Madeleine McCann's Parents Forge On Without Her

Yesterday would have been Madeleine's first day of school. Today was the Princess's first full day of Kindergarten. I made a vow, sometime ago, to keep Madeleine's story promoted in the news and yet another day passes with her missing. Another day that her parents and siblings don't have her there with them. If you live in Europe, I'm sure you are keeping that extra eye out for little girls who just might be her. But if you live anywhere else, it doesn't hurt to help keep the publicity going or to keep that eye out for Madeleine or for other children who might need your help.

Time to Decorate for Fall (and Halloween!)

I know it seems early to get those pumpkins out, but now is the time to order and get some great decorations ready for the cooler weather. Online Discount Mart is offering a chance to get some new and cute Fall and Halloween Yard Art at fantastic prices.

They are also having a really good sale on the end-of-summer yard art and decorative items. It's a really great chance to stock up on everything to make your garden and porch a little nicer for the cooler weather that we all hope is coming!

A cool idea is to pick something up for your child's teacher for decorating the classroom!

Celebrating Blog Day Today!

Hey, Everyone!

Here at Parent Traps, we're celebrating Blog Day! If you want to celebrate too here's what you do:

BlogDay Posting Instructions According to the Founders That Be at Blog Day Central:

1. Find 5 new Blogs that you find interesting
   


2. Notify the 5 bloggers that you are recommending them as part of BlogDay 2007
   


3. Write a short description of the Blogs and place a link to the recommended Blogs
   


4. Post the BlogDay Post (on August 31st) and
   


5. Add the BlogDay tag using this link: http://technorati.com/tag/BlogDay2007and a link to the BlogDay web site at Blog Day.
   
   


6. Celebrate!
   
   So, everyone, here are my new five blogs I'm viewing and celebrating today:
   
   1. By The Sea - A nice relaxing blog showing the day-to-day activities and interests of a dog-loving, medical transcriptionist living in Summerville, SC.
   
   2. Beautiful Mess - A blog written by a 26-year-old stay-at-home and work-from-home mom, who is also a military wife. She is located in "cyberspace" cause she doesn't list her home locale. She has written some pretty fun stuff.
   
   3. Baby Boomer Blog - As it's name says - here's one all about Baby Boomers, of which I am on the tail end of - 1963. As it says in their headline: News, reviews, gossip....and you can submit stories and features to them too!
   
   4. Kansas Milkmaid Blog I found this by random searching under Kansas blogs, because I do like Kansas - being that is where my ancestors come from. So I found this little gem - all about cows and milking! Check it out!
   
   and FINALLY....
   
   5. Cake and Pie - Unfortunately, it's not about desserts, but fortunately, it is interesting and all about a blogger who runs a small home studio and specializes in graphic design for print. She also help run and curate SQFT Gallery in the Arcade in downtown Nashville. Interesting designs to peruse.
   
   More info about Blog Day can be found at:
   
   Blog Day 2007
   
   and at
   
   Blog Day
   

Toys R Us Art Set Recall Information

Here's the latest recall information for Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Case made in China and sold by Toys R Us from October 2006 through August 2007 for about $20.

The printed ink on the outer packaging of the wood case contains lead, and some of the black watercolor paint contains excessive levels of lead, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The recall involves the Imaginarium brand 213 Piece Wooden Coloring Case which includes crayons, pastels, colored pencils, fiber pens, paintbrush, pencil, water colors, palette, white paint, ruler and pencil sharpener in a light tan wooden carrying case. The case measures about 14 inches high by 19 inches wide.

For more information, contact Toys "R" Us at (800) TOYSRUS/869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, or visit the company’s Web site at http://www.toysrus.com/.

I'm Glad I Kept Mine......

...the ovary, that is...the one and only. I only had one ovary to make choices about for my hysterectomy, due to my prior endometriosis surgery a lonnnnnng time ago. So, of course I noticed this new health report about keeping your ovaries during hysterectomy. I just had one in June and thankfully, the doctor and I discussed that I wanted to keep my remaining ex-baby maker until it poops out on its own. Gotta keep those natural hormones when you can, I say. What we didn't realize is that I may have prevented early dementia by doing so.

