Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 40

Living With Bipolar – How to Deal With Symptoms

by Tammy Jones

Living With Bipolar – How to Deal With Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is an abnormal mental health state that causes drastic changes in someone’s energy and mood. While anyone experiences mood swings and ups and downs, which are normal occurrences, and in some cases, there are more serious mood and behavior shifts which can seriously affect a man or woman’s daily life. Some people with bipolar disorder experience such extreme change in their moods that it is referred to as manic depression, while in other cases, the condition is referred to as bipolar affective disorder (BA). The varying degrees of the condition each require a unique treatment plan for both you and your doctor.

Manic episodes, or mania, are often diagnosed when a person experiences three or more of the following symptoms for at least a week: an unusually high level of self-esteem, extreme optimism, profuse and frequent speaking extents, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, insomnia, and rapid speech that are emotionally charged. In bipolar I disorder, on the other hand, when there is only one of these symptoms, it is referred to as bipolar II disorder. Bipolar disorder has four common types, which include the depression type, which is marked by severe or chronic sadness, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, and a negative attitude to life; hypomanic disorder, which is marked by overactive symptoms including the need for regular stimulants like caffeine; bipolar affective disorder (BAD), which involves a persistent, ongoing feeling of sadness, anxiety, irritability, or hopelessness; and cyclothymic disorder (CTD), which is marked by the presence of alternating periods of mild moodiness and hyperactivity/overdrive. Someone who is diagnosed with any of these four types of bipolar disorder should seek help, as the disorder has a high likelihood of occurring in people who already have other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

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There is also a possibility for genetic bipolar disorder. If someone in your family line history had bipolar disorder or any of the other four types of bipolar disorders, you have a greater likelihood of developing bipolar disorder. This is because genetic wiring of the brain is not set in stone, so it is possible that genetics determine whether someone will develop bipolar disorder or any of the other four types of bipolar disorders. If there is an imbalance of specific chemicals within the brain, it can lead to these conditions, as well. For instance, some studies show that a drop in dopamine levels could lead to depression, mania, or cyclothymia.

Bipolar disorder symptoms are often confused with the symptoms of other mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, many psychiatrists think bipolar disorders may actually be a related disorder. Symptoms of bipolar may include impulse responses, such as self-harm, self-injury, suicidal thoughts, or psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations. The manic episodes of bipolar can include very intense and unexpected swings in energy, which can last anywhere from several days to several weeks. Bipolar symptoms may include irritability, restlessness, losing or gaining weight, frequent speech problems, being easily agitated or having trouble with digestion or absorption.

Bipolar I disorder is characterized by at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of normal behavior followed by periods of either depression or mania. Bipolar I disorder can be split into two main subtypes, namely: rapid cycling bipolar disorder (by dysthymia) and slow-cycling bipolar disorder (ssd). In rapid-cycling bipolar disorder the sufferer experiences mood alternates between elated or depressed states and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors. On the other hand, in the slow-cycling bipolar disorder, the sufferer experiences mixed states of mood alternating between depression and hypomania states.

Bipolar disorder can affect people in different ways. Some respond to medications more favorably than others. There is currently no specific genetic test for the condition, so doctors cannot confirm if a family history of the disorder is present. It is mostly diagnosed when the patient’s partner shows the same symptoms as the patient. A recent study showed that 50% of men suffering from bipolar disorder have been successfully treated with antidepressants.

Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with psychotherapy and medications. The mood stabilizers (tricyclics) such as Elavil, Pamelor, and Lamotrigine are known to work better in some patients than in others. The mood stabilizers are also used in the maintenance phase, which helps the patients to avoid mania and depression episodes. The different types of antidepressant used in the treatment of bipolar disorder include Tofranil (imipramine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Celexa (citalopramine) and Zoloft (sertraline).

The symptoms of this disorder can be difficult to recognize and it may seem that nothing is wrong with the sufferer. The symptoms of the disorder however can be serious and if they are left uncorrected, the person suffering from it may eventually become unproductive and a burden to the family. It is therefore important that you know about the symptoms and get your loved one diagnosed as soon as possible.

