Alteril Sleep Aid Scam

I originally published an Alteril product review on the now-defunct Yahoo! Voices in 2009. I called it a scam then and nothing has changed my mind about that. Here's the update on the Alteril scam. Background: Six years ago, I found in my then-16 year old son's bedroom, medication I didn't recognize. It was Alteril (Somnia latoril). When I asked him, he said a "friend's mom gave it me (red flag) to help me sleep better (red flag). Apparently this friend's mother ordered some from an infomercial (red flag) and gave some to her son (red flag) who shared it round. Biggest red flag! Now that's not the company's fault. But their shady infomercial marketing and dubious product labeling is. Read on Alteril Sleep Aid Scam Overpriced, Infomercial Internet Sales, Dubious Ingredients and Labeling

We Do Not Get Flu Shots and Here's Why

We don't get flu shots. Never have. There are many reasons why.

* Albumen allergy. I have one and you're not supposed to get flu shot if you have one. But beyond that....

* Ironically, I write this as husband came home sick. He has stomach flu which flu vaccines don't address. But it brings up a bone of contention with the pro-flu-vaccine crowd. They say we who don't get inoculated make them sick. But random vaccine and antibiotic dousing CREATES resistant superbugs. So it could be said that pro-shot folks make us sick.

Read on for other reasons Why We Do Not Get Flu Shot 

Junk Food Tax to Cut Obesity

Junk food tax? Yes. Mexico will now levy a 5 percent tax on calorie-dense foods. The point is to curb obesity. Gum will be taxed 16 percent. Though why specifically gum as it's not food. There's some dispute as to which country, Mexico or the U.S., is the fattest. But both tip the scales at over 32 percent overweight. Juvenile obesity and related illnesses are escalating. Juvenile diabetes, hypertension, health and liver disease, cholesterol problems--kids are getting these younger and younger. Here are some impacts taxing low nutrition food might have on obesity.Will a Junk Food Tax Cut Obesity? A Weighty Question

Balance is Healthier Parenting Than Health Obsession

The closer to nature, the healthier, right? Drugs, chemicals, cleaning products, household items, cosmetics, disposable items, kids products--we try to use natural ingredients as much as possible. Note I said "as possible." It's virtually impossible to avoid all. And my naturalista friends are going to gasp, but I say balance is healthier parenting that rigid obsession with health. Too much obsession becomes dangerous in itself. Sometimes it leads to weird behaviors like smother mothering, helicopter parenting, bubble-wrapped kids, MBPS (Munchausen by proxy syndrome). Think I'm exaggerating?

Take food for example. Organic, raw foods may be physically healthier, though with the chemical saturation of our environment, I'm not sure. I know myself. I over think everything. it would make me a crazy (crazier) wreck trying serve perfectly pure foods all the time. Raising four kids, I couldn't afford all natural foods, even if we ate only vegan. That food is super expensive! And even if I had one child, or no kids, I couldn't afford it. We live in the city--I couldn't grow all my own food if I wanted to. Our soil is toxic. I'd feel anxious and guilty that I'm a bad mom. Constantly worrying, makes me nervous and grouchy. And then I'm not a good mom. And THAT is my main priority.

So why am I giving all this rationale? Because group think nowdays says, EVERY thing must be done to excess, even health foods. And you know darn well, most people are struggling just to keep afloat in this crazy-hectic world. Whether with money, relationships, work, keeping up the Jones, it's a constant battle. Let me tell you a little secret: lighten up. Do the best you can. Don't aim for rigid perfection. You and your family will be a lot healthier. Better a meal of hot dogs together than the perfect vegan meal eaten alone. Balance is Healthier Parenting Than Health Obsession

Diet Recipe of the Day: Low Calorie, Super Protein Cottage Cheese

I've lost 75 pounds dieting and still have 25 or so to go to get to goal weight. Every day, I'm submitting a diet recipe using the +Dietrecipeoftheday tag. I've been craving savory foods. But salty snacks are mostly carbohydrates with no protein. And I'm trying to cut gluten and bread. Here's a snack that hits all three and is filling and tasty  Diet Recipe of the Day: Low Calorie, Super Protein Cottage Cheese

