There is no question in my mind that children with health conditions and their caregivers should get the H1N1 shot to protect themselves. Your child is at a disadvantage in not being completely healthy, so anything you can do to keep them from getting sick is necessary.
As for the general population it's a choice.
My thoughts are it's best to let your child's immune system fend for itself so long as your kid is healthy. Being a little sick here and there is not a bad thing. Think of it as preparing itself to fight of the serious health threats.
Coulda...woulda...shoulda?....you can live in a plastic bubble and get sick or just be normal and sail healthily through the winter time...there are no guarantees.
As for getting to protect the already ill? That's like looking for a needle in a haystack...you're gambling. If you are around 'sick' people than maybe you should but under normal circumstances it doesn't make sense.
We are very lucky to have this type of preventative medicine available to us but don't forget their are always too sides to every coin...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
SHOULD YOUR KIDS GET THE THE H1N1 OR FLU SHOT?
As I'm sure you're aware this debate has been festering for months now on whether or not you should immunize your children against the flu virus and now the H1N1 (swine flu).
The later being potentially dangerous because it attacks the respiratory system (targeting the lungs), causing breathing problems (pneumonia) and potential issues with vital organs.
According to the World Health Organization this is the first time a flu epidemic has been declared in 41 year. The high risk groups include children under 2, people over age 65 and those with predisposed health conditions.
The Swine Flu is spread mainly by sneezing and coughing, touching and infected surface and putting your hands to your nose or mouth.
The flu is usually not a worry among the vast majority of healthy people.
My initial thoughts are that it is very important to let our children build up their own immune systems naturally, so they are able to fight off things like the flu. If we make our children's bodies dependant on protection then they have a greater chance of becoming really sick if they don't get their shot.
I grew up on a farm and we used to literally play around shit...ha...of course we washed up before dinner but not when we were sitting in the shed munching on the stale cereal (froot loops/cheerios) that had been dumped on the dirty floor to add to the livestock menu. Smile. YUMMMY!
The last time I was ever sick in bed was when I was 8 and we think that was food poisoning...and that was almost 19 years ago. My parents belief...let our bodies fight things off themselves...if you don't then you are screwed when you really get sick...your body just can't fight because it doesn't know how. Makes sense to me...
Now we seem to be WAY over doing it. Having our kids wash their hands after picking up a freakin piece of paper?? Easy now...we need to settle down and be 'normal' about this.
It's a personal choice of course and I think there are people that do need the flu shot or H1N1. My daughter does because she has had health complications since birth and anything we can do to lower her risk of getting sick is done without question because her risk is much higher than the average person to get deathly ill. She will get the H1N1 because the Swine Flu is generally more dangerous than the regular flu.
Now I will not get the H1N1 shot because I am not a high risk.
Could I catch it? Of course I could. You could live in a plastic bubble and catch it or you could just be relaxed about everything and stay clear...just don't forget there are exceptions to every rule.
As for getting immunized so you don't pass it along to high risk people...that is a huge generalization. It's a gamble....get the shot and still get sick...skip the shot and skip the flu.
Did little old Mrs. Keely get the Swine Flu from Sally, Joe, Bob or Fred?...or what about that cute little pig she likes to cuddle on Grampa Rick's farm?....smile
The later being potentially dangerous because it attacks the respiratory system (targeting the lungs), causing breathing problems (pneumonia) and potential issues with vital organs.
According to the World Health Organization this is the first time a flu epidemic has been declared in 41 year. The high risk groups include children under 2, people over age 65 and those with predisposed health conditions.
The Swine Flu is spread mainly by sneezing and coughing, touching and infected surface and putting your hands to your nose or mouth.
The flu is usually not a worry among the vast majority of healthy people.
My initial thoughts are that it is very important to let our children build up their own immune systems naturally, so they are able to fight off things like the flu. If we make our children's bodies dependant on protection then they have a greater chance of becoming really sick if they don't get their shot.
I grew up on a farm and we used to literally play around shit...ha...of course we washed up before dinner but not when we were sitting in the shed munching on the stale cereal (froot loops/cheerios) that had been dumped on the dirty floor to add to the livestock menu. Smile. YUMMMY!
