Where to go?

Where to go with your ailment? 

-Emergency, you can't drive or get them to the hospital yourself, or you need the quickest transport possible, call 911.  If there is any breathing difficulty, heart/chest pain, or signs of a stroke (drooping of face, slurred speech, change in mental status for example) would definitely be 911 calls. You will need to provide the address.

-If it is after these hours or is an Emergency, then head straight to an ER.  I obviously prefer Advocate BroMenn, but OSF has an ER as well. ERs are not supposed to give medical advice over the phone, and you will be seen by priority.  Bring ID, Social Security Number and your Insurance Info if possible. 

-If it is something urgent and not life threatening, visit a Prompt Care or an Urgent Care.
Advocate BroMenn has 2 in town, OSF has 3, plus one in El Paso. Hours and Locations Below.  

-If it is a routine, longstanding problem (headaches, itchy skin, cholesterol, physicals etc) then make an appointment with your primary doctor.  Don't have a primary doc?  Life will be so much easier for you, if you get one.  Just make an appointment, and ask to get a new patient physical. Check with your insurance provider for lists of doctors included with your plan.

-Just need advice? Call your primary doctor's or pediatrician's office number and ask to speak to the nurse.  After hours, listen to the voice mail to hear how to get a hold of the doctor on call. Someone should call you back very soon.  Again, this is where having your own doctor can come in handy again. Be prepared to give the Doctor or Nurse on the phone your symptoms including Temperature, Duration (number of days/hours) of Symptoms, your attempts at Treatment, and any pertinent history.  This will help everyone involved.


Urgent/Prompt/Immediate Cares in Bloomington/Normal. Walk-Ins Welcome. 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advocate Medical Group Immediate Care 
http://www.advocatehealth.com/bromenn/immediate-care

This is across from the Airport.

3024 E. Empire Street, Bloomington.  309.556.7556 No appointment is necessary.  

Monday through Friday, 7 am to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm.

They can see adult and pediatric patients right away for minor injuries and illnesses including:

• Colds and coughs
• Minor burns
• Respiratory infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Cuts needing stitches
• Earaches
• Flu
• Fractures
• Sprains and Strains
• X-Rays

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other AMG Immediate Care location, located in the Medical Office Building at BroMenn Hospital

	1302 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1100, Normal   309.268.2727
	(Able to Treat the same as the above listed)
	Monday-Friday from 12:30 pm - 8:00 pm.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OSF Prompt Care (at OSF Hosptial, Eastland Plaza II) 

http://www.osfmedicalgroup.org/bloomington/promptcare/

X-rays Cold/flu/sore throat Minor burns Conjunctivitis Earaches Minor eye injuries Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Seasonal flu vaccinations

Insect bites Minor lacerations Minor illnesses Minor cuts Minor sprains Rashes Sports physicals Asthma education

1505 Eastland Drive, Suite 1100 (309) 663-2100

Monday - Saturday 8:00AM - 7:00PM
Sunday 8:00AM - 6:00PM

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OSF Prompt Care at Nord Farms (This is off Route 9, just past Market Street Wal-Mart) 

1001 Mitsubishi Mtwy   309-828-0806 (Able to treat same as above) 

Monday- Saturday 8:00am-7:00pm  

Sunday 8:00am-6:00pm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Center for Health at Fort Jesse (OSF) 

(Able to treat same as above) 

2200 Fort Jesse Road (309) 661-6280 

Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sunday 8:00am-6:00pm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Burn, Baby, Burn...What to do

There are many different degrees of BURNS. One thing they have in common, however, is that they really...burn. I mean...hurt.

The most common type of burn, is the first degree burn that irritates the first layer of your skin. I have done this recently, reaching into an oven and touching the back of my hand to the hot rack inside. While your body is fast at sending the signal from your hand, to your brain, and back to your hand, saying "its hot!! remove hand!! now!!" It is never fast enough to prevent the damage even a minor burn can do. Burns don't have to come from hot surfaces or fires, either. They can even come from hot steam.

