Peanut allergies: some guidelines have changed

Unless you live under a parenting rock, you know that peanut allergies are quite common in today's schools. A person with peanut allergies could have a mild or dangerous severe reaction. Reactions can cause rash, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory distress. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction that has, heartbreakingly, taken the life of too many children.

Did you know that recent studies show that pediatrician's may have influenced the rise in peanut allergies? When my youngest was about 9 months old, our pediatrician instructed me to give him a tiny bit of peanut butter around 11 months of age. Then again a few days later if he had no reaction. Previously, parents had been strongly warned to keep all peanut and peanut butter products far away from children until at least age three.

Working Mother magazine shared information about the new guidelines late last week:

"For most babies, you should introduce peanut-containing foods as young as four months old.
The guidelines differ based on a baby’s likelihood of developing a peanut allergy."

Read the full article (Clear Up Confusion on the Best Time to Introduce Peanuts) to understand the guidelines and how to determine your child's risk level.

 

To learn more about a tragic peanut allergy death and how you can support the family's movement, follow Red Sneakers for Oakley on Facebook. Inspired by the life of Oakley Debbs and his red sneakers, this movement wants to ensure that no other child loses their life from asthma and allergies.

When a toddler's cough just won't go away

My little guy, now 19 months old, has been hit hard by the start-of-daycare ickies. It began with a cold and ear infection over a month ago, then developed into a persistent cough that wakes him several times per night. For a while, we were up so frequently that it felt like we had a newborn again! More than four weeks later, he is finally beginning to sleep through a night without a coughing attack.

I brought him to the doctor a few times during this month of cough, but it was never directly treated. Persistent cough is common in toddlers who have had a cold and congestion, and it can last for a few weeks. A general rule is to take them to the doctor if they have a fever or if the cough has lasted four weeks.

How do you know if a cough is "bad"? I like this handy list from KidsHealth.org...

Kids Health - Coughing 
Understanding what different types of cough could mean will help you know how to take care of them and when to go to the doctor. 

Also, what kind of options does a parent have when all the cough medications are for children 4 or 6 years old and up? My friend over at Redhead Baby Mama compiled a smart list...

The Ultimate Cold and Cough Guide for Babies and Toddlers 
From honey pops to tame fiery throats to a simple vapor bath to help stuffy noses, colds and coughs don’t stand a chance! 

The at-home parent vs. isolation

Moms (and stay-at-home dads), what do you do when you just. cant. take. it. anymore?

After some very difficult weeks with a mucus-filled, poor-sleeping, daycare-transitioning, almost-two-year-old, I had to pose this question to my mom blogger group. I wanted to scream and run away from home, but instead I reached out (through my iPhone) to some of the most supportive mamas I know.

The responses flooded in almost immediately and it was glaringly obvious: the parenting challenge of isolation is very real and very hurtful.

Many mothers stay at home while juggling a seemingly never-ending list of to-dos which could include multiple kids, sports schedules, PTA, work, and more. We do not have frequent time away from home or kids. We do not have the luxury of "let me finish this thought" when drafting an important email and a child is tugging, crying, screaming on/at us. Let's face it, we rarely have the luxury of going to the bathroom alone. Thank goodness for what restraint we have left when the clueless question, "what do you do with yourself all day?".

Despite never being alone, the isolation is there. We are isolated from what we need as adults.

2015 Warriors in Pink Collection #Giveaway #MoreGoodDays

In May, Ford introduced the 2015 Warriors In Pink collection of apparel and accessories. The Warriors in Pink collection provides an opportunity to raise funds for breast cancer research and aid in developing resources that are vital to providing more good days to those dealing with breast cancer. 

Warriors in Pink supports, not one, but four breast cancer charities:

• The Pink Fund
• Susan G. Komen
• Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
• Young Survival Coalition

Some of my favorite apparel items include the Fightin' Words Tee and the Warrior Love Hoodie. I'm all about comfort and fun design! It's heartwarming to know that the purchase proceeds support such an important cause as well.

 Over 20 years and $128 million dedicated! Ford Motor Company has been in the fight against breast cancer for 21 years. From raising funds through Warriors in Pink apparel, to raising awareness through unique media content, to giving breast cancer patients and survivors more good days.

enter to win this gorgeous scarf

GIVEAWAY! 
Ford has also generously provided me with several Warriors in Pink scarves to give away to you! The pattern is made with beautiful navy blue, orange, and fuchsia in a design fit for any lovely warrior! I have a lot to give away, so enter to win!  (Giveaway begins midnight, 7/24)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  Ford provided the scarves in exchange for this informative post. 
 

