Stomach Flu or COVID-19? Why getting tested is important

Apart from the usual cough and fever, COVID-19 can present with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea - which are similar to that of a stomach infection. While most COVID-19 patients experience respiratory symptoms, studies show that children may only experience gastrointestinal symptoms while infected with the coronavirus.  

How can parents tell the difference when it comes to the wellbeing of their children? Dr. Ruth Kanthula, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at MedStar Health shares the information below:  

 

>> How common are gastrointestinal symptoms when children get infected with COVID-19? 

Patients with COVID-19 typically develop symptoms such as a cough, fever, wheezing and shortness of breath. However, studies have reported patients experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms at different frequencies. Diarrhea and vomiting are the most reported GI symptoms and often present themselves before a cough or fever. 

 

>> Can children experience GI symptoms during COVID-19 without any respiratory symptoms?

The answer is yes. Children may be infected with the coronavirus and only experience GI symptoms. In fact, a study on COVID-19 and the gastrointestinal tract in children found that 10% of children diagnosed with COVID-19 had only reported the presence of GI symptoms. 

 

>> Are children more likely to get these symptoms than adults?

Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have suggested that the presence of  GI symptoms are more common in children than in adults. But the frequency and clinical outcomes of these gastrointestinal symptoms in children remains unknown. 

 

>> How are stomach viruses different from COVID-19? 

Doctors are still learning about the clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19. There is a small number of viruses that account for most cases of acute gastroenteritis in children, including rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, and astrovirus. There have been reports that children infected with other strains of the coronavirus may experience symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. However, the clinical symptoms caused by these viruses are indistinguishable.

 

>> When is it necessary to get COVID test if your child has GI symptoms?

Given that GI symptoms may be the first sign of COVID-19 in children, it is recommended to get tested for the coronavirus as soon as GI symptoms appear - rather than waiting for more common symptoms like cough or fever. 

 

>> How can you treat gastroenteritis symptoms associated with COVID-19?

Supportive care for gastroenteritis includes drinking plenty of fluids and treating with fever reducing medications if necessary. If your child is dehydrated, has severe abdominal pain or has blood in their stool, you should consult your doctor for other treatment options. 

 

>> How can parents prevent the spread of infection in children? 

It is recommended that children ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against the coronavirus. Hand washing is especially important if children are getting contact with someone who is experiencing gastroenteritis associated with a COVID-19 infection - as scientists have detected the virus in the stool of patients infected with COVID-19. Other preventive measures include wearing a mask for children aged two and up. 

Daily Meditative Reflections Inspire Hope and Faith Throughout Lent and Easter Seasons

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

Cleveland, OH, February 17, 2022 — It's that time of year again when we all start thinking about how we can make the most of Lent and Easter. Have you considered An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word Volumes II and III? This series of books by Fr. Dr. Maurice Emelu can help you approach Lent and Easter with intention and purpose — even if it's just one day at a time. And, he explains, it will be a surprising, transformative, spiritual resource for you and your loved ones. 

 

“You see the eucharist, you see the sacraments, you see your neighbor, you see your friend, you see your family, you see the workplace, you see the road where you will walk — every part of that, in different degrees, are ways that you can really encounter the grace of God,” Fr. Emelu said in a recent interview.

 

Drawing upon his many years of pastoral ministry, Fr. Emelu combines story-telling with a Western worldview to offer a unique perspective on faith-life and what it means to grow closer to the Lord. He communicates his sentiments and ideas in compelling, relatable ways and applies them to today’s realities. Each passage aims to heal, inspire, teach and encourage through the power of God’s Word.

 

An Encounter is suitable for both personal and group faith sharing — for anyone seeking a daily walk with God. The topics of future volumes will be announced soon.

 

“Alone with God, the soul hears words that the noisy world often silences,” he said. “Call them a boost for the day or a spiritual companion for everyday life. They are empowering words meant to accompany readers on their own journey of life as they continue to discover the gentle Word of God.”

 

About the Author

Father Maurice Nkem Emelu, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of digital media and communication at John Carroll University in the United States. He is the chair of the John Carroll University core committee on humanities. The author of seven books, and over 700 blogs and professional articles, he provides robust cross-cultural educational programs through digital media. He is the host of EWTN’s The Faith with Father Maurice and the host/executive producer of Word for a Wounded World teaching series, plus numerous other television and radio works. He holds a Ph.D. from Liverpool Hope University, UK, focusing on digital storytelling, media aesthetics and theology, among other academic degrees. An encounter with the Lord when he was 14 changed him in fundamental ways, and today he describes himself as “passionately in love with God and His body, the Church.” 

