What would it be like to be deaf? I personally dont know because I only know one person that is, and I barely know her. Being deaf to me would by like being in my own personal hell...but thats because I know whats its like to hear. For those who don't know what its like, live with it, and most of the gracefully. Here is a video I found of a woman who is sharing her signing talent to help people who can't hear feel and understand music in a way that is comforting to their souls in a way we can't understand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zyE7DfdtLg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=977jTOVCHe8&feature=related
Monday, January 24, 2011
What would YOU do?
So, I was watching WHAT WOULD YOU DO? and I thought I'd ask the questions they asked....
What would you do if you saw people making a fuss out of a interracial couple?
What would you do if the person ahead of you in line had no more money on their EBT and was trying to buy food for their family? Would you help them out?
What would you do if there was a boy wearing a dress in a store? Or wanting to buy a barbie and someone was making a deal out of it? What would you think, say?
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?!
What would you do if you saw people making a fuss out of a interracial couple?
What would you do if the person ahead of you in line had no more money on their EBT and was trying to buy food for their family? Would you help them out?
What would you do if there was a boy wearing a dress in a store? Or wanting to buy a barbie and someone was making a deal out of it? What would you think, say?
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?!
Antibiotics Good vs Bad
Copied from this website: http://ezinearticles.com/?Antibiotics---Good-or-Bad?-When-To-Take-Them,-When-To-Refrain-And-What-To-Do-After-Weve-Taken-Them!&id=1013010
The odds that you've had one of those nasty winter or spring colds are pretty high. These are the colds that seem to drag on forever gradually turning into an upper respiratory infection. We feel awful, lack energy and usually as a last resort find ourselves in room filled with other people coughing and spluttering, waiting to see the doctor. Unfortunately, the doctor's usual response will be to put you on a course of antibiotics.
Don't get me wrong. I am not against the proper use of antibiotics. They have the potential to be lifesavers when used properly, but they are not a cure-all. Antibiotics are usually used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as tuberculosis, salmonella, and some forms of meningitis. However, they do not work against other organisms such as viruses or certain fungi. It's important to bear this in mind if you think you have some sort of infection, because viruses usually cause many common illnesses, particularly of the upper respiratory tract such as the common cold and sore throats.
A virus is a microscopic organism that lives as a parasite in plants, animals, and bacteria and consists of a nucleic acid core within a protein sheath. Most people who have a head cold, runny nose, cough, muscle ache, sore throat and even a fever have a virus. Viruses usually cause illness for 7-14 days and the symptoms can be treated with non-prescription drugs like herbal decongestants, cold formulas and cough syrups. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only against bacteria.
Bacteria are single-celled, often parasitic microorganisms without a distinct nuclei or organized cell structure. There are good and bad bacteria. Many types of bacteria do not cause illness and live harmlessly on, and in, the human body. The bad bacteria cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, dysentery and blood poisoning.
These illnesses can be life threatening and can best be treated with antibiotics. If these bacteria become resistant, then it becomes very difficult, even impossible to treat them. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacteria becoming resistant to them so it's important to only take them when absolutely necessary.
HOW DO ANTIBIOTICS WORK?
The very first antibiotic, penicillin along with a family of related antibiotics (such as ampicillin, amoxicllin and benzylpenicillin) is still widely used to treat many common infections. Our healthy, strong immune systems, with their antibodies and special white blood cells, can usually kill harmful bacteria before they multiply enough to cause symptoms. And even when symptoms do occur, the body can often fight off the infection. Sometimes if the immune system is not strong it becomes overwhelmed by a bacterial infection and needs help to get rid of it. This is where antibiotics come in. Some antibiotics, such as the penicillin's, are 'bactericidal', meaning that they work by killing bacteria. They do this by interfering with the formation of the cell walls or cell contents of the bacteria. Other antibiotics are 'bacteriostatic', meaning that they work by stopping bacteria multiplying.
Unfortunately, the antibiotics do not differentiate between our good bacteria, especially in the gut, and destroy them all! This damage to the destruction of the "gut flora" can have very serious consequences. These beneficial bacteria perform crucial tasks, from boosting our immune system, aiding digestion, warding off allergies to assisting in the elimination of harmful toxins. These friendly bacteria include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidus and Bulgaricus, supplements for which can be found in any health food store's refrigerated section. They protect us against pathogens such as Salmonella, yeast, cholera, and the bad E. coli. Once gone, these friendly bacteria are replaced by hostile bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Clostridium, and Klebsiella, and by Candida yeast, a powerful member of the fungi family.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTICS
The most common side effects with antibiotic drugs are diarrhea, feeling sick and being sick. Fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract and vagina can also occur with antibiotics because they destroy the protective 'good' bacteria in the body (which help prevent overgrowth of any one organism), as well as the 'bad' ones, responsible for the infection being treated.
Rare, but more serious side effects, include the formation of kidney stones, abnormal blood clotting, increased sensitivity to the sun, blood disorders, and deafness.
