Swine flu confirmed in local county

Two cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Mineral County, WV.  Two children that attend the same daycare center tested positive for this type of flu, according to public health advisory #58 from the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health.

According to sources, this strain of flu can cause the following symptoms:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• runny nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue

Be sure to wash your hands and your children’s hands frequently to avoid spreading germs.

Make 2012 a healthy year for you and your family!

2nd.MD, A very positive health care experience!

Thank you to 2nd.MD for providing me with a $200 stipend to test-drive this revolutionary online medical service.

Most of my readers know that I live with invisible illness.  You can read more about my health journey, including systemic lupus, on my personal blog.  When I heard about the opportunity to try out this new online medical service, I was excited. The timing could not have been more perfect.  I was having some kidney issues related to lupus and wanted a second opinion.

Utilizing 2nd.MD I was able to locate a top-notch nephrologist that specializes in chronic kidney conditions!  Dr. Alan Perlman was the physician I chose for my appointment.  I literally could not have been more pleased with his “bedside” manner.  He was attentive, answered all my questions in layman’s terms and provided sound advice and the reassurance that I was looking for.  He was also personable yet professional at the same time.  I read him recent lab and other test results and he interpreted the findings for me and made recommendations based on his experience.

Choosing a doctor was simple.  I typed in the name of my problem, in this case I simply typed in “kidney issues” and a list of doctors came up. I was able to peruse their profiles and bios and then chose Dr. Perlman.

I scheduled the appointment by a simple click of the mouse.  At first there wasn’t an appointment available in the time frame I requested.  The staff at 2nd.MD contact the doctor to see if they will open up more appointment slots.  Dr. Perlman did (at 6:20 in the morning and I was able to get in with the specialist I requested.  I appreciated that special and prompt attention.

I received an email reminder for my appointment as well as a phone call reminder.  The website also takes you through a test call to make sure that your computer is ready to support the webcam and audio component of the appointment.

The quality of the audio and visual process was good.  We never had a time where the picture or audio cut out when either of us was speaking.  My 20 minute appointment included a clock at the top of the screen that let me know how much time I had left.  I really found this helpful in prioritizing my questions and making the most of my time with the specialist.

After the appointment, I received notes from Dr. Perlman including the name of the test he recommended I have done so that I can take that information back to my rheumatologist {the doctor that manages my lupus}.

Except for the crazy early hour of my appointment, I was very pleased with the ease, efficacy and expertise that I received through my experience with 2nd.MD.  I plan to have another appointment with Dr. Perlman when the test results come back.  The best thing about this service is the accessibility of renowned specialists.  If I had to wait for an appointment with a nephrologist in my area, I might not have gotten an appointment until February.  With 2nd.MD, I had an appointment with a kidney specialist in less than a week.  That is of value beyond words!

Here is a brief video that explains more about the 2nd.MD site.  It certainly provided me with peace of mind!

2ndMD – Peace of Mind from 2ndMD on Vimeo.

I encourage you to check out the site.  I could not be more pleased.

You can find 2nd.MD on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Thank you again to 2nd.MD for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about 2nd.MD. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own. #Clever2ndMD #spon

Helping families of sick children

So many families are impacted by the serious illness of a child.  I can’t imagine anything more stressful than one of my kids being seriously ill.  The Ronald McDonald House is a beacon of hope and a place for families to rest and not have to worry about finding a place to stay when their child is hospitalized.

This year, for the first time, McDonald’s customers are invited to purchase a $1, $3, or $5 “Give A Hand” with all proceeds being donated to RMHC. In addition, customers can support families in need every day throughout year the when they purchase a Happy Meal® or Mighty Kids Meal®* at participating U.S. McDonald’s restaurants. Through the Happy Meal fundraiser launched in the summer of 2010, McDonald’s donates a portion of the sales proceeds to RMHC from every Happy Meal and Mighty Kids Meal sold {*McDonald’s donates a penny per Happy Meal and Mighty Kids Meal sold, at participating U.S. McDonald’s}. And proving how a little help goes a long way, last year with your support, McDonald’s raised nearly $25 million for RMHC through the in-restaurant Donation Boxes.

