Have you even gotten sucked into the myth of the Perfect Mother whose kids meet all the benchmarks on time? It’s so easy to do.
We all want to do this job of parenting so well. And I think we look outside ourselves and our families to judge whether or not we’re “succeeding”…. we look at benchmarks. Even that word, succeeding cares such an emotional weight when applied to parenting. Benchmarks are after all external indicators of development. And I wonder sometimes if the focus of meeting the benchmarks pushes our kids too far, to their and our emotional detriment. I saw a baby t-shirt on the internet, that proudly proclaimed, “I’ll walk when I’m good and ready!”. That made me smile. Markus could use that one. At almost 15 months, he’s still not walking. He’s close so I’m too concerned, but I did feel that little yucky feeling of “Oh is he behind?” when all of the other babies his age and some younger at the birthday yesterday were walking. And there are times to be genuinely concerned. A friend of mine’s little guy needed some physiotherapy because he bum scooted for so long that his inner leg muscles were almost too flexible and he had trouble standing. Today he’s a happy 5 year old today who runs with no problems. And I know that the vast majority of bum scooters transition into walking with no extra assistance. But to me, stories like that illustrate the need for benchmarks. When development is veering off the path of normal, it’s good to have some indicators to alert us to that fact and so that we can get our children the help that they need to thrive.
However benchmarks work better when understood as window of time rather than an actually date. Babies roll between 4 to 7 months old. Kids learn to read between 4 and 7 years old. It’s a window! Just like your due date was.
Every child develops so uniquely. Benchmarks work better when they are not confused with value measurements. A benchmark can let you know when your child might need some extra help with learning her letters. But it does not in any way reflect the value of your child. A mental challenged child is not worth more than a mental “gifted” one or vice versa. But it’s easy to get caught up in the value connotations of benchmarks.
So here’s to sitting back and enjoying the ride and being content to marvel at the development of your little one without making yourself crazy.
Marie
Kelly Green, my very first yoga instructor and owner of Everyday Sacred, recently became an interfaith minster. I have attend a number of her ceremonies and they are awesome. Heart-felt and moving. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the new life in your family. 
Marie
CELEBRATE LIFE… through PERSONALIZED CHILD CEREMONIES
Ceremonies include:
Baby Welcomings, Namings, Blessings, Baptism/Christenings, Adoptions, and Blended Family Unions
We all use Ceremonies and Rituals to celebrate, honor and mark the many milestones and transitions in life, the life of our families and community. Baby and Child Ceremonies acknowledge and honor the preciousness of our children and families.
A personalized child ceremony includes you and I meeting several times. By the way, we can meet over the phone or I can come to your home so we don’t disturb your child’s schedule. I ask a lot of thought provoking questions and we meet a number of times so that I may create a meaningful, one of a kind ceremony which perfectly reflects your needs, your beliefs, your values, and the uniqueness that is your child and family. The ceremony takes significant time to create so please book well ahead of time.
Please call 306. 529.9790 if you would like to have a preliminary discussion and ask any questions. If you leave a message, give me some days/times to get back to you. It may take us a few days to connect as my schedule is rich and full with ceremonies, life coaching and teaching yoga.
Other ceremonies and rituals I can co-create and officiate include-
*Weddings, Commitments, Renewal of Vows
*Funerals, Memorials
*Transitions- Divorce, Retirement, Moving
*Milestones- Birthdays, Coming of Age, Graduations, Mid Life, Empty Nest
*Healing, Hope, Living through Loss, Survivor, Missing Persons
*Animal Ceremonies (memorials, adoptions)
*Others- Seasonal, House, Business, Grand Openings, Dedications
___________________________________________________
Every Day Sacred…Centre
Kelly Green
Interfaith Minister, Life Coach, Social Worker, Yoga Therapist
green.k@sasktel.net www.everydaysacred.ca
cell (306) 529-9790/studio (306) 569-8088
A while back, the Regina Qu’appelle Health District invited Dianne Younker, Adminstrator of Women’s and Infants’ programs at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital, to come to Regina and speak about Family Centred Care. Part of Dianne’s stay in Regina included a public forum on maternity services with our health district.
I attended this forum and invited my past clients to attend at well. Many responded that they were interested but were unable to attend and asked that I share what was discussed at the meeting. So I decided that this would be a good place to report on the details for the forum.