Sometimes, particularly in older people, antibiotic treatment can cause a type of colitis (inflamed bowel) leading to severe diarrhea. Penicillin's, cephalosporin's and erythromycin can all cause this problem but it is most common with clindamycin, an antibiotic usually reserved for serious infections. If you develop diarrhea while taking an antibiotic, immediately contact your doctor.
Some people are allergic to antibiotics, particularly penicillin, and can develop side effects such as a rash, swelling of the face and tongue, and difficulty breathing. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic; sometimes the reaction can be serious or even fatal. This is called an anaphylactic reaction. You should use an antibiotic with care if you have reduced liver or kidney function. It goes without saying if you are pregnant or breastfeeding tell your doctor before taking any prescription drugs including antibiotics.
HOW TO USE AN ANTIBIOTIC IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE THEM
Antibiotics are usually taken orally but also given by injection or applied to the affected part of the body. The drugs begin to tackle most infections within a few hours. It is vital to take the whole course of treatment to prevent recurrence of the infection. Sometimes bacteria become 'resistant' to an antibiotic you have been taking, meaning the drug will no longer work. Resistance tends to occur when the bacterial infection responsible for the symptoms is not completely cured, even if the symptoms have cleared up. Some of the residual bacteria, having been exposed to, but not killed by, the antibiotic are more likely to grow into an infection that can survive that particular antibiotic. This explains why finishing the course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, is important.
Certain antibiotics should not be taken with certain foods and drinks. Some antibiotics are best taken when there is no food in your stomach, usually an hour before meals or two hours after - make sure you follow the instructions on the dispensing label. Do not drink alcohol if you are taking metronidazole. Do not take tetracyclines with dairy products, as these can reduce the absorption of this type of antibiotic.
There are a number of important interactions between antibiotics and other medicines so it's important to tell which your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking.
RESTORING BENEFICIAL BACTERIA
If for some reason you have had to go on a course of antibiotics, try to boost your natural immune system and follow this recovery plan:
- Stay away from sugar or artificial sweeteners. Use Stevia or Lo-Han instead.
- No mushrooms or cheese. No yeasty foods, like bread, rolls or beer.
- Eliminate fruits and fruit juices (except for tart apples).
- Cut down on grains. After two weeks introduce gluten-free whole grains like Auinoa, corn or millet.
- Don't drink coffee, tea, herb tea or coffee substitutes as they often harbor molds.
- Avoid supermarket salad dressings, vinegar, soy or Worcestershire sauce and horseradish.
- Drink anti-fungal teas like paud'arco, angelica root, bergamot, hyssop, chamomile and alfalfa.
- Eat unsweetened, plain yogurt or kefir that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidus and bulgaricus.
- Use olive oil to cook with as a dressing on salads and vegetables.
- Drink organic, green vegetable juices.
- Use raw almond butter.
- Cook with garlic. It contains allicin, a natural anti-fungal chemical.
- Take grape seed extract in water last thing at night.
- Take an antioxidant supplement that includes vitamins E, A, and C (among others) zinc and selenium
For this dietary plan to be affective it should be continued for at least 4 to 6 weeks, however before beginning any dietary program always check with you doctor first. When coming off the plan you can try eating foods you have cut out, one at a time to see how they make you feel. If you get gas or bloating stop taking the food for another few weeks. Following this plan for the recommended amount of time will help boost your immune system and help you to stay healthy.
As I have had a lot of problems with my children having to take antibiotics, I am looking more and more into what I can do to restore the good bacteria back into their systems after finishing an antibiotic. Its important that we take care of our bodies. This can cause problems to your mental and physical health.
The odds that you've had one of those nasty winter or spring colds are pretty high. These are the colds that seem to drag on forever gradually turning into an upper respiratory infection. We feel awful, lack energy and usually as a last resort find ourselves in room filled with other people coughing and spluttering, waiting to see the doctor. Unfortunately, the doctor's usual response will be to put you on a course of antibiotics.
Don't get me wrong. I am not against the proper use of antibiotics. They have the potential to be lifesavers when used properly, but they are not a cure-all. Antibiotics are usually used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as tuberculosis, salmonella, and some forms of meningitis. However, they do not work against other organisms such as viruses or certain fungi. It's important to bear this in mind if you think you have some sort of infection, because viruses usually cause many common illnesses, particularly of the upper respiratory tract such as the common cold and sore throats.
A virus is a microscopic organism that lives as a parasite in plants, animals, and bacteria and consists of a nucleic acid core within a protein sheath. Most people who have a head cold, runny nose, cough, muscle ache, sore throat and even a fever have a virus. Viruses usually cause illness for 7-14 days and the symptoms can be treated with non-prescription drugs like herbal decongestants, cold formulas and cough syrups. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only against bacteria.
Bacteria are single-celled, often parasitic microorganisms without a distinct nuclei or organized cell structure. There are good and bad bacteria. Many types of bacteria do not cause illness and live harmlessly on, and in, the human body. The bad bacteria cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, dysentery and blood poisoning.