A new study says women who have their ovaries removed before menopause run a heightened risk of developing dementia or other mental problems later in life — unless they take estrogen until age 50.

I have plugged them before, but I'll do it again here...if you need a very good site for information about hysterectomy and all it's effects go to www.hystersisters.com. They'll hook you up with lots of unbiased information.

Just discuss all the options with your doctor and find a really, really, good one, like I did. I still feel like I've never had an operation today!

Robbie Ducky Watering Can Recall

I sure am getting a lot of traffic for the key words Rubber Ducky, so I decided to give y'all some news to read about the Children's Watering Can Recall that came out yesterday.

The brand name is Robbie Ducky, not Rubber Ducky. I bet that is confusing a lot of searchers for information. Above is a photo from the CPSC website.

The problem with the Robbie Ducky Kids Watering Can is lead paint and it's made in China. They were sold at JoAnn's Fabric and Craft Stores between February 2007 and August 2007 for around $10. They can be returned to the store for a refund.

Hope this helpful post helps y'all get those dangerous toys back into the stores and out of your children's hands!

Back to School Safety - Cell Phones?

Tim just bought 8-year-old Butterfly her own cell phone. At first, I was skeptical of the need for this. It is an inexpensive prepaid phone. But she is having more after school activities and extracurricular events. I think he is worried about unforeseen and hopefully rare events like school emergencies and even invasions.

And who can help worrying about stuff like this when you hear on CNN that horrifying cell phone call from the elementary school girl stuck on the school bus that fell into the Mississippi River in the Minnesota bridge collapse. At least she has a way to contact her parents. I guess we all think about this stuff.

I don't think it worries Butterfly in this same way...she's just happy to be the first kid she knows with a cell phone. And please, God, don't let THIS scenario, ever be the outcome of getting a phone for any of us!

Backpack Safety

Now that everyone is headed back to school, be sure your children are not carrying loads that are too heavy for them. Check their backpacks daily and ask them how they are feeling (not to mention it helps to clean out all the old food and weird items kids stash away in there).

Backpack safety is very important so that kids won't hurt their backs, which can contribute to long-term health and pain problems. Here are some tips from American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons to help your children manage their heavy loads a lot better:

1. Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.


2. Tighten the straps so that the pack is close to the body. The straps should hold the pack two inches above the waist.


3. Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 20 percent of the student's total body weight.


4. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.


5. Stop often at school lockers and remove items you don't need, if possible. Do not carry all of the books needed for the day.


6. Bend using both knees, when you bend down. Do not bend over at the waist when wearing or lifting a heavy backpack.


7. Learn back-strengthening exercises to build up the muscles used to carry a backpack.

Diaper-Free Babies - New Approach to Toilet Training

I was both skeptical and jealous reading about the new (some say old) trend of diaperless toilet training.

I remember with Butterfly, using that Diaper Genie to twist the little "sausages" of endless infant diapers into that thing to control the smell (it works well). But I cringe and just how many diapers we contributed to the Tampa landfill between 1999 and 2003, between her and little Princess. More than I'll ever be able to count! I always wondered what the babies of Africa and other places did, when they don't access to diapers and now I see that this is common in other parts of the world.


What do you want to bet that Pampers will come out with a counter-attack marketing strategy soon!

Oh no, Attack of the Killer Pageant Girls

I was alerted to this little tidbit by my friend over at Imagine That blog.
Normally, I would never propagate such dumb blond moments as this, but this is a really dumb blond -and I'm blond, so I don't perpetuate this stereotype. But people - look at this for yourselves and judge.....I agree - Oh.My.God! I thought pageants were supposed to showcase education - this is just sad!

Talk Like a Pirate Day - Getting Ready!

Ahoy - it's time to be gettin ready for the Annual Talk Like a Pirate Day on 9/19. Get ready to blog in pirate-ease! Here's a primer to help you prepare and learn the lingo! Become a pirate and then go get yer rum ready! We plan on having quite the pirate blogging celebration here at Parent Traps!

Enjoy!

Would You Be a Cool Parent?

Find out for yourself and take the cool quiz. Below is my result - and yes, it is so!