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The article Living With Bipolar – How to Deal With Symptoms by Tammy Jones appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Weekend Reflection

by Cascia Talbert

Packer Mania

The Green Bay Packers are the NFC North Champions and they are all over the news, television, radio well just about everywhere around here. Check out my other blog Musings of a Broke Mom for more details on Packer Mania. My family is getting excited about the big game on Sunday. I am going to make cup cakes and frost them with green and gold frosting for my kids. My brother, his girlfriend and their daughter are coming over to watch the big game. We can’t wait! I sure hope they go to the Super Bowl.

I think my oldest has been spending too much time on You Tube and not enough time hitting her books. Last year she got all A’s and B’s in school. When I looked over her papers the other day I saw mostly C’s. She is working on getting her first degree black belt in Karate. (She’s already a Jr. Black Belt) One of the requirements is to have all A’s and B’s in school. Now we are only allowing her to use the computer for 30 minutes on school nights. Hopefully this will work. I might have to spend more time in the evening with her on her school work. Maybe instead of computer time when her sister goes to bed we should spend that time looking over her schoolwork. I would like to see an improvement in her grades.

The terror is starting to get this potty thing. I am really proud of her. She went poo poo on the potty for the first time the other day. I think I got overly excited because she gave me a strange look. I was doing a “poo poo on the potty” song and dance routine. Maybe that was a little much. I think she is getting more and more jealous of her little brother. He is on solids now and whenever I feed him baby food she wants some too. She calls it applesauce. I gave him a jar of peas last night. He didn’t like them but the terror ate them right up. When I feed the baby she wants to sit on my lap with her spoon and eat his food. I know I shouldn’t let her do that but she’s not as picky of a eater as her brother is and somebody has to eat the baby food!

The baby is starting to roll all over the place now. It is so cute to see him play on the floor. I decided to skip putting a blanket on the floor now because he doesn’t stay on it anymore. I think he’ll be crawling in a few months.

It is going to be below zero outside all weekend so I think we will stay in. Saturday is chore day so I should get the laundry caught up and clean up the house before the game tomorrow. I feel bad for those football players up in Green Bay. It is going to get extremely cold! The Giants are used to playing indoors so the Packers better win!

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Royal Jelly Contains Unique Proteins and Nutrients

by Andrea Crawley

Royal Jelly Contains Unique Proteins and Nutrients

Royal jelly is a beneficial honeybee secretion which is utilized in the development of adult and larvae queens. It’s usually secreted by the secretions from the secretory glands on the hypopharynx of mature queens and fed into all developing larvae in the hive, no matter gender or caste. The queen ingesting royal jelly develops a sensitive taste and smell to it, which greatly helps her in the development of the hive. This secretion has also been found to be useful in helping larvae survive in their early days before they begin their metamorphosis into workers.

In a recent study, the effects of royal jelly on the eyes of humans were examined. The study was done at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. One hundred and eighty subjects were involved in the study. All of the subjects had chronic dry eyes as part of their regular eye examination. During the study, four groups of twenty subjects each received royal jelly on separate occasions, one four weeks apart, while the other group of forty got a placebo.

What did the researchers find? Overall, the results showed that those individuals who got the royal jelly on the subsequent occasion had significantly fewer eye symptoms than those who didn’t. In addition, there was a significant effect observed in terms of the skin care products that were used. It seems that the products had an overall positive impact on the eyes and that the use of royal jelly may support the health of our eyes. It may also support the healing of skin-care issues like dark circles and bags under the eyes.

However, the results of the animal test-tube research supports the claims made by the maker of the substance. As you may already know, animal studies have often been insufficient to establish the effectiveness of substances. In fact, there has been some debate as to whether or not animal studies should even be considered. The majority of animal specialists believe that it is impossible to draw conclusions about an ingredient’s effectiveness based on animal tests alone. This is because we simply don’t have the same physiology in humans as animals do.

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Luckily, scientists have developed highly specific assays to determine the effectiveness of an ingredient. While the results of animal tests may provide preliminary information, human studies are much more reliable in this respect. This is because people’s responses to the anti-aging cream can be correlated with the way that they feel after using the product. Unfortunately, determining whether or not a royal jelly may reduce the signs of aging is not entirely straightforward.

There have been significant differences between the results of clinical trials and the results of laboratory studies. When looking at the effects of the substance on human subjects, it is important to consider the effects on human cholesterol levels. Total and bad LDL cholesterol levels are generally higher in older individuals. For this reason, many researchers believe that the chemical can actually help to reduce total and bad LDL cholesterol levels. This is because the substance can significantly reduce triglyceride (fat) levels.

