Healthy Eating for Life
by Kate Semp
One aspect of parenting I am very passionate about is making sure my family eats nutritious healthful meals.
In some ways this concept is incredibly straightforward. Eat and drink, from the earth, meats, fruits and vegetables with minimal/no processing and drink water.
I don’t really buy packaged foods so I don’t worry too much about reading labels. Rice is rice, apples are apples, etc. I buy/grow my own herbs and use a variety of spices to add flavor vs buying pre-seasoned products. If I do buy items that have been processed, when I read the label, sugars and fats cannot be the first ingredients. My rule of thumb - I must be able to read, pronounce and RECOGNIZE (without reflecting on my college chemistry classes) all (preferably 5 or less) the ingredients. Pretty quickly you realize that few things in the aisles fit this criteria.
When I shop in the grocery store I stay to the walls and rarely go up and down the aisles. I try to buy local organic, then local and then organic when it comes to meat and produce. There are guides to help you figure out which items are more a priority for buying organic.
Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 - download pdf or get the IPhone app
Many people complain about the costs related to buying local and/or organic but there are many ways to reduce costs:-
1 - Buy your grains, rice, oats, etc. in the bulk section of the grocery store
2 - Join your local coops or CSA - a great local resource is from Richmond Good Life or for non-Richmonders check Local Harvest
3 - Buy less processed and learn how to do the work yourself. For example, buy the whole chicken cut it up yourself.
4 - Coupons - Check out Mambo Sprouts, Brown Cow, Earth’s Best, Organic Valley
Now some may complain about the convenience but I bet I can throw a meal together just as fast as those using convenience foods and I bet I waste less. I keep pre-cooked grains in the fridge all the time and will add them to some sauteed greens. Leftovers are turned into a frittata. And there is always salad!
To me this is not about food this is about health. And we all want our kids to have long healthy lives. I’m gong to put my money upfront into their food and not in the pocket of health care professionals and pharmaceutical companies.
Add - Last night Swedish Medical Center Tweeted this link The 9 Worst Summer Snacks and Treats for Kids. I don’t really know anyone that eats these things but it’s good food for thought about our summertime treats!
The following was sent to Richmondmom by M Booth & Associates for Country Crock. I have received no products or money from this or any company. Any references or links I have written about are for products or businesses I like and use.
Getting kids to eat healthily is a challenge for most families and 90% of parents are concerned about their children understanding the importance of healthy diet and exercise, according to a new survey. The survey, by Country Crock, which has removed all trans fat from its soft spreads, also found just 11% of parents say their families eat healthfully enough. Other findings:
• 69% of parents who want their families to eat a lot more healthy say they read nutrition labels and 86% are concerned about the amount of trans fat in their family’s food
• More than half of the concerned parents (51%) say that the rising cost of healthy food choices is a deterrent for purchasing better options for their family
• Picky eaters are a major hurdle among parents who are concerned about their children understanding the importance of healthy diet and exercise; nearly half (49%) find it challenging to get their kids to try new foods due to limited preferences
• Outside pressures on children that encourage unhealthy eating (32%), and the negative influence of advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods (34%) add additional challenges for concerned parents to win the battle to serve better food options
More about the survey follows. Also attached are several graphs that highlight key findings about family nutrition. Ruth Carey, R.D., CCSD, is available to discuss the findings.
WHEN IT COMES TO ENCOURAGING CHILDREN TO EAT BETTER, PARENTS HAVE THEIR PLATES FULL, COUNTRY CROCK SURVEY FINDS
New Survey Reveals 90% Fret Over Kids’ Diets, But Simple Steps Can Feed Good Habits From the Start
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., June 2, 2010 – Families face many challenges today in staying healthy. But you’d be hard-pressed to find one that eats at moms more than this: getting family members, especially children, to consume better, more healthful foods. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Country Crock®, 90% of parents are concerned about their children understanding the importance of healthy diet and exercise.
“With government initiatives and a new national focus aimed at improving family health, the challenge is even greater to find ways to instill healthy habits in family members starting at a young age,” said Ruth Carey, RD, CCSD and family nutritionist. “The key is making small, simple changes that add up to a hugely positive impact on health and diet.”
The survey revealed a number of challenges parents face in getting their kids to eat better foods.
