two blocks to the school. I needn't have rushed. The dismissal procedure was changed on Monday and then tweaked on Tuesday. What they failed to tell the parents is that the students are now leaving the building later too.

Darling 2 and I stood waiting and waiting until finally Darling 1 emerged from the school doors. We headed back home with plans of a snack and playing and a little Mommy time on the computer. As I hit the button on the garage door opener, I got a sinking feeling. I realized I had locked the door leading from the garage to the house when Darling 2 and I had come home earlier.

I tried the locked door anyway...and all the other doors too, but to no avail. I didn't have any keys for my house or my car. I did have my cell phone. I thought we'll just call Will. He'll come to our rescue.

Left Out in the Cold

Nope. I realized he had several meetings scheduled for the afternoon. That didn't stop me from calling and calling and calling, texting and tweeting him, hoping to catch him in between meeting. But there was no answer; I had the times of his meetings mixed up. The whole time I was trying to contact him his phone was in his computer bag with the ringer off.

Fortunately, it was nice weather and we had access to the outdoor toys in the garage. The boys happily played for the first hour of lockout. Then, the sun started falling lower and it started getting colder. Darling 2 and I hadn't even worn coats to pick up Darling 1. So, we retreated into the car in the garage. The boys rummaged through CDs and maps in the glove box, went through our first aid kit, tried on a few Band-Aids and pretended to drive. Then, we all three sat in the back bench, reclined as far as it would go and read from our stash of books that I keep in the car to occupy the boys.

Chocolate to the Rescue

By then, it has been an hour and a half, the boys were getting hungry. We went through Darling 1's lunch box and backpack and found a package of uneaten granola bars. Then, we hit the jackpot.

We found a large dark chocolate bar that had been accidently left in the car earlier. I had bought a stack of large chocolate bars for my Norwex Launch Party on Sunday. I thought I had smuggled them in without Darling 2 seeing them, but one had been left behind in the car.

Ah, the little bit of dark chocolate that we split lifted our spirits and helped to sustain us until we could be "rescued." And then, finally, after 2 hours of lockout, Will did come to save us {mostly from each other}.

An Emergency Kit

This little "disaster" made me think about resources available to me in a real emergency. As noted, I have a small and mostly forgotten about first aid kit in the car. I also have a tackle box in the linen closet with various bandages, ointments, etc. but that's about it.

I have to admit that I have considered stockpiling water, canned foods, packs of tuna, toilet paper, medicine, dog and cat food and the like in case of a true catastrophic event. My brain is paranoid enough for me to imagine the kind of apocalypse that would necessitate such supplies, but my space and pocket book are limited enough to prevent me from actually putting together such a kit.

The List

With that said, I do think it's a good idea to be prepared for anything, especially with the past year of "killer" weather. Floods, hurricanes, tornados, super power storms or even man created emergencies/calamities. So, maybe you don't have to stock 300 cans of green peas and 120 gallons of water and 45 rolls of toilet paper, but a kit with basics isn't a bad idea.

Several government sites suggest that kits include:

1. Prescription medicines and basic over the counter meds, as well as bandages, disinfectants and other first aid necessities;
2. Water {1 gallon per person per day}
3. Flashlight with extra, new batteries;
4. Blanket/sleeping bag per person;
5. Extra water and pet food for pets;
6. Formula, baby food, diapers, etc if there is an infant in your home;
7. Change of clothes for each person {change out for seasons and sizes};
8. Matches in a water proof container;
9. Wrench/pliers for turning off utilities;
10. Battery operated radio/weather radio with extra, new batteries;
11. Toilet paper, baby wipes, trash bags;
12. Non-perishable foods, enough for three days;
13. Local Maps;
14. Dust masks for each person, duct tape, a whistle and utility knife;
15. Cash
16. Important docs like passports, licenses/I.D., birth certificates, etc.;
17. Books, small toys, games, etc. to keep your child(ren) occupied; and
18. In an actual emergency, have keys, cell phone and chargers at the ready.

Resources

Ready.gov has a list of sensible basic items necessary in the event of a threat or disaster. The CDC has a great article and list on its blog about which items to store at the ready and about making an emergency plan for your family to follow if a catastrophe should strike. If you are in need of a good travel first aid kit, check out this article from the USA Today TravelTips page.

The Scoop

Personally, I would also add Laptop/Tablet and cord and Chocolate {1 or 2 bars per person per day} to the above list, but that's just me. Let's hope that such a kit is never needed, but if it is then we would all be grateful for being paranoid/prepared enough to have put it together. Or perhaps you all have this kind of kit in your basements already? Maybe we're the only ones completely unprepared for a calamity. Over and out...

