Today we say Goodbye to a beloved Ferret named Bear

Our family is in great mourning for a beloved member of our little Fruscella clan : Bear Fruscella

We adopted bear fresh out of the "ferret mill" in October of 2004.

 He was a birthday gift for me from Jason. We went out with Bandit to check out local pet shops, which was a complete fail. Either the ferrets were to aggresive or Bandit just didn't like them, and we knew that when we saw the "one" that we would fall in love and "just know". Well on our way home, feeling completely disapointed. Something made us stop at just one more place, it was about 10 minuets before they were closing and when we walked in we immediatly saw this tiny scrony black as can be little ferret ( there were about 4 of them but Bear just stole our hearts). We asked if we could check him out, and ohmy gosh was it ever love at first sight. He was so tiny, and sweet. I remember looking at Jason and telling him he was the one. So Jason went outside to grab Bandit to see how she felt about him : SHE LOVED HIM.

It took a matter of 10 minuets after that and Bear was all ours.

We named him Bear because his paws were HUGE like Bear paws, much to big for his tiny body.

 Soon after he settled into his name and into our hearts, he became a little terror. He bit, attacked, lunged, and was just all around unpleasant. We couldn't believe how this sweet innocent little thing went from one extream to another in the matter of days.

  But, with discipline and a ton of love he grew into his paws and back into the sweet boy we met at the pet store.

  Bear filled our hearts and lives with so much joy. He was very welcoming to everyone and every animal we brought home. He stole the hearts of everyone that met him, and will be greatly missed. Bear passed away in his favorite sleeping basket with Jason and I in our room. He was laid to rest that morning but will remain in our hearts forever.



Using oxygen

Using oxygen for asthma

Of the 12 times Kitty and Son #2 have been hospitalized for asthma, they have all included oxygen. Yet there are different ways it is administered.

I was reminded of this when Hubby was telling me about being in the hospital last week with a family member. Because of our many experiences with oxygen, he noticed that the family member's oxygen rate was only at 89%. It should be closer to 98%. This family member was sleeping, and was using a nasal cannula (a thin tube with a small nozel that fits inside each nostril). Hubby noticed the family member was breathing through their mouth, instead of their nose, so the nasal cannula wasn't helping. Hubby notified the nurse and asked her to switch the family member to an oxygen mask. I love my Hubby, what a great guy! This ended up being a better delivery system, since the mask covers the nose and mouth.

Sounds simple, right? Well, the nasal cannula and oxygen mask are used for different levels of oxygen use. The mask is usually used when patients are on a higher delivery of oxgyen, around 6 liters or above. The nasal cannula can be used for less than that. It depends on how many liters of oxygen you're on as to whether you get the mask or cannula.

Usually, when one of the kids were admitted, they would be first put on a high delivery of oxygen (6 liters) and thus the mask. Later, they try to wean the kids down by giving less oxgen every day, and then switch them to the cannula.

A few things to keep in mind is that even with pediatric sized cannulas, they can be really irritating and cause problems. We have had times when the respiratory therapist snip the tubes, so they're a bit smaller and don't go as far up the kid's nostrils.

Also, with oxygen blowing up your nose day after day, there's a good chance of getting a bloody nose. Not a good thing when you have tiny tubes trying to shoot oxygen up the nostril. So you can ask your nurse for a 'bubbler'. It's a tiny water filled box that they can attach to the oxygen tubing. It literally bubbles and sends a small amount of moisture into the oxygen to help moisturize the inside of the nose.

If you do have to be sent home with a tank (I always hated that......) there are several options. They have tiny little portable tanks that fit in a holder and can be slung on the shoulder if you need to go out. An oxygen concentrator is used if you are going to be on oxygen for a longer period of time. It concentrates regular room air, turning it into oxygen. Also, there are the regular old tanks.

Of course there are precautions around oxygen. I remember the nurses wouldn't let the kids use any Chapstick, because it was petroleum based and could spark a fire. Great. Also, no open flames - scented candles or smoking - not that we smoke. Apparently some people do that are on oxygen!