With your continued support during this McHappy Day, RMHC can continue to expand programs worldwide and help more families find strength to endure during a very difficult time. More families like the Fletchers that were featured in this Washington Post article a few weeks ago.

Here are a few ways you can participate in the McHappy Day fundraiser this year and show your support for RMHC:

• Celebrate McHappy Day: Starting November 10, visit your local participating McDonald’s restaurant and purchase a “Give A Hand” for $1, $3, or $5. For each paper Hand sold between November 10-20, McDonald’s will donate all proceeds to RMHC.
• Purchase a Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal: Every time you purchase a Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal, McDonald’s will donate a portion of the proceeds to RMHC. So when you come together with your family for a meal, you can feel good knowing that you’re also helping keep families together when they need it most at a Ronald McDonald House.

·         “Give A Hand” Online Campaign and Sweepstakes: To further spread awareness of and show support for RMHC, McDonald’s is once again bringing “Give A Hand” online. We invite you and your family to write and/or draw messages of support for RMHC on your hand and submit your photo online at http://bit.ly/mcdgah. See Official Rules for details.  No Purchase Necessary.

For more information on donating your money or volunteering your time to this great cause visit www.rmhc.greaterdc.org.

Halloween Safety Tips for Parents

Special thanks to the California Poison Control System for providing us with these tips!

1.      Many parents purchase glow-in-the-dark jewelry and glow sticks to keep their children visible while trick-or-treating in the dark.  Children may break open these glow sticks and get the liquid on their hands and in their mouths.  The liquid can be mildly irritating to the skin or eyes but is not likely to cause harm if a small amount is ingested.
2.      Tell children not to eat treats until they return home and all items have been inspected by an adult.
3.      Limit the amount of candy ingested at one time.  Too much candy can cause stomach discomfort, and sugars and other sweeteners can act as laxatives when consumed in large amounts.
4.      If your child brings home a brand of candy that you are unfamiliar with, throw it away.  Some imported candies have high levels of lead that can be harmful.
5.      Candy that is unwrapped should be discarded immediately.
6.      Fruit treats should be washed and cut open before being eaten.
7.      Homemade treats should be discarded unless you know and trust the individuals who prepared them.
8.      Small pieces of candy are potential choking hazards for small children.
9.      Torn, loose, or punctured wrapping may be a sign of tampering. If you suspect tampering, this should be reported to local police.
10.     Commercially produced candy may sometimes have color variation, lumps, or powdered sugar residue – all normal effects of the manufacturing and shipping process. To see photos of candy with these normal effects, go to http://www.candyusa.com/IndustryResources/PRdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=1247.  This candy is generally safe to eat as long as the packaging does not show signs of tampering.

Have fun and stay safe tonight!!!

Shedding pounds, making friends

I don’t know about you but the scale is not my friend.  I started off 2011 with a commitment to Weight Watchers.  I armed myself with a point tracking app for my smart phone and set off, in my own strength, to shed some unwanted pounds.   I succeeded in losing 7 lbs in one month and have gained 10 lbs since!

I am tired of being on the diet roller coaster.  And, I have discovered a way to get off!  

Lysa TerKeurst, president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, has written a best selling book called Made to Crave: Satisfying your Deepest Desire with God, not Food.  I have read the book and am beyond excited to be leading the Bible Study at First Baptist Church, Martinsburg beginning this Wednesday, September 14th from 9am-10:30am.

This is what the study is about:

Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman’s desire to be
healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen.
The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn’t a bad thing. But we
must realize God created us to crave him. Many of us have misplaced
that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting
spiritual satisfaction.
“God made us capable of craving so we’d have an unquenchable desire
for him, and him alone,” says Lysa. “Nothing changes until we make the
choice to redirect our misguided cravings to the only one capable of
satisfying them.”
Women struggling with unhealthy eating habits can break the “I’ll start
again on Monday” cycle, and start feeling good about themselves today.
Lysa, in her conversational style, helps women learn to stop beating
themselves up over the numbers on the scale. “We need to define ourselves by our obedience, not a
number on a scale,” says Lysa. “The scale does help measure our progress, but it can’t tell us
everything.”
Readers will discover that weight-loss struggle isn’t a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and
will learn how justifications that lead to diet failure can be replaced with empowering go-to scripts
that lead to victory. Made to Crave plus a healthy diet plan will lead to a healthy weight goal—and
growing closer to God in the process.
This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary
companion for women to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan they choose. This is a book to
help women find the “want to” in making healthy lifestyle choices.

