Family * Travel * Food

Why It Is Important To Speak Up When It Comes To Your Health

Have you ever felt like something in you is a bit off? Like you are off balance and can't quite figure out what your problem is? I went to my doctor a little over a month ago for my annual physical. I was actually 2 months off schedule since the pandemic came and knocked everything out of whack. Any time I have to go in to the doctor's office my blood pressure spikes a bit. I do check it at home regularly, and it is almost always right where it's supposed to be. The nurse always laughs and asks me if I am afraid of her, and that she doesn't bite. That usually calms me down, and my BP goes back down.

This last visit went a lot differently than normal. It was one of those very hot and muggy mornings, and I am normally the type of person who is always hot. I had to sip my ice water in the car, and put my mask on to enter the building. I went in, got registered at the front desk, and waited patiently to be called back. As soon as I saw the nurse crack open the door I felt my heart beat a bit faster, and I could feel myself trying harder to breathe. The mask doesn't make it any easier, but of course you still have to wear one.

Like with any visit, the first thing they do is check your weight and vitals. I decided to give myself a break with the weight since COVID-19 has been stressful and concerning. When the blood pressure cuff was placed around my arm, I had a bad feeling. My BP was 170/100! My heart rate was 117. I just sat there in shock as the nurse told me she would have to re-take my BP in a 5-minute time frame 3 times to get an average number between the three. Of course since it was within 5 minutes of the first check, it was still high at 155/95.

I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach and had those panicked breaths where I felt like I was gasping for air. My nerves were shot at this point. My doctor came in shortly after and was briefly updated on what was going on. We chatted about my overall well-being and how I was really feeling and I told her I was definitely better than I was in previous years dealing with extreme anxiety and depression. She figured that my elevated BP and heart rate were due to anxiety that were related to the pandemic, and the news regarding police brutality and racism. I mean, who isn't feeling a whole lot right now?

She highly recommended that I start a low-dose anti-anxiety medication to help me calm down, and hopefully that would result in my BP and heart rate regulating. I agreed. I don't know why, but I agreed. She wanted to see me back in 6 months to discuss how things end up going from taking the medication. I also had to wait for my lab results to see if anything else was wrong. Last year my cholesterol was high, and that is concerning since both of my parents were cardiac patients. I was warned of the possibility that if it was the same or higher, I would need to get on cholesterol meds right away.

I was diagnosed with thyroid disease about 5 years ago, and have been on medication to keep it regulated since then. Lucky for me, I've had very few symptoms that affect me. The only time I really did have anything that wasn't quite right was confused as being anxiety, when in reality I was having heart palpitations. Then the light bulb popped on in my head. The deep breathing and higher heart rate wasn't feeling 100% like anxiety, but more like heart palpitations. I decided to wait for my lab results to come back so I could see what my Thyroid-Stimulation Hormone (TSH) levels were. I just had a feeling something wasn't right.

What is so strange about the whole pandemic is that my life wasn't really affected a whole lot. Being home all the time, and homeschooling my son is my normal. Aside from not being able to find certain items at the store, things have been fine on the home-front. The only time I would get worked up is when I turned on the news. The state of the nation has been pitiful to say the least. Seeing so many families affected by job loss, kids not getting adequate education, and the state of financial crisis is enough to make anyone worry. But you know what? I still chose to find the good things to focus on each day. This made getting through these crazy months a lot easier. I have been surprisingly calm despite what was going on all over the world.

Enough about that, back to the lab results. They came in the next day, and to my surprise, the doctor was super happy to see how great everything looked. My cholesterol went down by 43 points! I had no idea it could drop that much in just a year. I can't tell you how relieved I was to get this fantastic news. I decided to really read through my results to make sure everything else was where it needs to be. I improved on just about everything! One thing did stick out to me though. My TSH level was at the top of the high number. That didn't sit right with me. Although it was .04 within the range, I was still concerned.