Anyway, if you ever need to be on oxygen, there's a few hints. It's not as scary as it seems, and it is ever so helpful when you can actually breathe! I'm a little picky when it comes to breathing and my kids.....I like it when they can breathe.

Happy breathing.

Mmmer Sismis

Lilys Version of Merry Christmas





 Lily enjoying her afternoon Lunch. Mac n Cheese with mixed Veggies one of her favorites

 Lily colored ornaments for everyone for christmas. This one was my favorite and her first one so i kept it :)

 Some of the ornaments that Lily colored

 Adorable as usual

 Lily receieved a doll house from her Grammie and Grandpa, I assembled it while she was taking her nap. When she woke up she was so excited to see it, she said "whoah mama cool, cool, cool. down" and i set her down and she ran over to it,  kneeled it front of it, closely examined it, and then stood up and said cool. I love you excited she gets over everything.

 Lily rocking her equestrian sweater, leggings, and boots. She looks all ready to go horse back riding

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Thank you to Everyone for making my Christmas so special. I love and appreciate all of my gifts, and am very grateful to have been able to spend the Holidays with all of my friends and family.

Here's to a successful, Healthy, Joyous 2011

Nothing under the bed

Tip #3

One thing I have learned is that if you have allergies and asthma, it is best to not store anything under the bed. Sounds terrible, doesn't it? (What am I supposed to do with all that junk now?!)

And if you ask Son #1, he would say, "Oh great! I've have not one, but two parents that are clean freaks!"

Well, I'm not as bad as some people (when it comes to cleaning) but I try to narrow down what triggers a case of sneezing and wheezing. And stuff shoved under the bed seems to be one of them.

When was the last time you cleaned anything out from under your bed? Be honest......the last time you moved? And then you were forced to clean it up?

Granted, it is a great place to put things. Out of the way, you don't trip over anything, great hiding place, but the last time you had to retrieve something from under the bed, how was it? Full of dust? Did you sneeze and cough?

That's one of the biggest dust magnets there is, so the rule in our house is 'nothing goes under the bed'! And, from looking at the photo, you can see how easy it is to vacuum under there and keep it clean. If you have ever woken up with a stuffy nose or itchy eyes, this could be one of the reasons. Or if you wake up sneezing at night, which Kitty does frequently, that could also be from the pile of dust you're sleeping on top of.

When the kids were younger, we used to have a long, shallow plastic box with a lid that went under the bed to store things in. Some companies make special containers that are made to go under the bed. At least that way, it is all sealed up in one container, but we found that too much dust accumulated on the lid and it was annoying to pull out every week when I vacuumed under the beds.

So, pick what works for you. If you have a smaller apartment or home, you may have to use the special sized under bed storage box. If you do, make sure you pull it out and vacuum under the bed and keep the lid clean and dust free.

If you have more room, try to not to use the area under the bed for storage. (This was also a tip from Asthma Doctor, so I can blame it on him when the kids complain that there's no space to store things......)

Just one idea to make life a little easier as My life as an Asthma Mom continues-

Christmas and Christmas Eve in a Nutshell

Well Lilys second christmas was a complete success. It really is a shame that it came and went so quickly this year. It seems like just yesterday we put our tree up and now it is already about time to take it down. But then again that shouldn't surprise me because everything seems to be moving in warp speed.


Here is a little sum up of some of our Holiday according to Lily:


At Mamaws house, I played peek-a-boo in a gift bag, and declared it my tent.


At Great-Grams I danced and showed everyone my new piggie bank toy that your Aunt Pam bought ,I loved it so much I even slept with one of the coins all night.


At Grandma and Pop Pops I feasted on turkey and broccoli, enjoyed opening all of my gifts, and then played the whole time with my old alphabet block books.


At Papa and grandma's house I hung out with Papa and my new best friend cousin Skylar all night. I opened all of my presents and couldn't wait to start playing with them. I danced and twirled around the living room for Great Grandma and Uncle Kenny and Slept the whole way home.


Today I am going to go over Grammies and Grandpa's house with Great Grandpa Kobus and open more gifts and share another Delicious meal with my family.


*****pictures will be posted soon until then here is a picture from last christmas

How I Feel

“…I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.