The last time I was ever sick in bed was when I was 8 and we think that was food poisoning...and that was almost 19 years ago. My parents belief...let our bodies fight things off themselves...if you don't then you are screwed when you really get sick...your body just can't fight because it doesn't know how. Makes sense to me...
Now we seem to be WAY over doing it. Having our kids wash their hands after picking up a freakin piece of paper?? Easy now...we need to settle down and be 'normal' about this.
It's a personal choice of course and I think there are people that do need the flu shot or H1N1. My daughter does because she has had health complications since birth and anything we can do to lower her risk of getting sick is done without question because her risk is much higher than the average person to get deathly ill. She will get the H1N1 because the Swine Flu is generally more dangerous than the regular flu.
Now I will not get the H1N1 shot because I am not a high risk.
Could I catch it? Of course I could. You could live in a plastic bubble and catch it or you could just be relaxed about everything and stay clear...just don't forget there are exceptions to every rule.
As for getting immunized so you don't pass it along to high risk people...that is a huge generalization. It's a gamble....get the shot and still get sick...skip the shot and skip the flu.
Did little old Mrs. Keely get the Swine Flu from Sally, Joe, Bob or Fred?...or what about that cute little pig she likes to cuddle on Grampa Rick's farm?....smile
Sunday, November 1, 2009
WHEN A CRISIS HITS LEARN NOT TO PANICK
I know it is very difficult not to panic, especially when your child is in danger and emotions are involved.
But it does not help anybody if you get freaky when trouble passes your way.
First off your child does not to see you react negatively, that will only get them more upset. Your children take cue from you on how to respond to things. If your little ones scrapes his/her knee and you go running over and make a big fuss over it, they will over react with you.
If you don't focus on it and ignore it for the most part they will realize it's nothing big and will continue on playing instead of whining.
With more serious issues, lets say you just found out your 4 year old has to go in for another stomach surgery, it's not something you want to hear but it does not help anybody for you to get all worked up.
You need to bring it into perspective, understand it's a bump in the road and that your child will be better for it, although it may not feel like it right now.
If you start questioning the doctor in front of your child and talking about how long it's going to take to recover and all of the different risks, you are only going to make it more difficult for your child.
At four year of age your child will not understand a lot about it. Do not cause them anxiety by telling them too soon...a few days before is plenty of time because surprising them with it will scare them more.
Do not give them the scary details. Don't lie to them but only tell them what they need to know and keep it positive. Tell them about getting to have ice-cream afterwards...how it's going to make them feel better when they are healed...a special 'surprise' they will be getting...do they want to bring their favorite slippers?...how about some special story books to read.
You need to make sure you focus them on things that make them happy. Do not focus on the scary stuff...getting needles, taking medicine, getting cut, stomach pain, no eating for two or three days...etc.
Be composed when you do tell them. Don't let them see you get upset and be careful what you are saying to people when they are in sight. You don't need them hearing your 'worries' when confiding in a friend...very tough to undo that.
They need to trust you and know that you are not lying to them 'for the moment' but that you are only telling them what they need to hear.
If they ask you if it's going to hurt you need to tell her yes...BUT....answer the questions and them take the focus to something positive. It will hurt but the doctor is going to give you medicine to make you feel better and you will probably get stickers for being so brave...
that sort of thing...
The main point being that YOU need to keep calm and make sure things stay in perspective. Of course you will have your worries but you need to make sure you deal with them 'properly?'
Make sure your child is not around and that you are not blowing things out of proportions. Try not to look at the 'whatifs'...just the facts. What is being done and why...look for the positives in it.
I know that is very difficult when it's your little one we are talking about but believe me when I say the best thing for everybody is accept it, deal with it and move forward...minus the drama if possible.
Keep smiling and looking for the positive...
But it does not help anybody if you get freaky when trouble passes your way.
First off your child does not to see you react negatively, that will only get them more upset. Your children take cue from you on how to respond to things. If your little ones scrapes his/her knee and you go running over and make a big fuss over it, they will over react with you.
If you don't focus on it and ignore it for the most part they will realize it's nothing big and will continue on playing instead of whining.
