Wellness Wednesday - It All Started With A Headache

Where do I start?  It all started with a headache.  The signs were all there stress, not sleeping, and feeling super tired.  I ignored all those signs until my body decided to give me new signs.  Enough was enough, it said.  It would not take any more abuse from me.

One day, I woke up with blurred vision, my face was swollen, rash, and a piercing headache.  I was suffering and I did not know how to help myself.  Nothing I tried worked.  I was falling apart.

I went to the doctor and she did not have an exact answer for my pain.  She ordered a slew of tests and referred me to see a Neurologists, Allergist, Ophthalmologists, and a Dentist.  

I wanted answers and I wasn't sure how I get through those tough days.  I could not even focus.  The slight sign of any light bothered me.  I had to reevaluate, slow down, and care for me.  By me looking for answers, I would discover so much more.  

Neurologists.  Have you ever been referred to one?  Do you know what to ask?  What tests they will run on you?  Anything that has to do with my head or brain always scares me.  Was I having an aneurysm?  This was the first time I was going to a Neurologists.  I was not prepared.  I followed my doctor's orders and just went to the doctor she referred me to.  I just wanted answers and fast relief.  My experience ended up being horrible.  I did not do my research on the doctor or office I was being sent to.  I also trusted them to know what they were doing as professionals.  Regardless of their unprofessional care, I went through all the tests and visits.  When you are sick, all you want is to feel better.  

What I learned?  

-Research your doctor or referral.  Check online profiles, reviews, and web pages.

-Ask the doctor more questions.  You are paying for care.  There is no time limit for your appointment, so don't feel rushed.

-Review your request for testing prior to you leaving the doctor's office.  Ask why the test is being requested?  Are there different tests that can give the same results?

-Check your insurance coverage.  Does your copay cover the price of all testings?

-Listen to your gut.  If something seems wrong, do something about it.

After a handful of tests which even included an MRI, over $2000, and several visits later, I still had no answers.  

On to the next doctor, hopeful they can give me answers....

Stay tuned for next week, Wellness Wednesday - I am Allergic to What?

Mommy's Bliss Kids Upset Tummy & Nausea Relief Review

***Disclosure-Sample product was received to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I hate to see my lil one sick.  My daughter has a really good appetite.  When she does not have a good appetite, then I know something is wrong.  When they are little, they really can't tell you exactly how it hurts but a sign of no appetite is a really good sign that something is wrong.  But what there are no signs.  We just recently learned this lesson.  We got up and went about our way.  My daughter asked to go to the restroom as we were driving to our next destination.  When all of a sudden, vomit was airborne.  It was gross and everywhere.  It was raining and we had to stop at a gas station whos restrooms where outside.  I had to change my daughter and clean her up.

I am so glad I had Mommy's Bliss Kids Upset Tummy and Nausea Relief pack with me.  It is:
-naturally sugar free
-no alcohol, harsh chemicals, or parabens,
-no artificial flavors or colors,
-no dairy, gluten, or soy

We were headed to my nephew's birthday party.  She felt better just in time to go ride rides, play the machines, and sing Happy Birthday.

For more information on Mommy's Bliss and the brand’s entire line of products, please visit www.mommysbliss.com. 

FeverAll Review

Temporarily Reduce Fever with FeverAll®- An Official Recommended Product of Mommy MD Guides

Hand sanitizer….check. Flu shot…check. Chicken soup recipe on the ready…you got it! Preparation is the key to warding off and/or shortening the duration of colds and flu this season!
Savvy parents also prepare for the other “what ifs,” like “what if your little one comes down with a fever with vomiting?” Those parents keep FeverAll® Acetaminophen Suppositories in their medicine cabinet to be ready to temporarily relieve an infant’s or child’s pain and reduce fever, even when they are unable to take liquid acetaminophen orally due to vomiting, fussiness, spitting up, or spitting out.
As an alternative to oral acetaminophen, FeverAll® provides no fuss, no mess, accurate dosing for your child’s age every single time. FeverAll® is an Official Recommended Product of “Mommy MD Guides” (http://www.mommymdguides.com/), and is mentioned in the newest book in their series, “The Mommy MD Guide to the Toddler Years.”
· FeverAll® Infants’ Strength (80 mg) is the ONLY acetaminophen suppository approved for infants as young as six months (up to 36 months)
· FeverAll® Children’s Strength is indicated for ages 3-6 years
· FeverAll® Jr. Strength (ages 6-12 years) is a great alternative for older children who are unable or unwilling to take a full dose of acetaminophen orally, have allergies, or difficulty swallowing due to physical or medical conditions
FeverAll® is available at major retailers and drugstores across the U.S., such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart, for a suggested retail price of approximately $7.00 for a package of six suppositories. Learn more about FeverAll® at www.FeverAll.com and join our community at www.Facebook.com/FeverAll.  

