Each year many young children are diagnosed with middle ear infections – or otitis media. Typical symptoms that occur with otits media include fever, ear ache and irritability. Many times these infections become recurrent and parents are forced to make several trips to the child’s physician to get treatment. Parents often want to decrease their child’s suffering and may be quick to administer antibiotics to do so. Although the use of antibiotics is warranted in some situations, they often do not address the root cause of the problem. The use of antibiotics can leave the child more susceptible to other types of infections as bacteria become resistant to drugs. Side effects of antibiotics can include digestive upset leading to diarrhea, gas and tummy ache. In many instances, the ear infection is not due to bacteria, but due to a virus, which antibiotics will not be useful in eliminating.
Barb and Maxine work for a large corporation whose profit for the last quarter was $400 million. Both women are new moms, currently at home caring for their children. Barb will be at home for 52 weeks and will receive 85% of her regular salary. Maxine, on the other hand, is able to stay home for only 35 weeks during which she receives 55% of her usual salary. What is the difference? Barb is a biological mother; Maxine is an adoptive mother.
As a new parent, you try to make sure your child gets enough sleep, is well nourished, and sees a doctor for regular check-ups. If you are like many parents, your primary concern has been your child’s health, starting the moment you found out you were pregnant. And as a new parent, now may be the time to think about healthcare in a whole new light.
Q – My husband and I are about to start trying for a baby and I was wondering if there is anything specific I should do to prepare my body? Should I be cutting anything out of my diet or do more exercise? Will anything help me conceive faster?
Q – I just discovered I’m pregnant and I’m thrilled. I am about 5 weeks pregnant and this morning when I went to the bathroom I found a few tiny spots of blood. What does this mean? Am I still pregnant? Is something wrong?
For most children, summer months mean long hours of play outside in the sunshine. But a few months in the sun can lead to compromised eye health later on if proper UV protection isn’t part of children’s summer routines. The British Columbia Association of Optometrists urges parents to foster good UV eye-protection habits in their children at an early age by encouraging them to wear sunglasses all summer long. Even babies and toddlers should be wearing sunglasses when outdoors.
Q – What’s the deal with folic acid? I know I’m supposed to start taking it but don’t fully understand why? Should I take it before I get pregnant or just during my pregnancy? Do I need to keep taking it if I’m breastfeeding?
Q – My baby is 7 weeks old and I am exclusively breastfeeding and very happy doing it. I am, though, really missing a glass of wine or two…not like I need to drink a lot but I feel very conflicted about it while I’m nursing. How much is ok to drink, how long do I have to wait before feeding my baby, and how long does it take for the alcohol to actually leave my body?