The majority of the evening focused on what is Family Centred Care and what does it look like and feel like for patients and their family. The basic premise of family centred care is that when a patient is supported by their family while receiving treatment, then the patient’s emotional and mental health is much better. This makes a lot of sense. When you take care of the emotional health of a patient, their physical health will improve. It goes hand in hand.
So as our hospital moves in this direction, some changes are being made in regards to moms and babies. For one, dads can now stay at the hospital with mom for the duration of her stay. If mom is having a c-section, then usually during the procedure she will allow to have her partner plus a second support person can stay with her the whole time. Babies can stay with mom in the event of the C-section. The medical staff comes to the baby rather than taking the baby away. This one the hospital is still working on. Currently the babies are taking away for the postnatal checks, but hopefully by early 2010 the babies will be staying the room with mom. And another change is that they are more strongly encouraging babies to stay with mom at all times while mom is in the mother baby unit. With the new renovations that are being done, there will be more rooms for moms to stay at the hospital if their baby is in the NICU, and they themselves have been discharged. There will be recliners beside the incubators so that moms and dads can comfortably stay close to their baby. It’s also a change in the way that the nursing staff approach their patients. Rather than coming into the room of a new mom and her baby and stating that now they are going to do this and that. They can come in and say, “Listen we have some time today to focus on what you need help with. There are also some things that I need to do with baby but I want to hear from you as well about what you would like help with.” Even just reading that statement, doesn’t that feel good? It’s a much more collaborative approach.
Another part of this philosophy that I really love, is the idea that neither the doctor (nurse) or the patient has all the answers and that the best care arises from a clear communication between all the participants – doctor or nurse and patient. It comes from the belief that just because two people have the same illness, doesn’t necessary mean that they need exactly the same care. Birth isn’t an illness, but this philosophy is so appropriate in the area of birth. Just because two women are giving birth doesn’t mean that they need the same care. In fact quite likely they will have different ideas about what is a good birth experience and what kind of care and support they need. And I’m so glad that this is being acknowledged.
Congrats to the Regina Qu’appelle Health Region for moving towards this type of care for families! We’ll all benefit.
Marie
Below is some additional information from the Institute for Family Centered Health Care.
http://www.familycenteredcare.org/index.html
What is patient- and family-centered health care?
Patient- and family-centered care is an innovative approach to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care that is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among health care patients, families, and providers. Patient- and family-centered care applies to patients of all ages, and it may be practiced in any health care setting.
What are the core concepts of patient- and family-centered care?
- Dignity and Respect. Health care practitioners listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care.
- Information Sharing. Health care practitioners communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patients and families receive timely, complete, and accurate information in order to effectively participate in care and decision-making.
- Participation. Patients and families are encouraged and supported in participating in care and decision-making at the level they choose.
- Collaboration. Patients and families are also included on an institution-wide basis. Health care leaders collaborate with patients and families in policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation; in health care facility design; and in professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.
Patient- and Family-Centered Care Core Concepts
What is meant by the word “family”?
The word “family” refers to two or more persons who are related in any way—biologically, legally, or emotionally. Patients and families define their families.
In the patient- and family-centered approach, the definition of family, as well as the degree of the family’s involvement in health care, is determined by the patient, provided that he or she is developmentally mature and competent to do so. The term “family-centered” is in no way intended to remove control from patients who are competent to make decisions concerning their own health care. In pediatrics, particularly with infants and young children, family members are defined by the patient’s parents or guardians.
Is the term family-centered, patient-centered, or patient- and family-centered care?
In the early 1990s, the Institute’s work focused primarily on family-centered approaches to pediatric care. Within this framework, it was always recommended however, that as patients matured, they should be encouraged to become more involved as decision-makers in their health care. As the Institute has become more involved in adult and geriatric care in the last 8-10 years, we have felt that it was important to make the acknowledgement of the patient’s role more explicit. Thus we now more commonly use the term patient- and family-centered care.
We believe that the term, “patient-centered care,” is not sufficient to adequately describe this approach to care for several reasons. The original definition of patient-centered care as discussed in the literature in the late 1980s and early 1990s did not include the concept of patients and families as advisors and essential partners in improving care practices and systems of care.
A second reason is that the majority of patients have some connection to family or support networks and it is important for the health system to encourage the continuing link to these natural supports. Due to the profound influence of families on patients’ health and well-being, families and other supportive persons should be viewed as allies in efforts to enhance safety and quality in health care.