Ford Motor Company partnerships: Helping to support breast cancer warriors #MoreGoodDays

Ford Motor Company has been part of the Warriors in Pink fight for 21 years, and they are not standing still. This year, Ford Motor Company via FordCares.com is helping families and loved ones to ensure "more good days" for breast cancer warriors.



The Ford Cares site offers several resources and partnerships that really empower people to find ways to support those they love battling cancer. One of those resources, Meal Train, is an online platform that allows friends and families to organize meal deliveries and more. Ford Motor Company is offering the enhanced Meal Train service FREE to those who enter via FordCares.com. 

And now, Lyft is getting involved with transportation services to cancer centers throughout the country! The folks at Ford are constantly working to create new partnerships to provide more good days for those battling breast cancer.

What can you do at home? 

• Visit FordCares.com to give someone with breast cancer a good day
• Start a free Meal Train
• Get ideas to help
• Set up a Lyft
• Even enter to win a Ford Mustang! 

It is all about easy access to tools and ideas for giving the people we love #MoreGoodDays - thanks to Ford Motor Company and their generous sponsors.

 Note: This post is not sponsored. I occasionally receive loaner vehicles to review on behalf of Ford Southeast. 

Glossary of health insurance terms and student health plan options from United Healthcare

This is a sponsored post via United Healthcare. All opinions are 100% my own.
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So, you are down to the wire on those health insurance open enrollment selections. If you have already browsed the informative videos on how to select a health insurance plan and save money but you are still stuck, maybe you need to take a step back to understand the basics.

Let's learn more with this "people on the street" series from United Healthcare:

What is a premium?
Interviewers asked folks on the street to define it.

What is a deductible?
Not everyone is fully up to speed on the meaning of this word.

What is a copay?
Testing the knowledge of passersby on health insurance terms.

What is co-insurance?
Some, um, interesting responses here! Learn what it really is.

What does PPO stand for?
Knowing the answer could help you lower the cost of your healthcare.

Smart selections during open enrollment

This is a sponsored post via United Healthcare. All opinions are 100% my own.
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Before you click away from what may seem a zzzzzz of a post, hang on a second. Health insurance may not be the most glamorous of topics, but making the right choices for your family can be a hefty task - and one that shouldn't be breezed over too quickly come open enrollment time. It is too important!

Also, did you know that you could be leaving money on the table? Almost 87% of health insurance applicants were eligible for discounts last year, and many are not aware of the money they could save. United Healthcare has very in-depth information and short easy-to-understand videos to get us all informed and help us to make the best decisions when it is time to enroll.

My family is quite healthy, but we spent a couple years trying to figure out Amelia's strabismus issue (via three eye muscle surgeries), which forced us to look closer at the health insurance selections each year. We had to choose wisely in the event she needed another surgery. And more recently, I had a pregnancy in one calendar year and baby's birth in January the following calendar year, so we had to look at various plans with that in mind. Currently, we have no imminent surgeries or major procedures planned, so we need to look at our health plan from a maintenance perspective and protection from any catastrophic events. We can't just check the same box on a form year after year if we want to ensure a smart and economical selection.

Christie Rampone: Elite athlete, wife, and a pretty awesome "balancing" mama!

This mama's story is powerful and impressive. Talk about a "balancing" mama! Christie Rampone is captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and the only mom on the team. She is captain of her family as Mom to Rylie, 9 and Reece, 4.

Christie Rampone continues to defy the odds. At age 39, this wife and mother of two young daughters is also the captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and a 3-time Olympic gold medalist —and between home life and work life, Christie may be one of the busiest, most active women in America.
 

As an elite athlete, wife and mother, Christie lives a busy, unique and challenging life.

 

“Between caring for my family, training and traveling, there are really no days off,” she says. Several years ago, she came down with Lyme disease and realized she needed to take better charge of her health and approach it with the same passion she has for being a wife, mother and world-class soccer star.

“At my age and with all that I have on my plate, I need to work harder at staying healthy inside and out,” Christie admits. “I’ve always taken care to eat healthy and to exercise regularly, so, now I learned to focus on my internal health like going to yoga to reduce stress and keeping my immune system strong.