I sent a message through the patient portal to express my concerns about the TSH levels, and asked for my medication to be adjusted. I really feel like my elevated heart rate and BP was from heart palpitations caused by my thyroid and not anxiety. She agreed to step me up to 75mg from 50mg and have my labs done again in 3 months. After taking the higher dosage for 2 weeks, the palpitations subsided and I started feeling normal again. I definitely have not felt any anxiety or sadness. I knew I wasn't depressed, and was NOT about to take a drug that would be very hard to come off of.
This is what my blood pressure and heart rate look like now. 
I am happy that I decided against the anti-anxiety meds and opted to advocate for myself. While antidepressants are necessary for many people and do help a lot, I knew I didn't need them. I used to be one of those people who thought if a doctor tells you something, it's as good as gold and you have to listen. It's not always the case. Read over your lab reports, do your own research, ask questions and follow your gut. I'm so happy that I did! I will get my labs work done in the first part of September and go from there.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. Continue to stay well, and wear your mask!
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Why Get CBD Oil For Stress

Lots of people around the world experience stress for a variety of reasons. Some may find their jobs too much to handle, and others are not happy with the way things are going.
There are chances that you may be one of the people who have chronic stress. Whether it’s in the form of an outburst from your boss or the millionth time your annoying mother-in-law stresses you out, it’s time for you to have the relaxation that you need.


Know that too much stress can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some of the symptoms that may appear include headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, chest pains, and high blood pressure. You can know more about headaches that came from tension here: https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches. The solution for many people is Prozac or Xanax. But why go to the extreme side of medication when you can relieve the pain from stress in a more natural way?

CBD and Cannabis

You may want to learn more about CBD or cannabidiol oil that came from the hemp plant. Although hemp is a cousin of cannabis, you need not worry as there are no psychoactive effects after taking the oil. The plant Cannabis sativa has over a hundred different strains, and cannabidiol is one of them.

The extracts of pure CBD are commonly taken in the stalks, flowers, and leaves. They are extracted using CO2 or other methods, and they are separated from the cannabis. The extracts look like little crystals at room temperature.

Does the Product Make You High?

Many people argue that instead of using CBD, they might as well smoke weed to relieve their stress. But this should not be the case. One of the most well-known compounds in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC that alters the mind. Users of the oil do not get affected psychologically by hemp because the THC in CBD is non-existent and, in some, less than 0.3%. This is opposed to the more than 30% THC content that marijuana has.

Note that both THC and CBD can bind with the brain’s special receptors. The difference is that CBD can directly alter the receptors by linking into them while THC can’t do this. When you are stressed, you may feel a little fuzzy when you take the oil, but you will eventually feel less anxious. Your body will become more relaxed and comfortable. Some users were able to think of solutions to their problems while they are in a calmer state of mind.

Stress and CBD

Stress can become cumbersome and can severely impact the quality of your life. You may not feel like socializing, and the feelings may keep you from living the optimum lifestyle that you deserve. The good news is that studies have backed the positive effects of CBD to stress.

Some of the studies included people with anxiety showed that the oil significantly reduced their stress levels. The brain was able to convert the situation from a threatening state to a less anxious environment. The scans showed that there were also noted changes in several regions of the brain, usually associated with anxiety.

There’s another study done in 2014 that found out that the oil can have antidepressant side effects. Most of the studies involving this were on animals, but the results were promising. Many of the rats were able to reduce their social anxieties.

Others were able to conduct further research on cannabidiol as a treatment for many anxiety disorders. Some of the most common psychological disorders of people worldwide are OCD, PTSD, and SAD. These are all forms of illnesses that need addressing, and the people who have them were able to find relief while taking the oil.

Now, this does not mean that you need to have a disorder to take CBD oil. Note that the oil is for everyone, and even healthy people can benefit from taking a teaspoonful of this miracle oil. You can visit this page for other options and products that you can take aside from the oil. If you are feeling stressed, you can lessen your burdens by reducing anxiety levels in your brain. You can also become more active by exercising and getting plenty of sleep at night to combat stress.

