All posts in category Healthcare

Lyme Disease

By: Sue Anganes

For most of us who have been cooped up all winter, spring is a welcome time to start spending a lot of time outdoors.  Unfortunately, Lyme disease is prevalent in our New England area.

Lyme Disease is transmitted to humans through a tick bite. Two of my sons have become very ill from Lyme disease. Fortunately, they were treated with antibiotics soon after their initial infection and have had no lasting effects from the Lyme infection. However, Lyme disease can be devastating if it is not treated immediately and aggressively. I have friends and extended family members who suffer from chronic Lyme disease, who battle serious medical issues because their infection went unnoticed and untreated for a lengthy period of time.

Last month I discovered a tick on me a couple of days after doing some yard work. It appeared to have been attached to me for a while and the site of the bite was irritated. My physician treated me prophylactically with a one-time large dose of an antibiotic just in case the tick was carrying Lyme disease. I did not have any symptoms, but I was glad to have my doctor take the bite seriously. Since that first tick bite this spring, I have removed two other ticks from my skin soon after being bitten. It is so important to check yourself and your kids every time you come in from doing yard work or spending time in the woods. This year the ticks are out in full force.

Tick ID Card

The CDC has a a great website with information on preventing tick bites, as well as what to do if you discover you have been bitten: http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/

More general information about avoiding and treating tick bites can be found here in an article from Outside Magazine: http://tinyurl.com/bojv7cn

It is important to remember not to panic if you discover you’ve been bitten by a tick. Use common sense and seek medical attention if you notice a rash near the site or anywhere else on your body, if you develop muscle or joint pain, or if you experience flu-like symptoms. When treated in a timely manner, Lyme disease will not be a lifelong medical issue.

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by Kate Rudy on May 7, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Child Safety, Healthcare, Mom Tips, Sue Anganes
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Posted by Kate Rudy on May 7, 2013

http://mvmoms.com/2013/05/07/lyme-disease/

Growing Up Overnight!

By: Dawn Thompson

It seems like only last week, Dylan was a couple of pounds smaller and almost an inch shorter than he is today. Come to think of it, it was just last week!

After a growth arrest for over two yearsm it is amazing and such a blessing to see our little man grow up almost over night. They say you are what you eat, but in Dylan’s case it was how his body absorbed the nutrients…..or didn’t, for that matter. This was the second time he stopped growing in his little life and for years he wore the same size clothes and shoes. It was especially hard for him around school-time not going up a size to get ready for his new grade, but instead wearing the same thing he did in 3rd and 4th grade.

Dylan

It’s been about a month since Dylan’s surgery and he is doing GREAT! That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been obstacles, pain and discomfort to overcome. It means that the feeding tube is doing was it was supposed to and getting Dylan his nutrition!! In less than four weeks, he has put on over two pounds and GREW half an inch, which in INCREDIBLE to a kid who hasn’t grown a spec in two whole years. He is taking in an extra 1,000 calories a day but more importantly, he is absorbing them. The trick is a slow rate of eight to twelve hours of feeding each day through a pump and getting to eat whatever you want, when you want (within reason of course :) )

We took the 11 year old for a big boy haircut today too, and then home so he can rest. His stitches come out Thursday then it’s back to school for this 5th grader!

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by Kate Rudy on April 4, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Dawn Thompson, Healthcare
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Posted by Kate Rudy on April 4, 2013

http://mvmoms.com/2013/04/04/growing-up-overnight/

Finding Time

By: Dawn Thompson

In this fast-paced, busy world, it’s difficult to find the time to do all the things we need to do, let alone the things we want to do. Choosing how to spend our time sometimes forces us to make difficult choices. Our plans can get even more complicated or uncertain since our child has Neurofibromatosis ( a progressive neurological disorder), which can make it very difficult to plan events like vacations and parties. That’s alright for us, but the rest of the world is not so accommodating :) But sometimes events can pop up that force us to stop and make time…

Valentine’s Day has always been a special day for me and my husband. We were going to get married on Valentine’s Day but decided to get married a week later so that we could celebrate twice! This year, it seemed inevitable that we would celebrate once again.

However, this past week our little man ended up in the hospital. Dylan was going through tests and procedures. Although we knew the time was nearing, we had no idea of the admitting date. Then, they discovered a tumor on Dylan’s leg and we got the call.

