Sammy Page

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 01:12:00 +0000

Tugas Samuel Gultom

Samuel Gultom Activities 2015

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 03:37:00 +0000

This all my activities during 2015, all with photos documentations.

with OPUNG and cousins

at ragunan zoo

-samuel-

-GSolusi-

Links Blog Marketing Apartemen Taman Sari Semanggi Marketing

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 07:55:00 +0000

Merry Christmast And Happy New Year 2014

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 15:55:00 +0000

Almost one year we tread life. Until now there is the spirit of fatigue and how to survive the crush of life. During this time, a lot of changes that occur within one year. By now I was sitting in the second grade of elementary school. Atmosphere played that a few years ago I lead now filled with school subjects that feels endless.

Samuel Gultom & Stephan Gultom

Samuel Gultom & Stephan Gultom At School


Samuel At Taekwondo Uniform

Samuel Practice Taekwondo

There is some activities that I used to do whole this year.

Now, I am Wishing You a Merry Christmast, 25 December 2013 and Happy New Year, 1 January 2014.

Regards,

Samuel Gultom

Honey's Natural Benefits

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:20:00 +0000

Medicinal Use Of Honey

What researchers are learning about honey's possible health benefits.

Honey has a long medicinal history. The ancient Egyptians not only made offerings of honey to their gods, they also used it as an embalming fluid and a dressing for wounds. On that last point, at least, they were on to something.

Today, many people swarm to honey for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Holistic practitioners consider it one of nature's best all-around remedies.

But outside of the laboratory, claims for honey's healthfulness are unproven -- except in the area of wound care and, to a lesser extent, cough suppression.

Here's the truth behind the claims about honey's health benefits -- and an important warning.

Never Give Honey to an Infant

Honey is natural and considered harmless for adults. But pediatricians strongly caution against feeding honey to children under 1 year old.

"Do not let babies eat honey," states foodsafety.gov, a web site of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

That's because of the risk of botulism. The spores of the botulism bacteria are found in dust and soil that may make their way into honey. Infants do not have a developed immune system to defend against infection, says Jatinder Bhatia, MD, a Georgia neonatologist who heads the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Nutrition.

"It's been shown very clearly that honey can give infants botulism," a paralytic disorder in which the infant must be given anti-toxins and often be placed on a respirator in an intensive care unit, he says. Bhatia has never seen a case of infant botulism.

But parents may feed their infants cereals that contain honey, he says. "It's cooked, so it's OK," Bhatia says. He explains that when it comes to botulism risk, "we're talking about honey out of the bottle.''

The National Honey Board, which the USDA oversees, also agrees that infants should not be given honey. "The concern for babies stems from the fact that infants lack the fully developed gastrointestinal tract of older humans," the Board's web site states.

Antibacterial Honey?

In the laboratory, honey has been shown to hamper the growth of food-borne pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella, and to fight certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both of which are common in hospitals and doctors' offices. But whether it does the same in people hasn't been proven.

Shop for honey and you'll see that some are lighter, others are darker. In general, the darker the honey, the better its antibacterial and antioxidant power.

Honey comes in many varieties, depending on the floral source of pollen or nectar gathered and regurgitated by the honey bee upon arrival in the hive.

Honey producers may apply to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a grade on their product, but the score does not account for color. Rather, the honey is judged for clarity, aroma, and flavor, and the absence of sediments, such as honeycomb particles.

Honey and Wound Care

Manuka honey is sometimes used to treat chronic leg ulcers and pressure sores.
Manuka honey is made in New Zealand from the nectar of Leptospermum scoparium. It's the basis of Medihoney, which the FDA approved in 2007 for use in treating wounds and skin ulcers. It works very well to stimulate healing, says wound care specialist Frank Bongiorno, MD, of Ann Arbor, Mich.

"Medihoney has been our standard for healing wounds in the past year, since it started coming on the market," Bongiorno says. A healing wound, whether chronic or acute, is a clean, granulating wound that is absent of bacteria and swelling. Bongiorno doesn't use Medihoney for burns because it can cause pain.

Bongiorno has visited Haiti, where people use ordinary honey for wounds, and although it isn't harmful, it doesn't have the impact of Medihoney, which is purified with ultraviolet light rather than heat. Its antibacterial action is better preserved, he says.

That, of course, is useful in treating wounds, but it is Manuka honey's pH content, which leans toward acidic, that helps the healing process, says Bongiorno, who has no ties to Medihoney's maker. "It is soothing and feels good to the wound.''

Honey and Allergies

Some laboratory studies suggest honey has the potential to clear up stuffy noses and ease allergies triggered by pollen. But it's a bit of a stretch to apply that to patients, says New Jersey allergist Corinna Bowser, MD.

Bowser says she doesn't consider the studies on honey and congestion to be adequate, for a few reasons: most allergy sufferers are sensitive to wind-carried pollens like grass and ragweed -- the kind not carried by bees and transformed into honey.

"If you want to treat someone for common allergies, it's not commonly found in bee honey," Bowser says.

"Even if there are allergens in the honey, it wouldn't make a difference, because it gets broken down by stomach acids and doesn't trigger an immunological response," Bowser says. In contrast, "The pills we take for allergies are coated so they don't get broken down," she says.

Honey and the Common Cold

Maryland family doctor Ariane Cometa, MD, who describes herself as a holistic practitioner, likes to use a buckwheat honey-based syrup to ease early symptoms of a cold. She says it calms inflamed membranes and eases a cough -- the latter claim supported by a few studies.

In a study that involved 139 children, honey beat out dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) in easing nighttime cough in children and improving their sleep.

Another study involving 105 children found that buckwheat honey trumped dextromethorphan in suppressing nighttime coughs.

"If you're suffering from a cold or something going on in the throat or upper airways, getting on board with honey syrup will help fight infection and soothe membranes," says Cometa, who also recommends a buckwheat honey-based allergy medicine.

Honey and Diabetes

Even if honey is natural, it is no better than ordinary white or brown sugar for dieters or people with diabetes, says dietitian Toby Smithson, RD, CDE, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and founder of the web site, Diabetes Everyday.

A tablespoon of honey, in fact, has more carbohydrates and calories than granulated white or brown sugar.

"One of my favorite quotes is that 'a sugar is a sugar' when it comes to diabetes," Smithson says. "I think it's a widespread myth that honey is better for diabetes. Some patients don't classify honey as a sugar.''

Smithson, who has type 1 diabetes, says she prefers getting carbs from a cup of fresh berries or a carton of yogurt because they have about the same number of carbs as a tablespoon of honey -- but less sugar.

"There are some minerals and vitamins and antioxidant properties in honey -- the darker the honey, the higher the level of antioxidants -- but with yogurt, you can also get those benefits. When you have diabetes, you have to be picky and choosy about carbs and calories.''

By Julie Edgar
WebMD Feature

Honey as Nature’s Skin Care

Manufacturers have used honey in everything from hand lotions and moisturizers to bar soaps and bubble baths. One reason they use honey is for its wholesome, all-natural image; more and more consumers are demanding cosmetics and personal care products made from natural ingredients. In the case of honey, however, image is just the beginning.

First, honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. This makes honey a natural fit in a variety of moisturizing products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners.

Look for honey in store-bought beauty products or simply add a squeeze of honey to your moisturizer, shampoo or soap at home. For some extra pampering, try whipping up a simple beauty recipe yourself.

Using honey, a natural humectant with antimicrobial properties, we have created a series of recipes that will help hydrate skin while relaxing the soul.

We also recommend the following tips for keeping skin at its pure and natural best.
Protect Skin from the Sun: Use sunblock every day - not just when it’s sunny. Apply sunscreen 30 to 40 minutes before exposure to allow active ingredients to begin working.

Cleanse Twice Daily: Cleansing in the morning removes waste excreted during the skin’s nocturnal self-cleansing process. In the evening, it ensures removal dirt, oil and makeup.

Get Adequate Sleep: Your skin will tell you if you’re sleep deprived. Without adequate sleep, your body can’t restore and repair itself. Not only will you live longer, your skin will look better, too!

Reduce Stress: Stress ages body tissue - especially skin tissue. Exercise, massage therapy, yoga, aromatherapy and meditation are highly effective against stress.

-pHg-

Lose Weight Easy Ways

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:21:00 +0000

It’s only natural to want quick weight loss results once you make the commitment to shed a few pounds or more. But this is one area in which slow and steady is the way to go. “Permanent weight loss can only be achieved when one makes a lifestyle change,” says Peter Vash, MD, MPH, executive director of Lindora Medical Clinics in Costa Mesa, Calif. and assistant clinical professor of medicine at UCLA’s Center for Health Sciences in Los Angeles. Eating a healthful diet and sweating it out regularly are the best ways to reach your weight-loss goal. But here’s how to make those two pound-shedding tools work to your advantage.

One key to achieving healthy weight loss is to use your scale. “Weighing yourself is an important part of any weight loss program as it helps to hold you accountable and keep you on track,” says Dr. Vash. How often you do so is up to you — within reason. Vash recommends weigh-ins at least once a week — around the same time of day — and not more often than once or twice a day. Keep in mind small variances in the number on the scale can occur because of water retention or dehydration.

While we’d all like to snap our fingers and be instantly slim, it takes time and effort to see results — especially when it comes to exercise. At a minimum, adults should get 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity, coupled with two or more days of strength training all muscle groups to boost your weight-loss efforts. Exercise is crucial for both healthy weight loss in the short-term and maintaining a slimmer silhouette in the future.

Emotional support from family and friends can go a long way toward encouraging you to reach your weight-loss goal. If you’re in charge of the grocery store runs, rather than loading up on chips and cookies at the supermarket, buy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains — and convert the whole family to eating a healthy diet. Support groups are another great option to help you stay on track. Ask your doctor for a local recommendation or look online for Web-based support groups where you’ll be able to share weight-loss tips.

Changing your bad eating patterns is essential. “Giving in to food cravings promotes excess eating,” says Vash. “It is important to remove foods you crave (cookies, sodas, candy, chips, ice cream) from your home and office.” Giving in is a surefire way to slow down the weight loss process. Instead, opt for healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains, and use strategies to help stop a craving in its tracks. When your sweet tooth strikes, try to thwart it by drinking water, tea, or coffee with non-fat milk and artificial sugar.

While it may seem counterintuitive for quick weight loss, eating three meals a day is important when trying to shed pounds. Skipping breakfast can lead to excessive hunger, which can sabotage a healthy diet and cause you to overeat later in the day. Consider starting the day off with filling oatmeal or another whole grain cereal to keep you feeling satisfied longer. And don’t try to substitute a snack for a meal — your body will know the difference.

Binge eating — consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time — will get in the way of reaching a healthy weight. The disorder can be triggered by emotional issues or stress from being on a diet. Try to fight the temptation to overindulge with extra calories, which will only set you back. Instead, try taking a walk, going to the gym, or calling a close friend to get your mind off the desire to eat.

Almost everything is more fun with a friend, and that includes shedding pounds. Try to find a buddy to team up with on your quest for healthy weight loss. You can motivate each other by sharing recipes and weight-loss tips and by hitting the gym together. Both of you should keep a food journal as well, which helps encourage you to eat healthy foods. Consider recording a second log of your exercise routines, too.

It’s easy to fall for fad diets when looking for quick ways to lose weight. Any diet that promises immediate results with little to no effort should raise a red flag. Also, any eating plan that fixates on a specific type of food, restricts certain foods, or doesn’t consider counting calories should not be a part of a healthy diet.

One way to assist in healthy weight loss is to set some rules for yourself. “It is very important not to eat after dinner because that accounts for a large portion of excess weight gain,” says Vash. Avoid grazing and refrigerator-raiding at all costs as well as mindlessly eating while watching your favorite television shows. Also, never eat in the car. Not only will your vehicle be cleaner, but it’ll be that much easier to bypass your favorite fast food drive-thru and stick to your healthy diet.

Pay attention to what you drink as well as what you eat when looking for boost your weight-loss success. Alcohol, sodas, and even lemonade and juices are full of calories that can undermine a healthy diet. Instead of these sugary beverages, try drinking water (plain or flavored, regular or carbonated), tea, or coffee. Another weight-loss tip: If you do choose to indulge in a glass of juice, try watering it down to reduce calories.

source: Everyday Health

Pneumococcal Vaccine for Infants And Toddlers

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:28:00 +0000

FDA today approved the first vaccine to prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases in infants and toddlers -- diseases which can cause brain damage and, in rare cases, death. The vaccine prevents invasive diseases caused by the organism Streptococcus pneumonia (also known as Pneumococcus) including bacteria (an infection of the bloodstream) and meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain or spinal cord.

The vaccine -- Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine (Diphtheria CRM197Protein)-- will be marketed as Prevnar by a unit of Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, a Division of American Home Products Corporation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Infants can receive the vaccine as a series of four inoculations administered at 2,4,6, and 12-15 months of age. For children who cannot receive the vaccine starting at age two months, it is recommended that parents see their health care provider for alternative schedules.

Prevnar is the first multivalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine for children under the age of two. It targets the most common seven strains of pneumococcus that account for approximately 80 percent of invasive disease in infants. It is manufactured by attaching the polysaccharides (purified surface components of the different strains) to a genetically modified nontoxic form of the diphtheria toxin protein called CRM197.

"This new vaccine is great news for parents and their children because now, for the first time, we have a highly effective way to prevent a major cause of meningitis and serious blood infections in the most susceptible children -- those under two years of age." said Dr. Jane Henney, Commissioner of Food and Drugs. "When we prevent these infections, we are also preventing brain damage and mortality from pneumococcal diseases."

It is estimated that each year in the U.S. there are about 16,000 cases of pneumococcal bacteremia and 1400 cases of pneumococcal meningitis among children under age five. Children under the age of two are at highest risk for infection. In up to half the cases of meningitis, brain damage and hearing loss occurs and about 10 percent die.

Clinical trials included a large multicenter safety and efficacy study conducted at Northern California Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif. The controlled, double- blind trial enrolled approximately 38,000 children, about half of whom received Prevnar. The vaccine was given at 2,4, 6 and 12-15 months of age along with routinely recommended vaccines. In this trial, the vaccine was 100 percent effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease caused by the seven strains of pneumococcus in the vaccine. The vaccine was approximately 90 percent effective in preventing invasive disease for illnesses caused by all pneumococcal subtypes.

This vaccine is not indicated for use in adults or as a substitute for other approved pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines approved for high risk children over the age of two.

Side-effects in the trials were generally mild and included local injection site reactions, irritability, drowsiness and decreased appetite. Approximately 21 percent of the children had fevers over 100.3 compared to about 14 percent in the control group not receiving Prevnar.

The vaccine's effectiveness in preventing ear infections, another infection caused by pneumococcus, has not been evaluated by FDA.

Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. There are different types of bacterial meningitis. Before the approval of the first Haemophilus influenza type b (HIB) conjugate vaccine in 1990 for infants, Hib was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, but today Streptococcus pneumonia is one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis.

This is not a vaccine against ear infections as many think. It does decrease ear infections somewhat but it is for preventing meningitis, bacteremia (blood infection --- it killed Jim Hensen of the Muppets) and decrease pneumonia and ear infections caused by this germ.

Dose for ages:
0-6m -------- 3 doses and a booster at 15 months
6-12m ------ 2 doses and a booster at 15 months
12-24m ----- 2 doses
2-4y -------- 1 dose only is susceptible to infections.
>4y --------- not given usually

Some insurance companies are paying for it and some are not yet. We will give it as soon as we can.

Here is the AAP handout for this vaccine:
Pneumococcal Infection and Vaccine

Pneumococcus is a type of bacteria that can attack different parts of the body and cause many serious infections including
• Meningitis (brain)
• Bacteremia (blood stream)
• Pneumonia (lungs)
• Sinusitis (sinus membranes)
• Otitis media (ears)

These infections can be dangerous to very young children, the elderly, and people with certain high-risk health conditions.

Pneumococcal infection
What is pneumococcal infection?

Pneumococcal bacteria live naturally in humans in the back of the nose. Many people carry the bacteria and never Set sick. In fact, being a carrier helps boost one's natural immunity to the disease. Others are not immune and can get very sick from the infections caused by the bacteria.

Pneumococcal infections occur most often during the winter months. They spread from person to person the same way a cold or the flu spreads - by droplets passed through the air from coughing or sneezing, and through direct contact such as touching unwashed hands or kissing. The disease may spread quickly, especially in places where there are a lot of children, like child care centers and preschools.

