LilSugar

Jenny McCarthy Talks Autism, Instincts, and Jim Carrey

LilSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Jenny McCarthy is one candid cover girl. We'd expect nothing less from the passionate mother and autism advocate who posed with her son Evan, 7, for the September cover of Cookie. Check out a few of the highlights from the interview.

On how she felt when Evan had a seven-hour seizure and went into cardiac arrest in 2004: I ran out of my house and into my driveway and screamed at the top of my lungs to God to just take him away, because I loved him so much and he was in so much pain.

On Amanda Peet calling parents who don't vaccinate their children "parasites": I think vaccines are one of the greatest things ever invented. I used to be [Peet] before I had a kid with autism.

On the position of Generation Rescue: "Vaccinations are safe - dot, dot, dot - for some kids. Vaccinations are not safe - dot, dot, dot - for other kids. Let’s protect the ones who are weak. We are pro–safe vaccine. Vaccines are just not one size fits all. If you gave everyone in the world penicillin, there would be some adverse effects for some people, and possibly deaths."

On parental instincts: "We’re the generation of parents who are saying, ‘Listen to us. We are the bosses of our children.’ I want parents to realize that, and not get pushed around by doctors who say, ‘Oh, that’s 100 percent safe.’"

On her most humbling mom moment: "Watching Evan pee on a fake tree in a waiting room."

On her relationship with Jim Carrey: "It’s wacky-weird that not only does [Carrey] not want to get married, which I love, but he also doesn’t want to have more kids, which I love."

Would You Get the Swine Flu Vaccine While Pregnant?

LilSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:15:00 -0700

It may no longer be headline news, but the swine flu pandemic still has people talking. This week the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is meeting to discuss the development and distribution of a vaccine that is set to be ready by Fall. Among the groups who may get top priority for the vaccine are pregnant women. Though pregnant women only account for one percent of the US population, they made up six percent of all H1N1 deaths since April. Each year the CDC recommends that expectant mamas get vaccinated for the flu, but only a small number – approximately 15 percent – actually do, citing fears about risks to the fetus and the expense. Would you get the vaccine while pregnant?

How to Talk to Your Pediatrician About Your Vaccine Concerns

babysugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:00:25 -0700

Mothers are hit with conflicting views on autism and vaccines. The morning news will feature a pediatrician denying any link between the two. Then on another channel, a mother is interviewed claiming that immunizations changed her child's life forever. Conflicted about what to do, some parents are opting not to vaccinate their children while others choose an alternative schedule and some stick with the schedule suggested by the AAP. Parents should talk with their pediatricians about their concerns so they can make the best decision for their child.

To see some talking points for a conversation with your doctor, read more.

Being open and honest with the doctor can be informative and beneficial for all involved. Here are some questions to get the ball rolling:

Do you think there is any link between vaccines and autism?
If "no" is the response, ask why they don't think there is a link.
If my child has a bad reaction after receiving a shot, what can we do?
Is thermisol present in any of the shots?
Why do you think there is such a high incidence of autism in boys versus girls?
What kind of alternative or modified shot schedule do you offer?
Will it cost more to administer the shots in a modified manner?
How do you or would you vaccinate your own children?
What do you think the possible causes of autism are if it isn't vaccines?

While pediatricians may not be able to answer all of these questions, it's a good way to get the dialogue started and to explain your apprehension and insecurities.
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Vaccines: Sticking With the Original Plan

babysugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:00:20 -0700

What is really to blame for the rapid increase of autism? It's something we all want to know, and unfortunately it has not yet been answered. While we nail biting parents sit and watch our children for signs of the developmental disorder, scientists, mothers, pediatricians, fathers, and advocates scramble to find the cause and a cure. Until that day, it seems vaccines will be the target of controversy.

Believing that immunizations may be at the root, some parents still choose to vaccinate their children as they would rather take a risk than have their youngster contract a life threatening disease like the measles. Others simply do not see a connection between the two and have the shots administered as suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics. To see a chart of the recommended timeline, read more.

As I've mentioned before, I chose the regular AAP shot schedule for my daughter, but an alternative one for my son. Speak with your pediatrician to decide what is the best course of action for your child.

babysugar Diaries: Vaccines

babysugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:00:25 -0700

Every parent does what they think is best for their child. With my firstborn that meant giving her vaccinations as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Perhaps two years of media got to me, or maybe it was Jenny McCarthy and all of the other parents of children with autism that made me a tad wary of vaccinations. So I will go a different route with my second babe.

To see what it is, read more.