These illnesses can be life threatening and can best be treated with antibiotics. If these bacteria become resistant, then it becomes very difficult, even impossible to treat them. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacteria becoming resistant to them so it's important to only take them when absolutely necessary.
HOW DO ANTIBIOTICS WORK?
The very first antibiotic, penicillin along with a family of related antibiotics (such as ampicillin, amoxicllin and benzylpenicillin) is still widely used to treat many common infections. Our healthy, strong immune systems, with their antibodies and special white blood cells, can usually kill harmful bacteria before they multiply enough to cause symptoms. And even when symptoms do occur, the body can often fight off the infection. Sometimes if the immune system is not strong it becomes overwhelmed by a bacterial infection and needs help to get rid of it. This is where antibiotics come in. Some antibiotics, such as the penicillin's, are 'bactericidal', meaning that they work by killing bacteria. They do this by interfering with the formation of the cell walls or cell contents of the bacteria. Other antibiotics are 'bacteriostatic', meaning that they work by stopping bacteria multiplying.
Unfortunately, the antibiotics do not differentiate between our good bacteria, especially in the gut, and destroy them all! This damage to the destruction of the "gut flora" can have very serious consequences. These beneficial bacteria perform crucial tasks, from boosting our immune system, aiding digestion, warding off allergies to assisting in the elimination of harmful toxins. These friendly bacteria include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidus and Bulgaricus, supplements for which can be found in any health food store's refrigerated section. They protect us against pathogens such as Salmonella, yeast, cholera, and the bad E. coli. Once gone, these friendly bacteria are replaced by hostile bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Clostridium, and Klebsiella, and by Candida yeast, a powerful member of the fungi family.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTICS
The most common side effects with antibiotic drugs are diarrhea, feeling sick and being sick. Fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract and vagina can also occur with antibiotics because they destroy the protective 'good' bacteria in the body (which help prevent overgrowth of any one organism), as well as the 'bad' ones, responsible for the infection being treated.
Rare, but more serious side effects, include the formation of kidney stones, abnormal blood clotting, increased sensitivity to the sun, blood disorders, and deafness.
Sometimes, particularly in older people, antibiotic treatment can cause a type of colitis (inflamed bowel) leading to severe diarrhea. Penicillin's, cephalosporin's and erythromycin can all cause this problem but it is most common with clindamycin, an antibiotic usually reserved for serious infections. If you develop diarrhea while taking an antibiotic, immediately contact your doctor.
Some people are allergic to antibiotics, particularly penicillin, and can develop side effects such as a rash, swelling of the face and tongue, and difficulty breathing. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic; sometimes the reaction can be serious or even fatal. This is called an anaphylactic reaction. You should use an antibiotic with care if you have reduced liver or kidney function. It goes without saying if you are pregnant or breastfeeding tell your doctor before taking any prescription drugs including antibiotics.
HOW TO USE AN ANTIBIOTIC IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE THEM
Antibiotics are usually taken orally but also given by injection or applied to the affected part of the body. The drugs begin to tackle most infections within a few hours. It is vital to take the whole course of treatment to prevent recurrence of the infection. Sometimes bacteria become 'resistant' to an antibiotic you have been taking, meaning the drug will no longer work. Resistance tends to occur when the bacterial infection responsible for the symptoms is not completely cured, even if the symptoms have cleared up. Some of the residual bacteria, having been exposed to, but not killed by, the antibiotic are more likely to grow into an infection that can survive that particular antibiotic. This explains why finishing the course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, is important.
Certain antibiotics should not be taken with certain foods and drinks. Some antibiotics are best taken when there is no food in your stomach, usually an hour before meals or two hours after - make sure you follow the instructions on the dispensing label. Do not drink alcohol if you are taking metronidazole. Do not take tetracyclines with dairy products, as these can reduce the absorption of this type of antibiotic.
There are a number of important interactions between antibiotics and other medicines so it's important to tell which your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are taking.
RESTORING BENEFICIAL BACTERIA
If for some reason you have had to go on a course of antibiotics, try to boost your natural immune system and follow this recovery plan:
- Stay away from sugar or artificial sweeteners. Use Stevia or Lo-Han instead.
- No mushrooms or cheese. No yeasty foods, like bread, rolls or beer.
- Eliminate fruits and fruit juices (except for tart apples).
- Cut down on grains. After two weeks introduce gluten-free whole grains like Auinoa, corn or millet.
- Don't drink coffee, tea, herb tea or coffee substitutes as they often harbor molds.
- Avoid supermarket salad dressings, vinegar, soy or Worcestershire sauce and horseradish.
- Drink anti-fungal teas like paud'arco, angelica root, bergamot, hyssop, chamomile and alfalfa.
- Eat unsweetened, plain yogurt or kefir that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidus and bulgaricus.
- Use olive oil to cook with as a dressing on salads and vegetables.
- Drink organic, green vegetable juices.
- Use raw almond butter.
- Cook with garlic. It contains allicin, a natural anti-fungal chemical.
