Vaccines and Austim

Do vaccines contribute to autism? I'm putting this out there for Parent Club discussion, comment and knowledge sharing because this hot topic is close to my heart.

Next week, Thing 3 goes for his 1st well baby visit...where the 1st set of vaccines are usually given...and I am not informed. Yet.

The best way to be an advocate for your child is to be informed. And I'm coming to you, dear readers, who have been there, done that, or have a friend who experienced it. What do you think about vaccines and autism?

Google brings up Jenny McCarthy's Time interview in the top search results when searching if vaccines contribute to autism autism. (And Jenny thinks it does).

Dr. Oz has an article on his site penned by Dr. Ari Brown investigating vaccines contributing to autism. (Dr. Brown presents it doesn't).

Now I admit, these might not be the most academic sources for my research thus far...which is why I'm coming to you...

What think you on the autism Vs. vaccine debate?

Please chime in your comments below. Obviously this is a personal (and perhaps for some - passionate) topic...thus I ask comments be respectful yet authentic.

The Flu and Your Family

I was recently invited to attend a discussion about the flu with Dr. Marla Shapiro (physician, professor, author and medical consultant for CTV) and Dr. David Greenberg (physician and Chief Medical GP for The Mom Show). Who better to discuss the flu than these two doctors?

What is the flu?

sickness straight away (unlike a cold which comes on gradually)

high fever

diarrhea/vomiting

air born

highly communicable

kids are the epicentre (read: they are germ-pools)

(personal opinion: I have always been anti-flu shot because I have thought that it's better to build up immunity naturally. Plus, my family is in general good health so our risk of the flu has not been immense. However, being pregnant this flu season...I am thinking strongly about flu shots for the family...selfishly because as a pregnant woman the flu would be a bad thing during labour)

The Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Dave discussion focused on a nasal flu spray, approved just this year by Health Canada. Yes, it must be administered by a health care professional. No, it is not covered by OHIP. No, it is not covered by insurance either. No, pregnant women cannot take it. However, for parents who have needle-freaked-out-kids this is an interesting option.*

The spray is called Flu-Mist - produced by AstraZeneca for an ex-factory price of $14.

According to a call to my pharmasist -> the list price for this spray is approx. $75 (ouch!). It is unfortunate that the mark up will put this option out of the reach for many budget-conscious families.

[CLARIFICATION: FluMist must be administered by a healthcare professional, it does not require a prescription. Also, I have checked with two pharmasists and I have been given the cost of $75 from one and $20 from another]

*no, the pharmaceutical company has not made any compensation in return for sharing this information.

Have an experience/news piece/review to share with Parent Club? Send us an e-mail - Parent Club loves to share!

Accomplishments

Funny how something like clearing out your spam folder makes one feel powerful and accomplished (just did this morning!).  Same thing goes for cleaning out the kitchen cupboards (which I did this past weekend - and not-so-funny - found some pickled beets - good ghandi!? in what YEAR did I make pickled beets?!).

I am one that gets all flustered at a barrista counter..."um...can I have a small...no make that a medium...um...tea...oh, regular tea...sugar please...um double sugar...milk too...oh, um...triple milk?" I am well know for making simple decisions very complex.

Which is why - simple accomplishments thrill me.  Like tossing the beets.  I also gave up seeing New Moon* with my bud bc of THIS (which started off the massive accomplish frenzy this weekend - ironic THIS was dated around the same time last year). 

Spam folder = empty.  Kitchen cupboards =  purged.  Laundry = beast in progress.

*I gave up seeing New Moon because of the invasion visit of the extended family over the holidays, and now again this past weekend...dear magical creatures and deities alike - don't I deserve a little Team Edward after all this?!

Just Don't Judge

I was recently rang-ed out ("rang-ed" - verb (used with object), to speak or declaim something/someone aggressively. The teacher rang-ed him out for forgetting his homework. Origin: me) for this. Well, actually for my decision not to vaccinate for this.

Now you should know this about me - I don't do confrontations. It's like in the movie When You've Got Mail - Meg Ryan can never find the right thing to say in a confrontation...I'm just like that. However, afterwards it itches under my skin.

Why rang on me for deciding not to vaccinate myself?! It's my CHOICE. My educated choice. I've read about how h1n1 has mutated and some experts feel the vaccination is ineffective (here too). If I (or someone in my family) had a serious pre-existing medical condition - I would gladly stand in the rain for 4 hours to get the shot. This is, thankfully not the case. But if you, or your child or your uncle Bob chooses to get vaccinated - I completely respect that. I won't rang you out for it.

This reminds me of the breast milk Vs. formula debate. Which is better? Which are YOU going to do? Invariably, someone will tsk tsk whatever decision you make about it.