There are other benefits of cannabidiol for humans. In clinical trials, an increase in mental sedation and decreased anxiety levels are noted by researchers. Higher doses can be useful for treating insomnia, social anxiety disorder, and even epilepsy.


Is the Oil Legal?

However, note that the world of hemp is still a gray area in many states. The legality of marijuana is still debatable. But the good news is that you can buy hemp without any problems. Many pharmacies offer over the counter CBD oil and other products that can benefit you. You can do your research and find out where the legit suppliers are to ensure that the product is safe.
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Packing Checklist For Summer Travel On The Road With Kids (Giveaway, too!)

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own.

Summer break is here and many of us will be fitting in a few quick family trips before school starts back. Even if we take an overnight trip, we have learned to still pack for emergencies. You never know if something will happen unexpectedly. We have had a few scary moments during travel that really taught us a lesson.

Last year we drove down to Florida to visit relatives overnight. It was the one time I told everyone to pack light. I opted to not bring any medications for our little one and of course, he ended up with a headache and fever out of nowhere. I had to send my husband to the nearest pharmacy to grab a bottle of Children's Advil® Suspension. Thankfully after about an hour, his headache and fever broke. He felt like his normal self the next day. That was definitely one of those Sick just got real.™ moments. It is imperative to be well prepared, even for a simple overnight trip.

If you are hitting the road for summer travel with the kids, be sure not to forget these essentials.
  • Snacks for the car. Go for things like crackers, nuts, fruit, granola bars, sandwiches, and portable yogurt. 
  • Medium-size cooler with ice packs and drinks. The ice packs can double to keep drinks cold and help with cooling your little one down in case of overheating or fever. Don't forget plenty of bottled water!
  • An emergency kit to include adhesive bandages, ointment for scrapes or bug bites, thermometer (in case of fever), pain reliever and cold/cough medication such as Pfizer Pediatric products: Children's Advil®, cold/cough medications Children's Robitussin® Extended-Release 12 Hour Cough Relief, and Children’s Dimetapp® Multi-Symptom Cold Relief Dye-Free. Note: Always keep medications in the original packaging (complete with measuring cup/spoon) for accurate dosing information. 
  • Baby wipes for keeping hands and faces clean
  • Extra underwear and basic outfits packed in individual zipper storage bags
  • Rolls of coins for tolls, snack machines, etc... 
  • Entertainment items like a tablet, books, toys, and portable coloring books with colored pencils

Here's a little information about Pfizer Pediatric products:

When sick gets real, the pediatric brands of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare are there with three solutions – Children’s Advil®, Children’s Robitussin® and Children’s Dimetapp® – to tackle the ickiest of symptoms.

  • Ease those aches and pains, while reducing a child’s fever fast with Children’s Advil®*, a great solution for kids as young as 2 and up to 11. Children’s Advil® comes in several great-tasting flavors, including: Sugar-free Dye-free Berry, Bubble Gum, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape flavors. There’s also Infants’ Advil® White Grape, which provides unsurpassed fever relief (among OTC pain relievers) with a syringe for easy dosing for children 6-23 months.
  • For your child’s cough, trust Children's Robitussin® Extended-Release 12 Hour Cough Relief to control and relieve symptoms all-day or all- night. Available in grape or orange flavor, for children ages 4 and up. Please note, certain Children's Robitussin® products are only suitable for children ages 6 and up.
  • Children’s Dimetapp® Multi-Symptom Cold Relief Dye-Free eases your child’s stuffy and runny nose, while quieting a bothersome cough. All in a great-tasting grape flavor that’s dye-free, for children ages 6 and up.
Visit Sick just got real.™ for information to help with selecting the correct medications for your child's symptoms. Also, be sure to follow on Facebook for wellness tips, products updates, and promotions.