Anna

Where are you, Christmas Joy? Dealing with the SADness of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The Cruelest Month

December is the cruelest month. I have always loved winter and Christmas, but since moving to Iowa and then Minnesota 11 years ago, I have felt the blues begin to settle in come end of November and beginning of December when the days get exceedingly short and dark and dreary. I drag around completely exhausted, with bags under my eyes. I have no energy or "unction" to do anything. I feel low and down and sad.

Each year it seems to get a little worse. A number of years ago, I began to notice the pattern and acknowledge my blues. I would tell myself I wasn't going crazy; it would pass. And it does...eventually. I have come to realize that I suffer from SAD; that is, Seasonal Affective Disorder.

This year, with Ben's death, one month ago, and the many stresses of 2011, I have really begun to feel the SADness deepen and settle all around me like thick, black fog. I feel as though I am slogging through wet cement, hot tears roll down my cheeks as I drive along running errands or sit typing out articles, I can't get enough rest and I can't muster the joy of the season no matter how much I try.

A Ray of Light

This year is especially low, but this year I have a SAD lamp. Years ago, my brother lived in AK and suffered from SAD too. He now lives in sunny and humid Houston and I am now the proud owner of a big, bulky, very bright and sunny SAD lamp. I have used it only a few times, but I am working on getting into a schedule of using it on a regular basis in an attempt to brighten my mood.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD affects people in winter or summer, spring or fall, year after year. It can happen at different times of the year, but often occurs during the winter when a person with otherwise normal mental health suffers from episodes of depression.

SAD occurs more often in women than men, and those who live in places with long, dark winters have the greatest chance of suffering from this type of depression. Apparently, it's estimated that 20% of SAD sufferers are Irish; about 10% of those in Netherland are afflicted with SAD and 8.9% of Alaskans suffer from this disorder. Other factors include hormones, genes, amount of light exposed to each day and body temperature.

Symptoms of SAD

While there is no test to determine if one does indeed suffer from SAD, a health professional can make a diagnosis based on symptoms of the patient and by ruling out other illnesses. A person with SAD usually presents these symptoms:

• Increased appetite and weight gain;
• Irritability and unhappiness;
• Lack of energy;
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering details;
• Fatigue;
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping;
• Sad, anxious or empty feelings;
• Social withdrawal;
• Loss of interest in work or other activities; and
• Sense of hopelessness.

Phototherapy

There are a number of treatments that can be very helpful for SAD sufferers. The most common treatment comes in the form of light; a very bright light. It helps to get outside and exercise during the hours with sunlight, but light therapy is best way to get the "sunlight" needed. This is accomplished with a special lamp with fluorescent lights up to 10,000 lux.

Studies have shown that light therapy of 3,000 lux for 2 hours a day for 5 weeks or 10,000 lux for 30 minutes a day for 8 weeks is effective for many. By sitting a few yards away and glancing at the light occasionally, the "rays" can help ease the SAD symptoms.

However, commercial light boxes are not regulated by law in the U.S. So, use caution when selecting a phototherapy lamp. They are not all the same.

And, of course, neither are we humans all the same. Therefore, light therapy does not work for everyone. In fact, 20 to 50% of SAD sufferers do not feel a difference with the light box. If that is the case and the symptoms are severe and unrelenting, other treatment could be sought; that is, vitamins or supplements, occupational therapy or antidepressants. As with any medical diagnosis or treatment, seek the advice of a medical professional before beginning any treatment.

For now, I'm sticking with my light box and trying to find the right time and place to use it each day. I have been told that starting off each dark morning for a 30 minutes of light and/or 30 minutes of phototherapy each evening when it's already dark will be helpful.

The Scoop

I am optimistic, as always, even through this very low time. I give myself pep talks and try to force myself to keep up my social calendar, but it's extremely difficult getting through each day. Much of the time, I feel like I am accomplishing only the mandatory tasks of each day and going through the motions, leaving much undone.

This may sound backwards and crazy to some, but I really feel that some bright and beautiful snow would lift my spirits. There is more light reflected and less darkness when there is snow. Now, where are you snow? Where are you Christmas? Please come to me in Minnesota and light my very dark winter, and lead the way to a soggy spring and beautiful summer.

Does this sound familiar? Do you or someone you know suffer from SAD? How have you dealt with the lack of sunshine during the winter months? Over and out...

Anna

Making an Informed Decision: Alternative Medicine Part II

As I was thinking about yesterday's post on homeopathic remedies, I decided that perhaps I should have provided more background information and definitions regarding alternative medicine choices. To be clear, honey, as referred to yesterday in the opening paragraph, is not a homeopathic remedy. My point was simply that I, personally, use a combination of types of treatments; whatever I think is the best approach given the symptoms and issues at the time.

Here is a bit more information on a few alternative medicine approaches:

Holistic Health is looking at the body as a whole and working cooperatively with all systems and practitioners to achieve optimal health in mind, body and spirit. This means taking stock of your health on a spiritual, physical, nutritional, social, environmental, emotional and lifestyle level. For more information on holistic health, check out this page of the American Holistic Health Association site.