A third reason to be explicit in the use of the term, “patient- and family-centered care,” is that social isolation is a risk factor in today’s society. Individuals, who are most dependent on hospital care and the broader health care system, are also often most dependent on families and other support networks:
- The very young;
- The very old; and
- Those with chronic conditions.
Hospitals, clinics and other health care agencies that make an explicit commitment to patient- and family-centered care develop policies, programs, and practices collaboratively with patients and families that support and encourage family presence and participation.
Is there a difference between family-centered care and family-focused care?
While both approaches acknowledge involvement with the family as a fundamental element of care, there are key differences. In family-focused care, professionals often provide care from the position of an “expert -” assessing the patient and family, recommending a treatment or intervention and creating a plan for the family to follow. They do things to and for the patient and family, regarding the family as the “unit of intervention.” Family-centered care, by contrast, is characterized by a collaborative approach to caregiving and decision-making. Each party respects the knowledge, skills, and experience that the other brings to health care encounters. The family and health care team collaboratively assess the needs and development of the treatment plan.
Does patient- and family-centered care take more time?
Implementing a patient- and family-centered approach does require an up-front investment in relationship building. Staff must have opportunities to explore how they currently interact with patients and families, to discuss and reflect on the value of collaborative approaches, and to build new knowledge and skills. For family-centered care to be effectively implemented in any healthcare setting, the staff must honestly assess how they are currently treating their patients and how this can change. Just undertaking this honest assessment is very valuable for the institution.
Patients and families, who are more accustomed to being passive recipients of care, will require time and training to learn new skills and strategies to become active participants in care and decision-making. Patients and family members who will play key roles on hospital committees or task forces will need training and mentoring .
The time it takes to build these partnerships and acquire appropriate knowledge and skills will eventually be repaid several fold. When administrators, clinicians, patients and families have a shared understanding of, and respect for, what each brings to the health care experience, the stage is set for mutually beneficial relationships. With shared priorities and goals, time will most likely not be wasted on repetitive, ineffective, or counterproductive activities. The possibility of misunderstanding, dissatisfaction, and even medical error is greatly diminished.
Does patient- and family-centered care cost more?
Many aspects of patient- and family-centered care do not cost more money; they simply require a change in attitude and approach. Patient- and family-centered care improves the quality and effectiveness of communication. It is proactive, rather than reactive. As a result, many problems are prevented, and others are handled before they grow out of control.
Introducing patient- and family-centered care does entail some initial and ongoing education costs. But the costs of failed communication and trust—often quantified in terms of poor patient outcomes, wasted resources, and malpractice litigation—are much higher.
Environments that support the presence and participation of families and ensure a healing environment with privacy for patients and families may be more expensive to build. These initial design costs are quickly recouped, often in quantifiable terms, as demonstrated by lower infection rates, higher patient and staff satisfaction ratings, and improved market share. A healing environment that offers appropriate space for families is more supportive of staff and thus enhances staff satisfaction and retention.
What are strategies to overcome staff resistance?
Administrative and clinical leaders should begin by setting a positive example, modeling collaboration with patients and families. Other steps include ensuring that staff have the appropriate resources to practice patient- and family-centered care and rewarding exemplary practice.
For example, it is helpful to create forums at which staff can voice their concerns and then provide educational programs to address these concerns. Providing staff with the resources and support they need to effectively partner with patients and families usually leads to change in practice and attitudes. Programs that feature patients and families as faculty—where they recount their own experiences within the health care system—helps broaden staff perspectives and understanding. As part of these efforts, inviting staff to think about their own health care experiences and how these experiences influence their own practice assists staff in learning about patient- and family-centered care on both intellectual and emotional levels.
Another effective technique is to develop patient- and family-centered champions across the hospital or agency. This can be done by asking managers, clinicians, and support staff who are already interested in or knowledgeable about patient- and family-centered care to serve on committees and task forces with patients and families. When possible, choose staff who are already viewed as opinion leaders by their peers for these roles.
Involving staff in the process of measuring changes and improvements as well as structuring plans for dissemination and the spread of innovation, helps overcome resistance. Providing staff opportunities to share their positive experiences and engage in problem-solving discussions in areas of concern are also helpful strategies.