When I met my son in the hospital, I knew I would have to make a decision pretty quickly on how to deal with his health care. As autism is more prevalent in boys, his gender certainly played a part in my thought process. I obviously want to protect my lil guy from every harmful disease while not putting him at risk for developing any other disorder. To put my mind at ease, I decided to ask my pediatrician to give my son his vaccines on an alternative schedule. While my doc agreed to my request, my pediatrician does not advise the alternative schedule because she said the child ends up getting twice the preservatives that accompany vaccines because the doses are further divided. Despite her warning, I chose to move forward with an alternative schedule. Instead of receiving six shots at his four-month check-up, my son got four and then we returned a week later to get the rest. I feel good that he is up to date on his shots even if it means extra visits to the doctor. If you want to see an alternative schedule, check out the one Dr. Sears suggests:

two-months: DTaP, Rotavirus
3-months: Pc, HIB
4-months: DTaP, Rotavirus
5-months: Pc, HIB
6-months: DTaP, Rotavirus
7-months: Pc, HIB
9-months: Polio (IPV)
12-months: Mumps, Polio (IPV)
15-months: Pc, HIB
18-months: DTaP, Chickenpox
two-years: Rubella, Polio (IPV)
two-and-a-half-years: Hep B, Hep A (start Hep B at birth if any close relatives or caregivers have Hep B)
three-years: Hep B, Measles
three-and-a-half-years: Hep B, Hep A
four-years: DTaP, Polio (IPV)
five-years: MMR
six-years: Chickenpox
12-years: Tdap, HPV
12-years, 2 months: HPV
13-years: HPV, Meningococcal

The same information is provided in the Ask Dr. Sears Vaccine Book.
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Lil Tip: Mommy Gets a Shot, Too!

babysugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:00:04 -0800

If there's one thing my daughter is afraid of it's shots! She knows the second we walk into the doctor's office that she may be pricked at the end of the visit. Anticipating flu season, we both went to get our vaccines and I stumbled upon a trick to ease the torture.

She squirmed in her seat knowing that the small tube of liquid was about to bring on the pain. In an effort to put her at ease, I volunteered to get mine first so I could show her how easy and painless the process really is. The nurse quickly pricked my arm and I said, "Owie! Oops. All gone! It doesn't hurt anymore!" When it was her turn, she took it like a champ. At her two-year doctor's visit, I played pretend and I asked the nurse to "give" me a shot first while my wee one looked on. Like magic, my sweetheart barely squealed when it was her turn. I have a feeling that shrieking shots are a thing of the past - at least until I get my epidural.
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Kiddie Wellness: Flu Vaccine For Infants to Eighteen-Year-Olds

LilSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:00:48 -0700

Most tots don't like getting shots and many parents can't bear to watch, but it seems the process will continue as federal officials are now recommending that all children between six months and eighteen years of age get the flu shot. This will protect an additional 30 million minors. A CNN article said:

The age group was expanded this year because children are two to three times more likely to contract the disease than are adults, said Dr. Renée Jenkins, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The report noted that about 36,000 Americans die each year from flu complications. Pregnant women are also advised to get the vaccine.

Do your children get an annual flu shot?

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Pharmaceutical Company Called About Son's Missed Shot

LilSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:00:09 -0700

I'm starting to think that the pharmaceutical company is keeping better tabs on my 20-month-old than I am. Earlier in the week, it struck me as odd when my son received a stock-printed card from a pharmaceutical company reminding him that he had missed a vaccination. As he can't read and I handle our family's medical matters, I relayed the message and meant to call our pediatrician's office to inquire about the notice, but haven't had a chance. So my jaw dropped today when I came home to hear a message on our answering machine from the pharmaceutical company reminding me once again that my lil guy was due for shot.

In addition to advising that I make an appointment, it said that none of my tot's medical information had been sold as the voicemail was simply a courtesy call. I am now debating whether I should call my doctor or just wait a few more days until the doorbell rings and a medic with a syringe arrives looking for my child.
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Guess Who Reminded Me That My Son Missed His Vaccine?

LilSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:00:52 -0700

Like many other mamas, I am a bit weary of vaccinations. The autism argument aside, my daughter used to sleep most of the day after getting her shots. My son, on the other hand, has developed fevers after a few of his vaccinations and once had two quarter sized welts on his arms in the weeks that followed.

While I have a lot of faith in our pediatrician and have discussed the benefits and risks of vaccinations at length with him, I went with my motherly instincts and skipped my son's last shot, as he was under the weather. So it came as no surprise when I received a reminder in the mail that my lil guy had missed his vaccination. But, I was stunned that the card was not from the doctor's office - it was from a pharmaceuticals company. It also advised me to contact my provider and find out if I need to schedule an appointment.

We often hear that these companies are behind the increased number of vaccines and this notice hit me the wrong way. What's your opinion?

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Gardasil Vaccine For Your Girl?

LilSugar — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:00:00 -0700

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has become so widespread that there are doctors who compare it to the common cold. While some forms cause cervical cancer, others result in genital warts. According to the American Cancer Society:

In the United States, over 6 million people (men and women) get an HPV infection every year. Almost half of the infections are in people between 15 and 25 years of age. About one-half to three-fourths of the people who have ever had sex will have HPV at some time in their life.

To see what the ACS recommends, read more.
Though the only way to prevent HPV is abstinence, a vaccine prevents some forms that cause cervical cancer. So, the ACS recommends that to be most effective, the vaccine should be given to females before they are sexually active and in a series of 3 doses within 6 months starting with girls as young as nine-years-old.

Would you let your girl get the vaccine?

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