Alternative treatments do not necessarily mean better treatments. Be sure to ask about possible side effects of herbs and dietary supplements, which can cause problems with medications — and aren’t as well tested or regulated as are conventional treatments.

Doing your homework does not always mean using the Internet. Lots of information can get posted on the web that is false or promotional, cloaked as medical data. In general, the most trusted web sites are those created by major medical centers, universities and government agencies.

The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way as over the counter or prescription medications. Herbal remedies, vitamins and minerals are all considered dietary supplements by the FDA but can have serious side effects and potent drug interactions. Some new regulations require manufacturers to evaluate the identity, purity, strength, and composition of dietary supplements but the new guidelines are not strictly enforced or regulated until 2010.

PLEASE: Tell your doctor about any supplements your child is on, especially before surgery or taking other medications.

The ideal situation is to have a doctor that is integrative, meaning that they work well with alternative practitioners and still maintain your overall health record. It is important to have a balanced approach- willing to utilize medicine that is conventional treatment when needed but avoiding excessive medications when alternatives such as nutritional changes and dietary supplements will help. Be sure you work with an experienced practitioner who has training in both conventional and alternative medicine- integrating the best of both worlds.

Not surprising, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 4 out of 5 sunscreen products don’t adaquately protect against sunburn and many contain chemicals that may be harmful. Leading brands were the worst offenders: Coppertone, Banana Boat and Neutrogena all cuased concern form the EWG

• The EWG’s criteria for safety and effectiveness, are: blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, remaining stable in sunlight, and containing few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards.
• Sunscreens break down in the sun. Unfortunately, many sunscreens break down in the sun, in a matter of minutes or hours, and then let UV radiation through to the skin. It is a paradox, but 45% of products on the market contain ingredients that may be unstable in the sun.
• zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen provide strong UVA protection, and are contained in most new sunscreens. However, powder and spray sunscreens might absorb more easily through the lungs than the skin. Causing damage and potential toxic expsosure.
• Some sunscreens absorb into the bloodstream and expose your child to chemical side-effects
  Some release skin-damaging free radicals in sunlight, some could disrupt hormone systems, several are strongly linked to allergic reactions, and others may build up in the body or the environment..

8% of high SPF products (SPF 30 and higher) have poor UVA protection

According to the EWG , 72% of sunscreens were labeled with one or more terms that FDA has said are indicative of a misbranded product, terms that are “unacceptable,” or terms that could “mislead consumers by inducing a false sense of security”.
These include “chemical-free,” “non-chemical,” “help prevent skin damage,” as well as terms like “sunblock,” “reflects,” “shields,” “protects,” “filters,” “screens,” “sun’s rays,” “sun’s harmful rays,” and all SPF designations greater than 50.

I suggest that you go to the Environmental Work Group website www.EWG.com for more details. That said, any sunscreen is better than a sun BURN for kids (or parents) so please do not let this information somehow scare you off all sunscreens. SUNBURNS ARE ALWAYS WORSE!

• 1. www.coolibar.com
  This company’s mission is to develop superior sun protective products that allow people to enjoy life in the sun. they make sun protective clothes, SPF clothing, sun hats, sun protection swimwear, sunglasses, umbrellas, sunscreens and sunblock. The clothes are cute enough for your kids to enjoy wearing but SPF50 for their safety.

 

• 2. www.tumblegum.com
  Another wonderful site for UV protective swim wear- All Tumblegum Sun Wear tm products are constructed with fabric rated UPF 50+, the highest rating possible.

 

 

• 3. www.pristineplanet.com has some wonderful beach toys and buckets including the The SandSac™ ian eco-friendly, foldable travel beach pail. Made from 100% cotton canvas with a 100% renewable resource bamboo shovel, it is the alternative to the traditional plastic pail and shovel. The SandSac™ is customizable using fabric markers, paints, or applied accessories.

 

• 4. www.organicallyhatched.com a selection of quality organic baby products from local suppliers.
  Dunebug’s Sand Truck is a double feature of a vehicle.

  A built in bucket, shovel, and rake transform this truck to instant sand tools to keep your farm looking the best on the block.