How do we identify patients and families to serve in advisory roles?
Ask staff and physicians to recommend patients and families whom they believe may be effective advisors. Contact peer support groups in the community or groups that are affiliated with the clinical programs at the hospital or agency. Review satisfaction surveys for individuals who have constructive ideas to share for improving care experiences.
Once a pool of potential candidates has been identified, some organizations invite patients and families to come to an exploratory meeting about serving as advisors. Others convene an informal workgroup of patients and families as a way of building mutual understanding and trust for this collaborative process.
What qualities should we look for in selecting patients and family members as committee members and advisors?
Individuals serving as patient or family advisors should reflect a range of experiences within the unit, hospital, or agency and should be representative of the community served.
In reviewing possible candidates for advisory positions, look for individuals who:
- Share insights and information about their experiences in ways that others can learn from them.
- Show concern for more than one issue or agenda.
- Listen well.
- Respect the perspectives of others.
- Speak comfortably and candidly in a group.
- Interact well with many different kinds of people.
- Work in partnerships with others.
- See beyond their own personal experience.
The environment. These days it seems like everywhere we turn we are
bombarded with reports and studies about the myriad of ways that we have
harmed our environment. The headlines are hard for any mum to ignore:
global warming, pesticides and factory farming, toxic chemicals in the
ocean, the list goes on.
For many of us, becoming parents means a considerable shift in the way
we view the world and the future. Suddenly the hazy idea that future
generations might be forced to bear the burden for our environmental
failures has a flesh and blood reality. And that reality is currently
wearing fuzzy pajamas and sleeping in the next room.
So we try to consider how we can minimize our environmental footprint.
Maybe that means carpooling with our mums, maybe that means buying
organic fruit, using natural cleaners or trying cloth diapers.
At its heart, I believe that sustainable living is not just about the
environment, but the interconnection of all life on this planet. In
taking care of where we live with strong environmental, economic and
cultural policies we can create the sort of communities that foster our
physical and emotional health and the health of our planet.
In Regina this week, we have the chance to do just that. The City of
Regina is holding open houses to discuss the waste plan for Regina. It
is a chance to talk about what we want in terms of garbage, recycling,
curbside composting, etc.
There are 3 upcoming, drop-in open houses and I strongly urge to attend
one of them:
Thursday, Nov. 26
Glencairn Neighbourhood Recreation Centre
2626 Dewdney Ave.
5:30 -8 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 2
Cathedral Neighourhood Centre
2900 13th Avenue
5:30 -8:00 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 9
North West Leisure Centre
1127 Arnason Street
5:30 -8:00 pm
For more information you can visit www.regina.ca
And if you can’t make the public talks, take the time to make your voice heard by filling out the questionnaire at
http://regina.ca/Page4331.aspx
Here’s to a healthy, joyous planet. Now there is a Christmas gift worth
celebrating!
Hugs,
Marie
Here are the new visitor guidelines for the maternal services areas of the hospital in response to the H1F1 flu.
Marie
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Severe illness among pregnant women and infants has been reported during this pandemic; therefore, preventing infection in these populations is a priority.
Visitors are restricted to those individuals necessary for patient well-being or care in order to protect pregnant women, new mothers, newborns and children from contact with pandemic H1N1.
Visitors are restricted to:
Labour and Birth:
• Partner
• Labour coach/support
• Grandparents for post-birth visit
• Persons who are sick with fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea are asked not to visit
Mother Baby Unit:
• Partner
• 2 support people as identified by the mother
• No children under the age of 18 allowed (including siblings)
• Persons who are sick with fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea are asked not to visit
NICU
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Only two visitors per baby at one time
• Persons who are sick with fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea are asked not to visit.
Pediatrics (PH and RGH)
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Only two visitors per patient at one time
• No children allowed (including siblings)
• Persons who are sick with fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea are asked not to visit
If you have questions please speak with the Unit Charge Nurse at the time of admission.
I think it’s important to use natural preventative measures to deal with the H1N1 flu and the normal winter flu as well. This is especially important if you have decided not to vaccinate. And also helpful for keeping healthy if you have decided to do the vaccinations. Thanks to fellow hypnobirther and yoga mom, Sarah P. who shared this with me. Sarah received this information from her aunt who is a nurse.