Another potential health benefits of the royal jelly come from the unique proteins and other compounds that the substance contains. In a human study published by the Journal of Applied Toxicology, it was determined that the substance had anti-tumor properties. Specifically, the substance had the ability to prevent the growth of human cancer cells. The substance contained a number of unique proteins and enzymes, as well as several of vitamins and trace minerals. In addition, it was shown that these ingredients were able to boost the immune system and eliminate toxins from the body.

The final potential health benefits of royal jelly come from its powerful antioxidant properties. As we age, our bodies tend to produce fewer of the body’s natural antioxidants. As a result, the body becomes more susceptible to free radical damage. Free radicals also cause cellular decay and aging. One of the body’s natural antioxidants is called superoxide dismutase, or SOD. It is possible that the substances in royal jelly prevent the production of SOD and help protect the body from oxidative stress.



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Weekend Reflection

by Cascia Talbert

The holidays have come and gone it is now January 5, 2008. This week I have learned to count my blessings and be thankful for today because you never know what tomorrow might bring. A friend of mine lost her father suddenly just before the New Year. You never know when it is going to be your time.

Despite all of my personal problems, stress and worries I still have my health and my beautiful children. It is time to think positively and treasure all of the wonderful things in my life. Good always outweighs the bad. Even though my nearly 2-year old daughter tore apart our house and drew all over her brand new doll the other day she is getting smarter by the minute and is too cute. When her dad was picking up our oldest from school she sat in the back seat and started counting. She counted to ten over and over again.

Our son is nearly 6 months old and still not sleeping through the night. I am tired every day but he brings me tons of joy. He’s getting his first tooth and smiles and coos all the time. He’s also rolling all over the floor. Just his smiles and giggles help me to forget about all the stress in my life.

My oldest daughter can get sassy sometimes and isn’t a very good listener but she too brings a smile to my face. She helps out around the house and with the little ones when I ask. She is also very smart. I learn new things from her every day.

If you are under a lot of stress and are worried about what is in your future in 2008 like I am count your blessings. Think about all the good things in your life. Hug and kiss your children. That always makes me feel better. If you have a positive outlook positive things will happen. Smile and say hi to a stranger. You might just make their day a little brighter.

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A Bladder Infection and Postmenopausal Women

by Tiffany Pratt

A Bladder Infection and Postmenopausal Women

A bladder infection is a painful problem that affects a lot of women. The pain that comes from a bladder infection can be so bad that it can keep a woman from even getting out of bed in the morning. A bladder infection occurs when bacteria enter the bladder and travel to the urethra, the narrow tube that carries urine from the bladder outside the body. Once inside the bladder, the dangerous bacteria can latch onto the bladder lining, which makes it inflamed, a very dangerous condition called cystitis. If left untreated, this bladder infection can turn into a much worse condition, with the bladder unable to function properly and causing urine to build up in the body.

If you suspect you have a bladder infection, then the first thing you should do is go to your doctor for a complete physical. A doctor will be able to determine if you have urinary tract symptoms, which include the chronic back pain that is associated with this condition. If you do have back pain, then you should schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. Once your doctor has run some tests, he or she may prescribe a medication to help relieve your back pain or refer you to an area specialist, such as a rheumatologist, who can perform a more in-depth exam and recommend an appropriate treatment.

If you are experiencing chronic back pain that is accompanied by fever and foul-smelling urine, then you may have a bladder infection. Some symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain in the lower back, dizziness, and nausea. You may also notice blood in your urine or be afraid that you are having a urinary tract infection. These symptoms are usually accompanied by other problems, such as fever. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor immediately so that you can get treatment, which can include a course of antibiotics to fight the infection.

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Bladder infections, also known as UTI, are considered to be one of the most common types of urinary tract infections. They are also one of the hardest to treat. Most women will experience at least one bladder infection in her lifetime. However, there are a few women who never experience any symptoms. This is often due to poor eating habits or not being able to pay attention to their body’s signals.