If this happens (a minor burn that does not break the skin).........
--Get to a sink fast and run the COOL WATER over your burn for at least 5minutes. This will decrease the temperature of your skin, and prevent further damage from the "hotness" of the area. It will also temporarily distract you from the pain.
--DO NOT put ICE on the burn, especially not directly onto the skin.
--DO NOT put any other household remedies (such as butter, eggs...who knows) onto it
--DO NOT break or pop any blisters. This can lead to infection quickly.
--DO NOT smother with a dressing, it will need air to heal. But do keep it clean.
--DO NOT use burn cream if the skin is broke open, you might need a prescription for the appropriate skin care ointment.
--Even minor burns pulse with PAIN for awhile. You can take Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) regularly to help keep it under control. You're not a wuss...it hurts.

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.

If you have a major burn (which may not even hurt right away, because of nerve damage) you need to get to an ER immediately. Try to cool the area on the way there, without getting it extra dirty if possible. Burns do extensive damage, but our amazing bodies can repair the damage over time! Know what to do.

Shannon's CPR Course Open to the Public!

Now is your chance to do what you've always known you meant to do...take a CPR course! Don't miss this opportunity to learn what to do in an emergency situation and feel confident in your skills. This is an express class, designed for the average person who doesn't have the time or money to invest in an all-day emergency prepardness course.
I will teach you the basics of how to save a life!

Heartsaver AED Course
This course is designed for the non-medical workers and lay (public) rescuers; such as daycare services, construction workers, teachers, families & friends etc. The participants will learn the American Heart Association's Chain of Survival and the warning signs of a stroke and a heart attack.
Course includes Instructor-led….
1. AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Training/Demonstration
2. CPR Skills for the Infant, Child and Adult Victims
3. Heimlich Maneuver for the Child/Adult and Infant Choking Victims

With the successful completion of this course including return skills-demonstrations by the participant, a card of certification will be awarded through the mail, valid for 2 years.

The course should last about One and a Half Hours, depending upon class size. The course fee (which includes payment for the certification card) is only $37.00 for a Single (1) participant. There is a Couple's Discount for (2) participants (with cards) for only $64.00. Invite your Family, Friends and Babysitters to join you!

See Paypal's "Buy Now" Button on the rightside of this blog, and choose Single or Couple's Rate. Please note the participant(s) names in the Note's Section. Course must be paid in full to secure your spot in class.

Course will be Thursday March 8th from 6:00-7:30pm on the Second Floor conference room at the Central Illinios Regional Airport (CIRA) in Bloomington. Space is very limited, so sign up now!

Questions? Shannon@TeachUsCPR.com

Double Ear Infection, Ohhh.

Our 18month old was extra clingy, whiny, and wouldn't sleep well at night. She didn't want much to eat, and was happiest if we just held her. This was totally out of character for our independent little sister.

She was a little warm, but wouldn't let me take her temp in her ear. Her behavior was the main reason we suspected that something wasn't right. I took her in (which I've learned that the first appointment right after lunchtime, is the golden time to see a pediatrician. That slot is rarely behind schedule...) and he peeked down her throat, felt her glands and looked in both ears.

Double Ear Infection. Bingo.

So..what happens with the Classic Acute (not repeating) Ear Infection {Otitis Media} is this:

Usually after a runny-nose-type cold or allergies, a baby/child is susceptible to ear infections. The ear canal connects directly to the throat, and if it is clogged with mucus, the fluids won't drain like it usually does. The fluids builds up behind the Eardrum, and can create an infection.

Ear Infections can sometimes heal themselves, but usually are treated with an antibiotic. Our 18month old was prescribed one that was a syrup, that had to be kept in the fridge. It was Amoxicillin, which I am allergic to myslef, but apparently med-type allergies are rarely passed onto the child. Also Interesting.

We could also give her oral Tylenol for the Pain. (See previous post for Pain-Meds Info)

Not much you can do to prevent Ear Infections. They are not from the water or the outdoors, and are not contagious. If you can prevent colds through good hand washing and decrease contact with public places, you will help a lot. Supposedly babies who lay on their backs with bottles and pacies are more at risk. Whatcha gonna do.

Temporary Tattoos

Im pretty sure Baby Oil will take them off. My kids like to sneak into the bathroom and put a whole strip of them on their legs or arms. Just a little FYI in case you want them removed!

Head Injuries and Concussions...!

