Funny Kiddo Video – Part II (w.08.11.10)
Since I am only fluent in English, I hope when this is translated, isn’t offensive to my readers! If it is, please write me back and give me the dirt! ~ Nurse Mommy
Fast Tube by Casper
KC Star news: Stacey Hatton Commentary (m.08.09.10)
Reprint from The Kansas City Star news (11/04/2009)
Brace yourself for perfect princess party
By Stacey Hatton
Wednesday,November 4, 2009
Edition: METROPOLITAN, Section: JOHNSON COUNTY, Page 2
With my daughter’s fourth year approaching, all anyone heard from her for two months prior was her upcoming party, the presents she desired and the cake…oh, yes, the pink cake!
As a first time mother, I wasn’t aware how important these three things were, but fortunately, since she reminded me every 13 minutes, I was prepared. A young girl’s fourth birthday, in terms of life importance, is comparable to your first new car, senior prom, your wedding day and the next book in the “Twilight” series all tied into one. It’s that big. Now our daughter’s party request was a surprise to my husband and me, who thought she was enough of a tomboy to barrel through the princess phase unscathed, but boy, were we mistaken.
Tip No. 1: If you have a girl who is 3 years old, start saving up for next year’s party because she will demand:
It must be a princess party — a perfectly precious princess party.
50 balloons, pink and off-pink.
Huge pink cake with pink icing and princesses on it. (Translation: Every Disney princess that has ever been created.)
Every guest must be dressed as a princess, preferably in what? Yes, pink.
A pink princess piñata. I know what you are thinking. Yes, they do make these scary contraptions, but you don’t have to beat a princess over the head with a baseball bat anymore. You can buy a pull-string piñata, but it still felt odd having every child grab a ribbon from the perfectly pink underskirt and seeing copious amounts of candy fall on the floor. We opted for a pink tiara piñata. It’s just as effective for the kids without all the adult jokes.
Tip No. 2: Do not mention this party to your child again until the morning of the big day. If you think it’s a bonding experience to involve your child in the party planning, you are wrong.
So how many girls get invited?
Tip No. 3: Many invitation and party kits come in sets of eight. Whatever you do, don’t invite nine girls. It will rock your planning world.
Tip No. 4: Are there any big sporting events on this day? If you want the men in your family to be present, don’t schedule the big event during a Big 12 or Chief’s football game. They will be irritated and resentment might ensue. This is no way to start off a princess party.
Next, do you have any friends who owe you a big favor? Any friends you can hit up to help on the big day with an “I might need a little help with a teensy, tiny art project for a few girls”?
Promising cake can help if they hesitate, but I told my friend she could keep her tiara and that was enough.
The big day arrives and I was prepared. My friend showed up early, grabbed a tiara and we stood post for the “carriages” to arrive.
Here’s a quick version of the party: introductions and greetings in formal dining room, art project, opening of presents, piñata string spectacular, dance break and a reading of Cinderella.
Things were going great! Then I leaned into my friend and whispered, “We only have cake and ice cream to do, and over an hour and a half left!”
Tip No. 5: Have much more planned than you think you have time for. This can include such improvised games as pin the pink ribbon on the door or pick up the piñata candy with a spoon and put it in your princess purse. Or the best one we came up with: turn up the radio and have a princess dance fest!
The princess party was perfectly precious!
The girls had a great time and after I awoke from my sugar induced coma, I realized all the effort was worth it. My daughter remained in her dress and heels until bedtime, requesting to wear them to sleep (denied). However, she got over it quickly, told me how much she loved her party and was asleep before her head hit her royal pillow.
And I’m pretty sure my big 4-year-old princess dreamt in “pink” that night.
Stacey Hatton is a freelance writer who lives in Overland Park.
©2010, Hatton. All rights reserved.
Diet Soda Can Make you Fatter?
Take a look at this video if you are addicted to diet soda (like some nurse and Mom I know). Interesting argument…
Fast Tube by Casper
Lawrence Journal-World newspaper: Wellness website
Just wanted to give everyone an update of another writing venture of mine. Growing up in Lawrence, KS we always read the Journal-World news. My mother and I actually competed to see how many times each of us could get in print! Luckily, we lost track and we are about even I think.
I am going to be the administrator for the “Healthy Kids!” group on LJW’s WellCommons.com website. I am thrilled about the possibilities if we can get this up and running!