That afternoon, on Valentine’s Day, my sister Judy called and asked if we wanted her to come up to Boston and watch Dylan so we could go out for a little bit. At first I said, “No, thank you but I don’t want to leave.” Then, I thought about my son and figured he could use a fresh face and I realized that my husband and I could really use couple of hours together. I called her back and Dean picked her up on the way up to the hospital. He brought me my curling iron and some new clothes to go out in and my favorite flowers, red carnations mixed with pretty roses. Lucky for us there was a nice restaurant across the street and we walked over and enjoyed a nice dinner.

Although we hoped everything would be done in a week, it didn’t work out that way. Dylan will meet his gastro surgeon this week and will be readmitted on Monday to get a feeding tube put in.

This Friday is our 10th wedding anniversary. (Remember, twice the celebration!) Our three daughters surprised us with a two-night stay up in North Conway in New Hampshire.  They are taking Dylan and plan to come up to go sledding and ice skating on Saturday before Dyl’s surgery. It seems amazing that we are able to do all this in the midst of it all but together we have learned that  life is unpredictable. The only thing for certain is the present moment and if that moment is a good one, then ENJOY!

2 Comments
by Kate Rudy on February 22, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Dawn Thompson, Healthcare
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Posted by Kate Rudy on February 22, 2013

http://mvmoms.com/2013/02/22/finding-time/

The Skinny On Tummy Troubles

By: Dawn Thompson

While lots of people would be thankful to weigh the same or less than they did 2 years ago, Dylan is NOT very happy. He has been in “failure to thrive” category since he was 6 months old, but has recently earned the title “Growth Failure,” weighing in at 49 lbs at age 10 and a half. What an insult! How does one eat like a hungry monster and then FAIL to GROW?

Gluten FreeHe not only flat lined on the growth chart, he started to decline and that was a total red flag. After multiple tests and procedures, we were told that Dylan needs to completely change his diet and eliminate all gluten. Although gluten intolerance was not the cause of his problems, eliminating it from his diet could avoid any more issues.

They also found multiple nodules in three areas of his digestive system and his doctor said that we need to place a G-tube or feeding tube in Dylan’s stomach so he can get his nutrition. We have gone over this for the past month a number of times and then some and still are not comfortable with the idea. However, we are even more uncomfortable with not doing it because we know that he needs to get stronger and feel better. and that he will with this kind of intervention.

After Dylan lost the ability to see out of his right eye with the left one open, we told him we would keep in the loop and let him have a say in his medical care. Unfortunately, we have to tell him tomorrow that although his opinion matters, we can’t take it into consideration. We have had plenty of conflicts with our other children but never imagined anything like this. The GOOD news is that once he gets stronger, starts feeling better and grows a little, he will be glad and thankful that he had it done. It’s just convincing him of that before hand that is the tough part.

Cheers to helping kids be and feel the best they can, even when they don’t agree!

 

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by Kate Rudy on January 16, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Dawn Thompson, Food, Healthcare
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Posted by Kate Rudy on January 16, 2013

http://mvmoms.com/2013/01/16/the-skinny-on-tummy-troubles/

Car Seat Safety – It Can Save Lives!

Did you know that September is Baby Safety Month? In addition to worrying about what your baby can get into once he or she starts crawling, it is also important to take this time to make sure you are using your car seat correctly and a recent article on Parenthood.com provides you with the resources you need to make sure your child is safe. In April of 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued new guidelines on care seat safety that can be found by clicking here. Some of the guidelines include having your child ride rear-facing until they are at least two years old and to have them use a booster seat until they are at least eight. 

According to the NHTSA, almost 90% of all car seats are installed incorrectly, which reduces their effectiveness.

One of the most common errors in installing a car seat is that the safety belt of the car does not hold the seat in place tight enough. In order to ensure that children are protected, the NHTSA has made the following recommendations:

  • Regardless of how long you will be in the car, or how fast you will be driving, always make sure to restrain your child properly
  • Use only federally approved car seats and make sure it is appropriate for the age, size, and weight of your child
  • When anchoring the car seat in place, make sure you are using the lap seat belt in the car or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system which comes on newer models of cars
  • If the car seat is involved in a crash, do not re-use it
  • Make sure any caregivers for your child also use a car seat properly
  • Always make sure to position your baby in an infant car seat facing the rear of the car
  • Keep yourself informed of product recalls

Car seats should always be the right seat, the right size, and the right use. If you are ever concerned that you are not properly using a car seat, visit the child car seat inspection station nearest you. At these stations, certified technicians inspect the seat and show you how to correctly install and use it. The closet station in Lowell is at the Lowell Police Department (50 Arcand Drive) and the technician is 978-937-3200 through Paul Corcoran. If you would like to locate other local inspection stations, please click here.

For access to the full article on Parenthood.com, including additional links to recommendations and guidelines, please click here.