A situation I most get asked about, is when someone (usually a little someone) falls and bonks their head. I get asked, if they should "go in" to the hospital or not.
Please follow your instincts if you thing something is seriously wrong..but if you want some guidance on making that decision, read on.

After a Head Injury:
Pay Attention to how the child is ACTING.
This is more of an indicator, than how big the bump is, or what the cause was.

If the child has a glazed-over look, cannot focus their eyes, cannot control their head, will not open their eyes, will not respond to your voice, there is bleeding from the nose or ears, the pupils will not respond to dark or light/or are unequal in size or are dilated, these are signs of concern. These signs may be immediate, or they may even be delayed. You probably want to quickly get them into an ER for examination and follow-up.
In the meantime....
You will need to help them re-gain orientation and alertness. Call their name, look them in the eye etc. Do not shake them or let them fall asleep or leave them alone. If you drive (hopefully not alone) to the ER, be sure to alert the check-in Triage staff that your child had a head injury and is not fully alert. You should be seen immediately. The ER medical staff will be monitoring and/or testing them for additional signs and symptoms of a more serious head injury.
One sign they will be watching for, is if the child can tolerate food without vomitting, If they do/did vomit, they will most likely be getting an MRI to check for internal bleeding. They will also be evaluating their alertness. They will want you to be able to tell them if the child is acting normally again or not. They will check their pupils, temperature, and nose and ears for bleeding.
Most likely, a child has suffered a Concussion. This occurs when the brain is shaken up or hits the inside of the skull. Concussion is given supportive care, and they should get better as time goes on. You will need to monitor them carefully by waking them every 2hours at night, never leaving them alone and watching for any unusual behavior or symptoms.
Head injuries are Scary and it is good to be Familiar with them before they occur!
Always call 911 if you are not sure!!

Safe Crib Sleeping... cont'd

In addition to the toys, blankets and pillows...also be sure to remove these before naptime

-Pacy Clips/Strings
-Sweatshirts with Hoods
-Necklaces
-Earrings (unless secured)
-Hair Accessories
headbands can get around the neck, or little pieces fall off
barretts and clips
-Beware of Buttons
-Toys with Small Pieces
-Books with Pages that can Rip
-No Snacks in the Crib

Also, be aware of nearby cords for monitors, humidifiers etc. I am also not a big fan of crib bumpers either, they are more likely to cause suffocation/entanglement than they are preventing a head bumping against a rail. Its just not worth it to me, so we go without.

Sorry, Baby!

Relating to ADD, ADHD & Dyslexia through "Percy"

We hear so much about Childhood ADHD, ADD and Dyslexia. I, myself, do not not know much about it, let alone enough to tell you anything you haven't already heard.

But one night, while watching "Rock Center with Brian Williams" I learned about a cool kids (school-age) book series that might help encourage those who are dealing with ADD, ADHD and Dyslexia symptoms.

Rick Riordan, a former Middle School Teacher who used to teach about Greek Mythology, used to tell stories to his son at bedtime. His son (who was in second grade at the time) had been diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia and wasn't much interested in reading. So, the Greek Mythology stories kept his attention quite naturally.

His Dad (author Rick Riordan) then began making up stories about a character named "Percy Jackson." "Percy" also was said to have ADHD & Dyslexia, which instead of inhibiting and frustrating him, actually made him extra talented and powerful.

Riordan began to write these stories as books and then a series was born. Kids really seem to enjoy READING about these Mythological stories and relating to the main character. Kids who normally did not like reading, found themselves unable to set down the books.

What a fantastic idea.

To learn more about the books and the author, check out

www.RickRiordan.com

Bundling Up Baby in the Crib...

Loose Blankets and Pillows in Cribs make me nervous.

Actually, the crib is not a place for loose blankets and especially not pillows! The rule of thumb, is that babies aren't ready for adult size pillows until they are at least in a toddler bed anyways. Also, blankets (I know its chilly!) should be used other places. Babies toss and turn so much in their cribs, that they can strangle and entangle themselves in even small sized and thin blankets. Also, beware of large stuffed animals, books, toys etc. in the crib. They are handy for entertainment, but once the baby is asleep, you probably should remove most of them from the crib. Your little genius can find a way to use them as a step to climb out.

So how do they stay warm if they aren't covered up?

