Today's Headlines

According to the American Tinnitus Association, 50 million people suffer from tinnitus (ringing in the ears), a frustrating condition of which there is no cure. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

"One of the most important issues with ringing in the ears is the fact that it is traumatic to the person suffering from it, and it often affects their family or other close relationships, too," says Andrew Cheng, MD, an otoaryngologist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, head and neck surgery at New York Medical College.



Dr. Cheng suggests that tinnitus patients make these lifestyle changes to relieve their symptoms.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Manage stress better
• Avoid exposure to additional loud noises which can aggravate tinnitus further (invest in a good pair of Ear Plugs )
• Decrease your sodium intake
• Take Lipo-Flavonoid a nutritional supplement that contains the B complex group of vitamins in a base of Lipotropic agents, such as choline, inositol and pantothenic acid, plus vitamin C and bioflavonoids.

Cheng trusts Lipo-Flavonoid, "Seventy percent of my patients with tinnitus have had some level of success with Lipo-Flavonoid, which provides nutritional support to improve circulation in the inner ear for overall health."

Take the Lipo-Flavonoid quiz.

Debby, a tinnitus sufferer shares her story in this touching video.



Do you suffer from tinnitus? If you answered yes you could win a bottle of Lipo-Flavonoid (a $30.00 value). All you need to do is leave a comment at the end of this article. Make sure you also include a valid e mail address or a link to your blog so we can get a hold of you if you win.

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For every entry including extra entries please leave a separate comment. Winners will be chosen randomly from the comments and e mails that I receive. The contest ends on August 27, 2009 at midnight PST.







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This week I interviewed DM from Doodlebug's Planet, a stay at home mom who wants to teach moms the importance of creating a healthier environment for their families through her blog. Scroll down for my exclusive interview with DM.






HM: Where are you from?
DM: Earth. To be more specific though, I'm from the south. :)

HM: When did you start blogging?
DM: About two months ago.

HM: Why do you blog?
DM: I blog to spread the word about environmental issues and encourage moms to protect the planet. I blog for my Doodlebug, because I can't save the world for her myself. It will take lots of people, and I think moms care the most.

HM: What is your blog about?
DM: I write about environmental and conservation issues, organics, and natural living.

HM: What are your ultimate goals for your blog?
DM: I just want to spread the word. I'd like to have lots of commenters, though, so I know that I'm getting through.

HM: What do you want your readers to get out of your blog?
DM: I hope that everyone who reads my blog is inspired toward radical environmentalism. Or if they just take away one thing they could do for the Earth, it would be worth my time.

HM: What do you do to get your readers to keep coming back?
DM: Well, I'm super new at this, so I guess I'd have to get them there in the first place! :)
Eventually, though, I'd like to have guest posters, q&a, giveaways... all the things I like about other blogs.

HM: Do you have any favorite blogs or any blogs that you read regularly?
DM: Clothesline Alley , Walk Slowly Live Wildly

HM: Do you have any advice for other bloggers?
DM: Write about what you are passionate about. Write things that will make a difference.

HM: What is one thing that I did not cover in these set of questions?
DM: In addition to being an amateur environmentalist, I'm a SAHM and I'm about to graduate with my Bachelors Degree in Human Sciences, which is basically like a Child Development major with a nutrition minor.

You can visit DM at Doodlebug's Planet.

I invite all Mommy and Health bloggers to be in the spotlight. Click here for more information on how your blog can be in the spotlight on Healthy Moms.




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Urinary tract infections (or UTI's) are the second most common infection in the body. Approximately 8.3 million doctors see patients regarding UTI's.

There are several myths surrounding the causes of UTI's. Board certified urologist and author of "A Seat on the Aisle, Please! The Essential Guide to Urinary Tract Problems in Women," Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, made a series of videos for Cystex (a popular medication used to treat UTI's) that help explain the surprising facts about urinary tract health.


According to Dr. Kavaler, UTI's do not come from toilet seats. When using a public rest room she suggests that you should cover the toilet seat and sit. Squatting prevents women from completely emptying their bladders which can lead to bacterial growth and urinary tract infections. If you are showing symptoms of a UTI, drink plenty of water, empty your bladder and take Cystex until you are able to see your doctor.



Did you know that an increase in sexual activity can also cause you to get a UTI? This is often called "honeymoon cystis." If this happens follow the steps above until you are able to see your doctor.



Do you suffer from frequent urinary tract infections? If you answered yes you could win a copy of Dr. Kavaler's book, "A Seat on the Aisle, Please! The Essential Guide to Urinary Tract problems in Women" and a free box of Cystex (a $45.00 value). All you need to do is leave a comment at the end of this article. Make sure you leave a valid e mail address or a link to your blog so we can get a hold of you if you win.