I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;

so I love you because I know no other way.”

— Pablo Neruda

Letters to Liliana

Dear Liliana,

A year ago on Christmas day you were a tiny 3 month old with a gummy smile, and curious eyes. Everything and everyone was still so new to you.  You sat quietly in the laps of your relatives just taking everything in, and enjoying all the festivities.Your first Christmas was just as incredible as we thought it would be and a million times better. You were and still are the greatest gift we have ever received.

And Today, as we sit and watch you slowly open your gifts, we are thankful to be so truly blessed. We watched you, Your eyes so big as you took everything in. You showered us in good morning kisses and giggles as you crawled towards dada in your new tent and play tunnel.

You were the center of attention and entertainment at EVERY christmas party that we went to. You were so cute. You danced, twirled, jumped, talked, played, ran,and loved everywhere we went. You brought the Christmas spirite and excitement back into everyones lives. You gave the gift of Christmas.

It is so hard for me to believe that you have already experienced your second christmas, and I find myself asking the same question once again; where did the time go?

With that, I just wanted to say Thank you Lily, Thank you for filling everyone's hearts with love, joy and appreciation for the holidays. I love you so much, more than I can ever express to you, and I am trully greatful to have you as my daughter. Merry Christmas Baby Girl.

Love
Mama

Juice Revealed - Not So Sweet!

For over 2 generations now juice has been espoused as a health food. Though dentists have been aware for decades this is not really true, it has not been until very recently that the health industry and the medical establishment has taken a closer look at juice. It is definitely not a health food. The question arises if it is even healthy!

Juice now sits on the top of the list as a probable causative agent for the medical chronic disease pandemic facing our children; namely diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis, among others. The journals of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have in recent years recommended that juice be avoided in an infant’s diet. They also recommend that if it is introduced to a toddler that it be limited to 6 oz. daily (a small glass) and consumed with a meal.

Juice is at the top of the list of causative agents for dental disease for our children and youth. For that matter, in today’s culture it probably is equally at cause for adult dental decay.

Juice is worse than soda! That doesn’t mean soda is good; it is also terrible for teeth and health. But, juice is worse. If you look at nutrition data for foods and compare juice with whole fruit, you quickly see what is lost when juice is squeezed from fruit. A couple highlights:

You do get water and calories; i.e., an 8 oz glass of orange juice has the calories squeezed from about 5 oranges. Who ever heard of eating 5 oranges in one sitting? And today we often do this at breakfast and again in the afternoon. Yikes… all those empty calories!

Lost with the fruit when we make juice is a) nearly all the vitamins except some of the water soluble vitamin C, b) insoluble fiber, roughage, c) soluble fiber, unique to fruit and an important aid in digestion, d) and minerals, key components to our enzyme systems that process our body functions. Without the minerals the enzymes cannot use the calories we consume so the calories get stored as fat.

Rarely mentioned about juice is the acid. Acid that will dissolve your teeth. Those of us that took analytical and organic chemistry in college know the issue here. Though organic acids are often called “weak” acids, they are far more effective in organic systems like mouths because of their sustaining power. They don’t register in the pH scale as strong (lower number) as inorganic acids because they hold their acid potential in “reserve.” As the acid is used (dissolving calcium out of teeth) the reserve releases more acid out of solution. This is part of the steady state (homeostasis) systems that sustain organic (life supporting) systems. When misused (juice rather than fruit) the power released can be devastating. It turns out the acid potential (titrateable acid) of juice is nearly twice that of colas!

So put juice at the very top of the destructive beverage list that includes: juice, sports drinks like Gatorade, sodas, juicers and sweet energy teas.

Asthma advocate

Want to be an Asthma Advocate?

I always perk up when I hear about something that has to do with asthma. Do you want to help out in your kid's school and teach people about asthma? It's actually fun!

The Utah Department of Health's Asthma Advocate program offers a chance to get involved in your community. Asthma Advocates come up with ideas and take them into local schools. You are encouraged to be as creative as you would like, based on what interests you. You can let the schools and students know about resources that are available about asthma. You get to work it around your own schedule, which is great for all of us busy multi taskers.