I think it's every parents job, duty, responsibility to make informed choices - for themselves and their kids. Do some research, talk to experts, make your choice.

Just Don't Judge others who decide otherwise...you have no business in their vaccinations...or their breasts for that matter!

Interview with Ann Douglas: Impact on life after Baby

According to a recent study conducted by Angus Reid, on behalf of Pampers,"69% of Canadian parents miss spontaneity - the ability to pick up and do whatever they want, whenever they want with their partner - after baby's arrival."

Parent Club interviewed Ann Douglas, author of The Mother of All Baby Books and parenting expert on the effects of a new baby on the family unit.

We discussed the life-changes with a new baby. The sleep deprivation. The exhaustion. The change of focus. How all this makes parents more emotional. It's a disruption in "normal" life (though, as we all know, "normal" goes out the window with every addition to the family).

Sleep deprivation can also contribute to a "what about me?" feeling. Parents can feel lonely. Resentful. Even depressed.

Ann recommends to recognize and welcome help from others. Look to your network of family and friends for support and a helping hand. It is hard to find time for yourself - but you need to make the time. For yourself. For re-connecting with the other parent.

It is ok to miss the spontaneity. It is also ok to miss the sleep. However, always remember that both eventually return to your life...in time.

Symptoms of H1N1

Always

sudden onset of cough and fever

Common

Fatigue|muscle aches|sore throat + headache|decreased appetite + runny nose

Sometimes:

Nausea|vomiting|diarrhea

Severe indicators

shortness of breath

chest pain

bluish or grey skin color

bloody or coloured mucus/spit

high fever last more than 3 days

sudden dizziness or confusion

Protection:
wash hands often|cough & sneeze into your arm|avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth|warm liquids

(Source: Government of Ontario - Public Health Agency of Canada)

Parent Club on the mend

On the mend from Time Out for Parent Club...

1. Mom being out of commission health-wise is like a mini-tsunami - it creates waves of shock, devastation and a re-building effort. (i.e. the shock of the kids "but who is going to take care of us?", devastation of the schedule "um...what's for dinner", re-building effort "how many more loads of colours?!"
   
2. Thank goodness for my prince who - although does not ride a white horse - shown his princedom by sitting for hours in hospital waiting rooms, made me smile through tears and battled the monstrous piles of laundry.
   
3. The best comments I have heard this week are "are you alone?", "that just sucks", "I'm on my way" "I've been thinking of you".
   
4. I have heard some stupid comments this week too...but stupid is as stupid does...
   
5. The Canadian hospital system is seriously understaffed...sitting +6 hours in a waiting room only to have my surgery turfed to another day where I had to wait an additional +5 hours...(and might I add - the stupid comments of the week came from medical staff)
6. Gifts of food are always appreciated in times like these - thank you! (still eating the stew! and starting on the scones!)

Thank Ghandi for grandparents...you took over when I had to give in.

Thanks goodness for friends who answered their phones.

In the blogosphere and twitterville we often write/tweet more about nothing than about something. Despite all this - the bond is real and the friendship is authentic.

I really appreciated the e-mails, calls and comments from readers, tweeters, family & friends...touching base, thinking of me and offering an ear. The worst of situations brings out the best in friends.

Time Out for Parent Club

Despite looking for Super Mom Inspiration which led to Re-Calculating Parenting...despite it all...I'm headed into some unexpected surgery today (yep - the hospital kind).

While I'm away (just for a bit - I'm far too addicted to the blogosphere to be gone very long) feel free to leave reading suggestions, virtual gifts of chocolate layer cake and offers to take care of laundry - in the comment field.

New Post at Campaign for Inside Health

Did you hear the news? I am a Community Manager over at the Campaign for Inside Health (that's Activia people).

No, you won't see me belly dancing any time soon. However, you will read me stirring the pot about healthy living. Y'all know I'm a lazy couch potato - cursed with a sad chronic digestive illness - but I'm taking this challenge to get some Inside Health for myself...and I want you there with me.

More to come on the program...but for now here's a read of my latest Inside Health post...

A Healthy Start

Sick Child - Tired Mom

I write this after a +24 hours of Poltergeist-esque-child-vomiting. It's the kind of experience which tires your out and shakes you up - both at the same time.

Thing 2 was really, violently, sick. I clocked the fever at 102F (is 102F considered a fever these days?...I seem to remember someone telling me a fever wasn't official until it hit 104F).

How do you evaluate a "fever" as a "fever"?

post script - Thing 2 is feeling much better. Sick enough to stay home another day but well enough to want me to play.

