Mama's Musings

Thrive in Balance

Are you struggling to find balance in your life? This show offers great tips about thriving in balance. Jordan Mercedes is a most gracious radio host ~ we had the best chat. I invite you to tune in!

Sunshine in a Dark World

The sun has gone on vacation ~ elsewhere. So I got to thinking. Maybe I could create a little sunshine in people's lives even if our galaxy's biggest star has decided to permanently cover herself in clouds.

And so I did.

Starting today I'll be doing an audio series on my PowerofSlow blog entitled Wednesday Wisdom. They are one-minute verbal responses from real people like you. The current topic is finding time to do what you love. You can find out more information here.

If you want to participate, email me and I can send you the details. Here's to sunshine in all corners of the world!

Public Service Announcement - Swine Flu

With a count of 64 identified cases of Swine Flu, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports today,

"The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation's first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S." http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Major health organizations, in particular the CDC, recommend hand washing with soap and water and when that is not available, hand sanitizing with an alcohol-based rub, as critical to minimize the spread of germs during illness outbreaks. When the Purell team at Johnson & Johnson contacted us yesterday about a public service campaign to help spread the word to Moms - they immediately got our attention. Purell wants Moms to be aware of these important public health messages:

•    According to the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH), the hands are one of the most frequent transmission routes for many types of infections as they come into direct contact with known portals of entry for pathogens (mouth, nose, conjunctiva of the eyes). Therefore, practicing proper hand hygiene is the easiest way to help reduce infections.  Another way that some infections can spread is through the air, which is why it is important to cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze.

•    While no hand sanitizer is indicated to prevent Swine Flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the ways you can help protect yourself from Swine Flu is by practicing good hand hygiene. Specific CDC recommendations include keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water may not be available, such as when you're on the go.
➢    Using soap and water, wash hands for 15 to 20 seconds.
➢    When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  Apply enough product to thoroughly wet hands, then rub hands together briskly until dry.

•    Hand sanitizers (such as Purell) typically have a formulation of 65% alcohol with a special blend of moisturizers to kill germs on hands. The alcohol breaks down the germs' cell walls causing them to die. When applied to hands it evaporates within seconds. According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Guidelines for Infection Control Practice, "alcohols applied to the skin are among the safest known antiseptics."

The CDC reports the following (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm):
➢    "What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans? The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea."

➢    "How does swine flu spread? Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose."

➢    "Can people catch swine flu from eating pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

For more information, go to www.purell.com or http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ or http://www.ifh-homehygiene.org

Baby Steps to Miracles

Tragedy strikes when we least expect it. When life offers up lemons, what do you do? When I heard about Eileen de Oliveira's story, I just had to share it. I hope it inspires you and gives you hope, as it did me.

Just weeks after giving birth to two boys and a girl, Eileen de Oliveira's infant daughter died and one of the boys, Lucas, had cerebral palsy. Doctors said it was unlikely Lucas would crawl, let alone walk, before the age of three. To make matters worse, insurance was only willing to cover three 30 minute sessions a week. She was not about to accept the doctor’s prognosis and instinctively knew the insurance-approved therapy would be inadequate. As an entrepreneur with an unbeatable passion for her kids, Eileen took matters into her own hands.

Eileen learned about Intensive Pediatric Therapy, using state-of-the-art therapy techniques such as TheraSuit Method™ along with more traditional therapy methods in order to achieve rapid strides in physical strength and coordination. At the core, they are compressing 7 ½ months of traditional therapy into 3 “intensive” weeks. Not only did this have a profound effect on Lucas, but Eileen saw the potential to expand the reach to children nationwide.

This sparked the birth of two organizations:

Therapies 4 Kids harnesses the Intensive Suit Therapy featuring the TheraSuit Method™ and Intensive Pediatric Therapy in therapeutic centers in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL, Parsippany, NJ, Irvine, CA and Madison, WI.  Additional facilities will soon open on Long Island, NY and Tampa, FL.

