Vitamin D has been well researched over the years in its’ role in calcium absorption and metabolism of bone health. But recent research is suggesting that vitamin D may have an important role in many diseases thus playing some impact on our immune system.

One wonder about vitamin D is its association with flus. Why don’t we have many  flu  cases during the summer months? Is it possible that flu cases are associated with Vitamin D levels? The sun gives our bodies enough vitamin D ( when we are not slathering on copious amounts of sunscreen) during the sunny summer months, so maybe that is our answer to prevention of colds and flus during the winter months.

Something to ponder about about.

Doctor Greg and Greg fromt he Natures Cure Clinic are podcasting about Vitamin D and giving some important facts ( and myths!).

They talk about…

sunscreen - UVA and B rays

• We take in most of our needed vitamin D by the sun ( but there are some food sources - see below)
• UVB rays are needed to activate vitamin D but this is what we normally block when wearing sunscreen
• UVA rays are associated with cancer ( find a sun block that blocks these rays!)

food sources

• D3 is the active form and is mostly  found in animal sources, for example; fish ( yummy cod liver oil), halibut, sardines, salmon
  

• D2 is found in almost all plant sources but it needs to be converted to D3 in the body ( which is more work for the body)

optimal and reference ranges (interesting)

• D2 is mostly given as a prescription ( and at a high dose) although it is much more desirable to take the more usable and potent form D3
• Reference range: 30 to 100 ( based on disease)
• Optimal range ( naturopathic range: indicates health): get a baseline to see where you are, then supplement
• Toxicity risk? Minimal unless you are taking mega huge dosages ( less is usually more!)

dosages ( remember to work with a physician and get a baseline first)

• RDA 200 IU a day
• Optimal dosage: 1100 IU a day

and so much more

• so go ahead and listen to them!
  

I really enjoys listening to what they have to say and want to pass it on to you. Take the time to listen as they are witty, charming and extremely knowledgeable.

Happy listening!

PS If you are like us and do put on daily sunscreen, maybe some Liquid Sunshine - Pure Encapsulations Vitamin D3 liquid would be helpful for you. You can purchase through Emerson Ecologics on my shopping supplements page.

Finding a Naturopathic Physician

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I was walking with a friend of mine the other day and I was telling her about a woman whose doctor, 10 years ago, did not write in her chart that she discovered some endometriosis while doing surgery on her ( the doctor told the present doctor this). She didn’t, of course, realize this at the time but since that surgery she has had growing abdominal pain and has finally found a doctor who decided not to give her pain meds but to find out what the cause of her on going pain.

Anyway, she is doing great now but it is a reminder of how important it is to get your medical records and labs from your doctor. I think it gives people more ownership of their health - which it turns may have people become more proactive in taking care of themselves.

To get your medical records you will need to sign a release form that all hospitals and most doctor offices will have. This should not be a problem and it is very important that you have a record of what your doctors have written about you to make sure nothing has been overlooked. Once you have these records, create a folder of all of the papers and put in a safe spot.

Be well,

Medicine Cabinet Part 3

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PS Please go to my Shopping Supplements page and shop at Emerson Ecologics!

Medicine Cabinet Part Two

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PS Please go to my Shopping Supplements page and shop at Emerson Ecologics!

Medicine Cabinet Part One

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PS Please go to my Shopping Supplements page and shop at Emerson Ecologics!

My friend Eric Bonnici interviewed me a few months ago. We sat down for about an hour! - so he broke up the interview into 5 segments. I will be posting the interviews, one by one, in the next few weeks.

Hope you enjoy them and if you have any questions for me or Eric please email us.

Be well,

Daily Health Care for Children

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This topic comes up a lot with my woman friends. And it is something I have been thinking about since my mid 30s. Sometime in our 40s ( yes, it is called perimenopause!) our ovaries diligent work begins to slow down but since our body works as an incredible team our courageous adrenal glands ( there are 2,  located on top of each kidney) start picking up the slack. Usually this is not much of a problem, however, I do think helping out our adrenal glands as they journey into this added job description, could use some extra support. As women, we work our adrenals a lot - they are mostly likely on overtime, most of the time, especially in our 30s as we work on careers, relationships and with some, parenting.

I say, “love thy adrenals!”

The adrenals love vitamin C, licorice (Yoga Tea brand licorice-mint tea is the best) ( although please do not take if you have elevated blood pressure as licorice is known to raise it), find some ways to reduce stress (exercise and/or meditation - yoga is fantastic), eat well-balanced whole colourful food diet and get as much sleep as possible.