Very young children do not have fully developed immune systems. This makes them more at risk from bacteria] infections like pneumococcus. In addition, pneumococcal infections can be life threatening for people with certain health problems such as
• HIV infection or other immune system disorders
• Sickle-cell disease
• White cell cancers like leukemia or lymphoma
• Chronic lung, heart, or kidney disease
• A removed spleen or one that doesn't work properly
• Bone marrow or organ transplants

Common pneumococcal infections and their symptoms
Bacteremia and meningitis
Pneumococcal bacteremia and pneumococcal meningitis occur when pneumococcal bacteria get into the bloodstream and/or the central nervous system. Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood. Meningitis is an infection of the thin lining and blood vessels that cover the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of meningitis include High fever Stiff neck
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Extreme tiredness and/or irritability
• Loss of appetite

Pneumonia
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a chest infection in which the lungs become filled with fluid. Symptoms of pneumonia include
• Cough that may bring up thick yellow-green or bloody mucus
• High fever
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Extreme tiredness
• Hard and rapid breathing

Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when the membranes lining the airfilled pockets in the bone of the face (sinuses) swell. The sinus cavities may fill with fluid. Symptoms of sinusitis include
• Pressure behind the eyes
• Pain in the face
• Trouble breathing through the nose
• Postnasal drip or prolonged runny nose
• Fever
• Toothache

Otitis media
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. Young children commonly develop middle ear infections when they have colds, the flu, or other viral respiratory infections. Symptoms of an ear infection include
• Ear pain (very young children may pull at their ears because of the pain)
• Fever
• Restlessness or irritability
• Crying
• Runny nose

Diagnosis and treatment of pneumococcal infections
Your pediatrician will be able to tell if your child has a pneumococcal infection by your child's symptoms, a physical examination, and looking at your child's medical history. X-rays, blood tests, and sometimes a spinal tap also may be done to confirm pneumococcal infection in your child.

Prompt treatment with antibiotics is usually effective. In addition, your child may need bed rest and a lot of fluids. In some cases, your child may need to be hospitalized.

Unfortunately, some strains of the pneumococcal bacteria are developing resistance to the antibiotics usually used to kill them. This means that other antibiotics must be used. Your pediatrician will let you know which antibiotic is best for your child.

Prevention of pneumococcal infections

•Teach your children to wash their hands regularly with soap and water. This helps prevent the spread of infection.
•Avoid dust, tobacco smoke, and other substances that may interfere with breathing and make children more likely to set sick.

Pneumococcal vaccine

A vaccine now offers infants and young children protection against pneumococcal infections. It is most effective against the major pneumococcal diseases - bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia. The vaccine is minimally effective in preventing otitis media and sinusitis. Pneumococcal vaccine is safe and can be given as a separate injection at the same time as other immunizations.

Who should receive the vaccine?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children younger than 2 years of age receive the Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV7 or Prevnar). A series of doses may be given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age. A "catch-up" immunization schedule is available for children who get a late start.

Some children between the ages of 2 and 5 years who have certain health problems also need pneumococcal vaccine because they are at higher risk of getting serious infections. Two types of vaccines may be given to children in that group. Your pediatrician can explain which vaccine is best for your child.

Pneumococcal vaccines may be given to some children 5 years of age and older, although the risk associated with pneumococcal infections is much lower in older children.

Are there side effects to pneumococcal vaccines?

Most children have no side effects with pneumococcal vaccines. Those side effects that do occur are mild and temporary. The possible side effects include

• Soreness, swelling, and redness where the shot was given
• A mild-to-moderate fever
• Fussiness

These symptoms may begin within 24 hours after the shot and usually go away within 48 to 72 hours.

Talk to your pediatrician to see if your child should be vaccinated for pneumococcal infection and about the possible reactions to these immunizations.

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

'Me American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 55,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

Now available from the American Academy of Pediatrics ... Guide to Your Child's Symptoms. More than 100 common symptoms are listed alphabetically and designed to enable a parent to quickly identify a symptom, learn its possible cause, and determine how best to proceed. To order this 266-page deluxe hardcover edition, send a check or money order for $19,95, plus $5.50 shipping and handling, to: AAP Publications - Symptoms, PO Box 747, Elk Grove Village, IL 60009-0747. Or visit the AAP Web site at http://www.aap.org to order online.

Other parenting guides from the Academy include Caring for Your Baby and Young Child. Birth to Age 5, Caring for Your School-age Child. Ages 5 to 12, and Caring for Your Adolescent, Ages 12 to 21. These books (except Caring for Your Adolescent) are available in softcover each for only $15.95, plus $5.50 shipping and handling, and all three books are available in hardcover each for $19.95, plus $5.50 shipping and handling.

American Academy of Pediatrics
Division of Publications
PO Box 747
Elk Grove Village, IL 60009-0747
Web site - http://wwwaap.org
Copyright
All rights reserved.
HE0302

VACCINE BULLETIN 138 SEPT 2000
Copyright NCM Publishers, Inc

The pneumococcus is the most common cause of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and acute otitis media in children. Although a 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine composed of purified capsular polysaccharide antigens of 23 pneumococcal serotypes (23PS) has long been available, like other polysaccharide antigens, many of the pneumococcal serotypes in the vaccine have limited immunogenicity in children younger than 2 to 3 years of age. With the recent licensure of a heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar"', PCV7), which contains serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F conjugated to CRM,197, a mutant diphtheria toxin, an important new tool is available to prevent serious pneumococcal infections in children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently issued recommendations for the prevention of pneumococcal infections, including the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, and antibiotic prophylaxis (Pediatrics. 2000;106:367-376). These guidelines should be useful as physicians incorporate pneumococcal conjugate vaccine into the routine childhood immunization schedule.

According to Larry K. Pickering, MD, special consultant to the director, National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta, Georgia, the guidelines for use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will be available in late summer or early fall and will be very similar to those issued by the AAP and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

"The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is an important vaccine, said Jon Abramson, MD, chairperson of the AAP's Committee on Infectious Diseases and Weston M. Kelsey Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in Winston Salem, North Carolina. "Since Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine has proven so effective in preventing invasive disease in children caused by that organism, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is the next vaccine to deal with the causes of important systemic bacterial infections in children," Dr Abramson told VACCINE BULLETIN.

At its June 2000 meeting, the ACIP added the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to the Vaccines for Children program. According to Dr Abramson, reimbursement issues related to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine are of concern and must be determined state by state. "Even the universal purchase states differ with respect to vaccine reimbursement," he added. The AAP is trying to deal with reimbursement issues to smooth the process by which a new vaccine is rolled out once a recommendation is made.

Who should receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine? According to the AAP, administration of PCV7 is of the highest priority for infants and toddlers 23 months of age and younger and for children at high risk for pneumococcal disease because of underlying illnesses. Currently, data are insufficient to support a recommendation for universal immunization of any children older than 24 months of age, other than those who are at high risk, according to the AAP.

Children 23 Months of Age and Younger

The PCV7 vaccine is recommended for routine administration to all children 23 months and younger, at 2,4,6, and 12 to 15 months of age (Table 1). Each 0.5-mL dose of the vaccine should be administered intramuscularly. The initial 2month dose should be given no earlier than 6 weeks of age; very-low-birth-weight infants (<1500 g) should be immunized at the time they attain a chronological age of 6 to 8 weeks, regardless of their calculated gestational age.

All children 23 months of age and younger who have not received doses of PCV7 prior to 6 months of age should be given catch-up doses according to the schedules given in Table 1:

- Children 7 to 11 months of age who have not previously received vaccine should receive two doses at least 6 to 8 weeks apart, followed by a third dose at 12 to 15 months of age or at least 6 to 8 weeks after the second dose.

- Children 12 to 23 months of age who have not been immunized previously should receive two doses at least 6 to 8 weeks apart.

According to the AAP, infants should receive the PCV7 immunization series in conjunction with other required childhood vaccines at the time of the first regularly scheduled well-child visit after at least 6 weeks of age. For children 23 months of age or younger who begin a catch-up immunization series at 7 months of age or older, the PCV7 immunization series should start at the time of their next clinic visit, including those visits that are not related to well-child care unless contraindicated.

Children 24 to 59 Months of Age at High Risk for I PD

The AAP recommends PCV7 vaccine for all children 24 to 59 months old who are at high risk for IPD, i.e., rates of infection of at least 150 / 100,000 (Table 2). Among the conditions that render a child at high risk for IPD are sickle-cell disease, other types of functional or anatomic asplenia, HIV infection, and primary immune deficiency. Children who are receiving immunosuppressive drugs also are in the high risk category for IPD.

Recommended schedules of pneumococcal immunization for high-risk children who are 24 to 59 months of age and who may or may not have received prior doses of 23PS or PCV7 vaccine are given in Table 3. These schedules advocate the use of both 23PS and PCV7 vaccines in older children.

The AAP policy statement points out that few data exist regarding the safety and immunogenicity of combined regimens of PCV7 and 23PS vaccines, and no data are available that address the efficacy of such regimens for the prevention of pneumococcal disease. But immunogenicity data suggest that PCV7 induces a primary immune response that will provide immune memory for the boosting of antibody to some serotypes contained in 23PS vaccine. Because 23PS vaccine provides a potential expansion of serotype coverage, it is recommended for use in high risk children. However, because of concern that repeated doses of 23PS vaccine may result in an increased incidence of local reactions, recommendations for the number of doses and dose intervals for pneumococcal vaccines (Table 3) should be carefully followed.

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TABLE 1. RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE OF DOSES FOR PCV7, INCLUDING PRIMARY SERIES AND CATCH-UP IMMUNIZATIONS, IN PREVIOUSLY UNVACCINATED CHILDREN*

Age at First Dose (months) Primary Series Booster Doses'

2-6 3 doses, 6-8 weeks apart 1 dose at 12 -15 months of age

7-11 2 doses, 6-8 weeks apart 1 dose at 12-15 months of age

12-23 2 doses, 6-8 weeks apart

>24 1 dose

*Recommendations for high-risk groups are given in Table 3.
Booster doses to be given at least 6 to 8 weeks after the final dose of the primary series.

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TABLE 2. CHILDREN AT HIGH RISK OF IPD

High Risk (IPD attack rate >150 cases/100,000/y)
1. Sickle-cell disease, congenital or acquired asplenia, or splenic dysfunction
2. Infection with HIV

Presumed High Risk (I PD attack rate not calculated)
1. Congenital immune deficiency: some B- (humoral) or T-lymphocyte deficiencies, complement deficiencies (particularly C1, C2, C3, and C4 deficiencies), or phagocytic disorders (excluding chronic granulomatous disease.
2. Chronic cardiac disease (particularly cyanotic congenital heart disease and cardiac failure)
3. Chronic pulmonary disease (including asthma treated with high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy)
4. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
5. Chronic renal insufficiency, including nephrotic syndrome
6. Diseases associated with immunosuppressive therapy or radiation therapy (including malignant neoplasms, leukemias, lymphomas, and Hodgkin's disease) and solid organ transplantation*
7. Diabetes mellitus

Moderate Risk (I PD attack rate >20 cases/1 00,000/y)
1. All children 24-35 months of age
2. Children 36-59 months of age attending out-of-home care
3. Children 36-59 months of age who are of Native American (American Indian and Alaska Native) or African-American descent

*Guidelines for the use of pneumococcal vaccines for children who have received bone marrow transplants are currently undergoing revision.

------------------------------------------------------

Children 24 to 59 Months of Age at Moderate Risk for IPD

Data are inadequate to recommend routine universal administration of PCV7 or 23PS vaccine to children greater than 24 months of age who are at moderate risk for IPD (attack rates of at least 20/100,000 but less than those deemed high-risk). Children who are considered to be at moderate risk for IPD include

- All children 24 to 35 months of age

- Children 36 to 59 months of age who attend out-of-home care (>4 hours weekly in the company of at least two unrelated children)

- Children 36 to 59 months of age who are of Native American (American Indian and Alaska Native) or African American descent

Other factors that might be considered when establishing priorities for possible elective immunization of children 24 to 59 months of age with a pneumococcal vaccine include
- Social or economic disadvantage
- Residence in crowded or substandard housing/state of homelessness
- Chronic exposure to tobacco smoke
- History of severe or recurrent otitis media within the year prior to immunization or prior tympanostomy tube placement

According to the AAP, PCV7 vaccine administered electively for children 24 to 59 months of age should be given according to the schedule in Table 1. An alternative is administration of a single dose of the 23PS vaccine for all children 2 years of age or older. If PCV7 is used , a single dose of 23PS vaccine after administration of PCV7 should be considered, particularly in children of American Indian descent, to provide broadened pneumococcal serotype coverage. The dose of 23PS vaccine should be given no earlier than 6 to 8 weeks after the last dose of PCV7.

Healthy Children 5 Years of Age and Older

Health care professionals also may elect immunization with PCV7 or 23PS vaccine for certain children 60 months of age or older, although the risks for IPD are much lower in these older children, according to the AAP. Although data are limited, studies of small numbers of children with sickle-cell disease and HIV suggest that PCV7 is safe and immunogenic when administered to children up to 13 years of age. Therefore, administration of a single dose of PCV7 to children of any age, particularly children at high risk for IPD, is not contraindicated. However, 23PS also may be effective and immunogenic in older children at increased risk of invasive or severe respiratory tract infections caused by pneumococci. Therefore, immunization with a single dose of PCV7 or 23PS vaccine is acceptable. If both vaccines are used, they should be given 6 to 8 weeks apart.

Use of Pneumococcal Vaccine in Children With Severe or Recurrent Otitis Media

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines have not been successful in reducing the incidence of acute otitis media (AOM) in children of any age. Therefore, 23PS vaccine is not recommended for the prevention of AOM. However, PCV7 vaccine has effected a modest reduction (<10 ) in the incidence of AOM in children with a history of recurrent AOM (defined as three or more episodes in 6 months or four or more episodes in the year before vaccine administration). And PCV7 may be beneficial for children 24 to 59 months of age who have not previously received pneumococcal vaccines and who have a history of recurrent AOM or who have AOM complicated by placement of tympanostomy tubes.

Control of Pneumococcal Disease Among Children Attending Out-of-Home Care

Studies have found that rates of IPD among children attending out-of-home care are 2- to 3-fold higher than those among other healthy children of the same age group who are not enrolled in out-of-home care (defined as at least 4 hours per week in out-of-home care shared with at least two unrelated children). Immunization with 23PS vaccine does not reduce nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococci, and available data are insufficient to determine efficacy of PCV7 in preventing or interrupting nasopharyngeal carriage or transmission of pneumococcal infection in out-of home-care settings where one or more invasive pneumococcal infections have occurred. Until additional data become available, routine immunization with PCV7 or 23PS vaccine is not recommended for children in out-of-home care, although the elective use of either vaccine is not contraindicated.

Use of Pneumococcal Vaccines in Children With a History of Pneumococcal Disease

Children who have had IPD should receive all recommended doses of pneumococcal vaccines (PCV7 or 23PS) appropriate for their age and underlying condition. The full series of scheduled doses should be completed even if the series is interrupted by an episode of IPD.

Pneumococcal Vaccines: General Recommendations

Either PCV7 or 23PS may be given concomitantly with other vaccines. A separate syringe should be used for the injection of either type of pneumococcal vaccine, which should be administered at a different site than other vaccines given during the same visit. The concurrent administration of pneumococcal vaccine with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine, H influenzae type b conjugate vaccines, hepatitis B vaccine, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, and varicella vaccine has not been shown to meaningfully impair the immune response to other vaccines.

Rates of local reactions after administration of PCV7 are similar to those seen with H influenzae type b conjugate vaccines, although fever and local reactions occur more often with PCV7. The PCV7 vaccine does not contain thimerosal.

In patients in whom elective splenectomy is performed for any reason, immunization with PCV7 or 23PS should be performed at least 2 weeks before splenectomy. Immunization should precede the initiation of immune-compromising therapy by at least 2 weeks, the AAP indicated. In general, pneumococcal vaccines should not be administered during pregnancy, because the effects on the developing fetus are unknown.

