Soderstrom Skin Institute is positioned to be a comprehensive, full service skin care facility. Visit www.soderstromskininstitute.com to learn what Soderstrom Skin Institute can do for you. 
For many couples, the next thing after getting married is starting a family. Now, a new study shows having sex everyday may give couples the best shot at getting pregnant, especially if the man has damaged sperm.
Researchers in Australia told more than 100men with DNA damaged sperm to have sex for a week straight. They found after 7 days, over 80% of men saw a significant improvement in their sperm's DNA quality. However, researchers have not tested whether that actually lead to more pregnancies.
81% of men saw a 12% improvement in sperm quality. 19% of men saw a decrease in sperm quality. Though frequent ejaculation decreased semen volume and sperm concentrations, it slightly increased sperm motility.
We did not abide by these "everyday" rules to have kids. I got pregnant with my first the first month! For the second and third, it took about 5-6 months. How long did it take you to get pregnant?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen Afraid to wear shorts? Do you have unwanted hair? Embarrassed by unsightly varicose or spider veins? You don't have to be afraid to wear shorts because you are embarrassed by unwanted hair or unsightly varicose veins. Call 674-Skin to schedule your FREE leg vein or hair removal consultation at Soderstrom Skin Institute.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sex every day?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Ear Infection Vaccine
Eight in 10 children get at least one ear infection by the time they turn three, but scientists at Nationwide Children's Hospital have developed a vaccine that could stop that trend. One drop of a vaccine currently in lab testing is rubbed onto the outside of the ear to stop infections before they even start.
FROM MEDIASOURCE: Even when she’s well, little Cammy Barber doesn’t like getting her ears checked - and for good reason. She’s only nine months old and has already had eight ear infections. And her mom, Coleen Barber, will tell you, treating them isn’t always easy.
“The shots are awful to see the child have to get, but even the medicine alone, they don’t like the flavor of it, at this age, it’s hard to sneak it into anything,” says Coleen.
So scientists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital are working on an alternative involving just a single drop of liquid. A drop that’s not injected or even swallowed, but simply rubbed onto the outside of the ear. And best of all, it’s a vaccine designed to stop ear infections before they ever start.
Experts say it could someday help kids everywhere, especially those with no other alternatives. And lab test are promising.
“It was extremely effective. So we’re very excited about the ability to maybe immunize without needles and deliver this vaccine to the poorest children in the world,” says Lauren Bakaletz, PhD, a researcher at Nationwide Children’s hospital who developed the vaccine.
Dr. Bakaletz says it works by activating cells just under the surface of the skin, called dendritic cells. When this liquid touches the skin, it touches off a response throughout the body.
“These cells deliver it to the lymphoid organs where it can generate an immune response. So really harnessing a power that’s there all the time, but you’re doing it in a way that’s now directed toward a specific disease,” says Dr. Bakaletz.
Dr. Bakaletz, who is also with the Ohio State University, says work still needs to be done before the vaccine is tested on kids - but it someday could help babies like Cammy live more care-free, pain-free lives.
It is estimated that 83% of all kids get ear infections before their third birthday** and another child gets an ear infection every 2.3 seconds in this country.* In fact, it is the number one reason kids are taken to the emergency department.**
Sources:
*New Vaccines Against Otitis MEdia: Projected Benefits and Cost-effectiveness, Pediatrics, Vol. 123 No. 6, June 2009, retrieved from: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/123/6/1452
** A Novel Transcutaneous Immunization Regimen Elicits a Mucosal and Systemic Immune Response That Confers Protection Against Nontypeable Haemophilus Influenzae-induced Otitis Media, Laura Novotny, Lauren Bakaletz, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Soderstrom Skin Institute is positioned to be a comprehensive, full service skin care facility. Visit www.soderstromskininstitute.com to learn what Soderstrom Skin Institute can do for you.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Marriage Age
At what age do people get married these days? You always hear about people being older and older before they tie the knot, but is it true? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied surveys filled out by over 12,000 adults age 15 to 44-years-old. They found over 80% of men and 86% of women will marry by the time they turn 40-years-old.