To help assist you to get some supplies for those unfortunate moments when sick gets real, one Mom Files reader will win a prize pack including:  a $25 virtual Visa gift card and (1) Children's Advil® Suspension, Grape, (1) Children’s Robitussin ® Extended-Release 12 Hour Cough Relief, and (1) Children’s Dimetapp® Multi-Symptom Cold Relief Dye-Free. Enter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on June 30, 2017. Please follow all rules in the Rafflecopter widget and be sure to use a valid email. One winner will be selected and contacted via email to claim prize. Please be aware that Mom Files is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged prizes. Good luck!
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Make Sure You Are Prepared For The Cold Season With Pfizer Pediatric Products From Target #SickJustGotReal

***CLOSED*** Winner is LaTanya. Congrats~! 

It's Spring and we are in full bloom over here. Aside from seasonal allergies, we know our little ones can suffer from colds just as well. Sick happens without any warning it seems. Your child can go from energetic and happy, to sniffling and coughing within a matter of hours. It is very important that we have medications on hand for those unexpected cold symptoms. Good thing we can rely on the Pfizer pediatric line of products to get our little ones through it all. We can't go without those well-known, trusted brands like Children's Advil®, Children's Robitussin®, and Children's Dimetapp®. They are all available at your local Target stores and are reasonably priced.

Keeping these items on hand along with a couple extra boxes of tissues and a digital thermometer in your medicine cabinet is helpful. There is nothing worse than having a sick child late at night and not being prepared!

Information about Pfizer Pediatric products available at Target:

Ease those aches and pains, while reducing a child’s fever fast with Children’s Advil®, a great solution for kids as young as 2 and up to 11. Children’s Advil® comes in several great-tasting flavors, including: Sugar-free Dye-free Berry, Bubble Gum, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape flavors. There’s also Infants’ Advil® White Grape, which provides unsurpassed fever relief with a syringe for easy dosing for children 6-23 months.

Formulated just for kids, Children's Robitussin® DM Day/Night Pack (Children’s Robitussin® Cough & Chest Congestion and Children’s Robitussin® Nighttime Cough) non-drowsy daytime formula helps break up chest congestion, while the long-acting nighttime formula relieves coughs and runny noses to help kids get the rest they need.

All in a great tasting grape flavor, Children’s Dimetapp® Cold & Cough tackles a child’s most bothersome stuffy and runny noses, all while working to relieve cough.
*It is important to remember to always read and keep the cartons for complete warnings and dosing information on Pfizer Pediatric Platform products and to use as directed

I really do love the Children's Robitussin®  Day/Night pack. My husband for some reason (42 years old) still takes Dimetapp®  at night on occasion. He swears by it! Right now you can go to the Sick just got real™ website to grab some money-savings coupons. Also, be sure to follow the Sick just got real™ Facebook page for product updates and promotions.
Great news-- one lucky reader will win a Pfizer Pediatric gift pack that includes Children's Advil®, Children's Robitussin®, and Children's Dimetapp®. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Pfizer Pediatric Platform products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own.
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Do You Think You're Depressed Or Crazy?

Have you ever felt like you are spiraling into depression or feel like you are going crazy? I think every person goes through this some time in their life and often times physicians will prescribe anti-depressants or sleep aids. I remember 3 years ago having feelings of sadness to the point where I would cry daily for hours and not know why. This went on for longer than I should have let it and I went in for a full physical. Long story short, the culprit was vitamin D deficiency. It was horribly low and I was placed on a high-dose supplement once a week, for 12 weeks. To my surprise, I felt so much better and had my life back!

This same problem has hit my entire family minus the little guy. It turns out that the darker your skin, the harder it is to absorb vitamin D from the sun. That really amazes me since we spend a good deal of time outdoors. I had labs done a month ago and my vitamin D levels have dropped again. The normal range is 30-100 and mine was at 19. I have been put back on a high-dose supplement and am due back to test my levels at the end of the twelve weeks. I really hope it works and I can find a way to get more vitamin D in my body naturally. The supplements are not good for long term since they can cause damage to your kidneys.
Image credit: The Mayo Clinic
I have noticed a lot of family and friends complaining of fatigue, exhaustion or depression and I mentioned having their vitamin D level checked. Turns out each and every one of them had the same issue. As a matter of fact, over 85% of people have low vitamin D levels and may not even know it. So before you get misdiagnosed or self-diagnose that you are depressed or anxious, get your vitamin D level checked by a simple blood test.