You Will Be a Cool Parent

You seem to naturally know a lot about parenting, and you know what kids need. You can tell when it's time to let kids off the hook, and when it's time to lay down the law. While your parenting is modern and hip, it's not over the top. You know that there's nothing cool about a parent who acts like a teenager... or a drill sergeant!

Would You Be a Cool Parent?

Thanks to Cool Moms Rule for the link.

Help to Prevent Child Abuse

I just happened to go over to YouTube this morning, to see some family videos.I happened upon a very sad and touching one called The Kelsey Shelton Briggs Story.

I saw beautiful smiling faces of a gorgeous blonde toddler. I thought it was someone's happy baby video - then I read the notes that Kelsey was brutally murdered by her stepfather after months of child abuse. I read the story and I feel compelled to help get this story more recognition. Please visit Kelsey's website to see what you can do to help.

And the biggest message to take away from all this - if you even suspect child abuse, tell someone, report it, DO SOMETHING. It will make a difference in the life of a child.

Children Are Our Future!

I Sponsored an Alzheimer's Memory Walk Walker!

I just sponsored the famous blogger "Colleen" as a participant in the 2007 Alzheimer's Memory Walk. She'll be walking in the Orlando, Florida walk as part of the Bloggers for a Cure Team. I just clicked on the link, searched for Colleen's name, and used my credit card to pay for my sponsorship. It probably took five minutes to make a difference.

Tim's grandmother suffered for years with this debilitating disease. Unfortunately, I never got to meet her, but Tim shared really happy memories of his life with her, before Alzheimer's robbed her of her ability to communicate and remember.

The Alzheimer's Association provides research and support to people affected by Alzheimer's Disease. They also have as part of their mission to provide and enhance care and support for those affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain
health.

I really encourage y'all to go sign up as a Team Captain. It is really easy to help out with this worthy charitable cause. Just click on the picture above and it will take you to the sign up page where you can become the captain you always wanted to be. Some of the tasks you'll you need to do are to recruit at least 9 team members, to promote the team's fundraising and to help motivate your team to success. Then you can ask your friends to help support you in raising money to help eliminate Alzheimer's Disease in our lifetime.

Just sign up soon so you can build your team in time for the walk!

Jessica Lunsford's Killer Sentenced to Die

Thank goodness, John Couey has been given the death penalty. This case has meaning for us. At the time of nine year old Jessica Lunsford's kidnapping and murder, we lived less than 20 miles away from her home. My daughter was in first grade and we canvassed the neighborhoods, passing out fliers, in the hope that she would be found alive and okay. But that didn't happen.

I listened to the sentencing today and heard all the terrible things this "thing" did to that poor little girl. My daughter will be nine on her next birthday - I am crying for Jessica today.

Gearing Up for Talk Like a Pirate Day Here

Hey kids, just a few short weeks to the annual Talk Like A Pirate Day on September 19th...you know, one day out of the year where you get to act like and talk like a pirate just for the heck of it.



It was started a few short years ago by two guys who just liked saying "ARRRRGH" and other pirate whatnot's. Then they got writer Dave Barry involved and apparently the whole thing just took off in 2002. I for one (or should this read "Aye, fer one") will be blogging in pirate-speak the entire day. I don't know if I will convert any linked articles to pirate-ese, but let's just see what happens! I encourage my fellow bloggers to hoist the main, and jibe the ho and (insert other messed up sailing terms here) and savvy - do yer own parrrrrty thang.



Why am I doing this you might ask, mother of two, devoted educationalist of all - BECAUSE, in the words of Elizabeth Swann, "I'm a Pirate....the King of the Pirates". Avast! (And...sorry Colleen - I told you the wrong date!)

Hearings to Begin Soon About Toy Recalls

A hearing is slated on Sept 19th before a U. S. congressional committee about how to protect children from lead-tainted toys and other defective products.

The congressional panel said it sent requests for information to 19 companies including Mattel, Target, Tween Brands, Dollar General Merchandising, Oriental Trading Co., Boyds Collection Ltd., United Imports Inc., Spandrel Sales and Marketing and Cardinal Distributing.

This seems like a good move given all the recent findings we've been talking about here. I am no longer going to order my party goods/favors from Oriental Trading. I may have to make party favors, but something's gotta change here.

