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:Random thoughts from a Renegade Mom:
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Saturday, July 16, 2005Mother Talks About Accidental Stabbing Death Of 2-Year-Old Girl KSDK NewsChannel 5: "Police believe Jamarria's three-year-old brother found a steak knife in the family apartment and accidentally stabbed his little sister." The child died at the hospital that day.This was a horrible story from my home town. Having a three yo and a one yo, I worry that my son will accidently hurt his sister all the time. But the thing that really ticked me off about this case was how the police handled it. When 911 was called the paramedic took the child to the hospital and the police keep the mother 'for questioning'. The mother, from a poor part of town, was not able to be with her child and by the time the police where finished with their 'questioning' the baby had died. Now if this mother was more affluent I can tell you she would not have been keep from her child. Gina froze in time on 7:49 AM [ | ]
Lead Exposure Unhealthy at Any Level Lead Exposure Unhealthy at Any Level : "'We found evidence of intellectual impairments among children with blood lead levels below 10 micrograms per deciliter, the level currently considered acceptable by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study indicates that the action level set by theCDC isn't adequate to protect children,' Lanphear said." This is an important study for parents that live in older homes like myself. We have lead paint in our house and are working on getting rid of it, but the government really needs to help out, in our city the majority of our low income famlies live in older homes and the cost of lead abaitment is high. We just had Stacia's lead test done, and the levels were normal, but I'm going to ask what the levels actually were. If she's getting lead in her system, even in "normal levels", I want to do more to get the lead paint out of our house. Gina froze in time on 7:43 AM [ | ]
Discredited British child health expert banned from practicing Discredited British child health expert banned from practicing :She was found to have "given 'erroneous' and 'misleading' expert evidence in the trial of lawyer Sally Clark, who was found guilty in 1999 of murdering her baby sons Christopher and Harry." She was latter freed on appeal. "Meadows also gave evidence which helped to convict two other mothers, Angela canning and Donna Anthony, for killing two of their baby children each. They were also subsequently freed on appeal." The Doctor is famous for publishing research on Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, when parents either deliberately induce illness in their child or fake symptoms. Every parent worries that they will be looked at and judged "unfit". These women not only had to deal with the loss of their children, but also had the horrific experience of being blamed for their deaths. It is sad that an "expert" was key in sending them to jail. I'm glad they took Dr Meadows license away! Gina froze in time on 7:40 AM [ | ]
Malpractice litigation wrongly blamed for inconsistent health care, USA Malpractice litigation wrongly blamed for inconsistent health care, USA: "'Health care is substantially more dangerous than it should be,' David A. Hyman, Illinois professor of law and of medicine, concludes in articles co-written with Charles Silver, a law professor at the University of Texas. But malpractice litigation has little to do with the continuing failure of medical providers to deal effectively with the erratic quality of health care. " "...health-care errors are the eighth leading cause of death, ranking ahead of AIDS, motor vehicle accidents and breast cancer...For example, hospital-acquired infections are so common that one estimate indicates that proper hand washing by health-care workers alone would save 20,000 lives a year. In addition, according to the articles, health-care providers "routinely omit indicated procedures of known value, frequently perform treatments that are unnecessary and inefficacious, and employ practice patterns that vary widely and for no good reason. Adverse drug events are distressingly common. Tens of billions of dollars are spent annually on medical services whose value is questionable or non-existent." While I won't argue with all that was said, I do think it's funny that the Lawyers are saying..."No, NO, it's not us...the doctors are the cause ." That explains why the very good doctors, Like my OB, have such high Malpractice Insurance that she is on the verge of giving up practicing, despite the fact that she's had no major law suit in 8 years, it's all her fault. Gina froze in time on 7:36 AM [ | ]
Health news today Asthma gene variants may cut risk of brain cancer So have asthma no brain cancer, wow what a trade off, life long breathing problems vs common brain cancer. New thrombosis drug is less effective and more expensive than the existing drug And they say that drug companies are looking out for our health. "Here take this, it's not as good, but we'll charge you twice as much." The study said the current treatment not only was more effective but had less side effects. Study Clarifies LInk Between Contact with Tap Water and Trihalomethane Exposure THMs are chemicals from tapwater (the chlorine and natural matter have a reaction). These chemicals have been associated with cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes. This study found that the highest levels of THMs came from showering and bathing, even higher than drinking tap water. GREAT so now I can't even shower in my tap water!!! Teaching adults effective parenting skills best tool to treat children with serious conduct problems LOL, okay I do know good parents that have kids with serious problems, but for the most part a lot of kids that have "conduct problems" have parents that are hopeless. This really cracks me up that psychologist are doing studies the 'show that parenting training is the most effective way to deal with conduct disorders" and that treatment won't work "without parent training". Gina froze in time on 7:29 AM [ | ]