Bright Steps Forward is a 501c non-profit organization, based in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL., with a nationwide network of cooperating facilities. It provides intensive pediatric therapy to the children of parents who receive a grant for treatment based on financial need.

Children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, autism and traumatic birth injuries, among other tragedies, make progress every day because Eileen was determined to find a way to help her own son.

If you need help, visit these sites. Share them with friends. Get the support you need. May you be inspired by Eileen and Lucas' fighting spirits and encouraged to live the life of your dreams with lemonade in hand!

 

Gratitude Gift Giveaway - Save a Life

You know I am a sucker for win-win situations. And if I can't be Salma Hayek, then I can at least write about her. Hold onto your hats for this one!

Salma, UNICEF, and the folks at Pampers have a cool deal that will make you feel good...and your baby, too. From now through May 1, 2009, parents in the U.S. and Canada have the opportunity to help UNICEF protect moms and babies around the world against tetanus by simply purchasing specially-marked packages of Pampers diapers and wipes. With each purchased product, you trigger one life-saving vaccine.

Your baby needs diapers. And many families need this life-saving tetanus shot. If you have ever cut your foot on a rusty nail, or know someone who has, you'll know how important this shot is.

To enter our giveaway for a coupon to redeem a specially-marked package of Pampers diapers, and four “One Pack = One Vaccine” campaign baby body suits, simply leave a comment and subscribe to my newsletter, if you don't already.  Deadline is March 10th.

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Mom of ten says take back your time, ladies!

Disney's Family.com recently revealed the results of a survey that looked at questions about self confidence, overall happiness, time spent on physical well-being and more. Some of the survey findings include:

- 54% of moms say they feel stressed out most of the time
- 59% said they cannot remember the last time they did something fun, just for themselves
- 49% of working parents spend no time whatsoever focusing on their personal well-being, while another 20% spend just 5-15 minutes doing so
- 35% said they don’t have confidence to achieve things they set out to do.

Okay, sisters, you need some serious time off. Don't have the confidence? Have no time? While waiting for a copy of my November 2009 release, The Power of Slow: 101 Ways to Save Time in Our 24/7 World (God bless you, St. Martin's Press!), I figured you could use some advice from a mom of ten and author herself, Kathryn Sansone, who penned Woman First, Family Always. In a quick cyberchat, I got the low-down on the slow down and what we can do to make me-time happen for real.

CLH: How can moms still take care of themselves while feeling the economic burden of today's climate?

Kathryn: There are plenty of affordable ways for moms to maintain their physical and emotional health.  Simply meeting friends for coffee or going for a walk is a great way to connect with other moms who are under the same pressures. Moms should always take time out of their day to relax and empower themselves. Doing yoga, going for a walk around the block or following along with an old work out video are inexpensive ways for moms to energize their minds and bodies. Also, moms can create an in-home spa day to boost their confidence. Something as innocuous as doing your hair can make a world of difference. (Editor's Note: I plunked down 15 bucks for a curling iron, and women, my confidence soared. I'm not kidding!!)

CLH: In what ways can we encourage parents to set realistic priorities for themselves and their families?

Kathryn: The most important thing all moms should know when prioritizing their family lives is that they need to be true to themselves. Keeping their own goals and needs in check will help them be better mothers. Parents' happiness affects the way they raise their children. As a parent, you need to make sure to maintain your own health to benefit your entire family. Arranging your priorities with these considerations in mind will help you stay balanced and organized.

CLH: Do we really need all those Mommy & Me classes or is a stroll through the park just as enriching?

Kathryn: Every mother finds fulfillment in a different way. Try a few options and see what works best for you. You may find that something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood or activities in your own backyard just as enriching.

CLH: Money can't buy your time. In what ways can parents manage their activities to offer up more family time and less work time?

