Product safety…

There really is nothing more important than your child’s health and safety…here is valuable information from the March of Dimes.

Use it when you have questions about any products but especially children’s products that you already own or are planning to purchase.

 

Product safety database

“A new service exists for consumers looking for safety information on products they own or are thinking about buying. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) created a safety database at SaferProducts.gov as part of the Consume Product Safety Improvement Act.  This database will work in a unique way.  It will provide product safety information but will also allow consumers to report harmful incidents and safety issues.

via News Moms Need » Blog Archive » Product safety database.

Lurking Lead…

NOTEWORTHY WEDNESDAY!

Lead poisoning is preventable…bottom line.

Yesterday, I visited my local Asian food store. I was planning to make a Vietnamese soup “Pho”.

On a recent trip to Los Angeles I ate at “9021PHO” in Beverly Hills and enjoyed a beautiful bowl of this delicious soup. It was served in a large bowl similar to the ones that I looked at in my local Asian grocer.

The bowls would have totally been an impulsive purchase and would not have made my Pho as tasty as the one I was served at 9021PHO so I did not succumb to buying the bowl.

This morning I came across this timely NYTime’s article which more than justified my not buying the beautiful but perhaps dangerous soup bowl.

Could it have been one of those ‘lurking lead’ exposures that I never think about?.

I don’t know about you but I never think about lead poisoning these days. But it is worth remaining alert to hidden exposures to lead especially if you are pregnant, have young children or grandchildren.

Children are at the most risk if they are exposed to lead especially under the age of six. This is the time that they are growing very rapidly and they put many things directly into their mouths.

Lead paint is still in some older homes especially those built prior to 1978, so children in these environments are more at risk. It is the deterioration of the paint that is of particular concern since lead then is in the household dust.

The CDC has some recommendations:

  • talk to state or local health department to test the paint and dust in your home for lead
  • keep your child away from peeling paint or any surface that they could chew on that is painted with a lead-based paint.
  • pregnant women and children should not remain in an apartment or house built before 1978 that is being renovated.
  • wash children’s hand and toys that become contaminated with household dust or exterior soil as both can be sources of lead.
  • wet mop floors and wet wipe window components every 2-3 weeks
  • prevent children from playing in bare soil.

Other recommendations regarding children:

  • avoid using traditional home remedies and cosmetics that may contain lead;
  • avoid eating candies imported from Mexico;
  • avoid using containers, cookware, or tableware to store or cook foods or liquids that are not shown to be lead free;
  • remove recalled toys and toy jewelry immediately from children. Check Lead Recalls lists.
  • use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and for making baby formula (Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead. Most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house, not from the local water supply.);
  • shower and change clothes after finishing a task that involves working with lead-based products such as stain glass work, bullet making, or using a firing range.

The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend that pediatricians continue to provide anticipatory guidance to parents in an effort to prevent lead exposure (primary prevention). Additionally, pediatricians should increase their efforts to screen children at risk for lead exposure to find those with elevated BLLs (secondary prevention).

via Screening for Elevated Blood Lead Levels — Committee on Environmental Health 101 (6): 1072 — AAP Policy.

Radiation concerns…

Many, many questions about radiation exposure these days due to the earthquake in Japan.

The March of Dimes has made this information available to its followers.

It is specific to those who live on the West Coast of the U.S.

I hope it is helpful…I have learned more in two weeks than I ever thought I would know about nuclear accidents.

Radiation concerns

We have received several questions from people, especially pregnant women, along the west coast of the U.S. about possible negative effects that might result from any radiation coming from the disaster in Japan.  Our March of Dimes California Chapter has compiled links to great information, which we offer here.

If you are concerned about radiation exposures, you can find the latest information and resources at the links below, which are being updated regularly as the situation in Japan unfolds.

These websites are listed for information only and are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all resources on this issue.

California Teratogen Information Service

Toll free helpline: 1800 532 3749

Website: http://.ctispregnancy.org/

California Department of Public Health

Radiation exposure information line: (916) 341-3947

Website: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/

Radiation Frequently Asked Questions: http://cdph.ca.gov/Pages/RadiationFAQS2011.aspx

Centers for Disease Control / US Department of Health & Human Services:

http://www.hhs.gov/response/2011tsunami/index.html

Health Physics Society

Radiation exposure information (includes information on radiation exposure during pregnancy):

http://www.hps.org/fukushima/

Tags: Pregnancy, radiation, radiation exposure, teratogen

via News Moms Need » Blog Archive » Radiation concerns.