You have a few options. Its all in how you dress them.

Go ahead and put on the onesie, then a thin pair of pjs (like long sleeve and pant separates), and then a second pair of warm (fleece is great) footy-jammies. Socks are optional in the footy-jammies, but the seam can rub those toes, so maybe they would like some light socks. Definitely put socks on the foot-less jammies!

When our first daughter was starting to walk, she outgrew the regular sleep sacks. But, the sleep sacks were PERFECT for the winter! It was like the blanket stayed on her whichever way she turned. Its like a mini-snuggie.

I hit up the fabric store, bought some awful purple fleece from the "remanents" bin ($4), a long zipper and a "Layette" pattern which had blankets, hats, onesies and sleep sack patterns included. I followed the pattern (so easy) for a toddler size (like 18mo-2T) and made a big sleeveless sleepsack with a huge zipper. (dont panic, you can do it!)

(a much cuter version than ours)

Example.....

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=13971

So now our second daughter (18mo) wears that ugly purple sleepsack every night in the fall and winter, too. She sleeps so comfortably and her temperature seems to feel pretty good. She can stand up in it and walk around her crib (funny stuff) too! She wears regular long sleeve light jammies underneath it. Diaper changes are pretty easy with that big zipper too.

If you don't think you can make one (I've never seen them for sale in a store larger than 12months) you can find a boatload of them for sale on Esty.com

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90412283/18m-2t-toddler-fleece-sleep-sack-in?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=fleece+sleep+sack+toddler&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

HandSanitizers...Good or Bad? (Mayo Clinic)

Hand-washing: Do's and don'ts

Had a request for this one...
I don't know stats, so I thought I would share the article I came across on MayoClinic's website. (Hey Karlyn, RN!)

Your "SNOOZE" button...

Feeling Tired after you wake up? It could be because trying to sneak in a few more "snooze" minutes might make you more tired. But, if I am sleeping more minutes, how can that be?

I went to a Day-Long seminar on Restless Leg Syndrome, Depression and Sleep Disorders in Peoria. While Mommy enjoyed a day-off..I really did learn alot.

One of the interesting things I learned, is about sleep cycles. The study of sleep is extremely complicated....but there are some basics that made sense. There are 5 re-curring stages of sleep, and we go through all of the stages a few times a night.

Stage I: 5-10min of drowsiness, if awakened, you might have thought you never went to sleep.

Stage II: Light Sleep, easily arousable. Heart Rate and Body Temp start to decrease to prepare for deep sleep. I think this is the stage my husband is in when we are watching a movie together!

Stage III & IV: Sleep is Deep, with IV being deeper. Your eyes are not rapidly moving yet (REM).

{Stage I-IV lasts about 90min-120min long total}
{A POWER NAP (about 20min) will get you through Stage I-II and usually makes you feel rested, if you wake up before the Deep Sleep stages }

Stage V "REM": (Rapid Eye Movement) Rapid breathing, increased heart rate, brain activity etc. This is when begin dreaming! Your dreams seem so real, that you may want to act them out..and so your body is temporarily "paralyzed" so you don't move about. It is believe that REM is when you have body restoration, healing, learning, memory and concentration basics. The time in REM varies, but Babies and Elderly have the greatest time spent in REM sleep. Jealous!

Everyone varies, and every night varies, as far as how long a person is in each stage. But, regardless of how long you spend in each stage, you do still have to complete each one in order, everytime. You may complete all 5 stages, many times in one night. You may remember your dreams, and maybe you never do. (I almost always get to! but my Husband never does... lucky me! I kinda think its because he wakes up to an alarm, and I do not*)

When you are awakened by an alarm every morning, you rush right out of REM sleep and are awake. When you hit "SNOOZE" you are back to the beginnning of Stage I. Those 5-10minutes of snoozing, do not allow you to complete your 5 stages of sleep, and therefore you keep waking up and keep starting all over again. Messing with your sleep stages, is enough to make you wake up and not feel Rested.
If you want to feel more rested, set your alarm for the time you need to get up, and when it goes off, turn it off and actually stay UP. I think you would be surprised at how much better you will feel!