• 69% of parents who want their families to eat a lot more healthy say they read nutrition labels all or some of the time, and more than 3 out of 4 parents (86%) are concerned about the amount of trans fat in their family’s food
• More than half of the concerned parents (51%) say that the rising cost of healthy food choices is a deterrent for purchasing better options for their family
• Picky eaters are a major hurdle among parents who are concerned about their children understanding the importance of healthy diet and exercise; nearly half (49%) find it challenging to get their kids to try new foods due to limited preferences
• Outside pressures on children that encourage unhealthy eating (32%), and the negative influence of advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods (34%) add additional challenges for concerned parents to win the battle to serve better food options
The great concern among parents over their kids’ trans fat consumption and eating healthy isn’t surprising. In fact, checking food labels for trans fat continues to be common among Americans as reported by the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2009 Food & Health Survey, with 57% saying they use the information on the Nutrition Facts panel in 2009 compared to 49% in 2006. It’s also a concern shared by many food manufacturers today, and joining in this movement is Country Crock, which has completed the removal of partially hydrogenated oils from it soft spread products, and now boasts 0g per serving. Plus it still has the same great taste, contains essential vitamins A, D and E, and has 70% less saturated fat and 30% fewer calories than butter[1].
Nutritious Eating, from Toddlerhood to Teens to Adulthood
The survey also found that eating patterns developed as children are likely to continue into adulthood. In fact, more than half of moms with children ages 5-12 (56%) are very concerned that their kids know about healthy diet and exercise patterns. This concern doesn’t dissipate drastically even as kids grow and become more independent, with 44% of parents still involved in ensuring healthy eating and exercise habits translate into the teen years (13-17).
In addition:
• Parents are getting their kids involved in meal preparation from an early age (54% of kids ages 5-12) as a guidance tool to better eating habits. They are also actively teaching kids about the benefits of healthy eating at a young age (66%, 5-12) and continuing these practices into the teen years (60%, 13-17)
• Good eating habits develop through years of teaching. More than half of respondents’ (51%) say that they eat more healthfully than their parents, and 51% expect their kids will eat even healthier than they do when they grow up
• Some 47% of moms are consciously avoiding ingredients that they know are bad for their kids, but 94% of parents do agree that some fats are essential for a healthy diet
So which fats, exactly, are essential? Simply put, they’re the fats that we can’t live without. There are two types of fats the body can’t make; therefore it’s important that they be part of a balanced diet. These essential fats are omega-6 linoleic acid (omega-6 LA) and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 ALA) polyunsaturated fatty acids – and they are found in every tub of Country Crock, as well as other foods such as fish and walnuts[2].
For more information, go to http://www.countrycrock.com.
Methodological Notes:
The “Country Crock Report on Food, Fitness and Families” Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (http://www.WakefieldResearch.com) among 1,000 moms, aged 18 years old+ and with children ages 17 and younger, between March 26th and April 1st, using an email invitation and an online survey. The following sub-groups have been examined for this data addendum – moms who are concerned about their children understanding the importance of healthy diet and exercise (N=899) and moms who say their families need to eat a lot more healthfully (N=309).
Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the 1000 interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. For the additional sub-groups, margin of error for moms who are concerned about their children understanding the importance of healthy diet is plus or minus 3.27 percentage points and for moms who say their families need to eat a lot more healthfully the margin of error is plus or minus 5.58 percentage points. The “Growing Great Families” survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 mothers nationwide of children 17 and younger, between March 26 and April 1, 2010, using an email invitation and an online survey.
About Unilever North America
Unilever works to create a better future every day. We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others. Each day, around the world, we serve over two billion consumers. In the United States, Canada and the Greater Caribbean (Trinidad & Tobago, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico) the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Becel, Ben & Jerry’s, Bertolli, Blue Band, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann’s, Klondike, Knorr, Lipton, Omo, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever employs more than 13,000 people across North America – generating nearly $10 billion in sales in 2009. For more information, visit http://www.unileverusa.com, http://www.unilever.ca, or http://www.unilevercaribbean.com.
###
[1] Regular has 70 calories; Churn Style, 60 calories, and contain 7g of fat and 2g saturated fat; Light and Calcium Plus Vitamin D have 50 calories, contain 5g of fat and 1.5 saturated fat. All Country Crock tubs have 0g trans fat per serving. Country Crock is not a low-fat food. Butter has 100 calories, 11g of fat and 7g saturated fat per serving.