If you have ever had issues with vitamin D deficiency, what did you do to raise it? Please share any advice you have in the comments. Stay healthy! xo
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Aging and Changing, Being 41

I recently turned 41 (gulp). It seems so strange actually writing that number as my age. I really don't feel that old. I don't even know how 41 is supposed to feel. I know one thing though; I'm surely not 20 or 30 anymore. Many things have changed and I have had to take steps to adapt. I went to the doctor earlier this year for a full physical. It had been a few years since I last had one. I admit, I was very nervous. So nervous in fact that my blood pressure registered a lot higher than normal. I have a terrible family history of heath ailments. What if I find out I am diabetic? What if I have high cholesterol? What if I do end up with high blood pressure? I was really afraid. I knew I had to suck it up and get checked out thoroughly.

It only took a couple days to get the first set of lab results back. I felt like I couldn't breathe when I saw the doctor's office phone number show up on my phone. My heart raced and I had to take a deep breath. My doctor informed me that I had a vitamin D deficiency. I am not surprised by that because it is very common for brown-skinned people to have that issue. For whatever reason, our skin does not absorb vitamin D from the sun like a fair-skinned person would. I was prescribed a once a week, 2 month supplement to boost my levels. I noticed that after 4 weeks of taking the supplement I felt different. I had higher than normal energy levels, my nails were stronger and my hair seemed to be growing overnight. Besides the vitamin D deficiency, the doctor informed me my hormone levels that control my thyroid were abnormal. She asked me if I had been experiencing any of the symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight fluctuations, sweating, and several other things. I told her no and insisted that the test wasn't accurate. I think she sensed my denial and was kind enough to entertain me. She ordered that I retake labs in 30 days. I took time to research hypothyroidism in depth. I had a light bulb go off in my head. Thyroid issues are hereditary. Almost every woman on my mother's side of the family has been diagnosed and is being treated by medication. I also realized that what I thought was extreme anxiety I have been experiencing for about a year or so was actually heart palpitations. I called up my doctor and she was very polite in not saying, "I told you so". She assured me that being put on medication wasn't the end of the world and it would help my situation.

I have been on Synthroid for almost 90 days now and had my labs done a few weeks back to see of the meds are helping. It turns out that my hormone levels are normal and the medication is indeed doing its job. As much as I did not want to be put on any type of medication for the rest of my life, it is what it is. I have my health under control and will be certain to keep up with regular doctor visits to ensure it stays that way. I have advised a few friends who complained of fatigue, anxiety and weight fluctuations to go get lab work done. I have one friend who told me she found out that she too was vitamin D deficient. None of us are getting any younger so it is important to get into the doctor's office at least once a year.

Do you have regular check-ups/physicals with you doctor?

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#ZzzQuilNight for a better night's rest

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ZzzQuil for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
There is a new product out from the makers of Vick’s NyQuil and DayQuil called ZzzQuil . ZzzQuil was made specifically to help aid in occasional sleeplessness, not colds. This is perfect since my husband occasionally has trouble falling asleep at a reasonable hour. His days are so full with his job, college classes, homework and family time. Let’s not forget his duties around the house like grass cutting, fixing things and numerous other things. You would think he would be completely passed out the moment his head hits the pillow with all of that! Unfortunately, this just isn’t the case for him. He becomes so over tired that he can’t fall asleep. This leads to him being up for sometimes hours after I have fallen asleep and he ends up flipping channels on the television or tosses and turns. That makes for an uncomfortable night for us both! He was happy to test out the ZzzQuil for himself to see if that would help.
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We received a bottle of the liquid version in a warming berry flavor. He liked the flavor and said it was like tasting a more pleasant, fruity version of NyQuil or DayQuil with a hint of warmth. He was very happy to see how quickly the ZzzQuil made him go to sleep and stay down uninterrupted. He didn't feel groggy when he woke up either. This was good news since that was a problem with some other sleep aids he has tried in the past. We are pleased with this product and plan to purchase it in the future if needed. If you have difficulty sleeping, you should give ZzzQuil a try! If you try out ZzzQuil for yourself, be sure to tweet using the hashtag #ZzzQuilNight and also stay connected to ZzzQuil by liking their Facebook page.
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What do you do when you are allergic to everything?