Questions for the future

According to Jerome 0. Klein, MD, professor of pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, in Boston, Massachusetts, questions that remain to be answered after recommendations for use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine are implemented include
- What pattern of pneumococcal disease will be seen in the first few years following widespread use of the vaccine in infants and children?
- Will the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia decline?
- Will carriage of pneumococcal vaccine types be reduced, and will carriage of nonvaccine types increase?
- Will the use of antibiotics for respiratory infections and suspected invasive disease decline?
- Will the incidence of multidrug-resistant pneumococci decline? -

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PNEUMOCCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE

The following Q&As were adapted from the "Doctors Frequently Asked Questions" section of the Web site www.pneumo.com, which is provided as an educational service of Wyeth Lederle Vaccines.

Q: In addition to the fact that the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine can be given to children younger than 2 years, what are its benefits, compared with the currently licensed polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine?

Kathryn Edwards, MD, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee: The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine includes seven most common serotypes in children, whereas the vaccine contains the 23 most common serotypes in adults and children. The conjugate vaccine generates memory to the seven serotypes included in the vaccine, while the 23-valent does not generate memory to the 23 serotypes in the vaccine. The conjugate vaccine generates an immune response in children as young as 2 months of age, while the 23-valent vaccine does not generate antibody until a child is 2 years of age. The conjugate vaccine has been shown to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease in infants, whereas the 23-valent vaccine has not.

Q: If a patient received the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine at 2 years of age, would he still need to receive the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine between the ages of 3 and 5 years?

Dr. Edwards: The use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine booster doses in children who have been immunized with the 23-valent vaccine at the age of 2 years has been evaluated in a small number of studies to date. However, according to the available studies, it appears that the conjugate vaccine will result in a better antibody response than the 23-valent vaccine. The conjugate vaccine also primes for a memory response, so that subsequent boosters with the 23 valent vaccine would likely be very immunogenic. It has also been shown that children first receiving the 23-valent vaccine followed by the conjugate vaccine do not appear to have more frequent or severe local reactions.

Q: What about infants beginning the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine series at the 6-month well-child visit? Do they need the full four doses, or can an adequate response be achieved with doses at the 6-, 9-, and I 2-month visits?

George H. McCracken, Jr, MD, University of Texas South western Medical School, Dallas: Three doses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine after 6 months will produce protective antibody titers, but the infant could be unprotected at 2 to 6 months, especially if the mother did not have adequate antibody titers to all seven serotypes at the time of birth. The 2-, 4-, and 6-month regimen was studied because it was the time of other childhood immunizations and also was the time H influenzae type b vaccine was given with such excellent results.

Q: What are the recommendations for use of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in premature infants?

Dr. McCracken: For most premature infants, routine immunizations are given when they reach 2 months of age, unless they remain hospitalized for medical problems. I am sure there are few data on the immunogenicity of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for most premature, low birth-weight babies, but studies will be done in the near future. I would administer pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to most premature infants when they have reached 2 months of age.
source : Rougerknapp

Healthy Family

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

It seems that everyone is concerned with healthy living these days. This is a good thing; it is important to be concerned with your health and to look for better strategies to improve your life. On the other hand, it also seems like everyone has a quick solution for healthy living, for a hefty fee of course. It seems at times that you can't turn on the television or open a magazine without seeing a celebrity or doctor trying to get you to buy their new book detailing the latest miracle diet that will change your life, whether it is fresh ground wheat grass or a daily tin of Brazil nuts. The reality is that these diets are unnecessary. Healthy living is available to everyone, and does not depend on buying the latest diet book or the most expensive vitamins. All that you need to do is to start making healthy decisions.

How to eat healthy

The most important facet of your life that you need to change as you move towards healthy living is to start eating nutritious foods. Do not try to follow a trendy diet, just eat a balanced diet of nutritious foods. When you eat well, you lower your risk of many health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain kinds of cancer and osteoporosis. You will also give yourself more energy, allowing you to enjoy life again.

The most important group of foods, and the one that is most often the cause of poor diets, is fruit and vegetables. There is nothing particularly innovative about this advice; everyone knows that you need to eat your fruit and vegetables. The main problem is that so few people actually consume the seven to ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables they are supposed to have each day. And when they do eat fruit and vegetables, it is in forms that include added sugar, salt or fat.

The food group that we all eat too much of is meat. Try to limit your meat intake, and emphasize meat alternatives for your protein needs. While you definitely need meat or an alternative for the protein, most people eat far too much from this food group. You will be surprised at how little is actually required to get you through the day.

Get active

Once you have started eating well, it is time to go out and get some physical activity! Now, this does not mean that you have to incorporate a rigorous physical workout into your daily routine. Just including small amounts of physical activity in your life will make a difference. So take the stairs instead of the escalator, or walk to the corner store instead of driving four blocks. Start slowly and incorporate more physical activity into your life, and you will be amazed at how quickly the results will add up.

Have fun

The final component of healthy living is to have a healthy mind. Build up a strong peer group who will give you the social support you need to be truly happy. This will reduce your stress, which will only lead to a healthier body.

source : funny jokes (Go Article)

10 Great Family Fitness Exercise Ideas

Now that you've set the ground rules for sedentary activities, plan some family togetherness time. The idea is to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every day. So, how can you get your family moving in a way that's fun and doesn't feel like a punishment? Here are some easy ways to reach that goal together.

Walk to school. Lace up your walking shoes and join the kids for a brisk walk to and from school each day.
Check out physical participation video games. "I'm delighted with some of the newer action toys such as the [Nintendo] Wii games. People have the ability to play tennis, bowling, baseball, skateboarding, and snowboarding," Shannon says. "Kids love them. I'm generally trying to get kids away from the TV, but in this case, if they are swinging a bat or dancing, it's great."
Build strong bones. Be sure to include bone-strengthening exercise as well, such as hopscotch, jumping rope, gymnastics, or volleyball — any "weight-bearing" activity, one that you do standing up.
Take a tour of the park. Make going to the park a reward for a job well done, a good test grade, or anything that deserves a positive non-food reward. When you get there, play a fast game of Frisbee or pitch a ball.
Turn birthdays into an active adventure. Make your presents for birthdays related to activities. Plan a family ski or snow-tubing day trip or visit a nearby zoo. A bike makes a great gift for every family member, as does a basketball hoop in the driveway and a badminton net in the back yard. Make sure that Mom and Dad are included in the bike rides and pick-up games, too.
Get to the playground. Muscle-strengthening exercise doesn't mean just weight lifting. Take the kids to the playground to swing on the bars, climb a tree, or play tug-of-war.
Go to the head of the class. To learn a new activity, take a class together, such as martial arts, dance, or yoga — a favorite among hard-to-please teen girls.
Walk the dog. Treat your dog to daily walks that include the entire family.
Plant a garden. Whether you choose fruit and vegetables or just some pretty flowers, get the kids involved in an organic gardening project. They'll get some brisk exercise digging, planting, and weeding. Then the whole family can enjoy the fruits of their labor with fresh produce and cut flowers.
Follow your kids' lead. "This year I bought my granddaughter the Playskool Dance Cam because she loves to dance," Shannon says. "It takes a picture of a child dancing and puts it on TV dancing with cartoon characters. My basic words of advice are 'go with the flow.' If your child shows interest in some activity, such as dancing, encourage it and go with her to participate."

Souce: Kid's Health Center

By Lynn Yoffee

Medically reviewed By Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

Regards,
Samuel Gultom
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Vacation To Samosir

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 05:43:00 +0000

A Journey to our ancestor

Recently, my parents and me have been travelling to Toba Lake, Samosir, North Sumatera, Indonesia. That was a great experience with a beautiful sight all over the lake. For information, Toba lake is the World famous is the crater Toba Lake in the Batak highlands; approximately five hours drive from Medan. Toba Lake is the largest lake in South East Asia and also one of the most spectacular, surrounded by tall mountains and with the large island of Samosir in the middle. If we descend from the mountain we see the lake glittering in all its beauty. The Dutch writer Rudy Kousbroek even called Toba Lake, 'the most beautiful place on earth'. Most visitors stay on the peninsula of Tuk Tuk on Samosir, named after the linguist Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk. In general people stay several days on Samosir to discover the island, to visit traditional Batak villages, to swim in the lake and go to the hot springs in Pangururan. (source : Toba Lake Tourism)

We spent a week for that journey. Even I have to celebrate my fourth birthday in Pangururan, Samosir. I was very happy, swim, travel, and looking for a new experience. Actually, everything at Samosir was a new to me.... the traditional batak houses, animals, culture and the environment, totally new experience to me. We visited our families, our ancestor grave, and many activities.

This vacation was mean to me.....

Me and Nathan ride a Becak

Me at originally batak houses

Playing while waiting for sunset

Regards,

Samuel Gultom
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Infant Vaccinations

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:46:00 +0000

Some parents are choosing to space out and delay recommended vaccines because they're worried that their infants are getting too many shots too soon, potentially contributing to later mental health issues.

The issue has been especially persistent when it comes to autism, which some believe is tied to vaccines, although numerous studies have discounted such a link.

However, a study published online May 24 in the journal Pediatrics finds no neurological benefit to delaying immunizations during the first year of life.

Researchers at the University of Louisville analyzed the health records of more than 1,000 children. After comparing the kids' performance on 42 neuropsychological tests between the ages of 7 and 10 against the timeliness of vaccination during the first year of life, the researchers found no evidence that delaying vaccines gave children any advantage in terms of brain development.

"Our study shows that there is only a downside to delaying vaccines, and that is an increased susceptibility to potentially deadly infectious diseases," said lead researcher Dr. Michael J. Smith, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. "We hope these findings will encourage more parents to vaccinate according to the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule, and reassure them that they're making a safe choice when they do so."

Smith said the study is the first to evaluate the long-term neuropsychological impacts of multiple vaccinations received in the first seven months of life. In the past few years, more and more parents are asking their pediatricians for an alternative vaccine schedule, "but we found that nobody had really looked at whether there are any advantages to delaying vaccines," he said.

Using publicly available records collected for a previous study of exposure to the vaccine preservative thimerosal, Smith and co-author Dr. Charles Woods reviewed the immunization records of 1,047 children born between 1993 and 1997, as well as their performance on 42 in-depth neuropsychological tests taken between 2003 and 2004. Children were classified as up-to-date if they had received at least two hepatitis B, three diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), three Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) and two polio vaccines on time during the first seven months of life. A vaccine was considered on time if it was given within 30 days of the recommended age.

The developmental tests included assessments of speech and language, fine motor coordination, behavior regulation, general intellectual functioning and other abilities.

Two separate analyses were performed. In the first, children with timely receipt of vaccination were compared to all other children in the study who had delays in receipt of one or more doses. In a second analysis, children who received the maximum number of vaccines in the first seven months of life were compared to those who received the fewest vaccines in the study group.

In both analyses, the researchers found no evidence to suggest that multiple vaccines in the first year of life negatively impact a child's cognitive abilities later. In fact, the first analysis revealed that children who received all their vaccines on time performed slightly better on two of the 42 tests, after adjustment for familial and socioeconomic factors. Kids who missed or were late on one or more doses of vaccine didn't do better on any test.

Vaccine expert Dr. Gary L. Freed, director of the Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit at the University of Michigan Health System, said he wasn't surprised by the findings, since "there's never been any evidence whatsoever that delaying vaccines does any good for any child." And the reason children receive so many vaccines at such young ages is because "the life-threatening diseases that they protect against are most likely to attack at these ages," he said.

The researchers pointed out that newborns now receive two additional vaccines and one that has been reformulated, so more studies are needed to confirm this study's implications for new generations of babies. However, they also noted that infants' immune systems are actually exposed to fewer vaccine antigens now than they were during the period covered by this study, so the findings are likely to be similar.

more source : CDC

Articles: Jakarta Post

RI to produce H1N1, H5N1 vaccines

The government, together with state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma, plans to start producing vaccines for the H1N1 and H5N1 strains of influenza by November 2010.

The plan was revealed Monday during the inauguration ceremony of Airlangga University's avian influenza research center (AIRC) bio safety level-3 (BSL-3) in Surabaya by Vice President Boediono.

"I hope the vaccines to be produced will be beneficial to the people of Indonesia," Boediono said.

The center's team of researchers handed over the seed vaccines for both H1N1 and H5N1 to Boediono, who in turn gave them to Health Minister Endang Rahayu Setyaningsih as a symbolic gesture. The minister then passed them on to PT Bio Farma.

Also attending the ceremony were National Education Minister Muhammad Nuh, East Java Governor Soekarwo, Deputy Governor Syaifullah Yusuf and Airlangga University's rector Fasichul Lisan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Boediono expressed his pride that the team of researchers could successfully develop the seed vaccines.

He also encouraged academics and industry to develop other vaccines as well as master the technology to do so for the benefit of the people.

As Indonesia is plagued by tropical diseases, the challenge was to find and develop successful vaccines, he said.

PT Bio Farma director Iskandar said the government had allocated Rp 1.3 trillion (US$139 million) to fund the research, development and production of the vaccines.

He said his company had planned to begin clinical trials in March 2010 and would start producing the H1N1 vaccine by November 2010. "We will produce about 20 million doses in our first production run," he said.

Health Minister Endang said researchers and paramedics would receive vaccines from the first production run, arguing that they were the ones who were critically exposed to the viruses in their work.

Center researcher C.A. Nidom said his team had begun research on the vaccines in 2006 after the Health Ministry handed over five strains of the avian flu virus. In August 2009, it again gave them six strains of the influenza A virus.

Following research, the 13-member team comprising researchers from Airlangga University and PT Bio Farma finally succeeded in creating and developing seed vaccines for both infectious diseases.

Nidom also expressed optimism that the vaccines would be effective in preventing the spread of the diseases among human beings, especially after his team found the vaccines effective in trials on marmots, mice and monkeys.

He claimed that Bio Farma would be successful in mass producing the vaccines as it was the only vaccine producer in Southeast Asia.

Speaking previously in Bandung, Iskandar said the vaccine factory would be established simultaneously with the development of a chicken farm in Lembang, North Bandung.

Around 48,000 poultry seeds will be developed at the facility to support the production of the vaccines by providing clean embryonated eggs as the media for developing the flu viruses using Japanese technology.

Regards,

Samuel Gultom
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Vitamins and Minerals

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:00:00 +0000

What You Eat is Just as Important as How Much You Eat

Your body is growing a baby, and you need the right kind of fuel to do a good job. Vitamins and minerals help your body use the energy provided by foods. They also help repair and maintain cells and tissues. A prenatal supplement is a vitamin and mineral supplement you can take daily to make sure you're getting the right amount of certain important nutrients during pregnancy.

In general, you'll want to look for one that contains more of certain nutrients (such as folic acid and iron) that you may not be able to get enough of from your diet. Just as important is to find one that includes no more than the recommended amounts of other nutrients (particularly vitamin A) that can be harmful to your baby if you take too much.

This is one of the reasons that most prenatal supplements contain vitamin A at least partly in the form of beta-carotene, a nutrient that you get from fruits and vegetables that converts to vitamin A in the body. Unlike vitamin A from animal products, which has been known to cause birth defects when taken in high doses before conception or during pregnancy, beta-carotene is not considered to be toxic in high doses.

You may also want to take an omega-3 supplement. In addition to the many wonderful things omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to do, including improving the health of your heart, preventing cancer, reducing hypertension, and easing symptoms of lupus and other autoimmune diseases, it can also do some wonderful things for your baby. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids help improve brain and eye development in the fetus and baby. Plus, extra amounts of omega-3 can help you ward off depression.

Variety is the Key to Health
What are some good choices? Fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and pastas, milk products, and low-fat protein sources such as lean red meat, beans, tofu, poultry and some fish. (See Food to Avoid for a list of fish that are off-limits to pregnant women.)

Folic Acid
If you eat well and have no specific risk factors, the experts do not agree about whether you need to take a prenatal supplement. So talk with your practitioner about what's right for you. But everyone does agree that you need to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid a day in addition to the folic acid you get from food.

Start taking folic acid at least a month before you start trying to get pregnant and during your first trimester. In fact, since half of all pregnancies are unplanned, the U.S. Public Health Service recommends that ALL women of childbearing age take 400 mcg of folic acid a day. That's because research has shown that doing this can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in your baby by up to 70 percent.

If you do take a prenatal supplement, it's likely to contain between 600 and 1,000 mcg of folic acid. If you don't take one, make sure you still take a separate folic acid supplement. If you've previously had a baby with neural tube defects, you'll need to take 4,000 mcg, or 4 milligrams, of this vitamin each day starting at least a month before conception; see your practitioner about getting a prescription for pills that provide this larger dose.