I gotta think a lot of Mattel's troubles here started when they closed their last USA plant in 2001. That was the beginning of the end - and it was only a few years ago. They don't make them like they used to, do they.

So This is Why My Husband is So Cranky

Well, a lot of things make Tim cranky these days - being underemployed, trying to get his online businesses working, having the lawnmower break....just a few. But I read today that working on the Internet and watching late night TV will make you have a lower quality of sleep, even though you might sleep the same amount as someone else who doesn't do that (note: please ignore the previous run on sentence - just trying to get it all in there).

That really seems to make sense, but it is another hurdle when you're trying to do too much to fit into a 24 hour day (see my post about how you spend your time for more on this). I think Tim stays up until 2am sometimes, then goes to work at his day job at 7am and gets back on the computer to start the cycle all over again after dinner. And he watches late night TV to "relax". Well, this says that ain't working.....but if anyone has any ideas on improving our overall efficiency - we'd appreciate it.

Oh, No...Not Sponge Bob Too! Recalls Continue

Well, I guess I am a little late breaking this news, but yesterday the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced four recalls due to excessive levels of lead paint in the childrens' products below:

SpongeBob Squarepants Address Books and Journals by Martin Designs, Ohio (made in China)
Hazard: The paint on the metal spiral bindings of the address books and journals can contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Take away from children immediately.
Description: The recall involves address books and journals with SpongeBob SquarePants™ character on the front cover and a black metal spiral binding. The UPC numbers (80773007505 for the address book and 80773002260, 80773075501 and 80773007551 for the journal) are printed on the back covers.
Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from June 2006 through July 2007 for about $2.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Martin Designs Inc. toll-free at (866) 898-0261 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.martindesigns-ltd.com/


Thomas and Friends, Curious George and Other Spinning Tops and Tin Pails Recalled By Schylling Associates (Made in China) Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Hazard: Surface paints on the wooden handles of the tops and pails contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Take away from children immediately.
Description: The recalled tops and pails are primarily metal and have wooden handles. The tops are painted with Thomas and Friends, Curious George, or a circus scene. The pails are painted with Thomas and Friends, Curious George, or in a solid red or yellow color. Tops with plastic handles are not included in this recall.
Sold at: Specialty toy stores and gift shops nationwide from July 2001 through July 2002. The tops were sold for about $13. The pails were sold for about $6.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Schylling at (800) 767-8697 between 9 am and 5 pm ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.schylling.com/

Children’s Charm Bracelets Sold by Buy-Rite Recalled Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

Description: The recalled charm bracelets have silver-colored charms, including angels, crosses, and hearts, and clear and pink beads that hang from a silver-colored chain.
Sold at: Dollar stores and other small retail stores nationwide from March 2004 through August 2007 for about $1.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Buy-Rite at (888) 777-7952 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.buyriteinc.com/images/Safety_Recall.jpg

Children’s Metal Jewelry Recalled by TOBY N.Y.C. Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
TOBY & ME Jewelry Sets - Take away from children immediately.

Description: The three recalled jewelry sets include: a princess pink and clear crystal bead necklace and bracelet set with a painted metallic crown pendant; a pink and white pearl necklace and bracelet set with a painted metallic poodle pendant; and a pink pearl necklace, earrings and ring set. All sets are sold in a pink gift box with “TOBY & ME” printed on the front and “TOBY & ME” hangtags attached to the packaging.
Sold at: T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and A.J.Wright from August 2006 through May 2007 for about $8.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact TOBY N.Y.C. toll-free at (866) 235-0588 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email the firm at info@tobynyc.com

You Can Do Teacher Background Checks

Hey, go to Tim's post over at the Florida Sun Dog to find out how to do Florida Teacher Background Checks and for other valuable information.

Innovative Tutoring Available to Help Your Child Improve in School

Now that school is getting back into session for most of us (yay!), the kids are going to have to buckle down and get back into learning mode. They've been enjoying one too many Sponge Bob cartoons. Depending on her progress, I may us an Innovative Tutor to help Butterfly get back up to speed faster. They are offering 15% off right now for the Fall programs - that's a bonus!