With more serious issues, lets say you just found out your 4 year old has to go in for another stomach surgery, it's not something you want to hear but it does not help anybody for you to get all worked up.
You need to bring it into perspective, understand it's a bump in the road and that your child will be better for it, although it may not feel like it right now.
If you start questioning the doctor in front of your child and talking about how long it's going to take to recover and all of the different risks, you are only going to make it more difficult for your child.
At four year of age your child will not understand a lot about it. Do not cause them anxiety by telling them too soon...a few days before is plenty of time because surprising them with it will scare them more.
Do not give them the scary details. Don't lie to them but only tell them what they need to know and keep it positive. Tell them about getting to have ice-cream afterwards...how it's going to make them feel better when they are healed...a special 'surprise' they will be getting...do they want to bring their favorite slippers?...how about some special story books to read.
You need to make sure you focus them on things that make them happy. Do not focus on the scary stuff...getting needles, taking medicine, getting cut, stomach pain, no eating for two or three days...etc.
Be composed when you do tell them. Don't let them see you get upset and be careful what you are saying to people when they are in sight. You don't need them hearing your 'worries' when confiding in a friend...very tough to undo that.
They need to trust you and know that you are not lying to them 'for the moment' but that you are only telling them what they need to hear.
If they ask you if it's going to hurt you need to tell her yes...BUT....answer the questions and them take the focus to something positive. It will hurt but the doctor is going to give you medicine to make you feel better and you will probably get stickers for being so brave...
that sort of thing...
The main point being that YOU need to keep calm and make sure things stay in perspective. Of course you will have your worries but you need to make sure you deal with them 'properly?'
Make sure your child is not around and that you are not blowing things out of proportions. Try not to look at the 'whatifs'...just the facts. What is being done and why...look for the positives in it.
I know that is very difficult when it's your little one we are talking about but believe me when I say the best thing for everybody is accept it, deal with it and move forward...minus the drama if possible.
Keep smiling and looking for the positive...
Thursday, October 29, 2009
MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS YOU CAN AND DON'T LOOK BACK
When it comes to making decisions about the health of your child, gather all the information you can, make the best decision for your reasons and don't look back. Your decision was the 'right' decision under the circumstances.
It's too easy to question yourself after the fact and think another decision would have been better.
Doing that is useless because you can't change your decisions and reverse time. There are no guarantees in life and all we can do is what we think is best at the time...and move forward from there.
I caught myself questioning my decision of allowing the surgeons to pressure me, for their reasons, to operate on my daughter when she was less than a day old. I knew beforehand they would have to operate at some point, but I didn't realize it would be so quickly.
I got a call from the surgical team when she was 15 hours old to allow them to operate and push her liver and bowel (omphalocele) back inside her tummy. They thought she was only going to be somewhat stable for a little while and they needed to act now.
I would rather them just do it and tell me about it afterwards because if she didn't make it I would never have forgiven myself.
Today at almost 5 years old she still has tummy issues, has a feeding tube and takes medications 3 times a day. So I question myself if I had said 'no' and forced the surgeons to let her grow a little more before operating that maybe she wouldn't have any issues at all today.
I try not to do that though because I understand it isn't helpful...onward.
So here's my point and I'm gonna stick to it.
Make the best decision you can for your child under the circumstances and look forward to the next 'right' decision in getting your child well.
And don't forget to keep smiling!
It's too easy to question yourself after the fact and think another decision would have been better.
Doing that is useless because you can't change your decisions and reverse time. There are no guarantees in life and all we can do is what we think is best at the time...and move forward from there.
I caught myself questioning my decision of allowing the surgeons to pressure me, for their reasons, to operate on my daughter when she was less than a day old. I knew beforehand they would have to operate at some point, but I didn't realize it would be so quickly.
I got a call from the surgical team when she was 15 hours old to allow them to operate and push her liver and bowel (omphalocele) back inside her tummy. They thought she was only going to be somewhat stable for a little while and they needed to act now.
I would rather them just do it and tell me about it afterwards because if she didn't make it I would never have forgiven myself.