Homeopathy is medical science that is based on the "law of similar"; that is, the idea that like cures like. So, the theory goes that any substance that will produce certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure like symptoms in a person who is sick. For instance, take an onion: when you chop an onion, the juices will make your eyes water and nose run; now think of a person with hay fever; suffering from watery eyes and runny nose; a homeopathic remedy made from an extremely diluted onion can relieve these symptoms. There over 3,000 substances used as homeopathic remedies that treat the mundane cold, annoying allergies, painful arthritis and much more. Read more about Homeopathy here.

Herbal Medicine uses herbs to produce dietary supplements that improve a person's health. The supplements are sold over the counter in tablets, teas, extracts, powders and dried plants. However, many herbal remedies can also produce adverse effects in certain people. Herbal remedies should not be taken without consulting with a medical doctor.

There are many different approaches for each of us to choose from when trying to attain the best possible healthy, in both mind and body. Of course, there are other choices, including modern medicine, other than those listed here.

Watch for my announcement about the Motherly Law Virtual Cookie Exchange later; I would LOVE for you to participate. Over and out...

Anna

A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down: Homeopathic Remedies v. Pharmaceutical Drugs

Honey, Please!

When I wake to a little one asking for honey, I know I've got a sick boy with a sore throat or cough. At our house we start with a spoonful of honey for these symptoms. That thick, sticky, antimicrobial natural medicine often does the trick in the middle of the night, allowing my little guy to return to peaceful sleep despite congestion, sore throat and/or cough. Of course, I don't rely solely on natural remedies. I also stock children's ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Emetrol (for upset tummies), homeopathic cold and flu tabs from Boiron, medicated cough suppressant rub (a God send for stuffy, congested, croupy, snotty nights) and medicated first aid salve; both from J.R. Watkins Apothecary.

Treating our Kids Right

Intuition, a gut feeling, a sixth sense, instinct; call it what you will, but whatever it is, as a mom, I listen to mine frequently. When it comes to deciphering whether my son's runny nose and cough is just a cold; my son's headache and vomiting are actually strep throat in disguise; or I should make a bee line to the emergency room when his fever spikes, even when the nurse on the phone tells me I can wait and see, I trust my gut instinct and seek appropriate treatment.

A parent's primary interests are the health and safety of his or her child. To that end, the parent tunes in to the child to pick up signs of distress or ailment in order to attack any infection at the first symptom.

The question is when a parent goes in to battle an earache, teething pain, the flu, a cold, a cough, an upset tummy or other treatable malady does Dr. Mom or Dr. Dad reach for pharmaceutical drugs or homeopathic remedies to soothe and restore the health of the sick child? There are now just as many homeopathic remedies to choose from as there are pharmaceutical drugs.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy has been around for hundreds of years, but has only recently become more mainstream. Europe has been much more open to such treatments, but in the last decade the United States has begun to embrace these natural remedies spending billions of dollars on homeopathic products.

From the Greek words "homio" meaning like or similar and "pathos" meaning treatment, homeopathy is the practice of healing the body with highly diluted natural occurring substances that create similar symptoms when taken in large doses. It's a natural way of providing remedies to ailments, but not everyone believes that homeopathic remedies work.

Some parents question whether these natural elixirs are safe for their kids to use and would rather stick to over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs. Other parents have opted to take a better look at alternative medicines in light of the recent over-the-counter children's pharmaceutical drug recalls due to dosing issues in some instances and tiny metal shavings in another instance. And some parents have always used homeopathic remedies as their first line of defense when it comes to minor injuries and illnesses.

Homeopathic Remedies & Pharmaceutical Drugs

Homeopathic remedies are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA does categorize homeopathic remedies as a drug rather than a dietary supplement. Remedies labeled as such must meet the FDA's standards of Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS) just as pharmaceutical drugs must meet the agency's United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards. However, according to the FDA's Compliance Policy Guide (CPG), compliance with the HPUS or USP "does not establish that it has been shown by appropriate means to be safe, effective, and not misbranded for its intended use."

So, are these remedies safe for use by children? Most doctors agree they are safe for use. Some doctors even subscribe to such treatments in place of over-the-counter pharmaceutical remedies. Since the active ingredients are so greatly diluted, there isn't much danger in overdosing as is a big concern with over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs meant for children.

These remedies are natural and non-toxic and should not cause any adverse reactions. Even still, care should be taken to discontinue use if any negative side effects appear. Of course, if the illness persists for more than five days, the child should see a doctor for further treatment.

Hyland's and Boiron are two of the leading homeopathic remedies companies in the U.S. These companies provide hundreds of natural remedies for both children and adults and are stocked in pharmacies, natural foods stores and co-ops across the country.