Poor eating habits are a major cause of bladder infections. You need to ensure that you are drinking plenty of water every day, as this is very important for the proper function of your kidneys. Eating foods that are high in protein is also recommended. In addition, you should also make sure that you are consuming enough fiber, to ensure that your bowels are regular. Fiber is very important for flushing out bacteria from your system.

Another cause of bladder infection is when there is an injury to your urethra. If your urethra has been torn, or if it has been cut, you can easily develop a urinary tract infection. Such injuries can often happen when you are having sexual intercourse with someone who is suffering from a kidney infection.

If you have a premenopausal woman, an increased risk of getting a UTI is also likely. The reason is because the tissues in the vagina become thin and susceptible to bacterial growth. Also, in women nearing menopause, an increased risk of getting a bladder infection is seen because the vaginal muscles lose their tone and firmness, which increase the chances of moisture building up around the opening of the bladder.

The treatment for a UTI depends on the severity of your infection. If you have a light case, you may just need to use an over the counter pain medication to ease the discomfort. However, if you have had a serious case and your doctor thinks you may need antibiotics, your doctor will most likely prescribe you an antibiotic. However, there are also some natural homeopathic remedies that you can try to treat your UTI without the use of antibiotics.

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Why should Parents Blog?

by Guest Author

Parents Blog

I am a grown-up with young children and a business. I can’t possibly have time to ‘socialise’ or network online. So why is it I find myself interacting with people I have never met from all round the world, into the early hours, ‘poking’ on Facebook and ‘nudging’ on Twitter? Blimey, I’ve even begun writing my own blog and am at serious risk of turning from a fairly normal mum of three young kids, into a full-on geek!

Even if we haven’t tried them out ourselves, most of us have heard of online chat rooms and internet dating sites, and Which? reports tell us that 75% of UK internet shoppers who are women prefer buying online to going to the shops. Many of us use the internet for research and education, and for business networking. But what value can it possibly have for mothers of young children as a way to network socially?

US artist and avid social networker Susan Reynolds likens interacting on sites such as Facebook and Twitter to “an updated way of chatting over the fence while hanging clothes and getting personal insights which are better than search engine research”. In order to research this article, I myself dived into my online social networks and put out a call for information and suggestions. Within hours I had some quality links from @Rosevibe, @Cbensen and @Loudmouthman (‘Twitter’ names) and, more importantly, a group of peers interested in seeing and enjoying the final result. When you are working from home with young children, finding other people online who share your interests and help you to develop your own ideas and knowledge is a resource that I never dreamed of discovering a year ago.

One of my Facebook friends, Ann Handley, posted: “The real value of social networking for women is that they can seek and find like-minded individuals at all stages of their lives. When I was a young mother ‘ a breastfeeding, cloth-diaper-using, attachment-parenting mom who was working (freelance writing) from home – I often felt pretty isolated, without a ‘network’, wondering if I was outright loony some days… I would have loved a blog like dooce.com, or a mother’s group on Facebook, to connect with other mothers like me.”

Sharing knowledge and experience is important for parents who can so often feel isolated. I popped onto EveryClick.com (it’s a search engine like Google, but each time you use them they give money to a charity of your choice) and typed ‘Mothers Blogs‘. The first two natural listings were www.motherblogs.net and www.bloggingmommies.com. Both sites are guiding and encouraging mothers to share experiences and advice; but in the UK, www.netmums.com works on a more community level, with 130 local sites and growing. Netmums was started by three mothers and has won a technology award for the most promising voluntary sector internet project. Co-founder Sally Russell says their success is down to a balance between hard facts and being a community of support. Netmums provides not just information, but the opportunity to find local like-minded women and to connect up physically as well as online. The site has been a godsend to some mothers suffering with postnatal depression who needed help and to feel supported.

For the growing number of men who are becoming house-parents, online networking can help them to access and even create their own local support groups. It is this ‘community’ element that has created my current addiction with online networking and taken me past the ‘fear’ threshold of working with technology previously unfamiliar to me. To begin your own blog is simple enough to tempt even the most ardent technophobe, and if you go onto www.ning.com, you can create an entire personal social network, with blogs and forums and groups, for free. It’s a fantastic way to extend the reach and increase the interactions within parenting support groups or just your own local school or community. No technical expertise required!

If I have an idea about something, need feedback, or just want to see what someone else is thinking about, I can go online and, through a selective build-up of Twitter buddies and Facebook friends, I can research information and get moral support from people who do not live in my locality, and I don’t need to hire a babysitter first.