 

For more information, please visit www.revemelu.com, or follow the author on Twitter (@revemelu) and YouTube (Fr. Maurice Emelu).

 

An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word, Volume Two: Lent
Publisher: Bien LLC

ISBN-10: ‎ 0960109714

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0960109715 

 

An Encounter: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word, Volume Three: Easter
Publisher: Bien LLC

ISBN-10: ‎ 0960109722

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0960109722

 

Available from Amazon.com, BN.com, Revemelu.com and wherever books are sold

 

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Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is among the common types of insulation that you can use in your home. It's a great way to improve your quality of life because it helps provide the optimal temperature, sound, and humidity levels in your home. The spray foam insulation will also help protect the integrity of your walls and provide a healthier environment for your family. Here are some ways spray foam insulation can benefit you.

Versatility

One of the merits of spray foam insulation is its versatility. Spray foam insulation can be used in many different ways, and it comes in various thicknesses depending on the needs of your home. There are many types of spray foam insulation like open-cell, closed-cell, extruded, expanded, and fluted.

Save on heating and cooling costs

If you're struggling with high energy bills, spray foam insulation can help. Spray foam insulation is a very efficient way to insulate your home. When the temperature in your home is increased, your heating and cooling costs are decreased because it's easier for your furnace and air conditioner to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. That's because the spray foam insulation creates a thermal barrier that doesn't allow excess heat or cold from outside sources to enter your home.

It protects against moisture damage

Moisture damage is also one of the most common problems for homeowners today, but spray foam insulation helps protect against this type of damage. Spray foam insulation generates a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into your walls or ceilings, causing expensive structural damage over time. The vapor barrier created by spray foam also prevents water from pooling on the surface of the insulation, which could cause mold or mildew growth in confined areas like rooms and attics, leading to unhealthy living conditions for you and your family members.

It protects against pests

Pests are another common problem that homeowners face today that spray foam insulation helps protect against. Pests like rodents can cause significant structural damage to homes over time if they aren't kept out by pest control services or preventive measures taken in advance, like building an enclosure around your foundation walls or using glue traps in attics.

PHOTO SOURCE

The Last Possession hits the Terror Films Channel on March 4 & VOD on March 11.

 THE LAST POSSESSION 

Ahhhh ok. I didn't hate this movie at all. My screener was hard to watch so I am frustrated right now. It kept buffering at the most stressful parts and there were many. I enjoyed this story of a family Kent and Stephanie and their kids Jack and Gabby who has moved into the home of the Kent's father's house. His father had committed suicide there and while estranged this was the only option for this struggling family. 

While having dinner they hear a big sound accompanied by a bright light in the backyard. They think earthquake even though it would be uncommon where they are. A huge sink hole or they believe well seems to have opened up in their backyard and things start getting strange. 

If a huge, endless, dark hole opened in my backyard the last thing I would be putting over it is two thin pieces of plywood but maybe that's just me.

Gabby starts talking to deceased Grandpa, Jack is seeing things in the bathtub and eventually even Stephanie sees something go into the bathroom. My question is what the heck does this "paranormal entity" need in the bathroom? 

Anyway, long story short, the kids are scared, mom and scared and poor Kent is just trying to protect his family so they hire a Spirit Guide to help them navigate what is going on in their home. 

Things go haywire and Gabby goes missing. What is it that is "haunting" this family? You will have to wait until the end to see but it is worth it. 

So while Kent and his wife Gabby think that the kids are just being kids. 

5 Reasons Why Divorced Dads Play a Vital Role in Their Child’s Life

 

Dads’ Resource Center reminds people just how important fathers are

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania – (February 9, 2022) – According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there is a crisis in the country involving fathers. They report that one out of every three children, or 24 million, live without their biological father in the home. The problem is that fathers play an important role in their child’s life. When dad is missing from a child’s life, there’s a lot that society is missing out on as a result.

 

“Mothers and fathers give different, but equally important things to their children,” said Jeffrey Steiner, executive director of the Dads’ Resource Center. “Children need both their mother and father fully engaged in their upbringing to have the best chance to be successful in life."