Friday, July 15, 2005News on Harry Potter From Bloomberg.com: "Walmart.com is charging $1.33 less than competitors for ``Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,'' helping snare sales from Amazon.com Inc. and fueling growth at the online division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Orders on Walmart.com for the sixth book about the young wizard who battles the evil Lord Voldemort jumped fivefold compared with ``Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'' two years ago, spokeswoman Amy Colella said. Amazon.com, which charges $17.99 for the book, said U.S. orders rose about 14 percent." So again, The "EVIL" Walmart is battling it's competitors by lowering prices. Those price "dips" are things that walmart can do b/c of it's unethical business practices. While we do live in a free market, and walmart can be as sleazy as the law allows, I can also make a choice...I'll pay more thank you! The Manchester Evening News reports: "THE Pope has said that the Harry Potter books "erode Christianity in the soul" of young people, a German writer claims." I love these books, although we are pagan and our souls are already "eroded", I don't see the link! While The News Sentinel has the other side: "And an increasing number of Christian writers are going further. Connie Neal, John Granger, Gina Burkart and John Killinger - a former youth pastor, classics teacher, creative writing professor and Congregationalist minister, respectively - are making a case to their faith community that Harry Potter is actually a parable. Their theory? That instead of leading children down the path of the occult, J.K. Rowling is using magic in the way that Christian authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien did, as a way of enchanting children into hearing the story of the Gospel." Ya, that's what I read also...okay.... ""Harry rises from the dead after three days. Harry is saved by the sacrificial love of his mother. A snake drinks the blood of the unicorn, which makes you immortal but damned. That's First Corinthians," Granger said, referring to the New Testament passage that states: "It follows that anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of desecrating the body and blood of the Lord." "This book - and later I found out every book - ends with Harry's figurative death and his resurrection in the presence of a traditional symbol of Christ," Granger said." Sure if you say so, I'm not sure we are reading the same books... Fox news (yes I'm quoting for the spawn): "The kids from the Harry Potter movies are not signed up to do any more sequels after the fourth film is released this fall." I'm sure they will sign a new contract, I don't think there is need to panic. Gina froze in time on 10:14 AM [ | ]
Thursday, July 14, 2005Brain Magnets Show Promise for Severe Depression Brain Magnets: "Painless magnetic stimulation of the brain could be equally as effective as electro-shock therapy for treating severe depression.'In the severest cases of depression electro-shock therapy is nowadays still an important therapeutic option,' says Wolfgang Maier of the Bonn University Psychiatric Clinic. Doctors and psychologists at the Clinic now report, however, that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TNS) may be just as good, with fewer side effects, as electro-shock therapy can cause such problems as temporary memory impairment. " While I know that Electro Shock works for Severe Depression I'm glad to see that they are finding new and as effective treatment. Gina froze in time on 1:32 PM [ | ]
Unborn babies carry pollutants, study finds CNN.com: "The report by the Environmental Working Group is based on tests of 10 samples of umbilical-cord blood taken by the American Red Cross. They found an average of 287 contaminants in the blood, including mercury, fire retardants, pesticides and the Teflon chemical PFOA."Of the 287 chemicals we detected in umbilical-cord blood, we know that 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests," the report said." Wow! that's the only comment I really have. This is really shocking, even to jaded olde me. If you didn't think we need to reform some of our air/water quality laws, here is all the proof you need! Gina froze in time on 12:55 PM [ | ]
Marketing of baby products intensifies Marketing of baby products intensifies: "Some say advertisers are preying on new parents' inexperience and fear by asserting that their products are essential to a baby's health and safety. In many cases they're creating a need for something that doesn't exist.""Moms are constantly being bombarded by messages from advertisers," said Christina Vercelletto, products editor of Babytalk. "Pregnant moms think, 'If I don't buy everything my baby will die or not be happy.' They make it all seem absolutely essential." This is so True!!! You need this that and everything! There are more things for babies then ever, and they are even more "specialized". Things go by months, good for babies 0-3 months or 9-12 months. Things aren't just for "babies". We decided yesterday to chuck a lot of our kid's stuff. We'll give most to charity and some needs to be trashed. I think my kids have too much stuff that it's overwhelming for them, they hardly play with anything. So for Lammas we are getting rid of about a 2/3 of the kids toys! Gina froze in time on 12:43 PM [ | ]