Kathryn: In this economy, working extra hours to prove your dedication to a company may be enticing. With more and more Americans losing their jobs each day, it's hard not feel the need to go the extra mile (or ten) at the office. However, it's important to remember the needs of your family and children. While at work try to get as much accomplished as possible. Resist the temptation for distractions and do what you're there to do. When you get home, leave the office at the office. Separating your work and home mindsets will help you focus on your family during your time with them and maximize your time together.

CLH: Thank you for taking a moment out of your travel schedule to chat.

Kathryn: Thank you!

Alternative Meds

I have written about ADD before. In fact, I featured a book about it in a recent newsletter of mine as well.

Lissa Coffey wrote to me about her son, who was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. He is now in college and thriving after his mother devised an alternative health care plan for him. In an email, which I am publishing with her permission, she told me:

When my son was diagnosed with AD/HD in kindergarten, like many parents I didn't want to resort to medication at such a young age.  I researched 9 different healing modalities, and came up with many natural solutions for improving concentration and put it all in a book.  My son is now in college, and thriving, and that book is now an e-book, The Healthy Family Handbook: Natural Remedies for Parents and Children.  The book explains these different healing modalities, and  addresses various childhood ailments, like colds and flu, sleeplessness, concentration, bumps and bruises, etc.  Great resource for mindful parents!

If you are struggling with this issue, please check it out. I own a hard copy of it, which is still available through select sellers. If it worked for Lissa's child, it could work for yours!

Why My Kid Can't Hear

When my daughter shouts at me, I often wonder if her hearing is impaired. She tends to speak loudly and listen poorly. So we tried out this free online hearing test from Phonak, a hearing aide manufacturer based in Zurich, Switzerland. Nope. She can hear alright. I suppose it's selective hearing of the tween variety that causes temporary comprehension loss. They say it has something to do with their brain sealing. All that connectivity shuts out Mom's voice I suppose.

You can learn more about hearing loss prevention here.

Top Ten Tween Unplugged Toys #5

The holidays are a season of light, love and giving. Heifer International offers the perfect solution for families to give the gift of life to others through their sustainability program. You can purchase part of or all of an animal that goes to families in need throughout the world for just a few dollars. You can pass the gift along to others by stating their offspring should go to another family in need as well. Teach your children the reason for the season with this gift idea.

Built on twelve cornerstones, the Heifer design supports sustainable lifestyles for all.

Heifer founder Dan West said "Give not a cup, but a cow". You can found out how at www.Heifer.org.

Of Trees and Empowerment Programs

The end of daylight savings time puts me on edge, as if the sieve of our lives has been sucked away. To counteract it, I've started a personal empowerment program to look the autumnal dimness square in the eye. Part of it involves a power walk through the woods. In hopes of finding inspiration for the final chapter of my upcoming book, I came up with this:

Trees - sentries of Nature, oxygen masks of man

Okay, so with a heart rate of 140 bpm, I thought it sounded good, but since it has nothing to do with anything, let's go on with the empowerment program itself:

As a SAD sufferer who lives near Munich, Germany, I have designed an empowerment program to get me through the winter months (and to help me finish my next book, The Power of Slow, by deadline!).

Bavaria is cold -- I mean really cold in the winter time. So come October, I have to get savvy about my self-care routine. My personal empowerment program includes:

--BlueMax light that simulates sunlight
--regular exercise routine (subsidized by my health care provider – I just LOVE Germany’s health care system)
--increased vitamin intake
--regular walks outside (despite the cold, the elements keep you tough, and grateful for the indoors once you reach them!)
--hot herbal tea in front of the fire (winter is, after all, the season of lights)
-scrapbooking – there is nothing like pictures of your summer vacation to remind you the sun does shine elsewhere

A lot of European spas have saunas, steam rooms and indoor pools to keep people warm throughout the winter. My gym has an entire wellness area, the very reason I am a member. Do you have a personal empowerment program? If yes, what is it?