Archive for August, 2008

Olympic Update: Fifth in the WORLD!

August 30, 2008 · Filed under Exercise · Tagged

Margot concluded her Olympic racing with a 5th place finish in the Women’s Quad event.  She, like most world class athletes, was disappointed returning without a medal but I am sooo proud of my former Buckeye teammate.  It is an amazing accomplishment to have made it to the Olympics and to the grand finals of her event.  It is a true honor to represent your country in the Olympic Games.  Very few individuals get that opportunity.  Hundreds and thousands and maybe millions of athletes strive to reach that goal in their lifetime and only the very best of the best make it.  I know, without hearing the details yet, that she raced her guts out and left everything she had on the water in Bejing.  Congratulations Margot on representing the USA and racing your heart out. 

   

 

A true athlete

A true athlete

 To read more about Margot and her family’s experience in Bejing go to www.margotrowforgold.blogspot.com

 

 

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Greener Future Fridays: THE DIRTY DOZEN +

August 30, 2008 · Filed under Green Living, Just For Mom's · Tagged , , , ,

A few weeks ago I went to my first “Holistic Moms Network” meeting.  According to their website  , “The Holistic Moms Network (HMN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit support and resource organization connecting parents who are interested in holistic health and green living.  HMN was founded in 2003 by a handful of moms yearning for the support and friendship of others parenting outside the mainstream.  Today – thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of alternative medicine and a growing environmental consciousness.  HMN has over 120 chapters across the U.S. and Canada….” 

 

The topic for this meeting was “Ingredients in personal care products:  What you need to know”.   I found it to be very interesting and helpful information.  I especially liked the discussion on the Dirty Dozen. 

 

Location:  These are 12 ingredients to avoid that are commonly found in personal care products such as soaps, lotions, make-up, hair products, nail polish, deodorants and more.

 

Health Concerns:  These products cause health problems ranging from dry skin to damaged DNA, permanent birth defects, and cancer, just to name a few!

 

THE DIRTY DOZEN +:  (in alphabetical order)

           

1.      Coal Tar

2.      Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA

3.      Diazolidinyl Urea

4.      Fromaldehyde

5.      Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl)

6.      Petrolatum

7.      Phthalates

8.      Propylene Glycol

9.      Sodium Laureth/Sodium Laurel Sulfate

10.  Talc

11.  Toluene

12.  Triethanolamine

 

+ Butyl Acetate, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Ethyl Acetate

 

You can read more about the specifics of what type of products contain each of these dangerous chemical and what risks each of them pose here  .  I also encourage other moms to go to the website and look up your local Holistic Moms Network chapter and check it out!  This was the first meeting I was able to make it to and I really learned a lot!  Here are some past topics just to give you an idea what the organization is about:  Healthy School Lunch Programs, Make Your Own Green Cleaner, Organic Gardening, Introduction to Homeopathy, and Holistic Dentistry.   

 

I hope this was helpful (sorry It’s a day late),

Dr. Heather

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My Pregancy Experience: 1 Month

August 27, 2008 · Filed under Pregnancy & Birth · Tagged ,

Jack is now 6.5 months old and I would love to share and document the experience from my first pregnancy with others.  I think the FIRST pregnancy is an exciting, intriguing, and wondrous time in a women’s life.  Each day is a new experience and leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering what the next day will bring.  I learned a lot during my 9 months and I look forward to sharing my story with you.  I will do a posting for each month over the next few weeks/months.  

Month 1: We’re Pregnant!! 

In early May 2007 we saw the double pink lines!  We were living in Daytona Beach, FL going to Chiropractic College at the time.  When Greg and I were married on New Year’s Eve, 2005 we said we didn’t want to have kids for 5 years.  We wanted to enjoy just being a married couple.  Obviously our minds changed.  I got the baby bug!  All the sudden I started noticing every pregnant belly and every bald baby walking on the street, in stores, at the beach, on TV, etc.  I became very curious and intrigued about pregnancy and babies everywhere.  I could not get them out of my head.  I watched the shows “Runway Moms” and “House of Babies” about the Miami Maternity Center every day on our lunch break.  Soo, I tried to convince Greg we needed a baby!  He was turned off by the idea at first.  He was thinking more logically, we had no money, we were students, we didn’t even pay for our own health insurance, how could we take care of a baby… and I was thinking with my instinct – my body and heart and they were screaming baby!  Well it didn’t take long to get Greg on board and thinking like me too!  We knew if we got pregnant, by the time the baby arrived we would be graduated, living back in Ohio, closer to our family, and hopefully we would be working chiropractors!