The Utah Department of Health will provide a free 3 hour training, and even provide lunch.

If you want more information, contact Kelli Baxter at (801) 538-6595 or email her at kabaxter@utah.gov. She also has a blog at http://asthmadvocate.blogspot.com

There's all sorts of fun things out there, I even found some fun video games that teach about asthma that I'll blog about later.

If should blog on Friday for Flashback Friday, but if not - then have a Merry Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday

My Lovey

I love Liliana.

Always. Every second. Forever.

There are moments, however, when for some reason, I feel this overwhelming sense of love for her. I actually feel my heart is going to explode from all the love. It is such a strong feeling, it always makes me want to cry. Sometimes I look at her playing, without her noticing, and I feel so lucky and blessed and happy to have her in my life.

Stress as a trigger

Stress as a trigger

I was going to put another tip in here today about how we changed our home. But, we had a little family emergency last night.

We are particularly worried about one elderly family member who is in the hospital caring for their spouse. The reason for our concern is that the care giver has asthma, and stress can actually trigger an asthma attack. I wasn't even thinking about that last night as we were discussing the situation with our kids. But Son #1 brought it up.

We were worried about the care giver's coping skills, you never know how people will react in an emergency. Son #1 said, "I hope she's okay and doesn't get so stressed out that she has an asthma attack". Oh yeah, that.

Belly breathing is a great exercise if that happens. I know it's the last thing you want to think about. But you can put one hand on your stomach and one on your chest, then you breathe slowly in through your nose, and out through your mouth. I usually do it 5 times in a row.

You need to take care of yourself. Otherwise, you won't be any good to any one around you if they have to deal with two patients instead of one.

Asthma is so strange, because there are so many triggers and it affects everyone so differently. There is no one size fits all set of triggers and treatment plans.

So, if you happen to find yourself in an emergency, remember belly breathing. Take deep breaths and make sure you have your inhaler with you just in case. The last thing you need in an emergency is an unexpected asthma attack.

Flash back - fires

Flash back Friday- fires

There's a beautiful historic building across the street from me that is on fire. I saw the news coverage this morning during breakfast. The area here is swarming with people taking photos. It's freezing cold outside, and the area smells of smoke.

I can smell a little bit of smoke in the main part of the building where I am, I am watching through a window.

It's a shame to see beautiful architecture lost to fire, we're all hoping if can be saved and renovated. I'm not so sure.

But I am lucky to be able to watch it from inside another building. If the cold didn't trigger my asthma, the smoke definitely would. It always makes me a little uneasy.

Smoke from a forest fires several years ago blanketed the valley where we live and almost cost Son #2 his life. It all happened so fast. He was outside playing with friends, and we didn't notice how smoky it was. You know little kids-if they're have fun, they won't come in for anything, even to use the bathroom. So, when I saw that he was outside at the neighbors, I quickly brought him in. Then the coughing started. He seemed to do well after breathing treatments, but then he wanted to go outside later and 'help' with 4th of July fireworks. The coughing started again, but this time it didn't quit, no matter how many treatments we did.

We decided we better head to the emergency department, and we got there just in time. He ended up not only on oxygen and a steroid IV, but also a heart monitor. That's when you know they're really bad, when they have the leeds and wires all over their chest. That means the doctors are afraid they're going to stop breathing and go into cardiac arrest.

I think I was in shock at the time. That's the one problem with asthma, it can go from bad to worse (or deadly) very quickly. You have to be so careful. It was a close call, and we were really scared for his life. Luckily, he made it.

I am still afraid of smoke, so I will stay inside my building where it's safe and smoke free. Asthma and smoke are a deadly combination. It makes me shudder to think about it.

Stay safe everyone, and be careful.

Dental Necessities for Your Child - Birth and up

Here's a list of dental care necessities from birth on up:

• Baby Teeth Cleaning: Baby teeth should be cleaned as soon as they erupt. Clean your baby's teeth with a soft washcloth or gauze after every bottle or meal. When molars erupt, use a small child-sized (age-appropriate) toothbrush with warm water to brush your baby's teeth, as instructed by your dentist.
  
