FAME

Why I don’t want my kids to be "famous"!

Mom’s Light

I think the concept of fame is greatly abused in Western society.  We give the impression that fame will occur suddenly and include great wealth that should be wasted on huge homes, quarter of a million dollar cars and parties. This  is a dysfunctional concept. I am really struck by how many people want to be a part of  “reality” TV shows, and the reason they give is “Living Their Dream.”  I think that dream is to become famous and not to develop their artistry.

Let me explain what I mean.  We are making a major mistake by giving the impression that the only way to work in an artistic endeavor is to be famous for it. Our children get this message at an early age.  Many feel that they have to choose between their artistic talent (whether music, acting, dance or some visual art) and their academic talent.  It seems that in the early 20^th century and before, artistic endeavors were required as a part of being a refined individual. Playing the piano, singing or dancing was expected of everyone. We have gotten this idea that we must be a pharmacist or a rapper and not both. I think fame is the reason. If your child comes home and tells you he is starting a band or you find out he is very good at football, becoming a professional in that area is the goal. Let’s stop and think. I am not saying to have low expectation, but reality should not take the back seat either.

I know several people who make a living singing and are just local favorites. They make $60k maybe even $100K annually singing locally. If people thought about that option, how many of us would act on our desires to develop artistic talents? You could do a couple of gigs a month or a year. As a doctor by day, that may be enough to get fulfillment in the artistic area of your life.

People should not suppress their artistic talent for realities sake either. In my case, I learned during my residency that I was unhappy about suppressing my need for artistic expression. I joined the praise dance team at church and felt so alive. I did not need to quit my job and become a famous Hollywood actress to feel complete. A little church dance group did the trick. How many people suppress their desires to the point that they do something stupid to satisfy that craving? More than a few is the answer.

On the other spectrum, I love the story of  “Winnie” from the Wonder Years. I watched that show faithfully growing up. To think that she did not ignore her academic talent for the sake of acting fame is refreshing. She is a math genius and an actress.  Now, that is what I’m talking about. Maybe one day she will get $10 million a movie, but for now she is Ok with small roles in film or TV and with big roles on the math circuit. Danica is truly a modern woman. 

I do believe what the Bible says. Your gifts will make room for you and bring you before great men. If you are to be famous, so be it. You should not have to force the issue. 

People put their children in pageants, and push them on agents.  In the end, 9.5 times out of 10 they end up like Britney Spears, when great “success” comes. They are addicted to attention and unable to mentally handle that same attention. 

I have known only one really famous person. This individual is beautiful and talented beyond measure. Yet, now the clothes are getting shorter, the dancing raunchier, back biting is alleged and plastic surgery is presumed----WHY ?   FAME.  Do what they tell you to do to stay hot. This person is a multi-millionaire. At this point, she could decide to make music for it artistry. If she does not sale another record or break another record her success is in the history books.

We need to remember this. There is something extraordinary about the ordinary. When I saw my daughter’s heart vessel pulsate at 7 weeks, I knew everyone on this earth was a fascinating miracle, no fame needed. I have no idea how to get this concept to the mainstream, but I think it would be a wonderful world. People should explore their talents without feeling possessed by them. 

FLU SHOT

THE PHARMACIST’S CORNER

November marks a time to give thanks and get a flu shot. What is the infamous flu shot and who should get it? The flu shot or nasally administered vaccination protects us from the year’s major strains of the influenza virus. The inhaled vaccine does not contain mercury and is a live vaccine. It can be taken by most children 2 years of age and older; however, the flu shot is generally preferred in patients with chronic illnesses. Children may develop a fever, sore throat or nasal congestion (inhaled version only) within 24 hours of receiving an influenza vaccination. Other mild systemic symptoms like nausea, muscle aches and chills are also possible. October through December is the typical time frame that influenza vaccinations are administered; however, the CDC has approved early administration of the vaccination. Several agencies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend that all children ages 6 months through 18 years old receive an annual influenza vaccination. This does not always prevent the disease, but it does greatly decrease its severity and, very importantly, its transmission to others. It is especially important to talk to your physician about receiving the vaccination if your child has a chronic illness like asthma, juvenile arthritis, diabetes or seizure disorder. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to get all the information about the risks and benefits of getting your child vaccinated.

