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Responding to the Sandy Hook shooting: How to cope with tragedy

In some ways, it seems impossible to write anything about the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School and yet I want to reach out.  What can anyone say about such a loss?  I cannot imagine the feelings of the families whose children and loved ones have died.  Or the feelings of the children, teachers and families who were traumatized even though they escaped physical harm.

A Blessing in Disguise: Maleah's Story

It all started with a simple trip to the nearby walk-in clinic with what they thought was an infection. Maleah’s lymph nodes were swollen and her mom thought all she needed was some antibiotics. A few days later, Maleah’s lymph nodes were getting larger and the antibiotics didn’t seem to be working. It was the weekend, so Maleah’s mom took her to the closest emergency room where they ran a few tests. Her white blood cell count was three times its normal amount, but they were told to keep taking the antibiotics and that the elevated white blood cell count is a result of the infection. That next Monday, Maleah’s mom called their family doctor, concerned that her lymph nodes were still swollen. Her doctor told them to take her to the Arnold Palmer Hospital emergency room, knowing it was probably more than just an infection.  

Coming to terms with the competitive nature of motherhood

Mothering is hard, isn’t it?

Despite Recent Infant Infections, Powdered Formula is Safe to Use

Are you concerned about your infant’s formula?

You can help make miracles happen, too

A few months ago, I had the privilege of attending a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ ceremony honoring children who have suffered illness or injury. During this exuberant celebration, children of all shapes, sizes, and abilities danced down the aisle with their favorite Disney characters to celebrate. Their smiles simply radiated joy. As I grinned and clapped along with them, though, I couldn’t help but think about the life and death struggles that many of these children have faced. With their bald heads from chemotherapy, their scars a reminder of past surgeries, or their IV medications disguised in a Mickey Mouse backpack, the battle was evident. And yet, they kept smiling.

Fighting Birth Defects with Folic Acid

Did you know there are things you can do even before you become pregnant that can help give your child a healthy start in life? Making sure your body has enough folic acid is one of the most important ways to protect your baby from birth defects.

Paula Deen and Diabetes

In an interview on the Today show, Paula Deen, the Food Network star famous for her indulgent, down-home Southern cooking, divulged that she was diagnosed three years ago with Type 2 diabetes.

The Politics of Poop

If you'd told me a few years ago that I would be talking publicly about poop, I would have said you’re crazy. No way. Not me. I’ll never be that mom.

Preparing for Baby's Arrival

Deciding to have a baby is probably one of the most exciting decisions that you will make in your life.  In addition to those feelings, it is perfectly normal to also feel a bit nervous.  Your body will experience changes during pregnancy that you have never felt before, and you might worry about what it will be like to take care of your new baby.  You may wander down the aisles of the baby store and wonder if you really do need all of this stuff to take care of the newest and smallest member of your family.  Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation as well as uncertainty.

Helping your teen learn to make good decisions

 I remember the day I graduated from high school: caps, gowns, diplomas, the whole deal.  Questions that I heard over and over were, “So…what are you going to do now?”  “Are you going to college?”  “Where?”  “What are you going to major in?”  “What are you going to do with a degree in THAT?!”