My thoughts-So my daughter has been on meds since the beginning of January.  So now anytime she sees medicine she cringes and refuses to take it.  We end up spilling most of it.  Recently she suffered from a fever.  I did not know what to do.  I remember I received a sample of FeverAll.  It was really easy to use.  I changed her diaper and while there slipped the suppository in.  Her fever came down, and she was a happy camper.  No spilled medicine and her fever all gone.  

***Disclosure-Sample product sent to review.  These are my honest opinions based on my results. 

SeabuckWonders Products

The first and the only full line of products made with 100% USDA Certified Organic Himalayan Sea Buckthorn.

- Sea Buckthorn expert for over 15 years
- Highest concentration of Omega-7
- Pure Sea Buckthorn Oil available in 500mg

SeabuckWonders products are made of Tibetan sea buckthorn oils from the Tibetan Plateau where high altitude, strong ultraviolet radiation, severe cold, scorching heat, dry and barren soil, etc, have equipped sea buckthorn with extraordinary bio-defense mechanism with so much life-giving nutrients and health factors. The local green environment makes our sea buckthorn oils amazingly pure. Its essential amino acids and Vitamin E content are higher than other varieties. Supercritical fluid extraction process in one of the most advanced facilities makes our sea buckthorn oils best in quality, and its organic certified status ensures customer confidence.


Did You Know

• Sea buckthorn berry provides 10 times more vitamin C than oranges.
• It is the 3rd highest source of Vitamin E in the plant world.
• Sea buckthorn oil was used to heal burn victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
• Russia uses the oil on the skin of the cosmonauts to help heal radiation burns that occur upon re-entry to the earth’s atmosphere.
• China used Sea buckthorn juice as its national drink during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

My thoughts-I like all the benefits.  It is organic.  It is a "superfruit".  I am actually not allergic to it.  And many like Dr Oz, are praising the benefits of this product.  It also is the natural treatment of acne, healthy digestion, as well as weight loss.  I am willing to try it all to lose weight.  So if these pills can help me lose weight and keep me healthy, they are worth giving them a try. 

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Samples provided to review.  All opinions are my own, honest opinions.

Highest Omega-7 Content	Omega-7 (Palmetoleic Acid) is the single most important nutrient that makes sea buckthorn truly unique. SeabuckWonders offers the highest Omega-7 content in the industry with a concentration of 30%-35%. Our competitors don't even come close!
Sea Buckthorn Purity	SeabuckWonders offers 100% pure, all natural Himalayan sea buckthorn oils. Many competitors dull down their formulas with less expensive and less beneficial ingredients to bring down their costs or worse yet, offer a lower-grade sea buckthorn powder as a substitute for the real benefits of sea buckthorn oil.
Certified USDA Organic	With the most recognized and trusted organic certification available, SeabuckWonders outshines the competition with its full line of products made with USDA organic Himalayan sea buckthorn.
Certified Kosher	Not only are we USDA organic, we're also certified Kosher and are a welcome addition to anyone's health regimen, regardless of religion or ethnic practices.
Convenient Options	SeabuckWonders comes in many forms, including oil extract dropper bottles, soft-gels for versatility, and skin care products.
Best Value	Ounce for ounce, SeabuckWonders offers the most sea buckthorn bang for your buck.
Sea Buckthorn Experts	When you deal with SeabuckWonders, you deal with sea buckthorn experts. We are the original sea buckthorn company who brought this marvelous super fruit to the US market almost 17 years ago!

Highest Omega-7 Content	Omega-7 (Palmetoleic Acid) is the single most important nutrient that makes sea buckthorn truly unique. SeabuckWonders offers the highest Omega-7 content in the industry with a concentration of 30%-35%. Our competitors don't even come close!
Sea Buckthorn Purity	SeabuckWonders offers 100% pure, all natural Himalayan sea buckthorn oils. Many competitors dull down their formulas with less expensive and less beneficial ingredients to bring down their costs or worse yet, offer a lower-grade sea buckthorn powder as a substitute for the real benefits of sea buckthorn oil.
Certified USDA Organic	With the most recognized and trusted organic certification available, SeabuckWonders outshines the competition with its full line of products made with USDA organic Himalayan sea buckthorn.
Certified Kosher	Not only are we USDA organic, we're also certified Kosher and are a welcome addition to anyone's health regimen, regardless of religion or ethnic practices.
Convenient Options	SeabuckWonders comes in many forms, including oil extract dropper bottles, soft-gels for versatility, and skin care products.
Best Value	Ounce for ounce, SeabuckWonders offers the most sea buckthorn bang for your buck.
Sea Buckthorn Experts	When you deal with SeabuckWonders, you deal with sea buckthorn experts. We are the original sea buckthorn company who brought this marvelous super fruit to the US market almost 17 years ago!