No Nonsense Nurse Awards

I, personally, think registered nurses and nurse practitioners are gold. I can get Things 1 & 2 an appointment with our nurse practitioner much faster than our physician.

Therefore, for the appreciation of Canadian nurses - we want to tell you about the...

No-Nonsense Nurse Awards

Canadians to nominate a nurse that has made an impression for their hard work and dedication to the health care industry - whether it’s a friend or someone that has treated you, you can nominate a nurse that has made an impression on your life for some great prizes.

• Grand Prize $5000 to a charity of the nurse’s choice and a day of pampering at a local spa
  
  
• Two runner-ups will receive prizes of $500 to a charity of the nurse’s choice and spa packages

The winners will be decided by a panel of fellow nurses across the country. Deadline for entries is March 31st, 2009 and winners will be announced mid-April.

Flu Season - Ontario Health Choices

Our house has been hit by a mighty bug (and not the creepy crawly kind). Thing 2 has - what we like to call - the 100 day cough (it lasts about 100 days). A croupy cough which causes THIS from time to time. Others in the house, have gone to bed with the flu (and none of them me!). Achy, chilly, sweaty flu (glad it ain't me!).

Timely, there is a new one-stop-site for Ontario health services; www.ontario.ca/healthcareoptions . Using this site, people can find the nearest walk-in and after-hours clinics, urgent care centres, family health teams, general practitioners and emergency rooms by typing in their postal codes. It uses a google-type map to show you options in your neighbourhood.

Approximately, 40 per cent of ER visits are for non-emergency related issues. This website is a great alternative.

I am, still and always, am great fan of Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000). You may remember, I called a Telehealth registered nurse when we were faced (excuse the pun) with a mystery rash. Simply - a great service.

Apparently a lot of people are getting hit hard with the flu this year (ok except the Agoraphobics) - so remember to wash hands and drink hot liquids. (hmmm...so if you aren't agoraphobic you should be just-a-little-OCD?...)

Baking Soda is Family Friendly

This is from the arm & hammer baking soda website under the Just for Kids tag. Remember baking soda is a family friendly and good for green living.

Sneaker Peekers

This fun craft does double duty. Kids will have a blast decorating these zany creatures – and then the ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda will go to work deodorizing those smelly sneakers! (Parent Club Note: this is also a good deodorizer for boots and bedrooms - though not for playing with!)

What You Need:
1 new, white athletic sock (mid-calf size)
1 cup ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda
1 rubber band
6" ribbon or string
felt, markers, buttons, and glue for decorating!

How to Make it:
1. Lay newspaper down on your work surface.
2. Fill the sock with 1 cup ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda.
3. Secure with rubber band.
4. Tie ribbon around rubber band, cut off extra sock (cuff area).
5. Decorate! Use Felt, Markers, Buttons, Sequins, etc. to make your Sneaker Peeker an animal, a monster, a flower! Anything goes!
6. Stick them in your sneakers overnight for fresh shoes in the morning!

Remember the importance of adult supervision, especially with young children.

Terry Fox Run in Toronto

Yesterday, my family and I did the Terry Fox run. Actually, to be precise; dh did the Terry Fox run, I did the Terry-Fox-pull-the-wagon-with-a-kid-in-it-backpack-too-don't-forget-the-umbrella-haul.

The turn out at our usual Terry Fox location wasn't very big - I expect it was because of the weather (hello Ike). I admit, when I woke up...I was not looking forward to my Terry-Fox-pull-the-wagon-with-a-kid-in-it-backpack-too-don't-forget-the-umbrella-haul. It's darn hard work!

Then I thought about who was expecting us at the park. A cousin, who when she was 7 years old (same age as Thing 1 now), stayed for weeks at a time, in Sick Kids because of leukemia. Her parents had to trade off hospital over-nights because there were still two younger children at home that needed them. I can't imagine having a child - so sick. (insert shudder HERE).

No, we didn't want to do the walk yesterday. But, then again, I doubt anyone wanted to have cancer yesterday either. So we put on our running shoes, filled the backpack with granola bars and walked (or hauled in my case).

It was a tiring, hot, hard walk - we commented; that it seemed as though the finished line was a bit further this year...but then, I imagine that the families at Sick Kids must have a more tiring, hotter, harder walk than this.

Parent Club Tip: Preventing Head Lice

• Advise your children NOT to share hats or hair accessories
  
• After washing hair use a leave in conditioner with tea tree oil (THIS ONE is available at Loblaw in the natural health section). Tea tree oil is a natural germicide. Also like just don't like it.
  
• Use hair products, such as; a light dose of hair spray or gel. Lice only like "clean" hair as they can attach to the shafts. Hair with product is not as appealing to the creatures.
  