Whether homeopathy truly works is subject to debate. There are those who are devoted followers those who think homeopathic remedies are simply a placebo; and those who dabble in homeopathy with medicine cabinets filled with homeopathic remedies standing shoulder to shoulder with pharmaceutical drugs.

The Scoop

Many parents like the idea of using natural cures to soothe their kids when they suffer mild illnesses, injuries or pains, but will turn to ibuprofen or acetaminophen when the fever shoots up in the middle of the night. For most parents, it's a delicate balancing act of keeping as many toxins and potentially harmful substances out of their children's bodies while maintaining their health and wellness.

So, where do you fall in this wide spectrum? I'm more of a dabbler with both pharmaceutical drugs and homeopathic remedies in my cabinet. Here's hoping for a healthy holiday season! Over and out...

Anna

Mississippi Underestimated: Answering the Question of Personhood

Free Choice

I recently saw a quote from a conservative governor stating that he had vetoed a particular bill because he didn't want to micromanage the actions of adults. This quote struck me as odd for a number of reasons. To name one, it's conservatives who typically are trying to take away the choice of abortions for all women. Isn't this also micromanaging adult women's actions?

Let me be clear. I am not a proponent of abortions. I don't know a single soul who is. I am a proponent of free choice. Abortion is not something that I would choose, as far as I know. But then again, I've never been in a position to have to make this decision; so I can't say for certain. I am certain that I cannot make that decision for anyone else though; it's not for me to say what others do with their bodies.

I think that a woman or a man should have the choice of making decisions regarding her or his body without the state interfering with this choice because someone else living in that state may disagree with the choice that person makes. The decision to have an abortion for any reason is one of the most personal choices I can think of.

An Argument for Conservatives

I liken my argument to that of gun rights. I, personally, don't think that people should own guns for personal safety or hunting. I, personally, think that people with guns make our society less safe. However, not everyone agrees with me. There are those who think it's vitally important to have firearms in the home in order to protect the family. There are others who enjoy the sport of hunting.

I will leave them to their sport and their sense of security. I will not tell them they can't own guns, even if they are safe with them and follow all the laws regarding firearm ownership and don't threaten others or commit crimes with their firearms. That is their right.

MS 26

Well, it's also a woman's right to decide what happens to her body. Yesterday, the people of Mississippi went to the polls to vote on a number of items, one of which was Initiative 26. "MS 26" as it was termed may have been on the MS ballot, but it was an issue that could have affected all women across this country. I spent my evening watching my Twitter stream with the hashtag #MS26 {I met some lovely ladies from MS too.} and monitoring MS election results.

If MS 26 had succeeded it could have opened the flood gates rushing toward the eventual overturn of Roe v. Wade. Well, it didn't. The people of Mississippi came through in the name of women's rights.

The exact wording of MS 26 is this:

Should the term 'person' be defined to include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning, or the equivalent thereof?

57% of the voters in MS answered this question with a resounding, "NO" despite the time and money spent by Personhood USA in hopes of a "yes" vote.

Personhood USA

Personhood USA is a Colorado based "Christian" nonprofit organization that "serves the pro-life community by assisting local groups to initiate citizen, legislative, and political action focusing on the ultimate goal of the pro-life movement: personhood rights for all innocent humans."

What this means is that a grassroots team showed up in MS and planted the idea of putting this question to the vote of the people in hopes of stirring the pot into a frenzy that could lead other ultra conservative states to do the same. The Personhood Mississippi website says if the vote was yes, a legal challenge would be set up to challenge Roe v. Wade. Of course, the website also says that the most important reason to vote yes is that it will honor God and show love to their neighbors in the law system. Clearly, Personhood USA was appealing to the conservative Christian voters of that state.

Strong Southern Women

Mississippians responded with their own grassroots fight, explaining to would-be voters that MS 26 could have more far reaching effects, such as infertility treatments, access to contraception and women's health, in general. Personhood USA thought it could appeal to the deeply conservative, Christian, low-income and uneducated citizens of MS. They were wrong. Mississippians are smarting than that.

The idea of the personhood question evolved from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart's observation during Roe v. Wade oral arguments when he said, "If it were established that an unborn fetus is a person, you would have an impossible case here." Now Personhood USA is trying to do just that. 

The Scoop

There are a number of laws in place that regulate the how, when and where abortions are performed, by whom and upon whom. It's not a spur of the moment, lightly taken, frivolous decision....ever. And the laws in place protect those who for whatever reason have come to a clinic for an abortion. Without these laws, providing this right, abortions would still take place, but behind the scenes, without safeguards, without regulating the who or what or when or where.

In the past I wrote about laws with unintended results. If the voters' answer to MS 26 had been yes, this would have been one of those laws. This issue is not about choosing abortion; this issue is about choosing for one's self. The people of Mississippi have chosen for themselves. Over and out...