Be well,

When I was in school one of my teachers (also a doctor) spoke of a child patient who had cancer. They came to him for some alternative therapies and my teacher suggested some visualization.

He had the child close his eyes and start describing the cancer in every aspect - colour, hairy, ball-like etc. Once that was established, my teacher had him describe his own warriors or defenses in his body. The scene was set, the battle visualized with the  cancer was being destroyed.

This didn’t occur in one visit but over many. The weeks that followed were full of imaginative creative stories on how his body was destroying the cancer. Not only did the child feel better after the sessions, he was physically better.

This story made a big impact on me. It actually is one of the reasons that led me to write my series of educational adventure stories called, Human Body Detectives. And when my kids are sick, I have them visualize their white blood cells destroying the bad bug. They really get into it, describing the bugs in full detail and the battle scene.

We don’t know for sure if creative visualization really boasts our immune systems but as a parent and a doctor, I see how it allows us to be physically and emotionally stronger and proactive in our health.

Be well,

Last weekend I spent spent a lovely few hours with some colleagues. We talked about many things but one thing in particular…how we are going to strengthen our immunity for the upcoming cold/flu season?

I thought I would share with all my followers what I plan to do for myself and my family. I am keeping  my medicine cabinet fully stocked throughout the winter months and I have told the family that we will be upping our supplements intake for the next few months. Although they probably will not even notice since I usually throw everything into a blender ( I put in a whey/rice base or soy based protein powders - ProBasics or IsoProtein)!

Everything that I am suggesting can be purchased on my Emerson Ecologics custom form. You will need the access code which is 96743 and if you have yet to set up an account you will need to do that.

Cold/Flu Prevention Protocol

First of all, the most important things to do are…

1. wash your hands all the time with soap and water!

2. sleep well and for at least 7 to 8 hours ( more for kids)

3. eat a whole colourful foods - well balanced diet

4. keep the stress levels down and find ways to relief stress

Daily supplement guidance

1. probiotic (Seroyal/Genestra HMF)

2. cod liver oil - capsule or liquid ( Nordic Naturals)

3. a little bit of “Berry Well Immune Support” powder by Vital Nutrients for the kids

4. mushroom complex: Innate MaikeGold 404

5. liquid vitamin d3 ( pure encapsulations - Vitamin d3 is the active form of vitamin d)

• recommended dose: 1000IUs per 25 pounds

• for a preventative measure, I would do 1 drop for kids up to 75 pounds and over 75 pounds 2 to 3 drops

6. vitamin c: Carlson’s chewables or alacer corp emergency c or pure encapsulations

If you or someone gets sick…

1. Homeopathics

• Boiron Oscillococcinum - for children or adults
• or Heel Flu Plus
• Nux Vomica 30c

2. Wise Woman Herbal (WWH)

• Elderberry tincture: I make a “grape juice” for the kids when they are sick and they sip on it throughout the day
• Children’s glycerite: for kids
• Phytobiotic capsules: for adults
• * if your kids prefer chewables. then Integrative Therapeutics Echinacea vitamin C with Elderberry maybe the best*

3. Vitamin C

• up to bowel tolerance ( 5 to 10 grams a day)

Doasges and protocol: Take medicines as directed. I like to suggest to people to take something every 2 hours. For example:

• take one of the WWH
• vitamin c
• homeopathic
• and then start all over again

Do this for at least 5 days and at least 2 days after you feel better ( but you can cut back on the timing and/or dosages).

And of course some hydrotherapy (magic socks) during the day and night will be key.

Please email me with any questions!

Be well,

A few weeks ago, my neighbour and friend interviewed me for his website, Living Uncondionanally/Holistic Human. His site connects and works with people in health, business and spiritually related fields. It is really a non profit  educational organization.

We sat in his office for about an hour as he asked me questions from everything from children’s health to Human Body Detectives to finding the right naturopathic physician. He divided the hour interview into 5 different segments. Below is the first segment on children’s health. You can watch the other segments by going to this link.

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This was written by a colleague ( and good friend) of mine. We have very similar thoughts on disease, disease prevention and overall health and lifestyle choices. I was excited to read her updated perspective on the Swine Flu. She makes me laugh about being “naive” about the overall health of Americans. To me, it just makes sense to eat well, exercise, laugh, drink water, wash your hands and take a few supplements. But really that is what we need to teach the general public - the basics for optimal healthy living or just being.

