Having pets can improve your health

(Photo taken by Elena Shumilova)

The dilemma to have a dog in our family is getting somewhat grabbing our attention to decide of late. I believe of lot of us are having the negative side of the idea to have a dog at home. Mainly the concern of cleanliness, hygiene and health concern knowing the fact that dogs can be a messy and dirty animal.

I for one is looking at the practical side of it; having a dog (at least one) can help to improve the security of our house from intruder compared to houses that have none. And the kids are also very keen to have a pet at home as playmate. But still in my mind picturing of smelly car porch, shedding dog's hair every where is kinda bothering me. But surprisingly research found out the otherwise and it might deduce some of the concerns you and me are struggling about. 

Abstracting from WebMD article, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity. They can even help you get dates. Even more surprising is that studies have suggested that kids growing up in a home with "furred animals" -- whether it's a pet cat or dog, or on a farm and exposed to large animals -- will have less risk of allergies and asthma  It further said that if a dog lived in the home, infants were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies -- 19% vs. 33%. They also were less likely to have eczema, a common allergy skin condition that causes red patches and itching. In addition, they had higher levels of some immune system chemicals -- a sign of stronger immune system activation.

So how about that. And finally we are seriously considering the idea to become reality to have a dog in our family.

Car booster seat

We have recently upgraded Ivan's baby car seat to a booster seat. Ivan's weight and age have already exceeded the baby car seat's safety guideline. Now both the kids have their place inside the car - Ivan is using his new booster seat whereas Reanne will take over Ivan's baby car seat. Just some of the necessary safety features needed for a family safe drive especially long distance.

Study finds that by using a booster seat instead of just a seat belt significantly reduces the risk of injury in children aged 4 to 8 years old who are involved in a car crash, according to an updated assessment of booster seat effectiveness released today. Moreover, the results indicate that in this age group, booster seats without a back are just as protective as those with a back.

Car seat belts are built for average-size adults, not children. When a child outgrows a harness-type car seat, it's recommended that he or she graduate to a booster seat, usually around age 4 and weight 40 pounds.

Booster seats work by raising the child up so that the vehicle's lap-shoulder belt is properly positioned across his chest and hips -- to distribute crash forces across the sturdiest parts of a child's body.
Read more at here

Eating right guideline for Ivan

This is what it looks like for Ivan eating right guidelines as recommended by USDA (United States Department Agriculture) MyPyramid Food Guidance Systemn for preschool children. This guideline was based on Ivan's profile i.e. age, height and weight.

Here it said limit Ivan food intake up to 1200 calorie per day that include grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and meat & beans.

A lot more info is being offer to help and promote healthy dietary and eating habits.

Check it out here: MyPyramid.gov

Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents

How can I protect my child against flu?

Get a seasonal flu vaccine for yourself and your child to protect against seasonal flu viruses.Take everyday steps to prevent the spread of all flu viruses.

This includes:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Teach your child to take these actions too.
• Try to keep your child from having close contact (about 6 feet) with sick people, including anyone in the household who is sick.
• Keep surfaces like bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
• Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by sick persons in your household in the trash.

What can I do if my child gets sick?

If your child is 5 years or older and otherwise healthy and gets flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, consult your doctor as needed and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids.

If your child is younger than 5, or of any age and has a medical condition like asthma, diabetes, or a neurologic problem and develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, call your doctor or get medical attention. This is because younger children and children who have chronic medical conditions (like asthma or diabetes) may be at higher risk of serious complications from influenza infection, including the new H1N1. Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about your child’s illness.

What if my child seems very sick?

Even children who have always been healthy before or had the flu before can get a severe case of flu. Call or take your child to a doctor right away if your child of any age has:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma) and develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough

For more details, please go http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents/

Hand, Foot and Mouth disease attack

All the three little ones; Reanne, Ivan and Sarah has been confirmed infected with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HRMD). It happened so fast.

It all started on Thursday evening when Reanne started to have fever after developing cough and sore throat. The next day her fever when very high to the region of 39C making us very very concern even though medication was taken. Her temperature keeps fluctuating between 39C the whole Friday. We brought her to have a second visit to another clinic by Dr. Lee. This time around the medication works well and brought her temperature down below 39C. She was getting better the next day as her fever subsided further below 38C.

Unfortunately another surprise caught us when my aunt discover Reanne palm and feet developing rashes. She quickly warned us of possible HFMD. Another round of doctor visit we go but since it was late night, we went to a medical centre. The medical officer (no doctor around) said it was a mild HFMD and asked us to monitor further. It was only yesterday, we brought Reanne back to Dr. Lee and he confirmed it. Thank God it was not the hazardous time. Poor Sarah got it on Sunday and so is Ivan.