Anna

 

A Case of Misidentification: Ultrasound Mistake Leads to Court

A Sneak Peek

Some of the best parts of my pregnancies with Darling 1 and Darling 2 were the ultrasounds. I vividly recall each of them; a sneak peek at my tiny baby. I had two ultrasounds with each son. We were anxious to get a look at them, but mostly we wanted to know if everything was developing correctly and working properly.

At Darling 1's first ultrasound we thought everything was perfect. He was active, had all his limbs and organs and his heart and kidneys were functioning well. Then, the obstetrician told me that the there was one "soft marker" for chromosomal defects, a Calcium buildup in his heart. We were referred to a perinatal specialist obstetrician for a more detailed, second ultrasound.

At the second ultrasound, the doctor assured us all was well. She had seen at least 5 others with the same issue just that day. She said our doctor was just erring on the safe side. She explained that this phenomenon was relatively new and it was thought that perhaps these Calcium blips have always been there are now showing up due to our advanced technology. It causes no problems and often is absorbed later.

A Shattering Thought

We were so incredibly relieved to know our unborn baby was healthy, and grateful to have another look at our mover and shaker. However, the first night after the first ultrasound with the possibility that something was wrong with my baby hanging over my head was excruciating. It was so painful that I tried to forget about it; I tried to ignore the constant nagging in my brain; I tried to talk the worry away with Dear Husband; I tried to fill my mind with positive research information concerning this tiny bit of Calcium.

To no avail; I cracked in the middle of the night that night. All of my fears and concerns came rushing out, flooding the room with sadness, as if a dam had broken in the dark of night without any warning to the town below the dam. After letting all my terrors escape out of my brain, I was able to wait the two weeks until the second ultrasound that set us free. And 4.5 months later, my baby was born and was perfectly formed.

What Would You Do?

There are many opinions about what one should/would do if met with a severe disability, abnormality, medical condition or other conundrum during an ultrasound or subsequent amniocentesis. If you could or would have known something would you have decided to end the pregnancy? Would you ever choose to end a pregnancy?

I know some who felt certain about terminating a pregnancy should a disability be detected. I know others who would have never terminated a pregnancy, regardless of the prognosis or issue found. Thankfully, I never had to make this decision or even think about it. No matter which way you view it, there are no easy answers.

Large Award for Defects

I just read about a case out of Florida that awarded 4.5 million to Ana Mejia and Rodolfo Santana, the parents of a child born with severe defects, back in September. This child was born with no arms and only one leg. The couple had two ultrasounds performed during the pregnancy and were told everything was fine with the baby. They were told there was an extremely minor chance of a chromosomal disorder; the same remote chance that most people have.

When their son was born so severely disabled they were shocked and terribly upset that this information that escaped the ultrasound technician and obstetrician. They were saddened for their son who faced a life of hardship. They sued the two obstetricians they felt were responsible for this oversight and negligent in failing to provide such important information.

The couple claims they would have terminated the pregnancy had they had this information in hand after the ultrasounds. The couple sued in order to provide the care and medical procedure and prosthetics for their young son, now 3 years old.

They asked for 9 million, but the jury came back with a 4.5 million dollar award that will provide for his needs for the rest of his estimated 70 years of life, even if something happens to his parents.

A Case of Negligence

Now, perhaps you fall in the same camp as Mejia and Santana; or maybe you'd accept the fate of your child and the cost of caring for this severely disabled child and not blame the doctors for dropping the ball and neglecting to detect these very obvious defects. Whether you would have sued or not, it's clear {to me and the jury, at least} that these doctors were negligent.

As illustrated from my experience with Darling 1 and the tiny Calcium buildup in his heart, ultrasound technology is quite advanced these days, and my ultrasounds were 5.5 years and 3.5 years ago. It should be quite clear to a trained ultrasound technician whether a child is missing limbs. And even if a technician missed it, then an obstetrician reading the films should for sure catch such a grave defect.

However, this case is not for you or for me to decide. It was for the jury. And the jury found the obstetricians at fault and decided this award of damages was in order, based on the testimony heard, evidence presented and instructions provided by the court.

A Call for Humanity

I happen to find the lawsuit, the jury finding and the award in order. What surprised me were the 159 comments {OK, I didn't read all 159, but I read a number of them}. The majority of the comments were hateful, rude and disrespectful. The comments were overwhelmingly against these parents. Some comments remarked that the parents should have been aborted. Other comments made the parents out to be gold diggers, trying to win big money for themselves. And on and on, the comments attack these parents.

I was surprised and shocked by these comments. I know, I shouldn't have been, but I'm a bit Pollyanna-ish when it comes to humanity. I always expect people to treat others with more respect and kindness than they do. But it seems that the anonymity of leaving a comment online seems to bring out the worst in people.