SCORE offers an array of tutoring help in lots of subjects, such as reading, math, writing and a great Study Skills program that teaches time management skills. learning styles, test taking and more. It would be great preparation for the FCAT or other school testing you might have. They serve ages Pre-K through High School.

UF Gators are Number 4? Who Knew...

What do mean University of Florida is only number 4?

When I went there it was number one party school....unfortunately! I say that because it certainly did detract from my scholarly career there - I went from A/B's in my first two years to BC and yes a D in my final year. That was the only D I ever got in my whole life! I was an honor roll student in high school, but lived a very demure life. Beer in massive doses can change that.

So, now that Butterfly has said she will be attending UF when she gets older - maybe I will steer her to a less prominent school in that regard - maybe a Mormon or Quaker school.

My mother actually got a scholarship to a small Quaker college, called Friends University, in Wichita, KS. She came home crying the first week, when she found out you couldn't wear makeup, fun clothes, and I assume, smoke. This was in the 50's y'all. I guess she was ready for UF back then!

So You Don't Like Veggies - It's Your Genes!?

Well now science is possibly giving children (and Tim) another reason why they might not like to eat vegetables or try new foods. Research is showing that humans - some humans-might not be programmed to try new foods!
Well, I'm not buying it - The Princess (please note usage of new blog name for her here ;)) just told me (keep in mind she is 5) that people CAN change. She stated this proudly as she announced that she WILL now eat a cherry popsicle. Cherry was never touched until this week. I know - it's not a veggie, but it's progress.

Trevor - We Hardly Knew Ya!

It seems this is the last week for Trevor the Mentos intern. I did look at his schedule today and it has a lot of openings - you can take a look at www.mentosintern.com if you want to put him to work. It's a nice way to fill some downtime - like I get when I am online taking calls -it's been really slow! So You can send me some mail too!

My Rubber Ducky Bites the Dust Because of Toy Recall

So India may not have ANY toys left if they follow toy recall standards. Umm - it's not just India in this quandary. I went through the kids' room this weekend and I bagged up every plastic toy that didn't have a brand on it. Every single toy in their room was made in China, with the exception of my old Breyer horses, but the new ones are made in China now. With the knowledge of possible defects brought to light due to the recall, we needed to give the room a good once-over.

If I were to get rid of all the Made in China toys, they would have nothing left except books (and the aforementioned Breyers). But maybe that is the thing to do (and I only partly jest). I am still not sure what to do about the stuffed toys - as they are also ALL made in China. But at least they don't have potential lead paint issues.

At least the major toy makers will issue recalls if necessary. Those unnamed, unbranded toys, well, we may never know if they have lead or other issues - so out they all go, including every rubber ducky from the dollar store. This may shut that operation down.

Maybe this is Why They Recalled this Toy

Here is a real, actual photo of my child's poodle/baby from the Mattel Doggie Daycare with Lula. The fact you can do this with the dangerous magnets (see photo) is not really good......we're sending it in to Mattel soon!

Parents Sue Mattel Over Lead Testing

Well, it seems a natural following of events that parents are now suing Mattel over the Toy Recall. There is a pending class action suit with the premise that Mattel pick up the cost of testing children for lead poisoning.

If you have any doubts, do take your child to your pediatrician for a simple test for lead exposure.

New Names for my Kids

I'm personally tired of blogging and calling my kids by code name dd1 and dd2. I've polled them and we've created new blog names for them. Here they are:

Formerly known as DD1
New Blogging Name: Butterfly
Age - 8
Grade 3, Gifted class
Interests: Blogs, writing, poetry, Hannah Montana, Disney shows, horses

Formerly known as DD2
New Blogging Name: The Princess
Age - 5
Grade - Entering Kindergarten
Interests: Neopets, TyGirls, puppies, Barbie, An obsession with Sharpay on High School Musical, swimming, annoying Butterfly.

Send A Postcard to 5 Year Old Mac Hughes in Canada!

Hey, I came across this post when doing some browsing, and it sounds like a great idea - take a few moments and send a postcard to little five year old Mac in Canada. He's homeschooled and learning about geography. So his parents are asking if anyone/everyone will send him a postcard about your area. Include the date and time you mailed it and Mac and his parents will let you know how long it takes to get to them in the great white north. This would also be a great way to get your kids involved and teach them a geography lesson too!