2 Country Crock Regular: 400 mg Omega-3 ALA, 3000 mg Omega-6 LA; Country Crock Light: 280 mg Omega-3 ALA, 2200 mg Omega-6 LA; Country Crock Calcium Plus Vitamin D: 280 mg Omega-3 ALA, 2200 mg Omega-6 LA; Country Crock Churn Style: 400 mg Omega-3 ALA, 3000 mg Omega-6 LA; Country Crock Whipped Easy Squeeze: 500 mg Omega-3 ALA, 3900 mg Omega-6 LA. Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grain fiber-rich foods, and fat-free or low-fat dairy.
[1] Regular has 70 calories; Churn Style, 60 calories, and contain 7g of fat and 2g saturated fat; Light and Calcium Plus Vitamin D have 50 calories, contain 5g of fat and 1.5 saturated fat. All Country Crock tubs have 0g trans fat per serving. Country Crock is not a low-fat food. Butter has 100 calories, 11g of fat and 7g saturated fat per serving.
2 Country Crock Regular: 400 mg Omega-3 ALA, 3000 mg Omega-6 LA; Country Crock Light: 280 mg Omega-3 ALA, 2200 mg Omega-6 LA; Country Crock Calcium Plus Vitamin D: 280 mg Omega-3 ALA, 2200 mg Omega-6 LA; Country Crock Churn Style: 400 mg Omega-3 ALA, 3000 mg Omega-6 LA; Country Crock Whipped Easy Squeeze: 500 mg Omega-3 ALA, 3900 mg Omega-6 LA. Choose a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grain fiber-rich foods, and fat-free or low-fat dairy.
Virginia Blood Services Blood Lifeline Program
by 
THE BLOOD LIFELINE COMMUNITY
http://www.bloodlifeline.com
OUR GOAL
In the next two months, our goal is to get 250 local Virginia residents to participate in our Blood Lifeline community by joining the Lifeline List, or more importantly scheduling regular donation appointments.
HOW YOU CAN HELP…
If you are a local Virginia resident and want to support our mission there are three ways you can help:
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to become the lifeline of the community by acting as an intermediary between patients and donors in the Virginia area. We’re working closely with our local hospitals in order to determine patients’ immediate blood needs. As a blood emergency arises, we’ll reach out to VBS Blood Lifeline registered donors who possess the patient’s specific blood product and type.
OUR INSPIRATION
Iva Radman is a stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor and a loyal blood donation advocate. Her story has touched many people in our Virginia community and has inspired them to become regular blood donors. We want to continue that effort and make sure that Iva’s unfortunate incident of unfilled blood inventory doesn’t happen to any other patient in need of a blood transfusion. It’s her story and many others around the world that has inspired us to create the Blood Lifeline Program.
1. SCHEDULE YOUR DONATION
If you know your blood type, check the chart below to determine which type of donation we need most from you. Next, click the “schedule your donation” link on BloodLifeline.com to make your appointment. Remember to share your appointment with friends and family and get them to come donate with you!
Best blood product donation based on blood type:
Type of Donation Blood Types
Red Cells - O+, O-, A+, B-
Platelets - A+, B+, AB+
Plasma - B+, AB+, AB-
2. SIGN-UP ON THE LIFELINE LIST
Sign up on the VBS Blood Lifeline List by registering and we’ll contact you as soon as an urgent patient need arises that matches your blood type, or if a specific blood product inventory gets dangerously low. Choose how you want to be alerted: by phone, SMS, e-mail or all three. Most importantly, help us spread awareness by sharing the Blood Lifeline community with a friend or family member and encourage them to sign-up too!
3. OPT-IN TO RECEIVE “NEED FEED” LATEST NEWS
The Need Feed is an RSS feed designed specifically to send out real-time status updates on blood product needs within the Virginia area to anyone who opts-in. This feed will announce low blood product inventory levels at VBS, special patient requests, and will serve to educate and inspire donors on the importance of regular donations through the use of patient and donor stories.
http://www.bloodlifeline.com
http://www.vablood.org | @vablood | @valifeline | Facebook.com/ Vablood
HCA provides flu facts for Richmond Moms
Flu Facts:
What to know, What to do
Dr. Siobhan S. Dunnavant
OB/GYN Associates
HCA Virginia Health System
It seems that H1N1 or the seasonal flu is everywhere? How severe is it?