- Take grape seed extract in water last thing at night.
- Take an antioxidant supplement that includes vitamins E, A, and C (among others) zinc and selenium
For this dietary plan to be affective it should be continued for at least 4 to 6 weeks, however before beginning any dietary program always check with you doctor first. When coming off the plan you can try eating foods you have cut out, one at a time to see how they make you feel. If you get gas or bloating stop taking the food for another few weeks. Following this plan for the recommended amount of time will help boost your immune system and help you to stay healthy.
As I have had a lot of problems with my children having to take antibiotics, I am looking more and more into what I can do to restore the good bacteria back into their systems after finishing an antibiotic. Its important that we take care of our bodies. This can cause problems to your mental and physical health.
Abortion-Pro Life
Below are two links that need to be watched:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Ds_W75zh1j2I%26feature%3Drelated&h=b518e
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abortionno.org%2F&h=b518e
There are two things that I know are fact about abortion. 1. Its an abomination. 2. Its murder.
There are many opinions about abortion and many people think its "ok" in certain situations, others think we shouldn't involve ourselves in someone else's life. The thing is, we get upset when a young child is killed, if a child is thrown in the trash can after a women gives birth in a restroom or when a child/baby is shaken or beaten. We hate when children are hurt in anyway....but when it comes to abortion we make lots of reasons, that it should be allowed.
I believe people are uneducated about what abortion really is and entails. I think men and women alike think that the baby never feels anything and just goes to sleep like a dog would being put down at the pound. This is NOT true. Babies, no matter how small-FEEL! It's not unknown to hear cries during abortion from a baby or for it to not be dead fully exiting the womb. Watch those videos above and if you aren't against abortion now, you will be....and if your not then...God help you.
Why do women get abortions? Here are some stats:
Why women have abortions1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient).
When do abortions occur during pregnancy? :
At what gestational ages are abortions performed:52% of all abortions occur before the 9th week of pregnancy, 25% happen between the 9th & 10th week, 12% happen between the 11th and 12th week, 6% happen between the 13th & 15th week, 4% happen between the 16th & 20th week, and 1% of all abortions (16,450/yr.) happen after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Who's having abortions (age)?52% of women obtaining abortions in the U.S. are younger than 25: Women aged 20-24 obtain 32% of all abortions; Teenagers obtain 20% and girls under 15 account for 1.2%.
Stats from: http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html
So, the bottom line is pretty cut and dry. Most abortions are happening between ages 18-25 to unwed mothers. And 93% of them are because of INCONVENIENCE. Only 1% is because of rape-which is an excuse often used. And although most abortions happen early on in the pregnancy, 16,450 roughly are still being aborted halfway through the pregnancy 20+ weeks. In todays world a baby could live outside of the womb then. Most of the 93% of these abortions every year could be prevented every year by preventing pregnancy in the first place. Free birthcontrol at the clinics and doctors office where patients could have the privacy of everyone not knowing, would help a lot. Considering most abortions happen when the mother is unmarried and low income there has to be a way to educate women about birth control and sex in general. I know its an uncommon theory, even in my own life...but NOT having sex outside of marriage would almost solve the problem completely....
I believe that this is wrong, no matter your religion. My bible says "Thou shalt not murder" and I think common sense tells people not to murder as well.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Ds_W75zh1j2I%26feature%3Drelated&h=b518e
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abortionno.org%2F&h=b518e
There are two things that I know are fact about abortion. 1. Its an abomination. 2. Its murder.
There are many opinions about abortion and many people think its "ok" in certain situations, others think we shouldn't involve ourselves in someone else's life. The thing is, we get upset when a young child is killed, if a child is thrown in the trash can after a women gives birth in a restroom or when a child/baby is shaken or beaten. We hate when children are hurt in anyway....but when it comes to abortion we make lots of reasons, that it should be allowed.
I believe people are uneducated about what abortion really is and entails. I think men and women alike think that the baby never feels anything and just goes to sleep like a dog would being put down at the pound. This is NOT true. Babies, no matter how small-FEEL! It's not unknown to hear cries during abortion from a baby or for it to not be dead fully exiting the womb. Watch those videos above and if you aren't against abortion now, you will be....and if your not then...God help you.
Why do women get abortions? Here are some stats:
Why women have abortions1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient).
When do abortions occur during pregnancy? :
At what gestational ages are abortions performed:52% of all abortions occur before the 9th week of pregnancy, 25% happen between the 9th & 10th week, 12% happen between the 11th and 12th week, 6% happen between the 13th & 15th week, 4% happen between the 16th & 20th week, and 1% of all abortions (16,450/yr.) happen after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Who's having abortions (age)?52% of women obtaining abortions in the U.S. are younger than 25: Women aged 20-24 obtain 32% of all abortions; Teenagers obtain 20% and girls under 15 account for 1.2%.