Read here about Mac

Send postcard to:

Mac Hughes
c/o NeoFarm
Box 666
Leaf Rapids, Manitoba
Canada R0B1W0 (I think these are zeros in the postal code)

Make a little kid's day! And pass this along to all you know.

Hot Travel Spots, My Comments, What are Yours?

From the Chicago Tribune, with my commentary:

Top U. S. Hot Spots - top U. S. attractions according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors:

1. Orlando (various)...[well duh!..since I live in Florida I've been here many, many times - love it in the fall/winter only, summer heat here sucks!]
2. Cirque de Soleil, Las Vegas [I'm ashamed to say I have never seen one of their performances, anywhere, but I'd like to - but I think Tim finds it too "gay"]
3. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii [I've never been to Hawaii - but it's on my short list]
4. Grand Canyon, Arizona [I went by myself for a little overnight/day trip when I was on a business trip to Mesa...thanks for covering the $$$ for me, former unnamed employer who will never know I did that...and I LOVE it highly recommend for anyone]
5. Central Park, New York City [Tim and I took the then baby DD1 and we really liked it! And we didn't get mugged!]
6. Alcatraz, San Francisco [I saw Alcatraz from across the Bay, but did not do the tour to go there.....LOVE San Francisco, been twice]
7. Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York City [I made Tim stand in front of door to 30 Rock, hoping to see Saturday Night Live stars (nope). Didn't go up - guess we missed a big deal that day]
8. Monterrey Bay Aquarium [never been there - would like to see Monterrey]
9. Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas [never been to Vegas baby! I'm afraid my husband will gamble away the little credit we have remaining, as we have no savings to lose]
10. San Diego Zoo [spent a few days in San Diego - went on the old wooden rollercoaster there, but my lazy friends who slept the day away, refused to attend the famous zoo. I made them take me to the Tonight Show in Burbank to make up for it, later in our California excursion - it was a really good replacement]

There you have it - I have been to a lot of places - mostly before I got married and had kids. Even London, Milan, Rome, Tijuana, and a bunch of little Italian towns. I have to say I love northern California and the wine country a lot! Loved the Umbrian region of Italy - never had such fabulous food ever again. Loved staying in Bloomsbury, London - the British Museum, the pubs, the royals, would love to go again! A guard at Kensington Palace let us in after they closed to see the exhibits - while they were getting ready for a party for Prince Charles and Princess Diana - so I think the Brits are pretty cool.....oh, by the way, my bro-in-law is British, but he's not the reason I like England!

What places have you traveled to and why did you like them?

Trevor, the Mentos Intern - Put Him to Work for You!

Here's some fun to do tomorrow at work - use your intern! Just go to http://www.mentosintern.com/ where you'll find Trevor, ready to do work for you! He also has a blog at http://www.trevortheintern.blogspot.com/. I plan to try to have him do something for me, but I can't say what - it will be a surprise! By the way girls and boys, his profile says his favorite Mentos is strawberry!

Other duties you could assign to him:

1. Perform a one-act play of your choice
2. Phone you (or your boss) to shower you with compliments
3. Create a playlist for an upcoming party
4. Call in sick for you

Oh, and they have a lot of other fun stuff at the http://www.mentos.com/ website like printable instructions for building your own Mentos geyser! Just right for the end of summer!

Technorati tags: mentos, intern, trevor

New Immunization Guidelines for Children

I just received my latest Baptist Health newsletter which surprised me with the news of updated vaccine schedules for children. This means I get to tick off my 8 year old DD1 with the news that she has to get an extra chicken pox (varicella) shot and in a year or two she'll be getting the new vaccine for papilloma virus prevention. DD2 will also be screaming in horror with her 2nd chicken pox shot as well. Despite the anticipated yearly screaming ordeal, we are really good at keeping our vaccinations up to date.

We also have to do flu shots in October, due to the asthma running in our family. DD2 took the last round pretty well. They created a cartoon called the flu bug, that she still talks about a year later - she likes that the shot killed it....what can I say - good marketing by the vaccine clinic.

Anyway, here's a summary of changes on the vaccination schedule....

1. Rotavirus immunization should now be given in three doses at ages two, four and six months. Thi