You’re right - it does seem that way. While we do have a lot of people with the flu virus in Central Virginia, the good news is that most cases seem to be mild – in fact more mild than a normal flu season. Most people with either the seasonal flu or H1N1 have had a mild illness that can be treated at home with rest, fluids and Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
What is different about H1N1 versus the seasonal flu?
H1N1 is a novel virus, meaning it has never been seen before and therefore the community does not have any built-in immunity to it. In addition the timing is different. The traditional seasonal flu virus typically is strongest in February and March, whereas, the H1N1 virus is upon us now, much earlier in the season.
What are the signs of flu/H1N1?
Common signs include a cough, sore throat, runny nose accompanied by a high fever, aches and pains. Being tired, weak and having chills is common. Some patients have had vomiting and diarrhea.
What should I do if I or my child has these symptoms?
Don’t spread it. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Drink lots of liquids, rest and take Tylenol or Ibuprofen. The best way to avoid the spread of influenza is by staying home when you or your child is infected. Wash hands frequently and cover your cough.
When should I see the doctor?
If you or your child has difficulty breathing, chest pain or are disoriented at all, please contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room. While most cases of the flu virus/H1N1 are mild, these are three signs that you should be seen and evaluated. People with lung problems, such as asthma or COPD (emphysema) are at risk for developing pneumonia. People with significant medical problems should contact their primary care physician if they get severely ill.
Where should I go?
HCA Virginia Health System has a skilled group of primary care physicians, many with same day appointments available. We also have a 24-hour nursing line should you need to talk with someone about signs and symptoms or where to find a physician who can see you. That number is 804-320-DOCS (3627).
Should you experience trouble breathing, chest pain or disorientation, please go to one of our hospital Emergency Rooms.• Chippenham Hospital – Just South of the River off the Chippenham and Powhite at Jahnke Road
• Henrico Doctors’ Hospital – at Skipwith and Forest in the near West End
• Johnston-Willis Hospital – on Midlothian Turnpike near Chesterfield Town Center
• John Randolph Medical Center – in the heart of Hopewell
• Parham Doctors’ Hospital – in the West End on Parham Road between Board and Staples Mill
• Retreat Doctors’ Hospital – downtown in the Fan at Grove and Robinson
We hear stories in the media about deaths or extreme illness – are those common?
No. In general, the virus has been widespread, but mild. Across the entire United States, approximately 1,000 people have died due to flu/H1N1, while many millions have had the virus. Most of those who died have been patients with other contributing illness that put them at greater risk of complications.
What is the best way to prevent the spread of flu/H1N1?
The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to get vaccinated as immunizations become more broadly available. In addition, take these everyday steps to protect yourself and others against the flu.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough/sneeze by doing so into your elbow or covering your face with a tissue.
• Wash your hands often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
I’ve heard the H1N1 vaccine has bad outcomes for some people. Is it safe?
The H1N1 vaccine is FDA-approved and is produced using the same manufacturing approach that is used for our regular seasonal flu vaccine. This process has been proven safe over many, many years. For the vast majority of people, vaccination is a great way to prevent the spread of flu or lessen the length and intensity of the illness should you become affected. Millions of people have been safely vaccinated, while bad outcomes are extremely rare.
Is the mist version of the vaccine different? Does it pose different risks?
The mist version is different – it is what we call a live attenuated vaccine, meaning that it has components of the live vaccine that help you to develop immunities to the virus. Some people should not get this version of the vaccine, such as those with compromised lung function, pregnant women or those who work with immunosuppresed patients. However, otherwise it does not pose a higher risk to the person vaccinated. Ask your physician for more information before getting the vaccine if you have any concerns or questions.
I’ve heard hospitals aren’t allowing children to visit their families. Is that true?
All of the hospitals in Central Virginia have come together to revise their visitation policies during this flu/H1N1 outbreak in order to keep patients, families and caregivers as healthy as possible. The new policy took effect Monday, October 26, 2009, and is expected to be in place through March. It restricts visitors to patient care areas to those healthy and over the age of 18. It also requires that no more than 2 visit in a patient room at any given time.
Does this mean I can’t take my children to the hospital to visit my family member?
It means that children under the age of 18 should not be in patient care areas unless they are the patient. There are many common areas in our hospitals where children need to go and will go – lobbies, cafeterias, physician offices, etc. However, the hospitals have asked children or sick adults not to go into patient care areas in order to protect hospital patients and employees from exposure to the flu.