So many parts of this book spoke to me but mostly it was like Lysa had crawled up in my brain and was aware of every insecurity I have, every conversation I have with myself {and the mirror} and the encouragement to overcome them, once and for all.

One of the things she stresses the most is going through this journey with a group of friends to hold you accountable.  That is what the study will provide.  We will go through the journey together, hold each other accountable, laugh and have fun- all while growing closer to God and hopefully watching our waistlines shrink.

My goal is to be healthier, spiritually and physically.

Care to join me?

If you are interested in joining us, please leave a comment below or email me {Melissa} at here2therewv@yahoo.com.

Here are some details if you are interested:

• You do not need to have read the book or purchase it to participate in the study.
• The group will meet for 10 weeks, starting this Wednesday.
• The participant’s guide will be available for purchase at the study for $8. {If you can not afford the book, please just let me know in your email}

Crystal Light Challenge

I am a recovering soda addict.  So, I was instantly intrigued by the new Crystal Light challenge.

Now through September 9, Crystal Light is encouraging women to replace their diet soda with the refreshing flavor of Crystal Light. And what better way to do it than with these delicious recipes? To take the Challenge, connect with Crystal Light on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/CrystalLight).  You’ll have a flavorful summer and even have the chance to win instant prizes daily while doing it.

The Crystal Light fizz flavors are really good.  I tried the following recipe and my kids barely let me enjoy a glass before it was gone!

It was yummy and refreshing!  I am keeping the recipe for the next time I have company or host Bible study in my home.

Don’t forget to visit the Crystal Light Facebook page and enter the challenge before it ends on September 9th.

Disclosure: Kraft Foods sent me a sample of Crystal Light.

What are you racing for? A cure or something else?

If you’re like me you love feel good stories with happy endings. The idea of giving back to the community, taking part in charity events, serving people is heart- warming. So it’s almost a no brainer to get involved with organizations doing great work to fight cancer, or Alzheimer’s. Some startling news however made me reconsider the “no brainer” part.

Enter the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.

We’ve all heard of Komen for the Cure and perhaps you’ve even taken part in one of their marathons or other fundraising venues. But did you know you might have been raising money for abortion?

We’ve mentioned this before, but it is becoming more of an issue that Komen for the Cure gives money to the Planned Parenthood abortion industry. Specifically, Komen says they give money for mammograms. The problem is that Planned Parenthood doesn’t do mammograms…at all!

Pro-life advocate Lila Rose and her Liveaction.org organization exposed the lie that Planned Parenthood offers mammogram services earlier this year. Associates of Liveaction.org called 30 different Planned Parenthood clinics in 27 different states to ask about mammogram services. What they discovered is that PP doesn’t offer the service at any of their clinics.

When pressed on the issue Komen came clean and acknowledged that PP doesn’t do mammograms.

“When a mammogram is indicated, a patient is often referred to a local program, such as the state’s breast and cervical cancer program. In other cases, the Komen Affiliate’s grant to Planned Parenthood may include funds to pay for mammograms outright. When this happens, a local provider performs the mammogram, and is then reimbursed by Planned Parenthood using the Komen grant funds.”

So let me get this straight. Komen is giving grants to PP for a service they don’t perform so that when someone needs this service they can be referred to a clinic that does? How does that make any sense whatsoever?

It would be logical to assume that if someone doesn’t do mammograms that you would not refer them to that organization. It seems logic has no place in the Komen organization. Just ask John Jansen of the Pro-Life Action League.

Jansen wanted to know if Komen would distance themselves from PP after the abortion giant came under fire to helping sex-traffickers, lying to patients, lying about what services they offer, and breaking many state and federal laws (Is this a “health” organization or a mob outlet?).

Jansen emailed Komen from two different accounts asking where he could get a mammogram for his mother. Komen responded by offering three resources, one of those was Planned Parenthood. When Jansen called the PP clinic to inquire about getting the mammogram done the PP rep told him they didn’t offer the service.