I recently created a humorous blog to share my own experiences of becoming involved with blogging and online social networking, calling it Blogging For Blondes; but what turns a solitary posting into a discussion within a community, is the understanding that the most important thing about any blog, are the comments posted by the readers.

Deborah Fallows (*How Women and Men Use the Internet*) found that in the US “Men value the internet for the breadth of experience it offers; women value it for enriching their relationships, but are more concerned about its risks.” Irrespective of the safety of online banking, online communication on a social level has many checks and measures. I don’t have to accept a ‘Friend’ request from Facebook if I don’t choose to, for example, and I can hide my full profile from strangers online.

Ann Hadley thinks “women like to connect – not debate. So they may not comment on blogs, but they are nonetheless embracing social networks.” However, women are increasingly finding their voice, and expressing it, via social networking online.

The Pew Internet & American Life Project found that blog creators in the US were more likely to be relatively well off financially and well educated, and 43% of all bloggers were women. Advertisers are taking note of the rise in educated and high-income women using social networking to take part in discussions and dialogues. The women’s blogging site www.blogher.com publishes that 70% of the women subscribers are married, and 50% have children still living at home. 53% of BlogHer Parenting Network readers have their own blogs with which to publish and amplify their recommendations and referrals.

Glenda Stone, CEO at Aurora business networking group for women, says that many women entrepreneurs begin as mothers, working from home in a spare room, and the discussion forums on Aurora can provide “value added answers which they can trust – not only a quick answer to a question, but evaluations and recommendations into the bargain”.

Access to information is key to advancing in the workplace, and having direct access to that information creates great opportunities for women in large corporations, especially if they are working part time from home or are on maternity leave. Tom Crawford, head of employer brand and diversity at professional services firm Deloitte, encourages the use of Facebook whilst providing advice and guidelines on its use, rather than just banning it from the workplace like many other employers have done.

Using a diverse range of networking resources, Deloitte employees can access mentors and buddies within their online women’s, working parents’ and carers’ networks. It is the women employees who have tapped into this big time, and who have benefited the most from the sharing of information and networking with colleagues online. Why do Deloitte do this? Tom explains that they “want the broadest range of talent to fix the broadest range of client challenges”, and to do that, you need to “talk to people in different ways and in different places, using a variety of online and offline tools”.

My favourite recent example of social networking being used creatively is by the artist Susan Reynolds, who blogged in Case-Notes from the Artsy Asylum about her recent mild stroke. I had ‘followed’ her messages via Twitter during her hospital stay (at the same time as someone else had a kitten being taken to the vet and another was reporting on his wife being in labour), but Susan actively used her social networking as part of her rehabilitation: “through it all, a stream of social media has kept me connected and now it’s helping me not just recover but document and test. Putting myself thorough my own battery of tests, Second Life and Facebook Scrabble have reassured me and helped test spatial, visual and language skills. Twitter, tumblr & facebook mobile photos have allowed me to document and track activities and developments. Who said Social Media serves no useful purpose? Working for me so far.”

by Suzy Miller

Suzy has written her own blog for those lacking confidence in becoming bloggers themselves at http://www.bloggingforblondes.com/ . She is also the director of http://www.certainshops.com/ , recently voted as one of the “101 most useful websites that will change your life” by The Independent, where users can access word of mouth vetted professionals from lawyers to life coaches.

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Potty Training – Tips, and Advice

by Tammy Jones

Potty Training  – Tips, and Advice

Potty training is basically the procedure of teaching a child, especially an infant or young kid, to use the potty for elimination and bowel movements.  Traditionally, attitudes toward potty training haven’t varied much and can vary significantly across generations and even depending on demographics. In today’s culture, potty training can be viewed as both a positive and negative event. Some parents (especially male parents) would welcome the challenge of toilet training their children, because they feel it is an essential part of their responsibility to teach their kids how to live a healthy lifestyle.

On the other hand, there are quite a few mothers and fathers who feel that potty training is a nightmare and wish that it was over as soon as possible. A lot of them consider the whole process as an unnecessary and painful experience for the little one, thus bringing down the parents’ self-esteem. To these parents, the best way to deal with potty training is to just leave everything to the experts. After all, they are the ones with the skills and knowledge, and they know what’s best for your little one.