Cold-EEZE Review

Air conditioning and travel are at an all time high during the summer months. Did you know they may actually increase your chances of catching a summer cold?

Cold-EEZE, the leading over-the-counter (OTC) homeopathic cold remedy that is clinically proven to shorten the duration of the common cold by nearly half. Cold-EEZE Oral Spray and lozenges contain the effective active ingredient, zinc gluconate that shortens the cold instead of simply treating symptoms, allowing you to enjoy your summer cold free!

Cold-EEZE products are available in a variety of flavors from cherry to mint frost and can be found at all major retailers, including, Rite Aid, CVS, Kroger and Safeway.
 
My thoughts-Anything that can help me beat a cold is awesome, especially because I have a little one who I do not want to get sick.  I like the Cold-EEZE asy to take.  I like that is helps you get better, sooner.  I really like that it is over-the-counter.  I like that it is avaiilable in mint frost. 
 
***Disclosure-I received sample product to review.  These are my honest opinions.

Maty's All Natural Baby Chest Rub

Maty’s Healthy Products (http://www.matyshp.com/), a leading line of all-natural remedies made from only the purest ingredients, is happy to announce the arrival of their popular All-Natural Baby Chest Rub at your local Walmart! 

Founded by a mother who experienced firsthand the benefits of all natural remedies, Carolyn Harrington set out to find a natural cure that would help her and her family get and stay healthy, while becoming an all-natural expert in the process. 

From Carolyn’s family to yours, the All Natural Baby Chest Rub is a proprietary blend of essential oils that boosts immune function while calming and soothing your baby. It is petroleum and menthol free and can be used on babies three months and older. It has received the Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Seal of Approval and was recently awarded Gold Award status from the “National Parenting Publications Awards” in the Natural & Green category.

My thoughts-With babiest you never know what may hurt them.  You want to make them baby not make them worse.  And no one wants to give their babies an allergic reaction. 

What I like about Maty's All Natural Baby Chest Rub?  I like that it is NATURAL.  I like that you can start using it on babies 3 months old and older.  I like that it is petroleum and menthol free.  I like how it smells.  The combination of lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are such calming smells.

 About Maty’s Healthy Products Founded in December 2008, Maty’s Healthy Products is dedicated to promoting holistic health and wellness for all with safe, simple and effective natural remedies. Through the combination of modern knowledge and age old healing recipes, Maty’s treats and restores the body, naturally. Maty’s recognizes the importance of the body’s own natural defense mechanisms and each product is enriched with powerful immune supportive ingredients, which are then formulated into therapeutic blends to enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities. The company steers clear of artificial preservatives, color additives and artificial sweeteners: no corn, dairy, wheat, soy or yeast is added. Just the good stuff, recognizable ingredients consumers can stand behind – safe, simple and effective. All products are gluten free and made in America using socially responsible practices. For additional information, please visit: www.MatysHealthyProducts.com, friend us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MatysHP), or follow us on Twitter (@MatysHealth).

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Sample product received to review.  These are my honest opinions.

PediaCare® review and giveaway***CLOSED

Comfort Mom Can Trust

Statistics show that preschool-aged children have around nine colds per year, kindergartners can have 12 colds per year and adolescents have about seven colds per year (cold season runs from September through March/April).

This could potentially mean a lot of days off from school or missed days from work for mom and dad! We can’t keep the kids home every time they have a runny or stuffy nose with an occasional cough but the question most of us are faced with is what products are safe and effective for our children; helping to keep them comfortable while they fight the cold.

Introducing, the PediaCare® line of products – with and without acetaminophen -- for children and infants – which address most sick-child situations: cough, cold, allergy, flu, congestion, fever and pain. Product offerings, in kid-pleasing flavors, match the formulations of the recent recall of children’s Tylenol products. In particular, PediaCare Infant and Children’s fever and pain reducers are a great solution for moms wanting a branded acetaminophen alternative.

Not a fan of going to the drug store to buy cold medicines? No problem…To guide parents in choosing the best over-the-counter medicine for their child, PediaCare® launched the PediaCare Shopper’s Guide, a free iPhone application that helps parents with children ages 1-11 to select the product which best addresses the symptoms their child is experiencing. It also helps parents to understand which products require a dosage recommendation from a pediatrician based on age restrictions. The PediaCare Shopper’s Guide also supplies you with complete product information, including a link to the PediaCare website for full product descriptions including dosage directions.

The iPhone application is not a diagnostic tool, but is designed for informational purposes only and does not constitute a medical diagnosis. The new iPhone application is available for free download at www.pediacare.com or on iTunes.