I say we become proactive in our way of living, embrace what we have and strive towards making changes in our daily life so we can achieve optima health. We can all make healthier choices whether it be breathing deeply, to eating more vegetables or just being more present with life in general!

Please take a moment and read Dr. Anderson-Ross’s blog and my last blog entry on H1N1. I want to pass on as much as I can about health - the pros and cons to everything - people can then make the best decision for themselves and their families.

Be well,

This is a fantastic NPR  posting and video animation on the immune system! It is short and very informative with not too much medical terms ( if any, really!)

And if you want to learn more about the immune system, pick up my new book, HBD: Battle with the Bugs, which is a fun educational story -telling journey through the immune system. Watch the book trailer here.

Be well,

The other day while my daughter, Merrin was grooming her ( well she wishes her) horse, she asked me to grab her camera out of her backpack. While, I was searching through all her books, I noticed a few things.

It was a moment of true parental satisfaction. The moment where all you teachings about certain things come into fruition.

She had a homeopathic Belladonna ( she sometimes gets headaches - middle school thing), Arnica and a tube of Arnica cream.

She is being proactive in her health. I love it. I want to send her off in the world knowing that she knows how to keep her body healthy and what do do if she gets sick. She is already doing it.

Happy mom!

This was written by a colleague of mine, Dr. Thad Jacobs.

H1N1 Flu Infection Prevention

Vaccination has its benefits, but do the risks associated with the H1N1 vaccine outweigh the benefits? The research indicates that the main groups targeted by manufacturers to take the flu vaccine are the most likely to suffer severe side effects, including:

-Pregnant women
• Children over the age of 6 months with chronic health conditions
• Adults with chronic health conditions such as chronic respiratory disease, asthma, or obesity

According to a vaccine manufacturer’s package insert, these side effects include life-threatening and debilitating Guillain-Barre Syndrome, vasculitis, paralysis, anaphylactic shock and death. Although these adverse side effects are rare, you and your doctor must determine the appropriateness of the H1N1 flu vaccine if you fall into any of the groups listed above or have a severe medical condition.

For people who refuse vaccination or are poor candidates for vaccination due to a medical condition, flu may thwarted by basic hygiene and diet and lifestyle approaches. Basic hygiene involves not touching your face or mouth with unwashed hands, sneezing or coughing into a handkerchief which you DO NOT share with anyone else, and frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizers, particularly before meal time. A few lifestyle modifications, such as healthy diet, managing stress, and supplementing with vitamin D and colostrum, may also go far in preventing disease.

Healthy Diet Prevents Flu

Put down that donut! A sugary diet suppresses important immune system cells responsible for fighting infections.1,2 In fact, it has been shown that a single sugary snack can suppress immune activity up to 48 hours after sugar exposure. Refined grains, such as white flour, likely has a similar effect when eaten because of how rapidly the carbohydrate in these foods are absorbed into the bloodstream. Limiting sugar and refined carbohydrate intake is not only good for preventing flu and other infections, it’s good for your health in general. Common sugary food sources are sodas, juices, honey, condiments, candies and many baked goods.

Some basic healthy dietary guidelines include:

•Do not over-eat.
• Eat a variety of foods.
• Consider organically grown food.
• Eat as much of your food raw or lightly-cooked as possible.
• Eat fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Avoid drinks containing sugar or caffeine.
• Avoid sugars.
• Avoid processed and refined foods; particularly refined grain flours and foods made with them.
• Avoid hydrogenated trans-fatty acids.
• Use only certain oils for cooking and frying; such as olive oil, for low-temperature cooking, or grape seed oil, for high-temperature cooking.
• Limit animal protein intake in the form of red meat, chicken, pork, eggs and dairy to a few ounces per day.
• Eat whole grains, pseudograins, nuts, seeds and legumes.
• Eat more fish.

With regard to eating fish, it is recommended to avoid fish known to contain unsafe levels of heavy metals and other chemical pollutants. The fish to avoid are tuna, Atlantic salmon, farmed salmon, sea bass, oysters, marlin, halibut, pike, walleye, white croaker, largemouth bass, shark, swordfish and fish know to be from polluted waters. The safest fish to eat are small fish varieties, such as anchovies and sardines, and those grown in minimally polluted areas like the Arctic, Antarctic or Alaskan waters. Wild northwestern US, Canadian and Alaskan salmon and halibut are good choices. Arctic white fish and farmed tilapia are known to be significantly less effected by pollution too.