 

• 5. www.seaglassorganic.com green living Choose from 100% certified organic cotton towels or 70% bamboo 30% organic cotton beach towels in great colors and generous sizes. Check out our New Organic Cotton Beach Bag & Towel Gift Sets now available. Go green at the beach!

Why do allergy shots work?

Allergy shots work in a way similar to homeopathy: they introduce the body to very small amounts of the substances that trigger allergic reactions (allergens). The exposure is enough to stimulate the child’s immune system without causing a full-blown allergic reaction. As the allergy shots increase in intensity, the body gets desensitized to the allergens. Eventually, the immune system builds up a tolerance to the allergens, and allergy symptoms will diminish over time.
Allergy shots require great compliance because the shots are given on a precise schedule that involves two phases:

• Initially: the first 6 months a child gets shots two to three times a week. During this early phase, the allergen dose is gradually increased with each shot.
• Ongoing: After the first 6 months and upwards of three years, injections are given at a maintenance dose every month. The maintenance dose contains a consistent amount of allergens .

What are the best allergy shots?

• Seasonal allergies: pollens released by trees, grasses or weeds.
• Indoor allergens: dust mites, cockroaches, mold or pet dander

What Are the side effects ?

• Local reactions. There can be redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site within four to eight hours but should resolve without treatment.
• More serious reactions: Sneezing, nasal congestion and hives mean you need to call your pediatrician. Throat swelling, wheezing or chest tightness indicates an emergency.
• Anaphylaxis. Rarely, allergy shots can trigger anaphylaxis which causes low blood pressure and breathing problems. This is a potentially life- threatening condition but your doctor will monitor your child for 30 minutes after the injections in the waiting room.

REMEMBER: Allergy shots are only worth while if the impact of allergies on the quality of your child’s life is detrimental- allergies can lower their immune system, impact their school performance and drain their energy. But they are usually manageable with medication. Injections are worth considering if your child is missing a lot of school, the medication isn’t working or the allergy symptoms are worsening.

SURVIVAL KIT CHECKLIST

• Water
  Plan on 1 gallon per person per day, for drinking and for sanitation.v

• Food
  Select foods that require no refrigeration, have a long shelf life, and require little or no water to prepare. This may include ready-to-eat canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit and crackers.
  Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils
• Hygiene and sanitation
  N95 respiratory masks or comparable make
  Moist towelettes
  Alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizer
  Toothpaste and toothbrush 
  Tissues, toilet paper and paper towels 
  Garbage bags, heavy duty, and ties
• Prescribed medications
  Store at least a one-month supply.
• First-aid kit
  First-aid book
  Rubber gloves 
  Cleansing agent (soap or towelettes)
  Antibiotic ointment and burn ointment
  Cold packs 
  Adhesive bandages, cotton balls and swabs
  Sterile dressing, tape and elastic wrap
  Thermometer
  Tweezers, sharp scissors, spoon
  Eyewash solution
  Medication for fever and pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  Anti-diarrheal medication
  Antihistamines
• Tools 
  Manual can opener
  Eating utensils
  Flashlight
  Light sticks
  Radio, battery powered
  Batteries
  Matches, in waterproof container
  Duct tape
  Knife
  Wrench or pliers
• Additional items
  Cash and coins
  Special needs such as inhalers, contact lenses, extra eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries
  Copies of credit cards, bank numbers, important documents, medical prescriptions, driver’s licenses and passports
  Keys, extra sets
  Feminine hygiene supplies
  Infant supplies
  Recreational materials
  Food and supplies for pets
  Writing supplies
• Items for evacuation
  Blankets or sleeping bags
  Change of clothing and footwear
  Bathing supplies
  Raincoat
  Local maps

I am not a big fan if Hallmark Holidays but as a Mom I occasionally wish for a special treat!! I rarely shop- as a pediatrician and mother of three I tend to shop on-line, late at night. So I am always searching and researching for the very best products and then I stick with them- especially when it comes to my children.

