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newborn baby has thrush on her bum – how long does it take to clear? tips to make nappy change less painful?

  • Posted on February 12, 2011 at 5:24 am

My 7 day old daughter has thrush on her bum. Its very raw and very sore for her. She screams at every nappy change, especially if she does wees while her nappy is off. I think it must sting like crazy. I use huggies nappies and i am just using warm water and a very soft cloth on her bottom, i also am not wiping, i just sort of dab it. I dry her bum afterwards and then i apply the cream my midwife prescribed for her. We started using the cream yesterday and she said to use it at every nappy change for 3 or 4 days, however its the end of day 2 (well we started using it yesterday afternoon) and i havnt noticed any change, it definately hasnt got any better yet. I give her as much time as i can without a nappy on but she is usually screaming and crying that its hard to settle her without her nappy on. I have stopped drinking orange juice and eating acidic foods to see if that helps. Also she is fully breastfed. So if anyone has any help that would be great
Oh.. its a diaper. We call them nappies. Im from one of those ‘weird’ countries that put a ‘u’ in everything too. Labour, honour, colour etc.

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Need tips on how to help an alcoholic?

  • Posted on February 3, 2011 at 12:18 am

One of my best friends admitted to me the other day that he thinks he’s an alcoholic. He’s 32 and married with a new born daughter. I have been pretty convinced that he was an alcoholic already on my own just from watching his behavior. He needs to drink a lot. He sneaks it from his wife. He spends a lot of money on alcohol. He drinks alone. He stays up late and drinks even though he has to get up early to go to work. He brought a bottle of vodka to an event that was really not appropriate for alcohol and asked me to do shots with him in his car where no one could see us. I only did one, but he did quite a few.

On a related topic, I’ve heard stories about this other guy that works with my dad that is older that is also an alcoholic. I have heard stories about him losing his wife, his job, and his house because he can’t stop drinking. I’m worried about my friend getting that bad. He still has things together. He still works a good job and has a stable relationship with his wife. I just don’t want to see him go downhill and end up like this other guy. What are some tips to help this guy. It’s a delicate subject and I don’t want to risk messing up our friendship by interfering.

His wife thinks that he’s an alcoholic and she has asked my advice on several occasions. It’s tough because she basically has asked me to rat out on his drinking that he does when she’s not around. I hate to tattle-tell on him like he’s a little kid, but also, I think his wife should know how bad it’s gotten.

Part of me thinks that he mentioned that he thinks he’s an alcoholic as a cry for help. Maybe I should answer the call, but I’m not sure how to approach it.

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My chinchilla has weird white stuff on his fur? It is dried to the tips of his fur and…?

  • Posted on October 29, 2010 at 7:26 pm

looks like milk or something, but I have absolutely no idea how he got it there. We don’t bring drinks in with him because we don’t want to get him wet and my daughter never has sticky hands or anything and can’t just get to him so she couldn’t have done it without anyone seeing. Anyway, its just on the very ends of his fur near his ear and on a little on his one side. It isn’t sticky and doesn’t go deep at all into his fur, but it is stuck on very good. I tried to rub a little off between 2 fingers, but it wouldn’t come off and seemed to annoy him a little. He pulled away and didn’t seem happy at all. I will not wet him at all so don’t say to take a damp wash cloth or anything-I think fungus in his fur would be a lot, LOT worse than this-it doesn’t seem to be dangerous at all so should I even worry? He just took hiis dust bath-I let him in it for a few extra minutes just in case it could help dry to stuff up more so it could come off easier. Do you have any advice though or should I just leave it alone? He is very healthy and active and his fur is perfect-he isn’t missing any at all and it is perfectly level and soft (except not soft in those couple places). I’m not too worried, but just in case, any advice on how to get it off or whatever would be great. Thank you:)

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I need tips on weaning my almost 1 year old?

  • Posted on September 10, 2010 at 7:23 am

My daughter is 1 in 3 weeks. She is still being breastfed. We feed her baby cereal and baby food fruit in the morning and I feed her baby food vegetables for dinner. She nurses first thing when she wakes up, a few times during the day and at night before bed. Usually for lunch I give her table food – whatever we are eating. I have no idea how much she should be eating at this age – she is my first baby. I would like to wean her from the breast by her first birthday. She drinks juice well from a cup and I give her whole milk sometimes too. Can anyone give me some tips on how much a one year old should be eating? I don’t want to give her too much, but I don’t want her to go hungry either!! She also snacks during the day on crackers, those gerber puffs and gerber dried fruit things. Thanks!

