Free Car Seat Checks

A new survey shows most parents in Illinois don't know how to properly install a child car seat or what Illinois law requires. The AAA Auto Club Group survey shows 97% of parents don't know children in Illinois are required to use a child safety seat or booster until 8 years-old. 67% of parents surveyed weren't sure how to properly install a car seat.

Saturday, September 20th there are child seat safety checks being held across the state.
The Peoria event is at Green Chevrolet Hummer on the corner of Knoxville and Pioneer Parkway. It is from 12:00p.m.-4:00p.m.

You can find the car seat check closest to you by going to AAA.com/safety.
AAA says car seats with a manufacturer's date before 2002 are too old to be safely used.

I will never forget when I got laughed at by a family member because I had a police officer who was certified to install car seats put mine in. I was told I was being over-protective and I was obviously a new mom. Well, I'm not a new mom anymore and I always have someone certified install my car seats. I have seen too many people have them in wrong. My husband is now Car seat certified. That makes it a lot easier for us. He took a class in Chicago last year for work. He said there were hundreds of car seats and several different cars. It was like a puzzle trying to figure everything out.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

HIB vaccines getting low

Around a million doses of Haemophilus Influenza Type B or HIB vaccine were recalled in December 2007 and now doctor's offices are starting to run out.

Vaccine manufacturer Merck and Company says there is a possibility the vaccines were contaminated with bacteria. No adverse effects on children have been reported. Infants with compromised immune systems are most at risk of getting an infection.

Doctors offices and public health departments are limiting who gets a HIB vaccine to conserve what's left.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending pediatricians stop giving the HIB booster shot to toddlers at 12 to 15 months until the supply is restored.

Bree Davis with the McLean County Health Department said,"Right now, that shortage is still going on and it's predicted that it will be over in the fourth quarter of this year, but we haven't had any word on a specific month or date."

You can find more information on the CDC's website.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

Generic prescription drug dangers

If you ever choose the generic version of drugs for your family, you need to read this story. It is concerning:

ABC: The Federal Government took the unusual step of blocking some widely-used generic drugs from coming into the country as it raised serious questions about how the drugs were made and what is in them. More than 30 drugs manufactured in India by Ranbaxy Laboratories are being blocked.

The list includes popular cholesterol medicines and antibiotics. The serious manufacturing problems found at two of the company's plants -- include cross contamination of medicines, poor sterilization, and incomplete production records. They potentially involved Ranbaxy's generic versions of cholesterol lowering drugs Zocor, Vytorin and Pravachol, antibiotic Cipro, acne drug Accutane, antacid Zantac, and allergy medicines Alavert and Children's Claritin - as well as dozens of others drugs.

Dr. Douglas Throckmorton/FDA: "We in the FDA need to assure those quality issues are addressed before we let another drug from those factories come into the United States." The FDA's has known about problems at the plants for some three years.

Rep. Bart Stupak/(D)- Michigan: "FDA's action is certainly warranted, but way too late. Where were they? Once again, asleep at the switch."

The FDA insisted that consumers who already have the Ranbaxy version of these drugs should not worry - that despite serious manufacturing issues- sampling has turned up no problem with the medications themselves." That does not reassure those who've been pushing the FDA to take action against this company.

Rep. Bart Stupak/(D)- Michigan "If I am an American consumer and my drug's made by Ranbaxy, I'm throwing it out." This is not the first time the safety of drugs made overseas has been called into question. Earlier this year, tainted Heparin from China was blamed for more than a dozen deaths. At that time, the FDA promised to boost overseas inspections and enforcement.

Dr. Peter Lurie/Public Citizen: "This is a major international problem, and we are only beginning to wrestle with it." So for the second time this year the FDA is grappling with the problem of foreign made drugs.. it's one they increasingly have to worry about -- with more and more US drugs now coming from overseas.

I do choose the generic version when it's available. My pharmacist always says it's the same thing for less cost. I never realized what the danger could be. How about you? Do you choose generic medicine for your family?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

A Love Triangle

Son:"Mommy, I have to tell you something. I asked Molly to marry me today."
Me: "What did she say?"
Son:"She said yes!"
Me:"That's great, but isn't that Nick's girlfriend?"
Son:"Not anymore!"

