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Guest Post: Chandra Wilson Talks About Children's OTC Safety

May 07, 2009

One of my Savvy Colleagues, Caroline from Being Savvy Tampa, was recently offered an exciting opportunity to be part of a mom blogger interview with Chandra Wilson, the very talented actor who plays Dr. Bailey on the hit television drama, Grey’s Anatomy. Chandra Wilson is the spokesperson for the Treat with Care Campaign. She is working with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) to advocate for the safe use of children’s over the counter medication (OTCs). Chandra is a mother and like all mom's and dad's, cares very much about children’s safety around over the counter medications.

Since I felt this information was worth sharing, I am reposting Caroline's interview here.

"The Consumer Healthcare Products Association is a non-profit, consumer focused association supported by the makers of many over the counter medications. Recently, the USFDA changed its OTC recommendations and now suggests they only be used for children 4 and older (as opposed to previous labels recommending use for ages 2 and older). The Treat with Care Campaign is the CHPA’s initiative to encourage the safe use of children’s OTCs.

Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of the interview. Chandra was clearly happy to speak with us. She spoke to us not as the character she plays on “Greys”, but as just another concerned mom. Each of us took turns asking questions about her use of OTCs and how we should be more cautious. She suggested the following tips while using OTCs.

Read labels and never give your child more than the recommended dose
Store medications out of reach AND out of sight of your children. The flavors can be enticing, so she even turns the labels with the cute grapes inward
Never use an OTC for children younger than the recommended age of four or under (unless prescribed otherwise by a doctor)
Never use adult medications for children
Never use any medication for the purpose of making your child sleepy

Chandra also explained that OTC medications are dangerous when parents misuse them or children have taken them on their own and over-dosed. In fact, the FDA found this was occurring more often with children under the age of 4, hence the changes on labels. She told us that this campaign is simply just a good reminder to everyone about how we should administer OTCs - they are safe if they are used correctly and per the USFDA’s recommendations.

Finally, I did ask Chandra how she balances such a busy work schedule with being a mother to three children. She explained that she has a great support team in place. She has a day to day schedule and tries to stick with it. And while she has a plan in place, she always makes room for the human factor. Things can change daily and she tries to accommodate accordingly. Sometimes her kids might come to work or maybe one has to get to camp - whatever it is, she just tries to make room for it just like we all do.

It was a joy to speak with Chandra – I appreciated how real and relaxed the conversation was. Because she is not a doctor, she is a working mom just like so many of us. We laughed about our kids, we swapped stories and we talked about how important it is to protect our children. At the end of our half hour, I was truly a little sad to say good-bye.

Thanks to the CHPA for offering me the opportunity speak to Chandra about the Treat with Care Campaign . And if you want to see more from Chandra, click here to watch her Treat with Care PSA about over the counter medication safety."

******
Useful links:

CHPA site: http://www.chpa-info.org/
Treat With Care site: http://otcsafety.org/Treat_With_Care.aspx
USFDA site: http://www.fda.gov/
You Tube link for PSA mentioned: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wf2xKPJ2fs

Read more...

Staying Healthy and Keeping the Swine Flu at Bay

May 05, 2009

I know Tuesday is normally "List Day" here at Being Savvy Atlanta. But I wanted to share some information with you that was forwarded to me by the kids' Pediatricians.

With all the attention Swine Flu is getting, it's important that we don't panic and take sensible precautions in keeping ourselves and our kids as healthy and safe as possible. Bottom line is to try and wash your hands as much as possible and if you're sick stay home.

This information was sent to me by Kennesaw Pediatrics and more information is available at the CDC Website.

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

ETA: We can't use alcohol based cleansers in our family so we use an all natural cleanser called CleanWell . It is just as effective as as the alcohol based sanitizers, but are not harsh on your skin. Check out their blog and information on Swine Flu and Clean Well here.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Guest Post: Age 7 is a Year to Remember!

May 04, 2009

Age 7-Definitely A Year to Remember!

