“Center for expectant moms quickly finds great need in Republic - KYTV” plus 4 more

Center for expectant moms quickly finds great need in Republic - KYTV
Defective lymph drainage can lead to swelling - Detroit News
Milroy’s disease is rare - Journal & Sunday Journal
Larson: ‘Let’s talk’ - Fort Dodge Messenger
Woman dies of swine flu in 39th week of pregnancy - Haaretz.com

Center for expectant moms quickly finds great need in Republic - KYTV

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 10:12 PM PDT

REPUBLIC, Mo. -- A place for expectant mothers who weren't expecting to get pregnant is already outgrowing its facility. The Republic Pregnancy Resource Center has already helped about 20 expectant moms in need since it opened its doors on June 1.

Inside a small building, staff are serving a need that is large and real.

"I was really really scared. I didn't want to have a baby right then or anything like that," said Brittany Higgs, who came to the center with her boyfriend, Jeremy George.

Many staff members and volunteers at the Republic Pregnancy Resource Center know that feeling.

"It its home with a lot of them because they were young when they had children, or they were in a situation where they needed assistance, and they didn't have anybody to turn to, and that's why we do what we do," said Scott Lowry, a board member for the Republic Pregnancy Resource Center.

The center offers hope and support through trained mentors, as well as education for expectant moms and dads.

"They have helped us a lot with preparing for the baby, and being able to care for the baby. Neither one of us had ever taken care of a baby," said George.

For every hour a client spends in a mentoring session or a lesson, she gets one dollar of "mommy money" to spend on any of the things in the baby boutique. For instance, one dollar could get buy a newborn baby onesie (one-piece outfit).

"I'm out of work right now, so this has been very helpful to have these resources available," said expectant mom Ashlee Love.

"We actually had nothing but the crib when we moved down here. We have all the clothes that we need, the bassinet we got from here, diapers," said Higgs.

The center is happy to be serving those needs said Executive Director Nicole Robinson.

"They're getting to feel good about themselves because they'e earning this stuff. It's not just being given to them," said Robinson.

Everyone hopes it will all lead to good parents and happy, healthy babies.

"I can't wait 'til he gets here!" said Higgs.

The Republic Pregnancy Resource Center is looking for more volunteers and mentors to help at the center. They're also always in need of monetary donations and donated baby items. Several churches are throwing it a baby shower on Tuesday evening, Sept. 15, at Calvary Baptist Church in Republic from 6-8, or you can take donations to the center Monday through Thursday from 9 to 4.

Republic Pregnancy Resource Center website:

For more information, click here.

Items always needed:
● Maternity Clothes
● Diapers (NB to 3)
● Wipes & Rash Ointment
● Onesies (NB to XL)
● Sleepers (SM, MED, LG)
● Infant Socks
● Baby Bath Items
● Blankets
● Crib Sheets
● New Baby Bottles
● Diaper Bags
● Nail Clippers
● Brushes
● Spoons, Bowls, Sippy Cups
● Pacifiers
● Baby Toys

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Defective lymph drainage can lead to swelling - Detroit News

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 10:05 PM PDT

Dr. Paul Donohue

Dear Dr. Donohue: My granddaughter has been diagnosed by a lymph specialist at Stanford University in California as having Milroy's disease. Her left hand and part of her forearm are affected. She was 2 1/2 years old when she was diagnosed.

The doctor recommended massage therapy, a pressure bandage, a positive mental attitude and genetic testing for family members.

During my daughter's pregnancy, she was ill almost every day. She had had four miscarriages in the two years prior to her latest pregnancy. She was monitored as a high-risk pregnancy at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The birth was uncomplicated, and the baby was born perfect except for a chubby left hand.

She is bright and loving. She has hit all her development markers -- walking, talking early and toilet training; however, I am concerned about the future. How rare is Milroy's? Are operations possible?

M.F.

Dear M.F.: Your daughter and granddaughter have been treated at two of America's most prestigious medical centers. They have received the best in obstetrical care and in the care of Milroy's. I can add nothing to what they've gotten and been told.

I can give you an understanding of what's going on. Milroy's is a very rare genetic condition, so rare that accurate statistics on it are hard to come by. For a child to come down with the disease, only one gene need be inherited, and it can come from the mother or the father. If neither parent has the gene, then a genetic mutation occurred at or soon after your granddaughter's conception.

In Milroy's, lymph vessels don't develop properly. Lymph is a fluid that bathes all body cells, tissues and organs. It partly comes from the liquid part of blood and partly from cellular production. Lymph vessels vacuum it up and return it to the circulation. Your granddaughter's problem is confined to a very small part of her body. Her growth and development should continue to be completely normal. Operations have been attempted but have not met with great success. She should live a long, healthy, productive and happy life.

Your health Write to Dr. Paul Donohue at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

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Milroy’s disease is rare - Journal & Sunday Journal

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 09:44 PM PDT

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My granddaughter has been diagnosed by a lymph specialist at Stanford University in California as having Milroy's disease. Her left hand and part of her forearm are affected. She was 2 1/2 years old when she was diagnosed.

The doctor recommended massage therapy, a pressure bandage, a positive mental attitude and genetic testing for family members.

She is bright and loving. She has hit all her development markers - walking, talking early and toilet training; however, I am concerned about the future. How rare is Milroy's? Are operations possible? - M.F.