Women with Certain Health Issues
Women with dietary restrictions or pregnancy complications need to take a prenatal supplement - and not just for the folic acid and iron. This includes vegetarians and vegans; women who are lactose-intolerant or have certain other food intolerances; smokers and women who abuse other substances; women who are having twins or higher multiples; and women with certain blood disorders and chronic diseases. If any of these situations apply to you, talk to your caregiver about what kind of supplement is best for you.

Important Vitamins and Minerals:

Calcium (1,000mg) Where to get it: Dairy foods, dark leafy greens, calcium-fortified soy milk, calcium-fortified juices and cereals
Folate (folic acid is the synthetic form, available in supplements)(600mcg) Where to get it: Dried beans, peas, lentils, orange juice, oranges, dark leafy greens, soy nuts, avocados, broccoli, asparagus
Iron (27mg) Where to get it: Liver, meat, seafood, prune juice, dry beans, wheat germ, oatmeal, tofu, soy nuts, grains
Protein (70g) Where to get it: Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy foods, beans and legumes, nuts
Vitamin C (85mg) Where to get it: Citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, dark leafy greens, broccoli, Brussel sprouts
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (200-300mg)Where to get it: Salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, leafy-green vegetables

What the Experts Say
Your health care provider will most likely recommend you take prenatal multivitamins containing the recommended amounts of vitamins, including folic acid. Your prenatal vitamin is crucial throughout pregnancy to support the growth of the baby, so be sure you take it every day. In fact, your need for iron doubles during pregnancy, and you may not be able to get enough from your diet.

Some pregnant women need to take a 30-milligram iron supplement during their second and third trimesters to help prevent anemia. Your health care provider will recommend one if you need it. Your provider also may recommend a calcium supplement if you are unable to consume dairy products. Never take a supplement that contains more than the Daily Value (DV) of vitamins and minerals without talking to your health care provider, because large doses of certain vitamins (such as vitamin A) may harm your baby.

source : Pregnancy-Info

7 More Vital Vitamins for Pregnant Woman

When you are pregnant it is important that you fully appreciate the significance of vitamins and minerals. They are essential for the healthy development of your unborn baby. Therefore, you need to know what the various vitamins do and more importantly how you can make them a part of your diet. In this article there are seven of these important vitamins and minerals in greater detail

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):- This vitamin helps your baby's brain and nervous system develop. In some cases it has also been noted to reduce morning sickness. Pyridoxine can be sourced in; bananas, watermelon, chick peas and chicken breast.
Calcium:- This mineral is essential for the development of your baby's bones and your need for this mineral will increase greatly during pregnancy. Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoprosis (porous bones) and reduce the strength of your baby's bones. Calcium is contained in lots of dairy products such as; milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, tofu and broccoli.
Vitamin E:- This vitamin helps a baby's muscles and red blood cells to develop. A lack of Vitamin E has been linked with low birthweight, whilst getting too much of this vitamin has been associated with stillbirth. It is therefore vital that you ask for your doctor's advice before considering Vitamin E supplementation. You can get Vitamin E in a number of foods including; vegetable oil, nuts, and fortified cereals.
Iron:- This mineral plays a major role in the development of red blood cells which are required for the healthy development of your baby. Iron is also an important mineral in the growth of the placenta. Iron can be sourced from; red meats, vegetables, grains and fortified cereals.
Protein:- Protein is one of the core building blocks in all your baby's body cells. The need for protein increases during the second and third trimester of your pregnancy. Many dietary products are rich in protein including; meat, fish, eggs, cheese and tofu. It can also be found in supplements such as bars and shakes.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin):- This vitamin is essential for the development of your baby's central nervous system. Not getting enough Thiamin can put your baby at risk of beriberi which can damage the baby's heart and lungs. Foods which contain Thiamin include; whole grain foods, wheat germ and eggs.
Zinc:- This mineral is highly important for cell growth in your unborn baby. Zinc also promotes the production of enzymes such as insulin in pregnant women. Zinc can be found in; red meats, poultry, beans, grains and dairy products.

Vitamins and minerals are a crucial part of any pregnant woman's diet. I hope this article gives you some guidance on which vitamins you need and where you can find them. However, for professional advice on the vitamins and minerals you will require during your pregnancy you should consult your doctor.

source : Article Base

Morning Sickness : My Mom's Got Pregnant

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:33:00 +0000

My Mom's always looks pale every morning, she looks not so health and always go to bathroom. One day I ask my mom to feed me while I was playing my computer, but she seems to be not so encourage with that. "May be you should ask your sister to feed you, my boy", mom said and ask my sister (nanny) to feed me.

Well, after a couple days, I realize that my mom's got pregnant, and waiting for my little brother to delivery. I do hope that my Mom's give me little brother . Of course, I can play better with my him someday.

Morning Sickness

The following are safe, proven treatments for morning sickness. Still, few women gain complete relief from morning sickness treatment. Taking ginger or doxylamine is most likely to effectively curb nausea and vomiting.

Certain antihistamines like doxylamine or dimenhydrinate, taken as your doctor advises, may relieve morning sickness.² If one of these antihistamines alone does not relieve your morning sickness, you can try taking it with vitamin B6.³
Ginger, taken regularly as a powder in a capsule, grated fresh into hot water for a tea, or in syrup or crystallized form, can significantly relieve morning sickness after a few days of treatment.³
Vitamin B6 and B12, taken regularly as your doctor advises, can reduce nausea and vomiting.
Acupressure, firmly placed on the P6 point (the inner side of your arm, in line with your middle finger and one-sixth of the way between your wrist and elbow), relieves nausea for some women.

Follow these guidelines for minimizing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Keep food in your stomach but not too much. An empty stomach can make nausea worse. Eat several small meals every day instead of three large meals.
For morning nausea, eat a small snack (like crackers) before you get out of bed. Allow a few minutes for the snack to digest, then get out of bed slowly.
Stay hydrated. Drink a lot of fluids. Try a sports hydration drink, as well as water, broth, or juice.
Eat more protein, and cut your fatty food intake.
Avoid smells and foods that make you feel nauseated. Citrus juice, milk, coffee, and caffeinated tea commonly make nausea worse.
Avoid iron supplements, which can make nausea worse. These aren't necessary during the first trimester.
Get lots of rest. Stress and fatigue can make morning sickness worse.

Contact your doctor immediately if you vomit more than 3 times a day or are unable to take fluids, especially if you also have pain, fever, or both.

First Trimester of Pregnancy

No matter how well you prepare for your pregnancy, you may not be able to fully anticipate all of the different changes that are about to take place in your body. During the first trimester (the first three months after your last menstrual period), these changes will help your baby develop and prepare your body to nourish the baby.

Knowing what to expect can help you get ready for the months ahead and learn to distinguish between symptoms that are just uncomfortable and signs that there might be a real problem with your pregnancy.

What to Expect: Changes in Your Body

Pregnancy is different for every woman. Some women glow with good health and vitality during those first three months; others feel absolutely miserable. Here are some of the changes you might experience, what they mean, what you can do to relieve any uncomfortable symptoms, and which signs warrant a call to your doctor.

Bleeding. About 25% of pregnant women experience some bleeding during their first trimester. Early in the pregnancy, light spotting may be a sign that the fertilized embryo has implanted in the uterus. However, if you have significant bleeding, cramping, or sharp pain in your abdomen, call your doctor. These could be signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in which the embryo implants outside of the uterus).

Breast tenderness. Sore breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. They're triggered by hormonal changes, which are preparing your milk ducts to feed your baby, and will probably last through the first trimester. Going up a bra size (or more) and wearing a support bra can make you feel more comfortable; you can go back to the lacy bras after your baby is finished nursing.

Constipation. During pregnancy, the muscle contractions that normally move food through your intestines slow because of higher levels of the hormone progesterone. Add to that the extra iron you're getting from your prenatal vitamin, and the result is uncomfortable constipation and gas that can keep you feeling bloated throughout your pregnancy. Increase your fiber intake and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly. Physical activity can also help.

If your constipation is really bothering you, talk to your doctor about what mild laxative or stool softeners are safe to use during pregnancy.

Discharge. It's normal to see a thin, milky white discharge (called leukorrhea) early in your pregnancy. You can wear a panty liner if it makes you feel more comfortable, but don't use a tampon because it can introduce germs into the vagina. If the discharge is foul-smelling, green, or yellow, or if there's a lot of clear discharge, call your doctor.

Fatigue. Your body is working hard to support a growing fetus, which can wear you out more easily than usual. Take naps or rest when you need to throughout the day. Also make sure you're getting enough iron (too little can lead to anemia, which can cause excess fatigue).

Regards,

Samuel Gultom Store
Directory of Children Blogs
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Vitamin Knowledge

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Sat, 15 May 2010 05:47:00 +0000

Vitamins are essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy life. Although most people get all the vitamins they need from the foods they eat, millions of people worldwide take supplemental vitamins as part of their health regimen.

Why Buy Vitamins?

There are many good reasons to consider taking vitamin supplements, such as over-the-counter multivitamins. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a doctor may recommend that you take them:

for certain health problems
if you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Vitamin Facts

Your body uses vitamins for a variety of biological processes, including growth, digestion, and nerve function. There are 13 vitamins that the body absolutely needs: vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate). AAFP cites two categories of vitamins.

Water-soluble vitamins are easily absorbed by the body, which doesn't store large amounts. The kidneys remove those vitamins that are not needed.
Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed into the body with the use of bile acids, which are fluids used to absorb fat. The body stores these for use as needed.

Develop a Vitamin Strategy

It is important for consumers to have an overall strategy for how they will achieve adequate vitamin intakes. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advises that nutrient needs be met primarily through consuming foods, with supplementation suggested for certain sensitive populations.

These guidelines, published by the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provide science-based advice to promote health and to reduce risk for chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. They form the basis for federal food, nutrition education, and information programs.

Barbara Schneeman, Ph.D., Director of FDA's Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, says, "The Guidelines emphasize that supplements may be useful when they fill a specific identified nutrient gap that cannot or is not otherwise being met by the individual's intake of food." She adds, "An important point made in the guidelines is that nutrient supplements are not a substitute for a healthful diet."

Special Nutrient Needs

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, many people consume more calories than they need without taking in recommended amounts of a number of nutrients. The Guidelines warn that there are numerous nutrients—including vitamins—for which low dietary intake may be a cause of concern. These nutrients are:

calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A (as carotenoids), C, and E (for adults)
calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E (for children and adolescents)
vitamin B-12, iron, folic acid, and vitamins E and D (for specific population groups).

Regarding the use of vitamin supplements, the Dietary guidelines include the following:

Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups. At the same time, choose foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol.
Meet recommended nutrient intakes within energy needs by adopting a balanced eating pattern, such as one of those recommended in the USDA Food Guide or the National Institute of Health's Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan.
If you're over age 50, consume vitamin B-12 in its crystalline form, which is found in fortified foods or supplements.
If you're a woman of childbearing age who may become pregnant, eat foods high in heme-iron and/or consume iron-rich plant foods or iron-fortified foods with an iron-absorption enhancer, such as foods high in vitamin C.
If you're a woman of childbearing age who may become pregnant or is in the first trimester of pregnancy, consume adequate synthetic folic acid daily (from fortified foods or supplements) in addition to food forms of folate from a varied diet.
If you are an older adult, have dark skin, or are exposed to insufficient ultraviolet band radiation (such as sunlight), consume extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements.

How Vitamins are Regulated

Vitamin products are regulated by FDA as "Dietary Supplements." The law defines dietary supplements, in part, as products taken by mouth that contain a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet.

Listed in the "dietary ingredient" category are not only vitamins, but minerals, botanicals products, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, microbial probiotics, and metabolites. Dietary supplements can also be extracts or concentrates, and may be found in many forms. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 requires that all such products be labeled as dietary supplements.

In June 2007, FDA established dietary supplement "current Good Manufacturing Practice" (cGMP) regulations requiring that manufacturers evaluate their products through testing identity, purity, strength, and composition.

Risks of Overdoing It

As is the case with all dietary supplements, the decision to use supplemental vitamins should not be taken lightly, says Vasilios Frankos, Ph.D., Director of FDA's Division of Dietary Supplement Programs.

"Vitamins are not dangerous unless you get too much of them," he says. "More is not necessarily better with supplements, especially if you take fat-soluble vitamins.” For some vitamins and minerals, the National Academy of Sciences has established upper limits of intake (ULs) that it recommends not be exceeded during any given day. (For more information, visit http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6432#toc)

Sammy : Wanna Be A Soldier

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:49:00 +0000

Everyone, I think has a dream and pretend wanna be somewhat in the future. Like others kids in the world, I do have a dream too. Being a soldier is one of my favorite "i am gonna' be". Look, I like playing and act like a ninjas, and pretend to be Naruto...one of my favourite movie....

"Me Act Like A Ninjas"

My Grandpa was a soldier,,,, I do know him only by his picture, that my parents show me. I really like my Grandpa,,,I don't know where's the feeling comes in. At the moment I saw his pict, I think, I am alike his.

"My Beloved Grandpa"

Well... it is fun to pretend as a soldier as well. My father and me always play like a soldier or a police. We seek a bad guy and try to eliminated the threat...
What do you expect for a three years old kids to be,,,, I don't have bedwetting anymore, even I go to toilet for "puk"...That's why my parents like my progress...
Now... I am gonna be a soldier..like my Grandpa..

"As A Soldier : Salute To All"

Accomplished Training Toilet Less Than A Day

You might be setting a goal to finish the toilet training less than a day so that for the days to come you will be absolved from changing diapers, will not waste anymore time to deal with resistance and rejection and also to spend more time with your child. However, this cannot be done with just one click of a remote. You have to work your way through to your child's trust and capability to cooperate with the toilet training.

First and foremost, you have to set your child's mind that in a few days both of you will go through the process of toilet training. Make him or her mentally ready for the training. It is easier this way than surprising your child by tomorrow that the potty training is going to start. This will also give your child the time to think and express what he or she thinks about toilet training the next day. Both of you will be able to communicate and this will give you an overview of how to deal with your child when the toilet training will come

After you have set your child mentally, prepare him or her physically. You can start by making him or her wear underwear or potty training pants and not diapers. Take off the diaper while talk to him or her about the benefits of the underwear or potty training pants that he or she will be wearing in the next few days. This will give your child an idea that you are really serious with the training and that he needs to learn as early as possible so that in time, he or she will not have a hard time using the toilet.

In pulling off your child's diaper, you will also arrive with an idea whether your child will cooperate or resist. It is a good sign when he or she cooperates at the start of pulling his or her diaper and changing him or her into the underwear. If your child shows eagerness then most probably the toilet training will not be as hard as you think. In addition, you may make your child pass through many times in the area where the potty is located. Show him or her the toilet and ask what he or she thinks about it. This will be very helpful because then your child's attitude will show before the toilet training will occur. You will see if your child likes the site of a toilet or not.

It is very important to prepare your child for everything you have planned so that it will not be a shock to him or her that you involved him or her in your activity. By the third day, when all is set, you will no longer have a hard time toilet training your child. Because for the past two days you have prepared your child for this, both of you will accomplish the toilet training less than a day.

Source :Liyah Cherby

Regards,

Samuel Gultom Store
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Working Together With My Mom's

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:14:00 +0000

I always love when I play with my parents. Since they are very busy during working days, so we use to play on Saturday. There are more fun if both my parents playing with me all day. What should you expect as a toddler,,,, playing is my world.

Last Saturday, my Mom's got sick, so she did not go to work. I was very worry for her, she look pale and tired. My Mom asked me if I could play with her while she was at home. It very please to me because I have my Mom play with me.

"Working together with my Mom's"

Sunday in the family
by Janne Marie

Following lines are addressed to those who need a little color in the life of the couple, who want to find the festive atmosphere of the beginning, who want to escape from the routine on Sundays and want to try something else. Neuro-linguistic programming is a very interesting, saying that doing the same thing, you get the same result. Change occurs when you do something else than before. Definition of frustration is to do the same things and expect different results.

Many people complain that the husband or wife is, for years, in a certain way. These people should ask themselves what to do, so some of their behavior to be different. What can change in attitude to each? It's sort of negotiation and is recommended to start with small things that can be done without too much effort for each of the partners of the couple.

It is important to know that it existed in a couple, he and their design, which we call the relationship of the couple. An essential element of functionality that couple relationships is the life that is manifest. By this we mean a residence, home, where we are together, but what We call the framework and create psychological space for each couple as their relationship. With these elements, sometimes it is enough just to change the space and, leaving the routine, we can achieve spectacular results.