Boy dies playing 'passing out game,' officials believe Blogging Baby reported on an article on CNN.com about a kids playing a game where they take turns choking each other."During the course of the investigation it was learned that there is a game that is common knowledge to many of our youth. A game known as the 'pass-out game,' the 'fainting game,' the 'tingling game,' or the 'something dreaming game' -- to name a few," the statement added." Kids can play in groups or by themselves, they block blood flow to their brains by using ropes, ties or bare hands. The kids feel light headed and their arms go tingly. The "experts" recommend that you look for brusing around the neck, headaches or "blood shot" eyes (signs of peticial hemmoraging). I would hope if your kid had any of these signs, even without knowing about the "game" you'd be worried! Now I know kids do some really stupid stuff, it's part of being a kid, but I wonder about the parents in these case. You know I would think by the age of 10 and 11 kids would know about death and know they could die by doing something so dangerous. It is recommended that "In addition to talking to kids about drugs and alcohol, parents should discuss other risky behavior, like the pass-out game". I personally think that sould be a given! Gina froze in time on 11:29 AM [ | ]
Wednesday, July 13, 2005Academics debate herbal safety for women Academics debate herbals’ safety for women:"According to Barbour Warren, co-author of the fact sheet and BCERF research associate, women – especially those with a high risk of breast cancer – should have reservations about taking these herbal supplements because a lack of regulatory oversight means the marketplace is a “mess”." 23% of women today use a herbal medication to help with a veriety of issues ranging from menopause to breastfeeding and pregnancy. The author does concede that there are possible benefites to these medicines but that because there are no regulations and no good clinical trials women should use them with causion. This has caused a stir, many professionals have started to debate the uses of herbal medications and maybe, just maybe, we might actually start looking to the "antient' ways of treating our bodies as an alternative to "happiness in a bottle" that the drug companies sell. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be funding five (university) studies of dietary supplements over the next five years. The university of Illinois (one of the grant holders) will be studing Black cohosh and red clover. Black Cohosh: “Black cohosh has been used for many years by Native Americans to ease the symptoms of painful menstruation, child birth and menopause symptoms. It is approved for these uses in German.” Red clover: "Red clover also has a long history in folk medicine, where it is also used as a diuretic and cough expectorant." Also these studies will help standardize the dosage and study the metabolism and toxicity, and support the training of pharmacognosy. Gina froze in time on 10:13 PM [ | ]
If you lose weight do you get richer? Apparently, you do If you lose weight do you get richer?: "Overweight Americans who lose a lot of weight also tend to build more wealth as they drop the pounds, according to new research. The study found that the link between weight loss and wealth gains was particularly strong among white women. Black women and white men also gained wealth as they lost weight, but not as much as did white women. The wealth of Black men was basically unaffected by their weight. " Well if I didn't have a good reason to lose weight before..... Gina froze in time on 3:57 PM [ | ]
Ex-Officer Gets Life Sentence for Death of MU Student: Top News Stories at Officer.com Ex-Officer Gets Life Sentence for Death of MU Student: Top News Stories at Officer.com: "A former Columbia police officer was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without parole in the 2004 death of a University of Missouri-Columbia student with whom he had an affair." I know this isn't "national" news, but this case hit too close to home. Jesse was a friend of my cousin's and he was assumed to be on the way to her house when he was killed. I have had the great fortune of never being that involved in many homicides. A boy on my swimming team in High School and his father were killed in their home during a robbery, but other than that, I've never known anyone who was murdered. This was a horrible case and very upsetting to my family. Gina froze in time on 10:22 AM [ | ]
Saint Louis and Death St. Louis, My fair city, is in the news again and not in a good way. Our Circuit attorney reopened a case, where the convicted man was put to death 10 years ago. The man, Griffin, was convicted of Killing a 19 year old in a Drive by shooting. The Key witness was a convicted felon in the Witness protection program and was not even present when the shooting occurred. Another witness, Conners, that was wonded in the shooting was never called to testify and no longer lives in St. Louis. Conners was suprized to hear the Griffin was convicted, he says that Griffin was not the man that shot him and wasn't even there.Right now In Missouri there is a bill pending that would stream line death penalty cases. This case may have a big impact on that bill. "It could be a huge issue," said Joshua Marquis, a prosecutor and board member of the National District Attorneys Association. "Opponents of capital punishment have been unable to locate any case in which an innocent person has been executed. If they did, I'm sure it would have a profound impact on the discussion" "Currently, 52 inmates face the death penalty in Missouri. State officials have always said no innocent person has ever been executed in Missouri. Three people in Missouri history have been cleared of a death penalty conviction before their execution and removed from death row." Since 1973, number of people who have been released from death row with evidence of their innocence: 103 Gina froze in time on 10:14 AM [ | ]
Tuesday, July 12, 2005Muppets, Statler & Waldorf review current movies on Movies.com. I was really excited when I heard they were doing this. I do have to report that, sadly, while they got the puppets in the deal, the writers did not come with them. The jokes are poor and the reviews have no depth. *sigh* I hate when my childhood icons (yes, I loved the muppets) are bastardizedGina froze in time on 12:34 PM [ | ]
