This past week, I had to keep my younger son home from school because he was really sick. It started at the beginning of the week with a stuffy nose which progressed to a sore throat and a bad cough. He didn't have a fever the whole time that he was sick so it was really hard to tell if he had a bad cold or if he was suffering from seasonal allergies. The reality is that his symptoms are pretty much the same for both, as far as I have observed. Either way, it always turns out badly for him because all the congestions usually triggers his asthma so it's important that we nip it in the bud early. We are not alone because 50 million Americans suffer from allergies and probably don't even know it. Colds and allergies have very similar symptoms and treatment so it is hard sometimes to be able to tell the difference between the two. Since my son is allergic to things that are around during every season, my husband and I … [Read more...]
Are You Suffering From A Cold Or Allergies? #BeatSpringAllergies @MinuteClinic #Ad
Is Your Family Protected Against The Flu This Year? #NoTimeForFlu @MinuteClinic #Ad
The past couple of weeks have been extremely stressful in our household. Our younger son has sever asthma and it is usually aggravated by the change of seasons or any weather changes. I had to run with him to the emergency room two weeks ago when he had an acute asthma attack and then again last week when he tested positive for strep throat. Those of you with kids know this all comes with the territory when kids go back to school in the fall and are exposed to all those germs from other kids. I've been waiting for him to get better so I could take our whole family to get our yearly flu shots because I'm concerned about all of us being protected during flu season. We've had the flu in this house years ago and, believe me, it was horrible and we were all very ill for a long time. Since we are all asthmatics, I worry even more about any of us getting sick and having our breathing problems triggered. A flu … [Read more...]
Find Relief From Seasonal Allergies @MinuteClinic @CVS_Extra #Ad
*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by MinuteClinic. If your family is like ours, you experience seasonal allergies the moment that summer turns into fall. As a matter of fact, we don't even need the calendar to let us know that the seasons are changing because we have our sniffly noses and watery eyes to let us know this time has come. The symptoms from seasonal allergies are very uncomfortable and many people struggle to find relief as soon as possible. There are more allergy triggers in the fall. Typically, weed pollens, like ragweed and mold allergies are those that flare up come fall. Dust mites are a common allergen in the fall. When you start to close up your house when the weather gets cooler, old blankets and quilts could be hosting dust mites that can be an irritant. Itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, headache, sinus pressure are general allergy symptoms and we experience all of them in this home. … [Read more...]
Send Healthy Kids Back To School! #HealthyStart @MinuteClinic @CVS_Extra #Partner
The next couple of weeks are going to be a whirlwind of activity with back to school looming in the horizon. Aside from getting both of my boys ready for school, I will also be returning to the classroom and have to set everything up for my new students. Another very important activity that we take part in every year at this time is getting physicals to make sure vaccines are up to date and that everyone is healthy. MinuteClinic has all the services you need, from vaccinations and immunizations to sports physicals. My older son plays on his school's basketball team every year so it is important to get him cleared by the doctor to go on the court. His school doesn't require it but my husband and I think that it is a great opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have heading into a new school year. MinuteClinic practitioners can review your child's health history and immunizations for sports and back to school. … [Read more...]
Tips To Help Prepare Your Child For Summer Camp! #ReadySetCamp @MinuteClinic #Ad
This past week at school, many of my students have been signing up for the summer camp that is offered through our district. After graduation, last Monday, many of the parents came up to me to ask me if I could provide them with any advice on how they could prepare their children to embark on this new experience. A lot of my students will be attending camp for the first time and they are nervous about how they will feel once they get there. Although many of the kids are excited about being on their own for a couple of weeks, the parents are mostly nervous about being away from their "Babies" for such a long time. I always tell moms and dads that it is important not to stress their children out with their fears but rather to instill a sense of self-confidence in them that will allow them to truly enjoy the entire experience. Here are some tips that parents can utilize to help prepare their children for summer camp: Communicate Often … [Read more...]
How Can I protect My Family Against The Flu? #FluPlus @MinuteClinic @CVS_Extra #Ad
We've been hearing a lot of things in the news lately about our health and how to protect ourselves from contracting various diseases and viruses that are currently threatening the population. What many people don't realize is that the flu kills thousands of people every single year. It is definitely a serious health threat, especially for seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions like asthma or diabetes. For the past few years, my sons and I have always gotten a flu shot because we are all asthmatic. In my case, it is very important that I get the shot because I am also a leukemia Survivor. As someone who has a compromised immune system, I am vulnerable to getting sick from the flu. The only member of our family who has been resistant to getting the flu shot has been my husband. My husband's excuse for not getting the flu shot previously was that he never gets sick and didn't need it. All of this changed when he got sick as … [Read more...]
Make Sure Your Kids Don’t Miss Their First Day Of School! @MinuteClinic #GoBackHealthy #Ad
*I wrote this post as part of my participation in a blog tour for Minute Clinic and received compensation to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are my own. This week will be the first day of August and I will be starting to schedule our sons' appointments for physicals and vaccinations as we prepare for back to school in September. It's important to make sure that they are healthy and that their vaccines are up to date so that they don't have to miss the first day of school. As an educator, I know that sometimes children are not allowed to return to school until their health screenings and vaccinations are updated. MinuteClinic offers a variety of back-to-school vaccinations so that your kids don't miss their first day. It is important to know your state's requirements for vaccinations such as meningitis and pertussis. You can find out which vaccinations are required in your area by visiting their website and planning … [Read more...]
Make Sure Your Kids Are Healthy And Safe This Summer! #HealthyCampers @MinuteClinic #Ad
*I wrote this post as part of my participation in a blog tour for Minute Clinic and received compensation to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are my own. Now that the month of June has begun, my sons are looking forward to finishing school and starting their summer vacation. This will be an important time for them to enjoy the warm weather and to spend quality family time together. I also realize, however, that it is crucial that I make sure they are healthy and safe during these months as they prepare to engage in physical and outdoor activities. Some kids will be attending day camp or sleep away camp and it's important that they be deemed physically fit to participate in all camp activities. Our boys love to play sports so they will be playing basketball and enjoying the outdoors. Even if your child's camp or sports team doesn't require it, it is important to make sure that your kids are healthy enough to take … [Read more...]
Protect Your Family This Flu Season! @MinuteClinic @CVS_Extra #Sponsored
*This post was written by me on behalf TBC for Minute Clinic. I received complimentary product samples to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% mine. As many of you already know, I am a six-year Leukemia Survivor. As a result, my immune system is not as strong as that of a healthy person so I have to be very careful about getting sick, especially during cold and flu season. Additionally, both of my boys and I are also asthmatics which makes us perfect candidates to receive the flu shot every year in order to protect ourselves. This year, our doctor advised my husband that he, too should get the flu shot to make sure he does not bring the flu into the house and put the rest of us at risk. We were very excited to find out that we can conveniently get a flu shot at the Minute Clinic at our local CVS pharmacy. As a matter of fact, it couldn't be easier to protect your family this flu season. All you have to do is head into your nearest Minute Clinic location … [Read more...]