For extra entries:

Follow Me on Twitter

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E mail the link to our site or this contest to a friend (make sure you BCC talbertcascia @ yahoo dot com so I have proof of the e mail)

Grab our button for your site.

Add Healthy Moms to your blogroll.

Blog about this contest. Make sure you include a link to the contest.

For every entry including extra entries please leave a separate comment. Winners will be chosen randomly from the comments and e mails that I receive. The contest ends on August 26, 2009 at midnight PST.












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I have never been a mason (aka bricklayer), nor do I know a mason.

I imagine that being a parent is very similar to being a bricklayer. I can only guess that laying the first brick and establishing the path towards a sturdy wall is both exciting and daunting.

I remember each time I discovered that I was pregnant. It was thrilling to imagine what this precious life growing inside of me was going to look and act like when they were born, when they were three years old, ten years old, and even twenty years old.

It must be exciting for the bricklayer because she is creating a structure to benefit someone else, a masterpiece, a work of her own hands that eventually all will see.

It must be daunting for the bricklayer because of the realization that thousands of more bricks must be stacked one upon another in a repetitious fashion, only to get more difficult as she has to construct scaffolding to reach her goal of completion.

Much like parenting.

There are days when I groan. I sometimes get tired of teaching how to wash hands, sit at the table politely, put on underwear, and wipe one's own bottom. I think of how much I am teaching now, and how much more teaching I have to go--multiplication, handwriting, history, overcoming peer pressure, encouraging our sons to stand up for what they know to be true, and how to court and woo their future wives.

A mason must commit to finishing the job. Should she fail to do this, the house or building will be exposed and left open to the elements.

In the same way, our job as parents is to remain committed to laying bricks of discipleship, discipline and love in our children's lives. It means placing more mortar on previously laid bricks when an area shows weakness through reteaching and replacing a brick when it falls off, like when our children keep trying to put their finger in the enticing electrical socket. It means helping your child obey the first time. It means teaching them how to make wise choices, dress appropriately, avoid drugs, and/or develop healthy habits.

I say all of this because I had an ah-ha moment this past Sunday on our way to Home Fellowship.

The truth is that parenting had become a daunting, relentless task. (Of course my sour outlook on life might have had something to do with the fact that my thyroid medicine was askew. But I digress.) What happened three times in a passionate moment between Hottie Hubby and I are now three realities that need me longer than the half an hour, or longer if you're lucky {grin}, to make them.

If I want to have joy in parenting, then I must set my mind to persevere in this wonderful but often challenging job of parenting and being a mom.

I have a choice to accept these precious personalities. I am done with expecting Mr. Me-Too to act like Mr. Smackdown. I will struggle with this I am sure. But yesterday, when Mr. Me-Too was wildly spinning around, running from one couch to the other couch, and back into me, instead of wishing he were gentle and quiet, I gave him a rub down. What is a rub down? It is something I made up. I started growling like a little tiger cub and vigorously rubbed the little guy all over his body. HE LOVED IT! And he calmed down. He just needed to be touched. When Hottie Hubby came home, once again Mr. Me-Too began jumping like and electrical current was running through him. I instructed Hottie Hubby on the art of rub down. Mr. Me-Too giggled in delight and was happy for several hours.

And how did I change my interaction with Mr. Smackdown? When he wakes up, he is a grouch. Instead of giving him a hug and asking him a lot of questions yesterday and this morning, I let him sit wherever he wanted in the house. I gave him his milk and let him open up when he saw fit. I soon heard the words, "You're and angel, Mommy."

So as you lay a foundation of bricks that support and raise your children, remember that each child is different. Just as bricks are different colors and mortar varies in shade, so do your children. Build out and up, looking at one brick at a time. As each brick must be touched in order to be attached to a house, so must you spend time with your children. Don't allow yourself to be ruled by your emotions. As Craig Castor says, "Feelings are good passengers, but poor drivers."

You are the adult. I am an adult, even though I sometimes want to avoid this fact.

I have a choice in how I act and how I treat my children. I accept my endearing little mules. And slowly but surely I am growing into the acceptance, much like Neo in The Matrix, and role that my purpose right now is to take the time that is necessary to endure tantrums, get out of my chair and play even when I feel like being lazy, love unconditionally, train selflessly, and discipline in love. The foundation I lay now will bring forth a strong building that can withstand the storms of life.

On a side note, in doing a bit of research for this post I discovered the largest brick. Check it out. It is pretty big.

Come and visit me at Granola Mom 4 God!






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bricklayer mason all+about+parenting acceptance

This is the number one issue that I hear from moms in particular. You might think that you don't have time to workout and eat property, but you CAN find the time. Frankly, you MUST find the time for yourself! If you are not healthy and fit, your family can't count on you. Your work productivity will decrease, and you won't feel good about yourself.