  At age two begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.  In select special circumstances your dentist may recommend fluoride toothpaste younger than age two.   Encourage your children with a daily brushing habit.  Help them “finish the job until their hand skills develop adequately (Age 6 or more).   Replace toothbrushes every two to three months.
  
  Children taking regular medications need extra attention including brushing after taking the medicine.  Ask your dentist regarding the specifics.
• First Dental Visit:   It is important that your child see a dentist by age one to establish a long-term dental hygiene and professional dental cleaning plan.

• Dental Sealant Application:   Dental Sealants are used to protect teeth from decay and are appropriate as soon as permanent molar teeth erupt.
• Fluoride Treatments:  Check with your dentist and water authority about the need for fluoride treatments.  Fluoride is a major component in the prevention of childhood dental caries.  This is because fluoride alters the molecular structure of the tooth, making it more resistant to acid attack and decay.
  
  However, children require the right balance of fluoride treatment. Too much fluoride could be problematic and lead to fluorosis.
• Dental Flossing: Parent-assisted dental flossing should commence when two teeth erupt next to each other, especially the molars at age 2 1/2.  Independent flossing should occur when children have the ability to do it on their own (often by eight years of age).
• Mouth Washing: Mouth washing is recommended by age six if your dentist deems there are special preventive needs.  Mouthwashes not containing alcohol are fine for anyone age 6 and older who can rinse without swallowing the mouthwash.
• Orthodontics: may be appropriate by seven years of age.

Keep in mind that these age ranges are estimates only; you should follow your dentist's recommendations.

One of the gifts parents can give their child is a start at good dental health as well as a healthy relationship with the dentist.

Oh Christmas Tree

Our tree has been up for a few weeks now. We put it in the front corner by the television. I love it in that spot and i often catch myself just staring at it. Our tree is full of so many memories each ornament tells a story about our lives together and the family that we have made over the years. My favorite ornament this year is Lilys own little contributation: her bunny; though he is only perched when lily decides. I love how sincere she looks as she places her forever friend on the tree, and how excited she becomes after he is secure and safe nestled in the branches.

We let Lily run her fingers across the evergreen needles. We pluck off baby safe ornaments for her to turn over in her small hands and I keep making promises that as soon as mama gets her butt in gear and starts wrapping, soon there will be pretty packages to explore there too.

I can't wait to take Lily over her Grammie's house on Friday to make christmas cookies. It is going to be so much fun, i am going to take so many pictures. I really need to start capturing the simple special moments of Lilys life on film again, I was doing so good while she was a baby but now that she is a toddler and moving 100 mph it is so hard, but no more excuses. Pictures i will take even if they are all blurry.

Speaking of Lily being a Toddler. She reminds me little by little everyday how quickly she has and continues to transform from a baby to a toddler. Yesterday morning she surprised me by picking out her outfit. While folding laundry with me, Lily spoted her (im assuming favorite) dress in the basket. She picked it up and placed it on her head trying to get it on. She then walked over to me dress in hand, grunted, and signed "help". I just stopped and starred at her for a moment i couldn't believe my baby was picking out her first outfit and signing to me that she needed me to help her get it on. She astonishes me more and more each day I can not believe how smart my baby girl ..opps i mean big girl is... Anyways so i put Lilys dress on right over her pj's she was just beside herself spinning and clapping in her dress. I managed to snap a photo over her once she slowed down a bit.

Tip #2 - floors

Tip #2

So, as much as my historic home drives me crazy because there is always something leaking, flooding, shorting out, breaking, etc. There is one up side- original wood floors.

We had to rip out all the carpet when we moved in and Hubby refinished the entire upstairs, which had wood floors. (You can rent all the equipment at hardware stores). Hubby looked with satisfaction at his handwork and declared, "We could play a great game of basketball in here!"

I love my wood floors, especially for allergies and asthma. They're easy to clean, plus I can actually see the dirt and dust bunnies. Helllllooooo vacuum! Yes, I am a little strange. I love to vacuum. There's something about the monotonous work of vacuuming. My canister vac (equipped with a hepa filter of course) allows me to vacuum the area rugs, then flip a switch and use it on the wood floors. Then I switch attachments on the nozzle, and can clean all the edges of the rooms. Told you I was a little strange. It's rewarding to suck up all the dust and crumbs, then empty out the vacuum canister and see all the junk I just sucked up. It feels so much cleaner.