• For a natural option; fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of tea tree oil (available at Shoppers Drug Mart in the Natural health section).

Sigh...the first bee sting

Ah, the first steps. The first word. The first bee sting?! OK, not a very nice first -- but yesterday we experienced the first bee sting of life.

Well, we now know - with certainty - Thing 2 does not have an Anaphylactic shock reaction to bee stings. Panic attack reaction - yes. HUGE panic attack. HUGE.

Thank goodness for TeleHealth Ontario - those nurses are fantabulous (1-866-797-0000). They asked if Thing 2 had a tickle in Thing's throat or chest. If there was difficulty swallowing. If the swelling extended past the wrist (bitten on the "not polite" middle finger).

The remedy was ice, a water + baking soda solution on a cloth, some acetaminophen to ease the pain and a lot of television.

Lice Update...Again

It's amazing how unwelcome one is when "we've got lice" is part of a conversation. Worse if it's face to face. The other person gets a bit shocked - then tries to politely cover it - but YOU know the shock is still there.

Who would blame them? Would you want to be invited to someones house knowing there was head louse? Of course not. No one would accept that invitation. It's a sort of quarantine. Just like scarlet fever (remember the story of the The Velveteen Rabbit?) The story of lice would be called "itchy scratchy rabbit".

As unwelcome as lice bearers are...little kids just don't get why they can't play with friends, go to Karate class, cuddle with a parent in bed ('cause I boiled our laundry enough this week thank you very much). It's a long lonely journey -- broken up by friends who come out of the woodwork (excuse the insect pun) to share tips of their own lice adventures.

The battle goes on. Thing 1 (who was the host) is almost clear of nits. Thing 2 looked like she was completely clear...but - continued daily checks checking revealed, over the weekend, baby lice (proves not all babies are cute!). Don't think that one day looking clear means the problem is gone...you might be missing eggs and -- without treatment will start the infestation off again. The olive oil treatment for lice worked well except the shower cap didn't stay on and the sheets got some oil stains. The second treatment - smart Mom put swimming caps over the oiled up hair and then the shower caps (and also towels on the bed).

We'd like to become welcome again...

Lice and Olive Oil - Who Knew?...

Update on the lice; 3 tea tree oil treatments and Thing 1 and Thing 2 are lice free (crossed fingers as I type). Still a couple of nits last night so we'll keep at it.

Two Parent Club readers "shared" a lice treatment tip; covering wet hair with olive oil - then put up in a shower cap, cotton wrapped around the edges to avoid seeping - then sleep overnight with the shower cap.

Apparently, olive oil suffocates the lice. Also oil helps; well oil, the hair for the nit picking. There's a good toxin-free way of getting rid of lice!

Head Lice - Sigh...

Thought it was just dry itchy scalp from the summer weather. Wait something moved. Completely embarrassed. Sigh. Yuck. Sigh again. It's lice.

Immediately did a NIX cream rinse and brushed with the little plastic brush. Yuck. After a bit of research; I found that new research notes that lice are becoming resistant to products such as Nix. Great. This month's Chatelaine has an article on it.

A neighbour told me to buy a metal comb (available at Shopper's - Life Brand works well). And to use a dab of conditioner to help the comb brush through. What a difference. Still Lice is yuck.

Here's a great tip; a natural remedy to head lice is tea tree oil. It is a natural anti-parasitic. Plus, not harmful to children (just be sure to keep it away from the eyes). Tea tree oil is also available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

The embarrasing part was calling everyone we have played with in the last week to tell them the sad news. Much consoling. The ironic thing is lice is nothing about bad hygene. It's actually clean hair in which the lice make home. They stay away from dirty hair as they cannot cling to the oily strands.

Another stage in life...

Telehealth Ontario is good

Thing 2 has a reaction to something. Call it a rash, hives or small blisters. My education was spent studying the likes of Shakespeare NOT skin irritations.

Some areas of Thing 2 are covered in clusters while other areas have stand alone spots. Why didn't I go to medical school? (truth; I'm really all bedside manner)

Hmmm. What is new, I wonder? We tried new sunscreen but it's been a good week that we've been using the spray able UVB/UVA 30. We went swimming in a friend's pool but no one else has had a reaction (plus, the reaction is specific to left side of Thing 2's face and one wrist - no where else). No new detergents. No new soaps. No trips to farms, forests or other insect/animal destinations.

Called trusty old Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000. I'm wondering if it is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease or Impetigo. Probably not either says the nurse after hearing our case. (Whew!).

As Lady MacBeth said; "Out, damn'd spot! out, I say!".
(Macbeth Act 5, scene 1, 26 – 40)