Myspace Graphics | New Years Images | Myspace layouts

To all of my readers, I hope you have a Merry Chrismas, Happy Hannukah, Blessed Yule or whatever you celebrate during this season!

Seasons Greetings to all of you!

It blows my mind that it’s NOVEMBER all ready. I just cringe when we get the “gift idea” catalogs in the mail. I’ve been procrastinating long enough. Hopefully, everyone will get some great Christmas ideas from this blog.

Be careful when you take your rings off!! We had a patient in the office today, who’s toddler swallowed a wedding band. I guess that a mens wedding ring looked like a glowing cheerio so he popped it in his mouth. How’d he get it you ask?? Apparently, Dad had misplaced it and *VOILA* Lil Junior found it for him. We did an x-ray & it had already passed through his stomach & small intestine, so it should be heading for the pooper shoot soon.

I know at times it’s unavoidable, but try to keep your children from ingesting foreign objects, please. It makes my job as an x-ray tech much easier If you’ve seen that new show on TV, you’ll know that kids will eat far worse than a ring to keep from going to bed!

until my children grow up & their children want to drag them to a childrens franchise like Chuck-E-Cheese.

It’s the little things, isn’t it??

A little different post today.

We all struggle with problems within our families, whether it be strong-willed children or major items requiring medical intervention. Just remember that you are not alone. One place to turn to for answers is family help books. I’ve read several for getting tips on dealing with my strong-willed stepson and in turn helping  myself to stay sane when I’m stressed out.

Do everything you can to try & strengthen your family. Don’t let it be torn apart by stress!!

Not only is October Breast Cancer Awareness month, it was also SIDS Awareness Month. Two causes close to any mother’s heart. Neither can truly be prevented, but awareness is the key! Tips to remember are:

1. Place infants to sleep on their backs, even though they may sleep more soundly on their stomachs. Infants who sleep on their stomachs and sides have a much higher rate of SIDS than infants who sleep on their backs.

2. Place infants to sleep in a baby bed with a firm mattress. There should be nothing in the bed but the baby – no covers, no pillows, no bumper pads, no positioning devices and no toys. Soft mattresses and heavy covering are associated with the risk for SIDS.

3. Keep your baby’s crib in the parents’ room until the infant is at least 6 months of age. Studies clearly show that infants are safest when their beds are close to their mothers.

4. Do not place your baby to sleep in an adult bed. Typical adult beds are not safe for babies. Do not fall asleep with your baby on a couch or in a chair.

5.Do not over-clothe the infant while she sleeps. Just use enough clothes to keep the baby warm without having to use cover. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for you. Overheating an infant may increase the risk for SIDS.

6. Avoid exposing the infant to tobacco smoke. Don’t have your infant in the same house or car with someone who is smoking. The greater the exposure to tobacco smoke, the greater the risk of SIDS.

7. Breast-feed babies whenever possible. Breast milk decreases the occurrence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Studies show that breast-fed babies have a lower SIDS rate than formula-fed babies do.

8. Avoid exposing the infant to people with respiratory infections. Avoid crowds. Carefully clean anything that comes in contact with the baby. Have people wash their hands before holding or playing with your baby. SIDS often occurs in association with relatively minor respiratory (mild cold) and gastrointestinal infections (vomiting and diarrhea).

9. Offer your baby a pacifier. Some studies have shown a lower rate of SIDS among babies who use pacifiers.

10. If your baby has periods of not breathing, going limp or turning blue, tell your pediatrician at once.

11. If your baby stops breathing or gags excessively after spitting up, discuss this with your pediatrician immediately.

12. Thoroughly discuss each of the above points with all caregivers. If you take your baby to daycare or leave him with a sitter, provide a copy of this list to them. Make sure they follow all recommendations.

So, let’s hear it.

Are you one of those mom’s that said you’d never just “pop in a movie” to entertain your children?

Have you changed your mind yet?

I have a few friends that made that very same statement. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t advocate a DVD player babysitting the kids. Sometimes you just need a moment by yourself, whether it be to take a shower or do the dishes.

So do your children watch disney, sesame street, veggie tales, or fox news??