Having Trouble Finding a Flu Shot?

While I was out running errands on Saturday, I noticed a sign on the door of the local Rite Aid pharmacy: all flu shot clinics are canceled. It went on to suggest other places where people might be able to find a seasonal flu or swine flu vaccine. It seems like demand for the flu shots is high, and suppliers aren’t able to keep up just yet. More than one friend has mentioned hitting the flu shot clinics and being turned away (in some cases, it’s happened more than once). Part of the problem is that swine flu vaccine manufacturers … Continue reading

8 Things To Do To Avoid A Cold Or Flu

You’ve likely been bombarded with news stories and advice about H1N1 lately. It’s important to remember that the way you prevent H1N1 is the same way you prevent any cold or flu. Prevention is key, and often times it involves a little common sense, like washing your hands, for example. Pregnancy is hard enough without having to deal with illness. Take care of yourself and your baby by doing everything you can to prevent a cold or flu. 1. Shots Talk to your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for a flu vaccine. Get the facts from your … Continue reading

Swine Flu and Pregnancy

I know what you are thinking: more swine flu news? On the pregnancy blog? Unfortunately, the swine flu has hit pregnant women especially hard. In fact, pregnant women will likely be given priority when the swine flu vaccinations are distributed in the fall. According to a recent AP wire, “pregnant women account for 6 percent of U.S. swine flu deaths since the pandemic began in April, even though they make up just 1 percent of the U.S. population.” Pregnant women are more susceptible to severe illness, according to World Health Organization experts, and could suffer spontaneous abortion and/or death, especially … Continue reading

Pink Haired Student Gets the Boot and College Co-eds Make the Most of Bad Weather

Strep throat and the flu have been going around, but that’s not what has kept 11-year-old Natasha Rzanca out of Sawyer Elementary School for more than a week. The Michigan fifth-grader isn’t sick nor has she been suspended. Rather, the reason for her extended absence from school has to do with the color of her hair. The mini fashionista decided to dye her hair pink and now she’s dealing with the consequences of her actions. According to reports, school administrators were less than pleased with Natasha’s new look (her mother didn’t mind the color) and demanded that she remain at … Continue reading

Flu Prevention Tips

Flu season is here again. Some women choose to have a flu vaccine, but others for many reasons, including allergies, religious beliefs or personal preference, may have chosen not to get the shot. The best thing you can do is take steps to prevent the flu. The tips in this blog are good for other winter bugs too. Eat a healthy diet to keep your immune system strong to fight off viruses. Include foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus and kiwi fruits. Foods rich in vitamins D and E, such as leafy green vegetables and almonds are good … Continue reading

Getting Ready to Shoot the Fourth

It doesn’t get more American than a Fourth of July BBQ with friends, family and fireworks. The ultimate summertime holiday is teeming with amazing photo ops from flags to family reunions, parades to pie eating contests. It would be a shame not to make the most of these Independence Day events. So grab your camera, charge up those batteries, go out and splurge on a new memory card (or extra rolls of film) and get ready to snap your loved ones in action as they proudly celebrate our country’s 232nd birthday. Fourth of July Parade I addressed the challenges involved … Continue reading

Should Flu Shots be Mandatory?

I’ve never had a flu shot. Tyler has never had a flu shot. I understand that many doctors recommend flu shots to certain individuals including kids and I think as a parent if you want your child to have a flu shot that’s your choice. I’m not opposed to flu shots I simply hate needles. If I lived in New Jersey and had a preschooler, I wouldn’t have a choice. Monday, New Jersey became the first state to require flu shots for all preschoolers. The Public Health Council now requires all children who attend a licensed day care or preschool … Continue reading

Staying Healthy in the Cold and Flu Season

If you are pregnant during the cold and flu season, you will be concerned with keeping yourself healthy. Being sick during pregnancy is miserable and there is little that you can take for relief. The best way to handle colds and flu is to avoid them whenever possible. Some choose to get a flu shot for added protection and to prevent illness. Others prefer not to get vaccinated during pregnancy. Whether or not you choose to get a flu vaccine, you will need to protect yourself from illness. There are many other bugs around in the fall and winter. The … Continue reading

Flu Shots Made Easy For Frequent Flyers

There was a time when airports were known simply as places to a catch flight. These days a growing number of airports offer world-class shopping, fine dining, spas, wireless Internet access, even dinosaurs. So should you be surprised that many North American airports are now offering… flu shots? Nope. A few weeks ago about a dozen airports across the country started offering no-appointment-needed influenza immunizations to jet-setting passengers. If you plan to fly in or out of airports in Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, Denver, Newark, Las Vegas and Vancouver British Columbia you can get a flu shot right at the … Continue reading

The Pregnancy Blog Week in Review March 30 – April 7

The Pregnancy Blog week in review is a great way to catch up on your reading or just see what new topics are being covered. Fill your water glass, sit back and relax. Click on the articles that interest you. Sunday, April 1 Should I Get a Flu Shot? This is a common question among pregnant women during the flu season. Whether you need a flu shot is ultimately a decision for you and your doctor. This blog offers some insight about this common vaccine. Tuesday, April 3 Dealing with Seasonal Allergies is never any fun. It’s especially difficult to … Continue reading