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I need tips on weaning my almost 1 year old?

  • Posted on September 10, 2010 at 7:23 am

My daughter is 1 in 3 weeks. She is still being breastfed. We feed her baby cereal and baby food fruit in the morning and I feed her baby food vegetables for dinner. She nurses first thing when she wakes up, a few times during the day and at night before bed. Usually for lunch I give her table food – whatever we are eating. I have no idea how much she should be eating at this age – she is my first baby. I would like to wean her from the breast by her first birthday. She drinks juice well from a cup and I give her whole milk sometimes too. Can anyone give me some tips on how much a one year old should be eating? I don’t want to give her too much, but I don’t want her to go hungry either!! She also snacks during the day on crackers, those gerber puffs and gerber dried fruit things. Thanks!

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Acne Prevention – 8 Tips on How to Prevent Acne Breakouts

  • Posted on January 21, 2010 at 12:20 pm

Throughout your adolescence you probably suffered from acne. Most people would say that this is normal. Many people suffer from this condition. It is a fairly common skin disease that is shared by billions of people. If you are still experiencing acne or if you have a teenage son or daughter, you should seriously consider the various ways and means to prevent acne.

Acne Breakouts

Acne prevention is easy if you know how to. This is very important among young adults and teenagers since they are most likely to suffer from acne breakouts. Contrary to popular opinion, acne is not a condition that just afflicts teenagers. Even children may suffer from acne and there are people who continuously suffer from acne beyond adolescence. These people would probably suffer from acne for the rest of their lives if they do not find proper treatment for it. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to prevent acne breakouts.

In order to pinpoint the exact acne prevention plan, you should at least know what possibly causes your acne. It may be due to improper nutrition or cleansing habits. Hormones could also play a huge role on acne breakouts. Knowing the probable causes of your acne or your child’s acne will help you direct your attention to the different acne prevention techniques.

8 Tips on Preventing Acne Breakouts

1. Usually, a skin blemish like a pimple would usually start to form two or three weeks before it actually appears on the skin’s surface. Before it actually pops out, there are some things that you can do to ensure a blemish-free skin.

2. Wash your face or skin regularly. It can never be too much stressed that you need to keep your skin clean and oil free.

3. Wash with a mild cleanser daily to keep off dirt and impurities. This will also keep your pores from clogging. However, frequent and obsessive washing may aggravate the condition. So, look out for this.

4. Use a mild or gentle cleanser. The kind of products you use to wash your face matters. Prescription soaps are also great for acne prevention.

5. Do not use astringents. This is only advisable if you have a really oily skin and use these on areas that are very oily.

6. Wash your hair regularly and try to keep your hair off your face. The dust, grime and dirt from your hair may irritate your skin.

7. Regularly wash your bed linens, pillow cases and towels. This will keep you from using items that are full with germs and bacteria that can cause acne.

8. Exercise regularly and adopt a healthy diet. A healthy diet especially one rich in Vitamin A will ensure a glowing healthy skin. Exercise will help in your blood’s circulation which will ensure that every cell in your body is properly nourished.

Acne is embarrassing especially for teenagers or young adults. It is difficult to socialize if your face is full of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. This can take a huge toll on your child’s psyche or even your own self-esteem. If you are prone to acne, therefore, you should know how to prevent the occurrence of breakouts.

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Tips for Relieving Newborn Constipation

  • Posted on January 20, 2010 at 12:07 am

A couple of years ago I needed some tips for relieving newborn constipation when my niece asked me to keep her infant daughter while she returned to work. I never had any children so her mother had to tell me what to do when the baby was constipated.

Since then I’ve asked some mothers how they dealt with newborn constipation. I learned that one of the reasons for infant constipation is the iron contained in infant formula; some babies don’t need the additional iron. Some babies have allergies, usually to formula, which can cause constipation, although one woman shared that her son was actually allergic to the water she was using to mix his formula with.

