In my epidemiology class, we did a unit on genetic disorders and disease screening. Genetic disorders are “rare”– at least until they happen to you. Many of us are carrying a gene right now for some type of genetic disorder. But it’s only if the conditions are just right that a baby has a disorder or becomes a carrier. Why? Sometimes it has do … Read More Genetic Disorders: What Are The Odds?
“Rituals could feed conflict by turning opinions into ‘sacred values’.”– Scott Atran, director of anthropological research at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique “Definition of myth: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon.”– Merriam-Webster Dictionary Once Upon A Time… “Do you know what women were dreaming … Read More Myth, Magic and… Public Health?
+ bioethics, diseases, healthcare issues, infant and maternal health, Let Me Level With You, procedures and tests
Two new videos have been added to the “Let Me Level With You” series! Hepatitis B So many parents have questions about hepatitis B and what the real risks are. Here’s the info on who is really at risk for hep B and why. Vimeo YouTube Prenatal Testing Prenatal testing seems simple on the surface. You get a test, it tells you if your … Read More Let Me Level With You- Two New Videos
Hardly a week goes by that I don’t find someone asking about vitamin K prophylaxis. Most people have heard that newborns are just naturally deficient in vitamin K and without vitamin K supplementation their baby will get seriously ill. Of course, this is another one of those stories full of a few half-truths and many outright lies. This video was quite the merry chase … Read More Why Vitamin K Prophylaxis?
Sickle cell disease made the news earlier this year when rapper Prodigy died from complications related to SCD this past June at the age of 42. It’s actually very common among African-Americans with 1 in 13 being carriers for the disease and 1 in 365 having sickle cell disease. There are other ethnic groups that are frequently affected as well. In some parts of Central … Read More Save a Life- Spread the Word About Sickle Cell Disease and Pregnancy
+ breastfeeding, Breastfeeding benefits, breastfeeding problems, classes, diseases, infant and maternal health
Today I am officially a milk donor. After one phone interview, two paperwork packets, a visit to the rural health clinic, a blood test, 100+ oz. of milk, and several calls to FedEx Peri Ship, my donation arrived and was accepted today. I first started to consider becoming a milk donor during my breastfeeding educator certification when I did a handout on … Read More Becoming A Milk Donor
Part of me feels like I should be saying, “Sorry!!!” for bringing up this issue. No one really wants to hear about it. On the other hand, a bigger part of me thinks, “Why should I be sorry for telling people about an actual health threat that is backed up by current medical research and isn’t widely discussed? After all, it could potentially save … Read More Let Me Ruin Your Day- Let’s Talk About Pertussis