Here’s to a healthy fall and winter for you and your family,
Hugs,
Marie
PS. My additions to the original document are in italics.
PPS. I have also posted a document written by Regina Naturopathic Doctor Julie Zepp about her take on H1N1. She is also a hypnobirthing and yoga mom.
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The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe). This is something which you can teach your children, although from experience it does take a while.
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt)… *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.* The other very good option is to clean the nasel passages once a day using salt water and a Neti Pot. Neti pots are little water pots that look like little Alladin’s lamps that you fill with warm salt water and pour in one side of your nose and the water runs out the other side. It sounds weird, but it is quite pleasant and VERY effective. You can watch a you tube video on how to do it here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsZeILCedRw
Neti Pots were featured on Oparah a little while ago, you can read about that segment here. http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/slideshow1_ss_oz_20070426/6
You can buy a neti pot at the yoga studio, or at any health food store. I LOVE my neti pot. I have been using mine for about 12 years and it’s always been helpful.
For kids, you can buy sterile saline (salt water) nasal mist which you release into their nostrils and it does the same thing as the neti pot.
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Ps. The point of this post was not to cause a huge debate over the question of vaccination, but perhaps a frank discussion would be beneficial. Please see comments below.
For those of you who are pregnant, here is a link to the The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) recommendations. Most of you will have seen this info at your doctor’s office.
www.sogc.org/h1n1/infopregnantwomen_e.asp
Excellent website (Public Health Agency of Canada) on H1N1 in pregnancy.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/fs-fi-pregnancy-grossesse-eng.php
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www.drzepp.com
Dr Julie Zepp Rutledge
H1N1 and the H1N1 vaccine: A Naturopathic Doctor’s Perspective
This past weekend I had the opportunity to take my daughter, now just under five months
old, on a plane trip to visit some friends. At one point on the flight, one of the flight
attendants asked me if I had or planned to have my infant daughter vaccinated against “the
swine flu.” With 100% confidence I was able to say to her: “Not a chance!”
Saskatchewan health is planning to roll out the H1N1 vaccine to health care workers during
the last week of October and to the public beginning the first week of November.
Hopefully this article reaches you before you have made the decision to go ahead and obtain
a seasonal flu or H1N1 vaccine, and gives you the confidence to decline the recommended
shot(s).
Swine influenza virus is caused by numerous subtypes of the Influenza A virus, namely
H1N1 but also H1N2, H2N3, H3N1 and H3N2. It is critical to realize, despite the extreme
media hype, that the swine flu is simply another flu – it is not unusually deadly and is no
more deadly than “regular” influenza. In fact, to date, in Canada there have been 77
reported deaths from H1N1 and over 3000 from seasonal influenza this year.
Because it is a relative of the Spanish Flu (same influenza A subtype H1N1) that caused the
1918 epidemic, alarm has been raised. It is, however, extremely important to remember that
since that time our sanitation and health care have improved, significantly reducing mortality
from influenza viruses. In addition, most deaths caused by the 1918 flu were as a result of
secondary infection from bacteria – which today could be treated with antibiotics, if
necessary.
A tragic death apparently resulting from the swine flu is the case of a teenage old boy in
Saskatchewan. However, as is the case with over 99% of all flu-related deaths, the actual
cause of death is reported to have been bacterial pneumonia – a not uncommon
complication arising, not just in H1N1 flu cases, but equally in seasonal flu. Opportunistic
streptococcal bacteria take advantage of the person’s lowered immune system resulting from
the individual response to the particular flu virus involved and create a secondary infection.
Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of regular human seasonal flu and include fever,
cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, disorientation, chills and fatigue. Some people have
reported stiffness of the joints, diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
In children emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention are extremely rare,
but include:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not waking up or not interacting
In adults, emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention, also rare, include:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
Spread of swine influenza A (H1N1) happens mainly from person-to-person in the same
way that seasonal flu spreads i.e. through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and
up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.
The deputy chief medical health officer for our province, Dr Saqib Shahab, has been
interviewed about H1N1 and has been quoted (Leader Post, Sept. 17, 2009) as saying: “If
you have fever, cough, sore throat, stay at home. Don’t go out to do your groceries. Have a
flu buddy, who can do your groceries, run chores for you, run errands for you. Stay at home
until you’re better.” He also says that simple prevention measures remain a key strategy for
limiting the potential impact of the H1N1 pandemic this flu season. Shahab said the advice
is now for people to stay at home until symptoms wane, which for many people is only two to
three days and that there’s a good chance people who get the flu this winter will have the
pandemic variety, but they don’t need to be tested to confirm that.