In no particular order, here are some of the best tips for relieving newborn constipation:

Fruit Juice

Diluted apple or prune juice is one of the more popular methods for relieving infant constipation that I heard. However, it shouldn’t be used for infants under 3-4 months, and should always be diluted. The acid content of some fruit juices can contribute to diaper rash unless diluted with water.

Karo Syrup

Another of the more common cures for newborn constipation is Karo corn syrup. Some used the light or dark corn syrup, while others insisted that only the light corn syrup should be used.  Mix 1-3 tablespoons of the syrup in a bottle of warm water.  NOTE: Since corn syrup has been linked to obesity, you may want to limit its use.

Applesauce

Once the baby is taking baby food, applesauce will usually keep them regular, and they also enjoy the flavor. If the baby is too young for baby food, try mixing a little applesauce with rice cereal and diluting it so it can be drunk out of a bottle.

Oatmeal

One woman found that her baby’s constipation would be eased when she fed him formula to which oatmeal baby cereal had been added.

Massage

Massage can be accomplished in two different ways. The first is to use
a bit of baby lotion and use the tips of your fingers to gently massage the belly and lower abdomen.  The second method is to bend the baby’s legs so the knees press gently against the belly. This can be done with both legs together or one at a time in a “cycling” motion.

Glycerin suppositories

Glycerin suppositories will work when all other methods have failed.  That is actually what my niece had me use on her daughter. The suppository would be gently inserted into the rectum, then her legs would be “bicycled” placing light pressure on the lower belly. Usually within a matter of one or two minutes she would have a bowel movement.

One of the most important tips for relieving newborn constipation was the necessity of seeking medical attention should home remedies fail to work.  There may be something more going on and failure to get medical help could result in long-term problems.

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Family Time: 10 Tips to Ensure Family Happiness & Success

  • Posted on January 14, 2010 at 7:09 pm

We as individuals and families are not ignorant to the cultural temptations and influences each of us face. Let’s be honest – none of us individually or as families are perfect, but we all can change, improve, and discipline ourselves more. And we must! I have personally found, as I am sure many have, that in the limited precious time of each day, my decisions (good or bad) determine and demonstrate my priorities. And can we not all agree that while we each have priorities such as work, school, community, church, recreation, and personal activities – nothing is more important than the home and the family! No matter what success, degree, or award we attain in this life, it will certainly be meaningless if we have eventually failed in our own homes.

Thus, the question is – what am I personally doing (or not doing) in regards to my family that I can improve upon today? The list is endless; however, allow me to suggest 10 simple things that we must change and do immediately – so that when all is said and done – our families will not only have been the priority, but they will not have been influenced and shaped by the negative impact and influence of the worldly culture that so tempts us every day.