President Obama

I love the sound of that. Obama represents change and most importantly community. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and do the work necessary to turn this country around. Attention everyone SILLY SEASON is officially over. Change is coming from the ground up. We can take back our communities. This is the best of us. 

I saw Obama at a rally in Dallas during the primary season. What I liked most was his comments on education and turning the page of the old way of doing things. He encouraged people to read to their children, turn off video games, and participate in social service. I said to myself what kind of political speech is this. This was before he was winning. He won me over that day.

How many people will step out on their own and start a small business if they do not have to choose between health insurance and their God given calling? I think that aspect was greatly understated. I cannot wait. 

YES WE CAN!!

Childhood diabetes and prevention

October marks the beginning of candy and dessert season. It’s also a good time to discuss diabetes prevention. Diabetes is a process where the body is not able to effectively manage blood sugar. As you have all heard, childhood diabetes is growing at an alarming rate. In the past, most children developed diabetes in response to a failed pancreas (Type I or insulin dependent). Now, many children are developing diabetes caused by an over-stimulation of blood sugar (Type II or non-insulin dependent).  In fact, national statistics state that from one-third to one-half of children born in the year 2000 are on track to develop diabetes in their lifetime. As parents and community members, we must take this disease seriously and work to decrease the chances of our children become people living with diabetes.

Here are some tips to lower your child’s risks:

• Let your kids run and play daily for exercise. This is a great way for kids to maintain a healthy weight.
• Change to low-fat milk after age 2. This decreases fat intake.
• Obesity is a huge risk factor for developing diabetes. Talk to your physician if you feel your child is becoming overweight. It is best to let a physician determine if your child is obese.
• Follow the food pyramid daily (6 servings from the grain group, 2 from fruits, 3 from vegetables, 2 from milk, 2 from meat, and "less" fats.)
• Dilute store bought 100%fruit juice ½ and ½ with water.  No more than 6 to 12 ounces of juice per day are recommended depending on your child’s age.
• Drink water instead of soda. This decreases wasted calories from sugar and negative effects that cola may have on the bones.
• Eat fruits or veggies instead of processed snacks.  This increases good calories and fiber intake while decreasing salt and sugar intake.
• Incorporate more beans into your child’s diet. They are nutritionally dense with lots of fiber and protein.  Your kids will get full and have lots of energy from a good source.

Babies Love Vegetables

I am not a supermom, but I do think one should find time to make their own baby food. This is why: 1)You know what is in it. and 2)You can introduce your child to your cultural food. Just remember the food mill or processor is your friend.

This is one of the best ways to insure that your children will eat vegetables later in childhood. It really does not take long once you get setup. You will need a food processor or food mill. I like the  Kidco electric food mill sold at Babys R US and Burlington Coat Factory.  Ice trays or Kidco freezer storage trays.  I preferred the storage trays because they are a lot easier to use and more sanitary. It is a little investment, but think about how much baby food costs. Now, you are ready to steam and puree, away,or freeze for later use. The Kidco trays are pre-measured in 1 ounce servings. You can decide how many of these serving your child needs for a meal. My kids are big eaters.  I ended up pureeing everything. Brown rice, lasagna, casseroles--they are it all.  I pureed so that they could eat the same food that my husband and I ate sometimes. For all of you superfoodies on a budget, I really felt good about buying the highest quality meat for puree. One pound goes the distance. My oldest daughter went through a texture hating phase. I pureed green beans until she was 3 years old. 

That leads me to what I think is one of our biggest food mistakes Moms make. Not only do we want our bigger babies to eat, but we want them to eat the same way we do. It's OK to puree vegetable until your kid is 18 if that makes him eat it. They may not eat a sandwich, but they will eat the bread, meat and cheese all separately. Let go of the box and listen to why they are saying NO.

Additionally, you can mix vegetable purees into dishes for a veggie boost. I really like Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. I felt so empowered by a simple chicken nugget recipe. It sounds like a no brainer, but I honestly never thought of making homemade chicken nuggets before I bought that cookbook.

Happy eating

Will a 3 year old eat her veggies? Yes she can!

