Welcome to News Anchor Mom! No more sifting through boring news pages looking for information that impacts you as a mom. It’s now at your fingertips!
My life is centered around knowing what’s going on in the world, especially when it comes to kids. Here you can find the practical news that will make your life safer, healthier and more enjoyable.
A NewsAnchorMom reader let me know about a not-for-profit company that is busy testing toys for lead and other dangerous metals in toys. The regulations are getting stricter, but there is still no new law preventing tainted toys from getting putting on store shelves.
I don't know how good of a job they do, but HealthyToys.org lets you fill out a request for toys you think need to be tested. Other people can vote on the list to make your toy a priority. It looks like they test a handful of products each month. Here's the link to request a certain toy be tested. You can also look at the list of toys that have already been tested and see how much lead, cadmium and arsenic are in them.
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodisteHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodisteHealth 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 MyMethodisteHealth here.
What is a woolly bear? It's a fuzzy caterpillar that you can probably spot in October!
We have a lot of these cute little critters around our house. My son has named them all Spiky. He really wants to keep them. We tried it for a few hours and the little guy ended up getting out of the make shift cage and squirming across my bed! Yuck!
So I promised my son I would at least take some pics of Spiky and put them on my blog. And the best thing happened. I just found an article on how to keep a woolly bear alive all winter and watch it spin a cocoon! My son will be thrilled! Here's the article if you're interested! In the Spring, Spiky will turn into an Isabella Tiger Moth. Do we need to change his name then?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodisteHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodisteHealth 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 MyMethodisteHealth here.
Should high schools be handing out birth control? I keep thinking about my kids being in high school. Would that prevent them from getting an STD or getting a girl pregnant or would it encourage them to have sex earlier and more often? I wish I knew.
From ABC: City officials in Gloucester, Mass. have made a controversial decision in the wake of a pregnancy boom at Gloucester High School. The school committee voted to allow the distribution of birth control to students.
"Well, I don't think it was a good idea, but things happen," student Siennica Service said. She and many other students don't like the fact that contraceptives will now be distributed at Gloucester High School. "I really don't think it's needed. If they make a bad decision, that's their problem," Service said.
Other students disagree. "At least they're giving out condoms to everyone -- better than getting pregnant," freshman Corey Beal said. Seven school committee members voted unanimously Wednesday night to change the school's policy of not distributing contraceptives in the school's health clinic. "This is not going to be popular," School Committee member Gary Verga said.
School and city officials came under fire last year after 17 Gloucester students got pregnant. Principal Joseph Sullivan has since quit his job. The new principal spared few words. "We'll do what they tell us to do," Dr. Bill Goodwin said. "We'll carry out the wishes of the school committee." Now with parents' consent, students will be allowed access to a range of reproductive health services, including prescription contraceptives. Parents may opt out.
Imagine your kids going to this high school. Would you want birth control handed out in the health clinic?
-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.
From ABC: Hasbro is announcing a recall of its "Nerf N-Strike" toy. Officials say a child's skin can get caught in the toy's plunger, causing injury to the face, neck or chest.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says dozens of injuries to kids between the ages of four and 12 have been reported. The toys were sold at: Wal-Mart, Target and Toys "R" Us from November 2007 through August 2008.
One mom just told me the pain of taking the gun away would be worse than the injuries. This must be a popular toy for older 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.
If you have kids, you need to read this one. Please share the information with other parents you know.
From ABC:
Just as cough and cold season is beginning, there is a new warning tonight for parents from the makers of popular over-the-counter remedies. Ten percent of children take the medicines in any given week, but tonight, the industry is telling parents NOT to give them to children under 4.
Both the industry-- and its critics, agree, today's move is a big step forward. But those who worry about the safety of cough and cold medicines for children, say why stop at age 4. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, the Baltimore City Health Commissioner said,"We still think there's no evidence that these products work and they are potentially unsafe for kids under age 6.
In some cases,the medicines have affected a child's breathing and heart rhythms and caused seizures. Last year, they were banned for children under age 2 .The industry says today's move is based on new information. Linda Suydam with the Consumer Health Care Products Association said, "We've looked at the data and 2 and 3 year old have have the majority of adverse events, even though the number is very rare.
Parents are likely to remain confused by all this because old out-of-date labels will linger on the shelves. Even today, we found packages without the warning against using this on children under age 2, which was agreed to a year ago.
Moms and dads have relied on the medicines for decades. But they've never been tested on children, and pediatricians are increasingly telling parents to steer clear. Dr. Dale Coddington from Children's National Medical Center said,"Some believe the industry's latest move in an attempt to head off tougher restrictions -something under consideration by the government.