Turn off the TV More: I know that all of us are tired at the end of the day and simply just want to relax and turn on the TV. Like any technology, TV can be used for such good; thus, when watching TV, ensure that it is uplifting, educational, and wholesome for you and the kids. However, more importantly, lets make a resolve to turn the TV off a little more and just spend more time as a family. Eat a Meal Together Daily: Growing up in a home with 8 children (yes 8), you can imagine all of the after-school music lessons, sporting activities, playing with friends, homework, etc. that each of us kids were involved in. Yet, I remember eating dinner every day with my parents and siblings. Did we miss a day here and there? Of course! Did it get harder the older us kids got? Obviously! But, my parents were determined to sit together as a family every day (even if a few kids were at an activity). Like anything in life – when we commit to something, persist and make it happen – good things will result, even if those results don’t become evident until years later! Use meal times to talk, listen, laugh, plan, communicate, and love. Say I Love You Daily: This incredibly important advice applies to both your children and your spouse (if applicable). Remember, however, that love is an action, not just a word or simply a feeling!  Have a Daddy-Daughter or Mother-Son Date Once a Month: This ‘date’ does not need to be fancy or expensive – all your child wants is time and attention. Why is it so important to do this, and to do it consistently? Not only to build a friendship and relationship with your child, but to ensure they feel comfortable just ‘talking’ with you – so that when those challenges, temptations, and questions of life come – they will come to you, and not their friends or the influences of the world. Read Together Each Night: As in each of the 4 items mentioned above, the actual ‘reading’ together is not necessarily the important thing, it is the fact that you are spending time together each day. But, like every diet you have ever started – you can’t be committed and determined for a week or two – this must be a consistent thing every day for it to have any lasting and positive impact. Turn off the Computer / Internet a Little More: While the internet is certainly one of the greatest resources and tools in our lives, it also is without a doubt one of the greatest potential pitfalls for destroying our personal lives, marriages, and families. Without even discussing the violence of video games, idle time wasted ‘surfing,’ useless shows and movies we waste time on, etc. – there is an ever-increasing plague that is consuming millions of individuals (and thus, families) every single year. It is pornography. A man who looks at and participates in this filth will slowly and eventually realize that he will not only destroy his own life – but his family as well. Use the internet and computer for good, and make a resolve to turn them off more and spend more time with family. Teach the Value of Work: When was the last time you and your family went outside and did some yard work together? Do the kids help with the house cleaning or dishes? What chores do the kids have, and do they have to make their bed or clean their rooms? The reality is that participating in such activities not only helps children develop good habits and certainly prepares them for the reality of ‘work’ in the real world, but it allows family to be together and spend time with each other. Do Not Buy Them Everything – Teach the Value of Going Without: Despite the me-oriented society we live in, perhaps the greatest thing you can do for your child is to teach them the value of going without, sacrificing, and learning to share/give. This does not mean we can not buy our children nice (and even fun) things; but what it does mean is that whether we have the money or not, we need to teach them to go without occasionally, to work for what they want, and that sacrifice and learning to share/give is far more important than getting everything they want. Have a ‘Family Night’ at Least Twice a Month: I once heard that ‘excuses are like feet – everyone has them, and they stink!’  Perhaps we each have become guilty of using the excuse that ‘I don’t have time’ for family. We need to make time! Go out to eat, go to the movies, have a game night, go for a walk, play in the back yard, just talk, etc. Do something, do it as a family, and do it consistently! Be Consistent: Perhaps more importantly than anything mentioned above, we need to be consistent doing these activities, not just this week, but always. It is not enough to read this article and feel inspired and motivated to change and improve, what is important (and challenging) is being consistent with these activities every day forevermore. But if consistent is our effort, and we make time for our families, we will be extremely grateful when all is said and done!

Never forget that success in life must not be determined by the degrees obtained, institutions attended, awards won, career achievements, or wealth acquired. Real success in life should only be determined by who we become, the attributes we obtain, the kindness we show, the goodness we radiate, and the unselfish service we give. How does this relate to the topic/article at hand? Because this same standard must be the determinant of what true success is in marriage and family life. Success in marriage and family life actually has nothing to do with worldly achievements, possessions obtained, or even the accomplishments of our spouse or children. Success is only determined by who we become, the people we serve, and the attributes we develop.

Because this principle is true, it should suggest that success in spending time with family is not usually found in attending expensive concerts, going on exotic vacations, owning or visiting resort properties, dining out or shopping regularly, or even sitting down and watching TV together. Success in spending time with family most often entails simple activities that mean the most; such as: having a sincere talk, going on a drive or a walk, having a family night together, playing simple and fun games, serving or working together, or supporting children at their events and performances. It is through these simple and meaningful activities that relationships are strengthened, memories are created, trust is developed, support is given, laughter is enjoyed, life lessons are taught, and love is felt. If this standard of success is our goal, then dealing with the disappointment of certain failures will be far easier than dealing with the disappointment of certain successes if later in life we realize they were not the right successes.

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Ten Tips for Keeping Peace in the Family during the Holidays

  • Posted on January 13, 2010 at 8:24 am

 

Media images of the holidays are often exaggerated and, before you know it, you’re trying to conform to unrealistic ideals. Combined with the added pressures and demands on your time, this can lead to emotional overload. Just remember that nothing is perfect.

 

Now that the holiday season is swiftly approaching, perhaps you’re worried that your dysfunctional family dynamics will surface as soon as you get together. Do you think that your mother’s inquisitive nature may scare off the first boyfriend your daughter’s had in years? Or that your new son-in-law’s parents will wonder why your 35 year old son has moved back home again? Following these common sense strategies will help you create a more serene holiday season for you and your family:

 

1. Realize that the anticipatory anxiety you are experiencing is common. Financial burdens around gift giving and extra chores when entertaining can make you feel apprehensive and stressed. Accept this as a normal reaction.