Without financial and psychological costs high, we can try over the weekend that's going or why not, and during the week, a change of environment in two, with one essential rule: every quarter of an hour spent together each of the other two to give something, a gesture, a kiss, a melon ice cream, a star, a handshake, a gesture of tenderness ... Or more, depending on how rich is each within his soul.

Do many couples are aware of the joy of being together in one weekend? To spend holidays together in an extraordinarily pleasant, without millions to spend, without drive for hours. You can choose to start the morning at 10.00 and never drink coffee at home in the kitchen. There are terraces quiet and clean, with palm trees and swings, on Sunday mornings when regular customers of these places are asleep, after reveling in the night.

He will start the morning swinging in a rocking chair could be the first step towards a day when you can float. After coffee, you can take a stroll in a little park and, guaranteed, this equates to one in the Garden of Eden. Tell are flourished, their smell is the divine right, the roses have bloomed and you can stroll hand, admirandu them. Sit on a bench, smelling Tell and taking you by the hand. You, more mature this time to renew your vows of love. You look at kids who run and remember those moments when your children were the same age, their smile, happiness, joy ... Or you can now build a future where your child to run the little park.

In gardens and parks miracles happen every Sunday. You can then pass through the market to buy strawberries, which was to enjoy the afternoon together. Then, towards evening, out of the house, no matter how housework should be, to admire the musical fountains, even an air of celebration. Or take a romantic walk. You can kiss as a teenager, when all dreams were possible. Somewhere, in a park after 22.00, all will have an unreal beauty. All is for you two. Do you think that would be a shame that so much beauty to be wasted?

Learn How to Build Self Esteem and Encourage Your Child
By Jenny Gandhi

Like a bud to a flower that blossoms to share its fragrance with the world, a child is as delicate. And the nurturing shapes his future where he would either stand tall or cow down.

Shaping a child is like shaping clay, you have to start from the beginning and work your way to the end with extreme caution but with gentle and loving hands. However unlike clay, you don't get a second chance with a child. You can put all the clay back together and start again but with a child, what is done is done. Hence it's even more caution with care.

Building a child's esteem is no small play; it makes your black hair grey, steals away years of your life and still will not look done. Hence you have to learn how to build self esteem and encourage your child from the beginning. After all parenting begins from babyhood.

Small instance could leave large impact on your child's mind. Reason why you should not overlook something that went wrong as petty. If another child pushed your kid, everyone laughed and you told your son to forget it, that's the first wrong step. Of course it's no eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth syndrome that you have to imbibe. But you have to teach your child to stand up for himself. Don't let your child crumble inside. Tell him to ask the child why is he hitting him or complain to the nearest adult he can reach.

Most of all before you preach to a child you have to be a living example. If you go around bullying people, your kids will do the same. If you are a coward yourself and do not stand up to situations, do not expect your child not to follow you. Children are like monkeys, they ape every action. From how you eat to how you handle situations.

Building self esteem begins at home. Small assertive acts make a positive impact on your child. Below are a few ways to learn how to build self esteem and encourage your child

Praise your child for finishing homework
Appreciate him for switching off the lights
Thank him for doing the dishes or keeping his room tidy
Give him a hug every time he does well in a test
Reward him for not procrastinating
Cook his favourite dish every time he keeps his word
Take him to the movies or the place that they like for doing well in test or for coming home in time after play.

"I love play with my computer"

Regards,

Samuel Gultom Store
Directory of Children Blogs
Baby-Parenting.co.uk

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The Health Benefits of Laughter

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:04:00 +0000

Laughter is the universal language that symbolizes joy or happiness and often a response to something amusing. The expression of laughter can range from sounds of loud vocal outburst to quiet chuckles that involve facial and bodily movement. Is there good medicine in laughter? If you are spiritual, you may have read in Proverbs 17:22 that: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed or angry spirit dries up the bones”

How can you cheer an angry person? Case Situation: You have a wife who is angry, or mad, to the point that she refuses to talk, (my wife has been this angry on some occasions). If you are concerned about the social and health consequences of her anger, making her laugh might be the best medicine to loosen tension and initiate the dialogue that would erase the anger and later restore health for the family. What can you do in the above case situation? Try the “incongruity theory of laughter”; which states that people laugh when they observe things appear together, that do not normally go well together. Example: with the angry wife, the “incongruity theory of laughter can be applied like this: in a surprise mood, show-up at the dinner table wearing her nightgown (if it fits) and insist on keeping it on till the end of the dinner; - husband in wife’s nightgown! two things that are not expected together. This will likely generate a big laugh. Based on the same theory, you may also try this: put a piece of masking tape over your reading glasses, walk to the dinner table and pretend to read an interesting newspaper article to your angry wife, and children if applicable (masking tape over reading glasses- two things that normally do not appear or expected together; this can also generate a big laugh or chuckle that can loosen the angry wife’s tension. You should thereafter discuss the cause of the anger, and lo and behold, will reap the emotional-health benefit of laughter.

How does laughter lead to good health? Laughter helps us release negative emotions, which when held inside may cause biochemical changes that produce illness. Situations that stimulate laughter differ from one culture to another; hence situation and event that produce laughter in one culture might be offensive in another culture.

Are there interesting research findings about laughter? Yes!, and here is a list: less than 20% of laughter is related to jokes; people are more likely to laugh in groups than when alone; women laugh more often than men; most laughter is in the context of regular conversation, rather than in attempts to stimulate laughs; Speakers laugh more than listeners; males are leading producers of humor; females are the leading laughers; laughter produces activities in cells that attacks viruses and tumor cells, hence frequent laughers are healthier than frequent frowners; it takes 72 muscles to frown and 14 to laugh, hence laughers look younger than frowners; bad feelings lead to bad habits, people with bad feelings frown more and laugh less; people who look at the bright side of things, laugh more often and are healthier; laughing is contagious; those who laugh or smile, make others laugh or smile.

What are other benefits of laugher? Reduction of stress hormones and stress-like symptoms; decrease risk for blood clots, heart attack and stroke; improve immune system to fight off infections; lowered blood pressure and prevention of hypertension; improves respiration, due to the large volume of air exchanged in the laughing process (it is an internal workout); prevention of life-threatening illnesses, and improved circulation which enables the body to look healthier and younger.

What are social and psychological health benefits of laughter? Laughter is a social glue (improves bonding), those who laugh more attract more friends in their lives; improves communications and closeness (people like to be around those who can make them laugh, since laughing lubricates conversation); serves as channel for harmless release of emotions; provides other perspectives in tough times, and increases socialization and enhances communication

How can you make yourself to laugh more often? Practice the three Rs:

Remind yourself to look for something humorous in your life and from others;
Remember the humor when it occurs; and
Retell what happened to someone else.

Individuals who are more relaxed and spontaneous, laugh more, cause the most laughs, are more creative, and often have more friends; they are also healthier, live longer, and also more likely to have healthier marriages. Note: Situations that produce laughter differ from culture to culture, hence as you practice the three Rs, to enjoy “the good medicine” in laughter, try to be culturally sensitive, and never, never make fun of others by laughing at them.

The “Good Medicine” in Laughter
by Youmasu J. Siewe, Ph.D, MPH.

Laughter is a key component of a happy life and it has powerful physical and mental benefits. No matter what you're facing, you can learn to laugh and benefit from its healing ways.

Funny movies, sitcoms, cute toddlers, and a good friend’s jokes can all offer one of the most powerful, natural stress relievers out there: laughter.

“I think one of the best things is that laughter increases your sense of humor,” says Lynda Tourloukis, a certified laughter teacher based in Park Ridge, Ill. A motivational speaker and life coach, Tourloukis says she became interested in the healing benefits of laughter after she and her husband spent a weekend chuckling and guffawing at a seminar offered by the Humor Project, an organization that focuses on "the positive power of humor." Now she trains other laughter teachers and has become a personal laughter advocate.

The Benefits of Laughter
The benefits of a good laugh are wide-ranging and can include protection from emotional issues like depression and improving the health of your heart. Here's what experts know about the health benefits of laughter:

Mental health benefits. Although you probably can’t laugh off depression, one of the many benefits of laughter and a sense of humor is that they buffer you against the negatives of life that could lead to depression. As an added bonus, studies show that people who use humor to fight stress also feel less lonely and more positive about themselves.
Physical benefits. Although we can’t yet say that a certain number of laughs every day will keep the doctor away, studies show that people who say they laugh a lot also tend to be in good health and generally feel well. Laughter is also one of the most commonly used complementary therapies among cancer patients, who find that one of the benefits of laughter is an improved quality of life.
Heart health benefits. Laughter could be healthy for your heart, too. Some research shows that when you laugh, there is an increase in oxygen-rich blood flow in your body, possibly due to the release of endorphins, which create a chemical rush that counters negative feelings and stress. Activities that increase endorphins include a good workout and listening to music you love, and laughter deserves its place on the list with these other stress busters.

Building Laughter Into Your Life
Loving the benefits of laughter but don’t feel like laughing? Sometimes you have to make a conscious effort to laugh. If you’re facing tough times such as a tight budget, work stress, or an illness like cancer, it may help to learn techniques to bring the benefits of laughter into your life. You can try the old stand-by recommendations:

Rent a funny movie, read a funny book, or watch a funny sitcom.
Spend time with an amusing buddy.
Look on the light side: Go places that help you remember good times that have made you laugh in the past.

Or you can join the "laughter movement" to learn about the benefits of laughter while fighting stress:

Practice laughter yoga. This specialized combination of yoga breathing techniques and exhalation creates a self-induced “laugh” that provides all the benefits of laughter rooted in humor. You can include this practice in your day by adding a little “ha ha ha” when you shake hands or introduce yourself — to fellow laughter fans, of course! Check out Laughter Yoga International for more information.
Find a laughter group. “It’s always my recommendation to get together with other people to laugh. It’s a little hard to laugh alone, unless you have practiced it,” Tourloukis says. At Laughter Yoga International you can search over 6,000 social laughter clubs around the world to find one closest to you.
Have a “woohoo!” Tourloukis hosts a free daily laughter call that is only 20 minutes long and ends with a laugh-inducing “woohoo!” But she says anytime you look at the clock, if it’s 20 minutes past the hour, your own “Woohoo!” will help bring a smile to your face.

Any day is a good day to start laughing more, but if you need a more significant date to get started with this goal, pencil it in for the first Sunday of May, World Laughter Day.

Source : Madeline Vann, MPH

Regards,

Samuel Gultom Store
Directory of Children Blogs
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Christmas and New Year Moment

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:03:00 +0000

Happy New Year Everybody........

Well,, now we are going through year 2010. There were plenty moment to share...

So much memories here.........

Jojo, Rizky and Me (sammy)

Jojo my cousin

Regards,

Samuel Gultom Store
Directory of Children Blogs
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Amazingly,,,I Actually had a Haircut

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Never though before that I have to haircut by someone else besides my Dad... He usually cut my hair while I was sleep lately night or even early morning. It took my Dad more than hour just just to cut my hair. My Dad did that since I was a little baby...of course I just a toddler right now, but I mean that my Dad begin to haircut me since I was 6 months old...

I always scared to go to the barber or salon to have haircut, the "tools" that can "loose"(cut) the hair make me worry. Imagine the hair fell from the head,,, it always make me nervous to see that things. There were an experience while my Dad took me to his barber shop,,, stood like a fool and all can I do was asked my my Dad when we can go home...

Today,,, is a big story for me, and my parents. Somehow, I didn't refuse when my Mom asked me to go to salon and get haircut. It was a major experience to me and I don't think I can do that any more in the future. You can imagine, I just sit and almost not breath while the electric things cut my hair... My mom cheer me up ... she said that I have to keep my promise to her about to go to saloon to get haircut. That's it....why should I have to promised her such a thing...

Anyway.... it is good to have a nice hair style.., no matter you avoid your haircut,,,, you shoul go for it... (of course to all toddler friends,,,)

I will give you a tips from a toddler stylist;

As a stylist, the toddler haircut is not unfamiliar to me. They come in regularly and there many ways the experience can go, ranging from both good and very bad extremes. I have even written before about when to just say no to the toddler haircut. There really are times when it just isn't worth it. If your child is screaming and terrified this is one of those times to stop. Normally I refuse to give into tantrums, but listen people, we use sharp instruments. Safety is an issue. A big issue. I have been holding the clippers away from a child waiting for him to stop flailing, the child then flailed into my clippers and ended up bleeding. That being said, there are a few other things I would like to recommend to help you and your child get the best toddler haircut experience possible.

Do NOT come when your child is tired. Besides just being cranky and irritable about the haircut it causes another danger issue. A moving target is a dangerous target, tired children bob their heads and, on a occasion, nearly fall out of the chair. I have had to grab more then one child as they tumble to the floor completely asleep. You try to safely grab a child while you have laser sharpened scissors in your hand. If your child starts to fall asleep I will send you home. I reserve the right to safely cut your child's hair.

Please, please comb your children's hair. I am going to charge you extra to comb out matted hair. It takes a long time to get those out. By the time I do, your child is now cranky and irritated with me for hurting them, because it does hurt, and because they have already been sitting for a long time. Avoid heartache and comb your child's hair every day.

If your child has a sensory issue You Need To Tell Me. I can not stress this enough. Lots of children have mild Autism or sensory issues that touching makes worse. I understand that you may not feel comfortable going around and broadcasting this. You can discreetly tell me, I will not make a big deal about it. I will make adjustments for it. It will change the way I shampoo as well as the way I go about preforming the toddler haircut as well as just making a hastier effort so the child doesn't have to endure a prolonged experience. I routinely touch kids to keep them in the chair, lift their chin, or keep their head straight. If I know you child will suffer from this I can avoid it. I can do nothing if I don't know.

A lot of things can make a toddler haircut go better for you, your child and for me. Please remember how dangerous a salon is. It is not a place to play or a place let your guard down. A little preparation is going to go a long way.

source: What to expect

Other tips for parents:

When I had kids, I expected to change diapers, have midnight feedings and potty train. But it's what I didn't account for that really challenged me: the haircuts.

Stay away?

For Will's first few -- or six -- haircuts, I stayed as far away as possible. I paid for the cuts but sent my mother or my husband along. It was beyond my willingness. Then everyone else got busy. If he needed a cut, it needed to be me taking him. So I waited. And waited some more.

Unfortunately, the six-month rule doesn't work for little boys. He looked all ... messy. Then I thought about growing it long, but it didn't suit him.

Ultimately though, I was simply delaying the inevitable. Eventually, I really would have to buck up and take my own son for that haircut. I am the mommy, afterall. Still, I remember when my stepson was Will's age. Haircuts were major to-dos. He would scream and cry and whine. Bad. Experience.

Doing the deed

Finally, I caved and went -- with my mother -- for the much awaited haircut. Sometimes, just swallowing the worries and fear and just going helps. You kind of have to turn your worries off, hard as it may sound.

You know what? Ultimately, it wasn't that bad. At all. Apparently with his prior experience and all of my talking about the impending cut, he was ready and willing to sit still while the barber snipped, buzzed and tweaked his new shorter 'do. No tears, whines or otherwise. Just my happy boy getting a cool new 'do. And now, I am hooked. His cut transformed him from my little toddler into a little boy ready for preschool.

Planning a good haircut trip

Are you dreading your toddler's hair cutting? Fear not. Here are some simple tips to help make your trip to the beauty parlor a success.

1. Prepare them: One of the best things you can do is to talk with your child about what happens when they get their haircut. That way the scissors, clippers and razors won't be a surprise -- or scary -- to the littler people. Plus, if it's not a surprise, then they are less likely to freak about it.

2. Don't be afraid to bribe: There is a reason that little kids get lollypops after a trip to the beauty salon. It's bribery. The good kind of bribery that gets little boys and girls to behave and do as they are supposed to. See? Sometimes bribery is a good thing!

3. Stand firm with boundaries: Whatever rules of behavior you have need to apply everywhere -- at home, in the barber shop or wherever. Keeping things consistent is half the battle to having happy, well-behaved kids.

source: Sheknows Parenting

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How to Find A Great Baby Sitter

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:32:00 +0000

Maybe your sister and niece were always your babysitters in the past, but they've moved away. Perhaps your old babysitter is going off to college. Or maybe you're new in town.

The day you've dreaded has arrived. It's time to find a highly qualified babysitter. How do people do this? Ask family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to recommend some babysitters.