Your health is too important to ignore. If you have to, work out in the morning before your family wakes up, or at night after you put the kids to bed. If you find it hard to exercise during the week, try to fit in one or two and make sure to make up for it on the weekend.

Mark workouts on your calendar. Ask friends and family to help hold you accountable. Plan rewards for reaching your goals too. Try to make these rewards non-food related. Start out slowly to truly create a lifestyle change that you will stick with. Be careful not to overdo it and don't quit. No matter your fitness level, you will see results. Give any program 6-12 weeks to see marked improvement.

As always, I'm hear to answer questions and to be your own personal fitness coach. So, what are you waiting for. Get moving!

Until next time, have a safe, healthy and happy week ahead.

- Coach Jenn of Personal Fit Coach.com

Here at Healthy Moms we strive to bring our readers the best information including links and recommendations to blogs and websites for moms. To continue this we will now give you the opportunity to list your giveaway directly on our site. Be sure to check the giveaways column for yet another great resource and link love from your friends here at Healthy Moms.








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Potty training is not easy. You have to look for signs of readiness in the child, which can be as early as 14 months but is usually a bit later. To start with, teach your child the importance of using the potty, referring to it in playful conversations, and making it part of your lives. Let the child see that the toilet isn’t scary, and that it’s an important part of daily life.

Sometimes potty training is the toughest part of parenthood. It can be frustrating and messy. Don’t let this show with the child, though. Accidents are normal, and if the child feels like he has failed, he will stop trying altogether. Praise him for using the potty, give him rewards, help him see how fun it is to be a “big kid.” It’s important to continue practising even when you are on vacation or away from the house, too.

Another way to train your child quickly and painlessly is to read his or her favorite books together while he or she is on the potty. This can make the experience seem normal and even fun. Children can learn quickly at times, and you may be surprised to find your child progressing faster than you would have thought, without too much prodding from you. Trust them to go at their own pace. Trust them to be able to master toilet training successfully.

Let them know that every day our body is making poop and pee, and that those things should be in the potty. Let them know how nice it is to wear “big kid” underwear instead of diapers all day. If your child feels the need to go, tell him to hold it and walk to the potty, to sit down comfortably and let go. If the child fails, explain that it’s OK and its part of learning. Every time she comes to you and indicates she has to go, praise her and smile.

Timing is very important in painlessly potty training your child. Watch for signs that your child is ready for the process, and be calm and patient throughout it.

For more potty training tips visit PainlessPottyTraining.com.

How is your child doing? Do you have some potty training tips to share with all of us? We'd love to hear about your child. Link up and share with us your potty training story

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Grab the Potty Time Tuesdays Code

<a href="http://www.thehealthymoms.net/search/label/Potty%20Time%20Tuesday"><img border="0" style="margin: 125px auto; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ekMBnfV5uJw/Sanin3qVVMI/AAAAAAAABHc/g2KVEyrh_eg/S155/PottyTimeTuesdays.bmp " /></a><br/>





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We usually go out to eat on Fridays. Last Friday being no different, we decide we will go to a local bbq place. By the time we get there we are starving. Makenzie is being fussy but nothing that bad, so we figure she is just hungry. We order our food and go sit down and wait on them to deliver it. Meanwhile, Makenzie starts screaming bloody murder like someone has cut off her left arm. David offers her a sip of his coke (which usually calms her down), and she proceeds to knock it out of his hands into the floor as she screams "NO!" His coke then EXPLODES all over our side of the restaurant. Seriously- the coke was spewing out the top where the straw was... I picked Makenzie up and took her outside and tried to calm her down while the staff at the restaurant mopped the floor next to our table. I see our food arrive and Makenzie has mostly calmed down, so I go back in and see if she will eat. Not so much. She continues to whine, but isn't screaming like she was before- so I thought I'd just hold her and try to eat what I can of my food.

When I think it just can't get any worse- Devin starts coughing. He then PUKES. Projectile. Like 3 feet in front of the table. Apparently the whole time I was outside with Makenzie calming her down, Dave lets Devin drink a whole glass of tea. Never a good idea. It makes all my kids puke if they drink too much too fast. The whole restaurant cleared out after that. Guess they just weren't feeling like eating anymore!

I wanted to cringe, but instead I laughed. In fact, I couldn't STOP laughing. We packed up what was left of our food and left- just after we told the staff that they were lucky enough to get to mop up after us yet again. The older kids were soooo embarrassed. I am pretty sure the staff at that restaurant now has a picture of our family and has been adamantly told NOT to ever let us in the doors again!

Oh yeah- and of course. The minute we get home, they are fine. Seriously, perfectly normal. Running around the house giggling, laughing and having the best time EVER.