 

2. Make sure that you have realistic expectations and don’t take everything personally. Some family members may be struggling with financial, business or marital issues that have nothing to do with you.

 

3. You don’t have to be all things to all people all the time. If your favorite aunt doesn’t get along with her ex-husband’s new wife, don’t invite them to dinner. It will make it easier for everyone to have an open mind and an accepting heart.

 

4. Put aside differences and avoid hot button issues. Sibling rivalry and unfinished family business are bound to surface. Despite how hard it may be, go for the higher ground and walk away from misunderstandings. But agree to finish the conversation at a later time.

 

5. Conversely, with a relationship that matters to you, bury the hatchet. If in the past you have stifled your feelings and then blown up later, don’t let your emotions fester. Admit the part you play in the conflict, privately, and deal with it.

 

6. If there is tension in the room, take the focus away from the specific toward the abstract. For example, talk about the value of apologizing for some wrongdoing. Then encourage others to discuss how this kind of quality has enhanced their other personal relationships.

 

7. Consider what you love about your family and let them know how grateful you are they’re a part of your life. Be sure to point out their positive qualities and personal strengths rather than focusing on the negatives.

 

8. Practice letting go of childhood pain and longings when family members are not with you in person but in your memories. And realize that having feelings of gratitude and forgiveness are a gift you give yourself.

 

9. Be a role model for your children. Teach them by example as you take care of your aging parents, lend a helping hand to a neighbor or work on having a positive attitude.

 

10. If you feel ready to pass the baton to the younger generation, do it. Encourage your kidults as they preserve the old family traditions. Express your appreciation and support while they create new holiday customs of their own.

 

In the midst of taking care of your family’s needs during this hectic season, remember to pay attention to your own wellbeing. Arrange to plan ahead and, when they offer, accept help from others. If it’s in line with your values, put the focus on giving as well as receiving – encourage social responsibility by visiting an elderly uncle or volunteering at a local food bank. And try to include fun and laughter in all that you do. During the holidays, while you may wish for peace on earth and peace in your family, don’t overlook the importance of your own peace of mind.

 

© 2009, Her Mentor Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Earn While You Burn – Travel Writing Tips

  • Posted on January 13, 2010 at 7:06 am

I’m often asked if travel writing is a lucrative market for
freelance writers. Let’s face it – the idea of getting paid to
sit on the beach, sip on drinks with umbrellas in them, and work
on your tan appeals to us all.

I don’t know how lucrative travel writing is but it sure is fun!
I haven’t written a lot of travel pieces and I usually don’t set
out with that particular market in mind. For the most part, the
pieces I’ve sold have been the result of something I stumbled
upon that piqued my interest while doing something else.

For example, a few summers ago I was driving home from Atlanta
when I passed a billboard with the word “SPA” emblazoned on it.
It was advertising Chateau Elan, a winery inn and health spa a
few miles up the road. I’d passed Chateau Elan at least a dozen
times before and each time was struck by how unusual it was to
see a French chateau amongst the red clay and kudzu of Georgia.
The difference this time was that I had just finished working on
another piece for Spa Magazine. “Wow,” I thought, “I bet they’d
be interested in knowing about Chateau Elan.” I wrote a query
entitled Southern Ho’spa’tality.” They liked it and I had not
only an $800 assignment, but a 3-day vacation for my family as
well.

I didn’t have any real travel article clips to send, but did I
mention that to Spa Magazine? No way! But, I believed I could do
the article, so I wrote a convincing query letter and got the
assignment. The magazine loved the article and it definitely
earned me points with my wife and daughter.

Travel writing is really not any different than other types of
magazine writing. The basics are the same. Keep your eyes open
for interesting story ideas, develop a unique slant or
perspective, write a well-crafted query letter, do your
research, and write a tightly-constructed and narrowly-focused
piece. And before you know it, you’ll be sitting on that beach,
earning while you burn.

The ideas in this article are from, FROM SPARK TO FLAME – a
proven, systematic process for fanning your ideas into
money-making magazine ideas that make a difference

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