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by lghwell on September 22, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Child Safety, Healthcare, Mom Tips
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Posted by lghwell on September 22, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/22/car-seat-safety-%e2%80%93-it-can-save-lives/

Getting Ready for Surgery

The thought of surgery can be scary for anyone. The Preparing for Surgery program at Lowell General Hospital helps young patients (and their parents) to feel comfortable and confident about their upcoming elective procedure. Before the surgery date, kids are invited to a dress rehearsal with a child-size “patient” Surgi-Sam, a stuffed monkey. Led by pediatric surgical nurses, children dress up as surgeons and preview the steps they will take – including pre-op, the operating room (OR) and the recovery room – experiencing the sights and sounds along the way. 

“The program really helps with the jitters that everyone tends to feel,” says general surgeon Michael Jiser, MD, of Lowell Surgical Associates. “Parents know what their child will see and do, and they are better able to provide reassurance before and after surgery. We find that the kids who participate in this program are more comfortable coming in and tend to do better afterward as well.” 

“Surgi-Sam [is] a crucial tool for small children undergoing surgery for the first time,” comments the mother of three-year-old Victoria who went through the Preparing for Surgery program. “It provides a secure and safe foundation for children that lasts a lifetime – what a smart and fun program!”

On the day of surgery, at both the main hospital and the surgery center, a hand-in-hand approach to care is used to begin and end things with a familiar face. A pediatric nurse welcomes the parent and child and brings them to the surgical area. A parent may accompany their child into the OR until surgery begins so that mom or dad’s face is the last they see before “going to sleep.” Then parents can be together with their child in the recovery room after surgery. Click here to watch a short video on Surgi-Sam and see him in action!

Any child who is scheduled for a procedure at the Surgery Center at Lowell General Chelmsford or the main hospital may attend this free Preparing for Surgery program. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 978-275-1300 to sign up as soon as your child is scheduled for surgery.

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by lghwell on September 20, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Community Events, Healthcare
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Posted by lghwell on September 20, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/20/getting-ready-for-surgery/

Backpacks: Pack Them Light, Wear Them Right

With Labor Day upon us, many parents (and children) are thinking about backpacks for school. The following is an article submitted by Dr. Elliot Suarez, a pediatrician with Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates on how to pack backpacks light and wear them right this school year:

With school back in full swing, backpacks are a practical way for children and teens to carry books and supplies back and forth to school. They are designed to distribute the weight of the load among some of the body’s strongest muscles, and when used correctly, backpacks can be useful equipment.

Unfortunately, many parents and children are unaware of the potential dangers of improperly worn backpacks.  Backpacks can be a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for millions of children and adolescents.   Studies show that young children are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations, and the use of heavy backpacks is a major factor. 

Doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry no more than 10% – 15% of their body weight in their backpacks. For example, a child weighing 50 lbs should carry no more than 7.5 lbs in their backpack, and a child weighing 130 lbs should carry no more than 19.5 lbs. However, studies show that over half of all students carry considerably more than these recommendations each day.

Parents may need to adjust their child’s backpack and/or reduce how much the child is carrying if they see their child struggling to get the backpack on and off or they lean forward to carry the backpack. Most importantly, parents should never ignore any complaints of back pain from their child.

Here are some additional tips for proper selection and wear of backpacks:

  • Use backpacks with two wide, padded shoulder straps. Backpacks with one strap that runs across the body cannot distribute the weight evenly
  • Shoulder straps should also be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child’s back
  • School backpacks come in different sizes for different ages. Choose the right size pack for your child’s back as well as one with enough room for necessary school items
  • Size is important. The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline
  • Children should use all possible compartments to distribute weight. Heaviest items should go closest to children’s backs
  • If possible, encourage your child to make frequent trips to his or her locker between classes to reduce the number of books in the backpack at one time

To see the full article on the Chelmsford Patch, please click here.

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by lghwell on September 4, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Healthcare, Mom Tips
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Posted by lghwell on September 4, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/09/04/backpacks-pack-them-light-wear-them-right/

Minimizing Allergies in the Home

Check out this interesting article on Parenthood.com featuring Dr. Frederick Schaffer, a board certified allergist and immunologist and Chief Medical Officer for United Allergy Labs. He discusses the following ways parents can try to minimize their children’s exposure to allergens at home, school, and even outside:

Allergy Testing:
Allergy testing should be considered if you think anyone in your family has allergic symptoms. Tests can show the specific allergens and irritants that affect members of your family so that you can avoid them. “Avoidance therapy” can help decrease symptoms by 50%.