For many years now, our daughter Briahnna has been going through treatment for a variety of allergies. Her first 2 series of allergy testing revealed that she was allergic to all the elements dealing with the outdoors as well as dust, mold, pet dander etc.... Today we took her to get tested since it has been about 3 years and this time was a big shock to us all. She had 30 different allergens injected into both forearms. The left arm was all  foods and the right was pollen, trees and other non-food things. She also had a series of individual outdoor allergens injected via needles into her upper arm. It turns out that she tested positive for everything! 

 You see how raised her skin is? She is allergic to just about everything it seems including all pollen, mold, grass, weeds, trees, dust, pets, and virtually anything that floats in the air.

She never had food allergies before and now she does. Although her food allergies are not all at dangerous levels, it still surprised us since they are the everyday type of things. Now she can only incorporate eggs, potatoes, chicken and several other foods into her diet every 4-5 days. Other things like tomatoes, pecans, peanuts and corn should be avoided all together. We were told that the symptoms of food allergies can vary from headaches, sneezing, itching, nausea or upset stomach. It was recommended for Brie to start a food diary to see what type of reaction she has to the foods she is more allergic to. If they are something she can live with, she can continue to eat them. She made the joke that she would not have been offended if she was allergic to carrots, cucumbers or other foods she does not care for to begin with. The good thing is she will continue on the allergy shots which have helped her immensely. She will have to go from one injection each week to three. Thankfully she is very laid back and does just fine with that sort of thing.

I do recommend that if your child shows symptoms of allergies, you should get them allergy tested. It is so important to know the triggers so you can do your best to avoid them. We were also told that allergy symptoms change every two years.

Do you or your child suffer from allergies that require regular treatment?
Shelly, Mom Files
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There are some things women keep quiet about

As a woman, I know that there are some subjects that I prefer not to discuss. I think it's normal to keep quiet about some things. Did you know that the top 3 women's health issues that are least discussed are Fertility, Fibromyalgia and Constipation? Although the first two might not relate to every woman, the "C-word" has affected us some time in our life. Studies show that women are even less likely to discuss constipation as they get older. Thankfully the female members in my home are open about the subject. I received a fabulous gift kit filled with products samples just for women from Boehringer Ingelheim, maker of Dulcolax. My kit came with: a Pink Lands End small tote bag, Tarte Lip Gloss, Clinique Sunscreen,  Dulcolax for Women product sample, One A Day Women’s Multivitamin Tablet and a box of Tampax Pearl.


The main focus behind the kit was to get me talking about women's constipation and how Dulcolax for Women can help. The first thing that stuck out to me was that it was 'gentle enough for sensitive stomachs'. This is a good thing since most laxatives can give you severe stomach pain. I am so glad to have this on hand since one of my daughters will be going away on a week-long trip and generally comes home feeling constipated. I know they will get put to good use! Here are some points about Dulcolax: 
  • Dulcolax Laxative Tablets for Women have a comfort coating that protects the stomach and helps women's bodies relieve constipation. 
  • Gives women the gentle help they want, and the strength they need for effective constipation relief. 
  • They provide dependable, overnight relief from occasional constipation in 6-12 hours. 
  • Dulcolax Women is now available in 25-count packs and sold at local retailers nationwide.
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should always ask their health care provider before taking Dulcolax Laxative Tablets.