How I Protect My Family from Chemicals in Everyday Products

 United Nations-sponsored research released Tuesday links man-made chemicals in everyday products to increased birth deformities, hormonal cancers and psychiatric diseases, reports Reuters. As a 25-year mom of two girls and two boys, those findings don't surprise. They do concern me, however. As a special-needs teacher and health writer, I've followed findings on phthalate and BPA (Bisphenol A)-- chemical plastics connected to health problems-- for years.  First Person: How I Protect My Family from Chemicals in Everyday Products 

2012-2013 Flu Season Hits Hard

In health news, the 2012-2013 flu season is shaping up to be a rough one. The Detroit Free Press reports that yet another child has died in southwest Michigan from flu-related illness, bringing the number to three this year. Two adults have died from similar flu illnesses, and the number of cases in Michigan continues to rise. Despite this, I still urge caution when considering whether to get the flu shot or not. For all the hype about it, remember that it only protects against three strains and which ones will be virulent each year is hard to predict. Also, once vaccinated, you pretty much have to be vaccinated every year thereafter (that's from health care providers). Lastly, the best offense is a good defense. Eating healthy, taking care of yourself and your kids, keeping sick ones away from others, washing hands and covering your mouth--those are worth more than any vaccine. Michigan 2012-2013 Flu Shot Options

Sibling rivalry: Parenting tips to help kids get along

I'm always saddened when I hear parents say that their kids don't like each other. I'm not bragging (well, not much), but our four kids all get along great and always have. I don't say that to be self-righteous. I don't know exactly why our family has so little sibling rivalry. We may just be lucky. If it had anything to do with our parenting, here's what we did. Sibling rivalry: Parenting tips to help kids get along

What parents should know about childhood obesity

For a society that values tolerance, there's one population we're not very nice to--fat people. We treat fat kids especially badly. We rail against bullying, but then we shame overweight kids and guilt parents for making them fat. We make cruel, sententious remarks like "it's their fault for letting (insert name) get 'that way.'" I always want to retort "what way? Nice? Smart? Helpful? Cute?"

Oh right, fat. Because that's all that matters is that he's chubby. Never mind what an awesome person he is. And I'm not convinced that juvenile obesity is the epidemic we tout it as. Sure I've seen the grossly overweight adults on their hover-rounds. Their fat is more permanent, unless they make lifestyle changes. But among kids, there's more too it. Fat in kids is more transitional. Part of it might be a money-making ploy on the part of healthcare. But then I do tend to wear a tinfoil hat when it comes to government and national health initiatives. And I digress. The point is that not every fat kid may be overweight. Here are things parents need to know about fat kids and weight loss.  What parents should know about childhood obesity

Back to School Health--Helping Kids Cope with Motion Sickness on School Bus or Air Travel

Motion sickness is as much a nervous condition as a perceptual physical condition. Motion sickness afflicts several of my children. One gets air sick and the other struggles with car travel. As a kid, I'd get seasick and car sick. Here's a first aid kit I've assembled for children who suffer from travel sickness on airplanes. These tips help with motion sickness on car or boat rides, too.  Helping Kids Cope with Motion Sickness in Air Travel 

Parent Safety Tips--How to Monitor Kids' Cellphone Use

It never ceases to amaze me how prevalent cellphone use is among kids, even young ones. Unlimited texting and call plans mean kids can use their cellphones almost carte blanche, 24-7. I don't think this is healthy physically, emotionally or socially. Kids lack inner limit switches. That's why we parents have to help them set boundaries. It's easier said than done, I know. I've raised four kids to teen and adulthood and I've found that cellphones present a challenging learning curve. Here are some strategies I've used with success. Read more here. 