Stress Can Make You Sick

Stress is a well-known contributor to many types of illnesses. Flu and other infections are higher in individuals who report higher levels of life stress and anxiety. Cortisol is a hormone released in higher amounts when one experiences excessive physical or emotional stress. Cortisol helps us adapt to acute bouts of stress and inflammatory conditions, but prolonged exposure to high amounts circulating in the system inhibits normal immune system cell function.3-7
There are many ways to manage stress to encourage healthy immune system function and health and well-being in general. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular aerobic exercise are the foundation for supporting physical and mental health. Stress management should be individualized to meet your specific needs; therefore, discuss ways to deal with stress with a health care provider who specializes in this area.

Vitamin D May Prevent H1N1

Vitamin D has been shown in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to prevent colds and flu. Vitamin D, which is actually not a vitamin at all but a hormone, plays a crucial role in the production of antimicrobial compounds in the fluids that coat and lubricate the respiratory tract. Vitamin D deficiency is well associated with increased disease risk and supplementation has been shown to enhance immunity in many studies.
To treat active infection and prevent disease after recent exposure, I recommend taking very high doses of vitamin D to promote naturally occurring antibiotic compounds produced in the body. One thousand international units (1,000 IU) per pound of body weight can be used during active infections. Five to ten thousand international units (5,000-10,000 IU) can be used daily by adults preventively, but a blood test should be given after a two months to determine if this dose provides adequate protection.
For a more in-depth explanation of Vitamin D’s important disease-fighting role in relation to preventing H1N1 illness, I hightly recommend you read the views of vitamin D authority, Dr. John Cannell, MD.

Colostrum May Prevent H1N1

Colostrum is the first milk produced by a cow around the time of giving birth. It is rich in immunoglobulins (antibodies) and other components needed to support healthy immune function of the calf. Colostrum-derived immunoglobulins likely account for the majority of the immune system enhancing effects seen in colostrum studies.
Authors of a 2007 Italian study concluded, “Colostrum, both in healthy subjects and high-risk cardiovascular patients, is at least 3 times more effective than vaccination to prevent flu and is very cost-effective.”8 The study also revealed that colostrum was 3 times more effective than no vaccine prophylaxis. In fact, the flu vaccine was actually found to be worse than doing nothing at all; suggesting that the vaccine was the incorrect recombinant and the well-known immunosuppressive effect of vaccines played a role in predisposing individuals to another flu strain.
It is unknown whether colostrum would be effective against H1N1 specifically, but it sheds light on a potential new, inexpensive, food-based H1N1 prevention and treatment strategy.

References
1. Sanchez, A., et al. Role of Sugars in Human Neutrophilic Phagocytosis, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Nov 1973;261:1180_1184. Bernstein, J., al. Depression of Lymphocyte Transformation Following Oral Glucose Ingestion. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.1997;30:613
2. Ringsdorf, W., Cheraskin, E. and Ramsay R. Sucrose, Neutrophilic Phagocytosis and Resistance to Disease, Dental Survey. 1976;52(12):46_48.
3. Butcher SK, Killampalli V, Lascelles D, et al. Raised cortisol:DHEAS ratios in the elderly after injury: potential impact upon neutrophil function and immunity. Aging Cell. 2005 Dec;4(6):319-24.
4. Reiche EM, Morimoto HK, Nunes SM. Stress and depression-induced immune dysfunction: implications for the development and progression of cancer. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2005 Dec;17(6):515-27.
5. Godbout JP, Glaser R. Stress-induced immune dysregulation: implications for wound healing, infectious disease and cancer. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2006 Dec;1(4):421-7.
6. Cohen S, Hamrick N, Rodriguez MS, et al. Reactivity and vulnerability to stress-associated risk for upper respiratory illness. Psychosom Med. 2002 Mar-Apr;64(2):302-10.
7. Arranz L, Guayerbas N, De la Fuente M. Impairment of several immune functions in anxious women. J Psychosom Res. 2007 Jan;62(1):1-8.
8. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Di Renzo A, et al. Prevention of influenza episodes with colostrum compared with vaccination in healthy and high-risk cardiovascular subjects: the epidemiologic study in San Valentino. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2007 Apr;13(2):130-6.