Catherine Manabat is a guest blogger, writing on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists.
The American Association of Orthodontists is a resource for parents to learn more about orthodontic treatments and provides general tips on how to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles, get braces-friendly recipes, and find an orthodontist near you by using the Find an Orthodontist Locator service. Why should you choose an orthodontist? Orthodontists receive an additional two-to-three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.
Catherine is also a proud former "braceface" and smiles every day to prove it!

Every age is a special one for your child - and when it comes to caring for their smile, age seven is an especially important year to remember!

Some early signs of problems can be caught by you, the parent, but the more subtle ones can only be detected by an orthodontist. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child see an orthodontist for an orthodontic check-up no later than the age of seven. Orthodontists can determine problems with jaw growth and teeth while your child still has his/her "baby" teeth in place.

What are some signs parents can look out for that could indicate the need for an orthodontic exam?

o Early or late loss of baby teeth
o Difficulty in chewing or biting
o Mouth breathing
o Speech difficulties
o Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth
o Jaws that shift or make sounds
o Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
o Grinding or clenching of the teeth
o Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

If you observe these problems in your child, regardless of age, you should consult an orthodontist. Parents often notice issues like crossbites, protrusions, underbites and spacing problems.

Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. They can catch less obvious "malocclusions" (ortho-speak for bite irregularities). They want to identify these kinds of problems in patients as early as possible so that appropriate care can begin as soon as the time is right for your child.

For more information, please visit the AAO on the web and on Twitter.

Five Things to Look for in a Preschool Game

March 16, 2009

One night a week we like to have Family Fun Night. Sometimes we go out, but quite often (in an effort to save money) we stay in and watch a DVD or have Family Game Night. Choosing a game that is appropriate for a four year old does offer some challenges. But, I have some great suggestions this week from a guest author.

In today's guest post, toy expert Jim Silver discusses features that parents should look for when choosing games for their preschoolers. Jim is a widely recognized and often-resourced authority on the toy and licensing industries, having worked within the publishing and toy industries for more than 20 years. He's also editor-in-chief for www.TimeToPlayMag.com, a great website parents can go to for toy, gaming and entertainment information. Read below to learn 5 things parents should look for in a preschool game, then check out Jim's list of top preschool games for 2009.

Five things to look for in a Preschool Game
By Jim Silver, editor in chief, TimetoPlayMag.com

1. Easy to play right out of the box.
Instructions should be very simple and easy, so that you can open the box and play right away. Set up should be minimal, which also means clean up should be too. Young children don't have the patience for long instructions, and parents don't want a lot of mess.

2. Appropriate levels of reading, color matching, sequencing and memory for the age group.
Playing the game should be fun...not frustrating. The great thing is that your children will let you know when they're ready for more advanced games. The child who loves Candy Land for months may suddenly realize he's too old for it, for instance.

3. Correct balance of chance and strategy.
For younger children, the balance should be more chance than strategy. They're learning counting, memory, and matching among other skills. As they get older, strategy-thinking a few moves ahead-can be introduced. Kids also respond well to games that have a clear winner, even if it's not them. Children like the defined beginning and ending of a game with a clear objective.

4. 15 minutes or less.
The younger the child, the quicker a game needs to be completed before a child gets bored or loses focus. For a three-year-old, a game should be completed in less than 15 minutes. As a child gets a little older, 20 minutes is the magic number. Many game companies are now putting game playing times on their packages; look for these to help gauge what's right for your child.

5. Motor skills.
Many games greatly enhance motor skills through the need of hand-eye coordination. Many young children don't have enough opportunities to develop these skills, and games are a great occasion for younger kids to develop them through play. Read more...

Nutrition Tips for Busy Parents with Giveaway!

March 02, 2009

I have a guest post today that came my way courtesy of Being Savvy Silicon Valley.