Today at almost 5 years old she still has tummy issues, has a feeding tube and takes medications 3 times a day. So I question myself if I had said 'no' and forced the surgeons to let her grow a little more before operating that maybe she wouldn't have any issues at all today.
I try not to do that though because I understand it isn't helpful...onward.
So here's my point and I'm gonna stick to it.
Make the best decision you can for your child under the circumstances and look forward to the next 'right' decision in getting your child well.
And don't forget to keep smiling!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
GET READY FOR THE WINTER FLU'S...
It's inevitable...winter is coming and colds and flu's are already knocking us down. They seem to go hand in hand but there are a few ways to help fight the winter sickness in your household.
There's regular washing of the hands, sneezing into your sleeve and not your hands, upping your vitamins...especially vitamin C...it definitely can't hurt. I give my little ones extra multivitamins just in case they miss something.
Getting the kids out into the fresh air is good for them, even if they're not feeling so well. It makes them feel better and tires them a little so they can sleep better. It also allows them to get away from some of the nasty bugs that may be lingering in enclosed spaces.
The flu shot is a good thing as the strains that go around now are much more potent than even 10 years ago.
If suspect your child has caught something you need to nip it in the bud. Make sure they are hydrated...juices are good, warm soups. If they're tummy is upset try some flat ginger ale. There are also electrolyte drinks at the pharmacy and even freezies, unfortunately my kids just don't favor them.
Make sure your medicine box is stalked BEFORE the season hits. Sucrets cough and sore throat tablets are great for kids. Cold and Flu medicine, stuff for fevers, dry cough, sinus issues, headaches...whatever seems to work for your children. And don't be afraid to use it, especially before bed. The least it will do is make them a little more comfortable so they can sleep better and SLEEPING is very important when fighting off the flu or a cold.
Putting them to bed an hour earlier certainly doesn't hurt.
Make sure you've got a humidifier for those nasty colds.
You can never seem to stay away from these winter constants but you can definitely take steps to shorten the duration and help your little ones feel better during the process.
Keep smiling cuz it looks good on you!
There's regular washing of the hands, sneezing into your sleeve and not your hands, upping your vitamins...especially vitamin C...it definitely can't hurt. I give my little ones extra multivitamins just in case they miss something.
Getting the kids out into the fresh air is good for them, even if they're not feeling so well. It makes them feel better and tires them a little so they can sleep better. It also allows them to get away from some of the nasty bugs that may be lingering in enclosed spaces.
The flu shot is a good thing as the strains that go around now are much more potent than even 10 years ago.
If suspect your child has caught something you need to nip it in the bud. Make sure they are hydrated...juices are good, warm soups. If they're tummy is upset try some flat ginger ale. There are also electrolyte drinks at the pharmacy and even freezies, unfortunately my kids just don't favor them.
Make sure your medicine box is stalked BEFORE the season hits. Sucrets cough and sore throat tablets are great for kids. Cold and Flu medicine, stuff for fevers, dry cough, sinus issues, headaches...whatever seems to work for your children. And don't be afraid to use it, especially before bed. The least it will do is make them a little more comfortable so they can sleep better and SLEEPING is very important when fighting off the flu or a cold.
Putting them to bed an hour earlier certainly doesn't hurt.
Make sure you've got a humidifier for those nasty colds.
You can never seem to stay away from these winter constants but you can definitely take steps to shorten the duration and help your little ones feel better during the process.
Keep smiling cuz it looks good on you!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
WHEN YOU ARE WORRIED, TALKING TO A STRANGER MIGHT HELP
Weirdly enough sometimes when I'm worried, talking to a stranger helps me put things into perspective.
For me I think that's less pressure. I'm not used to many people worrying about me...I'm the tough one...or maybe stubborn?...ha.
With my family I will automatically think about how I am causing them to worry and I don't feel good about that.
I also know that conversation will spread to other friends and family and having 25 people all trying to give me 25 different opinions on how to deal with things is counter productive with me.
In other words that would stress me out more than just worrying to myself about what's on my mind.
At Sick Kid's I found myself talking to strangers quite often about what Zarrah was going through at the time or about how I worried so much just before my kids had their yearly heart checks. Just talking to someone who didn't know me, only what I told them, gave me some sort of false sense of security...a release I guess because I didn't know these people except that they cared enough to listen.