“If you parents need to vent, ask health questions, share crazy parent stories, please join my new group at the Lawrence Journal-World’s online health site. Come check out my newest venture called Healthy Kids!”
http://wellcommons.com/groups/healthy-kids/
Even if you don’t live in Lawrence, please feel free to join the site (FREE) and get in the discussions about your role as a parent, your children’s habits, and overall good health for your family.
Funny Kiddo Video (w.08.04.10)
I’m assuming that no children were hurt in the filming of this, but if they were I hope they are well and now find it funny! ~ Nurse Mommy
Fast Tube by Casper
KC Parent magazine (August 2010)
You Want Fiber with That?
8/1/2010 12:00:00 AM
Fiber Facts
Have you ever thought of fiber helping to “clean the cobwebs” out of the bowel system? Dr. Deb Winburn, with Overland Park’s Premier Pediatrics, explains “Soluble fiber (whole grains, fruits and vegetables) not only transport vital nutrients (to) where they can be absorbed, but also ‘drag’ water along to flush out waste products.”
“Diets with little fiber promote slow gut function, and therefore allow more time for stool to sit in the bowel,” according to Winburn. “The result – a dry bowel movement which can be difficult to pass.”
Daily Requirements:
Melissa Mereghetti, a Kansas City pediatric registered dietitian, instructs her patients to eat the recommended soluble daily fiber. “Try to make half of your grains come from whole grains by changing from white bread, white pasta, white tortillas and white rice to whole wheat (products),” she says. “If your kids seem resistant at first, you can mix whole wheat pasta with regular pasta, or white rice with brown rice.”
Increasing Children’s Fiber:
Mereghetti advises to increase fiber intake gradually to ensure that your child tolerates it well. Begin the day by offering a higher fiber breakfast cereal (at least 3 grams of fiber/serving). She also suggests, “Top cereal with fruit for extra fiber and nutrients. Whole fruits provide more fiber than fruit juice.”
At snack time, provide vegetables with dip or peanut butter. Smoothies, popcorn, whole wheat crackers and homemade trail mix are also great choices, Mereghetti counsels. For dinner, set out a plate of fruit or vegetables to go along with your meal.
Prevention of Constipation:
Winburn says, “It doesn’t take long for toddlers to associate hard or painful stools with the act of passing them. This can result in withholding or toileting refusal.”
“Failure to eliminate fecal matter leads to decreased appetite for solids and liquids, which leads to dehydration and a larger stool load. Increasing liquids (16-32 oz. daily), increasing fiber, and the addition of softening agents (juices, raisins, prunes, etc.) are instrumental in correcting constipation.”
She also recommends exercise and a scheduled time to sit on the stool after a meal as essential elements of regular stooling. “Unfortunately, ‘slow guts’ run in families.”
Supplements:
“Added fiber supplements can help with bowel irritation or constipation,” says Winburn.” She advises these should only replace fiber when you cannot get the child to eat the fruits and vegetables. The real thing is better if possible, but it’s nice to know there is a backup plan for those picky eaters.
Stacey Hatton is an Overland Park pediatric nurse, mom of two daughters and freelance writer.
Dinnertime at Nurse Mommy’s House (w. 07.28.10)
(a true story)
Nurse Mommy: (to her preschoolers)
Are you ready for dinner?
Munchkin #2:
No, dinner makes me CRAZY!
Nurse Mommy: (holding back laughter)
What?!
Munchkin#1 (older sister):
No, sugar makes you crazy!
Munchkin #2:
Can I have some ice cream then?
I love the twisted logic of this age. Always keeps me on my toes and laughing throughout the day!
~ Nurse Mommy
Project Mom Casting Audition
To sum up my life on paper wreaks of a crazy gal who can’t make up her mind what she wants to be when she grows up. I’m 42 with two preschool girl (sounds normal, huh? Just wait…) I have retired from two careers already: a professional musical theatre actress/singer and a pediatric registered nurse. Now I stay at home with my beautiful family and write a monthly column for the Kansas City Star newspaper, and am the Healthy Kids writer for KC Parent and KC Baby magazines.
But I love my blogdom! Nurse Mommy Laughs… is my passion and I just can’t give it up. It is my therapy for getting through the days of projectile vomiting, picky eaters, whining stages, dirty diapers, potty-training, etc… If you read through other posts you will see that it is not only educational, but cathartic for the writer!