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

Tainted Baby Formula

You have probably heard about this by now. If not, this update from ABC does a good job of explaining the situation. It's appalling. It makes me sick that someone could let this happen. Top brands of baby formula in China were found to be contaminated with a chemical that has already killed three babies. This formula isn't supposed to be imported to the U.S., but if you have been following the controversy over imported goods from China, you know the regulation is lacking. So far, there are no reports of anyone finding the chemical in formula sold in the U.S. Lets hope it stays that way!

Here's the story:

In China tonight, thousands of babies are sick from chemical poisoning-- after being fed contaminated formula. The Beijing government is trying to find out how the chemical-- used in making plastics-- got into the food chain.

The industrial chemical--which led to the death of dozens of pets in the U.S . last year when it was found in pet food--imported from China-- has been found in baby formula. And the scandal is growing. At least three infants have died as a result of ingesting the melamine- spiked milk powder.

More than 62-hundred babies are sick, and nearly 460 are suffering acute renal failure. At first, the finger was pointed at one company, called "Sanlu." But authorities have now found 22 milk producers in the China that have been selling tainted milk.

The melamine was added to the formula at some point in the supply chain to mimic protein. Chinese authorities have already arrested suppliers in connection with this, but it seems it is a more widespread problem than first thought.

This is very worrying for Chinese parents-these are popular brands of baby formula. Parents are angry that they weren't told about the contamination sooner. Sanlu apparently knew about the issue in early August, but the formula wasn' t recalled until last week.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

Autism Research Stopped

A government agency has dropped plans to test a controversial treatment for autism that critics had called an unethical experiment on children. The National Institute of Mental Health said in a statement Wednesday that the study of chelation has been discontinued.

The statement says the agency decided the money would be better used testing other potential therapies for autism and related disorders. The study had been on hold because of safety concerns .

A study published last year linked a chemical used in the treatment to lasting brain problems in rats. The treatment removes heavy metals from the body and is based on the fringe theory that mercury in vaccines triggers autism - a theory never proved and rejected by mainstream science.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

Happy Birthday

My little one turned five-years-old today! I can hardly believe it. Neither could one of my relatives. We got a card that said "Happy Birthday 4-year old!" Hah!

These are pictures Tim McGinnis took at the big party. I decided to blow up some balloons for the kids to hit. One kid decided to start popping them and my son screamed, "Hey don't do that. My mom worked really hard on that!" I hope his sweet personality lasts throughout his high school years. What a great memory.

I found a website that helped me plan the party and I thought I would mention it in case you are on the lookout for inexpensive party ideas. It's called AmazingMoms.com. The link is to a list of party games. I was trying to remember the rules for "Red light, Green light" and the site really helped.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

7 months old and no name!

Just a little conversation piece:

I was reading People magazine (I think it was from last month) and there is this article about R&B artist Lauryn Hill. She has a seven month old baby and has yet to name her! Maybe I shouldn't be, but I was shocked by this. We all have priorities. I have never heard of anyone waiting that long. I wonder if it's a record? Has anyone else ever heard of this? I do think naming a baby is a big deal and sometimes that perfect name might not come to mind right away, but seven months seems awfully long.

People reveals that Lauryn and her brood live in a three-story brick home in suburban New Jersey with her mother. Rohan told the magazine Lauryn is focused on raising their kids and that “she loves (suburban life), being with her children, seeing them grow and instilling our teachings of righteousness into them.” The youngest child, a seven-month old girl, remains without a name. “We want a name that means ‘Glory of the Ark’; for now, we call her Baby Marley,” Rohan was quoted as saying.

How did you choose the name of your kids?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

The FDA on BPA

The head of the Food and Drug Administration spoke today about the chemical known as BPA or bisphenol A. It is found in many plastics, including several brands of baby bottles. Animal studies have shown BPA can cause developmental and neurological deficits. The FDA made a statement about the chemical today.

The ABC script is below. I also typed in some verbatim from the news conference. I don't think the head of the FDA said BPA is safe, but many news reports are saying otherwise. To me, it sounds like she is saying there isn't enough BPA in a baby bottle to cause harm as far as she knows, but more research is needed. I guess the ABC reporter took the information differently based on the lead sentence of the story below. I am putting all the information on this blog so you can decide for yourself.