 

The government report also says there is a “father factor” in nearly all the societal ills facing the country. Divorced dads must get the opportunity to play an active role in their child's life. In today's society, dads are far too often pushed aside by the court, legal, county, and human services systems.

According to the Dads’ Resource Center’s analysis of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, here are 5 reasons why divorced dads play a vital role in their child’s life:

• Prosperity verse poverty. Children who have the active involvement of their father during their childhood earn 26% more than those who don’t ($59,490 versus $43,938).
• Social program usage. Children who did not have the active involvement of their father during their childhood were 94% more likely to have used government programs such as Women, Infants & Children, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Workers Compensation.
• Better health. Children who did not have the active involvement of their father during their childhood were 11% more likely to have smoked and 20% more likely to have used hard drugs.
• Engaged citizens. Children who did not have the active involvement of their father during their childhood were 11% less likely to volunteer their time to the community,13% less likely to donate to a charity, and 26% less likely to vote.
• Increased resiliency. Children who did not have the active involvement of their father during their childhood were 13% more likely to have needed mental health treatment.

“Father absence either plays a role in or is the primary driver of every societal problem this country faces,” said Steiner. “But the systems meant to protect the well-being of children pervasively deny or hinder father family involvement. Many of those in these systems know the problem exists, but there is no will to reform in a way that better serves children."

 

Dads’ Resource Center was started by Dr. Joel N. Myers, a father of eight and the founder and CEO of AccuWeather. Its mission is to help combat the issues associated with children growing up without their fathers in the home. At its heart, the center is a child advocacy organization that aims to ensure that each child has the appropriate involvement and contributions from both parents. 

 

Dads’ Resource Center has been established to benefit children of separated or divorced parents by advocating the importance of fathers having adequate opportunities to fulfill their role of fatherhood. The group helps get information regarding the issues out to the public and works with fathers to help make improvements. To get more information, visit the site at: https://dadsrc.org.

 

About Dads’ Resource Center

The Dads' Resource Center is committed to providing education, resources, and advocacy for dads who are separated or divorced and are determined to uphold their sacred responsibility as fathers. The Dads' Resource Center was founded by Dr. Joel N. Myers, who is the founder and CEO of AccuWeather. His own experience as a single father led him to start the group. To get more information, visit the site at: https://dadsrc.org.

 

# # #

 

Sources:

 

National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. https://dadsrc.org/national-longitudinal-survey-of-youth/

 

 

U.S. Census Bureau. The Father Absence Crisis in America. https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/FATHERHOODFACTSHEET.PDF

Want to Choose the Best Wear for Summer?

Nothing can be as weary as having no good outfit for your summer. Investing in the right outfit will help you avoid such inconveniences in the future. Yet, you must be careful when choosing your outfit. You will also need t put in enough time to identify the best options in the market, guaranteeing you the best returns in the long run. Here are a few tips to consider when selecting your summer wear.

Check the Color

Light-colored clothing is excellent for warm weather and seasons. This selection will help reflect visible wavelengths, which will absorb less heat. Minimizing heat in your body will help improve your comfort in the long run.

If you are looking for elegance, white will be a perfect choice. This color will comfortably go hand in hand with other colors. Other bright colors to consider include khaki, yellow, fuchsia, and turquoise.

Avoid Sleeved Wear

The goal is to tone down the heat in your body. Embracing sleeveless and loose sleeves would be an excellent idea. These options will help improve the airflow within the body, guaranteeing better relaxation. While you do not need to go entirely strapless, ensure that your choice makes you feel comfortable.

At the same time, it would help if you did not choose tight clothes. Tight clothes could add heat to your body, making you more uncomfortable in this weather. That means oversize, wide-leg pants, and loose shirts will be an ideal choice.

Check the Fabric

Various fabrics stand out for summer. The best choice would be cotton, thanks to its breathability. This material will also keep you dry every time you sweat. You could also consider linen, allowing air to move freely through the fibers. In addition, it does not cling to your body, assuring you of enhanced comfort in the long run.

On the other hand, it will be vital to avoid synthetics. These materials are not breathable, and they do trap moisture in them. Whatever you do, focus on fabric that will keep you cool, regardless of how much it will cost.

Thin Layers Are Vital

Layering often keeps you warmer. Keeping these layers thinner during summer will cushion you against increased body temperatures. According to Lulalu, thin blouses and tunics will come in handy during hot weather. You can wear them alongside singlets or bikinis.