They also found women tend to marry younger than men. There is a 50% probability that women will be married by 25-years-old. For men, there's a 50% probability they will be married by 27-years-old.
17% of women and 25% of men have not married by 35-years-old.
And African American men and women are less likely to be married at age 35 than Caucasian men and women.
Past studies have shown being married leads to better physical, emotional and economic well-being. The study did not look at divorce rates-although we know they are very high!
I totally fit the statistic. I was 25 when I got married. My husband turned 27 the day after our wedding. How old were you and your spouse when you got married? Have you noticed people waiting longer to get married? I have! My best friends from high school all got married several years after me and I am the only one with children so far. (and soon to be lots of them! They probably think I am crazy with three little boys!)
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Afraid to wear shorts? Do you have unwanted hair? Embarrassed by unsightly varicose or spider veins? You don't have to be afraid to wear shorts because you are embarrassed by unwanted hair or unsightly varicose veins. Call 674-Skin to schedule your FREE leg vein or hair removal consultation at Soderstrom Skin Institute.
Soderstrom Skin Institute is positioned to be a comprehensive, full service skin care facility. Visit www.soderstromskininstitute.com to learn what Soderstrom Skin Institute can do for you.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Diapers.com
Last week we talked about the cost of parenting and some of you mentioned those money guzzling diapers! It made me wonder if I am spending more than I need to on disposables.
One mom wrote:
I know several moms that have used Diapers.com. However, unless you have babies/kids with sensitive skin (where they are allergic to most types of diapers), you can get them cheaper at Target or Dollar General. I was getting diapers for around 18 cents at Dollar General. But right now, the "Up and Up" brand at Target is on sale, so that means our size diapers are 16 cents a diaper. Pampers and Huggies on Diaper.com (for our size 4) run 25-26 cents a diaper. I am loving the Target diapers and wipes ... just wish I would have found them a long time ago.
So now I am wondering if I am in the minority here. We used to go to Sam's to get diapers/wipes in bulk, but have since let our membership end. Diapers/wipes ended up being the only thing we got there so the cost wasn't really worth it. Right now we are using Huggies size four for our two-year-old. I checked out diapers.com and Target. Target's Huggies were $1.00 more. However, at Diapers.com I would have had to spend more than $50.00 to get free shipping. The lg bag was on sale for $40.99. S0, then I was wondering about the "up and up" brand from Target. They are definitely cheaper, but I do worry they will leak. I tried generics with both of my boys and they stained their clothes so I gave up on that. I think I will try the Target brand with my two-year-old and see if they work.
What diapers do you like best and which diapers are the best deal?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Cost of Parenting increases
It looks like I am in the minority this year! I can only think of a couple friends who are pregnant or just had a baby. It seemed like EVERYONE was with child when I had my now 2-year-old. I have no idea how much we spend on the boys each year, but it isn't cheap. At least they can share clothes and hopefully some sporting equipment. However, I have a feeling I will be buying food in huge bulk supplies in the coming years! I do not want the boys living with us after they turn 18 years old. Hopefully we won't be in another recession at that time!
Relative to average cost, however, is income level. A household yielding an annual income of less than $45,000 will spend roughly $156,469 on their child until they turn 18. Incomes between $45,000 and $75,000 spend $214,829, while households earning $75,000 and above splurge over $312,286 by the time their teen graduate's high school. Afterwards, parents can expect to shell out for college tuition, along with additional financial burdens induced by a stagnant economy.
Major financial considerations, such as private school, have not been factored into the average, but count as significant expenses that get even pricier for those living in urban areas. Total expenses used to calculate IBISWorld's estimate on the average total cost of raising a child include:
With housing encompassing the greatest portion (35 percent) of total expenses, expect to see adverse effects brought on by foreclosures and rising unemployment - especially in hard hit states like California and Arizona.
Newer Autism Treatment
Mitchell Allison's been living with autism since he was almost three years old.
Mitchell's mom Julie runs an autism center in Murfreesboro. She watched Mitchell's onset of autism. And she noticed as his autism progressed... He had trouble lots of stomach
troubles... including problems using the bathroom.