If we could put ourselves in other's shoes and understand that we don't know what's it's like to live someone's life until we walk a mile in someone else's shoes. If you have not seen your idea of having a perfectly formed child dashed against the rocks, watched your horribly disfigured child, knowing he will never experience life like other children and realized that for the rest of your life you will be caring for this child, then you have not walked a mile in their shoes. I know I have not.

The Scoop

There are many overly-litigious lawsuits out there. I'll be the first to admit it. But a lawsuit such as this is not one of them. A lawsuit such as this will help ensure these doctors and hopefully others don't make this kind of mistake again. Over and out....

Anna

What If....Estate Planning Considerations Part I

Premature Aging

There are little things that make me realize that I am no longer in my 20s. Heck I'm almost out of my 30s; and yet, most of the time I don't feel like I'm getting older. That is, I don't feel the years until I meet a mom much younger than I am who has kids the same age as mine; or I make a comment about a movie or music or style from the 90s to someone who has no clue what I'm talking about because she or he was just a toddler then; or I glance in the mirror and see all the gray strands in my hair; or I'm reminded of the mortality of us all and how fleeting youth truly is. Then, I feel older.

A New Perspective

A few weeks ago a friend of a friend suffered a heart attack He is only 42 years old. He has a wife and three young kids. He is the primary breadwinner of the family. Thankfully, he survived and is recovering while making big changes in his diet and exercise routines.

It certainly makes one think about the "what ifs" of life, specifically "What if I die when my kids are still young", "What if I die before my estate is in order" and "What if I am disabled and become dependent on my spouse and kids."

Estate Planning Terms

These questions and others can be answered with a little research and planning. We all know we should have a will, but whether we all do have a will is another story. Getting a will drafted by an attorney is the most error-proof method of going about setting out your last wishes, but can also prove to be costly. In fact, it may prove to be outside the realm of your budget, especially during this economic crunch. You can find a more detailed article on wills and trusts here.

Here are other legal terms that are important to know and understand regarding estate planning:

Advance Directives:

An advance directive takes effect when one becomes incompetent and designates someone to make decisions for healthcare issues while the person is incompetent. The Uniform Health-Care Decision Act of 1993 states that a power of attorney for health care must be in writing and signed by the person making the designation.

Unless otherwise stated, an advance directive is in effect only upon incapacitation and ceases when the person regains capacity. The agent designated as stand-in decision-maker must follow any relevant instructions provided, if in the patient's best interest.

Also called: directives, healthcare proxy, power of attorney for healthcare

Living Wills:

This is an instrument, signed with the same formalities as is statutorily required for a last will and testament, allowing the person to give instructions as to whether he or she would like his or her life artificially prolonged by extraordinary means when there is no reasonable explanation for recovery from extreme mental or physical disability.

Also called: declaration of a desire for natural death, directive to physicians

Power of Attorney:

A power of attorney is an instrument that grants a person authority to act as an agent or attorney-in-fact for the grantor. An ordinary power of attorney is revocable and terminates upon the death of the grantor. There are different types of powers of attorney documents, which I will elaborate on later this week.

Guardian:

A guardian has the legal authority and duty to care for another's person or property due to the infancy, incapacitation or disability. A guardian may be appointed for general purposes or specific purposes. Again, there are quite a few of different types of guardians. I'll go into more detail about guardians later this week.

Also called: conservator

These definitions come from Black's Law Dictionary, Ninth Edition

The Scoop

This week I will be discussing more about the issues surrounding these terms and more. The key is to be prepared if illness, accident or other catastrophic event occurred. It's not difficult to get up to speed on these time and heart-ache saving documents. It may take a little money, but if you can't afford it, which many simply cannot, then you can always search online for state specific forms and examples. If you can afford it, it's best to go to an attorney who specializes in estate planning.

Answering the "what ifs" will give you peace of mind that your family will be provided for  and you will cared for in the way you wish and in the event of incapacity Over and out...

Anna

Out Cold: Safe Treatments for Concussions

Ditching Mom's Advice

When Will, my Dear Husband, was in 6^th grade he disregarded his mother's warnings and he, his brother and a friend went down to play in the drainage ditch near his home. They never intended to tell their mother, but that's not the way it went down.

Will was walking down the steep side of the drainage ditch when he slipped on a bit of wet moss. He slid and fell and was knocked out. His little brother was terribly frightened and ran home to get their mom.

To this day, Will doesn't recall the fall, his mother picking him up or going home. While he was talking and seemed coherent, he was acting very strange. At home they put him in a cold shower, and that is where the story resumes in Will's memory. When he was still a little off the next day {Mother's Day}, his parent's took him to the doctor. He was diagnosed with a mild concussion. He went home and resumed his life, going to school the next day, etc.

Not only does Will not remember the incident, he has a hard time remembering much of his childhood prior to that fall. Clearly, this fall caused a traumatic brain injury, yet neither his parents nor the doctors took it very seriously. Until recently, this has been the norm.