*Please note, it is not because I sleep-in that I do not wake up to an alarm. Its because, I always wake up at the same time everyday, 7:30. I just do. Anyone can train themselves to wake up at the same everyday too! Its pretty cool if it works. Thats another topic!

Happy Sleeping!!

Dear 16 Year Old Me....

http://youtu.be/_4jgUcxMezM

BrainFreeze, Side Cramps, and Toe Cramps!

I have no idea how to cure hiccups, but I think I can help you with BrainFreeze, Toes that get stuck in a cramp, and those side cramps you get when running.

BrainFreeze..this one is easy and works like a charm. As soon as you feel the brain freeze, rub your tongue up on the roof of your mouth until it stops. The heat from your tongue does the trick.

Toes twisted in a cramp (this used to happen alot when I was pregnant) It is tempting to grab your toes in pain, but just put weight on your foot, flattening it back out. Stand up, and it seems to release the tension.

Side Cramps: When you have trouble breathing and your side is in pain while exercising....It seems that there is carbon dioxide (the stuff you exhale) trapped in your lungs. Exhale all of the air out you possibly can, until there is none left to blow out. This should release the trapped CO2, and take in a fresh breath of Oxygen. Breath normally until you feel better.

When your friends come down with any of these, you'll be the genius who knows how to fix it!

Stuffy Nose & Sudafed...Insider's Tip!

Adults:
There is a secret out there, and I wish more of you knew about it.
The secret, is Sudafed.
But, there are imposters and its a little difficult to get the real thing because of all of the "meth" drama.
But, if you have a stuffy or runny nose, and you need some immediate clearing up, follow these steps. We swear by the stuff.

Sudafed is "PseudoEphedrine" and it is the real deal. It is the one ingredient you are looking for. It will dry up your nose like no other, and fast. People will not even know you are sick.
It does comes in Generic Form (fabulous), it is usually red pills, 30mg, and it is cheap. However, you have to know what you are asking for. You will not find Sudafed on the regular shelves, because it is controlled.

Sudafed PE, is not what you are looking for. You will find Sudafed PE on the regular shopper shelves. Avoid this imposter. It is not the same! Also, many cough & cold syrups may try to replicate its effect, but unless it says "PseduEphedrine" in the ingredients...I wouldn't bother.

To get real, plain old Sudafed...
1. Go to a Pharmacy (Walgreens, Wal-Mart etc.)
2. Approach the "Ask" window
3. Tell the tech/pharmacist you would like to buy Sudafed.
They can usually tell by your terrible voice and stuffy nose, "Soo-daa-fet" is how you'll sound.
4. They will get a box or two from behind their counter, and ask to see your Driver's License. Note how many are in the box, cause you will need to take 2 at a time, every 4-6hrs to stay clear. Its worth it to get two boxes if you can, to avoid this hassle next time.
5. You will have to show your ID to them, they will document your name (its okay, really), and you may have to sign something. They have to do this, to be sure the same people are not coming in, buying Sudafed in bulk and using it to make drugs. *If thats what you wanna do, I can't help ya there.
6. Purchase your magic Sudafed (its like $3-$5 per box) and walk away knowing you got the insider's tip, and will be breathing normally again in no time.

To keep your sinus' clear, you will need to take 2 pills every 4-6hrs
(be sure to follow directions on your box, and when 4-6hrs rolls around, your snot will return unless you take the next dose) while you are awake. For some people, it can keep you awake, so maybe avoid it before bed.

READ Labels and Ingredients carefully...and check back soon as I tell you more about Cough and other common Medicines.

Ahem, Ladies....

Its good to know just when you are ovulating. Let me tell ya how to know when that is....

Good for you if you track your period. Not everyone does, so its hard to predict ovulation. However, you do realize that your periods starts, and that is the first clue.

About 7-10 days after your period starts ("starts" as in, the first brown tinge), you can watch for a few subtle signs you are ovulating.

1. Some women feel a little light cramping or twinging on one side, as the egg is relased from the ovary on that side.
2. More obvious, is the change in your cervical mucous. When you notice that the mucous gliding out is clear, slippery, and can do tricks, you are ovulating. The trick you can try, is to stretch the mucous between your thumb and finger, and if it stretches a ways (inches), you will know it is time. I mean, this stuff is springy. It is like that, because it is preparing to carry any sperm to the queen egg.