On October 1st, my little Pearl begged me to take out all the Halloween stuff. This is her absolute favourite holiday. She was due on Halloween but didn’t come that day but she still stakes claims on it.

I grabbed the neighbours 6 foot ladder ( yes I am married to a general contractor but we have no ladder…?) and off to the attic I go. When I am poking my head into the dark space , I noticed a brown box and remember that is one of the Halloween decoration boxes. I go to grab it not noticing ( or really seeing ) the iron metal spider web wreath for our door, on top of it. The minute I grab the box the wreath comes full force towards me. It was a short distance and I had absolutely no time - it hit me just above my cheek bone. And it hurt and Pearl gasped.

Down the ladder I came as my husband walked in and saw my bloody face. He wondered about stitches but I was more worried about a black eye ( but happily relieved it didn’t hit my eye!).  I went straight to my medicine cabinet, grabbed homeopathic arnica ( 200c) and arnica cream. For the next 2 hrs, I took the arnica pellets and gently rubbed the cream into my very tender cheek. I was absolutely astonished ( as I always am when I truly put homeopathy to the test) that after 2 hours, I had no bruising or swelling. It is still sore but I am so relieved not to have a blue and black cheek and eye.

Everyone needs arnica in their medicine cabinet. I see arnica, over and over again, work these amazing miracles with kids ( and now me!).

Off to the store you must go or to Emerson Ecologics on my site!

Be well,

I have been wanting to write a blog about this but to be honest I keep forgetting to jot it down on my “what to blog about” list. Well, my sister helped by sending some information on the new Phillips rechargeable sonic toothbrush for kids. Pearl has been begging for her own electric toothbrush and this will be a perfect gift for her.

Let me back up a bit. This past summer, Pearl went in for her annual dental check. She loves going to the doctor, dentist or chiropractor so she considered it a fun activity. Although this visit was not such a great one ~unfortunately she had a few cavities. I feel like it is a bit my fault. In the last year I have let her brush and floss her own teeth. Brushing is ok but the dentist said that kids do not have the dexterity to floss their own teeth until they are 8. I had never heard of this! Since the cavities were between her teeth, we needed to take some serious action in the flossing department. I bought her some triple clean floss picks and I make sure to watch her do it. This new toothbrush will be the perfect addition to her dental hygiene routine.

This is a really good habit for her to get into now, as dental health is really important. The mouth is the gateway to the inside of our bodies so helping the immune system by cleaning and flossing our teeth can really help keep our bodies strong and healthy.

Be well,

This is my all time favourite herb! It has many medicinal properties ~ it is anti-microbial, anti-viral, soothing to the mucous membranes and I think tastes amazing!

The kids have been in school for the last few weeks and their classmates have been sick and the girls’ immunes have been challenged. I have been adding “Berry Well’ in their smoothies as well as cod liver oil and probiotics, but this morning Pearl came down and said she didn’t feel well. So I gave her a dropperful of glycyrrhiza tincture with some warm water and she guzzled it down ..super fast!

You can pick up a tincture bottle at any healthfood store or purchase through Emerson on my site. It is nice to have handy!

Be well,

Last Spring a friend of mine came down with an MRSA infection. She really thought nothing of it at first but then it wouldn’t go away and seemed to be  getting worse, so she went to the doctor. She was diagnosed with a MRSA infection. Luckily no long lasting sequelae occurred but there could have been.

I stumbled across this recent article on the National Geographic News and was happy to read that nature is showing its physical gifts to us! Also, made me really appreciate HoneyBee and all the things ( yummy too!) they do for us.

Be well,

My good friends Drs. Eckel and Nigh latest Nature Cures Clinic Health Chat is on the Swine Flu. They talk about the disease, vaccinations and the immune system. It is quite informative. Much of their date I had not heard of (for example; pharmaceuticals company being excempt to accusations to any side effects) but most of their researched based chat is very important for all to listen to.

Love the quote from them, “infection is infection.” Very true and really it is the health of the body. Yes, sometimes you need to be more aggressive with certain infections but in general treating diseases has the same protocol.

Basically increase your immunity by….

• Wash your hands
• Eat well and drink water
• Sleep well
• Be active
• Breathe deeply

And during the winter months….

