Over the past week I have been watching a documentary series, The Truth About Vaccines. Because one of my children had varying vaccine reactions—first to the MMR and then to the hep B—I continue to follow this issue. I am concerned about the health of the next generation. One of…
Women today have more rights than our ancestors. As we have made progress it is odd that the loudest voice in the current women’s movement is for abortion. I would rather support the right of women to give birth in the setting that they choose. Across the world there is…
At the beginning of the 19th century, in the city of Chicago, the health of young children was in perilous condition. The health of both women and children needed focused attention. In 1916, for example, Chicago’s death rate for children under 2 years of age was 141.4 per 1,000 live…
There is a kind of comradery on the hospital elevator. I recognize the tension on the faces of men and women. We make a little conversation about the weather. Then we smile and wish each other a good day as we exit the elevator. For almost two weeks I have…
Today I am joining Five Minute Friday. We write fast and free for five minutes. Today’s prompt is REFINE. The dictionary gives these definitions: to reduce to a pure state, to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing, to become pure or perfected. When I think about refined white sugar…
A friend of mine is going to participate in the Women’s March on Washington that will take place on Saturday (1/21). I have seen pictures of pink hats that women are knitting for this event on instagram. I don’t plan to go, but the event has captured my attention. The…
Today I am joining Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday: We write fast and free, for five minutes flat. The prompt is MIDDLE. In the photo above my husband and I are sitting in the middle of our grandchildren. This is a wonderful place. In our extended family we are…
The CDC is asking for comments on Vaccine Information for the MMR and MMRV. I responded with my observations. This vaccine impacted the health of my twins when they were toddlers. It is my hope that our health system will listen to the concerns that parents and teachers have raised…
Apples, fresh from the orchard, are one of the blessings in September. I enjoy making applesauce for the grandchildren. Each year I get a little more efficient. Two appliances have simplified the process of making applesauce for me: a crock pot and a victorio strainer. What is a victorio strainer?…
If you watch very much TV you will notice that a great proportion of advertisements are for medications. A medical problem is presented with the solution—a pill. Then a long list of side effects and risks are recited. Every medication and medical intervention has side effects and risks.…