Austin's Story

Remember Austin Trenum from Monday's post, the high school senior who committed suicide after suffering a concussion in a football game? Well, neither Austin nor his parents and coaches realized the risks associated with concussions and how best to treat this injury. They do now.

After Austin suffered the blow that caused his concussion on a Friday night, he rested by playing video games, hanging out with friends and family, texting, watching game film from the night before, doing his homework, etc. On Sunday evening he had plans to go over to his girlfriend's house to watch an NFL game on TV, but instead he went upstairs to his bedroom and hanged himself.

Austin's family was devastated and shocked; they had no explanation for this action. That is, not until they donated his brain to the Boston University Center for Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy. You can read more about what BU's CSTE is doing with their research on brains and concussions in Monday's post.

Armed with the information that Austin had suffered at least one previous concussion and probably several more before the last concussion, Austin's parents were able to understand more about their son's injuries and his state of mind on that fateful day.

On the day he died, he told his parents that he had been getting what he called a "football headache" after every game. This was not something he had shared with them before. Looking back over the last two days of his life, his parents noticed some things that were odd or out of character for Austin; subtle things, nothing that would have tipped them off that he might be about to commit suicide.

Tips for a Full Recovery

Austin's parents thought he was getting adequate rest to allow his brain to heal, but they now know that he shouldn't have been texting, driving, watching film, playing video games, doing homework or anything that stimulates the brain after his traumatic brain injury. (You can read more about Austin on Education Week.)

The experts say rest, both physical and mental, is the most important treatment for mild traumatic brain injuries, such as a concussion. It's very important to make sure that you or your child seeks medical attention after a fall or jolt or hit that is followed by the telltale concussion symptoms, as outlined in Tuesday's post.

In many states, it's now the law that coaches must ensure that players with concussions do not participate in practices or games until receiving the go ahead from a doctor. It's extremely important that these provisions are followed; it could be the difference between life and death for that injured student athlete. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets out this 4-Step Action Plan if a young athlete suffers from a concussion.

However, it's not just athletes that should be taking precautions. While using a computer or playing a game or sending a text may not seem like activities that cause much mental concentration or exertion, the Mayo Clinic and others strongly recommend total rest with no such activities.

Concussions usually take a few days to three weeks to heal, although each person's injury is unique and could take longer. SportsConcussion.org suggests that even once all symptoms have disappeared physical exertion should be resumed very gradually.

The Scoop

In our fast-paced, must-keep-going-no-matter-what, always-connected-online world it's hard totally unplug and simply be, but this is necessary to allow the brain to heal. And heal it must, because if it doesn't then another similar jolt could mean neurodegenerative diseases, depression, following impulses regardless of the consequences or even death. Concussions are serious; treat them as such. Over and out...

Anna

 

Black and Blue: Symptoms of a Concussion

Out of the Blue

One morning in July 2010, as I lay blissfully sleeping. enjoying those last few moments of peace before dragging myself out of bed and starting the daily rat race, I was struck in the face by something hard. It was jarring and confusing and I cried out in pain as I sat up to figure out what was happening.

Was I being attacked by someone? Was the ceiling falling in? Who was the culprit? Alas, it was only a well-intentioned little boy who had gotten up and found his new baseball batting helmet. Darling 2 had climbed in bed with me and accidentally hit me in the face when he threw the helmet off his head. Or at least this was the best explanation I could piece together given the evidence.

At the moment of being yanked out of my deep sleep by a sharp pain I could only wince and cry. It felt like my skull was fractured in those first raw moments of grogginess. In fact, it was a black eye. So, I went around with a swollen, darkened eye for several days. It actually felt much worse than it looked and it left no lasting effects after it healed a week later.

Head Injuries

It was my second black eye. I fell on a cement step when I was in Kindergarten and ended up with my first black eye, but I have never had a concussion. Darling 1 has fallen down the basement stairs hitting the tile twice in his 5 years, and had a black eye, but no concussions; and Darling 2 has had several egg-sized bumps from various falls, but again, no concussions...yet...at least as far as I know. Now, Will has had two concussions, and I'll tell his story tomorrow.

If you, your spouse or your child had a bad fall or a hard hit that resulted in a concussion, even a slight concussion, would you know it? And if it was only a slight concussion, would you do anything about it or worry about lasting damage?

Until recently, concussions were not treated with much care unless it was a severe case. Now, after more information has come out about how dangerous these traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be parents, coaches and medical personnel are becoming more educated about the warning signs, treatments and dangers.

What exactly is a concussion?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when there is a blow, a jolt or a bump to the head that can alter the normal brain functions. A concussion can happen any time there is a fall or force that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.

While concussions are generally characterized as a "mild" brain injury, the effects can be quite serious. Concussions can cause cognitive impairment, loss of motor skills or memory loss, etc.