• Check out you serum vitamin d levels
• Take a good quality multi vitamin
• Take vitamin c daily
• Take probiotics
• Have echinacea herbal tincture or some immune botanical medicine at home

Please listen to what these amazing doctors have to say and do your research so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

Be well,

PS check out my site for more information on supplements, hydrotherapy, homeopathy

Recently, President Obama went to the Cleveland Wellness Clinic to check out their Lifestyle 180 program. No wonder he visited because it is truly amazing. Here is an excerpt from their home page:

“If you are among the 25 million Americans with a chronic disease, your risks for death and disability are significantly higher than normal. In addition, you are most likely coping with ongoing pain, fatigue, difficulty moving, sleep deprivation or other obstacles to a vibrant, healthy life.

Each year that passes without you taking charge of your health is an opportunity missed - an opportunity to feel good, look good, enjoy greater energy and feel less stressed.

The good news is that if you are committed to making positive changes in your lifestyle, Cleveland Clinic’s Lifestyle 180 program can teach you how to reclaim your health and vitality.”

I love their program because it is teaching people to make lifestyle changes in order for them to be more proactive and confidant in their own health. There is no doubt about it, but diet, activity and not coping with your daily stress are the key reasons for not living a healthy life. This clinic will help, support and guide you through these changes. Even corporations are getting on board and sending their employees to the clinic. A happier, healthier employee cannot help but be more productive (and cost the employer less in health insurance!)

Let’s hope the President will really learn something from his visit and really try to implement the clinic’s successes for the rest of America.

Be well,

About one year after Merrin was born I was still super tired. I blamed in on school and being a new mom but enough was enough and I decided to go to the doctors and get some lab tests done.

Everything looked fine…even my thyroid panel which is what we thought might be off. Despite the fact it didn’t appear that I was iron deficient, my amazing doctor decided to dig a little further and tested  my ferritin levels. Ferritin is a globular protein that is pretty much the primary storage of iron in the body. My levels were minuscule…so I was anemic, very anemic.

The reason I am telling this story is to show the importance of really getting to the cause of a problem. Be diligent with your doctor about having a few extra tests done. Sometimes you need to pay for these tests but usually it is not much more than $20.00.

Be well,

This is a bit of a hot topic right now, and I think it should be!

At this moment there is really no regulation from the FDA on supplements until they are on the shelf. The Council of Responsible Nutrition says that by-law a supplement company must put what is in the bottle on the label. This is a great start, however, some mis labeling can occur. For example, with Echinacea, it is the root that is highly medicinal. To keep costs down a supplement company may want to only use 5% of the root and 95% of the rest of the flower. With no real regulation, this type of business may occur.

I highly suggest that people visit their doctors - naturopathic, medical or chiropractic - and purchase their supplements through them. There are great supplement companies at the local stores but I would do some research on the companies first or even ask your doctor for a company he recommends. It will save you some money and most importantly, keep you healthy on the best supplement.

Be well,

With school just around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to introduce my new discovery, Jonesy’s Allergy Cards.

An allergy card is a custom card created for your child with their name, birth date, allergies, EpiPen directions and your contact information.

To me, they seem quite essential if your child has any type of allergies from food to bees.

Jonesy offers 2 types of cards, one for a restaurant and one for play dates, that will escort your child wherever they are going.  Jonesy will help design a perfect card that fits your child’s own specific needs.

Please pass this information on to anyone you may know who has a child with allergies. It is really an inexpensive way to inform people about your child’s needs.

Be well,

PS Jonesy designs an array of beautiful cards (they do custom work as well), so take a minute and check out her site

My kids have started school …..and now I am working, quietly except for my few YIPPPEEES, with no interruptions.

Every year before school starts I take them to visit their doctor. Since she became their doctor, this is the really the only time and reason we go see her. My older daughter always complains but I think it is important to establish a relationship with your doctor in case something does happen and you really need them.

Ok well this is what happened. Our health insurance changed this year and when I handed over the new cards the receptionist told me that the girls check up would not be covered. I was baffled. How could they not cover something clearly so preventative. And then later in the day I stumbled across this article, “Rate of severe childhood obesity up sharply in U.S.” Maybe if parents didn’t need to pay the $100 or so for the yearly check up, this number may not be so high!

I realize that no simple answer exists but do realize something needs to occur and that it will have to be multiply of things,for example, free yearly check ups, more outdoor play time (PE), and educating the children more about their bodies ( this is where Human Body Detectives could play a role).

Let me know what you think and what problems you may have with your insurance company.

Be well,