So we stopped practicing our natural family planning methods and decided if we got pregnant great, if not then it wasn’t meant to be at this time in our lives.  Well, the first month it was meant to be!  I purchased pregnancy tests kept checking for pink lines, even though I knew it was a bit early in the month to see pink, but I’m more curious than a cat.  The logical part of me didn’t want to see them but then I was secretly disappointed each time I didn’t.  But Finally after I was a few days late, there they were, the infamous pink lines!  I ran to tell Greg, we were both half asleep at the time and our reactions were…..

Greg: Really, we’re going to have a baby?  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Me: Oh My Gosh I’m pregnant….?????? What do I do now???!!!!!!!!!

It took me a long time before it really sunk in that we were having a baby, a real, live, cute, adorable, tiny, peeing, pooping, spitting, drooling, loving baby.  I was really thrilled deep down, but scared too.  Now we had a lot of questions and decisions to make and they were all swirling around in my head at once… OB or Midwife, or both, hospital, birthing center, home birth, vaccinations, circumcision, cribs, NAMES!, colors, gear, breastfeeding, bottles…. so many things to think about.  I will start sifting through some of these in my month 2 posting, so stay tuned in!  I hope you enjoyed the beginning of my Journey to Jack!

Dr. Heather

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Vacation Photos

August 25, 2008 · Filed under Travel · Tagged ,

I have been wanting to post some photos to document my trip to my grandma’s cottage in Traverse City, MI with Jack, Doris, and Lindsay.  Enjoy!

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes Senic Drive

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes Senic Drive

2 Cute girls climbing the dunes

2 Cute girls climbing the dunes

Breathtaking

Breathtaking

Doris & Lindsay

Doris & Lindsay

Jack likes the Lake!

Jack likes the Lake!

Playin in the Sand

Playin in the Sand

Doris' 1st boat ride, 1st fishing trip & 1st catch, a Waleye!

Doris

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Monday for Moms: Not All Germs Are Bad

August 25, 2008 · Filed under Green Baby ~ Healthy Baby · Tagged , ,

Are you a germ-a-Phoebe?  Try thinking about germs in a new light!  Not all germs are bad.  In fact germs can actually help strengthen the immune system.  I believe exposure to a variety of germs is good for people of all ages, including infants (with the exception of immune-compromised individuals).  It’s amazing to me how paranoid and scared our society is today of germs!  I see hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere I go and  Anti-bacterial EVERYTHING in stores.  There are many women out there who wouldn’t think of leaving their house without Purell in their purse!  What ever happened to the days of running around outside, playing in the mud and getting dirty!  A little dirt won’t harm.  And when it was time to get cleaned up it was with some old fashioned soap and water.  There wasn’t anti-bacterial hand soap, anti-bacterial body wash, anti-bacterial lotion, anti-bacterial spray, etc.  When I was a child, and when my parents were children it was different.  Kids got dirty and that was ok.  My teachers didn’t have hand sanitizer in every classroom.  But is all of this over-cleanliness and fear of germs getting us anywhere?  Are kids healthier now than 10, 20, 30 years ago?  The answer is No!  Kids are more sickly now than ever.   My mom and mother-in-law both work in schools and both tell me all the time about how many kids  who carry inhaler’s to school or have to leave the classroom daily to take their medicine.  Is our current germ-a-phobic, over cleanliness obsession getting us anywhere? 

So why is it that kids are so sick?  I think it is because of several reasons, but today the focus is germs, or lack there of!  I believe germs are good as long as you are healthy.  If you are a healthy person your body will fight off most germs it comes in contact with and as a result your immune system will toughen up each time. 

Also, think about this…When a room full of healthy children are exposed to one coughing, sneezing, sniffling classmate, does the entire room get sick?  No, usually just a few may catch the cold.  Why is that?  When a  health child with a robust immune system is exposed to a germ they are able to fight it off with ease.  However when a child with a weak, fragile, overly-protected immune system is exposed it can’t handle the germ and the the child will become sick. Check out this great article on Building a Strong and Healthy Immune System.