Of course, not everyone can have wood floors. They are expensive if you need to install them. My in laws live in the south west, where tile floors are common.

I know that for us, anything that I can get rid of in our house (that is causing problems) will help with asthma. Asthma Doc always said that medicine is a 'band aid' approach. You need to get to the root of the problem. What are your triggers? What is causing problems for you in your home? You can take all the medicine you want, but if you have things in your home that are causing problems, it's an uphill battle.

So, look around. See if you can determine your triggers in your home. And I'll keep blogging about things we've done. They may or may not work for you, you can pick and choose something to try.
Good luck!

Making your home allergy/asthma proof - tip#1

How do you make your home allergy/asthma proof? Tip#1

I was listening to a presentation the other day about asthma by two pharmacists. I'm not suggesting you disagree with someone with medical training, but I will anyway.

Someone asked him if you should change things in your home to make it more allergy/asthma proof. He said no. He has a family member with asthma, and he had removed his carpet and replaced them with wood floors. But he said it would be too expensive for most people.

I think he missed the boat. There are a lot of things you can do to make your home better. The first is the photo you see here. Take your shoes off! This is the view from my front door. And if you come to visit, your shoes had better be in there.

This didn't cost much, you can find baskets at any craft store. Or use a big plastic box, whatever works for you. As a designer, mine has to coordinate with my room.....

So, what's the big deal about wearing shoes in a house? Well, everywhere you have been during the day (think public bathroom, walking through leaves and dirt, stores, work, parking lots etc.) is all on the bottom of your shoes. And that is now being tracked across your floor. Nasty stuff on them- including dirt, mold, fungi, chemicals from the lawn, etc, etc. The first 8-10 steps you take wipes all of that nasty stuff all over your carpets and floor. Now imagine if you have kids sitting or crawling around on the same floor.

The reason I think the pharmacist missed the boat on this, is because he said to just keep taking your asthma medicine. Asthma Doctor always told me that using emergency inhalers is just a band aid approach. You have to find out what is causing the problem first. So, if you can make your house a little cleaner and safer for allergies/asthma. And therefore have less inflammation in the lungs, causing less asthma attacks or problems, why not do it?

I'll keep posting tips here that we've learned over the last decade. Stay tuned!

Flash back diagnosis

I was thinking about when Son #2 was diagnosed with asthma. It was his first time in the hospital when the respiratory therapist told us he had asthma. I still remember the shock, thinking 'wait a minute!' I already took him to the pediatrician clutching my wrinkled little article about asthma out of a parenting magazine. Something just didn't seem right. I still felt unsettled when the doctor said there was nothing wrong with him.

The day he was admitted, I took him to the doctor because he had a cold and was sick and coughing. But his color was really off, he looked very pale, had purple circles under his eyes, and his lips were a burgundy color. I just felt something wasn't quite right. So, off we went to the doctor's office. The physician's assistant came in first, then suddenly the room filled with the head doctor and a couple of nurses. I remember Son #2 seemed very sleepy. He couldn't even sit up right when they were doing a breathing treatment, so I had to hold him.

They quickly said I needed to take him to the hospital. Luckily, the doctor's office is connected to the back of the hospital, so if was a quick drive to the front of the building. I still remember calling Hubby at work. He said, "What do you mean they're putting him in the hospital? Why?" All I knew is that he was having a hard time breathing.

Boy, were we in for a new chapter of our lives! He's been admitted 8 times for asthma since then, Kitty has been in 4 times. If I only knew then what I know now......

Trust your instinct and keep pushing. You know your children best. If you feel like there is something wrong, keep searching for answers.

I remember telling the respiratory therapist that I had already visited the doctor to see if Son #2 had asthma, and he had said no. In the 30 pages of information the respiratory therapist printed out for me about asthma, one of the articles had talked about asthma being called the 'hysterical mother's syndrome'. Mothers would be up all night with sick kids, take them to the doctor first thing in the morning, and they would be fine.