ABC:The head of the Food and Drug Administration Laura Tarantino, said the chemical known as BPA is safe. The chemical is used in plastic baby bottles, and the latest study shows, that exposure to BPA, is linked to diabetes and heart disease. At a hearing in Rockville, Maryland today, Tarantino said however, the FDA will continue to look at more research.

Verbatim from News Conference from Laura Tarantino: "The conclusion is consistent with that of other national regulatory bodies with the responsibility for food packaging. They have concluded upon review of the available information there is not a health risk to consumers including children at current levels of exposure. There's not evidence sufficient to change the determination that the current margains of safety are protective. However, we agree with the findings of NTP and others that the animals studies that suggest a potential for developmental or neuro-behavioral effects cannot be dismissed. We further agree that more research is needed."

How do you interpret this statement from the FDA?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

Before You Buy Children's Vitamins

If you read this blog, you know I can't seem to decide whether to give my kids vitamins. There is so much information on both sides of the argument. Here's the latest version from About.com to help you make an informed decision.

Most children do not need supplemental vitamins or minerals. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diet based on the Food Guide Pyramid provides adequate amounts of all the vitamins a child needs. Still, there are situations where children's vitamins are necessary, especially if your child is a very picky eater or has a poor diet, that doesn't include a lot of iron rich foods. Some vegetarians may also need vitamins to meet all of their nutritional needs.(My son hates veggies, so I am confident he is missing some nutrients, but then again he eats a ton of fruit. I just don't know. I think I need a vitamin test or something.)

According to new AAP recommendations, exclusively breastfed infants should receive 200 IU of Vitamin D each day. Older children who don't drink at least 500ml (about 17 ounces) of Vitamin D fortified milk will also need Vitamin D supplements if they don't get regular sunlight exposure.

Children and adolescents need the mineral iron to prevent anemia. Those most at risk of iron deficiency are infants who are not given extra iron after six months of age (usually in the form of an iron fortified infant cereal), and babies who drink low-iron formula, cow's milk or goats milk. Good sources or iron include meats, fish, legumes, and fortified foods, such as breads and cereals. Adolescent girls are also at risk of anemia once they begin having their periods.

Calcium is another important mineral, and it is necessary for healthy bones and teeth. Children who drink milk and eat dairy products, such as yogurt, ice cream and cheese, usually get enough calcium from their diet. Children with milk allergies or who just don't like milk are a little more of a challenge to meet these requirements, but it is still easy if you find other foods high in calcium, such as calcium fortified orange juice. Vitamins, even those with extra calcium, generally only have about 200mg, or 20% of daily requirements, so you usually also need to supplement these vitamins with foods labeled 'High in Calcium'.

Most children get enough fluoride to build healthy teeth if they are drinking fluoridated water, either from tap water in a city that adds fluoride to the water, or bottled water that also has added fluoride. Since too much fluoride can cause staining of your child's teeth, talk with your Pediatrician or Dentist before giving your child fluoride supplements.

Multivitamins for infants are available as drops and usually contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D. They may also have added iron and other vitamins and minerals, such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin E.

Multivitamins for older children are usually given as a chewable tablet. Finding your child's favorite character may make taking vitamins easy and fun.

Keep in mind that many 'complete' multivitamins do not have all of the recommended amounts of the vitamins and minerals that your child needs each day and most don't have enough calcium.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

Belly Art

I saw this story on CNN today and thought some of you might enjoy it! The pictures say it all! I don't know if I would do it, but this first one for little Alexa is too cute!

Many women can attest to the joy of being pregnant and the fond memories of carrying their bundles of joy in their bellies. Now, one atlanta woman, a mother of four, is trying to make those memories last forever.

The artist makes a plaster cast of a woman's pregnant belly, and then decorates it. The do-it-yourself kit is mailed to your house. The process takes several weeks, and costs start at about 65 dollars.

The moms-to-be work with the artists by e-mail to create that custom look.

The website is original belly works.com

What do you think about this?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.