
Pediatrician Dr. Gillin answered our questions on updates for the day, precautions she’s taking as a mother herself, if she agrees that this virus is mild after all (yes, so far), why such a big deal was made in the press over this particular virus and more.
Breezy Mama Rexene asked: My 10 year old son has Type 1 Diabetes and Asthma. If my son gets sick with flu like symptoms, should I bring him to the ER?
I would call your Pediatrician. If his sugars are good, he should be able to be seen at the office instead of the ER.
Does anti-bacteria soap kill good bacteria? Should it only be used as a back-up if there’s nothing else available or do you recommend using it along with soap and water?
No, it does not kill anything good.
Most people think that Read More…
Jack Wagner is raising two teenage boys, but it was his own father that inspired him to host The 3rd Annual Jack Wagner Celebrity Golf Classic, benefitting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
“I lost my father in 1990 to multiple myeloma,” he said. “And in 1999 my brother Dennis was diagnosed with leukemia.”
After four relapses and enduring the chemo that went with each, his brother received a complete bone marrow transplant. “He is still with us today because of new lifesaving treatments, but we must still push for a cure,” Wagner said.
Having raised more than $600,000 in the past three years to fund critical cancer research and patient services, his goal is to pass the million mark.
In addition to his admirable efforts, he has starred as Read More…
World health officials have stated that the Swine Flu is now quickly approaching pandemic (widespread) level. We asked pediatrician Dr. Gillin if it’s time to panic, if our child now exhibits the symptoms if we take them to the pediatrician or the hospital and more.
I read today that the World Health Director said, “All of humanity is under threat.” Is she telling me it’s time to panic?
No, please do not panic. But be safe, be careful. Use the same precautions- hand washing, staying away from sick people. Do not go to work or school sick. But for now, Read More…

Dr. Gillin answered our questions on whether she’s treated patients with Swine Flu, what concerns she has been hearing from parents, the measures being taken in California and more.
Now that California Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency, what can we expect as far as a vaccine in California? When do you guess pediatrician offices will offer them?
It takes time to develop a vaccine to any virus. It will take some time to develop and manufacture and test a vaccine. Although the U.S. is prepared to develop Read More…

Federal officials said it may take until January to get a vaccine.
As a follow up to Monday night’s post on Swine Flu, Dr. Gillin said this morning, “As you know, there has been the first death- in a toddler. Again, time will tell. Every year we have deaths of infants, children, and adults due to influenza. Time will tell whether this flu is acting like a typical flu in the U.S., or anything more.”
According to the Associated Press, the U.S.’s first death due to Swine Flu was a 23-month-old who had recently travelled from Mexico to Texas. Read more here.
Google is tracking Swine Flu outbreaks. Click here to see the map.
Please remember Dr. Gillin’s advice, “Use good hygiene and Read More…
I don’t know about you, but I seem to only find time to do a thorough cleaning of the bathroom once every two weeks. In between, I keep a tub of antibiotic wipes and mop down the sink tops, toilet and sink. But then the wipe is gross and you have to gingerly carry it to the trash can so it doesn’t drip on the floor. And then there’s the question of how clean is the countertop really getting? But then I found the Scrubbing Bubbles Flushable Bathroom Wipes. Made for the bathroom, they not only get your tile, toilet, and sink sparkling, but you can also do your chrome and mirrors with them as well. And the best part? You can flush them in the toilet. How sweet is that?
Breezy Mama Tip: Need some? Order your tub of Scrubbing Bubble wipes (sold in a case of 9) here.
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What could be sweeter than putting your little wahine in this Candy Cove bikini for ages 7-16 by Roxy? The adorable polka dot with blue trim design will have you thinking all things sugar and momentarily forgetting about the occasional spice. Click here to order. |
| And check out this ruffled bottom blooming cutie. The halter-top with flower design is sure to spring some fun into a sun filled day. Find it at a Roxy store near you. |
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For the Wednesday, April 29 Post, “Swine Flu: First Death in U.S. is a Toddler — Deaths Due to Influenza Happen Every Year” — Click here.
For Wednesday April 29 post, “Swine Flu: What the Pediatrician Community is Saying Today and More,” Click here.
Monday, April 27
With three boys in school and a teacher herself, Breezy Mama Maya –like many of us — is beginning to feel the panic over the sudden outbreak of the Swine Flu. We turned to Pediatrician Shakha Gillin, M.D., F.A.A.P to get the facts on the symptoms, treatment and how to avoid it.
Can you tell us about the Swine Flu? What is it? How serious is it?
The Swine Flu is an H1N1 Influenza A virus, that originated in pigs, but now has demonstrated human to human transmission.
Why is there suddenly panic seemingly spreading over this particular virus?
The panic has been spreading for several reasons. Read More…
Breezy’s favorite go-to OB Dr. Rothbart answered our questions on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).
What are the risks for both mom and baby in doing a vbac?
The risks for a vbac exist because of concern over the uterine scar (from the previous c-section) rupturing, or tearing open. This presents risks to the mom because of bleeding, and potential for the rupture site to be unrepairable thus leading to an emergency hysterectomy. The risks to the baby arise from the compromise to the placenta that exists if the uterus does rupture. This cuts off oxygen supply to the baby and emergent surgical delivery is necessary.
Why are vbacs more popular in some states than others?
It really just depends on Read More…
Urban Epicure’s Deidre Hopp — who has cooked for Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Trina Turk and more — gave Breezy her recipe for:
Grilled Skirt Lamb Steak w/Salsa Verde
• 1/4 cup salted capers, soaked for 30 minutes, drained, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian flat leaf parsley
• 1/3 cup chopped scallions
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
• 1 cup olive oil, preferably extra-virgin
• 2 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (4 1/2 to 5-pound) Skirt or Tri Tip
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
Stir the first 7 ingredients and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a large bowl to blend. Whisk in 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Set the salsa verde aside. Place the lamb in a 15 by 10 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Rub the minced garlic, remaining 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes all over meat. Pour 1/2 cup of salsa verde over the steak, turning the meat to coat evenly. I like to marinate the meat for a day or as long as possible. I also double the salsa recipe as the sauce is great and keeps for a couple of day! Great with left overs. Heat BBQ and spray meat so it does not stick to grill and cook to desired temperature.
Also, I serve this with a lime cilantro rice. Cook rice according to recipe and add about ½ cup of finely chopped cilantro and ¼ cup of fresh squeezed lime juice.