If you're anything like me, making sure your kids get a balanced meal and proper nutrition, but when it comes to yourself, sometimes things slide. Bungamom from Being Savvy Silicon Valley has asked Bonnie Johnson and Deanna Segrave-Daly, registered dietitians for tips on helping Mom take care of Mom.

I know, I know, being a parent is tough. We're so focused on taking care of our children that sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. Nutrition-wise, we often take the quick and easy way out -- a cookie here, a bag of chips there, a cup of coffee for breakfast, half of our children's mac-n-cheese at dinnertime . I'm as guilty as anyone. But what's a busy parent to do? Today's guest posters, Bonnie Johnson and Deanna Segrave-Daly, serve up five great ways parents can
maintain a healthy lifestyle even in the midst of all the childhood chaos. As registered dietitians, they know the ins and outs of good nutrition. Even more important, they are moms who understand that our busy, crazy schedules means we need quick, manageable solutions -- and all the help we can get.

------------------------------
5 Basic Boosts for Busy Parents
From Two Spicy Moms
Bonnie Johnson, MS, RD and Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD, LDN (on behalf of Tree Top Trim ®)

1) Kick Up Your Heels - Don't make exercise a daunting chore. Have a 20-minute dance party with the kids. Everyone gets to pick one song. Try out different rhythms or steps like hula, cha-cha, the twist or the oldie-but-goodie chicken dance.

2) Faster Fruits - Often, we are so focused on getting our children to eat healthy, we forget about ourselves (sound familiar?) And most of us need to at least double our daily dose of fruit. So, instead of trying to count that strawberry cheesecake as a serving, try:

1/2 cup applesauce - Add a dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg

1 can of trim® Juice drink - New from Tree Top, one can counts as a 1/2 cup of fruit serving and comes in yum flavors like Mango Peach and Strawberry Kiwi)

1/4 cup dried fruit - Try tossed into cereal, over a salad or eaten on the go

3) Satiety is the new buzzword in healthy eating - it's that feeling of satisfaction after a meal or snack. It makes sense - if you are satisfied longer, you won't scarf down those extra calories you really don't need (like the remnants of junior's PB&J.) Fiber has great satiating power. Shoot for getting more fiber by choosing cereals with five grams or more fiber per serving, tossing a can of beans into a pasta dish, having a small bowl of popcorn or enjoying a single serve can of trim® which has three grams of fiber per serving.

4) Get Some Extra Zs - That's sounds dreamy but how do you get your head on the pillow when you are multitasking long after the kids are in bed? Research shows that a good night sleep can reduce stress, improve your memory and even increase your success at weight loss. While experts recommend at least 8 hours a night, start by going to bed just 15 minutes early. Do that every night for a month - and see how you feel (and if you can up it another 15 minutes.) And yes, this is one of Deanna's New Year's resolutions.

5) Cover Your Bases - As dietitians, we recommend getting your vitamins and minerals from food first. But as moms, we know you can't have it all. Add a basic multivitamin to your morning routine just to be sure. But remember, it's called a supplement because it SUPPLEMENTS your diet (rather than replaces food) - and really, we're all about keeping as much tasty and healthy food in your diet as possible!)

*** Win it! I have five Trim Gift Boxes to give out! To win:

1. Leave a comment with your tips and any advice you have for other Mom's (and Dad's) to stay active and healthy.

Then....

2. Send me an email at mimi_jenkins@hotmail.com with "Atlanta Trim Giveaway" in the subject line so I can contact the winners.

Do this by Friday, March 13th and I'll randomly pick five winners to try Tree Top Trim for free!

National Eating Disorders Week & an Interview with Emme

February 23, 2009

This week marks the beginning of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week . The goal of this week is to ultimately prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses — not choices — and it’s important to recognize the pressures, attitudes and behaviors that shape the disorder.

Promoting positive body image, no matter what the shape or size, is just one way to help prevent eating disorders. Another way is to to help elimiate weight bias and discrimination.

Several of our City Editors recently had the great pleasure of participating in an interview with Emme, the supermodel and nationally recognized body image and self esteem advocate. Emme has twice been selected as People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful Women.