Hobbies: 1) In my spare time I drink vats of diet coke (very healthy choice) to keep energy up to chase the little ones around and, 2) searching for one of my five pair of reading glasses so I can read the fine print on my kids toy labels, and medicine bottles. The rest of my day consists of finding time to write, in between trying to find my children. They are really into hide-and-seek right now. Could never find the cute buggers if they wouldn’t giggle so loud during the game!
I hope you enjoy my blog and let me know if you are interested in my story. There is never a dull moment in my world, but that’s entertainment!
Whaddup, West Nile Virus? Where You Been? (m.07.26.10)
“Why if Noah had two mosquitoes on the arc didn’t he swat them?”
~ Unknown Jokester
Well, I’m fairly sure I am not the first to announce this midsummer, but hear me out – “PEOPLE OF ARIZONA…it sure sucks to be you!” Not only is it hotter than the dickens, (and I really have no idea what that means – however, now that I see it on paper, I must research this silly phrase) but you are sweating to death AND getting eaten alive by disease borne insects.
According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), as of July 20, 2010, Arizona has 50% of U.S. West Nile Virus (WNV) cases. Must be overachievers down there! Now isn’t that just awful! I’m sure the patients of this horrific disease don’t feel lucky, but I am shocked how few cases there are in the country. Check out these stats thus far…
CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL STATISTICS
2010 West Nile Virus Human Infections
in the United States
(Reported to CDC as of July 20, 2010)
Human Cases Reported to CDC |
Presumptive viremic donors* |
||||
| State | Neuroinvasive disease cases | Nonneuroinvasive disease cases | Total cases | Deaths | |
| Alabama | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arizona | 9 | 4 | 13 | 1 | 4 |
| California | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Colorado | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Georgia | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Kansas | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Mississippi | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| North Dakota | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| South Dakota | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Texas | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Totals | 10 | 16 | 26 | 1 | 8 |
Neuroinvasive disease cases: refer to severe cases of disease that affect a person’s nervous system. These include encephalitis, meningitis, and acute flaccid paralysis which is an inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause a sudden onset of weakness in the limbs and/or breathing muscles.
Nonneuroinvasive disease cases: refer to typically less severe cases that show no evidence of neuroinvasion—primarily West Nile fever.
Now if your state isn’t listed, don’t start bragging to the rest of us, and don’t sit under the stars sans bug spray thinking, “Look at my state! We’re immune to that virus.” You are not. It’s just unbelievable how few cases there are in comparison to other years when everyone was freaking out and shrieking at cocktail parties, “What’s going to happen to us all?”
Remember, it was only a few years ago when we were instructed by high medical officials that, “If you find dead birds in your yard, you are doomed – but please call this little HOTLINE so we can make fun of you and add you to our list of sickies.” (I never called the hotline, but that’s what I heard)
I hope I am not jinxing our low numbers by discussing this, but it has been raining like the dickens (there I go again) all over the United States; so if history repeats itself, we should be covered in bites and the WNV numbers should be hiking upwards. Where did all the West Nile Virus go? Long time passing?
Now as most of you already know, one of my favorite summer activities is to scan the legs of Mid-westerners for bug bites. And most folk around my neck of the woods look like they have recently contracted chicken pox. My medical guess is it’s just the skeeters. Thank goodness the virus appears to be on a pseudo summer hiatus because we are itching and scratching out here!
Thankfully, this is what the government suggests you do (seriously…not a joke):
Recommendations for Prevention of West Nile Virus
CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) 2010
- When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
Nurse Mommy’s Obsessive End Notes:
1) Please use insect repellent on your children until the CDC says we no longer have to worry about West Nile Virus.
2) Spraying the insecticides (with high “outdoor” percentages of DEET) should not go on the skin of young children. It can go on their clothing though.
3) Dickens (n.) = Deuce; devil – The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Ed. (1985)
(Apparently, “hotter than the dickens” means hotter than the devil. I guess it probably doesn’t “rain like the dickens.” Who knew?!)
Oh, did I happen to mention that mosquitoes are, and this is just my opinion, the worst living creatures on the planet?! I detest them and their scourging families! And I have no problem mentioning it to PETA about how much I love to squash their stinking little bodies. Is that so wrong?! Have a happy and safe summer!!