I assume all three of them have to be guarantine at home for next 2 weeks to a month just in case. Not wanting to spread it to any kids further.

For details reading of HFMD, please read here

Multivitamins for kids

Presently Reanne has been taking multivitamins i.e. Appeton Multivitamins Lysine syrup as recommended by paediatrician to boost her appetite and promoting her growth.

It already about 2 weeks since she took it. Unfortunately she don't like it. No choice we still feed her not wanting her to slip further in her physical development. Still too early to see the result. Somehow she has been improving in drinking her milk and eating her porridge.

APPETON MULTIVITAMINS LYSINE SYRUP

Multivitamins with Lysine that improve appetite, promote growth in height and weight for children. Appeton Multivitamins Lysine Syrup is a complimentary health preparation for the growing age. It contains Vitamin B1, B2, B6 which are regarded as metabolic catalysis from the biochemical point of view today. They are necessary for the normal processes in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. The present of Vitamin C helps to prevent the occurrence of scurvy (sore gums and teeth) and increase body resistance to infection. The fat soluble Vitamin A and D3 ensure good eye sight and the maintenance of proper level of calcium in the body fluids. The latter ensure healthy growth of bones and teeth. Vitamin B12 together with Folic Acid are essential for cell formation especially red blood cells and they are vital in preventing certain forms of anaemia. Vitamin E is for proper cell function. Nicotinamide is for normal skin condition and nervous system. L-Lysine improves appetite and protein synthesis.

Appeton Multivitamins Lysine Syrup is to be taken once a day. It is recommended for children from 0-4 years to take 2.5ml daily. Children above 4 years are recommended to take 5ml daily

IngredientsEach 5 ml contains: L-lysine 100mg, Vitamin A 5000i.u., Vitamin D3 400 i.u., Vitamin E 10mg, Vitamin B1 2mg, Vitamin B2 1mg, Vitamin B6 1mg, Nicotinamide 20 mg, Vitamin C 30 mg, D-Panthenol 10mg.

Best ways to banish germs away from children

It doesn't take a germ warrior to keep a family well-protected from bug-borne illness. Just follow these seven basic, important steps:

1. Teach your children to wash their hands at these key times: after going to the bathroom, petting an animal, or playing outside, and before eating.
2. Do hand washing right: With soap and water, it takes 20 seconds of scrubbing to kill the germs that need to be killed.
3. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you for visits to playgrounds, mall food courts, and other places where there might not be a sink handy. Be sure to cover every part of the hand, including under the nails, if possible.
4. After preparing meat or poultry, wash cutting boards with hot, soapy water and spray counter tops with disinfectant. The bacteria commonly found on raw meats — including campylobacter, salmonella, and E. coli — are more dangerous than any other germs you're likely to have in the house.
5. Wash small cuts and scrapes with soap and water. Apply an antibacterial ointment, put on a bandage, and change the bandage every day until the wound heals.
6. Make sure your children are up to date on their vaccinations, and consider getting them a flu shot every year. A school-age child who's been vaccinated against the flu is less likely to bring home a bug that can infect the entire family.
7. If someone in your house is sick, take a moment to clean doorknobs, television remotes, toys, and other items your children touch throughout the day.

Breastfeeding 'protects mother'

Women who breastfeed their babies may be lowering their own risk of a heart attack, heart disease or stroke, research suggests.

A US study found women who breastfed for more than a year were 10% less likely to develop the conditions than those who never breastfed. Even breastfeeding for at least a month may cut the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The research features in the journal Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting breastfeeding has health benefits for both mother and baby.
Research has found that breastfeeding reduces a woman's risk of ovarian and breast cancer and osteoporosis in later life.

And the list of benefits for the baby is long, with breast milk credited with protecting against obesity, diabetes, asthma and infections of the ear, stomach and chest.

As well as cutting the risk of heart problems, breastfeeding for more than a year cut the risk of high blood pressure by 12%, and diabetes and high cholesterol by around 20%.

Build up the natural fence

Yesterday just started Ivan with cod liver oil supplement from the good old Soctt's Emulsion. Most of us remember having taken it sometimes in our childhood period. Some might even still consuming it as supplement.

Scott's Emulsion is rich in cod liver oil which is a natural source of Omega-3 Vitamin A & D, calcium and phosphorus. It helps children to build their natural body resistance to infections like coughs and colds and develop strong bones and teeth during their growing years. The youngest recommended starting age is one year old and above. Further checking on the cod liver oil benefits, it reveal even more interesting finding which I wanted to share here.