Swimsuit Competition…

“They might not even be in training bras yet, but for girls who shop at Abercrombie & Fitch, it’s never too early for a padded swimsuit.”

via Padded swimsuits for all? Abercrombie and Fitch marketing padded tops to young girls.

Abercrombie and Fitch has sunk to a new low with their marketing of padded swimsuit tops to young girls.

Abercrombie is sexualizing young girls with its new line of bathing suit tops, push ups…push up what at such a young age??

The news media is all over this one…some parents are not particularly concerned…their response simply is to just not buy this particular item.

The professionals that treat adults and children are not so quick to dismiss the discussion…they are concerned about the message young girls are getting about their bodies.

They are concerned that girls are becoming too concerned about their “packaging” rather than feeling good about themselves because of their accomplishments.

Okay…what can we do?

  • we can blog, Twitter and Facebook about Abercrombie’s marketing and advertising policies.
  • we can refuse to buy other items that Abercrombie sells
  • we can keep the discussion going and let Abercrombie know what we as parents will and will not tolerate when it comes to our pocketbooks as this is Abercrombie’s bottom line…PROFIT.

Planned Parenthood needs your help…

Planned Parenthood’s Federal funding is in jeopardy…it is perceived that they provide abortions which they do not.

They do however provide women with other healthcare options and full information concerning their options for unplanned or unwanted pregnancies. No federal funds pay for abortions.

Please follow the link below to learn more about this organization and perhaps sign on to support their fight to maintain their funding so that they can continue to serve women in need.

https://secure.ppaction.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=pp_ppol_healthcareprofessionalsad

March of Dimes takes stand….

I was so excited when I read this letter from the President of the March of Dimes to Ther-Rx regarding Makena.

As a maternal-child nurse and clinical social worker I know from experience how important it is for patients to be able to have access to important medications like Makena. I am so pleased to see the March of Dimes take such a pro-active response to the current situation concerning the affordability of Makena and its availability to the patients that need it.

Thank you March of Dimes!

March of Dimes demands action:

“A letter from Dr. Jennifer Howse, March of Dimes President, to Greg Divis, President Ther-Rx Corporation regarding Makena.

March 23, 2011

Greg Divis, President

Ther-Rx Corporation

One Corporate Woods

Bridgeton, MO 63044

Dear Mr. Divis:

Thank you for your letter of March 17th.  I am pleased to learn that you are ‘listening carefully to stakeholder concerns about list price, patient access, and cost to payers’.  Thank you for considering additional steps to ensure that Makena is available to all eligible women, and for  convening stakeholders from the March of Dimes, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine next week.

In advance of that meeting, I want to go on the record that March of Dimes expects Ther-Rx to come to the table  with substantive commitments including:

1) A significant reduction in the list price of Makena.

2) Adjustments to the patient assistance program to ensure adequate coverage of all patients, insured, uninsured and underinsured.

3) A method for reporting on a regular basis to stakeholders on the patient assistance program to ensure that it is meeting needs in a timely and adequate way.

4) A justification or rationale for your pricing based on your investment in the product, savings to the health care system, or other appropriate methodology, which you are prepared to make public.

Without these elements, I do not believe that Makena can succeed in the current marketplace environment, and as a result, at -risk women will be denied access to a safe and effective treatment to reduce preterm delivery.  Therefore if you are unable to make a clear commit-ment to significantly address the above issues at the meeting, the March of Dimes will need to pursue alternative strategies for ensuring that this proven intervention to prevent preterm birth is made available to all medically eligible pregnant women, and we will step away from our longstanding and productive corporate relationship with Ther-RX.  Thank you for your consideration of this critical matter.

Sincerely,

Jennifer L. Howse, PhD

President

Tags: 17p, Makena, Ther-Rx

via News Moms Need » Blog Archive » MOD demands prompt action.

Parents and Travel….

NOTEWORTHY WEDNESDAY!

I am traveling this week…West Coast …LA…. East Coast…Boston/RI…Midwest…Chicago….

