Yikes: As if All These Itis' Weren't Enough!

Photo Courtesy of www.signalconnect.com

The weekend before Mother's Day I visited the Emergency Room after battling a bug for quite some time at home. Apparently I had Bronchitis, which can stick around for quite some time. As if that wasn't enough when they ran labs at the hospital after administering a liter of fluids intravenously to help with dehydration I found out I'm anemic! I don't know how that happened. I cook with cast iron quite often. Then I ended up with conjunctivitis to top it off! Geesh!

My daughter will not admit to being sick because she loathes taking medicine! We've tried chewables, natural remedies, pretty much you name it. When she's sick- forget it she will not take medicine! She came down with Pediatric Croup, so again we had to visit the ER this past weekend to nip it in the bud. This coming weekend is her dance recital and she would be so upset to have to miss it. They gave her some medicine to help and I have to say I'm not all for giving kids steroids; but, it's done wonders!

Of course I asked the Doctor if she could go to school and dance because she loves both now. I learned that with a lot of illnesses, as long as you're not running a fever, you're not contagious. Who knew?! Not this gal!

When I was feeling well enough to volunteer at Renee's school on Monday, they informed us that the student body might have been exposed to Whooping Cough AKA Pertussis!  ><  Please! For goodness sake folks vaccinate your children for those who cannot.

Photo Courtesy of www.nosleeptilcollege.com

The school's recommendations are:

• Don't come to school if you have a cough.
• Get a note from the doctor saying it's not Pertussis.
• It is encouraged for anyone living with a child under 12 months, a pregnant woman or someone with a weakened immune system to consult their physician and receive a tdap booster.

Of course I consulted with my doctor and my child's pediatrician and we were both covered having had to take antibiotics and steroids; plus, being up to date on our vaccines.

Photo Courtesy of www.onlinemastersinpublichealth.com

Before I get off my soapbox...

We're seeing a rise in illnesses like Whooping Cough and Polio- illnesses that can kill or affect our children and the elderly, even those who appear healthy, because some refuse to vaccinate for one reason or another. We really need to weigh our options when we consider our children's health and ask ourselves if it's worth putting them at risk of contracting such illnesses and diseases.

#CHDAware – CHD Awareness Week 2016

Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week:

February 7-14

Click Here to Donate!

• Nearly 1 in 100 babies are born with a CHD.
• There is no cure for CHD. Congenital Heart Disease requires life-long medical care.
• Approximately 25% of children born with CHD will need life-saving intervention as infants.

Did you know heart defects are the most common birth defect?
I had no idea.

Last December my sister-in-law found out her baby had not one heart defect, but three! His heart was backwards and on the wrong side of his chest, doctors couldn't see all of the chambers of the heart. I don't know how she kept things together. I can only imagine. Sometimes we do things because giving up just isn't an option. She was determined to not give up on her child, no matter what! Doctors told her he would be slow developmentally and his chances of survival weren't good. I'm happy to report, he's proven them wrong! Uriah is a heart hero and continues to amaze his physicians and everyone he meets! We're all so happy!

Heart defects are costly- Hospital costs for children with CHD exceeded $5.6 Billion in 2009.

Estimates suggest there are more than 3 million people living with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). 

My nephew, who hadn't come into the world yet, would need a series of open heart surgeries to "fix" his heart. Uriah Michael came into this world at Boston Children's Hospital. He was only four days old at his first open heart surgery, a procedure called the Norwood. He has had numerous Heart Catheters and is on a daily regimen of medications multiple times a day to help manage his CHDs (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome or HLHS, Dextrocardia, and Heterotaxy). He had his second open heart surgery, the Glenn in Boston at 3.5 months.

Uriah with Dr. Pigula his amazing surgeon.

If it weren't for his family, the amazing doctors, nurses and staff at Boston Children's Hospital my Uriah and others with CHD wouldn't have a chance. We are so thankful for them and all they do! 

Uriah is 9 months old now and has brought so many people together. Through the pain he endures he is the happiest baby I've seen. He is a ray of sunshine with one of the biggest smiles and a giggle that draws people to him.

Uriah is my #HeartHero!

Donating is as easy as sending a text and every little bit helps. If do not donate because you haven't been asked, consider yourself asked. Trust me when I say this, your donations are appreciated by every family who has a loved one with Congenital Heart Disease. There are many who survive surgeries, and endure blood transfusions, medically-induced comas, heart catheters and complications.

Please Consider Donating!

Sadly not all live to adulthood. There are a few children who have joined Uriah's online community and who were born around the same time who lost their battles with CHD.

We should all appreciate life in all its forms, appreciate our friends and family. Please, don't take anyone in your life for granted even for a minute.

If you would like to follow Uriah and his family on their journey you can join his Facebook community: Mending a Broken Heart for Baby Uriah

#Review Santamedical SM-165 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

The SantaMedical SM-165 Finger Pulse Oximeter is an affordable and accurate way to check pulse rates and blood oxygen saturation levels. Self-adjusting finger clamp plus simple one-button design allows for easy operation.

Take it anywhere! It's small, portable size makes it easy to handle and carry.

Helpful for athletes and pilots to obtain quick and accurate oxygen saturation readings.

Features include an easy to read bright digital LED display

• 30+ hours of continuous monitoring on one set of batteries
• Integrated SpO2 probe and processing display module plus SpO2 and Pulse Rate and bar
• Low battery level indicator

The SM-165 comes with 2 AAA batteries, a protective carrying case and lanyard. After inserting the batteries the unit is ready to use. It can be used on adults and children. Some of my favorite features are the large lit, easy-to-read display and that when not in use the unit will shut off. Results are nearly immediate.

Note: patients cannot have long fingernails or fingernail polish for the oximeter to work correctly.

Find the Fingertip Pulse Oximeter I Reviewed Here!

I can personally vouch for the accuracy of this device. This weekend our 5 year old daughter woke up in hysterics and in a panic. She was coughing like a seal and struggling to breathe all while crying and screaming. My poor baby! I felt so bad. Dad got up to help calm her down. Mike was more nervous than I was. It was in that moment after having calming our daughter down that I grabbed the oximeter I received for review and asked Renee for a finger. To my relief her oxygen levels were good at 98.

We bundled up and drove to the hospital. I knew that although there was something wrong I was slightly less panicked knowing she was getting the oxygen she needed. The ER doctor determined right off she has the classic case of Pediatric Croup. Something we've never dealt with. After a chest x-ray and some medicine we were on our way home and back to bed.

Disclaimer: I recieved this product for free, for testing purposes. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.