Why did the hospitals do this?
Evidence shows that the incidence of H1N1 is highest among children and adolescents. School-aged children in close social settings are more likely to be exposed to flu and can be carrying the illness long before they show symptoms. Recent CDC data shows nearly half of all H1N1 flu cases are among those 0 to 24 years old.
Will exceptions be made?
Limited exceptions for special circumstances will be made, for example, involving patients at the end of life or expectant or new fathers under the age of 18. Exceptions will be allowed at the discretion of the health care provider.
Is there a risk to my healthy children at the hospital?
Because the outbreak of flu/H1N1 is so widespread, we believe it is safest right now to keep healthy children at home rather than visiting hospitals where those in need of care are going. We don’t want healthy children to be exposed unnecessarily to the flu. We also don’t want children who might be infected with the virus – even if they exhibit no symptoms – to carry the flu into the healthcare setting where patients are often already in poor health.
When is it safe to go around someone who has had the flu virus?
24 hours after the person has been fever free without medication, they should not be contagious.
Doctor Oz and his Real Richmond Moms
Want to see some REAL Richmond moms having their lives and bodies transformed with Doctor Oz? Tune in: MONDAY – OCTOBER 12, 2009 on CBS Channel 6: “YOUR BEST SEX AFTER 35: A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO REVIVING HER SEX DRIVE WITH DR. LAURA BERMAN”
If you remember, back in August the Doctor Oz show contacted Richmondmom.com to help with their search for Richmond moms who wanted to participate in a “real desperate housewives” transformation, and since Richmond, VA had been chosen as a market, who better to go-to than us?
Toni Winston, in the center of the photo here, has had a ton of fun with this process, and has already lost 13 lbs! Here’s the “skinny” on her progress so far:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Richmondmom.com: What’s the toughest part about the Doctor Oz program?
Toni: No donuts! I LOVE my “killer” Krispy Kremes and I’ve had to give them up, and what the Doctor Oz show calls my “killer candy.” I also had to clean out my pantry/fridge yesterday and get rid of anything with an “ose” in it: fructose, glucose, you name it. We’re focusing on eating lean, healthy cuts of meat and fresh fruits and vegetables. Basically, it’s eating natural foods—it’s not rocket-science!
Richmondmom.com: So what is an average breakfast for you?
Toni: They encourage us to eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day if we can. For example, egg whites and turkey sausage for breakfast is a good option; or oatmeal, but I don’t do oatmeal! And, it’s really not a big deal to give up the entire egg to eat just the egg whites, it’s so much healthier.
Richmondmom.com: What was it like to have the Doctor Oz crew call you and choose you for their “Real Housewives of Richmond” series?
Toni: CRAZY! I couldn’t believe it. As soon as Richmondmom.com sent out the “call for moms” I immediately replied, then they called me right away but I didn’t hear anything for days. I was so hoping that I would get chosen! It was really amazing to have the entire film crew in my house in Richmond—they came down from New York and interviewed the family. The entire Doctor Oz crew is SO nice.
Richmondmom.com: What’s been the biggest surprise throughout this process?
Toni: On Sept 14th we (the three of us chosen for this show) flew to Doctor Oz’ office—vitals, measurements, BMI, etc. We actually got to meet Doctor Oz which was amazing—we weren’t supposed to meet him that day! My high blood pressure was the biggest shocker—Doctor Mike is Doctor Oz’ right-hand, and he’s having me focus on excercise, which I really wasn’t doing much of before. This includes taking 10,000 steps per day, wearing pedometer, and as I say “keeping it moving!” I email him every day with my progress, have to tell him activity level and steps for the day.
Richmondmom.com: What’s your favorite type of excercise?
Toni: Zumba! I love it! I also walk at least once per week with the other “Real Richmond Housewives” who work here with me at Capital One. We are all very supportive of each other. And, I’ve found that if I’m stressed out, I really enjoy going out on our trails and walking for thirty minutes—I feel SO much better when I get back to my desk.
Richmondmom.com: What are your goals with this program?
Toni: Just to be healthier all around. Doctor Oz and his crew ask us to focus not so much on the weight, but on our waist—the real health dangers come from having a larger waist. So we send both our weight and waist measurements frequently. But, I AM losing weight—I’ve already lost 13 lbs!