Stats from: http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html
So, the bottom line is pretty cut and dry. Most abortions are happening between ages 18-25 to unwed mothers. And 93% of them are because of INCONVENIENCE. Only 1% is because of rape-which is an excuse often used. And although most abortions happen early on in the pregnancy, 16,450 roughly are still being aborted halfway through the pregnancy 20+ weeks. In todays world a baby could live outside of the womb then. Most of the 93% of these abortions every year could be prevented every year by preventing pregnancy in the first place. Free birthcontrol at the clinics and doctors office where patients could have the privacy of everyone not knowing, would help a lot. Considering most abortions happen when the mother is unmarried and low income there has to be a way to educate women about birth control and sex in general. I know its an uncommon theory, even in my own life...but NOT having sex outside of marriage would almost solve the problem completely....
I believe that this is wrong, no matter your religion. My bible says "Thou shalt not murder" and I think common sense tells people not to murder as well.
Breastfeeding vs. the alternative
Today I was watching the end of "The View" that I caught on just after I had nursed my youngest and put him into my bed to nap. Dr. Oz was on discussing his books and show about eating healthy and other subjects, uncluding pregnancy and raising children. I found it interesting that he pointed out the "stress" women immediatly feel when become pregnant and that women need to learn how to handle all of lifes situations without stressing to much about it, because he feels that it passes along to the baby and so on.
He was then asked how he felt about bottle feeding and breastfeeding. His response was, in today's society women are stressed about breastfeeding and although breastfeeding is best, if women are stressed about it, then they should just go ahead and bottlefeed. I believe there are two main reasons woman do not breastfeed or quit breastfeeding. 1. Society, women are basically required to work to make ends meet, relying on a one family income, often is not enough. 2. Lack of knowledge and Laziness.
In today's world we support breastfeeding, we encourage it...but we do NOTHING to help women be able to do it. Our finances are so whirlwind that most women do not have the ability to stay home, whether they are single (which is a whole nother topic) or their husband doesnt make enough to sustain off one income. Society simply will not let women stay at home and take care of their children. One reason this is is because of "Womens Rights", women fought so hard, to hard in fact that they not only became equal to men, they are expected to be able to take on the workload of a man and also take care of the children. I'm all for women working, but there needs to be some kind of balance. Women are simply not given much of a choice and unfortunetly, that was caused mostly BY WOMEN.
The second main reason is because women are just simply uneducated or lazy. Uneducation comes from the last 50+ years that bottle feeding has become a norm....women just dont know HOW to breastfeed let alone HOW LONG they should and etc. Take uneducated women and stack working full time on top of that and we have a serious problem. And then there is laziness...some women just simply do not like that breastfeeding takes them away from other things they enjoy. For instance, since I don't give my children bottles, I take them with me EVERYWHERE for the first 6 months- year of their lives. Occasionally I get to run to the store or whatever, but for the most part, they are with me. Sure you can leave them with pumped milk to go out for a couple hours, thats not going to make you a bad mom, but for the most part, you are at their beck-and-call. Women do not like giving up their time.
When nursing often time your strapped to a couch until they are 5 months old and even then you are lugging 15 pounds around with you anyways! Nursing, whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom is a lot of work. But the "work" is outdone every time by the joy. Breastfeeding is suppose to be a joyous time, a time you get to cuddle your baby and talk to him and touch his soft skin and just enjoy him. Because someday he won't want your hugs and kisses! Nursing is natural and healthy and is a bonding experience no bottle will ever give a child. Breastfeeding is not just food, where formula is JUST food. Your never going to find bugs in your breastmilk or have it pulled off the shelves because something bad got into it. Your never going to have to pay $40 for a small can of it at Walmart every week. Its free and priceless. Whether your a stay at home mom or a working mom you CAN breastfeed. There are always exceptions and although those are few and far between because mostly women just make excuses we are in a sense lucky to have an alternative so that unlike babies who would die back in the day, babies have a way to eat. I strongly believe that until you have tried EVERYTHING, formula should be a last resort.
I have talked to several lactation consultants recently and apparently they are taking formula out of the hospital rooms. Formula will still be there to feed the babies, but it will not be advertised or given away for free like in the past. I think that is GREAT! It doesnt mean that the women no longer has a choice, it just means that doctors are going to stop PUSHING formula. I remember going to a pediatrician when my oldest was a baby and them handing out formula and the same with the OB. I am so glad that they are seeing that advertisement in the establishment also plays a part in womens decision making.
I believe that there needs to be a breastfeeding revolution. If women have to work, they should be able to take time to pump at work. People get cigarette breaks and thats definetly NOT productive. There needs to be more education and more advertisement supporting breastfeeding. Even if we cant change everyone, getting as many as we can to take the natural way is better than doing nothing. Here's an idea...WIC gives low income women formula...what about giving low income women nursing bra's? I know its not food, but they give out free breastfeeding support, why not give out BREASTFEEDING support! :P
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/breastfeedingandbottle.html
He was then asked how he felt about bottle feeding and breastfeeding. His response was, in today's society women are stressed about breastfeeding and although breastfeeding is best, if women are stressed about it, then they should just go ahead and bottlefeed. I believe there are two main reasons woman do not breastfeed or quit breastfeeding. 1. Society, women are basically required to work to make ends meet, relying on a one family income, often is not enough. 2. Lack of knowledge and Laziness.