It was a good thing and I know I'll do it again at some point.
It's also a 'one focus' conversation. A stranger isn't asking how your partner is coping or whether or not you got enough sleep last night and remembered to call Aunt Ally, Uncle Ken, Barbie and Peter.
Unknowingly a person that knows you well, especially close family, is like to give you questions like this that can cause you even more stress.
A stranger doesn't have all this information so they won't ask extra personal questions...that's just how it goes.
Now this doesn't work for some people because they only trust friends and family...and that's ok. To each his/her own.
So if you feel pressured like me sometimes when talking to your loved ones about your sick child, try talking with a stranger about it.
You'd be surprised how much better they can make you feel when you are close to hitting rock bottom.
At least you'll know what works for you...and that's what's important here. Doing whatever you need to make the best of an unpleasant situation.
Keep your head up and don't stop smiling.
For me I think that's less pressure. I'm not used to many people worrying about me...I'm the tough one...or maybe stubborn?...ha.
With my family I will automatically think about how I am causing them to worry and I don't feel good about that.
I also know that conversation will spread to other friends and family and having 25 people all trying to give me 25 different opinions on how to deal with things is counter productive with me.
In other words that would stress me out more than just worrying to myself about what's on my mind.
At Sick Kid's I found myself talking to strangers quite often about what Zarrah was going through at the time or about how I worried so much just before my kids had their yearly heart checks. Just talking to someone who didn't know me, only what I told them, gave me some sort of false sense of security...a release I guess because I didn't know these people except that they cared enough to listen.
It was a good thing and I know I'll do it again at some point.
It's also a 'one focus' conversation. A stranger isn't asking how your partner is coping or whether or not you got enough sleep last night and remembered to call Aunt Ally, Uncle Ken, Barbie and Peter.
Unknowingly a person that knows you well, especially close family, is like to give you questions like this that can cause you even more stress.
A stranger doesn't have all this information so they won't ask extra personal questions...that's just how it goes.
Now this doesn't work for some people because they only trust friends and family...and that's ok. To each his/her own.
So if you feel pressured like me sometimes when talking to your loved ones about your sick child, try talking with a stranger about it.
You'd be surprised how much better they can make you feel when you are close to hitting rock bottom.
At least you'll know what works for you...and that's what's important here. Doing whatever you need to make the best of an unpleasant situation.
Keep your head up and don't stop smiling.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
YOUR UNBORN BABY IS SICK...GET SUPPORT NOW!
It's very tough to discover than your unborn child is going to need medical care at birth. Your happy, exciting thoughts of being pregnant turned stressful in the snap of your fingers.
It takes a lot out of you and once you've given yourself a little time to adjust to the news you need to make sure you have a support system in place. People to help you with the tough decisions you are about to face and even with the little things. like making dinner for you or picking up your other children from school.
You see I did not really set this up properly when I found out at 19 weeks that my little girl had a rare birth defect. I was afraid to ask people for help because I thought that meant I was weak...that I should be able to do it all...well I was wrong. I see now that it would have been less stressful if I asked people for help.
People offer to help because they want to...take them up on it. Look into the community to see what sorts of services can help you. It may take a little digging but you'd be surprised what you'll find.
Try and get everything into place before you have the baby, so that you can concentrate on getting your child well, nothing else.
Just something else I learned the hard way...not the smart way.
It takes a lot out of you and once you've given yourself a little time to adjust to the news you need to make sure you have a support system in place. People to help you with the tough decisions you are about to face and even with the little things. like making dinner for you or picking up your other children from school.
You see I did not really set this up properly when I found out at 19 weeks that my little girl had a rare birth defect. I was afraid to ask people for help because I thought that meant I was weak...that I should be able to do it all...well I was wrong. I see now that it would have been less stressful if I asked people for help.
People offer to help because they want to...take them up on it. Look into the community to see what sorts of services can help you. It may take a little digging but you'd be surprised what you'll find.
Try and get everything into place before you have the baby, so that you can concentrate on getting your child well, nothing else.
Just something else I learned the hard way...not the smart way.
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