I am not the mom who washes every toy after it touches the ground.  I don’t wash my hands before each time I pick up my baby.  I don’t worry when he touches the floor then puts his hands in his mouth and he doesn’t have a bath every single day.  I think my lack of obsessive cleanliness contributes to the health of my son.  While he is only 6.5 months, he has yet to catch a cold and I hope this streak continues for years to come!

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Sweet Potatoes for Sweet Baby

August 22, 2008 · Filed under Green Baby ~ Healthy Baby, Nutrition · Tagged

Yummy organic homemade sweet potatoes were Jack’s 3rd solid which he started three days ago. He seemed to really like the taste but didn’t want to finish off his cube.  He didn’t spit them out as much as he did bananas.  They were very easy to make.  I just boiled one sweet potato and then removed the skin and put it through my baby food mill.  One potato made about 16-1oz cubes, so that will last for a while!  I still think avocado has been his favorite so far.  Below is some of the healthy nutrients found in sweet potatoes:  I found this information from www.wholesomebabyfood.com a very informative site which also has many great recipe’s!

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A – 24,877 mg
Vitamin C – 28.0 mg
Pantothenic Acid – .74 mg
Niacin – .69 mg
Folate – 26.2 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.

MINERALS:
Potassium – 273 mg
Phosphorus – 29.5 mg
Magnesium – 13.5 mg
Calcium – 6.2 mg
Sodium – 11.0 mg
Iron – .55 mg
Selenium – .5 mg
Manganese – .6 mg
Zinc – .3 mg
Also contains small amount of copper

Thanks for reading! ~Dr. Heather

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Greener Future Fridays: Eco Shopper

August 22, 2008 · Filed under Green Living · Tagged ,

One easy way to do your part for the environment is to be an eco shopper and bring your own re-usable bag! Plastic bags are taking up a lot of space at landfills and negatively affecting the environment including marine life in coastal cities.  I read that ONLY 1% of all plastic shopping bags are recycled!  I really enjoy bring my reusable bags to the store.  Cities across the country are now starting to pass legislature to ban plastic shopping bags because of their harmful effects on the environment.  San Francisco is one of those cities.  Maryland is also making strides toward banning plastic bags.  I feel like I’m setting a good example for others and feel good about myself when I’m done shopping knowing that I saved a few plastic bags from being used. 

 I have purchased 3 large reusable bags to start with and so far it has been great!  I occasionally still need one or 2 plastic bags for items that don’t fit but I reuse those bags for trash cans or scooping cat litter!  I bought my bags at the Farmer’s Market in New Albany, Oh from QB’s Bags & Stuff.  I chose 2 of their pre made patterns, one says “Go Green Ohio” and the other says ” All the Songs of the Earth are Like Music ”.  They kindly offered to make my third bag with my Company logo and name “Ohio Family & Sports Chiropractic”.  You can also find reusable bags for sale for a small fee at most grocery stores.  Do your part Shop Smart    ~Dr. Heather

                                                    

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Monday for Moms: My Favorite Baby Necessities

August 19, 2008 · Filed under Green Baby ~ Healthy Baby, Just For Mom's · Tagged , ,

 Today I’m starting a regular column, Monday for Moms with tips, experiences and helpful information for moms!  I will also be starting another regular posting later this week called Greener Future Friday where I will focus more on tips and information on living a toxin-free, environmentally friendly life! 

The first Monday for Moms:  My Favorite Baby Necessities.  When I was pregnant I had no idea what I would need when my baby arrived.  There are so many baby products in the stores.  A first time mom can be easily overwhelmed and frustrated walking through a store like Baby’s “R” Us.   Today I would like to share the top babygear I could not live without during my first 6 months as a mom.  Here they are in no specific order:

Breastfeeding cover

Breastfeeding cover

Breast feeding Cover

This is a MUST HAVE for breastfeeding moms!!  I use my cover daily!  It’s perfect if you are feeding your baby in public or if you have company in your home.  I take my cover with me everywhere and as a modest woman, I never have to worry if Jack gets hungry! To order one email:  vforba@yahoo.com

 

Breast pump – I use my pump on a regular basis.  In the first few weeks I used a manual pump  when I had problems with engorgement.  As a working mom my pump now comes in handy for storing spare milk for times when I have a babysitter or have to go out of town (which isn’t too often).   I know use an electrical pump  by Medela. 