I am bummed about this. I try not to give my kids medicine unless they really need it, but no cold medicine EVER is going to be tough. Humidifier, pain relievers and salt water nasal spray will have to do.
Will you stop giving your kids under four cough and cold medicine after reading 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.
Doctors are encouraging people to get flu shots for their kids- because of an increase in flu-related staph infections. A national report shows 22 children died in the 2006-2007 season compared to the 3 cases in the season before.
Doctors have seen some local flu-related staph infections, but no deaths. They say flu virus weakens disease-fighting blood cells. Pediatrician Dr. Barry Gray (OSF St. Francis Medical Center) said,"About one in every 4 people carry staph and normally its not doing a thing so when the influenza virus comes along and disrupts the superficial skin type layer of the lungs then the person becomes more susceptible."
The typical flu season begins this month and runs through may. Doctors encourage adults to get flu shots, too. Doctors are also working on an egg free version of the flu shot because so many people are allergic to eggs. I will post that story in a few weeks.
-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.
You could be a carrier of Cystic Fibrosis and not know it. C.F. is an inherited, chronic disease that often leads to coughing, lung infections and pneumonia. The average lifespan of people with C.F. is only around 37 years old and that's actually good. In the 1950's, few kids lived to be school aged. I sat down with a family who is living with CF to find out what is being done to help these kids.
Everyone at the OSF doctor's office across from Easter Seals in Peoria knows two-year-old Brooklyn Iund. The doctors on this floor specialize in treating kids like Brooklyn who are living with Cystic Fibrosis. Melinda Iund said, "What makes it really hard with CF is that it is a certain gene and there are so many mutations it makes it hard to find a cure and fight it."
Brooklyn is the best case scenario for Cystic Fibrosis. She only spends around 40 minutes a day wearing a chest compressing vest and taking three breathing treatments, vitamins and enzymes to help her digest food. Dr. Jalayne Lapke said "It takes about 3-4 hours a day. That's separate from eating, drinking, sleeping, going to school. And when they're sick it takes longer."
One in 30 people carries a gene for Cystic Fibrosis. When two people who carry the gene have a baby, that baby has a one in four chance of having C.F. Dr. Lapke said, "Many, many many people if not most of patients with Cystic Fibrosis- when you look back, they didn't know of anyone to have cystic fibrosis in their family."
Melinda knew when she was pregnant with Brooklyn there was a chance she would have the disease, but Brooklyn wasn't diagnosed until doctors admitted her into the hospital for failure to thrive. Melinda said, "When she was a baby we used to put cream in her food so she could gain weight. Most people who have C.F. are already on high calorie diets because they take so much energy to breath-that they have to have those high calorie diets just to help their body function."
Brooklyn is at 50-percent for her height and weight. If she goes below that, she will have to increase her calorie intake and start doing more expensive treatments. Melinda said"I know a gentleman right now who is actually waiting for a lung transplant and he says his medications run on average without insurance about 10-14 thousand dollars a month."
For now, Brooklyn is as healthy as she can be and thanks to new research she has the opportunity to live into her 30's or 40's--and hopefully even longer.
There is some good news for expectant parents in Illinois. This year Illinois started screening all newborns for Cystic Fibrosis, so those babies can start getting the treatment they need before their health starts to fail.
-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.
(Press Release)Space is still available at the October 18th Autism Conference. Great speakers and Resource Exhibition appropriate for parents, adults on the spectrum, therapists, educators and other professionals working with individuals who are on the autism spectrum or who have social, emotional, learning or sensory challenges, including ADD and ADHD. Continuing education credits available.
Join us for the 31st Annual Autism Society of Illinois Conference:
Hope - Possibilities - Options:
Saturday, October 18th 8:15AM - 6:00pm Aurora West High School (Door 18) 1201 West New York Street Aurora, IL, 60506
***** SPEAKERS/PRESENTATIONS *****
Brian King (Licensed social worker, adult on the spectrum, author): 'Life on the Spectrum' Hal Runkel (Author of NY Times Bestseller): 'ScreamFree Parenting: 5 Truths Every Parent Needs to Know' Deb Russell (Walgreens HR): 'Employment of Adults on the Autism Spectrum'
We also have three very well respected biomedical speakers with the help of National Autism Association: Jon Pangborn, PhD (Co-founder of Autism Research Institute & Defeat Autism Now!) 'Intro to Nutritional and Biomedical Interventions' Anju Usman, MD (Board Certified Family Practice Physician, DAN! Doctor) 'Diet, Nutrition and The Gut Connection' Norm Schwartz, MD (Specialist in Environmental Health, DAN! Doctor) 'Autism and The Environmental Connection'
During breaks and lunchtime, we expect about 40-50 resource exhibitor tables full of resource specialists and information ready to help you find what you need. Register online by clicking on link below: http://www.autismillinois.org/
-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.