In today's world we support breastfeeding, we encourage it...but we do NOTHING to help women be able to do it. Our finances are so whirlwind that most women do not have the ability to stay home, whether they are single (which is a whole nother topic) or their husband doesnt make enough to sustain off one income. Society simply will not let women stay at home and take care of their children. One reason this is is because of "Womens Rights", women fought so hard, to hard in fact that they not only became equal to men, they are expected to be able to take on the workload of a man and also take care of the children. I'm all for women working, but there needs to be some kind of balance. Women are simply not given much of a choice and unfortunetly, that was caused mostly BY WOMEN.
The second main reason is because women are just simply uneducated or lazy. Uneducation comes from the last 50+ years that bottle feeding has become a norm....women just dont know HOW to breastfeed let alone HOW LONG they should and etc. Take uneducated women and stack working full time on top of that and we have a serious problem. And then there is laziness...some women just simply do not like that breastfeeding takes them away from other things they enjoy. For instance, since I don't give my children bottles, I take them with me EVERYWHERE for the first 6 months- year of their lives. Occasionally I get to run to the store or whatever, but for the most part, they are with me. Sure you can leave them with pumped milk to go out for a couple hours, thats not going to make you a bad mom, but for the most part, you are at their beck-and-call. Women do not like giving up their time.
When nursing often time your strapped to a couch until they are 5 months old and even then you are lugging 15 pounds around with you anyways! Nursing, whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom is a lot of work. But the "work" is outdone every time by the joy. Breastfeeding is suppose to be a joyous time, a time you get to cuddle your baby and talk to him and touch his soft skin and just enjoy him. Because someday he won't want your hugs and kisses! Nursing is natural and healthy and is a bonding experience no bottle will ever give a child. Breastfeeding is not just food, where formula is JUST food. Your never going to find bugs in your breastmilk or have it pulled off the shelves because something bad got into it. Your never going to have to pay $40 for a small can of it at Walmart every week. Its free and priceless. Whether your a stay at home mom or a working mom you CAN breastfeed. There are always exceptions and although those are few and far between because mostly women just make excuses we are in a sense lucky to have an alternative so that unlike babies who would die back in the day, babies have a way to eat. I strongly believe that until you have tried EVERYTHING, formula should be a last resort.
I have talked to several lactation consultants recently and apparently they are taking formula out of the hospital rooms. Formula will still be there to feed the babies, but it will not be advertised or given away for free like in the past. I think that is GREAT! It doesnt mean that the women no longer has a choice, it just means that doctors are going to stop PUSHING formula. I remember going to a pediatrician when my oldest was a baby and them handing out formula and the same with the OB. I am so glad that they are seeing that advertisement in the establishment also plays a part in womens decision making.
I believe that there needs to be a breastfeeding revolution. If women have to work, they should be able to take time to pump at work. People get cigarette breaks and thats definetly NOT productive. There needs to be more education and more advertisement supporting breastfeeding. Even if we cant change everyone, getting as many as we can to take the natural way is better than doing nothing. Here's an idea...WIC gives low income women formula...what about giving low income women nursing bra's? I know its not food, but they give out free breastfeeding support, why not give out BREASTFEEDING support! :P
| Breastfeeding | Bottle-feeding | |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | ||
| Perfect balance of nutrients | Not as efficiently utilized as breast milk | |
| Contains high levels of nutrients | Nutritional content depends on proper preparation | |
| Easily digested and absorbed | Some babies have difficulty tolerating certain nutrients | |
| Content varies according to milk production stage, which meets the changing nutritional requirements | Pediatrician/care-giver determines amount | |
| Infant determines amount | ||
| Costs | ||
| Free | Formula ranges from $54 to $198 per month depending on brand | |
| Nursing pads, nursing bras, etc. | Bottles, nipples, etc. | |
| Breast pump (optional) | ||
| Advantages | ||
| Always the perfect temperature | Anyone can feed the baby | |
| No preparation time | ||
| Milk is readily available at any time and any place | ||
| Disadvantages | ||
| Mother must be available for feeding or to provide pumped milk if she is absent | Warming formula | |
| Mother must pump if feeding is missed | Preparation time varies | |
| Early breastfeeding may be uncomfortable | ||
| Certain medications can interrupt breastfeeding | ||
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/breastfeedingandbottle.html
MRSA
So, my first blog is going to be about something that has recently become an issue within our family. This is MRSA. It seems to be, since I've come into contact with it the most HATED four letter acronym out there. I think in most minds its even worse than AIDS. My conclusion has been that it is because people are uneducated and scared more than the infection itself is bad. Don't get me wrong, MRSA can be bad for anyone, but there are different levels of this infection and not all staph infections are alike.