Basically, there are a lot of options available for those parents who are having a hard time potty training their toddlers. One of the most popular methods is using diapers. Diapers can keep a toddler’s bottom dry, which can help avoid rashes and can help him or her to be able to go for a potty training.

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Some people would prefer to let their dogs completely potty train themselves. However, dogs don’t like to disappoint their owners. They will try to get their needs met by using the bathroom. You can also try to let your pet use adult diapers. Adult diapers can absorb the accidents better than diapers made specifically for little accidents, and you don’t have to replace them as often as you need to.

Aside from diapers, there are also other types of potty training products that you can buy. There are plenty of accidents that can be prevented by using toilet training products, such as seat covers, toilet bowl cleaners, newspaper, paper towels, and toilet training aids. Toilets nowadays also come in colorful and interesting designs, which makes potty training more fun. You can get your child his or her own personalized toilet seat cover made especially for potty training. Your child can pretend to be a big kid for a few days by wearing these seat covers.

If you want to ease up on your potty-training efforts, you can also use disposable diapers and encourage your child to go to the bathroom when he or she needs to. You can try giving your child’s diaper a funny shape or adding colorful accessories to it. These accessories, especially if they match your child’s toilet seat design, will surely help your child seems more like a little one. Buying disposable diapers in bulk will also save you a lot of money.

For puppies, you can try using a dog crate instead of a toilet seat. A dog crate has the same effect as a small potty training seat without the risk of accidents. Some dogs refuse to potty train with a toilet seat, so this may not be the best option for your puppy. In this case, you can try giving your dog a chew toy, or you can try leaving a dog biscuit or dog treat out in the open. Giving your dog something to do instead of going potty training can help your puppy learn faster, since dogs don’t really enjoy doing things that cause pain.

Another thing that you can do to speed up the potty training is to make sure your child is ready to be potty trained. When your child is ready, start by removing the diaper and putting it in the toilet. Wait for at least 10 minutes to make sure the diaper gets wet. Then, remove the diaper and place it in the potty chair. Reward your child by saying “good boy!” And giving him a sticker that identifies him as a good boy.

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Chiropractic And Protein Problems In Babies

by Guest Author

When a baby arrives there is so much joy, but with all the joy and excitement comes an incredible responsibility to care for the helpless little child who has just started life.

Nature has prepared well for the new arrival, and the new baby, usually within minutes of being born, begins to suckle mum’s breast. Mum’s breast milk is the perfect food for the newborn.

In some babies, however, there is intolerance to the proteins that are contained in cow’s milk and sometimes there is even an allergic reaction. If you drink cow’s milk or eat dairy products while breastfeeding, the milk proteins are passed on to your baby through your milk.

Proteins from cow’s milk are also the ingredients in most artificial baby formulas making these products inappropriate for babies with intolerance or allergy problems.

Babies that suffer from these conditions experience distressing symptoms and in turn are very unsettled and irritable, making the whole parenting experience stressful and tiring. Allergy and intolerance is not the same thing but are often confused.

Cow’s milk protein allergy is a true allergy that can be detected by a blood test and/or by a simple procedure called a skin prick test. Normally, milk protein poses no problems to a baby’s health or digestive system, but in allergic children the typical symptoms may include any combination of the following;

Irritability Fussy feeding pattern including nipple attachment problems Hives Vomiting Disturbed sleep pattern Swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, or throat Abdominal pain Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or asthma Diarrhoea Spotty red skin rash

True allergy is a serious condition, the management of which is based around the necessity to keep the baby free from all exposure to the offending proteins. Cow’s milk protein intolerance (or sensitivity as it is sometimes termed) is not a true allergy and will not give a positive result in a blood test or skin prick test.

The symptoms the baby experiences generally include a combination of the following;

Irritability Fussy feeding pattern including nipple attachment problems Vomiting Disturbed sleep pattern Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or asthma Diarrhoea Abdominal pain Spotty red skin rash

While fussy irritable babies generally respond very well to gentle, safe chiropractic care, those babies who have intolerance or allergic problems require special attention from your chiropractor who is well aware of these problems, If you still do not have a chiropractic, you can check A full guide on chiropractors to find one for your baby.