Do they have a babysitter that they trust implicitly with their children? Is the babysitter kind? Does the babysitter follow parental rules? When the parents leave, do they feel confident about the safety of their kids? When the parents return home from a night out, are the children happy? Is your home a disaster, or tidy?

You know all the concerns, now you just need to find a great babysitter. If you've asked around and still come up short, don't despair. You can put an ad in the paper, or even go online.

When you write your ad, know what you're looking for, and make it clear. Be prepared to set up several appointments. Ask the prospective babysitter(s) for references from satisfied parents, and call them.

At the appointment, scrutinize your prospect carefully. Is the babysitter courteous? Ask the babysitter personal questions. Discuss rate of pay to make sure you're both on the same page. If the babysitter passes the first hurdle, you may want a second appointment. Have the potential babysitter come over and spend time with the children, while you're at home. It's important to take the time to determine if said babysitter will mesh with your family.

Hopefully you will have many applicants to choose from, and hopefully there will be one or two who stand out head and shoulders above the others in terms of desirability. It's a good idea to have multiple babysitters, so if one is busy on a given day, you have other quality options.

There! You have run the process, and gotten yourself some childcare. Be good to your babysitter, and you can expect her to be good to you and your children.

source: EBabysister

More on Babysitter : Half the Sky

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Samuel Gultom - Preschool

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:57:00 +0000

The three or four-year-old who is outgoing takes to preschool like a duck to water and doesn’t need any gentle introduction. It may be quite different with a sensitive three-year-old who still feels closely attached to his parents.

If a parent leaves him at preschool the first day, he might not make a fuss right away. After a while he might miss his parent. He might become frightened. The next day he might not want to leave home.

Introduce preschool gradually

Most preschools introduce children to their programs gradually. This is particularly helpful for the shy or sensitive child. Parents can stay with their children for as long as they wish. For several days a parent might stay nearby while their child plays and then take her home again after a time. Each day the parent can stay for a longer period. Meanwhile, your child is building up attachments to the teacher and other children. These will give her a sense of security when her parent no longer stays.

Sometimes a child seems quite happy for several days, even after his parent has left him. Then he gets hurt and suddenly wants his mummy or daddy. In that case, the teacher can help the parents decide if one of them should come back for a number of days.

If you are staying around the preschool, it’s best to remain in the background. The idea is to let your child develop her own desire to enter the group, so that she forgets her need for you.

Think about your own feelings

Sometimes your anxiety is greater than your child’s. If you say goodbye three times over, with a worried expression, your child might think, ‘It looks as if something awful might happen if I stay here alone’.

It's natural for a tenderhearted parent to worry about leaving a small child for the first time. Let the preschool teacher, who often has a lot of experience, advise you.

Be firm

A child who starts with some genuine anxiety about separating from the parent can learn that protesting allows him to avoid the situation.

She might then progressively use this to avoid preschool. When a child becomes reluctant or fearful about returning to a preschool with understanding teachers, it is usually better for the parents to act quite confident and firm and explain that the teacher will look after her and that she will be fine.

It can sometimes help to have someone different take a reluctant child to preschool. In any case, the child should not be deceived. He should be told that he has become friends with the teacher and the other children. Tomorrow his parent will not be staying at preschool. The parent should say goodbye once, cheerfully, then leave.

In the long run, it’s better for children to outgrow their dependence than to give in to it. If a child’s terror is extreme, the situation should be discussed with a child mental health professional.

Here are some tips to help you and your child ease into the day-to-day practicalities of preschool.

Arrival and departure

Children’s Services regulations require parents and guardians to sign the child’s name and arrival time in a supplied book when children are dropped off. Parents also need to sign that they have picked up their child and at what time. This is a legal requirement for preschool.

Clothing
Comfortable, loose fitting clothing that doesn’t restrict your child’s movement is best for preschool. He'll need a hat for playing outside. It’s a good idea to check your child can handle zips and buttons so he can go to the toilet. See Dressing your toddler for more information.

Food

Some preschools ask you to bring fruit to share with the group; others prefer your child to eat their own snack. Some long-day care programs may ask parents to supply the child's lunch, other programs supply lunch. Ask your preschool for details. See How to pack a lunchbox for more information.

Illness record

Preschools must keep a formal written record of any medication your child needs. You will need to provide a written authority for this.
Problems

It’s a good idea to speak with preschool staff if any problems arise. Working things out quickly can prevent bigger issues.

Safety rules

All preschools have safety rules which parents need to know. These will include:

* who has permission to collect your child
* any out-of-bounds areas for children
* traffic issues, such as parking.

Sickness

Sick children are best kept at home, for their own benefit and so they don’t pass germs on to other children. If your child has an infectious illness it’s a good idea to let your preschool know so they can inform other parents.

Sunsmart

You need to supply a hat, because your child’s skin is more sensitive to UV radiation than adult skin. Preschools are responsible for providing shaded play areas and making sure children use sunscreen and hats.

It's best to avoid outdoor activities between 11 am and 3 pm in hot weather (and 4 pm in daylight savings). See Sun care for more information.
Toys from home

Each preschool has its own policy on whether children can bring toys from home. It’s best to check before your child packs his favourite teddy in his bag.

Parent participation

Preschools rely heavily on parents helping out. If you are able to help out, there are lots of opportunities to take part in the day-to-day activities or to be involved with preschool management.

Educational programs

Your preschool’s philosophy will be outlined in their information booklet. Details of the educational program will be displayed in the building and you can discuss this further with staff. You will also get a regular newsletter keeping you up-to-date with the current program.
Policies

Your preschool will have policies to deal with issues such as:

* fee payment
* managing behaviour
* asthma
* allergies.

This information should be on display within the preschool.

Fees

Fees and the way in which they are collected will vary from preschool to preschool. It’s a good idea to ask about your preschool’s policy ahead of time. Parents who hold a Commonwealth Health Care Card are eligible for a $250 annual preschool fee subsidy.

source: By Dr Benjamin Spock updated by Dr Robert Needlman

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Samuel Gultom Store
Directory of Children Blogs
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I Think - I've Got Pneumonia

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:44:00 +0000

Couples months ago I've got flue and bad fever. The fever is so high, and it happened for a whole night. My parents was so terrificly worried about my condition. The next morning, they took me to the hospital. The Doctor said that I have to take a blood test in according to find out what was happen with my body.

In short word, my blood test show that I have to much L.E.D in my lung.... I have to take the antibiotic treatment for about the whole month. Now, I am still have a treatment... I think, I've got pneumonia...... Bless me God

Pneumonia is a general term that refers to an infection of the lungs, which can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Often pneumonia begins after an upper respiratory tract infection (an infection of the nose and throat). When this happens, symptoms of pneumonia begin after 2 or 3 days of a cold or sore throat.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia vary, depending on the age of the child and the cause of the pneumonia. Common symptoms include:

fever
chills
cough
unusually rapid breathing
breathing with grunting or wheezing sounds
labored breathing that makes a child's rib muscles retract (when muscles under the rib cage or between ribs draw inward with each breath)
vomiting
chest pain
abdominal pain
decreased activity
loss of appetite (in older kids) or poor feeding (in infants)
in extreme cases, bluish or gray color of the lips and fingernails

Sometimes a child's only symptom is rapid breathing. Sometimes when the pneumonia is in the lower part of the lungs near the abdomen, there may be no breathing problems, but there may be fever and abdominal pain or vomiting.

When pneumonia is caused by bacteria, an infected child usually becomes sick relatively quickly and experiences the sudden onset of high fever and unusually rapid breathing. When pneumonia is caused by viruses, symptoms tend to appear more gradually and are often less severe than in bacterial pneumonia. Wheezing may be more common in viral pneumonia.

Some types of pneumonia cause symptoms that give important clues about which germ is causing the illness. For example, in older kids and adolescents, pneumonia due to Mycoplasma (also called walking pneumonia) is notorious for causing a sore throat and headache in addition to the usual symptoms of pneumonia.

In infants, pneumonia due to chlamydia may cause conjunctivitis (pinkeye) with only mild illness and no fever. When pneumonia is due to whooping cough (pertussis), the child may have long coughing spells, turn blue from lack of air, or make a classic "whoop" sound when trying to take a breath.

Description

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of germs, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Although different types of pneumonia tend to affect children in different age groups, pneumonia is most commonly caused by viruses. Viruses that cause pneumonia include adenoviruses, rhinovirus, influenza virus (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza virus (which causes croup).

Incubation

The incubation period for pneumonia varies, depending on the type of virus or bacteria causing the infection (for instance, respiratory syncytial virus, 4 to 6 days; influenza, 18 to 72 hours).

Duration

With treatment, most types of bacterial pneumonia can be cured within 1 to 2 weeks. Viral pneumonia may last longer. Mycoplasmal pneumonia may take 4 to 6 weeks to resolve completely.

Contagiousness

The viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious and are usually found in fluid from the mouth or nose of an infected person. Illness can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes on a person, by sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils, and when a person touches the used tissues or handkerchiefs of an infected person.

Prevention

Vaccines can prevent infections by viruses or bacteria that cause some types of pneumonia. Kids usually receive routine immunizations against Haemophilus influenzae and pertussis (whooping cough) beginning at 2 months of age. (The pertussis immunization is the "P" part of the routine DTaP injection.) Vaccines are now also given against the pneumococcus organism (PCV), a common cause of bacterial pneumonia.

Children with chronic illnesses, who are at special risk for other types of pneumonia, may receive additional vaccines or protective immune medication. The flu vaccine is strongly recommended for kids with chronic illnesses such as chronic heart or lung disorders or asthma, as well as otherwise healthy children ages 6 months through 19 years.

Because they're at higher risk for serious complications, infants who were born prematurely may be given treatments that temporarily protect against RSV, which can lead to pneumonia in younger children.

Doctors may give prophylactic (disease-preventing) antibiotics to prevent pneumonia in kids who have been exposed to someone with certain types of pneumonia, such as pertussis. Those with HIV infection may also receive prophylactic antibiotics to prevent pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii.

Antiviral medication is now available, too, and can be used to prevent some types of viral pneumonia or to make symptoms less severe.

In addition, regular tuberculosis screening is performed yearly in some high-risk areas because early detection will prevent active tuberculosis infection including pneumonia.

In general, pneumonia is not contagious, but the upper respiratory viruses that lead to it are, so it is best to keep your child away from anyone who has an upper respiratory tract infection. If someone in your home has a respiratory infection or throat infection, keep his or her drinking glass and eating utensils separate from those of other family members, and wash your hands frequently, especially if you are handling used tissues or dirty handkerchiefs.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if your child has any of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, but especially if your child:

is having trouble breathing or is breathing abnormally fast
has a bluish or gray color to the fingernails or lips
has a fever of 102° Fahrenheit (38.9° Celsius), or above 100.4° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) in infants under 6 months of age

Professional Treatment

Doctors usually make the diagnosis of pneumonia after a physical examination. The doctor may possibly use a chest X-ray, blood tests, and (sometimes) bacterial cultures of mucus produced by coughing when making a diagnosis.

In most cases, pneumonia can be treated with oral antibiotics given to your child at home. The type of antibiotic used depends on the type of pneumonia.

Children may be hospitalized for treatment if they have pneumonia caused by pertussis or other bacterial pneumonia that causes high fevers and respiratory distress. They may also be hospitalized if:

supplemental oxygen is needed
they have lung infections that may have spread into the bloodstream
they have chronic illnesses that affect the immune system
they are vomiting so much that they cannot take medicine by mouth
if they have recurrent episodes of pneumonia

Home Treatment

If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, give the medicine on schedule for as long as directed. This will help your child recover faster and will decrease the chance that infection will spread to other household members.

Don't force a child who's not feeling well to eat, but encourage drinking of fluids, especially if fever is present. Ask the doctor before you use a medicine to treat your child's cough because cough suppressants stop the lungs from clearing mucus, which may not be helpful in some types of pneumonia.

If your child has chest pain, try a heating pad or warm compress on the chest area. Take your child's temperature at least once each morning and each evening, and call the doctor if it goes above 102° Fahrenheit (38.9° Celsius) in an older infant or child, or above 100.4° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) in an infant under 6 months of age.

Check your child's lips and fingernails to make sure that they are rosy and pink, not bluish or gray, which is a sign that the lungs are not getting enough oxygen.

Source : Kids Health

Reviewed by: Joel Klein, MD
Date reviewed: November 2008

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Samuel Gultom Store
Directory of Children Blogs
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Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:08:00 +0000

Introduction

There are many terms used to describe approaches to health care that are outside the realm of conventional medicineMedicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. as practiced in the United States. This fact sheet explains how the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a component of the National Institutes of Health, defines some of the key terms used in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.. Terms that are underlined in the text are defined at the end of this fact sheet.

What is CAM?

CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered to be part of conventional medicine. While scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies, for most there are key questions that are yet to be answered through well-designed scientific studies—questions such as whether these therapies are safe and whether they work for the purposes for which they are used.

Are complementary medicine and alternative medicine different from each other?

Yes, they are different.

Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapyA therapy in which the scent of essential oils from flowers, herbs, and trees is inhaled to promote health and well-being. to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery.
Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor.

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness. It is also called integrated medicineAn approach to medicine that combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness..

What are the major types of complementary and alternative medicine?

NCCAM groups CAM practices into four domains, recognizing there can be some overlap. In addition, NCCAM studies CAM whole medical systems, which cut across all domains.

Whole Medical Systems

Whole medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the United States. Examples of whole medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicineA whole medical system that originated in Europe. Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances that in larger doses would produce illness or symptoms (an approach called "like cures like"). and naturopathic medicineA whole medical system that originated in Europe. Naturopathy aims to support the body's ability to heal itself through the use of dietary and lifestyle changes together with CAM therapies such as herbs, massage, and joint manipulation.. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional traditional Chinese medicineA whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi. and AyurvedaA whole medical system that originated in India. It aims to integrate the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat disease. Therapies used include herbs, massage, and yoga..

Mind-Body Medicine

Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered CAM in the past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques are still considered CAM, including meditationA conscious mental process using certain techniques—such as focusing attention or maintaining a specific posture—to suspend the stream of thoughts and relax the body and mind., prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance.

Biologically Based Practices

Biologically based practices in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices

Manipulative and body-based practices in CAM are based on manipulationThe application of controlled force to a joint, moving it beyond the normal range of motion in an effort to aid in restoring health. Manipulation may be performed as a part of other therapies or whole medical systems, including chiropractic medicine, massage, and naturopathy. and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulationA type of manipulation practiced by osteopathic physicians. It is combined with physical therapy and instruction in proper posture., and massagePressing, rubbing, and moving muscles and other soft tissues of the body, primarily by using the hands and fingers. The aim is to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the massaged area..

Energy Medicine

Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields. They are of two types:

Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include qi gongA component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, meditation, and controlled breathing. The intent is to improve blood flow and the flow of qi., ReikiA therapy in which practitioners seek to transmit a universal energy to a person, either from a distance or by placing their hands on or near that person. The intent is to heal the spirit and thus the body., and Therapeutic TouchA therapy in which practitioners pass their hands over another person's body with the intent to use their own perceived healing energy to identify energy imbalances and promote health..
Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current or direct-current fields.

What is NCCAM's role in the field of CAM?

NCCAM is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on CAM. . NCCAM's mission is to explore complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, train CAM researchers, and disseminate authoritative information to the public and professionals.

For More Information

Sources of NCCAM Information

NCCAM Clearinghouse

The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. Examples of publications include "Selecting a CAM Practitioner" and "Are You Considering Using CAM?" The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.

A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are used in children, including herbs and dietary supplements, massagePressing, rubbing, and moving muscles and other soft tissues of the body, primarily by using the hands and fingers. The aim is to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the massaged area., acupunctureA family of procedures that originated in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body by a variety of techniques, including the insertion of thin metal needles though the skin. It is intended to remove blockages in the flow of qi and restore and maintain health., chiropractic care, naturopathyA whole medical system that originated in Europe. Naturopathy aims to support the body's ability to heal itself through the use of dietary and lifestyle changes together with CAM therapies such as herbs, massage, and joint manipulation., and homeopathyA whole medical system that originated in Europe. Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances that in larger doses would produce illness or symptoms (an approach called "like cures like").. This fact sheet from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) offers information for parents who are thinking about using a CAM therapy for their child.