Monday, July 11, 2005Calls Grow to Subsidize Green Farming NPR : Calls Grow to Subsidize Green Farming: "The federal government is expected to pay $24 billion in farm subsidies this year. Critics, including quite a few farmers, say taxpayers shouldn't pay for corn or cotton surpluses. Instead, they say the funds should go toward things that benefit the public, such as cleaner water and a healthier environment." Most of these subsidies go to large commercial farms (over half) that account for only 9% of all farms. New subsidies from the Department of Agriculture's Conservation Security Program (CSP) are pushing for "Greener Solutions" "The CSP is a new initiative. It pays farmers to give the environment a helping hand. Farmers can qualify for payments if they can show that they've done a good job protecting the environment in the past. They must also show that they're preventing manure or other fertilizer from running into streams, and that they're conserving soil and minimizing pesticide use. Once they qualify, farmers can get extra points -- and higher payments -- for doing additional things that provide habitat for wildlife or protect streams and groundwater. They include cutting back on fertilizer or pesticides, converting crop land into permanent pasture, or building windmills to supply the farm with energy. (The CSP) will distribute about $240 million to farmers this year. That's just 1 percent of all federal farm subsidies." Gina froze in time on 6:18 PM [ | ]
Four gored in brutal bull run Four gored in brutal bull run: "Monday's run was the most violent this year as a bull separated from the herd and charged at several members of the crowd.It took more than five minutes to herd all the bulls down the 825 meter (900 yard) route into the bullring -- where they face a matador's cape and sword in the evening -- instead of the usual two or three minutes." I say, "good for you bulls." While I'm all for "thrill seeking" I hate that they still do the bull fighting that results in the death of these animals. Gina froze in time on 6:10 PM [ | ]
Obese women fitter than obese men, study finds - Yahoo! NewsObese women fitter than obese men, study finds : "A study of 56 morbidly obese men and women waiting for weight-reduction surgery showed that although the men and women in general were just as overweight, the women were better able to tolerate exercise.This is probably because of how their body fat was distributed." Well that's something possitive about be a woman. Gina froze in time on 6:07 PM [ | ]
Bush: London attacks targeted civilized worldBush: London attacks targeted civilized worldThis I think is the real issue behind the hatred for the US and the West, words like "civilized world" like any place else is uncivilized and "unworthy'. I'm struck by the fact more people are talking about the London bombings than the bombings in Spain, which were equally as tragic. Could it be our view that Spain is not as "civilized"? Gina froze in time on 6:04 PM [ | ]
Sunday, July 10, 2005Gender Gap: Women don't seek care due to cost Cost keeps women from seeking health care. "'The issue of costs is one that cuts across all insurance groups of women, both privately insured and uninsured women,' said Alina Salganicoff, vice president and director of women's health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation, which recently surveyed more than 2,700 women on health questions. The overall portion of women delaying care due to costs rose to 27% in 2004 from 24% in 2001. The portion of working-age women without health insurance who delayed or chose not to get needed care ballooned to 67% from 59% in 2001, the study said. Working-age women with private coverage weren't home free either: 17% of them put off care because they couldn't afford it, up from 13% four years ago. And 20% of women didn't fill a prescription for similar reasons versus 14% for men." I have to admite that I fall into this category. If any of my children are sick or if my husband is ill, I'll be the first to say let's see the doctor. For myself, I wait, see if I get better or put it off until I have "time". And I do admit, cost (even though we have insurance and good insurance at that). Women, mothers in particular, don't take care of themselves. I know I should, if something should happen to me, it would be devastating to my family, but I don't take very good care of myself. Gina froze in time on 10:38 PM [ | ]
The Seattle Times: Make It Count: Baby's first year can cost dear The Seattle Times reports on the cost of raising a child the first year. "New moms and dads are likely to shell out between $7,000 and $14,600 between birth and their child's first birthday. " Now I know why we are so broke. They list in article some of the things you can do to help keep down that cost (most of which I do): Breastfeed, make your own baby food, take hand-me-downs, by diapers in bulk (although they didn't say cloth diapers...that would save more) Gina froze in time on 10:34 PM [ | ]
10 YRS JAIL FOR 'WITCH' TORTURERS10 YRS JAIL FOR 'WITCH' TORTURERS: "TWO women were jailed yesterday for 10 years for torturing an eight-year-old girl they accused of being a witch.They wept as Old Bailey Judge Christopher Moss said they had mounted a 'campaign of cruelty'. They were accused of beating the girl, now 10, cutting her and rubbing chillis in her eyes to beat out the devil. She was also threatened with drowning." This has got to be the most horrible story I've read this week. I think it's horrible that these people did not get put in jail longer. Gina froze in time on 8:23 PM [ | ]
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The chaotic life of a (exausted) mother of
2 little mosters, I mean children. These are my thoughts on life and the world around me, so I can talk about things other than diapers! Current news, health and women's issues.
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