This reinforces my lack of concern over the potential deadliness of the virus if we take good
care of our health: stay home, rest, and look after ourselves. Given the benign nature of the
disease, it seems silly to me to even consider vaccination though it is being recommended
that we vaccinate “just in case”. It can’t do any harm, right? Just potentially good? I
disagree.
We must take into consideration the drawbacks of vaccinations which are numerous. To
name just a few:
1) Vaccinations have also been called immunizations. I hesitate to use this term, as
vaccinations do not guarantee immunity from the virus being vaccinated against.
Lifelong immunity is guaranteed only when the body has had to fight the virus off
on its own, without the assistance of a vaccine. What has been seen repeatedly with
vaccinations is that they do not, in fact, confer life long immunity against the disease
against which you are being vaccinated; unlike when you actually contract the
disease. For example, a child who might acquire chicken pox naturally has an
immune system that is fully mobilized and after recovering from the illness will have
lifelong immunity. If a child were to instead have the vaccine against chicken pox,
they have a greater likelihood of developing the illness again later in life, as vaccine
effects often wear off.
2) Most vaccinations have not undergone adequate testing before they are launched
into the marketplace. One such example, which we all must be reminded of,
especially right now, is the swine flu debacle of 1976. Over 30 years ago, the swine
flu hit North America and the president at the time Gerald Ford was involved in a
mandatory swine flu vaccine campaign that resulted in huge numbers of people
becoming ill with Guillain-Barre syndrome – a syndrome characterized by paralysis
that can potentially result in death. This program was halted after two months due
to the adverse reactions to the vaccine (more people died as a result of the vaccine as
did from the flu itself) and the swine flu did not become the epidemic that was
predicted, even though the vaccination program was abolished.
3) Toxic adjuvant materials in vaccines will actually weaken the immune system. These
include preservatives such as thimerosol, polysorbates, and aluminum in addition to
allergenic proteins and antibiotics. You may be protected by the strain of flu virus in
the shot however you are left at greater risk for infection from other viruses or
bacteria. This is evidence in the report from this September indicating that those
individuals who had a seasonal flu vaccine may be at greater risk for acquiring H1N1.
The toxic materials have also been shown to increase a person’s risk for autoimmune
conditions.
4) Researchers are warning that over-use of the flu vaccine and anti-flu drugs like
Tamiflu can apply genetic pressure on flu viruses and then they are more likely to
mutate into a more deadly strain. Due to the rapidly changing nature of viruses
getting the “shot” does not guarantee you will remain free of the flu as you are only
protected against the strain that was in the vaccine.
5) Billions of dollars are spent on vaccination development and campaigns. It makes
sense that we should learn from history that when a “fad” virus goes around, the
chances of it developing into a pandemic in these times is virtually non-existent. I
lived in Toronto at the time of the SARS outbreak. This was supposed to be a scary
and deadly virus that turned out to be short lived and over-hyped. There were no
mass vaccinations programs implemented, despite the efforts to create and distribute
such a vaccine, and the disease petered out on its own. As health care and sanitation
have improved in the last 90 years (1918 Spanish Influenza), pandemic deaths
resulting from viral diseases have dropped to zero, though we are still constantly
being warned about being overdue for a deadly flu pandemic (something we were
promised with ’76 swine flu, ’99 rotavirus, avian flu, ’04 SARS and now, once again,
swine flu). Perhaps these billions of dollars would be better spent on improving
health care and sanitation conditions in those areas of our country and those parts of
the world where poor environment might actually lead to disease outbreaks, endemic
spread and mortality.
In Saskatchewan alone the bill for the vaccination program is just over 12 million dollars:
40% that will be paid by our provincial health care system and 60% to be paid by the federal
government. I am certain that we can all think of better ways that our health care dollars
could be utilized.
An interesting video to watch for another physician’s perspective on the swine flu
vaccination can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJoCDqVXgRI. Dr
Kent Holtorf, Infectious Disease Specialist, speaks out against the swine flu vaccine.
As always, when dealing with viruses, it is so important to remember that the best defense is
a good offense. Fortifying your immune system is the most important and vital think you
can do to protect yourself from whatever flu might be “going around”.