Protect & Wash Bedding:
The most common indoor allergens are dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander, and molds. Dust mites are most prevalent in bedding, carpeting, in upholstered furniture, and in stuffed toys. Mattresses and pillows can be covered with impermeable zipped covers that prevent dust mites (contained inside these items) from traveling to the sheets and pillow cases and aggravating asthma,  nasal and ocular symptoms in allergy sufferers. Also, washing sheets, blankets, and pillow cases in hot water will kill the dust mites contained in these bedding articles.

Keep Humidity In Check:
Maintaining the humidity in your home below 50% will significantly diminish the dust mite population. You can easily manage in-home humidity by operating your air conditioner during warm, humid weather. You can also use dehumidifiers to maintain low humidity in your bedrooms.

Consider Removing Carpeting:
Ultimately, the best way to get rid of dust mites is to remove rugs and carpeting. If that’s not possible, products containing tannic acid can help diminish dust mite populations in carpet. Stuffed toys can be washed often and/or enclosed in plastic to diminish dust mite exposure.

Watch The Bugs:
Cockroaches (and dust mites) are major precipitants of allergy and asthma symptoms. Food on counters and open sources of water attract cockroaches, so keep them in the refrigerator. If you think your home has an issue with cockroaches, hire an exterminator that can help you identify how cockroaches are getting into your home. If you see any cockroaches, thoroughly clean the area because the allergen is found in the insect’s waste material.

Check Your Pets:
Keeping pets outside will significantly diminish pet dander exposure. Bathing and brushing pets weekly will diminish shedding and help remove pollen-containing grass and leaves from the coat. If you have a cat allergy, keeping away from the litter box will help minimize allergen exposure.

Mind The Mold!
Mold spores are both indoor and outdoor allergens. For outdoor mold allergies, avoid large piles of leaves or decaying plants (like compost) – they contain high mold spore counts. It’s also important to minimize outdoor activity during times of high mold spore counts. Clearing away leaves or other plant debris from area around he home can also help decrease exposure. Indoor mold allergies can be combatted by reducing humidity in the home, removing indoor plants, keeping doors and windows closed during times of high mild spore counts, and using HEPA air conditioner filters monthly.

For the complete article, please click here.

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by lghwell on August 29, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Healthcare, Mom Tips
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Posted by lghwell on August 29, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/08/29/minimizing-allergies-in-the-home/

Back to School is More than a New Style and School Supplies

By Amy Stanley

With children going back to school over the next few weeks, many parents are busy shopping for school supplies and the perfect outfit for the first day. But something parents should also think about is their children’s eyes. Back to school means that your kids will be spending more time looking at the blackboard in the classroom, reading schoolbooks, and even staring at computer screens to get homework done. If they are having problems with their vision, it can be difficult for them to concentrate or get the work done.

After having an eye exam, your child may receive a prescription for glasses. If your child does need them, choosing the right pair can be difficult. Taking the time to make sure they have the right pair makes it more likely they will actually wear the glasses when they need to. Consider the type of lens that you will get your child. Often a lens that is made with polycarbonate is the best choice because it is not only strong, but it is shatterproof. This type of lens is ideal for eye safety and you don’t have to worry about the wear and tear your child will put on it.

Once you have the lens figured out, let your child play a part in choosing the right frames by taking the time to try on a few pairs. Even as adults we may try on 10-20 pairs before finding the perfect frames. Pretend you are shopping for yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from the doctor or employees of which frames would best suite your child’s facial features. Also pay attention to features of the frames that may make it more comfortable for your child to wear such as nose pads and flexible hinges, or the ability to attach comfortable cables or straps to make sure they stay on their face. For more tips for selecting the right pair of children’s glasses, click here.

Even if your child does not need glasses, it is still important to understand the various eye problems that affect children, especially as school begins. One common eye problem is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, which is an infection that can be spread. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of something like pink eye so you know when to bring your child to the doctor or so you know how to avoid spreading the infection to the rest of your family. For more information on common eye problems in kids, click here.

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by lghwell on August 25, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Amy Stanley, Healthcare
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Posted by lghwell on August 25, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/08/25/back-to-school-is-more-than-a-new-style-and-school-supplies/

Healthy Recipe of the Week

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

If you liked last week’s combination, then you will love this one! This low-sodium salad combines spinach, strawberries, and kiwi with an option to add almonds and continues to bring fruit into the salad with the use of raspberry preserves in the dressing.

Click here for the recipe!

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by jflojennings on August 19, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Healthcare, Mom Tips
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Posted by jflojennings on August 19, 2011

http://mvmoms.com/2011/08/19/healthy-recipe-of-the-week/

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