Now I know cold air affects them, getting up and walking out to the car affects them. Their oxygen levels do in fact drop during the night when the kids are relaxed and sleeping.

So, I've said it before, but if you think something is wrong, be persistant. I've been told the kids are okay, only to have them admitted to the hospital 4 hours later. Keep a sharp eye on them and get a second opinion. We, as mothers, are our kid's best defense.

Why Choose A Pediatric Dentist for Your Child?

Pediatric dentists are trained to create a positive enjoyable attitude about visiting the dentist.

Pediatric dentists have completed a two year specialty residency in pediatric dentistry in addition to their basic four years of dental school to be a general dentist.  The residency focuses on the special care of children from infancy through adolescence.  The residents learn about the complex process of a growing, changing and developing mouth, face, head and neck.  The residency also teaches how the growing body’s health relates to the oral health of the developing child.  During these advanced studies dentists learn how to calm an anxious young patient and how to use the equipment specially designed for children.

Pediatric dentists specialize in the care of infants, children and teenagers as well as those with special health care needs.  Preventive dental care for the infant begins as early as six months, or with the appearance of the first tooth.  A pediatric dentist understands the growth and development of a mouth, the exchange of the teeth and the guidance occasionally needed to create a solid bite and beautiful smile.

Pediatric dental offices function, look, and feel different from general dentist offices.  It is all part of helping a child and family build a positive attitude about the dentist as a partner in creating good health.  We also focus on helping the child understand the importance and simplicity of good oral health habits that will create strong beautiful teeth to last a lifetime.

Infants and toddlers are not immune to dental health problems.  The 2000, “Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General” found that dental caries (tooth decay) is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease – five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever.  It has become an alarming and growing problem in children aged 2 to 5 years old.  This is why we stress the importance of establishing a dental home for your child for the first tooth and learn the simple preventive measures for your home.

We highly encourage you seek the care of a pediatric dentist for your children.  If you choose our office, we look forward to a happy and rewarding relationship with your family.

Water leak

Success!

I think Hubby may have finally fixed the mysterious leaking washing machine. I spent time laying on my stomach on top of the washing machine, with a flashlight trained on the pipes to see if I could isolate the leak. How hard can it be? Very difficult, it turns out. I gave up at one point.

Then, as I was running a load through the washing machine, I heard a loud splash. Both Son #2 and I looked at each other, said "Uh oh" and simultaneously and jumped up to check the washing machine. Still puzzled. I had Hubby take a photo of the pipes and head over to the plumbing supply store and to see if they could help him figure out the problem.

They suggested there may be a blockage and recommended a product to clean out the pipes. He had already tested that theory, he stuck the garden hose down the pipe and turned it on full force. No blockage. He actually figured it out on his own, he deduced that there was an airlock in the pipe at one point of the cycle. He replaced a hose, and problem fixed.

I was hoping to get the hole (caused by water damage) fixed in my kitchen wall before now. It's so attractive. But of more concern is mold. With the experience we had in our old house with mold, I'm a little wary.

So, we're waiting to make sure one of the 2 x 4's in the wall is completely dried out. Hubby also cut out all the damaged wall board and will replace that. We just happen to have a can of 'Kilz' from other water damaged walls (from other leaks). It is a special primer that blocks moisture and mold growth. So, we'll paint the wall with that first, then a new coat of a warm, sunny yellow paint for the kitchen.

I found a resource on line about mold clean up, it's on the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website. You can cut and paste this into your browser.
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldbasics.html

Anyway, I hope no one else is having water leaks. If so, get it cleaned up-fast! The longer it sits and leaks, the more chance there is for mold. Not what you need if you have asthma. Just one more thing for me to watch out for on my quest to keep my kids healthy with their asthma.....

Christmas trees

Christmas trees - real or fake?

Well, it's that time of year. Kitty was so excited to put up the Christmas tree, that we did it the day after Thanksgiving. Sorry, I only celebrate one holiday at a time. So, she had to wait.