Now your probably asking yourself, "Why is this an issue for her?"...well its an issue for me simply because I have a three year old son who within the last year, we found out has MRSA. So here's our MRSA story:
When I was pregnant with my second son, Benjamin, we found out through ultra-sound that he had some kind of kidney condition, Hydonephrosis. We delivered him early by the help of induction and he was born on December 14, 2007. Since then he has been on bactrim, an antibiotic to help prevent kidney infections. He has also indured many tests, ultrasounds and etc. including I.V's and much more. Its been a rough 3 years. Last year in March, my son Ben had kidney surgery to fix the ureters that were deformed and not working properly. You see, he has one kidney that is a lot smaller than the other and if he looses the better kidney, he could be in serious trouble. There was also a stint put in place to help it drain. During the surgery he also had tubes put in his ears as we have a history of chronic ear infections in our family and with our children. Something else that Ben had indured a lot of.
After surgery we recovered with him for several weeks, the first four days being the worst. Watching my son lay in agony screaming and crying in pain, is something I never want to watch again, especially at 2 years old. It was horrible. Several weeks later his stint was removed, which also caused great pain. When the stint was removed things got better and Ben got back to himself, for the most part. Then we found out that he had a staph infection in his bladder. He was put on another series of antibiotics to get rid of it. We had another scare about a month later that it had come back, but to our relief, we had a test done and it was negative.
A couple months later our son got an ear infection in his left ear. We took him to the doctor because the ear was draining a horrible smelling green liquid. The doctor gave him an antibiotic for it, which didn't work, we were in the doctor later that week. By the third doctor visit we got a MRSA test done, he had MRSA. We didnt know what MRSA was and was unsure of how to handle it. They prescribed antibiotic after antibiotic and NOTHING got rid of it. Finally, an ENT said that his left tube would need to be removed to see if that would make it go away. We had the surgery and since then, we have had no ear infections, until now.
My youngest son was hospitalized for RSV a couple weeks ago, while I was in the hospital, my other two sons, who were also congested, got ear infections. For us, its just a fact of life almost. And undoubtedly, I've done everything right, kept them away from smoke-we don't smoke, and breastfed. Ear infections are just in our anatomy. So here we are again, an ear infection that just wont go away. Ben has no finished a 10 day antibiotic and has not had draining with this last ear infection, which was in both ears. And since he has a tube in his right ear, and the ear infection hasnt went away, I am concerned that the MRSA is there.
NOW, here's where the education comes in. Something, I've learned is that MRSA likes to attach itself to objects, such as ear tubes and forms a barrier protecting itself from antibiotics, killing it. Thus, when we got the left tube removed, the infection went away. He may not have it surrounding the right tube, an ENT appointment will tell. Ben more than likely picked up MRSA from one of his surgeries at the hospital. But here's the facts about MRSA:
MRSA is transmitted by one of two ways, either by touching someones infected skin or things that have come into contact to their infection...which in Bens case would be his ear drainage or other drainage that is infected like snot. Which doesnt mean every time he has a runny nose, you can get MRSA from him.
MRSA on the skin and in the body are two different things, within the body it can go dormant and come back again later, or it can not come back ever again. People usually infected with MRSA dont even know they have it. MRSA on the skin can cause pus and other problems. If someone has it on their skin, covering it with a bandage, prevents other from getting it. And unless running a fever or having other symptoms, MRSA is likely dormant.
MRSA is not dangerous to the general public. Although people with debilitating disease such as cancer and etc. should stay clear from those infected with MRSA.
One of the biggest ways to prevent getting MRSA: stay away from drainage, especially open surfaces such as eyes, ears, nose and mouth. If its on the skin, avoid any skin to skin contact, specifically open wounds or cuts. And good handwashing. And if you think you might have MRSA stay away from others until you see a doctor who can tell you how to handle it.
This being said, my son in particular is not a harm to others. With this MRSA label he has been treated differently, which is why I relate it to the acronym AIDS. Because until people knew what AIDS was and really understood it, everyone was afraid of even being near someone with it. We now know how its spread and prevent it. I understand the fear, I do. But as his mom I also know what research I've done and what numerous doctors have told me about what he has. He is a normal kid and he's not going to spread it your children by accidently sharing a sippy cup or holding her hand. Your not going to get it by changing his diaper or giving him a kiss. And if it does come back, I'll get him to a doctor and prescribed the right antibiotic. After 2-7 days, the antibiotic has taken effect and he is not a threat to anyone. As long as he doesnt have a fever or drainage...I'm taking him to the store, to church and letting him enjoy life. At now, 3 years old, he's a child and I'm not going to label him, Ben the kid with MRSA. He's just Ben.
If your afraid of MRSA you should do all the right research and talk to your doctors. Otherwise, keep your opinions to yourself, unless you know the facts. Because you just might have it, or your child might have it, and you may never know because its just there. Think about it.