Cod liver oil is, as the name suggests, extracted from the livers of cod. Its claim to health-giving properties lies in the fact that it's rich in an essential fatty acid called omega-3. In fact, it contains two types of omega-3 - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It's also a rich source of vitamins A and D.

Essential fatty acids

The body needs fatty acids for many normal activities, including skin repair, nerve and immune system function. They also help to carry fat around the body and in the manufacture of prostaglandins.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are those we must get from our diet because they're not made by the body. They're vital in the formation of cell walls, and are needed whenever the body is building or restoring tissues.

They also play a part in allowing nutrients and other chemicals to pass in and out of cells.

There are two types of EFA: omega-3 and omega-6. We need both, but what seems to matter most is getting the right balance.

Humans evolved on a diet containing roughly equal amounts of omega-3 and omega-6. Now, however, we consume 20 or 30 times more omega-6, partly because of the increased amount of certain vegetable oils in our diet.

An excess of omega-6 alters the body's physiology to a state where the blood is thicker, the blood vessels more likely to go into spasm and clots more likely to form. This increases the risk of heart attack and other forms of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 can counteract this, but you need to get enough.

Sources in the diet

Omega-3 is derived from linolenic acid. Good sources include soya beans and rapeseed oil. Oily fish, such as sardines, herring, mackerel, trout and salmon, are particularly rich in omega-3.

We need about 1g to 2g of omega-3 a day, which can be provided by 100g of herring or a handful of walnuts. The Department of Health recommends eating two portions of oily fish a week.

Omega-6 is derived from linoleic acid, which is found in many vegetable oils, especially sunflower, olive and corn oils. An adult needs about 4g a day, the equivalent of two teaspoons of sunflower oil or a handful of almonds or walnuts.

It's possible to get enough EFAs through the diet. Of course, that's not easy if children are choosy about what they eat. If you want to be absolutely certain your son is getting enough, you may want to consider giving him supplements.

Extra health benefits

Recently, EFAs have been promoted for the treatment of a wide range of conditions.

Omega-3 may help to treat:

• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• Psoriasis

Extra omega-6 EFAs may help to protect against:

• Inflammatory conditions
• Breast pain
• Menopausal symptoms
• Premenstrual syndrome

Omega-3 and the brain

There's a long-held belief that fish oil is good for growing brains and it seems there may be some truth in that. Certainly, omega-3 is important for nerve function.

More specific research has shown that children low in omega-3 are more likely to be hyperactive, have learning disorders and display behavioural problems. Omega-3 deficiency has also been linked to dyslexia, violence, depression and memory problems.

Some people have found omega-3 supplements help children with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder and similar conditions.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in December 2007

Sarawak on high alert for HFM disease

Sarawak is on high alert for hand, foot and mouth disease following the detection of the EV71 virus, which causes a more severe form of the disease.

Parents are urge to bring their children to hospital immediately if they noticed danger signs of the disease such as high fever for more than two days, repeated vomiting, poor appetite, dehydration and lethargy.

At the same time parents and child care-givers need to practise good hygiene at all times as this was the most effective way of stamping out the disease. Adults must practice hygiene such as washing their hands before handling children.

Click here to read more about HFMD.

Avoid exotic animals as pet for children

Exotic pets such lizards and more common animals like hamsters and hedgehogs pose a health risk to children and the elderly, a new study found Monday.

Although caring for pets can be beneficial for children, many animals such as tortoises carry diseases such as rabies or salmonella which can be transferred to their young owners, the study in the October edition of the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics said.

Other more exotic creatures such as iguanas and monkeys can bite or scratch children causing infected wounds or allergies.

The study highlighted that most American homes have one or more pets, and recommended that families with children under the age of five should avoid adopting exotic animals.

The report said 11 percent of salmonella cases in children resulted from contacts with lizards, turtles and other reptiles, said lead author Larry Pickering.

"Most non-traditional pets pose a risk to the health of young children, and their acquisition and ownership should be discouraged in households with young children," the report concludes.

I guess the best option now is stick back to man best friend - dog as pets. Right now my family doesn't have one. In future we might.....maybe the golden retriever.

Yum yum...fishy fishy

Fish in children's diet cuts eczema risk

Swedish researchers said feeding babies as little as one portion of fish before they are nine months old may cut their risk of developing eczema.

Introducing fish of any type into the diet curbed the risk of contracting the skin condition by 25 percent compared with children who never ate it, Bernt Alm, a pediatrician at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, and colleagues reported in the British Medical Journal.

"The main finding was that early introduction of fish was beneficial," Alm said in a telephone interview. "There was no link with the amount of fish or type of fish. We think it is more the timing of the introduction."

Eczema is a chronic condition affecting between 10 and 15 percent of children that can cause the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. It often affects those prone to allergies.