Illness

Mom story: I'm fighting for both my sons to live

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Jenn McNary, mom of six, started an online campaign to plea for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to quickly approve a life-saving drug that only one son has access to — both boys have Duchenne muscular dystrophy , a degenerative muscle disease. The fact that the Saxtons River, Vermont-based mom already met with senior agency officials at the FDA shows the power of a mother's determination and love.

Little hackers: A mom's guide to coughs

Tiernan McKay — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0800

Is it croup? Is it whooping cough? Is it just a plain old cold? Sometimes it's hard to tell. Use this guide to help narrow down the symptoms and sounds of your child's cough, including detailed information on when her cough could warrant a trip to the doctor.

Parenting with a chronic illness

Guest Author — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:30:00 -0800

If you have a chronic illness, you may have gone through the five stages of grief after a diagnosis: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. As moms with chronic conditions know all too well, those stages are often journeyed anew under that lens.

5 Surprising ways to avoid getting sick

Patricia Conte — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:19:00 -0800

Staying well is easier than you think. Try these uncommon ways to avoid getting sick, and don’t forget to tell your friends, family and co-workers, too!

This mom fought for her baby’s diagnosis

Monica Beyer — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 07:00:00 -0800

Katie’s baby, Jack, was a welcome addition to their family, but medical issues cropped up right away. Many doctors, hospital visits and tests later, they know what their little guy is facing, but it took Katie’s strength to keep pushing for Jack to get him the care he needed.

How to prevent foodborne illnesses

Mary Fetzer — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 01:11:00 -0800

Every year, an estimated 48 million people in the U.S. experience a foodborne illness. Fortunately, with good kitchen practices, you can prevent foodborne illnesses from attacking your family.

Mom story: I left Hollywood to help sick kids

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:00:00 -0700

After realizing that she wanted to help families with critically ill children, Paula DuPre’ Pesmen, 50, quit her job as an associate producer in Hollywood and returned home to Boulder, Colorado, to start There With Care, a nonprofit that gives families a hand. The mother of two boys ages 7 and 10, Paula knows from personal experience how important it is to have people to lean on.

Mom story: I endured the greatest loss

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:00:00 -0700

In January 2009, Rachel Reynolds’ 3-year-old daughter, Charlotte, began complaining of headaches. Rachel, 36, and her husband Roger, of Ashland, Virginia, went to the pediatrician for what they thought was an ordinary sick visit, but it soon turned into every parent's nightmare. Charlotte had a massive brain tumor and needed immediate surgery. From that day forward, they began an incredible journey as they learned how to navigate the hospital system and struggle for their daughter's survival.

Staying positive during tough times: Monica Abington

Sherri Kuhn — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:00:00 -0700

Single mother Monica Abington was a busy entrepreneur running a successful lawn-care franchise and raising her four children when the unthinkable happened — she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When faced with surgery that could leave her paralyzed or unable to speak, she moved forward with courage and grace — and came out on top. Keep reading for Monica’s incredible story, and what we can all learn from her strength.

Heading to Vegas? Watch out for the water!

Laura Willard — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:30:00 -0800

While a good rule of thumb for a fun Vegas trip is to stay hydrated, you might have reason to avoid tap water. Well, at least breathing near it. Water samples from the Luxor Las Vegas hotel have tested positive for the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease.

When does my child receive the meningitis vaccine?

Jessica Smith — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:03:00 -0700

Meningitis is a serious condition that affects 3,000 Americans every year -- 30 percent of of them children and young adults. Meningitis is life threatening, and about 10 percent of people who get it will die. Another 20 percent will suffer life-altering complications for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, two vaccines offered in the U.S. can protect your family from this terrible illness.

What is meningitis?

Jessica Smith — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:40:00 -0700

Meningitis, aka spinal meningitis, is an inflammation of the meninges -- the system of membranes that surround and protect the central nervous system . Infection by a virus, bacteria or fungi causes the meninges to become inflamed, triggering the important “red flag” signs and symptoms which are associated with meningitis.

Foods that fight pain

Michele Borboa, MS — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The meaning of comfort food for the 50 million Americans suffering from chronic pain is food that can ease the daily aching. Charles Friedman, D.O., pain management specialist for Pain Relief Centers in Pinellas Park, Florida, says, "Fill your plate with the following foods that fight pain."

How to get more out of your health care

Cynthia Haines, MD — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:29:00 -0800

In the coming months and years, you will likely be shouldering more and more of the burden of health care expenses -- if it hasn’t happened to you already. This can be an unsettling concept, when good health can often feel out of our control. Accessing health care also costs you time and energy -- arguably much more important than money. Believe it or not, you really can stay healthier for less money and with less use of the health care system. Here’s how.

Getting to the bottom of your kids' health issues

Jen Klein — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 06:56:00 -0800

Does your child seem to have a chronic or persistent medical issue? How do you know? Are symptoms related? Or not? Are they subtle? Blatant? Somewhere in between? It can be hard enough to sort out chronic issues in our own bodies and lives -- trying to sort them out in our kids can be harder, especially if your child is pre-verbal. Add in the desire and pressure to do right by our kid and...sigh.

10 Deadly everyday foods

Michele Borboa, MS — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:45:00 -0800

Though we assume the foods we buy at the supermarket and order at restaurants are safe to eat, TheDailyMeal.com is warning hungry consumers to beware of certain foods – some seemingly benign – that could send you to the hospital or worse! Here are 10 of the deadliest everyday foods.

5 Common illnesses and how to beat them

Kathy A. Johnson — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:53:00 -0800

Along with cozy fires and chilly days, winter often brings a flurry of illnesses. Read on to discover how to beat five of the most common illnesses -- including the one thing you can do to stay healthy in the face of the most common illnesses.

Tips to keep your kids healthy at school

Kim Grundy — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:18:00 -0800

A healthy, happy child will perform better at tests and learn more at school. You know how to keep him healthy at home, but how can you ensure he is practicing good behaviors to stay healthy at school? From eating well at school to avoiding colds, find out how to keep your kids healthy at school.

Appendicitis symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Linda Shaw, MD — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:33:00 -0700

What are the warning signs of appendicitis -- an inflammation of the appendix? A pediatrician offers some information.

Pet diseases: Can your child catch them

SheKnows Editors — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0700

We know that kids are susceptible to germs, but did you ever wonder if they can catch your pet's illness?