At the same time, make sure that you keep away from too many accessories. Various accessories could stick to your skin under the heat, resulting in increased body temperature and discomfort in the long run. However, you can use statement accessories.

Get the Right Footwear

Wearing leather sandals during summer is a great move. These sandals are breathable, keeping your feet comfortable. Besides, you will find them in various styles and designs, making choosing a pair that matches your outfit easier. In conclusion, take the time to choose the right clothes for summer. It will cushion you against unwanted body temperature and discomfort. The insights above will guide you better.

Source

Thanks to Tamara Bellis @tamarabellis for making this photo available freely on Unsplash 
https://unsplash.com/photos/68csPWTnafo 

My Life In Pictures July 22 - July 30

July 22 - We rescued a frog from the filter today. My girl was so worried about it.

July 23 - The Circle of Life

July 24 - Dog sitters extraordinaire

July 25 - She is the cutest and the only photo of the day.

July 26 - Journaling has gotten easier. If I stick with it, it becomes something I want to do rather than a chore. I love doing it but was putting too much pressure on myself.

July 27 - The orange sun filtered through the curtain. There were wildfires in the West and Canada so our skies were orange. 

July 28 - Sometimes when you pick a stuffed animal, you need to make sure you don't miss anything. 

July 29 - The only photo of the day was this blue paper towel? HUH? 

July 30 - It was a gorgeous night. 

My Life In Pictures - July 15 -

 July 15 - Sometimes you just have to stop and take a photo

July 16 - We are duck and Koi sitting at one house and dog sitting overnight at another house. Busy busy

July 17 - one of the three dogs we were sitting is obviously a circus dog.

July 18 - Added another dog sitting job to the mix. Busy month for people going away.

July 19 - I take no credit for this photo. My daughter took it after picking the Queen Anne's Lace. I love it!

July 20 - WOW that orange sun.

July 21 - We made ice cream cone volcanos and since I had so many left over, served them their snacks in the cones. It was weird how many kids didn't understand they could eat the cone too. 

My Life In Pictures July 8 - July 14

 July 8 - Painting with different paint brushes. I love showing the class different ways to do things. We used a truck, a ball and this bit of bubble wrap to paint. 

July 9 - My daughter thought we looked funny standing at DMV and took this photo. She said, I looked so short. Yeah, you think? I am 4'11".

July 10 - My son's Godmother Bek and I headed out for a sauna session which was unbearable. I think I lasted about 10 out of the 30 minutes. UGH!

July 11 - Not even sure why I took this photo but it was the only photo of the day. Oh I remember. Bek sent it to me. She won!

July 12 - Got a little burnt at the pool today. UGH!

July 13 - Painting some cookies.

July 14 - Showing my class some items from the ocean. They loved holding the seahorse and starfish

My Life In Pictures July 1 - July 7

July 1 - it started raining while my class was outside. We stayed out for as long as we could as my class tried to catch raindrops. 

July 2 - I bought my daughter a bike on the tagsale site on Facebook. It is a bit big for her and she is scared to get on it. I think we both just need to grab huffy bikes with big seats and head to the track. 

July 3 - These plant needles were in a jar on the table. It rained overnight making them look like an apocalyptic landscape. 

July 4 - Goddess and her dad making a new planter out of concrete.

July 5 - No words necessary

July 6 - Our blackberry bush is doing very well. This makes me so happy.

July 7 - My baby book filled out by my mama. I am so happy I have this.

My Life In Pictures June 25 - June 30

June 25 - My husband and I took the kids to the Summer's here fair the Fire Department throws. My husband has only come with us 1 year so it was nice to have him with us. My daughter's bestie and her mom met up with us this year so she had someone to pal around with. 

June 26 - My daughter and I got lemonade at the Fire Department's fair last night. We made our carrot juice and enjoyed it in our new cups. It contained carrots, apples, ginger and lemon. So good.

June 27 - This beauty and I went out for a lovely walk. We love walking and seeing the sights. 

June 28 - Sage is our craziest cat. She is our most vocal, cries for attention but the moment you give it to her, she wants you to get as far away from you as possible.

June 29 -Gifts from sweet people make my day. 

June 30 - My homemade acai bowl was delicious

5 Simple & Effective Ways to Protect Against Covid

 By now, everyone knows that things like vaccinations, social distancing and wearing a mask can help stop the spread of Covid. But there are also five other simple and effective steps you can take to help protect against the virus, and help you recover a lot quicker if you do contract it. What are they?