Here is some great information from  Dr. Jennifer Wider (Medical Adviser for Cosmopolitan Magazine and the Society for Women's Health Research) for "Unmentionable Women's Health Tips:

Ladies, talk more openly about the 'C-word'- Constipation!
Research shows that women suffer from constipation more frequently than men, but preventing and treating constipation is almost always simple if you address it like any other health problem. Buying a Dulcolax product or discussing your condition with your doctor can be the first step toward relief.

If pregnant and constipation is persistent, talk with your doctor about an OTC Option
About half of pregnant women experience constipation at some point during their pregnancy. If the usual steps taken to treat your constipation, such as changes to your diet and lifestyle, are not working, your OBGYN may recommend an OTC oral laxative to help. With a comfort coating that protects your stomach and helps you gently relieve constipation, Dulcolax Laxative Tablets for Women can be an effective constipation option to keep you regular. It also provides overnight relief in 6 to 12 hours.

Some heatlhy (and simple) steps to stay constipation free
The good news is that although constipation is common, you can take some easy steps to help prevent it from occurring. These steps include:
  • Make sure to include enough fiber in your diet, which includes eating more fruit, vegetables, wholegrain, nuts, and oats. A sudden increase in fiber may make you feel bloated so increase your increase gradually.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration-and try to cut back on your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and fizzy drinks.
  • The toilet is your friend; make sure not to ignore it! If you have the urge to go to the toilet but ignore it, you an significantly increase your chances of experiencing constipation. 
  • Remember that the best time to use the toilet for "#2" is the first think in the morning or 30 minutes after a meal. 
  • Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! Regular exercise will reduce your risk of getting constipation.

I really hope you get a lot out of this information as I did. If you would like more information on Dulcolax products or more tips on fighting constipation, check out the Dulcolax website. 
Shelly, Mom Files
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Children's Claritin® Mom Crew

Hey guys! I wanted to let you all know that I am a Children's Claritin® Mom Crew Member. All of my kids are seasonal allergy sufferers and we depend on Claritin®to get us through the super high pollen days. I love that it does not make you sleepy and lasts all day with just one pill. Although our middle child gets allergy shots, she still has those sniffly and sneezy days especially at this time of year. She has to take Claritin® daily to get her through. I remember growing up as a child sneezing the entire way to the bus stop. Back in that time the only allergy medication my mom gave me made me want to sleep for days! Thank goodness for non-drowsy Claritin® today, raising my own kids. It is so convenient to have the option of liquid or chewables.


Here are some great Spring Allergy Tips:

It's not surprising that in the season notorious for allergies, we have the most tips to share! Beginning as early as February, invisible pollens from hardwood deciduous trees are big troublemakers for many allergy sufferers. But there's no reason to be miserable. These tips can help you minimize your exposure to allergens, and be prepared as possible for the pollen storm that's on the horizon.

~Start taking Claritin® allergy products as soon as symptoms start. Having medication on hand will help you prepare for allergy symptoms. 

~Know your nemesis- When you understand what triggers your allergy symptoms, you can make an extra effort to avoid them. For example, grass pollen levels rise when grass is disturbed, so if that's one of your triggers, wear a mask when mowing or avoid mowing altogether. 

~Beat the clock- Peak pollen production can occur in early morning, so try to plan outside activities at other times of the day. 

~Check the forecast- Avoid going outdoors when pollen counts are high. Also, heavy rains wash pollen from the air, making post-shower outings more comfortable. Beware of dry, windy days when pollen can be particularly intense. (Get the pollen counts and weather forecast for your area and sign up for the Claritin® Allergy Forecast.)

Stay connected with Claritin on Facebook and I will also post information from time to time about helping to manage your children's allergies with Claritin®. You can also print out a coupon here

Disclosure: As a member of the Children’s Claritin® Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.


Shelly, Mom Files
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