American Academy of Peds article: Water Safety (w.07.21.10)
Swimming Lesson “minimum age” recommendation has changed this summer (2010). Wanted to let you all know of the new guidelines. Not such a funny story, but VERY important for ALL parents. In Kansas City, we have had several drownings this summer. Hopefully, we can learn from these tragedies by taking the proper precautions. Much love and prayers to the families of these wonderful children. ~Nurse Mommy
Article from HeatlhyChildren.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics website (Not written by Nurse Mommy!) You can check out other great articles regarding your child’s health at www.healthychildren.org
Water Safety And Young Children
Water is one of the most ominous hazards your child will encounter. Young children can drown in only a few inches of water, even if they’ve had swimming instruction. Swimming lessons are not a way to prevent drowning in young children.
In the past, the AAP advised against swimming lessons for children ages 1 to 3 because there was little evidence that lessons prevented drowning or resulted in better swim skills, and there was concern parents would become less vigilant about supervising a child who had learned some swimming skills.
But new evidence shows that children ages 1 to 4 may be less likely to drown if they have had formal swimming instruction. The studies are small, and they don’t define what type of lessons work best, so the AAP is not recommending mandatory swim lessons for all children ages 1 to 4 at this time. Instead, the new guidance recommends that parents should decide whether to enroll an individual child in swim lessons based on the child’s frequency of exposure to water, emotional development, physical abilities, and certain health conditions related to pool water infections and pool chemicals.
The AAP does not recommend formal water safety programs for children younger than 1 year of age.
Safety training does not result in a significant increase in poolside safety skills of young children. If you do enroll a child under four years old in a swimming program, be sure the class you choose adheres to guidelines established by the national YMCA. Among other things, these guidelines forbid submersion of young children and encourage parents to participate in all activities. But remember that even a child who knows how to swim needs to be watched constantly. Whenever your child is near water, follow these safety rules:
- Be aware of small bodies of water your child might encounter, such as bathtubs, fishponds, ditches, fountains, rain barrels, watering cans—even the bucket you use when you wash the car. Empty containers of water when you’re done using them. Children are drawn to places and things like these and need constant supervision to be sure they don’t fall in.
- Children who are swimming—even in a shallow toddler’s pool—always should be watched by an adult, preferably one who knows CPR. The adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision” whenever infants, toddlers, or young children are in or around water. Empty and put away inflatable pools after each play session.
- Enforce safety rules: No running near the pool and no pushing others underwater.
- Don’t allow your child to use inflatable toys or mattresses in place of a life jacket. These toys may deflate suddenly, or your child may slip off them into water that is too deep for him.
- Be sure the deep and shallow ends of any pool your child swims in are clearly marked. Never allow your child to dive into the shallow end.
- Backyard swimming pools, (including large, inflatable above-ground pools), should be completely surrounded with at least a 4-foot (1.2 meters) high fence that completely separates the pool from the house. The fence should have a self-closing and self-latching gate that opens away from the pool, with the latch at least 54 inches high. Check the gate frequently to be sure it is in good working order. Keep the gate closed and locked at all times. Be sure your child cannot manipulate the lock or climb the fence. No opening under the fence or between uprights should be more than 4 inches (10 cm) wide. Keep toys out of the pool area when not in use so that children are not tempted to try to get through the fence.
- If your pool has a cover, remove it completely before swimming. Also, never allow your child to walk on the pool cover; water may have accumulated on it, making it as dangerous as the pool itself. Your child also could fall through and become trapped underneath. Do not use a pool cover in place of a four-sided fence because it is not likely to be used appropriately and consistently.
- Keep a safety ring with a rope beside the pool at all times. If possible, have a phone in the pool area with emergency numbers clearly marked.
- Spas and hot tubs are dangerous for young children, who can easily drown or become overheated in them. Don’t allow young children to use these facilities.
- Your child should always wear a life jacket when he swims or rides in a boat. A life jacket fits properly if you can’t lift it off over your child’s head after he’s been fastened into it. For the child under age five, particularly the non swimmer, it also should have a flotation collar to keep the head upright and the face out of the water.
- Adults should not drink alcohol when they are swimming. It presents a danger for them as well as for any children they might be supervising.
- Be sure to eliminate distractions while children are in the water. Talking on the phone, working on the computer, and other tasks need to wait until children are out of the water.
- Last Updated
- 6/10/2010