When you make this discovery, head to the bedroom in the next 12hrs or so!
OR...avoid the bedroom for the next 12hrs at least! (Depending on your family planning :)

But either way, its good to know when that time comes.

Relentless Diaper Rash, or Something Else?

Diaper Rash is common. But sometimes, its actually Not Diaper Rash!

Diaper Rash....
The Diaper is on a little long, the skin gets pretty damp, red and maybe bumpy. Its very tender, and if you haven't noticed already, sometimes baby wipes actually hurt more! The reason is, that some wipes contain alcohol, and it can tend to sting. The other option for clean wiping, is to use a warm wet washcloth, or warm wet papertowel.
Dry the clean skin (I like to waft the new diaper around making a quick breeze...), and apply a diaper rash ointment or cream. Both are usually made with Zinc Oxide, designed to protect the skin from wetness so that it can heal. It doesn't have any pain reliever it in, so if its bothersome enough, you can give them a little dose of Tylenol for comfort.
If the skin is open or bleeding (ouch!!) then it will need to be treated with some type of healing ointment first. I have been known to use a little Neosporin. Diaper rash cream will only irritate the wounded skin, so try the antibiotic ointment first. Maybe add an extra dash of baby powder for added wetness absorption.
But Sometimes....
The rash will not heal no matter how much cream you use. It doesn't seem to get any better, and may even spread. The most obvious sign that it is actually NOT diaper rash, is that when the rash is touched, they don't jump in pain. If they don't even seem to be uncomfortable there, then it is probably a fungal infection. It is also common, and mis-diagnosed frequently. The solution is simple, once you realize that pesky rash is not diaper rash. The Athlete's Foot creams, will do the trick. They come in small tubes, and can be a little costly. You may need to buy two, so you have enough on hand. Just be sure to apply it externally only, with every diaper change, and within a day or so the rash should clear up. Without the anti-fungal cream, it will not get better.
With any diaper rash or anti-fungal creams & ointments....
Generic brands are just as good as the name brands. Just compare the active ingredients. Many generic or store-brand products are made by the name-brand companies anyways!!

Barf & Poo Bug!!!

Gross. Someone in your family brought home the Barf & Poo BUG.
Its going around like crazy around here! Adults and Children are getting it, and I know a lot of friends and family who have had it around Christmas. My son and I got it in early December.

So....Lets here it.

You've got a bug. You can't hardly move without feeling like you might barf. Unfortunately, you are gonna feel like that for at least 24hrs. You might have watery, frequent, poo (I call it poop soup) and/or you may be blessed with Barfing too. Theres not much you can do at this point. Eating is not really an option, and drinking may be limited to just sips (Sips!) of water or electrolyte filled drinks such as Gatorade or Pedia-Lytes. Gatorade has sugar though, and your stomach may not like that.
Stay near the bathroom, you're going to be a regular customer. Fold a towel in front of the john for your knees, and tell your family to use a different bathroom for awhile. Do not try to take any anti-diarrheal meds, as this will pro-long your Bug. The bug is eliminated through your avenue of...elimination. Let your stomach rid you of it, and let it fly. Also, Tylenol and especially Ibuprofen would be very irritating to the stomach, so avoid these if possible.
Important: Wash your Hands really good after you use the bathroom. Like really wash them, and maybe keep hand sanitizer near your sink too. You are very contagious, and your Bug would love to jump on your family members. Not a good Christmas gift, people!

As you start to feel like it, reintroduce foods and drinks. Water and low-salt crackers are a good place to start. For some reason, I think McDonalds sounds then good for once in my life. The coke must do it for me. But, to prevent dehydration..water is great, too. Try a little food and see!

So, once your poop soup and barf have decided to flee...there is some serious clean up involved. It took me about a week to gain an appetite back. I didn't miss those 4lbs I lost though! You may not feel up to this, but someone needs to do it.

Good Ideas: Disinfect surfaces....
Spray aerosol disinfectant on your couch (where ever you hung-out).
Disinfect the toilet and the sink (handles too) and the light switch.
Hot wash the hand towels.
Hot wash your sheets, especially pillow cases.
Hot wash your uniform (the sick clothes you wore for 2 days straight).
Disinfect the kitchen; sink, handles, fridge, counter tops.
Vacuum the floors.
If possible, open some windows to let in fresh air.