#WW: The calm before the shots

Six-month check-up at the pediatrician yesterday!

The paper on the exam table was a huge hit! He probably pulled half a roll before we were done. I should have asked them for a to-go roll! Unfortunately, his visit ended with a couple shots which wiped that precious smile off of his face.

 

 

Baby boy is a big guy, 89th percentile for height and 54th percentile for weight. He has a big head too - 95th percentile! I'll assume that is because he needs room for all of his genius in there.

Diagnosis: healthy guy!

Sweltering summer sunshine; a tip for remembering your sunscreen

I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Banana Boat® Sun Care. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Many metro Atlantans dislike the term HOTlanta. I actually think it's rather fitting. In the summer months, we go about our daily lives on a lot of pavement and concrete with temperatures usually in the 90s and humidity measuring at least 50%. We do not have sea breezes or frequent cooling rain. When it does rain? It doesn't seem to cool; we just receive more humidity when most of us were already melting. It's hot and it's Atlanta... so why not? HOTlanta is as good a term as any.

For most of June, July, and August, we tend to stay indoors. If the humidity gives us a bit of a break, we often venture out for some playground or neighborhood fun once the sun dips behind the houses and/or trees. But year-round, when we are outside (often at the water park or pool),  I ensure that my family is protected from the bright southern sunshine. I keep my family protected with sunscreen, like one of the many varieties of Banana Boat, as often as I can.

I had to train myself to remember sunscreen. And frankly, I did not focus on it as much on it before kids. But with Amelia's young skin and now Andrew's, I try to ensure their "safety coating" as much as possible. We often do not know the sun damage we face until decades later, so protection now is very important to me.

Three must-haves for getting this mama back in shape

So, the sweet baby boy was born at the end of January before a snow storm.
The amazing kindergartener finished her year with an astounding knowledge and thirst for reading.

Four months have gone by so quickly! Summer is officially in full swing, and I am still struggling to find clothes that I like on my body and swimsuits that do not make me want to hide in the bathroom instead of lounging by the pool.

I am slowly but surely improving my body - and my perception of myself. Mostly though basic science: consuming fewer calories in order to burn fat.  I'm no expert, but from past experience, these are my current three "must haves" for trimming some numbers off the scale:


(1) My Fitness Pal -- the best app for logging caloric intake and understanding how certain foods and drinks can affect a weigh loss plan. I log in everything I eat or drink. If I have a sip of regular Coke? I log it in. If I eat four chocolate chips? I log it in. It keeps me accountable and aware of what I am putting in my mouth, so I avoid mindless boredom eating. I was doing a lot of that since we came home with baby! My free pass to eat whatever I want has probably expired. My Fitness Pal calculates the daily calories I am allowed to have in order to meet my weekly weight loss goal, taking into account my own size, activity level, and starting weight.

(2) Fit Bit -- I use it for tracking steps. When I have an extra-active day (like a long walk around the park, am hour at the mall, a theme park visit), I can log that into My Fitness Pal and eat more calories! Nothing motivates me to take a walk more than that Fun Size candy bar on the counter.

(3) Digital scale with half pounds -- I don't like scales that round to the nearest pound. Mine shows half pounds as well. Motivation happens when I see results, and weight to the half-pound allows me to see progress twice as often as just to the pound.I can celebrate when I have lost half a pound - it is an accomplishment!

I am not pushing myself too hard, I know it takes time. Especially "at my age" and with a second child. But when I find myself not liking my own shape or the fit of my clothes, I want to do something about it. If it takes 4 months, so be it. I just want to know that I am at least trying. No more stuffing my face with chocolate. Unless it's a special occasion. Or vacation. Or.... :) 

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Linked up to Mama Kat's writer's workshop!

More than just winter blues: part 3 #mentalhealth series

Part 1 of More Than Just Winter Blues was an introduction to guest poster Natalie Mohr and her own personal journey as a mother struggling with mental health issues. In Part 2, Natalie shared some important lessons about finding professional help.


Natalie P. Mohr is the author of "The Tale of the Lantern Lady," an allegorical short story about those who suffer from mental illness and depression and those who bridge the gap between pain and positive change in their lives.