When you first visit your chiropractor with your baby, a very careful clinical history will be taken from you and the detail you give at this time will pretty much tell your chiropractor there is an intolerance or allergic problem. A physical examination will usually confirm this.

Once it has been determined that your child is not reacting well to cow’s milk proteins, your chiropractor will, in addition to giving chiropractic treatment, advise you on how best to feed your baby to avoid contact with the proteins that are causing the problems. This advice may require you to change your diet if you are breastfeeding, or change baby’s formula if you are bottle-feeding. If you’re looking for a great chiropractor, check out this guy, he’s one of the best chiropractors in new Fairfield CT hands down.

There are a number of other alternative formulas and your chiropractor will be able to advise you as to which of these may be best in your particular case. There may be occasions when your baby needs to see a medical practitioner to have some appropriate tests done.

Your chiropractor is trained to recognize the conditions under which a referral to a medical practitioner is required and will not hesitate to do so. The best care for your baby will always be uppermost in ‘your chiropractors mind.

Is your baby fussy and irritable? Are you having difficulty getting your baby to feed and sleep well? Why not see your chiropractor today and give your baby the benefits of gentle safe and effective health care the chiropractic way – naturally!

Trivia: 1 in 50 infants are affected by cow’s milk allergy, making it one

of the most common food allergies in children. Most children outgrow the allergy by the age of 4 years. Most people with cow’s milk allergy will also react to sheep, goat and horse milk.

Did You Know?

Excess mucus, a runny nose and coughing are not symptoms of cow’s milk allergy or intolerance. In fact, these common reactions to dairy products have recently been shown to be a perception only. The thick texture of milk produces a short lived feeling of extra mucus production, but does not actually cause extra mucus production.

Dr Neil Davies D.C, is the author of Chiropractic Pediatrics A Clinical Handbook (Churchill Livingstone 2000) and developer of the NeuroImpulse Protocol and Adjusting the Child seminar programs for chiropractors. His passion for improving the clinical skills of chiropractors is well known in international circles and he will be commencing new courses in USA in 2008. He has used Chiropractor Marketing Solutions to promote all of his new programs and seminars. 


Dr Neil Davies graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1977, completed a Certificate in Clinical Pediatrics at Phillip Institute of Technology, School of Chiropractic & Osteopathy in 1988 and is the author of Chiropractic Pediatrics A Clinical Handbook (Churchill Livingstone 2000). Today he is a course leader in chiropractic pediatrics for McTimoney College of Chiropractic, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK. See http://neuroimpulse.com

Searching for a Chiropractor? West London Chiropractors combines traditional chiropractic philosophy with a complete approach to health. You can also check this chiropractor near Medina, OH.

by Dr Neil Davies

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The article Chiropractic And Protein Problems In Babies by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Learn More About Using Fluoride As an Oral Care Product

by LouAnn Moss

Learn More About Using Fluoride As an Oral Care Product

Fluoride was discovered around the late 1890s. It was initially used to prevent tooth decay by limiting the production of enamel decay-causing bacteria. Today, it is widely used to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. Here are a few facts on fluoride and your health:

Although fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and help keep your teeth clean and healthy, it has no proven effects in the prevention of cavities. It does not prevent the formation of cavities, either. The purpose of fluoridated water is not to prevent tooth decay but to enhance the strength and enamel texture of teeth.

How much fluoride should you use? Fluoride should be used in the water you drink and in your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth. It may be added to your toothpaste as well. Fluoride does not taste good, but it does provide some protection for your teeth need from cavities.

How much fluoride should I avoid? Experts recommend that adults and children receive no more than five micrograms of fluoride per kilo of body weight each day. You can find it in most tap water supplies and in some bottled waters. The amount you should avoid depends on your age and how much is in your drinking water. Some dentists suggest limiting the consumption of fluoride to one teaspoon a day.



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If you have cavities, are you likely to get them again? Experts do not believe that toothpaste or other fluoride sources can prevent you from getting cavities in the future. They do suggest that you limit your intake to small doses. If you use fluoride-rich toothpaste or take a fluoride supplement, you should also limit your consumption of these products to small doses.

