Thursday, January 5, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, January 2, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
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!!
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!!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
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. :)
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. :)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
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!
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!
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