Why is Komen referring people to PP for mammograms when PP doesn’t offer the service?

While I can’t answer that question, one thing is certain; “Komen for the Cure” needs its own cure. It needs to stop associating with and funding the abortion business by giving grants to PP. Komen needs to find other allies that actually offer the services they are funding. With so many Americans now saying they are pro-life Komen might find their support base shrinking if they continue to associate with abortion groups like Planned Parenthood.

TAKE ACTION: Contact Komen for the Cure to ask it to stop referring women for nonexistent mammograms at Planned Parenthood at http://ww5.komen.org/Contact.aspx

Nathan A. Cherry lives in Bunker Hill with his wife and two children. He is a contributing blogger for the Family Policy Council of West Virginia as well as Eastern Panhandle Moms. Nathan is the Connection Pastor at New Hope Church in Inwood West Virginia where he serves to connect folks into places of service both within the church and in the community.

Anybody want a coke?

You have probably heard by now that PepsiCo has partnered with Senomyx, a company that develops flavors and works to enhance existing flavors. The problem is that Senomyx is using aborted baby tissue in its research and development of flavors. Now, I don’t know about you, but that just sounds disgusting to think that they are using the tissue of aborted babies to develop flavors that go into foods.

I don’t see how aborted baby tissue is supposed to help develop flavor for PepsiCo, but regardless of that question it’s morally wrong. PepsiCo is, in essence affirming abortion as a company. And many pro-life Pepsi drinkers let them know about it. I wish I could say they cared, but it seems they are just going to try and sweep it under the rug.

A friend of the Family Policy Council of West Virginia decided to contact PepsiCo to let them know how unhappy he was to learn of the unethical practices of the research firm Senomyx that PepsiCo has aligned itself. Here is the response he got from the “Pepsi Consumer Relations” department:

“Thank you for contacting us to share your sincere concerns.

Please be assured that PepsiCo is committed to using only the highest ethical methods in all aspects of our research. This is something we take very seriously, and we hold ourselves and all of our research partners to the same high standards as the world’s leading research centers.

With respect to the flavor discovery research with Senomyx, we utilize techniques that have been the gold standard for several decades by top universities, hospitals, U.S. government agencies, food and beverage companies, and essentially every pharmaceutical and biotech company in the world. Yet, there is some misinformation being circulated meant to distort what we’re doing and question our motives and those of other companies. This is unfortunate, and it is certainly not reflective of the work we are doing.

We hope this information is helpful and reassuring. Thank you again for reaching out to us and allowing us to clarify the situation.”

This sounds like such a load of politically correct pandering that I can hardly read it without having an adverse reaction. PepsiCo is obviously not concerned about a boycott and not concerned about the bad press they are receiving. I believe McDonald’s and Ford Motor Company were equally unconcerned, until they saw their profits dropping as a result of the boycott. (The list of groups calling for a boycott is growing as we speak…er, as you read).

Interestingly, a pro-life group that contacted PepsiCo about this issue received the exact same “form” response from the “Pepsi Consumer Relations” department.

Maybe you’re more irritated now than before that PepsiCo would blatantly ignore the pro-life views held by the majority of Americans (many of whom are paying customers). Maybe you will give Coke another try. Or maybe you want to contact PepsiCo yourself to let them know that your money will not support a company that openly supports abortion. Here is how to contact PepsiCo:

Jamie Caulfield, Sr. VP
PepsiCo, Inc.
700 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY 10577
(914) 253-2000
Email form: http://cr.pepsi.com/usen/pepsiusen.cfm?time=5189878

Pepsi needs to know that pro-life Americans will not support their continued partnership with a company that uses aborted baby tissue in research. There is nothing refreshing about that.

Don’t you just love those cute polar bears in the Coke commercials?