• 1. www.printpatternpaper.com
  These are the cutest plates and lunch bags for kids- my daughter carries it everywhere. The plates are Bambu brand bamboo plate and the Utensils are either a Bambu Spork or 3 piece utensils Plus a matching 10″x10″ organic cotton napkin with coordinating design. Its just perfect for those of us wanting to continue to support an eco-friendly lifestyle and maintain beautiful design.

 

• 2. www.sensoryedge.com

   

  is a one-stop shopping for great toys for kids- they carry all the Melissa and Doug wooden toys as well as a vast selection of furniture and educational toys. Their customer service is excellent.

 

 

 

• 3. www.surlatable.com
  For summer fun with ice cream at home, Sur la Table has an exclusive on Waffle Cone Spoons. These are just the perfect size for enjoying a special amount of ice cream and look so much more fun. They come in a set of four and are dishwasher safe.

 

 

 

• 4. www.fatbraintoys.com

   

  Twig is a new edition from Fat Brain Toys. They produce brightly-colored, uniquely-shaped blocks that are eco-friendly and the packaging is natural wood. The blocks are cut so they are compatible with each other and fit together in limitless ways.

 

 

• 5. VedaMAMA at www.vedapure.com
  - yes its my own brand but I have to say that the BODY POLISH and the PURIFY really do make a difference- and if you cant get to that spa for the weekend you can at least pretend. The neroli essential oil has a way of soothing and transporting. The scrub is a favorite with all my friends.

 

Since she has been diagnosed, she has had many close calls of not pulling through extremely bad spells. She is in a wheel chair and has to have an aid most of the day. I in turn at a very young age have become the “mother” in our relationship. I used to wonder if she would ever see me get married? She did. She even saw my brother get married (he is four years younger) and than I thought she will never see me have children, she has! I feel very fortunate that she has been able to see all of these very monumental occasions in my life, especially since some women my age have already lost a parent.

We are not as close as we used to be, it is very hard since I have two daughters myself, and I think the reason for this is that I have become the care taker in many ways and I don’t want that job. Just like when both of my babies were born I wanted her to be at the hospital with me. I wanted her to be waiting in the recovery room for me and her brand new granddaughter,. Instead we called her with the news and the next question was always and is always ,”When can I see them / you”? Yes, there is anger, sadness and a host of other emotions when a parent suffers such a long term diabliting disease. I at times even get jealous that some of my friend’s moms come to see them. They go to theatre. They get on the floor and play with their grandchildren. It is a job for my mom even to feed herself and getting her in and out of the car is a marathon.

I often wonder when will I get the phone call that her journey is over. I think I will not be shocked, but I am sure I will be a terrible mess. She is my mom and now that I am a mom, it hurts more and than at the same time I do have some peace. She has seen and been able to play with her own granddaughters in her “own” way. is it the way I pictured when I was a very young women when I thought about having children one day?

Absolutely not,but no one has a crystal ball and life throws a lot of curve balls. This is her journey and her body will do what it will. I could never imagine how she must feel that she can’t lift her arm and to rely on someone else to do the simplest things. I just know that I have learned to show a lot of empathy and compassion. I still get pissed off somedays too and she does too! Whereas my very young daughters are very pragmatic about their Nana. My 6year old said to me , “Momma, Nana’s leg are never going to work are they”? I grabbed her and hugged her so tight and said , “No, baby they are not”. And than she said ,”That’s what she needs our help.”.

My must have must do list:

Check out THREE TARTS Bakery and Boutique- what a treat from fudge to coffee to beautiful home goods.
164 Ninth Ave. NYC, NY 10011
212-462-4392/ www.threetarts.com

I am loving the new “boyfriend jeans”- They are sexy, cool and a great spring/ summer look. Go to CPW 495 Amsterdam Ave.
Corner of 84th Street. NYC 212-579-3737.

Havaianas flip-flops now come for little ones with an ankle strap to keep them on!. They can be found at Gigle (120 Wooster St.NYC, NY) or Gigle.com $18.00

If you have any Spring/ Summer Style questions like where to get the latest must have scarfs for the season, even on the cheap, where to find a summer vintage dress or where to find latest
designers . E-mail Deana at : tuckerprods@nyc.rr.com