Apropos that I would receive this March of Dimes update for the mom that travels.

Passing it on to the moms and dads.

“Way up in the sky mom…

Many working moms have to travel for their careers.  I traveled when my children were babies and still travel now that they’re school-aged.  I want to share my six tips for traveling working moms and pregnant moms-to-be too:

1.    Pack less: Don’t physically exhaust yourself from carrying heavy bags; especially if you’re a breastfeeding mom, traveling with baby.  I remember traveling with my daughter when she was a baby. With baby on board in one arm, I also toted my breast pump bag with the milk containers inside and placed my diapering essentials in my laptop bag.

2.    Check Baggage: Make it easier for yourself and check your non-essential baggage through the airline.  If I do this, I pack an extra set of clothing and my toiletries inside the carry on.  You also could pack a scarf in your carry on that will work for business attire and matches your extra clothing set.  If your checked baggage does not arrive you will be ok.

3.    Mom, use the crayons: A fun activity for you mom is to write your child a note with their favorite color crayons.  Then, have your caregiver in charge (a partner, grandma or your daycare provider) read and show it to them while you’re away.

4.    Connect with a click.  The caregiver in charge can introduce technology by sending you photos of your kids or scanning a drawing they created.  You also can use Webcams, Skype, email or “old-fashioned” voice mail to stay connected.

5.    Keep family schedules on track.  One lesson I learned is that life does not stop when mom is on business travel.  No matter what work commitments I have I keep my family rolling with their schedules.

6.    Say no to guilt.  One of the toughest things for mom is to get rid of that guilt.  Minimize negative thoughts and highlight positives. My kids’ favorite thing is pre-taped recorded bedtime stories.  The beauty in this is they can listen to my voice telling the story over and over.

What is one favorite tip you have for traveling working moms?

Tags: breastfeeding moms and travel, travel during pregnancy, working moms

via News Moms Need » Blog Archive » Way up in the sky mom….

News Moms Need: Dental health during pregnancy

Dental Health is very important  to our general good health. There are many bacteria in our mouths and if we do not have good dental health there is the chance of  that bacteria affecting our systemic health.

So here is a link to dental health when you are pregnant…but also talk to your parents and children about maintaining good oral health.

“Dental health during pregnancy

It’s best to have your teeth cleaned and checked for any trouble spots before pregnancy, but being pregnant is no reason to avoid your dentist.

During pregnancy, your gums are more likely to become inflamed or infected. Most pregnant women have some bleeding of their gums, especially while brushing or flossing their teeth. Inflamed gums are called “gingivitis.” Infected gums are called “periodontal disease.” You may also notice that your mouth produces more saliva during pregnancy. Your gums and teeth may change during pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Increased blood flow throughout your body can cause swelling, sensitivity and tenderness in your gums.

via News Moms Need » Blog Archive » Dental health during pregnancy.”

Study O.K.’s Light Drinking During Pregnancy. Too Good to Be True?

This is interesting information from a study published not too long ago…

The emphasis is on the definition of “light” drinking.

I do not necessarily agree with drinking while pregnant but I do like to present current information and the sources.

It is kind of appropriate information for St. Patrick’s Day….right?

“A glass of wine or two a week — and not more than one large glass on any occasion — may be safe during pregnancy, according to a large study just published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The British research found no negative effects of such light drinking on 5-year-olds whose mothers had imbibed while pregnant with them. Indeed, these kindergartners were slightly less likely to have behavioral problems and performed somewhat better on cognitive tests than children whose mothers had abstained. (More on Time.com: 5 Pregnancy Taboos Explained (or Debunked))

But this does *not* mean that light drinking in pregnancy is good for your baby. When researchers controlled for factors like maternal education and income, which tend to be higher in light drinkers, it significantly reduced the positive effects associated with alcohol. For example, before adjusting for these kinds of differences between the groups, the researchers found that light drinking was connected with 33% lower rates of overall behavior problems in boys — after the adjustment, that effect fell to 23%.

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2010/10/06/study-o-k-s-light-drinking-during-pregnancy-too-good-to-be-true/#ixzz1GrMXpFmc

Study O.K.’s Light Drinking During Pregnancy. Too Good to Be True? -… – StumbleUpon.”