Its amazing how many people are affected by a tragic event.  For example, the people who lived next door to the victims will be forever changed by the shooting.  We reported that one neighbor came out of her apartment and saw the suspect holding down his ex-girlfriend in the hallway.  The neighbor on the other side was hit with a bullet that went through the wall into his apartment.

Tragic events like the shooting (and following suicide) really make you stop and think about your family, and how life can change on a dime.

It’s one of those days where I will go home, give my children an extra kiss while they sleep, and hug my husband a little tighter.

Any thoughts or feelings on the shootings?  Please comment!

Posted by Sara Diamond

HPV or human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted disease.  Men or women can get it, and pass it to others without even knowing they have it.  In some cases, it goes away on its own.  But HPV can lead to cervical cancer and genital warts.

The HPV vaccine protects against four HPV types (which cause a majority of cervical cancer cases and genital warts).

The recommended age for girls receiving the vaccine is ages 9-26, preferably before the start of sexual activity.  Here begins the controversy.

Some parents don’t like the idea of their young daughter receiving a vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease, or think their daughter isn’t at risk.  Others feel the vaccine will encourage promiscuity.

But take a look at the odds: the CDC says At least 50% of sexually active people will get HPV at some time in their lives.

This is an issue I am exploring for a Medical Watch story, and I need your help!  I’d like to interview a family whose daughter is at the age of getting vaccinated, and is weighing the pros and cons of the HPV vaccine.  Please shoot me an e-mail if you’d like to be a part of this project - sdiamond@wjhl.com

It’ll be painless.  I promise!

Below you’ll find just a couple of websites to check out, to help you make an informed decision.  Also, talk to your daughter’s medical provider to get more information about the HPV vaccine.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine.htm
http://www.fda.gov/WOMENS/getthefacts/hpv.html

How do you feel about the HPV vaccine?  Is it something you are considering for your daughter?  Let’s hear your comments!

Posted by Sara Diamond

For those of you who don’t know, RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus.  It can cause infection in the lungs.  Most children have it by the time they are two years old, but for some, it can cause a lot of problems.  Babies who are premature, or have other illnesses may be more susceptible to complications of RSV.  Some need to be hospitalized.

To learn more about RSV, go to http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/rsv.html

Anyway, she stayed home long enough to be able to go back to daycare, so we’re trying to get back to normal.  This wasn’t our first battle.  Our son had it twice when he was a baby, then again as a toddler.

Have your kids had RSV?  How did you get through it?  Was the nebulizer your baby’s best friend?

Posted by Sara Diamond

The Wubba Nub is a little stuffed animal with a pacifier attached to its mouth.  The baby holds on to the stuffed animal as they suck on the pacifier.  So, the pacifier stays put, and baby gets comfort from both the pacifier and by holding the stuffed animal! 

The manufacturer says the Wubba Nub is for babies birth to 6 months.  I wish I would have known about it earlier.  I definitely would have tried it for my daughter!  For now, I’m still on Pacie Patrol.

Anyway, they look cute, and would be a great shower gift for an expecting mother!  For more information, or to see pictures, go to http://www.WubbaNub.com

If you do get one, drop me a line and let me know if your baby likes it!

Posted by Sara Diamond

If there are any updates to the story, we will pass it along.  Also, if you hear anything else, please let us know!

Also, please feel free to continue to add your comments. 

Posted by Sara Diamond