Baby Carrier – Jack loves his baby carrier’s.  His favorite is the Baby Bjorn.  He enjoyed facing me or my husband when he was a few weeks old. As his eye sight developed he really enjoyed (and still does) facing outward.  It gives him a great view of the world, and gives me free hands to do some things around the house.  Jack loves going for walks in his Baby Bjorn even more than he does in a stroller!  We found a gently used Baby Bjorn for a great price at Once upon a child.  Jack also enjoys various baby slings.  Although I find the Baby Bjorn more comfortable for my back.   

Cloth Diapers – I am a big fan of cloth diapers.  They are great for the environment, very economical, and there are many different types to choose from.  They are also better for preventing diaper rash than disposable diapers.  I have also read that cloth diaper babies typically become potty trained sooner than babies using disposable diapers.  I often hear mom’s complain about putting so much money into diapers every week but with cloth diapers you don’t have that regular expense.  There is more cost upfront however.  My favorite cloth diaper is bum genius.  The are an AIO (all in one) with adjustments for babies from 7-35lbs.  They have a waterproof outer layer and a fleece inner lining to wick fluid from your baby’s skin.  They come with 2 absorbent cloths that go between the inner and outer layers.  They have velcro tabs for a snug fit.  They are very easy to use, even for dad’s!  I will have more in-depth posts in the future on cloth diapering.

Swaddle Blanket/Sleep Sack - This was a favorite for sleeping during Jack’s first 3 months.  Swaddle blankets helped snuggle him tight and kept him warm and snug in bed without worrying about loose blankets which can put a baby at risk for SIDS.  My favorite Swaddle blanket is Halo SleepSack.  It is a wearable blanket with a velcro band to swaddle your baby tight.  This was the only one I found with the adjustable band.  Other swaddle blankets I found Jack was able to squirm out of but not this one!  By far our favorite!  Unfortunately I could not find one in a larger size with the adjustable band, so we bought larger sized sleep sacks and used our original band as he grew.

Swing - These are a life saver for Greg and I.  When first trying to get Jack to sleep through the night we were not very successful using the crib.  He always seemed to startle himself awake throughout the night.  One night when we were all exhausted Greg and I fell asleep downstairs on the couch with Jack in his swing.  When I woke up 11 hours later, still on the couch with Greg, and Jack still asleep in his swing we decided to move the swing to Jack’s bedroom and let him sleep in the swing until he gets used to sleeping through the night.  The swing forms the perfect cuddling pouch for Jack and the soothing motion puts him right back to sleep when he startles himself awake.  Jack’s favorite swings are Fisher Price Papasan Swing and Baby Einstein Discover & Play Swing

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Margot Row For Gold!

August 16, 2008 · Filed under Exercise · Tagged ,

Margot (left)

Margot (left)

My amazing former Ohio State University Women’s Rowing teammate, Margot Shumway will be rowing for gold tomorrow, Sunday (at 4:30am Eastern time) for the USA in the Women’s Quad event at the Olympics.  I haven’t mentioned yet but I spent 4 years in undergraduate school at The Ohio State University on the Varsity Women’s Rowing team.  It was an amazing experience where I met some amazing women including Margot.  I am honored to have rowed with her during her first year in the sport in 2001 in the Varsity 4 event.  We then spent a summer in Wisconsin together at the US Development camp and the following year in we both rowed in the 2V8 (second varsity eight) event.  Margot has grown so much in the sport and is an incredibly amazing athlete.  I cannot put to word how proud and ecstatic I am about Margot in the Olympics.  I am just soooo excited and pumped for her, I can hardly contain myself as I write, knowing she’s just hours for her race.  Go Get’em Margot!!! Go USA! 

