There Is No Cure For RSV #RSVProtection

I didn't know about RSV Disease until a couple years ago when a friend told me her baby had it.  RSV is Respiratory Syncytial Virus - a contagious viral disease that may infect a person's lungs and breathing passages.  Most children will catch RSV by the age of 2 years.  RSV spreads rapidly among children. While most will recover in 1 to 2 weeks, even after recovery, infants and children can continue to spread the virus for 1 to 3 weeks.  Seeing as how we're friends and all, its my turn to pass information about RSV Protection to you.  

Since Omar is our last child,  I'm paranoid about everything especially his health.  Our family has been fighting colds and coughs from just before Christmas till now.  January and February have been awful.  It has come full circle in our home three times.  I just want the kids to be healthy already!  I checked the RSV Protection site and saw that RSV Season runs in CA, NV, AZ, HI between November and April, based on this information - you can start protecting your baby and family!  

There is no cure for RSV, only prevention methods - you can help prevent RSV Disease by taking these precautions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your baby and make sure others do the same
• Don't let anyone smoke in your home or near your baby
• Wash your baby's toys, clothes and bedding often
• Keep your baby away from people with colds, crowds and young children

When Duke was in Kindergarten last year he missed so much school from being sick!  We did the responsible thing to do and kept him home to prevent spreading his germs.  I just saw the flu going back and forth from kid to kid for months!  This year I decided to homeschool so our risk is down a little.  When we have to turn in work once a month at our homeschool campus, I make sure Duke isn't touching doorknobs, desks, chairs and toys.  When we get home, its straight to the bathroom to wash his hands!    

RSV is also highly contagious through touching, kissing and even hugging so if you are sick - resist kissing your baby!  (I don't know about you but having a sick little one makes me want to kiss 'em even more!)  

This infographic on RSV has been so helpful to me - hope it gives you some insight!   

  

To learn more about RSV, visit www.rsvprotection.com 

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post in collaboration with RSV Protection and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All opinions are my own.

Six New Brands Exclusive To Target.com!

I love shopping.  Even if I don't have money to splurge.  I guess back in the days we called it window shopping but how about when its done online?  Target.com is pushing the envelope by offering SIX brands exclusive to their site - these brands are unique and unexpected.  Definitely something to get excited for!

• TOO by Blu Dot a collection of modern decor with a sense of humor.
• Labworks a collection of women's ready-to-wear for the stylish and polished fashion enthusiast.
• Room 365 a collection of chic home items with modern prints and crisp colors. 
• Zutano Blue a collection of clothing, bedding, and decor that celebrates the spirit of childhood. 
• MudHut an eclectic collection of bedding, textiles and home accessories.
• Boho Boutique an airy assortment of bedding, table linens, curtains, shower curtains and more.

Labworks in PLUS SIZE!  Love this dress!

Super cute baby stuff! 

Ballin' On A Budget: Streetwear Find At Walmart!

Our kids don't ever have to worry about getting teased, "your mom dresses you funny".  I think the proof is in the pictures.  

Came across this super cute Garanimals crewneck at Walmart for $3.88!  The character is cute, colors are awesome and it reminds me of overpriced hipster/streetwear brands but for a fraction of the price.  Not sure what baby sizes it started at but we did see 12 months to 5T.  Duke is slim and fit in the 5T nicely.  

Get it for your little hypebeast!


Disclosure:  This is not a compensated post.

November 17 is World Prematurity Day

I didn't have preemies but it was definitely something I worried about with all 4 of my pregnancies because each pregnancy is different.  I wouldn't say I was lucky, pre-term birth can happen to anyone.  One of my good friends and coworker Maria had problems with her pregnancy a few years ago, I knew the signs of pre-term labor and would urge her to make an appointment to see her Dr. to see if she should go on bed rest.  5 months into her pregnancy, she was finally put on bed rest and had her son Danny at 35 weeks.  Maria was a preemie herself and has had health problems all her life and in the first year of Danny's life, he has exhibited health problems too.

November 17th marks World Prematurity Day, a day dedicated to help raise awareness about prematurity and the potential risks associated with pre-term birth. With underdeveloped organs and immature immune systems, babies born prior to 37 weeks can be especially prone to infections from seemingly harmless viruses like the common cold, the flu or RSV.

Did you know that worldwide, 13 million babies are born early every year, including more than half a million in the United States? Despite these staggering numbers, many parents still aren’t aware of prematurity—the leading cause of neonatal death.

RSV is very contagious and can be spread easily through touching, sneezing and coughing. Since there’s no treatment for RSV, parents should take the following preventive steps to help protect their child:
• Wash hands, toys, bedding, and play areas frequently
• Ensure you, your family, and any visitors in your home wash their hands or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid large crowds and people who are or have been sick
• Never let anyone smoke near your baby
• Speak with your child’s doctor if he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy may be available

Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following: 

• Severe coughing,  wheezing or rapid gasping breaths 

• Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails

• High fever and extreme fatigue

To learn more about RSV, visit www.rsvprotection.com 

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post in collaboration with RSV Protection and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All opinions are my own.