Practicing good hygiene: hand washing with warm soapy water, covering nose and mouth
with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throwing the tissue in the trash after using it or
coughing or sneezing into sleeve or jacket of bent arm rather than into closed fist or open
hand and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth are all great preventative measures.
Where possible, avoid close contact with sick people especially if you are feeling run down
or tired yourself as this is an indication that your immune system is run down and you will be
more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
Certain supplements can be taken to assist with immune system boosting, especially by those
who have a higher risk of exposure: children in daycares, health care workers, elderly in
nursing homes and teachers.
A sample protocol that I might suggest to a patient (adult) would include:
- Vitamin A 10,000 IU daily as an anti-viral (not for pregnant women)
- Vitamin C 2000 mg daily
- Vitamin D 2000 IU daily
- Zinc 15 mg daily
- Acidophilus and bifidus (aka probiotic) supplement daily
- Reishi mushroom 300 mg daily as an immune system booster
- Mucoccocinum (a homeopathic “flu shot”) one tablet weekly during flu season¨
And for children (ages 2-12):
- Vitamin C 250-500 mg daily
- Vitamin D 400-800 IU daily
- Zinc 5 mg daily (as a zinc losange; not for children under 5)
- Elderberry, Reishi and Astragalus combination 1-2 tablets daily
- Mucoccocinum half to one tablet weekly (see note at end)
These supplements are ideally in addition to a wholesome whole foods diet of organic fruits
and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds (raw) and high quality organic meats and eggs.
It is important to limit dairy, and to avoid non-organic dairy altogether, as excessive intake
can increase mucous production and trap viruses in the mucous membranes of the nose,
throat and lungs. Avoid sugar as sugar will encourage pathogen growth. Be sure to get
plenty of rest, fresh air and exercise.
What do I do, given I have chosen not to have my daughter (or myself) vaccinated against
the seasonal and swine flus? Keep my own system as healthy as possible by eating organic
foods, avoiding toxin exposure (in foods, cleaning products, personal care products),
drinking clean water, exercising, getting enough rest and sleep and taking a high quality
multivitamin, toxin free fish oil, vitamin D and greens supplements daily. When I have been
feeling overtired, have come into contact with someone who has any viral symptoms or have
been traveling on an airplane I ensure I take immune system supplements such as Reishi
mushroom, Astragalus, or Echinacea to help increase the important immunoglobulins
(antibodies) that I pass to my daughter through immune fortifying breast milk.
And in so doing we can breathe easy knowing that when we are exposed to any virus – be it
H1N1 or any of the other Influenza A strains that we know as the “seasonal flu” – that our
bodies are strong and will be able to mount the appropriate and suitable response, leaving us
healthy and strong.
Dr. Julie Zepp
I don’t recommend these as a rule, as I believe the body is capable of fending for itself, given the right
support. However for those who do feel they want or need extra protection or are particularly
compromised, the use of homeopathic flu preparations can be very beneficial.
Did anyone see the show 18 Kids and Counting the other night? The Duggar’s first grandchild was born at home:-} It was a very calm and relaxed birth – the best example you could ever hope to be shown on TV. There wasn’t an ounce of drama or fear…it was heavenly! Even though I’m not very religious, I really like the Duggar’s, and it seems that most people like them. Perhaps this will entice more parents to consider homebirth.
I was surprised that they allowed the film crew at the birth since it’s Anna’s first child, and they’re VERY conservative, but I’m thrilled that they shared it. I don’t know how she did it, but Anna appeared to be fully clothed while giving birth!
You can see a clip on YouTube,
I’m always fascinated by how powerful our imaginations truly are. Below is a great article from the BBC about a study that was recently released about teaching children to use their imaginations as an effective pain relief treatment. I think it’s wonderful. Another way to incorporate the hypnobirthing techniques into our daily lives. I’m especially pleased that they spent money to research a natural and non-invasive technique such as this.
Next time your child says her tummy hurts, or his head hurts. Try this. And then of course, let us know how it work for your family.
Cheers,
Marie
A copy of the article is below. You can also read it at the BBC website http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8299719.stm
Children can be taught to use their imagination to tackle frequent bouts of
stomach pain, research shows.
A relaxation-type CD, asking children to imagine themselves in scenarios
like floating on a cloud led to dramatic improvements in abdominal pain.
