Search Results for: blog five ways to prepare for cold and flu season

U.S. Declares Swine Flu a Public Health Emergency

On Sunday, April 26, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Homeland Security declared a public health emergency for swine influenza. This sounds a lot scarier than it actually is. The government declares public health emergencies more often than you’d think — for things like hurricanes, flooding, and even the recent inauguration. Basically, a public health emergency is more like a warning to be prepared, according to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The CDC has reported twenty cases of swine flu in the United States so far, spread over five states: California Texas Kansas Ohio New York … Continue reading →

Frugal Month in Review: September 2008

Now that September is come and gone and the kiddies are settled back into school and regular routines, it is time to welcome the fall. Still, there is plenty of good stuff that went on in September, including a bunch of ways to save money. September 1st Frugal Living Week in Review: August 25th Through August 31st Food and back to school are the two things on my mind this week. I e-mailed my son’s teacher ahead of time to ask about additional supplies that she might need for the classroom. She said that she usually asks parents for antibacterial … Continue reading →

Updating the Flu Shot

The flu vaccine is new every year. The influenza virus evolves quickly, and the vaccine has to change every year to keep up. This year’s flu shot is getting some attention in the news lately. It seems like the flu shot did well protecting people for the first part of the flu season, but now cases of influenza are on the rise. Why? Because the strains that are very active this year aren’t strains that were covered in the 2008 flu shot. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control say that only about forty percent of the people who got vaccinated … Continue reading →

Hand Sanitizer- It Does a Body Good

I’m not a germ-phobe but since I became a mother, I like to carry a little bottle of hand sanitizer with me wherever we go. I find them more convenient than carrying around a bunch of wet wipes or going to the restroom only to find there are no paper towels and having to grab a bunch of toilet paper as a substitute. According to the Mayo Clinic, using hand sanitizers is a more effective way than soap and water to kill germs that cause illness. This is especially important for families with young kids. According to an article in … Continue reading →

What Is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death in America — and many people don’t know what it is. COPD is an umbrella term that covers emphysema (a loss of elasticity in the air sacs that makes breathing difficult), chronic bronchitis (permanently narrowed airways thanks to repeated inflammation), and even some forms of asthma! More than twelve million Americans have already been diagnosed with COPD — and approximately ninety percent of these cases are a result of smoking. Problems develop after twenty “pack years” — smoking one pack per day for twenty years, or two … Continue reading →

Baby Sniffles: What NOT To Do

Has your little one been sick yet? They’re miserable, congested, can’t sleep (which in turn means you can’t sleep) and just generally cranky! Up all night, you pace, try sitting in the steaming bathroom, and maybe sometimes your desperate enough to use cold medicine? This could turn out to be a fatal error. The CDC is now issuing a warning to parents that they should never give their infants cough or cold medicine without talking to a physician. Recently, a medical examiner ruled that cough and cold medicine was the underlying cause in the death of three infants, ages 1 … Continue reading →

The Day My Runny Nose Ran Away – Jason Eaton

Perhaps you have a cold, as many of us do. You may wish you could just take your nose off altogether, rather than having to deal with it any further. But be careful – you could end up “facing” the same situation as Jason does in this hysterical children’s picture book, “The Day My Runny Nose Ran Away.” One morning, Jason wakes up to find the following note on his pillow: “Dear Jason, Last night your mother told you not to wipe your nose on your sleeve. But did you listen? No! You wiped me up and down your lousy … Continue reading →

All About the Flu Shot

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 90 children under the age of 5 die of influenza each year in the United States. However, more and more pediatricians are now recommending that your little ones get the vaccine. If you’re concerned that the flu shot may have negative side effects, rest assured that they are safe for babies and toddlers. According to the biggest study ever, following 45,000 children, researchers found virtually no side effects that required medical treatment in the children during the first 6 weeks after vaccination. They also noted that flu vaccines have a … Continue reading →

Sun, Moon, Stars, Sky – Catherine and Laurence Anholt

Early in the morning, the sun comes up. Look out of your window. Is it . . . Frosty, foggy, wet, windy, hot, hailing, stormy, snowing? What’s the weather like today? This delightful and educational children’s book starts out by introducing children to the concept of weather. Inviting them to open the window and look outside, it then illustrates each of the above listed weather conditions so the child can find the word to best describe what it looks like outside. On hot days, bees buzz, tired dogs search for shade, ice tastes nice, plants need a drink, too. We … Continue reading →