The moral of the story is...
There's nothing you can do to stop the poo, but you can prevent your loved ones from getting it too. :)

Tylenol vs. Ibuporfen....Fever, Whaat?? Calling your Doctor

Most of you know what Tylenol and Ibuprofen are used for. Lets take a closer look at when, why and how to use them for your little one.

Fever: A Fever is symptom, Not a Diagnosis.

Meaning...

Lower fevers, such as 99-103 degrees (ear) are fantastic. They are fantastic, because the body is caring for itself. It is raising it's internal temperature to fight off whatever is causing your child to not feel well. Let those types of fevers be, and baby your child a little while it "runs it's course." Let them watch the videos, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Re-Check Temp often.
{Newborns less than 2mo old, call Doctor immediately, if Rectal temp is 100 degrees or more}


High Fevers, such as 104+ degrees (ear) are more for concern {for 2mo old and older}. These type need to be carefully monitored and controlled, using medication. Your child may need to be cooled in a tepid, (not hot or cold) very shallow bath by sponging, remove hot clothing etc. If the fever is not brought under control (down a few degrees 30minutes after taking Tylenol), then you may need to take action; Calling pediatrician, Visting an Urgent Care or ER depending upon symptoms/behavior and recommendations.
See below for the inside info on Calling their Doctor.
Keep in mind, the height of the fever doesn't tell the seriousness of the illness. The child's behavior tells us the most.
No permanent harm is done, unless the temperature reaches 107 degrees!

Okay...So what is the story on Tylenol vs. Ibuprofen for Fevers?

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is the first choice, because it usually does the trick with less side effects. It should lower the fever 2-3 degrees (not all the way back to normal though) about
1-2hrs after it is given. It will need to be administered every 4-6hrs to keep the fever lowered, until the illness is over. Do not wake a sleeping child to administer doses. Re-Check temperature often.

Tylenol Infant DROP Dosages
{for 2mo - 3yrs}
Up to 12lbs = 0.4mL
12-18lbs = 0.8mL
18-23lbs = 1.2mL
23-30lbs = 1.6mL
30-36lbs = 2.0mL

Ibuprofen (Advil & Motrin) is sometimes recommended by their Doctor for High Fevers, that are not being brought down using Tylenol {for 6months old and older}.
It is longer lasting, and should be given every 6-8hrs. It is not for routine use.

Ibuprofen Infant DROP Dosage
{for 6mo - 2yrs}
12-17lbs = 1.25mL
18-23lbs = 1.875mL

Ibuprofen Child LIQUID Dosage
{for 2-11yrs}
24-35lbs = 1 tsp
36-47lbs = 1.5 tsp
48-59lbs = 2 tsp
60-71lbs = 2.5 tsp
72-95lbs = 3 tsp

Intereting FYI: Tylenol and Ibuprofen DO NOT interact with each other. This means, if absolutely neccesary, you do not have to wait until Tyelnol has lost its effect to start an Ibuprofen regimen. I've given my 3yr old Tylenol, called the doctor 30min later and she said it was safe to administer Ibuprofen right then, since the Tylenol wasn't doing the trick.
However, only do this in extreme situations, never double up on Tylenol and Ibuprofen intentionally!

Calling their Doctor: You always have the option of calling your pediatrician at any time of the day, any day of the week. Really.

Heres How....

Call the main number of your pediatrician's office. (Number should be stored in your cell!)

Listen to the answering machine..wait for an additional phone number given, to reach the "on call" Doctor. It may not be your child's doctor, but an associate physician.

Usually this number you call, is an answering service. A third party to protect the Doc's private number. The person will ask you for your phone number and a general complaint, such as "Fever." No need for details for this person.

The third pary answering service will then call the "on call" Doctor, and provide them with your phone number.

Wait near the your phone, and the doctor will call you.

Tell the doctor who you are, who your child is, who their regular doctor is, how old they are...and then the situation. They need to know all that they can, so be ready to describe symptoms, series of events, and the temperature reading. Also, be able to tell them if your child is acting unusual. Behavior is very important, and you know your child best!