What’s the difference between regular toothpaste and fluoride toothpaste? Regular toothpaste usually contains either sodium  or potassium. While both of these chemicals are relatively weak alternatives to fluoride, they can still affect your health in different ways. Potassium has been shown to contribute to improper thyroid function and may contribute to hyperactivity in children. Sodium has been shown to increase blood pressure, so it’s best to choose toothpastes that contain the less-potent sodium fluoride.

Should I use fluoride for my oral care? Fluoride is a strong cleaning agent that should be applied by either a professional in a professional setting such as a dental office. However, you should still brush your teeth regularly with a soft bristled toothbrush and floss regularly to ensure your teeth are as healthy as possible. Adding fluoride toothpaste to your regular oral care routine can help you achieve maximum benefits from your regular brushing and flossing regimen.

It is recommended to choose natural fluoride over pharmaceutical grade fluoride. You can learn more about which type of fluoride is the best for you, your family, and the environment by visiting the official National Institute of Health website. You can also find other resources to learn more about choosing an alternative. Fluoride is a valuable ingredient in a wide range of toothpastes, mouth rinses, and other products marketed for the purpose of preventing tooth decay and preserving good oral hygiene. If you’re concerned about the health of your family, or if you want to take an active role in making sure your public health measure is successful, talk to your dentist about your concerns.

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Weekend Reflection

by Cascia Talbert

Well here it is Saturday again. We had a very crazy but rewarding week. Santa came and went and the kids were good for the most part. The Terror got her baby with a Nuk and stroller. The big girl got a game for her Nintendo and the baby got some diapers.

We went to our usual parties…you know the big one at the aunt and uncles house on Christmas Eve. All the kids were running around downstairs while the adults sipped rum and cider and mixed drinks upstairs. The terror decided that she was Cinderella that day. And the food! I can’t forget to mention all the food. We had antipasti, cookies, Nona’s bread sticks, lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and of course the dessert. My mother made her home made eclairs…yum! I will have to share some of the recipes with all of you. After we all ate and exchanged gifts it was time to go home to wait for Santa.

Christmas morning was usual. The baby was the first to wake up at 6 am. My husband and I drank coffee in our Christmas mugs while we waited for the girls to wake up. Once they did it didn’t take long for the presents to get ripped open. Cinderella got so many presents that she started to get bored after a while. All she wanted to do was run around and play. Typical. The big girl played Santa and handed out the gifts. She is getting more responsible every day, or at least I am hoping that she will. (When she doesn’t throw one of her ten-year-old-I-think-I’m-sixteen-and-don’t-want-to-do-what-Mom-says-fits).

After all the gifts were opened I just wanted one more present from my family and that was to all go to Christmas mass together. I don’t think my husband was too thrilled with that one. It took me forever to get him to hustle. You see we got done opening gifts at 9am and mass started at 10. I wanted to get there early to get a good parking spot and seat in church. I felt like a drill Sargent trying to get my family out the door that morning. “Pack some bottles and formula in the diaper bag. Cinderella needs her princess bag and blanket. Don’t forget to buckle your sister in her car seat. Let’s go!”

After chasing after the terror and rocking a tired baby in mass it was time to go to Grandma and Grandpas for yet another Christmas party. We gassed up the car at over three dollars a gallon and headed down the road.

Grandma and Grandpa’s party was also very typical. The kids did the annual blessing of the Christmas tree, oh and the presents, and the nativity and…I don’t know I think my mother would have them bless everything in her house if there was time. Again as good Italians we had pasta oh and of course presents. Nine out of ten of my parents grandchildren were there but it didn’t take them long to rip through all the gifts. The kids ran around downstairs and before I knew it the party was over.

I returned t my messy home exhausted and ready for bed. My plan was to clean up the house the next day. Yeah right!

I was not aware that the flu bug was going around. I spent all day on Wednesday sick in bed throwing up and worse…I had diarrhea…yuck! I thought well maybe my husband could clean up the dishes in the sink, straighten the presents under the tree, make the beds, do some laundry and take care of the kids. Was I ever wrong! Why is it that men just don’t know the meaning of housework? Sometimes I think that he could literally live in a pig sty. I had to work the past few days so my house is still a mess. Maybe I should just say, “The heck with it!” and become a slacker mom! Hopefully he will find a good job soon and things will return to normalcy around here…if there is such a word!

Here’s too a better future in 2008! Don’t forget to leave your comments and links at the end of this post and visit this weeks sponsors.

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