Now your probably asking yourself, "Why is this an issue for her?"...well its an issue for me simply because I have a three year old son who within the last year, we found out has MRSA. So here's our MRSA story:
When I was pregnant with my second son, Benjamin, we found out through ultra-sound that he had some kind of kidney condition, Hydonephrosis. We delivered him early by the help of induction and he was born on December 14, 2007. Since then he has been on bactrim, an antibiotic to help prevent kidney infections. He has also indured many tests, ultrasounds and etc. including I.V's and much more. Its been a rough 3 years. Last year in March, my son Ben had kidney surgery to fix the ureters that were deformed and not working properly. You see, he has one kidney that is a lot smaller than the other and if he looses the better kidney, he could be in serious trouble. There was also a stint put in place to help it drain. During the surgery he also had tubes put in his ears as we have a history of chronic ear infections in our family and with our children. Something else that Ben had indured a lot of.
After surgery we recovered with him for several weeks, the first four days being the worst. Watching my son lay in agony screaming and crying in pain, is something I never want to watch again, especially at 2 years old. It was horrible. Several weeks later his stint was removed, which also caused great pain. When the stint was removed things got better and Ben got back to himself, for the most part. Then we found out that he had a staph infection in his bladder. He was put on another series of antibiotics to get rid of it. We had another scare about a month later that it had come back, but to our relief, we had a test done and it was negative.
A couple months later our son got an ear infection in his left ear. We took him to the doctor because the ear was draining a horrible smelling green liquid. The doctor gave him an antibiotic for it, which didn't work, we were in the doctor later that week. By the third doctor visit we got a MRSA test done, he had MRSA. We didnt know what MRSA was and was unsure of how to handle it. They prescribed antibiotic after antibiotic and NOTHING got rid of it. Finally, an ENT said that his left tube would need to be removed to see if that would make it go away. We had the surgery and since then, we have had no ear infections, until now.
My youngest son was hospitalized for RSV a couple weeks ago, while I was in the hospital, my other two sons, who were also congested, got ear infections. For us, its just a fact of life almost. And undoubtedly, I've done everything right, kept them away from smoke-we don't smoke, and breastfed. Ear infections are just in our anatomy. So here we are again, an ear infection that just wont go away. Ben has no finished a 10 day antibiotic and has not had draining with this last ear infection, which was in both ears. And since he has a tube in his right ear, and the ear infection hasnt went away, I am concerned that the MRSA is there.
NOW, here's where the education comes in. Something, I've learned is that MRSA likes to attach itself to objects, such as ear tubes and forms a barrier protecting itself from antibiotics, killing it. Thus, when we got the left tube removed, the infection went away. He may not have it surrounding the right tube, an ENT appointment will tell. Ben more than likely picked up MRSA from one of his surgeries at the hospital. But here's the facts about MRSA:
MRSA is transmitted by one of two ways, either by touching someones infected skin or things that have come into contact to their infection...which in Bens case would be his ear drainage or other drainage that is infected like snot. Which doesnt mean every time he has a runny nose, you can get MRSA from him.
MRSA on the skin and in the body are two different things, within the body it can go dormant and come back again later, or it can not come back ever again. People usually infected with MRSA dont even know they have it. MRSA on the skin can cause pus and other problems. If someone has it on their skin, covering it with a bandage, prevents other from getting it. And unless running a fever or having other symptoms, MRSA is likely dormant.
MRSA is not dangerous to the general public. Although people with debilitating disease such as cancer and etc. should stay clear from those infected with MRSA.
One of the biggest ways to prevent getting MRSA: stay away from drainage, especially open surfaces such as eyes, ears, nose and mouth. If its on the skin, avoid any skin to skin contact, specifically open wounds or cuts. And good handwashing. And if you think you might have MRSA stay away from others until you see a doctor who can tell you how to handle it.
This being said, my son in particular is not a harm to others. With this MRSA label he has been treated differently, which is why I relate it to the acronym AIDS. Because until people knew what AIDS was and really understood it, everyone was afraid of even being near someone with it. We now know how its spread and prevent it. I understand the fear, I do. But as his mom I also know what research I've done and what numerous doctors have told me about what he has. He is a normal kid and he's not going to spread it your children by accidently sharing a sippy cup or holding her hand. Your not going to get it by changing his diaper or giving him a kiss. And if it does come back, I'll get him to a doctor and prescribed the right antibiotic. After 2-7 days, the antibiotic has taken effect and he is not a threat to anyone. As long as he doesnt have a fever or drainage...I'm taking him to the store, to church and letting him enjoy life. At now, 3 years old, he's a child and I'm not going to label him, Ben the kid with MRSA. He's just Ben.
If your afraid of MRSA you should do all the right research and talk to your doctors. Otherwise, keep your opinions to yourself, unless you know the facts. Because you just might have it, or your child might have it, and you may never know because its just there. Think about it.
Welcome to My Life!
It was suggested by a friend that I start a blog because of my many life experiences that I like to share. Thats not to say that I have that many life experiences as I am only 24 years old, But I do have some and I have a whole lot of opinions and things I like to share. So I decided, why not? So here it is. Personal, Up-close, Truthful, MY life, the way I know it.
My life as I know it:
My life as I know it:
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