I cannot remember where I got this tip, but it is working. My three year old asked me today if I liked for her to eat fish. I said yes. She went on to name several other good foods. 

Here is the tip. Whenever you give your child vegetables, fruits or other favorable foods, tell them what is good about it. I was shocked at how fast she started to eat carrots when I told her about her supervision. Yes, I fudged a little.  X-ray vision to be exact. I told her how strong spinach would make her--an old Popeye trick--I know. That salmon patty goes straight to your brain, I said, and demonstrated how nice and squishy it would become. It's fun for me and them.

Just get the taste in their mouth. Soon, they will not be able to refuse an old favorite if a friend tells them it's yucky.  Or better yet, they can tell their friend why they like to eat it.

rBST-FREE DAIRY WINS

I am totally against the industrialization of our agriculture.  I wish I could buy all of our food from organic and local farms. Currently, that is not an option. I frequently scan the grocer aisles to see if the food industry is responding to consumer concerns. With all of that said, I have begun to see several companies indicating the use of non-rBST cow in their dairy products. That means that a recombinant growth hormone is not used to make cows produce more milk than is natural. It is the next best thing to organic dairy

Cows are not cars. You should not make them artificially more efficient. They are living animals that produce young and in response produce milk. I apologize to the little calves, but I love diary.  Below is a list of products that I have found without rBST:

Any product that says "Organic"

Braums products 

Bordens milk

Mountain High Yoghurt

Kroger brand dairy 

Starbucks Coffee shops

Brown Cow Yogurt

Tillamook Cheese

Lucerne milk

http://www.nwrage.org/downloads/ORPFSR_rbghConsumerGuide.pdf

If you are on the lookout for healthy substitutions for old favorites, I have two. I still love sandwiches, and I am always looking for affordable options without the nitrates. Hormel has been making its "Natural Choice" brand for a year or two. The price keeps dropping--currently $2.98 for 9 oz at my neighborhood Wal-Mart. There are no nitrates, and they say that the animals are not given hormones. That makes me feel less guilty about sharing this family tradition with my kids.  Salt content is a negative with 490 mg sodium per serving.  I use to buy a brand from the Whole Foods Market before the kids, but it was rather pricey for a family.

 

Agave nectar is another favorite. It is a sweetener made from a plant.  It looks like honey but is less viscous. It tastes like sugar but richer. It can sweeten any drink, especially tea. I use it on oatmeal and to make cinnamon toast that taste more like a cinnamon roll. This all-natural, organic product also has a low glycemic index of 32 out of 100. Honey has a favor that overpowers whatever you mix it into. Agave nectar does not have its own strong flavor. I cannot use fake sugars because they give me migraines. This was a great find.  Here is the brand I usually get www.madhavahoney.com/agave.htm.

With hurricane season in what appears to be full swing, families need to remember emergency preparedness.  What does that mean to you? Let’s start with money. Keep a couple hundred dollars in small bills around the house in case of an emergency. I was one of the thousands fleeing hurricane Rita and found it hard to find cash since ATMs were all empty. Second, keep your vehicles at least half full with gas at all times.

Don’t feel silly about keeping a little extra food and water at the house. I have seen grocery and hardware stores empty out in a matter of hours. If you have the room, keep a week’s worth of canned goods on hand. If there is a problem with supplies getting to your area, you will have a nice cushion.

Gone are the days that we can wait until the last minute for everything. Get together as a family and prepare several command stations. For example, we have family in California and Texas. The Texas people need a singular family member to notify in California. The California members need a contact in Texas. Everyone has the contact numbers and knows what to do in a disaster right down to the children. Remember to get the number of the church contact information for elders to make sure someone has accounted for them.

Sometimes children get separated from their parents. This borders on paranoia, but I keep sharpies in different areas of the house. For what do you ask, to write important information on your toddler before you hand them to some stranger to save their life  (Sorry—Katrina freaked me out.)  Also with small children, it is a good idea to keep a small supply bag in each vehicle.

The 1993 flood in Iowa, the 1981 & 2007 floods of Gainesville, Texas, Hurricane Rita, Tropical Storm Allison, and a host of tornados have personally affected me.  I want everyone to be as prepared as possible.