ANSWER: Your daughter and granddaughter have been treated at two of America's most prestigious medical centers. They have received the best in obstetrical care and in the care of Milroy's. I can add nothing to what they've gotten and been told.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I must have bumped my ring finger. It is painful, and the top part is swollen. I think some pus is forming. What can I soak it in? I cannot go to a doctor. - B.P.

ANSWER: You describe a paronychia, an infection of the skin and tissues bordering a fingernail. If the skin and tissues show only mild swelling, then frequent daily soaks in hot water can bring it to a head and cause it to drain. If it is quite swollen and painful, you'll have to see a doctor.

- Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible.

Larson: ‘Let’s talk’ - Fort Dodge Messenger

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 09:08 PM PDT

Larson: 'Let's talk'

Offers tips to parents about broaching difficult subjects

By LINDSEY ORY Messenger staff writer

WEBSTER CITY - Sex.

This may be the most difficult topic for parents to broach with their children, but it is a conversation Tiffany Larson feels is important.

With teen pregnancy on the rise, Building Families - a Webster City support service for children and families - hired Larson to help stem the growth in the area though education.

Larson graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in child, adult and family services and started work with the company in September 2008.

"I provide educational services to school districts, parents, Power Up YOUth, and other community organizations," Larson said, "to increase communication and provide awareness of comprehensive sex education."

But, the most important educational group Larson wants to connect with is parents.

"I'm excited to work with schools and other community organizations, but parents are really the best teachers for their children," Larson said. "If parents are open with their kids about sexuality - sharing their beliefs and attitudes - kids are less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior."

For some parents this may be easier said than done since open sexual discussions are still relatively new. Decades ago the sexual education kids received came from school; it was rarely spoken about in homes.

Just in time for Let's Talk month - which is October - Larson brainstormed some ideas with the Hamilton County Community Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention group - or CAPP - to help parents crack the potentially awkward topic.

One idea are canned conversation starters for parents. The tool is a can filled with pieces of paper listing numerous topics. Most topics are general dealing with school and friends, while others are about sex.

"Parents should realize they can start out with little topics, and then work their way to the big ones," Larson said.

For new parents, the sexual education could start by simply telling their children the correct name of their body parts.

"We tell kids your nose is a nose," Larson said. "We should be doing the same for the rest of their body. This prevents embarrassment later on because the correct names are what the child has always known."

If these ideas still make parents squeamish, there are teachable moments everywhere. For example, Larson said something as routine as watching a movie with children can lend itself to an educational discussion on sex.

"Teens want to know the truth," Ann Stewart, Building Families executive director, said. "Parents are the number one tool for telling them the truth."

But Larson can be the secret weapon in parents' tool boxes.

"Parents may not always know the answer to their kids' questions," Larson said, " and that's OK. Parents can tell their kids, 'You know I'm not sure. Let me look into it.' I'm still learning new things at workshops I attend. So I'm here as a resource for parents and children."

Stewart said grandparents can serve a role in this education process as well.

"Sometimes the generation gap can make these conversations easier," Stewart said. "Sometimes kids are closer and more comfortable with their grandparents than their parents."

The comprehensive sex education Larson provides does not promote sex, in fact abstinence is part of the educational curriculum since it is the only fool-proof way to avoid pregnancy. But as studies have proven, abstinence-only education does not steer the curious hormone driven teens away from the bedroom.

"We want kids to wait to have sex as much as their parents do," Larson said, "but the fact of the matter is, some aren't. However, studies are showing the more kids know about sexuality, the more self-esteem they build and feel more comfortable saying no and waiting."

Larson and coalition members have planned other activities for the month of October, like printing out place mats with conversation starters for restaurants in Webster City and a parent workshop in Webster City from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26.

She also is sending out racks of educational brochures to school districts. The topics range from healthy relationships to abstinence to sexually transmitted diseases.

"Ultimately our goal is to reduce teen pregnancy and STD rates through science-based comprehensive sex education," Larson said. "The more information kids have the easier it is for them to make important decisions."

Contact Lindsey Ory at (515) 573-2141 or lindsey@messengernews.net.

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Woman dies of swine flu in 39th week of pregnancy - Haaretz.com

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 11:50 AM PDT

The 33-year-old woman with flu symptoms came to Bikur Holim Hospital in Jerusalem, where tests showed the fetus had died.

She delivered the fetus, and as her condition deteriorated, she was sent to Hadassah. The woman had a history of obesity, which placed her in a high-risk group.

More than 3,000 people have been diagnosed with swine flu in Israel, and 11 remain in intensive care.

Last week, Israel's Central Laboratory for Viral Infections has identified a strand of H1N1 that showed signs of resistance to the Tamiflu drug used to treat swine flu.

The strand was isolated from a sample taken from a swine flu patient in a high risk group that completely recovered from the virus.

The ministry said laboratory tests were continuing and the findings were being evaluated. It noted that resilient forms of the virus have already been discovered elsewhere in the world.

Tamiflu and Relenza were the only two medications that had thusfar proven effective in treating the virus (also known as H1N1), which already proved resistant to other seasonal flu remedies.

Tamiflu had been particularly popular, as it is ingested orally. Relenza, which is inhaled, is therefore not recommended for patients with respiratory conditions.

Both drugs work by disabling an enzyme the virus needs in order to grow. Many governments in the world, including Israel's, have stockpiled Tamiflu in large quantities since the swine-flu pandemic began.

Reports of Tamiflu-resistant strains of swine flu began in late June.

Earlier studies on Tamiflu indicated that 0.4 percent of adults and 4 percent of children afflicted with normal seasonal flu were likely not to respond to the drug.