Note to self- never eat out again. At least till the babies are grown...

Have you ever had a crazy experience like that? I'd love to hear it... comment and share!



Visit my blog Simply Blessed for more stories about the trials, tribulations and joys of raising five children!



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As a mother of soon to be four children and wife of a husband who goes to the gym nearly every day I am contently washing towels. Our towels always smell dingy and damp. I've used several different fabric softeners but nothing seems to work. When I take my shower I want to wrap myself around with a soft, fresh smelling towel.

You can just imagine my excitement when I was contacted to try out Smelly Washer Cleaner. The contents in the small bottle will remove washer odor, remove towel mildew and it lasts up to 24 treatments.



Did you know that frequent use of your washing machine can cause odors to accumulate and end up in your laundry? To prevent from having a stinky washing machine, add one level cap of Smelly Washer in the dispenser and agitate in its hottest setting for 2 minutes. Stop the washer and let it soak overnight. In the morning complete the cycle.

To clean your towels, just add one level cap of Smelly Washer to a full load of laundry or towels and agitate for 2 minutes. After that stop the washer and allow the clothing to soak for 2 hours, complete the cycle and rewash with detergent. When I did this with my towels I was amazed at how soft they were and the dingy damp smell was gone. I love this washing machine cleaner!

There are two ways that you can also own this wonderful product.

1. Purchase it from Smellywasher.com. Make sure you use promo code thehealthymoms for 10% off.

2. Win it! All you need to do is leave a comment and you will be entered to win a free bottle of Smelly Washer. Contest ends August 24, 2009 midnight PST. Don't forget to either leave your e mail, a link to your blogger profile or link to your blog so we can get a hold of you if you win.

For extra entries:

Follow Me on Twitter

Subscribe to Healthy Moms

Follow This blog with Google Friend Connect

Digg This Contest

Tweet This Contest

Stumble the Contest

E mail the link to our site or this contest to a friend (make sure you BCC talbertcascia @ yahoo dot com so I have proof of the e mail)

Grab our button for your site.

Add Healthy Moms to your blogroll.

Blog about this contest. Make sure you include a link to the contest.

For every entry including extra entries please leave a separate comment. Winners will be chosen randomly from the comments and e mails that I receive. The contest ends on August 24, 2009 at midnight PST.












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When I first became pregnant, I could not WAIT to shop for all those adorable baby clothes. I didn't even know what the sex was when I finally broke down and picked up three little yellow outfits at 20 weeks. By 22 weeks, we knew we were having a boy, and I had begun to realize that I was going to go a little crazy on the baby items I felt I "had" to have. So, as any new mother does, I set about making a list...as list of the items I felt I and my son-to-be could not live without. I was very particular, and my list ended up filling only one page. And then I showed my husband...

It seems that the term "Belly Fat" is all the rage right now. Everyone wants to lose it, fight it or turn it into a six pack. So, I figured that I better jump on the bandwagon with a belly fat article as well. It seems that all ab workouts are not created equal and some exercises that do not target the abs specifically could still work very well in reducing the fat in that area of the body that we would all like to shrink.

It's time once again to reflect on the past week. What were some of the positive things that happened? What really bothered you? Did you laugh? Cry? Stand on your head? Whatever you did this past week I want to hear it. Writing down all the crazy things that happened over the past week is a good way to deal with stress. As our lives get busier and busier along with it is stress. It is time to let it all out so you can enjoy your weekend. Grab the button code, make your blog post and don't forget to leave your link with MckLinky!

While some of my blogging friends are off to BlogHer 2009 in Chicago I am sitting here still waiting for my baby. I am 37 weeks along and fast approaching the longest pregnancy I have ever had. I am getting impatient, uncomfortable, swollen and extremely tired. I tell myself every day that I shouldn't worry or think about it because then I'd get stressed out. But it is so hard!

So here is my pregnancy vent. Every day I have contractions that last about 5 or 6 hours but then as soon as I lay down they go away. I've tried everything to speed up labor from massage, walking, acupressure, eating licorice and drinking licorice tea, and I even tried pineapple. But my little boy is being stubborn.

It is hard to believe that six weeks ago I was hospitalized for pre-term labor and now I just want the baby to be born soon. I think it is due to the fact that I am having another boy. Conan was born at 37 1/2 weeks. My girls were born at 36 and 35 weeks.

My ob appointments are on Mondays and my due date is August 13 so technically August 10 should be my final appointment, if I am still pregnant then. I think I am going to ask my doctor if I can be induced on the 10th. Sounds strange, huh?

I am going to continue to complain until the baby is finally born. I'm sure some of my readers are anxious to see pictures and read stories about our latest edition. Keep checking back because you never know.

I would love to hear how your week went. Join in the fun and don't forget to leave your link!








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