Availability: PediaCare products retail for approximately $6.99 for a 4 oz. bottle, and are available at drugstores, supermarkets and retailers nationwide. For more information about PediaCare products, visit www.pediacare.com

New! Children's Products with Acetaminophen

-PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever (cherry or grape flavor; ages 2-11)

-PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer Plus Multi-Symptom Cold (ages 6-11; okay for ages 4 & 5 with dosage directed by pediatrician)

-PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer Plus Cough & Sore Throat (ages 6-11; okay for ages 4 & 5 with dosage directed by pediatrician)

-PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer Plus Flu (ages 6-11; okay for ages 4 & 5 with dosage directed by pediatrician)

-PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer Plus Cough & Runny Nose (ages 6-11; okay for ages 4 & 5 with dosage directed by pediatrician)

NEW! Infant Products with Acetaminophen

-PediaCare® Infant's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever Drops (dye free, cherry or grape flavor; as directed by doctor for under 24 lbs. or age 2)

Independentmami review-Have you been woken up in the middle of the night with a crying child? Have you gotten that call from school or day care, you know the fever call? My son has had stubbord fevers where I have tried everything. PediaCare was recommended by his doctor. And it actually worked for us.

Would you like to try PediaCare® with your kids? Enter to win 1 bottle.

How to enter:

1) Go to www.pediacare.com
and tell me another product name offered other than the new ones I have listed. (1 entry)
2) Go to www.pediacare.com
and tell me what flavor your kid would like the most. (1 entry)

This giveaway is open to US only. This giveaway ends on March 14, 2011 at 8 am. 1 winner will be randomly selected to win 1 bottle. Please leave your email in the comment. Good luck.

***Disclosure-This product was received for review. No monetary compensation was received. This product is a brand I already used at home. It has been Independentmami kiddo tested and Independentmami kiddo approved. These are our honest results and opinions. You may have a different result or opinion.

Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies review and giveaway ***CLOSED

According to research, 90% of kids don’t get the recommended about of fiber in their daily diets. In fact, did you know a four-year-old child should consume 25 grams of fiber daily, while an 11-year-old boy needs at least 31 grams? While food options are the best, Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies, a tasty, daily fiber supplement that helps kids ages 2-11 stay regular and maintain better digestive health*, are a great way to supplement the fiber found in fruits, vegetables and other fiber-rich foods. A recent recipient of the PTPA Seal of Approval, the dentist-approved, sugar, calorie and gluten-free fiber gummies are a great way to help bridge the gap between the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations and the actual amount of fiber a child consumes each day. One daily serving of three Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies provides 6 grams of fiber, the amount of fiber equivalent to 21 spears of asparagus!

And, because we know getting kids to eat foods high in fiber without complaint is a challenge faced by many moms the Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies (www.fibergummies.com) website and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fibergummies) also offers helpful tips on how to incorporate a high-fiber diet into a busy family’s lifestyle with tips for meal planning and easy-to-make recipes, too.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies is made just for kids by Fleet®, a trusted brand for digestive health for more than 100 years. Suggested retail price is $7.99 for a bottle of 60 gummies; available at Walmart, CVS, Target and Walgreens, also online and other supermarkets and retailers nationwide. Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies is also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/fibergummies), and Twitter (@fibergummies), so be sure to find Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies to sample products, get coupons, and for a chance to win more fan prizes.

Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies “Keep Kids Moving” Sweepstakes
Exercise, along with a balanced diet, helps provide the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle for every child. Now through March 27, 2011, you can visit www.fibergummies.com to enter the Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies “Keep Kids Moving” sweepstakes for a chance to win one of four prize packages, including a grand prize that includes the Endless Fun 11-in-1 Inflatable Bounce House and Waterslide and Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle or Playstation Move Bundle and a $100 Walmart gift card to buy age appropriate games. You can find more details and official rules at the Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies Web site.

Independentmami review-Growing up my mom always wanted us to take our vitamins and of course we never wanted to have anything to do with what was good for us. This statement has not changed over time. I still do not like taking vitamins but know why they are important. Now in my own scenario, I have the same battle with my son. My son has tried the gummies. He said they taste like candy so he has no problem taking them. He actually remembers, and even asked could he have more, like 2 at a time. From all the types of vitamins capsules, liquids, tablets, gummies always seem to be the best choice.

Would you like to have your kiddos try the Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies? Enter this giveaway to win 1 bottle.

How to enter:

1) Like Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies on facebook, tell them Independentmami sent you(1 entry)
2) Follow Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies in twitter, leave your twitter name in comment (1 entry)

This giveaway is US only. This giveaway ends March 14, 2011 at 8 am. Please leave your email in the comment. 1 winner will be randomly selectly. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Good Luck.

***Disclosure-I received this product to review. No monetary compensation was received. This product has been Independentmami kiddo tested and Independentmami kiddo approved. These were our honest opinions.