7-Year-Old Girl Fights Off Kidnapper, Child Safety Tips

Brittney Baxter, 7, was filmed on store surveillance cameras fighting off an alleged kidnapper at a Walmart in Bremen, Ga. She followed instructions learned in a "stranger danger" class, CNN reports. Her actions have prompted discussion about public safety. According to an interview on HLN TV, Baxter was shopping with her mother, Georgann Baxter. The mother says she allowed the child to remain in the toy aisle while she went to get something in the grocery aisle. The camera shows a man, identified as Thomas Woods, a parolee, reaching for the child and trying to carry her away.Read more at Girl Fights Off Alleged Kidnapper, Prompts Child Safety Discussion

Kids' Sunburn, Teen Tanning Habits Increase Skin Cancer Risk

Kids' Sunburn, Teen Tanning, Skipping Sunscreen Increase Skin Cancer Risk A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics found children's sunburn and tanning behavior increased the risk of skin cancer. Moderate amounts of sun help provide needed vitamin D, but sunburns and even excessive tanning is dangerous. Here are tips to balance the health benefits of the sun with precautions for skin cancer prevention, including tanning, indoor tanning beds and sunscreen use for children, teens and parents. Read on...

CPSC Releases Toy Safety Guide

CPSC Releases Toy Safety Guide The Consumer Product Safety Commission and other safety watchdog organizations have released a toy safety guide for parents. Here are facts about toy-related injuries. In 2010, the CPSC reports 251,700 toy-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms, of which 181,500 were younger than 15 years old. Thirty-five percent of toy-related injuries were by children younger than 5. Those numbers have not changed significantly from the 2006 to 2009 totals. Non-motorized scooters, small balls, magnets and balloons are the toys children most commonly injure themselves on. Read more....

Parents Warned Against Chicken Pox-Laced Lollipops, Parties

Parents Warned Against Chicken Pox-Laced Lollipops, Parties To avoid having children vaccinated against chickenpox and to get children through the illness at a young age, some parents are taking extreme measures. For decades, parents have purposely exposed kids to the virus via "chickenpox parties." Now some are sharing chickenpox-tainted lollipops. Here are facts about chickenpox and parent advisories about pox sharing. Read more...

Air Quality Alerts, Seasonal Allergies, Asthma and Health Problems

Air Quality Alerts, Seasonal Allergies, Asthma and Health Problems I have Weatherbug installed on my browser. Because I work online, I see every bad weather update. Whenever that little red warning icon shows up, I get nervous. Today, it's an Air Quality alert. What in the world is an air quality alert and why should it sound an emergency warning? Like Ozone Action days, air quality alerts signal periods when the air is not as healthy as it could be. The Department of Environmental Quality, MDEQ in Michigan, has a set of parameters that it uses to determine when it issues air quality alerts. Read more...

Spring Safety Checklist for Bikes, Skateboards, Skates and Scooters

Spring Safety Checklist for Bikes, Skateboards, Skates and Scooters - Yahoo! News

Springtime means that kids who have been cooped up all winter are now frolicking in the warm sunshine on their scooters, bikes, roller blades and skateboards. Spring fever tends to make them a little carefree and accident prone. We had two broken arms within a month of each other from roller blade and skateboard injuries one spring! You can't quell spring exuberance, but you can teach kids to make sure that their outdoor wheeled toys are safe. Here's how.

Baby Monitors Recalled for Burn, Strangulation Hazard

Baby Monitors Recalled for Burn, Strangulation Hazard
Baby monitors are unsafe? I thought they were supposed to protect and save children, not harm them? Most do, but several baby monitors are failing the child safety test. Momma Doc says practice safety and child -proof your baby's sleeping environment. Consider co-sleeping with your child in a baby-safe bed or drop-sided crib next to mom.

Fire Safety and Family Emergency Preparedness

Pa. Farmhouse Fire Sparks Emergency Preparedness Concerns
The recent fire that killed seven children in Pa. raises issues about home fire safety. The Japan Earthquake and tsunami raises further concern about family emergency preparedness. Is your family fire safe and emergency ready. Check out these communication tips and family resources.

Treatment Reviews and Parenting Tips for Children with Eating Disorders

When our daughter developed an eating disorder, I explored treatments extensively. She was treated using a variety of methods. Here are our successes, failures and lessons learned about treatments and parenting tips for children and teens with anorexia, bulimia and bulimarexia. Read more