Richmondmom.com: Way to go, Toni! Keep us posted!
DON’T miss Toni, Stacy, and Brook, all Richmond moms, as they are nationally televised this coming Monday, October 12, 2009.
Here’s the skinny on this episode:
One-third of women in their thirties and forties complain they’ve lost their interest in sex, and they don’t know why. Contestants Mary Ann (Commack, NY) and Elise (Melville, NY) compete in a game of “Libido: Fact or Fiction,” and sex therapist Dr. Laura Berman partners with Dr. Oz to reveal the top five causes of low libido in women over the age of 35, and the five things people—such as Jessica and her husband Scott (Apple Valley, MN)—can do to revive it. 䀁¸ Nutritionist Dr. Rovenia Brock joins Dr. Oz as he adopts three Richmond, VA desperate housewives, Stacy, Brook and Toni, who need his help losing weight and getting healthy. 䀁¸ Dr. Oz and his Assistant of the Day, Maria (Commack, NY) find out why the deadliest part of your body could be on your face. 䀁¸ “Ask Dr. Oz” questions from Laura (Farmingville, NY), Ben (Pelham, NY), Leanne (Melville, NY), and Stephanie (New York, NY) 䀁¸ Dr. Oz gets a West African dance lesson from a viewer, Brenda (Baltimore, MD).
Richmond moms sound off on the Swine Flu
Richmond moms told us this about how they’re dealing with the spread of the Swine Flu (Ask your doctor before making your decision please!):
• “We are upping the vitamins, getting plenty of rest, washing hands a lot, and praying we don’t get it.”—-Rebecca
•“Having a special needs child whose immune system is compromised I think that the bottom line most important thing that we all can do to prevent the spread of H1N1 as well as all other germs is to put a very high priority on simple, logical personal hygiene. hand & face washing often, use Clorox disinfectant wipes to wipe down often touched surfaces like phones, handles…. keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes & nose as much as possible. that all said, all 3 of my children have gotten/will be getting the Swine flu vaccination as an extra buffer.”—-Mary Beth
•“This afternoon, I purchased a bottle of colloidal silver at a local vitamin shop. Basically, I’d rather have my children swallow a teeny bit of silver of every day than take a relatively untested vaccination with potentially debilitating mercury used as a preservative. I didn’t know much at all about colloidal silver until recently, even though it has been used for generations. Evidently, silver was an antibiotic of choice prior to the discovery of penicillin. From ancient Egypt, where its value was recognized by early physicians, to modern day space programs, where NASA uses it to help maintain a germ-free environment for its astronauts, silver has remained our steadfast ally in the war against bacteria. Silver nitrate is administered in hospitals to protect the eyes of newborns. Curad just developed a bandage infused with silver as an antibiotic. And silver fights viruses. In some lab tests, it has been effective against H1N1. So I bought some!”—-Georgia
•“I have a 16mo old daughter & truly feel hesitant about both flu vaccines. I didn’t give her the flu shot last year either. I am still on the fence but any vaccines that are ‘optional’ - outside of the recommended schedule - tend to make me nervous about adding anything additional to her system. Mommy decisions like these are hard. I also don’t want her to get the flu either. *sigh*!”
•“I want my son to get it, but my better half does not. we are in a battle of wills…scared of the thirmersol..”
•“The teeny tiney bit of mercury that is in the shot acts as a preservative. YOU CAN ASK FOR A VACCINE WITHOUT THE PRESERVATIVE IN IT !!!”—-Kathy
•“A couple of things - I heard that the gargling does not work because you block of your lower throat when you gargle and essentially thats where the bad stuff is.
•“My pediatrician (Dr Gayle Smith) mentioned to me to have my kids avoid the water fountains at school - and I have to say I have never been overly crazy about the water fountain anyway but I was picking up daughter up at school the day before my doctor’s appointment and I saw this little boy who was coughing stop at the water fountain for a drink - his mouth touched the fountain before he adjusted it and I wondered how often they cleaned it. Then talking to her it freaked me out - I promptly went to Costco and bought a case of water - with strict instructions to my daughter and son to drink from their water bottles and NOT to share food or water with anyone. I admit I am not a huge fan of adding to the landfill but in order to keep the kids safe I ok with it.”—-Ushan
•“I don’t think the vaccine is the answer. There are a number of things you can do to help your body boost its own immune system & strengthen itself to fight stronger, more challenging viruses.