But, do you get a real Christmas tree, or a fake one? We used to get real trees when the kids were little. But we noticed non stop sneezing and coughing. That was when the kids were first diagnosed with asthma. And since the kids have multiple triggers (basically, they're allergic to anything that's alive). Trees, bushes, flowers, grass, dogs, cats, horses.

Oh, I exaggerate. There is one animal that Kitty isn't allergic. Shot Nurse was laughing when she said there was one animal that didn't show up on Kitty's scratch test (skin test to see what you are allergic to). A rat. She said we could get a pet rat! Very funny. Not happening.

So, I know it takes the fun out of Christmas, having a fake Christmas tree. It's one of the wonderful smells. Along with the gingerbread house and sugar cookies. But, what do you do?

Listen to the kids sneeze and cough for a month? Or get a fake tree? As an interior designer, I like authentic flowers, plants and trees. None of those silk plants in my house. Except for the tree. Grumble, grumble.

But, you do what you have to as parents. It looks amazing, and no one is sneezing or wheezing.

I hope you all have fun putting up your Christmas tree, whether it's real or fake. If you're lucky enough to have a real one- fabulous! If not, you can join me in being grateful I don't have a bunch of dead needles to clean up every week.

Happy decorating!

Flash back - triggers

Flash Back Friday - triggers

Flashback is just from this week. I had another asthma attack, this one on Wednesday night.

Problem is, I can't for the life of me figure out what set it off.

I remember sneezing quite a bit, and my family laughing and saying, "are you done yet?"but instead of answering, I just sneezed some more. Then I started coughing, and coughing, and coughing. I could feel my chest tightening up, then started coughing up mucus. Fun times!

So, as I was sitting on the couch in my big furry bathrobe, I had to try to think back to what I had just done. I changed clothes in my room, washed my face, then went in and retrieved a book from my nightstand.

That was it. I had to analyze each action. Anything in the bathroom that would have set it off? How about the nightstand? Was it too dusty? I remember the curtain catching on my bathrobe as I passed. Hhmm, it was the 'winter curtains' I had in the store room. I had changed my bed set to put the winter colored bed set and curtains up. Could it be that the curtains that were stored downstairs were too dusty? I usually wash them before I put them back up, but they were stored in between a couple of comforters, so they should have been protected.

Was there something else I missed? What could have set it off?

Sometimes the most frustrating thing about asthma is trying to figure out what sets off an asthma attack. I've had one while I was shopping for a baby present in a national retail store (where I've shopped for years without any problems). I had one at the hardware store this summer (where we shop frequently, because something is always in need of repair in our historic home).

So why do I have an asthma attack there one day, but not another? It's hard to determine cause and effect. And it can be unnerving, because asthma attacks can be swift and hard hitting.

This week was one of those, where I was coughing so hard I almost threw up. 'Calm'. I told myself, try to deep breath. 'Settle down.' Anxiety can make asthma attacks worse. You can't breath, so you panic, then the panic makes the asthma worse.

Everything turned out okay, but I'm still puzzled as to what caused it. Oh well, that's life with asthma.

Is Candy the Culprit?

I got fed the line and so did you when you were a child. “Candy will cause cavities.” Well maybe it is still a good line. I do believe candy is a very grave health concern in our society, but those concerns lie more with the body health and the blood sugar balancing system (insulin) rather than the tooth health of each of us.

The threat to teeth is the frequency of exposure and one of your worst enemies is carbohydrate paste stuck between the teeth from meals and snacks (what I call cracker mouth). If it were just the carbohydrate there would be less worry. That paste, however, absorbs sugar from any source, including good fresh fruit and holds it between the teeth….for hours. The bacteria between the teeth are having a hay day with all that sugar just hanging around. And since we are a grain based eating society, this problem exists for everyone!

Now consider this.  If a person disrupts the bacteria from between the teeth once a day (every 24 hours) they never have a chance to accumulate to a level that will damage the teeth. I would much rather get the flossing done daily and focus on having healthy meals than struggling with the candy battle. As the kids get older I will have less and less control of their eating. A well-ingrained habit of flossing every day may do more in the long run to help them have healthy teeth.

Eating like a cave-man would protect my teeth, but I would rather floss.