Julie Allison: Mother of Autistic Child
"I had a pediatrician who specializes in autism tell me there was nothing wrong with him, and this was when he was younger, he hasn't had a bowel movement in 12 days."
Vanderbilt University Medical Center recently finished a study which shows the same gene may be responsible for both autism and gastrointestinal disorders.
Janice Doochin: In Harmony Wellness Center
"I see so many kids who have the same problems..."
And for almost 10 years Mitchell's parents took him to dozens of doctors for help... until they found in Harmony. And enrolled him in a series of colon therapy sessions with Janice Doochin.
Doochin:
"Working with him in the room, on the megan bed doing massage a lot of touch."
So now playing games even like tic tac toe are easier for Mitchell because he's more alert after going through the therapies here.
Allison:
"He can sleep now!"
Doochin is an RN who specializes in holistic therapy... She works with a handful of other autistic children like Mitchell.
Doochin:
"Patterns have changed, some independence."
And that for Julie is the best gift of all.
Allison: "it gave him his independence back."
Has anyone else heard of this connection?
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Afraid to wear shorts? Do you have unwanted hair? Embarrassed by unsightly varicose or spider veins? You don’t have to be afraid to wear shorts because of unwanted hair or unsightly varicose or spider veins. Call 674-SKIN to schedule your FREE leg vein or hair laser consultation at Soderstrom Skin Institute!
Soderstrom Skin Institute is positioned to be a comprehensive, full service, skin care facility. Visit www.soderstromskininstitute.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Natural Child Birth
Some of you might think I am crazy, but I think this is a great idea. I had a natural birth with my first and a walking epidural with the second. I don't think I felt that much pain until I was about 5 centimeters. I went from 5 to 10 in a matter of minutes with both kids. So, I am going to check with insurance and see how the epidural is covered. If it's 80/20 I may opt out again. We'll see when the time comes. I am paying so much money to see a specialist every week right now. The total bill will be around $5,000 if everything goes well from this point. If this birthing option mentioned below was available here, I would try it. Do you think I am crazy? Has anyone else had a natural child birth?
FROM NBC: C-section rates are skyrocketing - and so are the costs for delivering a baby. Now one south Florida hospital is hoping a spa atmosphere might coax women into taking a more natural approach. Diana Gonzalez has the story. The lights are dimmed in this special labor and delivery room ... There is soothing music and pictures ... Flameless candles next to signs with encouraging messages.
The new natural birthing suite at Memorial Hospital Miramar was conceived by two nurses. Registered Nurse Luisa Shulruff said, “ We can give them all the support that they need so that if they have the courage and if they have the will to try to have birth unmedicated that we are here for them." Sandra Droira said, “In this fast-paced world that we have today where everything has to be timed and programed, I think we are losing that allowing nature to take its course." While a growing number of expectant moms are scheduling c-sections, labor inductions, and epidurals... Eliza Pearo has signed up to give birth here without any medications.
Eliza Pearo:Expectant Mom "Nope. I understand that it's going to be painful but I think it's natural and I'm ready to deal with it." Dr. Eric Freeling, Medical Affairs Director: "It offers the patient the ability to deliver in a natural, calm ambiance ... but also have the backup of the hospital and all of the equipment and the technology and the expertise that the hospital has to intervene if there's an emergency situation."
Operating rooms are just down the hall. So is a level two Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. But Eliza is hoping none of this will be necessary when she gives birth to Naya. Eliza Pearo: Expectant Mom "I believe in my body and I believe having a child is a natural process and when possible you shouldn't interfere with nature."
-NewsAnchorMom Jen
Afraid to wear shorts? Do you have unwanted hair? Embarrassed by unsightly varicose or spider veins? You don’t have to be afraid to wear shorts because of unwanted hair or unsightly varicose or spider veins. Call 674-SKIN to schedule your FREE leg vein or hair laser consultation at Soderstrom Skin Institute!
Soderstrom Skin Institute is positioned to be a comprehensive, full service, skin care facility. Visit www.soderstromskininstitute.