Emme is working with Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity to educate our country about weight bias, weight discrimination and wants to share with you helpful ways to teach your children about the harmful effects of weightbias and how to support a child in your life who is the victim of such a horrible experience.

Savvy Source - What exactly is weight bias? Why is it such a growing problem in the US?

Emme - The issue with childhood obesity is that it has doubled in the past 20 years. 30% of adults are obese. 1 in 5 children are overweight. The obesity rate in teenagers has tripled in the last 20 years. If you read the studies that are being done you realize that children who are obese have the same type of feeling as a child going through cancer treatments.

They get mobbed, they get verbally assaulted by their parents, other friends, coaches, teachers. To think that these kids are walking around, having to deal with this? It is vitally important that government take it past just talking about. Nothing is really being done behind the scenes.

Savvy Source - Yale University's Rudd Center has recently produced two videos. What do you hope the videos will accomplish in the fight against weight bias?

Emme - To increase public awareness of its consequences. One video is geared towards teachers/parents and one is geared towards the medical community. Suprisingly enough, there is quite a weight discrminiation between doctor and patient!

The other goal is to try and change the negative attitudes about obese individuals and replace it with tolerance and respect. It's awfully hard in this culture right now when there is such loathing and fear around food. It's hard to ask any of us overnight, to just be nice and be kind. There needs to be so much more education and exposure, so many more conversations and so much more knowledge.

Savvy Source - How can we help reduce weight bias at home and at school?

Emme - Exactly what we're doing right now. We're talking to ... (to read the rest of the interview, please visit Being Savvy Cleveland )

Talking to Kids About the Recession and Job Loss

February 16, 2009

There is no doubt that everyone has been affected by the current economic climate. People everywhere are taking pay cuts or losing their jobs or scaling back on their spending.

If you know you need to address this with your kids, but you're not quite sure how, we here at the Savvy Source have some simple tips for you.

1. Talk about it. Like I said before, you kids will know something is going on. Be sure to talk to your kids and let them know that things are going to be a little different for a while. Use simple language that they will understand and don't lie to them. You don't have to say you've been laid off, but that "Daddy will be home for a little while." Or "Mommy is changing jobs so she'll be home for a while while she tries to find something new."

2. Reassure your kids. Kids want to know how this will affect them. Reassure your kids that Mommy and Daddy will always be there for them. If you have to move to a new house or apartment, let them know. But be sure to tell them that you will be a family where ever you live and you'll be together. They need to be reassured that Mommy and Daddy will always take care of them.

3. Keep your routine. It's important to let the kids have some sense of stability and having a routine is one way to keep the status quo. If your kids are used to having a playdate on Wednesday's, keep those playdates. Now, you may need to tweak your routine a bit. If you normally go out to eat once a week, perhaps you can stay in and have a family meal at home -- Make your own pizza or Taco night perhaps. And instead of going to a movie, watch a DVD or have Family Game Night at home. Our take advantage of some of the free activities our city has to offer.

When the economy falls on tough times, it affects everyone. And while we, as adults, may find it stressful, we need to make sure we're not forgetting about our kids. Kids pick up on our moods and react in their own ways. While they may not have a deep understanding of what's going on, they certainly know "something" is changing.

So talk to them, reassure them and keep your routine as stable as possible.

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Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in atlanta, GA

Other Great Savvy Source Things to Do

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More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in atlanta

Creatures & Critters: Our Urban Jungle

Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

Artistic Endeavors:Our Favorite Art Venues

Room to Run: Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

Rainy & Quiet Days: Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

A Sense of History: Our City's Stories

Tot's Science Fair: Science & Nature Sites

Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy atlanta: Mimi Jenkins, Amy Davis

Read more Being Savvy for:

Favorite atlanta Lists

Review Your Preschool

View Preschools and Daycare Centers in Other Cities

Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

The Voice of Being Savvy atlanta:
Mimi Jenkins, Amy Davis