Warning Signs

Here's what you need to watch for:

• Headache or neck aches that don't go away;
• Lightheadedness, dizziness or loss of balance;
• Ringing in ears;
• Loss of sense of smell or taste;
• Blurred vision, double vision or eyes that tire quickly;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Sensitivity to light or noise;
• Clumsy movements;
• Dazed, confused or stunned;
• Easily forgetting simple instruction;
• Slowness in talking, thinking, acting or reading;
• Changes in mood, behavior or personality;
• Loss of memory of events prior to the hit or fall;
• Loss of memory of events after the hit or fall;
• More emotional or depressed or sad;
• Getting lost or easily confused;
• Exhaustion with no energy; and
• Changes in sleep pattern.

Sources: Brain Injury MN and SportsConcussions.org

A child with a brain injury suffers the same kind of symptoms, but a child is not always able to verbalize how he or she is feeling. A parent of a young child who may have suffered a TBI should watch for these symptoms:

• Unusual tiredness or listlessness;
• Increased irritability or crankiness;
• Loss of new skills;
• Changes in sleep patterns;
• Refusal to eat;
• Changes in performance at school;
• Lack of interest in toys or games; and
• Changes in play.

Source: Brain Injury MN

The Scoop

It's important to remember that these symptoms may not appear immediately. It could take days or weeks for these side effects to show up and are commonly missed if the person seems otherwise healed. If you notice any of these signs or other unexplained and abnormal changes, seek immediate medical care for the person injured.

A second blow that results in a concussion before the first concussion has had a chance to heal could be fatal. This is why it's so important for athletes, their coaches and parents to diligently watch for signs and symptoms of a concussion and seek medical attention and receive a medical release before returning to practice or a game.

I'll discuss treatment and recovery in my next article. Over and out...

Anna

 

An Odd {Doctor’s} Practice: Appropriate or Inappropriate

The Appointment

An odd thing happened at the end of Darling 1's well-check visit this week: right before exiting the room the pediatrician told me that the Lord had blessed me with a healthy child {he always does this, which I have always thought was an interesting thing for a doctor to say}, but then he added, "Do you all have a church you are involved in?"I was so caught off guard by this question that I simply answered him. He replied, "Oh, good" and then left the room.

I kept mulling this over in my head trying to figure out why he had asked such a question. He was not asking for record keeping purposes; I have never been asked that question before at this clinic, and he did not write it down in a file or ask it in that way. Besides, it wasn't a question regarding religious affiliation as far as medical care and treatments are concerned. His question was more conversational; except we weren't having a conversation regarding religion or anything personal.

The Opinion Poll

When I got home, I decided to pose the question of whether this was appropriate behavior to my Twitter and Facebook audiences. Interestingly enough, I got a wide range of responses with a more liberal, in agreement, supportive responses from Twitter and a more conservative, what's-the-big-deal, not inappropriate behavior responses from Facebook, which is typically the case regarding all issues discussed on Motherly Law. {I do appreciate the honest feedback from all who answered.}

My Reaction

This issue was buzzing around in my head all day. My answer to the good doctor was, "Yes. We do have a church." In discussing this matter, let me be clear on a few points: I am not ashamed of my Christianity in any form or fashion. When I say, "I'm praying for you" or "I need a miracle" or "Thank you, Jesus!" I mean it and believe it to my core, but my spirituality is deeply private and personal to me; between me and my God. If I am having a conversation with a friend or family member I might chat about church or prayer requests or other religious issues if the topic comes up, but I don't ask strangers, acquaintances or business associates about whether they are involved in a church. That's just me; I'm intensely private about a number of topics.

I wish I would've had my wits about me and answered him with a question, "That's an interesting question, why do you need that information?" I truly am wondering why he asked that question. What would his response had been if I had answered, "No, we're atheists or agnostics, etc." or simply. "No."?

Appropriateness

This got me to thinking about privacy issues, political correctness and general appropriateness. This issue comes down to one point; it is not simply a matter about religion or specifically Christianity {For the record, he has never stated his views on religion, although it sounds as though he is Christian}, this is a matter of appropriate, professional behavior. To me, this question felt intrusive and very personal and was inappropriate given the circumstances.

Even if you think it was alright for the doctor to ask this particular question, how would you feel if he would have asked one of these questions instead: "Are you all involved in a political party?" or "How did you vote in the last election?" or "Are you a member of a synagogue?" or "Do you have a spiritual guru?" or "Don't you agree everyone should be able to marry whom he or she wants to marry, regardless of gender?" Would you have the same response to the level of appropriateness?

The Scoop

Tomorrow I'm going to discuss privacy rights and what is protected by such rights. On Thursday, I'll be writing about political correctness or incorrectness, as the case may be.

I expect that many people have many other opinions regarding this issue. This is my opinion. I would love to hear from you. Over and out...

Anna

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