Key Points

CAM is used by American children, including adolescents.
Children are not small adults. Their bodies can react differently from adults' bodies to medical therapies, including CAM.
In general, CAM therapies have not been well studied in children.
Tell your child's health care providers about any CAM therapy you are considering or using for your child. This helps to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Patterns of CAM Use in Children

The 2007 National Health Interview Survey gathered information on CAM use among more than 9,000 children aged 17 and under. Nearly 12 percent of the children had used some form of CAM during the past 12 months. CAM use was much more likely among children whose parents also used CAM. Adolescents aged 12–17, children with multiple health conditions, and those whose families delayed or did not use conventional medical care because of cost were also more likely to use CAM. The accompanying figures show survey findings on CAM use by children, including top therapies and diseases/conditions.

In addition, a 2001 survey of 745 members of the American Academy of Pediatrics found that 87 percent of pediatricians had been asked about CAM therapies by a patient or a parent in the 3 months prior to the survey. The pediatricians were asked most often about herbs and dietary supplements.

Safety of Childhood CAM Use

Few high-quality studies have examined how CAM therapies may affect young people, and results from studies in adults do not necessarily apply to children. Children are not small adults. Their immune and central nervous systems are not fully developed, which can make them respond to treatments differently from adults. This is especially true for infants and young children.

Herbs and other dietary supplements may interact with medicines or other supplements, or they may cause problems during surgery, such as bleeding-related complications. In addition, "natural" does not necessarily mean "safe." CAM therapies can have side effects, and these may be different in children than in adults.

Parents should seek information from scientific studies about how safe and effective a specific CAM therapy is in children. However, since few, if any, rigorous studies in young people exist, additional scientific studies are needed. Anecdotes and testimonials (personal stories) about CAM therapies are common and can be compelling, but they are not evidence.

Discussing CAM With Your Pediatrician

Parents often do not tell pediatricians or other health care providers that their child is receiving CAM. It is important, however, that families speak with their child's health care provider about any CAM therapy being used or considered. Providing a full picture of what is being done to manage your child's health will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

For tips about talking with your health care provider about CAM, see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign at nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk.

When seeking care from a CAM practitioner, it is important to ask about the practitioner's:

Education and training
Experience in delivering care to children
Experience working with other providers, including physicians, to ensure coordinated care
Licensing (some states have licensing requirements for certain CAM practitioners, such as chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists).

Additional Points To Consider

In addition to asking your child's physician what is known about whether a therapy works and is safe for children, consider these points when making decisions about using CAM in children:

Ensure that your child has received an accurate diagnosis from a licensed health care provider and that CAM use does not replace or delay conventional medical care.
If you decide to use CAM for your child, do not increase the dose or length of treatment beyond what is recommended. More is not necessarily better.
If your child experiences an effect from a CAM therapy that concerns you, contact your child's health care provider.
Store herbal and other dietary supplements out of the sight and reach of children.
If you are a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding, remember that some CAM therapies may affect your fetus or nursing infant.

For More Information

NCCAM Clearinghouse

The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
Web site: nccam.nih.gov
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

PubMed®

A service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), PubMed contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. CAM on PubMed, developed jointly by NCCAM and NLM, is a subset of the PubMed system and focuses on the topic of CAM.

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez
CAM on PubMed: nccam.nih.gov/research/camonpubmed/

References

References are primarily recent reviews on the topic of children and adolescents and CAM in the peer-reviewed medical and scientific literature in English in the PubMed database or from Federal Government text.

Ang-Lee MK, Moss J, Yuan CS. Herbal medicines and perioperative care. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2001;286(2):208–216.
Breuner CC. Complementary medicine in pediatrics: a review of acupuncture, homeopathy, massage, and chiropractic therapies. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care. 2002;32(10):353–384.
Committee on Children with Disabilities, American Academy of Pediatrics. Counseling families who choose complementary and alternative medicine for their child with chronic illness or disability. Pediatrics. 2001;107(3):598–601.
Davis MP, Darden PM. Use of complementary and alternative medicine by children in the United States. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. 2003;157(4):393–396.
Ernst E. Serious adverse effects of unconventional therapies for children and adolescents: a systematic review of recent evidence. European Journal of Pediatrics. 2003;162(2):72–80.
Gardiner P, Dvorkin L, Kemper KJ. Supplement use growing among children and adolescents. Pediatric Annals. 2004;33(4):227–232.
Kemper KJ, Cassileth B, Ferris T. Holistic pediatrics: a research agenda. Pediatrics. 1999;103(4 Pt 2):902-909.
Kemper KJ, O'Connor KG. Pediatricians' recommendations for complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies. Ambulatory Pediatrics. 2004;4(6):482–487.
Sawni-Sikand A, Schubiner H, Thomas RL. Use of complementary/alternative remedies among children in primary care pediatrics. Ambulatory Pediatrics. 2002;2(2):99–103.
Sibinga EM, Ottolini MC, Duggan AK, et al. Parent-pediatrician communication about complementary and alternative medicine use for children. Clinical Pediatrics. 2004;43(4):367–373.
Wilson KM, Klein JD, Sesselberg TS, et al. Use of complementary medicine and dietary supplements among U.S. adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health. 2006;38(4):385–394.
Woolf AD. Herbal remedies and children: do they work? Are they harmful? Pediatrics. 2003;112(1 Pt 2):240–246.
Yussman SM, Ryan SA, Auinger P, et al. Visits to complementary and alternative medicine providers by children and adolescents in the United States. Ambulatory Pediatrics. 2004;4(5):429–435.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

NCCAM Publication No. D383
Created May 2007
Updated February 2009

How To Find a Good Alternative Medicine

By Katy Koontz
From Health magazine

Whether you’re getting a deep-tissue massage or trying acupuncture for the first time, picking the right alternative medicine professional is important to your health. Here’s how to pick the right one for you.

Ask for referrals from your doctor, local hospital, or medical school.
Get a recommendation from a professional organization for the type of practitioner you are looking for. The National Institutes of Health’s Directory of Health Organizations is a good place to start.
Call your local health department to find out if your state has a regulatory agency or licensing board for the therapy you’re interested in, and then contact that office for referrals.
Check on the training, certification, or other qualifications of your practitioner. See if he or she will speak with you briefly on the phone for this purpose before you make an appointment.
Find out how much experience the practitioner has with your health concern and how effective he or she believes this therapy may be for your condition. (Be sure to ask about scientific research, as well.)

Four Things You Didn't Know About Natural Medicine

If natural medicine still sounds too alternative for you, here are four things that may help mainstream the concept for you.

It’s not so “out there”
In addition to the 38 percent of all adults in the United States who have tried natural medicine, nearly 12 percent of children have used complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies. Veterinarians use it on pets, too. “It’s not just the fringe anymore,” says Donald B. Levy, MD, medical director of the Osher Clinical Center for Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

“It’s more widespread.” In fact, CAM is considered standard treatment in many European countries (including Germany, which regulates herbs, and France, where hospitals widely use acupuncture), so sometimes alternative treatments new to the States have already been researched and used for years abroad.

It’s a spa thing
Our strong desire to “heal” ourselves with natural medicine has made alternative therapies hot items at spas and resorts. Some treatments may sound like a wacky mix of the scientific and the spiritual—Crystal Bowl Sound Healing (at Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort and Spa in Baja California) claims to activate alpha waves in the brain; Spirit Flight treatment (at Miraval in Tucson, Arizona) is touted as a blend of energy medicine, full-body massage, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and spinal alignment, along with indigenous ceremonial rituals.

But treatments like these are very popular, and an arm of the National Institutes of Health called the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is researching their validity. In fact, you may be able to take part in a clinical trial for an alt med therapy being studied at a university near you. For information, visit the NCCAM’s Web site.

Lots of MDs use it
More than half of U.S. medical schools now include at least some courses in alternative medicine. And the government is pumping more money than ever into research. The current budget for the NCCAM is $121.5 million—that’s 61 times as much as it was in 1992, the year the department was founded.

Many people turn to alt med when conventional therapy doesn’t do the trick, says Richard Nahin, PhD, senior advisor for scientific coordination and outreach at the NCCAM. The number-one concern: relief for chronic pain (in areas like the neck, joints, and lower back).

But adding complementary therapies like supplements (specifically, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils), Tai Chi or yoga, mind-body therapies (such as biofeedback), and even spiritual practices (including forgiveness), to conventional medications for heart disease is getting a lot of attention and can lower risk, says Victor Sierpina, MD, chairman of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine.

Some docs use natural products along with prescription medication, Dr. Levy says. For instance, he may suggest that his patients who can’t tolerate migraine medication try Petasites hybridus (butterbur) root to ease the side effects. “It’s the perfect marriage with modern medicine,” he adds.

Insurance may pay for it
Just over 80 percent of employers’ health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, and more than 33 percent cover acupuncture or acupressure. At least 13 percent will pay for massage and nutrition therapy, and 9 percent cover biofeedback.

Contact your state’s insurance department to find out which companies in your area are most alternative-friendly. You may also be able to deduct some alt med treatments as medical expenses on your tax return if you itemize or as eligible expenses for most flexible-spending and health-savings accounts.

Regards,

Samuel Gultom Store
Directory of Children Blogs
Baby-Parenting.co.uk

Ten Ways To Save Green

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:06:00 +0000

Sure, you know that saving the earth is important, but buying "green" products can be super-expensive. But there

are affordable ways to do your part to lessen your environmental footprint — you'll even save some cash at the same

time.

Go Shopping (for New Appliances)!

If your appliances are from the mid-'90s or before, they're probably so inefficient that it makes sense to replace

them. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which means that they use 10 to 50 percent less water and

energy than standard models—a substantial savings on your utility bills. (According to Department of Energy

calculations, a new clothes washer can save you up to $110 a year on your energy bills.) Find more information on

the Energy Star program.

Break Out the Baking Soda

Baking soda is a nontoxic substance that helps regulate pH, getting rid of bad odors caused by too much acidity

(food, BO) and two much base (fish and smoke). Plus, it's a gentle cleanser. Make a paste with BS and water for a

chemical-free way to shine your silver, pour it down the sink and run warm water to deodorize, or use it to scrub

the tub.

Slay (Energy) Vampires

Energy vampires are electronics (like TVs, DVD players and cell phone chargers) that still use energy even when

they're turned off. Guess what? This wasted power can add up to 20 percent to your energy bill. The best way to cut

down on energy-sucking is to unplug your appliances when they're not in use, or plug them all into a power strip and

turn that off. If all that switching is too much of a hassle (and let's face it, having the clock on your DVD player

is convenient), at least unplug your cell phone charger when it's not in use.

Pack a Bottle

According to one estimate, Americans go through more than 30 million water bottles a year. If you're drinking that

water on the go, you're probably throwing the bottle in the garbage — and that adds up to a lot of trash. Fill up a

reusable water bottle and you can stay hydrated, cut down on waste and save cash. If the bottles of water you buy in

a store are about $1 each, this baby will pay for itself in about eight uses.

Cruise in the Slow Lane

Gas mileage drops considerably when you go over 60 mph. According to the Department of Energy, you pay about 20

cents more per gallon for each 5 mph you go over 60. Over time, that's a lot of extra fuel, and cash! Excessive

accelerating and heavy breaking can also make your car less efficient, so make it a smooth ride. For more ways to

save on car expenses, go to fueleconomy.gov.

Plant a Tree — Seriously

Adding trees to the south, east and west side of your house shades your home, keeping it cooler. That means savings

of up to 25 percent on your home cooling costs. Get more ideas from the government's Energy Savers Web site.

Print on Both Sides

Whether you're at work or in your home office, whenever possible, print on both sides of your paper to reduce your

consumption. Or, even better, store files and emails on your computer, so you're not using any paper at all.

Go Native

Try to use plants and flowers that are native to your area in your garden. The benefit? Because they're already

adapted to the soil and water conditions, you won't have to use as much fertilizer and water to get them to grow.

For more information and lists of regional plants, go to plantnative.org.

Say, "It's Vintage"

Shopping at thrift stores like Goodwill or buying used goods on eBay can be super-cheap, but it's also eco-friendly.

Why? There's none of the energy consumed that would be used in manufacturing and transporting something new. Plus,

you're reusing furniture and clothing that might otherwise get thrown away. No need to say it's a thrift-store find.

Just call it "vintage" or "antique."

Get Your Kids in on It

Visit The Greens at meetthegreens.org, an interactive site for teens and tweens that features animated clips, a

blog, games and more. Hosted by two cartoon middle schoolers, the show teaches kids ways they can conserve and save

the environment. Will it get your kid to do the laundry — line-drying, of course? One can only hope.

source:Everyday Health

Other Ten Ways To Go Green

How can we live lightly on the Earth and save money at the same time? Staff members at the Worldwatch Institute, a global environmental organization, share ideas on how to GO GREEN and SAVE GREEN at home and at work.

Climate change is in the news. It seems like everyone's "going green." We're glad you want to take action, too. Luckily, many of the steps we can take to stop climate change can make our lives better. Our grandchildren-and their children-will thank us for living more sustainably. Let's start now.

We've partnered with the Million Car Carbon Campaign to help you find ways to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. This campaign is uniting conscious consumers around the world to prevent the emissions-equivalent of 1 million cars from entering the atmosphere each year.

Keep reading for 10 simple things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact, save money, and live a happier, healthier life.

#1
Save energy to save money.
State of the World
State of the World 2009:
Into a Warming World

* Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
* Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
* Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.
* Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
* Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.

#2
Save water to save money.

* Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
* Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
* Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
* Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.

#3
Less gas = more money (and better health!).
Bicycle Commuters
World Watch Magazine

* Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
* Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
* Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.

#4
Eat smart.

* If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.
* Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
* Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.
* Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain [pdf]. This is especially true for seafood.

#5
Skip the bottled water.

* Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
* Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
* Check out this short article for the latest on bottled water trends.

#6
Think before you buy.
Low Carbon Energy
Low Carbon Energy Report

* Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
* Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
* When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't.
* Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.

#7
Borrow instead of buying.

* Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
* Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.

#8
Buy smart.
Climate Change Reference Guide
Climate Change Reference
Guide

* Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
* Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
* Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).

#9
Keep electronics out of the trash.

* Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
* Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.
* Recycle your cell phone.
* Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.

#10
Make your own cleaning supplies.
Million Car Campaign

Join the Million Car Carbon Campaign by purchasing your Earth-Aid kit today.

* The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
* Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality.

source:Worldwatch Organization.

Regards,

Samuel Gultom Store
Directory of Children Blogs
Baby-Parenting.co.uk

Back To School-Prepare For Swine Flue

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:20:00 +0000

Parents might be feeling more anxious than usual as they send their children back to school this fall. After all, the previous academic year ended with a wave of school closings across the country, the declaration of an influenza pandemic, and fears that H1N1 (swine flu) would return with a vengeance this season.

But here’s the good news: Health and education officials at the local, state, and federal levels have spent the summer preparing for whatever the upcoming flu season may bring. And experts believe that H1N1 (swine flu) will not be any more potent than the seasonal flu we deal with every year. “I think the swine flu is going to be much milder than the regular flu,” says Dr. Kent Holtorf, M.D., of Holtorf Medical Group in Torrance and Foster City, Calif. “Likely there’s a lot more scare than there is substance.”

For now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is taking a wait-and-see approach. In a new set of guidelines released in early August, the CDC recommends that schools not rush to close their doors if some students have the flu. Rather, they are urged to carefully weigh the potential benefits of school dismissal against the social disruption it can cause. The recommendations are based on severity of the flu season — whether conditions are similar to or more severe than the conditions observed in spring 2009 H1N1 outbreak.

A vaccine for H1N1 is undergoing clinical trials and is tentatively scheduled to be available in mid-October. “I think the good news is that by the time the question really comes up in school season, there will be a vaccine out — and a large proportion of the population will have already gone through the disease,” says Dr. Stephen Berger, M.D., founder of the Global Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Network and director of geographic medicine at Tel Aviv Medical Centre in Israel. “Not all flu is susceptible to drugs, but this one is.”

In the meantime, here are a few steps you can take to help keep your children healthy and prepare for the season ahead.