Nathan A. Cherry lives in Bunker Hill with his wife and two children. He is a contributing blogger for the Family Policy Council of West Virginia as well as Eastern Panhandle Moms. Nathan is the Connection Pastor at New Hope Church in Inwood West Virginia where he serves to connect folks into places of service both within the church and in the community

Summer Snack Tips

Healthy Summer Nutrition Tips from Funky Monkey Snacks:

1. Get Your Fill of Water. Hydration is critical, especially in the southern states where the sudden transition from air conditioning to high heat can shock the body.  To help avoid muscle cramps and headaches—and to nourish skin—drink plenty of liquids, especially water.  The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition outlines the following choices along with the maximum recommended daily eight-ounce servings: water (9 for women, 13 for men), unsweetened tea (8), unsweetened coffee (4), diet sodas and calorie-free beverages (4), skim or low-fat milk (2), 100% fruit juices, whole milk, or sports drinks (1), soft drinks or juice drinks (1).

2. Find a Farmer. There isn’t a better time of year to visit local farmers markets where an amazing array of healthy produce awaits.  Many vegetables are high in nutrients and fiber—kale, chard, and mustard greens offer Vitamins C and E, which are good for eyes strained by the sun.  Potassium-rich potatoes and spinach help avoid muscle cramps as well.  Try putting vegetables on the backyard grill along with your main course for a special treat.

3. Up Your Fruit Quotient. The sun can wreak havoc on skin during outdoor activities.  To nourish skin, complement your increased water intake with fresh fruit like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, all of which have antioxidants and vitamin C.  Bananas are also good sources of potassium; make smoothies or fruit kabobs to add variety.  Freeze-dried Funky Monkey™ Snacks are also a good fruit alternative—crunchy, bite-sized 100% real fruit snacks that are nutritionally equivalent to their fresh fruit counterparts and made with bananas, pineapples, apples, papaya, raisins, and açai.

4. Lighter is Better. Eating smaller meals more often is always a good idea, but especially in summer when people tend to miss eating at meal times or are suddenly presented with a picnic or party smorgasbord.  Lighter fare is also a good way to get nutrients without excessive calories—make gazpacho or other cold soups, and try BBQ alternatives like turkey or skinless, marinated chicken.  Chili is another convenient and fun summertime entrée; make a potful in advance, using nutrient-rich chicken or vegetables, so it’s on hand when no one feels like cooking.

5. Go Fishing. Fish, along with lean meats, beans, chickpeas, and soy products, are all high in protein, making them great not only for muscle development, but also to help hair that is overcome by exposure to sunlight and saltwater.  Grill fish for a great summertime meal—and while you’re at it, up your consumption of eggs, another important source of protein.

6. Limit High Calorie Treats. It’s easy to make ice cream a habit during warm weather, but ice cream, not to mention cookies, popsicles, pies and fried desserts, can add fat and calories much faster than increased summertime activity can work off.  Newer low-fat versions of ice cream or sorbet are better-tasting than ever; another alternative is to eat a healthy meal and then plan an after-dinner diversion to take everyone’s mind off big desserts.

7. Think About the Kids. Erratic eating can be especially hard on children during the summer—and their demand for treats can ruin anyone’s commitment to good nutrition.  Try to maintain a regular meal schedule as much as possible, and keep only healthy snacks in the house, so no one is tempted.  Having healthy snacks in the car at all times also helps when kids suddenly start complaining.  Funky Monkey Snacks are easy to carry and better for kids than dried fruit or fruit snacks (dried fruit does not preserve all the nutrients of fresh fruit, and fruit snacks often contain added sugars, colors, flavors and preservatives.)

February is Dental Health Month

According to the American Dental Association, growing a healthy smile starts from birth.

If you have an infant in the house {like our 5 month old Sweet Pea}, you can wipe the gums with a clean, dry gauze pad or baby washcloth after each feeding.  As their first teeth appear, you can use an infant toothbrush and water.

As your kids get older, make sure they see the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.

Flossing is important for removing plaque from between teeth and can help to prevent cavities.

With teens in the house as well, I am trying out the new Reach by Design toothbrushes on my boys {ages 14 and 13} for the next two weeks.  We are also trying out the Reach Total Care Whitening Floss, made with with MICRO-GROOVES technology.  Shred resistant floss is important when teens are using it.

What do you do to keep your families smiles healthy?

*I was provided the Reach products for review at no cost to me.  I was not compensated for mentioning them in my article. *

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