The immune system requires proper nutrition, just as any other organ or system in the body does. These are some of the most important nutrients for a healthy immune system: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic acid, Zinc, Selenium & Copper.
A full complement of nutrients is important, as some vitamins & minerals are most effective when adequate amounts of both are in the diet. When it comes to your well-being, there are no guarantees. The daily decisions you make may have a tremendous effect on your overall health. The better your nutritional status, the better all systems: including your immune system will be. My family is continuing to take our mega-supplements and being smart about exposure and hand washing.”—- Karen Taylor Davis TheRESETTeam.com
“Our minister, during the “greet your neighbor” part of the church service where we normally shake each other’s hands, requested we smile and wave to each other instead. I appreciated his concern for spreading germs by casual contact, and perhaps avoided a few people from catching the flu. The result was lots of smiles and waves and no one seemed offended by not shaking hands.”
• “My 3 year old, my husband, and I have already gotten the H1N1(Swine) flu nasal mist. I don’t want to risk my children getting very sick especially with an 6 month old in our home.
I also believe that vaccinating children is important because it helps all of the children who are unable to receive flu (or other) vaccines because of compromised immune systems and who may have a very difficult time if they became ill with the flu. We will definitely be getting our 6 month old the H1N1 shot when it becomes available at our pediatricians office.
I have no concerns over flu shots. The swine flu vaccine is made the same way the seasonal flu shot is made. My son has gotten the seasonal flu shot/mist ever year he was old enough, and my daughter received her first seasonal flu shot this month—both do great! We are also practicing much hand-washing and keeping the hands away from the face (as much as possible with a 6 month old).”
•“We got the h1n1 vaccine!!! I am 6+ months pregnant and have a 2 year old. my doctor, my daughters doctor and every news station is saying to get it. if the swine flu strain was identified earlier, it would have been included with the seasonal flu vaccine and we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. we are of course still taking normal precautions as we don’t want any illness- even a cold!”
• “My daughter, 11, had the swine flu a few weeks ago as did I. My son, 7, has not and I’m worried that he’ll get it. I’m so frustrated because I can’t get any help my our pediatrician’s office regarding the shot. They say to call the health department who, in turn, say that they don’t have the shot.”
“We are making sure to keep things cleaner than ushaual, going the extra step…staying in more-we, (mom and dad) are gargling with salt water and swabbing our noses out with a cutip dipped in salt water. This is supposed to help kill airborne germs. The most important and impactful thing we have done though, is get the H1N1 vaccine. I was not to keen on it at first, but with kids getting so sick and it spreading so quickly I would rather not risk the chance on my child get it. I pray every night for the parents of the children who have not been able to break the fevers of the kids who have it.
Remember if your child gets it, Tylenol and then Motrin every 4 hours until you can get into the dr. This helps keep the fever down and you do not exceed the recommended dose of meds in the first 24 hours. Good Luck to all, wash up and stay healthy!”
• “We’ve already had the swine flu. Unprepared - we, both Lizzie and I, caught it at the beginning of July from Vacation Bible School - high fevers and down and out the entire month of July. I’ll admit it was a strong flu, but it wasn’t something that we couldn’t handle and are just fine now - without any vaccine! There will not be any vaccines for this household. They are producing way too much, way too fast. Our school nurse even opted out. No one should have to tell you to vaccinate for this, if you do not want to. I believe it is the parent’s call for our children, not the government’s.
Make it available for those that want it - otherwise - just like the regular flu shot - move on.”
____________
Leslie Lyltle of OmMama, Yoga for the Childbearing Years, submitted an article to help moms work through medical decisions, and here are a few tips to help prevent the spread of the Swine Flu. Of course, ASK YOUR DOCTOR before making any decisions for your family and children:
Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc…
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat or bathe).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
HCA cares about Richmond women and their health
You may begin to see some familiar faces on HCA’s Women’s Heart Health Network Commercials. Why? Because as women, we need to take an extra step to ensure that we take care of ourselves, which is often neglected in the day-to-day challenges of taking care of others. Click here for more info on Richmond’s Top Hospitals for women. 