For the gritty and very real version of Natalie's journey, see her other guest posts via Hope Rising - Natalie Part 1 and Hope Rising - Natalie Part 2

Lessons from a Medicated Mama - part 3
*a guest post from author Natalie Mohr*

Finally, it is important to find ways of coping - and self-forgiveness - within yourself.

Seek to find ways of coping. Sometimes, medication alone is not the only remedy.  Learning coping skills help us face challenges and negative patterns that are counter-active to our improvement. We may be unaware that things we are doing are worsening our condition.  In these circumstances, a good therapist is essential.  Just like doctors, there are good providers and others who for whatever reason are not a good fit. Find one that specializes in your type of illness. If you are uncomfortable with your therapist or feel that their treatment is not helping, find another one. Do not assume that all approaches are the same.

When I am depressed,  I tend to think irrationally and go deeper into a downward spiral of negative thoughts. I think things will never get better, that I won't make it through the tunnel. I feel like I'm not  cut out for society.  I am sometimes overwhelmed by simple tasks and great feelings of guilt for not fulfilling my expectations of myself. I might uncontrollably burst into tears for no reason. When I am in the darkness, I often need the guidance of someone else to point things out, bring things to light and remind me of the positive times when I have fulfilled my expectations and have accomplished things. 

Don't be too hard on yourself. I personally set high standards for myself and have high expectations of what I think I should accomplish as a good mother.  I want to be superwoman. I want to take my kids to every enrichment opportunity out there, help them do crafts, read to them every night, all while having dinner on the table by 5:00 and a spotless house. I have learned not to completely eliminate goals, but to recognize my limitations and readjust them.  Sometimes it is as simple as altering long term goals into simple short term goals. Learn to recognize negative self-talk and destructive thoughts. Sometimes my house is a wreck. I have no energy. During periods of depression I can't bring myself to do laundry. I have to rely on the help of my husband to do household chores, cook and take care of the kids. I can't make it to church. I end up frequently cancelling plans. I don't want to get out of bed. I go without make up or fixing myself up. At extreme times, I have even had episodes of being unable to care for myself.  I feel an extreme sense of guilt, which worsens the depression. Accepting that I have limitations outside of my control during times of depression, especially in the winter, has been difficult for me. 

More than just winter blues: part 2 #mentalhealth series

Part 1 of More Than Just Winter Blues was an introduction to guest poster Natalie Mohr and her own personal journey as a mother struggling with mental health issues.

Natalie P. Mohr is the author of "The Tale of the Lantern Lady," an allegorical short story about those who suffer from mental illness and depression and those who bridge the gap between pain and positive change in their lives.

For the gritty and very real version of Natalie's journey, see her other guest posts via Hope Rising - Natalie Part 1 and Hope Rising - Natalie Part 2

Lessons from a Medicated Mama - part 2
*a guest post from author Natalie Mohr*

Since my initial diagnosis and years of treatment, I have learned a variety of lessons that I would like to share. 

GET HELP --

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Your health is your first priority and you are your own advocate.  Do not allow fear of stigma or what other people or family members will think of you to deter you from seeking help.  Mental Illness is not a sign of weakness. Psychological disorders are physiological issues and are no different from other physical health problems. Sometimes the causes can be identified by hormonal fluctuations, hereditary conditions, health problems, chemical imbalances or other conditions. If you are overwhelmed by taking care of yourself or your children, ask for help from trusted friends and family and seek help from a professional. Surround yourself with a positive support system.

Always routinely take your medication and communicate with your doctor. Don't assume that if one drug doesn't work that there are no other effective options.  Be patient. Sometimes it can take months or in worst case scenario, years for some people to find the right medication and effective combination or dosage.  It can be discouraging but don't give up!

If you are unhappy with your provider, find a new one. Your mental health is essential to your well being and you should NEVER compromise your quality of care. For some people, it means the difference between life or death. Make sure you find one that is responsive and who will listen to you.  Search online or ask around for good references. Practitioners often have different philosophies when it comes to medication and treatment options. Some take traditional approaches while others are willing to go outside of the box.

More than just winter blues: A real discussion about mental health

Natalie P. Mohr is the author of "The Tale of the Lantern Lady," an allegorical short story about those who suffer from mental illness and depression and those who bridge the gap between pain and positive change in their lives.