Healthy Practices to Prevent Swine Flu

Review good hygiene practices with your children. Remind them to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly, and to cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of their arm. Equip them with a travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer to take to school.
The CDC recommends getting your family vaccinated for both seasonal flu and H1N1(they are separate vaccines). Priority groups for the H1N1 vaccine — different than those for the seasonal flu — include people ages 6 months to 24 years and people who take care of or live with children under 6 months old. Priority groups include people ages 6 months to 24 years, as well as caretakers of children under 6 months old. NOTE: Multi-dose vials of H1N1 vaccine will contain thimerosal, an antibacterial additive that contains mercury and is believed by some to be harmful to children. Single-dose syringes and inhaler vaccine products will be thimerosal-free and are recommended for young children and pregnant women.
If your child is sick, keep him home for at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medication.

If Flu Conditions Become More Severe

Keep a child sick with flu at home for at least seven days, even if he or she feels better sooner. Those who are still sick after seven days should continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have completely disappeared.
If someone in your household is sick with the flu, keep all school-aged children home for five days from the time that person became sick. Monitor the children for signs of fever and other flu symptoms.

Contingency Plans in Case of School Closings

Stay up-to-date on your school district’s pandemic or emergency plan.
Determine whether your school plans to offer Web-based lessons or other forms of distance learning during an extended closure, and plan accordingly.
Plan activities to keep your children engaged at home in the event of school closings. Create a stockpile of games, books, DVDs, craft projects, etc.
Check with your employer ahead of time to find out if you will be able to stay home to care for sick family members or children who have been dismissed from school. If you can’t work from home, arrange for other child care.

source :Everyday Health

Recommended school responses for the 2009-2010 school year

Under conditions with similar severity as in spring 2009

* Stay home when sick:
Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs. (For more information, see CDC Recommendations for the Amount of Time Persons with Influenza-Like Illness Should be Away from Others.)

* Separate ill students and staff:
Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be sent to a room separate from others until they can be sent home. CDC recommends that they wear a surgical mask, if possible, and that those who care for ill students and staff wear protective gear such as a mask.

* Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:
The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).

* Routine cleaning:
School staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use. CDC does not believe any additional disinfection of environmental surfaces beyond the recommended routine cleaning is required.

* Early treatment of high-risk students and staff:
People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.

* Consideration of selective school dismissal:
Although there are not many schools where all or most students are at high risk (for example, schools for medically fragile children or for pregnant students) a community might decide to dismiss such a school to better protect these high-risk students.

Under conditions of increased severity compared with spring 2009

CDC may recommend additional measures to help protect students and staff if global and national assessments indicate that influenza is causing more severe disease. In addition, local health and education officials may elect to implement some of these additional measures. Except for school dismissals, these strategies have not been scientifically tested. But CDC wants communities to have tools to use that may be the right measures for their community and circumstances.

* Active screening:
Schools should check students and staff for fever and other symptoms of flu when they get to school in the morning, separate those who are ill, and send them home as soon as possible. Throughout the day, staff should be vigilant in identifying students and other staff who appear ill.

* High-risk students and staff members stay home:
People at high-risk of flu complications should talk to their doctor about staying home from school when a lot of flu is circulating in the community. Schools should plan now for ways to continue educating students who stay home through instructional phone calls, homework packets, internet lessons, and other approaches.

* Students with ill household members stay home:
Students who have an ill household member should stay home for five days from the day the first household member got sick. This is the time period they are most likely to get sick themselves.

* Increase distance between people at schools:
CDC encourages schools to try innovative ways of separating students. These can be as simple as moving desks farther apart or canceling classes that bring together children from different classrooms.

* Extend the period for ill persons to stay home:
If influenza severity increases, people with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 7 days, even if they have no more symptoms. If people are still sick, they should stay home until 24 hours after they have no symptoms.

* School dismissals:
School and health officials should work closely to balance the risks of flu in their community with the disruption dismissals will cause in both education and the wider community. The length of time schools should be dismissed will vary depending on the type of dismissal as well as the severity and extent of illness. Schools that dismiss students should do so for five to seven calendar days and should reassess whether or not to resume classes after that period. Schools that dismiss students should remain open to teachers and staff so they can continue to provide instruction through other means.

Reactive dismissals might be appropriate when schools are not able to maintain normal functioning for example, when a significant number and proportion of students have documented fever while at school despite recommendations to keep ill children home.

Preemptive dismissals can be used proactively to decrease the spread of flu. CDC may recommend preemptive school dismissals if the flu starts to cause severe disease in a significantly larger proportion of those affected.
Deciding on a course of action

CDC and its partners will continuously look for changes in the severity of influenza-like illness and will share what is learned with state and local agencies. However, states and local communities can expect to see a lot of differences in disease burden across the country.

Every state and community has to balance a variety of objectives to determine their best course of action to help decrease the spread of influenza.
Decision-makers should explicitly identify and communicate their objectives which might be one or more of the following:

protecting overall public health by reducing community transmission;
reducing transmission in students and school staff; and
protecting people with high-risk conditions.

Some strategies can have negative consequences in addition to their potential benefits. In the particular case of school dismissals, decision-makers also must consider and balance additional factors:
(a) how to ensure students continue to learn;
(2) how to provide an emotionally and physically safe place for students; and
(3) how to reduce demands on local health care services. The following questions can help begin discussions and lead to decisions at the state and local levels.

source: CDC H1N1

Alternative Medicine and Indonesia's Jamu

samuel.gultom@gmail.com (Samuel Gultom) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 04:05:00 +0000

What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. Some health care providers practice both CAM and conventional medicine. While some scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies, for most there are key questions that are yet to be answered through well-designed scientific studies--questions such as whether these therapies are safe and whether they work for the diseases or medical conditions for which they are used.

The list of what is considered to be CAM changes continually, as those therapies that are proven to be safe and effective become adopted into conventional health care and as new approaches to health care emerge.

Are complementary medicine and alternative medicine different from each other?
Yes, they are different.

* Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapy to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery.
* Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor.

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM for which there is some high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness. It is also called integrated medicine.

What are the major types of complementary and alternative medicine?

NCCAM groups CAM practices into four domains, recognizing there can be some overlap. In addition, NCCAM studies CAM whole medical systems, which cut across all domains.

Whole Medical Systems
Whole medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the United States. Examples of whole medical systems that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

Mind-Body Medicine
Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered CAM in the past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques are still considered CAM, including meditation, prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance.

Biologically Based Practices
Biologically based therapies in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices
Manipulative and body-based practices in CAM are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation and massage.
Energy Medicine
Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields. They are of two types:

* Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include qi gong, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch.
* Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current or direct-current fields.

What is NCCAM's role in the field of CAM?

NCCAM is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on CAM. . NCCAM's mission is to explore complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, train CAM researchers, and disseminate authoritative information to the public and professionals.
Alternative Health Glossary

Acupuncture ("AK-yoo-pungk-cher") is a method of healing developed in China at least 2,000 years ago. Today, acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

Aromatherapy ("ah-roam-uh-THER-ah-py") involves the use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and trees to promote health and well-being. Ayurveda ("ah-yur-VAY-dah") is a CAM whole medical system that has been practiced primarily in the Indian subcontinent for 5,000 years. Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies and emphasizes the use of body, mind, and spirit in disease prevention and treatment.

Chiropractic ("kie-roh-PRAC-tic") is a CAM whole medical system. It focuses on the relationship between bodily structure (primarily that of the spine) and function, and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. Chiropractors use manipulative therapy as an integral treatment tool.

Dietary supplements. Congress defined the term "dietary supplement" in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. A dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) taken by mouth that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. Dietary ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, and metabolites. Dietary supplements come in many forms, including extracts, concentrates, tablets, capsules, gel caps, liquids, and powders. They have special requirements for labeling. Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are considered foods, not drugs.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs, also called electric and magnetic fields) are invisible lines of force that surround all electrical devices. The Earth also produces EMFs; electric fields are produced when there is thunderstorm activity, and magnetic fields are believed to be produced by electric currents flowing at the Earth's core.

Homeopathic ("home-ee-oh-PATH-ic") medicine is a CAM whole medical system. In homeopathic medicine, there is a belief that "like cures like," meaning that small, highly diluted quantities of medicinal substances are given to cure symptoms, when the same substances given at higher or more concentrated doses would actually cause those symptoms.

Massage ("muh-SAHJ") therapists manipulate muscle and connective tissue to enhance function of those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being.

Naturopathic ("nay-chur-o-PATH-ic") medicine, or naturopathy, is a CAM whole medical system. Naturopathic medicine proposes that there is a healing power in the body that establishes, maintains, and restores health. Practitioners work with the patient with a goal of supporting this power, through treatments such as nutrition and lifestyle counseling, dietary supplements, medicinal plants, exercise, homeopathy, and treatments from traditional Chinese medicine.

Osteopathic ("ahs-tee-oh-PATH-ic") medicine is a form of conventional medicine that, in part, emphasizes diseases arising in the musculoskeletal system. There is an underlying belief that all of the body's systems work together, and disturbances in one system may affect function elsewhere in the body. Some osteopathic physicians practice osteopathic manipulation, a fullbody system of hands-on techniques to alleviate pain, restore function, and promote health and well-being.

Qi gong ("chee-GUNG") is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, meditation, and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of qi (an ancient term given to what is believed to be vital energy) in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune function.

Reiki ("RAY-kee") is a Japanese word representing Universal Life Energy. Reiki is based on the belief that when spiritual energy is channeled through a Reiki practitioner, the patient's spirit is healed, which in turn heals the physical body.

Therapeutic Touch is derived from an ancient technique called laying-on of hands. It is based on the premise that it is the healing force of the therapist that affects the patient's recovery; healing is promoted when the body's energies are in balance; and, by passing their hands over the patient, healers can identify energy imbalances.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the current name for an ancient system of health care from China. TCM is based on a concept of balanced qi (pronounced "chee"), or vital energy, that is believed to flow throughout the body. Qi is proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Disease is proposed to result from the flow of qi being disrupted and yin and yang becoming imbalanced. Among the components of TCM are herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, acupuncture, and remedial massage.

Source :Everyday Health

Traditional Indonesia Medicine
JAMU

'Back to nature' is not merely a slogan in Java and Indonesia. The visible proof is the use of traditional herbal medicine of various type of 'medical plants', either from the leaves, the fruits, the roots, the flowers or the barks, etc.

These herbal medicine had been used since the ancient time up to now, it is largely consumed by people of different level; lower, middle and upper, in the villages and in the big cities.

The study of jamu had been conducted by Rumphius, a botanist as early as the year 1775 AD by publishing a book 'Herbaria Amboinesis'. A scientific research for jamu by the research center of herbal medicine in Bogor Botanical Garden, resulting a publication of a book 'Medical Book for Children and Adults', composed by E. Van Bent.

The first seminar about jamu has been held in Solo in 1940, followed by a Formation of Indonesia's Jamu Committee in 1944. In the 1966, a seminar on jamu was held again. In 1981, a book by title of 'The use of Medical Plants' was established to support the jamu industry in the country.

The method of using the jamu remains the same as the ancestors did. Some are consumed by drinking it and some are for outside application.

At present one could buy easily ready made jamu packed modernly in the form of powder, pills, capsules, drinking liquid and ointments. Of course there are still jamu shops, which sell only ingredients or prepare the jamu on spot as required by buyers. Some women are roaming the street to sell jamu, is a common view across the country.

The traditional methods of making jamu such as by boiling the prepared herbal ingredients (jamu godok) still prevail in Javanese society. The popular traditional tools of making jamu are still available in many Javanese houses such as; Lumpang (small iron Mortar), pipisan, parut (grater), kuali (clay pot), etc.

What kind of disease could jamu cure?
The reply is almost every disease, jamu could cure. There are various kinds of jamu to combat different kind of illness. In Principle there are two types of jamu; the first is jamu to maintain physical fitness and health, the locally popular are Galian Singset (to keep women body fit and slim) and Sehat Lelaki (to keep men body healthy). The second is jamu to cure various kinds of illness. Except the above, there are special jamu created with the purpose to maintain a loving family harmony. The popular products among other are Sari Rapet, which makes a women sexual organ in a good condition, as for the man the matched product is jamu Kuat Lekaki (strong man). The Javanese are also taking a great care to pregnant women during pre and postnatal period by producing the related jamu. There are also jamu for the babies.

The Herbs for Jamu
There are hundreds of herbs for jamu prescriptions, among other are:

Spices
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
Lempuyang (Zingiber Oronaticum)
Temu Lawak/ Wild Ginger (Curcuma Cautkeridza)
Kunyit/ Tumeric (Curcuma Domestica)
Kencur/ Greater Galingale (Kaemferi Galanga)
Lengkuas/ Ginger Plant (Elpina Galanga)
Bengle (Zingiber Bevifalium)

Leaves
Secang (Caesalpinia Sappan Hinn)
Sambang Dara (Rexco Ecaria Bicolar Hassk)
Brotowali (Tiospora Rumpii Boerl)
Adas (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill)

Fruits
Jeruk Nipis/ Calamondin (Citrae Aurantifalia Sivingle)
Ceplukan (Physalic Angulata Him)
Nyamplung (Calophylum Inaphyllu)

Barks
Kayu Manis/ Cinamon (Gijeyzahyza Glabra)

Flowers
Melati/ Yasmin (Jataninum Sunbac Ait)
Rumput Alang-alang (Gramineae)

It is worth to note that some jamu factories in Java are exporting its products. Besides the export of ready made jamu, 25 kinds of herbal plants and ingredients are also in the list of export to Europe, Australia, USA, Japan, etc.

No Side Effects
The people like to consume jamu due to :

* Availability in many places
* Comparatively cheap price
* No side effects

TRADITIONAL COSMETICS

The Natural Beauty of Woman
A Javanese woman is very much concern for her physical appearance to be always slim, beautiful with an alluring bright smiling face.

As a Javanese idiom says "Ngadi Sarira" to maintain the body to be always in perfect condition is of prime important. The way of life of a Javanese is greatly influenced by the royal culture. Not surprisingly that the art of "Keeping Beauty' is originated from the court palaces.

The Secret of a Princess Beauty
The Ladies of the Royal Families have a reputation to inherit the beauty of goddesses from paradise.

As told in the story of wayang (leather puppet) by the dalang (puppet master) , all parts of a princess body is always perfect and alluring: the beautiful black thick hair, a smooth skin, bright eyes, charming eye brows, eye lids and nose, bright reddish lips, white nicely teeth, wonderful built neck and shoulder, beautiful hands and arms, a waist like the one of a bee meanings slim and perfectly built.

The dalang with a clear deep voice, like in the poem reading adores the beauty of a princess with a thousands of words. It seems that all words of a complete dictionary are not enough to express of what a wonderful beauty a princess has.

The use of Traditional Jamu and Cosmetics
Nowadays, some secrets of this Karaton (Palaces) culture of "Ngadi Sarira" are known by many women from outside the Karaton walls. The Jamu is widely used to give an inner beauty, due to a good physical health.

Some of the products are consumed directly by eating it, for instance Kepel Fruit (a brown fruit of a chicken egg size), it's a natural deodorant. By eating it that would fragrant the odor of the body even the urine smells the fragrance of that fruit.

Jambu Mawar ( a kind of rose apple, mawar means a flower of rose) gives a fresh smell of breath. Some cosmetics are for outside application such as bedak dingin (cool powder) and lulur (scrubbing powder).

Beauty Care
Every woman is always proud of her hair – thick and shining, color and style. For natural shampooing, the ash of rice stalks work as a shampoo to clean the hair. After being washed by water, ingredients consist of
coconut milk, jeruk purut (a kind of citrus fruit smells like a lime ) and pandanus leaves are to be applied. It functions as a conditioner to clean the dandruff. The hair then washed by water again, to be dried while vaporizing with ratus fragrance.

Finally, a hair oil by the name of cemceman, made of coconut oil with pandanus , kenanga flower, jeruk purut etc. is applied.

Skin Care
For face caring, bedak dingin (cool powder) is applied. It's made from tendered rice with special ingredients, such as pandanus, kenanga flower etc.

For other parts of the body, lulur is applied, popularly known as mandi lulur (lulur bathing).

Lulur is also made from tendered rice, pandanus, some leaves of kemuning (with yellow color) and some medicinal roots. The lulur should stimulate the body to throw out the dead cells, replace it with new ones, stimulate blood circulation under the skin, smooth the skin and at the same time scents it.

Steaming the body
Steams of several boiled herbs are applied to ensure body freshness, including the woman organ. The steaming took about a ½ hour.

Producers
Besides the traditional cosmetics made by hand, in the country there are some big and well known manufactures of cosmetics, using modern machinery. These products are used widely across the country, even this cosmetics have been exported to many countries of the world.

Source: Traditional Indonesia Medicine

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