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
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, January 23, 2012
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!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
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!!
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!!
Friday, January 20, 2012
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!
-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
Saturday, January 14, 2012
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.....
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
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