Lessons from a Medicated Mama
*a guest post from author Natalie Mohr*

Motherhood can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences. As mothers, we feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment through our roles and the reciprocated love from our children. However, when combined with mental illnesses or depression, the responsibilities of having a little one dependent on you can seem overwhelming and even impossible.

Mental illness is a topic that is often not discussed. However the National Alliance for Mental Illness states that 1 in 4 Americans experience some form of depression or mental illness. Many feel their struggle must be kept "in the closet" and fear the potential criticisms of others. Attitudes like "hide you're crazy," "suck it up," "get it together," and "quit being lazy," are examples of negative stigma that deter many from seeking help. It's not "all in your head" or something you can just talk yourself out of.

Pregnancy is just weird.

Thirty-two and a half weeks along now. I started out the model pregnant patient, marveling at how I did not need to call the OB's office for months, when I could remember calling about every little lump and bump and tweak the last time around. This time, I did not have ten weeks of excruciating headaches. I had only brief nausea, which quickly went away once I began taking the prescription prenatal vitamin at night. I was not worried, not stressed. I was just going to cruise through this pregnancy like an old pro.

Enter third trimester. I have now talked to multiple nurses and had two "work-in" appointments at the OB's office. I seem to chat with someone over there at least twice per week! First it was illness, then a chronic and very gunky cough, then mystery pains and more pains.

Now? I have shingles!

Didn't even need half the tank! Ford One Tank For Good, C-MAX hybrid

This past Wednesday was cold! I was finally 80% improved from my awful 10+ day illness, however, and bursting to get out of the house. So very thankful that I made it to the Ford One Tank For Good event!


I was provided with a Ford C-MAX Hybrid for the week (still driving it and having so much fun!) as well as three generous gift cards to host a group of local mom bloggers for breakfast, a hands-on preview of the C-MAX, and a shopping challenge for toys which would go to patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

We oohed and ahhed over the hands-free lift gate, the completely quiet engine, the push-button start, and the sassy styling.  
Watch a video of the hands-free lift gate here.

My stylish, fun, and efficient ride for the week! #FordOneTank

Do you know what?

It is a lot of fun to play with a new car for a week! The new Ford C-MAX Hybrid was delivered to my house today.

I am already enjoying it. I don't know what I like more; all the glowing lights, the push-button start, the hands-free lift gate, or the efficiency (rated 47 MPG highway and city!). Winter winds and cold air arrived in Atlanta today, so perhaps the heated seats! I will be using those tomorrow for sure.

Stay tuned for fun photos and a recap our our upcoming #FordOneTank event, benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta!

A bunch of fabulous bloggers.
Breakfast.
Shopping.
A cause dear to all of our hearts.

And the Ford C-MAX.


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Ford supplied the vehicle loan at no charge and will be funding the Atlanta blogger event, including the shopping spree money for toys to go to the children's hospital. However, all opinions are 100% mine. 

High-quality spa products at home! Plus a #giveaway from @SpaSydellATL

The soothing sounds of soft music or gently flowing water... 

The calming scents of lavender or eucalyptus...

The quiet atmosphere that transports you far away from the chaos of a home with kids....

Who doesn't love the spa?
One of my favorite all-time "me" treats is a spa treatment at Spa Sydell, one of Georgia's most premiere day spas. Spa Sydell focuses on whole-body health and fitness, and has become an ultimate destination for reflexology, skin care, and massage therapy in Atlanta.

And if you want to take the spa home with you?

They didn't know veggies were hiding in that juice! #healthyfamily

My family had a little taste-testing party last night with two flavors of V8 V-Fusion® Refreshers.

 

New V8 V-Fusion Refreshers are a light and crisp juice drink with a 20-25% blend of fruit and vegetable juices that come in four flavors. Made with both fruit and vegetable juices, this new V8 juice is naturally sweetened, contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and is an excellent source of Vitamin C.

A healthy and surprisingly delicous choice! #FrozenFacts

I am a busy, balancing mama. Selecting and cooking food is one of my least favorite responsibilities. With Amelia in school, dance, and soccer, we have at least two days each week where I need fast dinner ideas. Similarly, I often find myself scrambling to quiet my rumbling stomach at lunch, when I have to soon be out the door to claim a coveted front-of-the-line spot in preschool carpool. Frozen foods give me the little break I need, because I can stockpile nutritious selections in the freezer when I need a one-step option.