HCA: Lives Could be Saved if all hospitals performed at five-star level
strong>HealthGrades Study Found that 18,089 Women’s Lives
Could Have Been Saved if all Hospitals Performed at Five-Star Level
HCA Virginia Health System announced today that the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization ranked its Chippenham, Johnston-Willis, Henrico Doctors’ and Parham Doctors’ Hospitals among the top 5% in the nation for Women’s Health quality outcomes, recognized by the 2009/2010 Women’s Health Excellence Award™.
The Sixth Annual HealthGrades Women’s Health in American Hospitals study released today by HealthGrades analyzed patient outcomes for the in-hospital treatment of 16 procedures/diagnoses concerning women’s health and maternity care. The study found that wide gaps persist between the quality of care at best and worst performing hospitals.
If all hospitals in the study performed at the level of the best-performing hospitals in women’s health, 18,089 women’s lives could have potentially been saved and 6,849 complications could have been avoided during the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. Eighty-two percent (14,930) of the potentially preventable deaths were associated with the treatment of just four diagnoses: pneumonia, stroke, heart failure, and heart attack.
“The way in which women present symptoms differ from men in acute situations, such as heart attack,” said Dr. Rick May, senior physician consultant with HealthGrades and a study co-author. “Treatment for women can also differ and the quality can certainly vary between hospitals, so it is important for women to know which hospitals are recognized among the top five percent in the nation.”
Hospitals that receive this award, like Chippenham, Johnston-Willis, Henrico Doctors’ and Parham Doctors’, rank among the top 5% of all hospitals nationwide when it comes to providing care to women in three areas: Women’s Medicine (heart attack, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and stroke); Women’s Cardiovascular Procedures (coronary bypass surgery, peripheral vascular bypass, coronary interventional procedures, resection/replacement of abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid surgery, and valve replacement); and Women’s Bone & Joint Health (total knee and total hip replacement surgeries, spinal surgeries, and hip fracture repair).In the study, HealthGrades analyzed more than 2.6 million hospitalizations using Medicare data from all 50 states from 2005 through 2007. To be included in the analysis, hospitals had to have an open heart program and treat significant numbers of women for stroke. Hospitals also had to have a significant patient population in at least six additional cohorts from all areas (pulmonary, cardiac, vascular, orthopedics and spine).
The study, along with HealthGrades’ individual hospital ratings, can be viewed for free at www.HealthGrades.com.
About HCA Virginia Health System – Central Virginia Market
With 1,800 beds, more than 6,600 employees and 1,600 affiliated physicians, the Central Virginia team of HCA Virginia Health System is the largest and most comprehensive healthcare provider and one of the largest private employers in Central Virginia. In Central Virginia, HCA Virginia Health System operates six hospital campuses along with freestanding surgery, imaging and family health centers. Our hospitals include Chippenham Hospital, Johnston-Willis Hospital, John Randolph Medical Center, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, Parham Doctors’ Hospital and Retreat Doctors’ Hospital. Both CJW Medical Center and Henrico Doctors’ Hospital have been named HealthGrades ‘America’s 50 Best Hospitals’ in 2007 and 2008. They are the only Virginia hospitals to earn this distinction two years in a row. For more information or to select a physician, please contact 804-320-DOCS or visit http://www.HCAvirginia.com.
HCA’s Heart Health Network: For the heart of healthy Richmond women
Heart Disease is the #1 killer of women
in America. In fact, every 90 seconds, a
woman dies from heart disease – in many
cases too early in life.
That’s why we’ve developed the HCA Virginia Women’s Heart Network, a free program for women about heart disease, how it affects them and how to prevent it.
Call 800-242-5662 or register today at WomensHeart.HCAvirginia.com to receive:
• Your Women’s Heart Health Guide
• Periodic Newsletters
• Healthy Eating Tips
• Invitations to Heart Health Screenings
& Special Events for Women
Heart Disease is the most important health issue women face today. But thanks to the HCA Virginia Women’s Heart Network, you don’t have to face it alone. Talk to us.
For more information or a free physician referral
call 800-242-5662 Aalya Crowl, MD – Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists
Chippenham Hospital • Johnston Willis Hospital
Henrico Doctors’ Hospital • Parham Doctors’ Hospital
Retreat Doctors’ Hospital • John Randolph Medical Center
Chippenham Hospital and Johnston Willis Hospital are campuses of CJW Medical Center. Parham Doctors’ Hospital and Retreat Doctors’ Hospital are campuses of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital.
Visit Richmondmom on Facebook