I debated whether to post this one. It's another sad one after the baby deaths.
The East Peoria man arrested in connection with his four-year-old son's death will not face charges in Peoria County. 21-year-old Michael Wells was in jail over the weekend facing a felony charge of aggravated reckless driving and several other lesser charges.
The Peoria County Coroner says his son Ashton was riding his bicycle when his father, who was on a motorcycle, struck him. It happened in the parking lot of Hundman Lumber yard in Peoria. Police say the father was doing tricks with the motorcycle. The Peoria County State's Attorney's office did not return a call for comment.
Michael Wells, a recreational motorcyclist, got together with friends to perform stunts on their bikes in the parking lot of the lumber yard off Allen Road. Ashton Wells was allowed to come along for the first time on Saturday and was riding his bike when he crossed paths with his father's motorcycle.
"It was a freak accident," said the 4-year-old's mother, Holly Blanch, who witnessed the collision. "Michael's son was everything to him, and he would have never done anything on purpose to hurt him."
Blanch said family members spent Monday hugging and crying but also finishing arrangements for Ashton Well's funeral on Friday, his father's 22nd birthday. "He was my best friend," Michael Wells said. "We did everything together. If I could take his spot, I would."
This is just awful. I can hardly stand to read it.My condolences to the entire 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.
The Peoria County Coroner is looking into whether two separate baby deaths over the weekend were caused by co-sleeping.
An autopsy shows two infants who died in separate but similar incidents Sunday morning didn't suffer from trauma. Instead, the Peoria County Coroner's office is investigating if adults rolled over 5-month old Jaylin Maxison and two-month old Kendrick Franklin Jr. as they slept in adult beds. Both the coroner's office and the police investigation continues. No one is facing charges at this time.
We interviewed pediatrician Dr. Gail Streater from OSF St.Francis Medical Center on the topic of co-sleeping. She concurs with the American Academy of Pediatrics saying babies need to be placed on their backs in a crib with no bumper pads or other toys. She said, "So for the infant's bed, you want to have a firm mattress, maybe just one blanket not a lot of pillows or those soft crib bumper type of things that the child can roll up against and suffocate."
Co-sleeping is a controversial topic. Some parents feel like babies are less likely to die if there is co-sleeping because the parent will notice if the baby stops breathing and act fast.
What do you think about this story and this topic?
-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.
Yes, it has finally happened. The next time you or your kids need a shot, blood drawn or an I.V. there is now a numbing agent that will make you FEEL NO PAIN! The Zingo (which looks like a thick pen) uses helium to put lidocaine underneath the skin. Methodist Medical Center in Peoria now offers the Zingo to kids. Adults can also request it!
Here's the story:
Thirteen-year-old Jacob Stash knows what it's like to have his arm pricked by a large needle. Dad Robert Stash said,"He probably gets his blood drawn probably or something drawn every two weeks." Jacob has Vater's Syndrome. Some of his vertebrae are fused together, his internal organs didn't fully develop and he was born with one kidney. Robert said, "When they go to draw blood he's a little nervous, a little figgity."
But trips to the hospital have gotten a little easier for Jacob since his nurses started using the new Zingo. Jacob said, "It's pretty cool."The Zingo zaps a quarter size area of the skin instantly with the numbing agent-lidocaine-Jacob said,"It really doesn't feel that much at all. It's just you push it in and there's a big pop and then you're whole arm is almost numb."In the past, Jacob sometimes had the option of using a numbing cream-that took almost an hour to start working. And when he was admitted through the emergency room, he didn't have an hour to wait.
One nurse (Kellie) said "To be honest, the younger children, just pinning them down is traumatic. So you can only imagine the pain involved with placing their I.V. or drawing their labs. It's pretty hard for the child and for the parent to watch." The pediatric nurses and the patients are thrilled with how well the Zingo works. Another nurse (Corrie) said, "They flinch a little when you're holding them still, but they don't flinch at all when the needle goes in- so it's much easier." They hope the device makes a visit to the hospital a little more positive and not so scary.
The Zingo keeps the skin numb for about 10 minutes. There is no additional cost to use it.
-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.
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A NewsAnchorMom reader let me know about a not-for-profit company that is busy testing toys for lead and other dangerous metals in toys. The regulations are getting stricter, but there is still no new law preventing tainted toys from getting putting on store shelves.