You can follow Margot’s journey in Beijing by visiting her mom, Julia Shumway’s blog or by going to www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com

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Escape to the Lake

August 16, 2008 · Filed under Travel · Tagged

Jack and I just returned from 5 days at the lake with my mother-in-law Doris and sister-in-law Lindsay, while Greg held down the fort at the office.  Between my grandparents and other family members we have 4 cottages on Lake Leelanau in the northwestern corner of the lower peninsula of Michigan.  The lake is nestled between majestic Lake Michigan and picturesque East and West Grand Traverse Bay.  There are 3 rustic cottages all in a row and aunt Gail’s just a 1/4 mile down the beach, each not without standard amenities of running water, bathroom facilities, shower, kitchen, television and phone.  They are each filled with a hodgepodge of furniture donated by family members, old photos and fishing decor.  It is halfway between the small fishing town of Lealand and tourist packed Traverse City, home of the National Cherry Festival.  Greg, Jack, and I drove up to the cabin over July 4th weekend but it just wasn’t long enough for me during this crazy, stressful time in our lives.  I was ecstatic when Greg suggested I should go back with Jack later in the summer.  I felt a little guilty leaving him at home with the office and all the stresses at home with a new business but he reassured me that it would give him time to take care of some business and he recognized how mentally tired I have been lately.  I’m very grateful that Doris and Lindsay made the 7hr trip with me.  I could not have done 7hrs in the car with a 6mo old by myself, and I always Love showing off my favorite get-away to others! 

Our trip was filled with relaxation and fun and a daily dose of the Olympics! 

Sunday- we made the 7hr drive and arrived in the early afternoon.  Jack did great in the car, he slept most of the drive, had some avocado, spent some time playing with his grandma and had a just little fussiness which  was  unavoidable.  We hit up Meijer for some groceries then back to the cabin to cook some dinner over the camp fire!

Monday- We all slept in after our long drive.  The cottage is the best place to sleep in!  The nights get pretty cool.  I was nestled under many layers of blankets.  The soothing sounds of the gentle waves on the sand just 15 yards from the cottage door and the crackling of the slowly dying campfire could lull anyone to sleep.  Jack tried mashed banana today for the first time.  He seemed to like the sweet taste.  We started our day by going into Suttons Bay, a near by town to pick up a few items we forgot at the grocery.  Once in town we couldn’t resist visiting a few of the local tourist shops and making a stop at the local ice cream shop which was severely over priced!  I took Doris and Lindsay for their first view of the largest moving sand dunes in the world – The Sleeping Bear Dunes.  We followed a scenic drive then parked to make the climb.  Jack enjoyed digging in the sand at the base of the dune.  We headed home to catch the evening Olympic show.

Tuesday- We opted for a more low-key day, once again not able to resist the temptation of sleeping in, followed by a day of lounging on the beach, swimming, searching for Petoskey rocks (exclusive to MI) and watching the Olympics!

Wednesday(My Birthday)- Another morning of sleeping in – which, when I say sleeping in now with a 6mo old it is different than my definition pre-baby!  Jack still wakes early, around 5 or 6am, but after a feeding and short awake time he wonderfully cuddled back to sleep with me!  We then went into Fishtown Lealand to check out the local shops and for lunch at The Cove where I worked as a waitress one summer.  While in town we got fishing licenses and I took Doris and Lindsay for their first fishing trips.  Doris went first while Aunt Lindsay watched Jack.  We didn’t have any hits.  After a while when went back and Lindsay came out on the lake with me.  We tried out a different fishing spot.  I had a little luck with one walleye keeper and one that got off the line before I could get it in the boat.  After it became dark we journeyed back to the cottage with a strikeout for Lindsay.  We stoked up another campfire and had some smores!  Doris is really becoming a master at starting a good campfire!

Thursday- a jam-packed day – Doris and I hit the fishing hole early and had a so-so trip.  I got 3 on the line, only one in the boat that Doris reeled in and 2 others that got away with my dad’s lures!  Later that day my cousin Kyle and his friend took us for a boat ride on their ski boat.  That thing could fly!  They gave me a trip around the lake on the tube which I’m still sore from!  Doris and I then took Jack swimming again.  He had so much fun in his little yellow tube!  He was out there for at least a half hour kicking and laughing in the water.  It was a great time.  Another new adventure was ahead for us.  We walked down to aunt Gail’s cottage and she and cousin Ashley were gracious enough to share their sea doo with us.  Gail rocked Jack on the swing while Ashley helped Doris, Lindsay and I take turns on the sea doo which was a blast!  We wound down Thursday with the Olympics of course!

Friday- We cleaned up the cottage and said good bye to the lake water… until next year.  Its hard to imagine by then Jack will be digging in the sand and running into the lake all by himself.  At noon we headed home to see daddy who we missed very much!  Jack again was a trooper in the car, doing a fabulous job!  I love that little guy soooo much! 

Thanks daddy for letting us escape to the lake!

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