The US researchers said the technique worked particularly well in children
as they have such fertile imaginations.
It has been estimated that frequent stomach pain with no identifiable cause
effects up to one in five children.
The research, published in Pediatrics, follows on from studies showing
hypnosis is an effective treatment for a range of conditions known as
functional abdominal pain, which includes things like irritable bowel
syndrome.
” There is really a dearth of information on how to manage children with
abdominal pain “
Professor David Candy
In this study, the children had 20 minute sessions of “guided imagery” – a
technique which prompts the subject to imagine things which will reduce
their discomfort.
One example is letting a special shiny object melt into their hand and then
placing their hand on their belly, spreading warmth and light from the hand
inside the tummy to make a protective barrier inside that prevents anything
from irritating the belly
The researchers, from the University of North Carolina and Duke University
Medical Center, said a lack of therapists led them to the idea of using a CD
to deliver the sessions.
In all 30 children aged between six and 15 years took part in the study -
half of whom used the CDs daily for eight weeks and the rest of whom got
normal treatment.
Among those who had used the CDs, 73.3% reported that their abdominal pain
was reduced by half or more by the end of the treatment course compared with
26.7% in the standard care group.
In two-thirds of children the improvements were still apparent six months
later.
Anxiety
It is not clear exactly how the technique works but studies have shown it is
partly about reducing anxiety but there is also a direct effect on the pain
response.
Some researchers think hypnosis-like techniques reduce “hypersensitivity” in
conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Study leader Dr Miranda van Tilburg said it was especially exciting that the
children were able to use the technique on their own.
“Such self-administered treatment is, of course, very inexpensive and can be
used in addition to other treatments, which potentially opens the door for
easily enhancing treatment outcomes for a lot of children suffering from
frequent stomach aches.
“Children are very good at using their imagination – when you use this in
adults you have to overcome a barrier first.”
Professor David Candy, a consultant paediatric gastroenterologist at Western
Sussex Hospitals, said his team had tried hypnosis in a small group of
children with severe abdominal pain problems and had 100% success rate.
He added they are now keen to try the guided imagery technique to see if
they can replicate the US findings.
“There is really a dearth of information on how to manage children with
abdominal pain and it’s a very common problem which keeps children out of
school.”
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2009/10/09 23:00:40 GMT
Interesting thing I found on About.com. This a service provided through about.com and you / moms / anyone can sign up to receive one daily affirmation for a healthy, happy pregnancy along with some interesting links about pregnancy and birth. I suggested it to some my moms and everyone seems to enjoy this daily reminder in the e-mail, affirming their wellness in being pregnant.
Here is the link if you are interested.
I just wanted to share how wonderful the HypnoBirthing conclave was in Florida. I spent 6 days learning wonderful things, meeting all these great hypnobirthing practitioners from all over the world and the icing on the cake… the conference was at a hotel on the beach. So I got to play in the waves everyday after all the learning was done.
Cool things that I learned…
1. Hypnosis for Fertility – I’m now a certified hypnofertility therapist – which means that I work with couples who are trying to convince to help them create that best mental state conductive for getting pregnant and to support any medical treatments that they might be doing as well.
2. Hypnosis for Postpartum Depression… techniques to work with women one on one dealing with ppd. By creating new beliefs in the subconscious and by releasing trauma, a woman can tap into her own healing energy.
3. The role of symbols in birthing… in particular the circle and spiral.
4. How to have an orgasmic birth… what are the conditions that make this experience of pleasure more likely to occur during birth.
5. A new natural supplement available for women after birth which ensures a good milk supply, prevents postpartum depression, significantly reduces the postpartum bleeding, and gives you a real good energy (not all the caffenine frenzied kind)… but the real I have lots of vitality and vigor to do stuff energy.
6. How to be an even better hypnobirthing instructor… ways to make my classes even more inspiring and powerful.
So so awesome. Thanks for listening to me gush.
Below is a link to a great little singing ditti that a barbershop quartet did on hypnobirthing as a salute to Mickey Mongan for founding the method 20 years ago. As an aside, the picture Mickey is holding in her hands is the original Life magazine article about childbirth without fear, that she read as a teenager which inspired her own 4 fearless, and painless joyful births and inspired the whole hypnobirthing movement. So cool.
Check it out. It’s really funny.