 

Dr. James Taylor is founder of COVID Treatment Clinics and COVID Testing Solutions. (https://covidtreatmentclinics.com/) It wasn’t just being a medical doctor that fascinated him with Covid. After coming down with Covid, his recovery journey was life-threatening, absent of a recovery plan and included long-haul COVID symptoms. Now he wants to be there to help others navigate these confusing times. 

 

Dr. Taylor’s five recommendations for everybody: 

 

-        Nasal Hygiene. Nasal Wash. Covid lives in the nose and mouth. If we can keep this region of our bodies clean and resistant to the virus then we can reduce viral load and tip the scales back in our favor so that our immune systems will be able to adequately handle a viral infection and not be overwhelmed. We can accomplish this by washing our sinuses with a neti pot. Instead of washing our hands after we are exposed to the virus, we should be washing our nose and mouth. This is how covid is spread, not by physical contact. We can also take advantage of nasal sprays that contain iota carrageenan and xylitol that bind virus particles thus blocking them from infecting the individual.

 

-        Supplements: Even for people who eat a healthy diet it can be challenging to get all the correct vitamins and minerals needed to sustain a healthy body and immune system. That’s why supplementation is so important. You should always talk to your doctor first, but recommended supplementation to help keep your immune system at its best to help protect against covid and other viruses includes: Vitamin K2 – 1,000, mcg daily; Vitamin C – 500 mg three times per day; Vitamin D – 5,000 units daily (Low levels are associate with a higher COVID-19 mortality); Zinc - 5mg every eight hours; Magnesium -  400mg per day for adults, and a Vitamin B supplement once per day. 

 

-        Take control of other medical problems: It’s always important, but especially in the new world we are living in, that if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition you get it under control. Not only can Covid exacerbate other medical conditions, suffering certain medical conditions can make recovering from Covid more difficult. Closely monitor and control diabetes, take your cardiopulmonary medication as directed, keeping your blood pressure within normal limits and stay in touch with your doctor, even about issues you consider minor. 

 

-        Anti-inflammatory diet: A nutrient-dense diet centered around whole foods that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and plant-based sources of protein, supplemented by herbs and spices, is extremely healthy. These whole foods are high in fiber, phytonutrients, and good fats, and more than meets one’s protein requirements, thus significantly improving immunity and decreasing inflammation. If your body is in an anti-inflammatory state, it will help you recover much quicker from a Covid diagnosis. 

                                                                                                                         

-        Get control of your mental health: Mental health has a direct connection to physical health, so address any issues that are bothering you. Keep stress at a minimum and lower anxiety. Seek help for depression. Stop negative talk, complaining, gossiping and criticizing. Address anger and practice forgiveness. Address any family issues. Make sure you feel connected and have a vision for your life. Finally, a curious and playful mindset is one of the most powerful ways to stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and relaxation hormones, so have more fun in everything you do.

The Ramifications From The COVID Lockdown Will Be Felt For Years To Come

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Numbers Reveal COVID Lockdown’s Human Toll

 

St. Paul, MN, Feb. 2, 2022 — How does a nation, and a world, respond to one of the greatest public health crises of our times? And at what cost? 

 

With the logic of a lawyer and the scientific expertise of an immunologist, Hugh McTavish, J.D., Ph.D., walks readers through the COVID-19 pandemic and the policy decisions that were made to keep the virus in check in his eye-opening book, COVID Lockdown Insanity. Dr. McTavish’s fact-filled exploration reaches beyond the simple metrics of case and death counts and reveals the unsettling consequences of society’s responses to this disease. His careful examination of the scientific evidence related to COVID-19 transmission and his analyses of both the human and economic costs of the lockdown strategy illuminate the dysfunctionality of the government’s policy response. In the end, he lights a path toward making more enlightened decisions that offer hope of real solutions. 

 

In the book, Dr. McTavish dissects the data that shows:
 

- The COVID lockdowns threw 63 million Americans into major depression.

- All evidence suggests that the lockdown response to COVID failed to decrease COVID deaths at all.  

- Even if the lockdowns prevented 200,000 COVID deaths, which they probably did not, the lockdowns caused more loss of life in increased suicides, drug overdose deaths, cancer deaths and heart disease deaths than they saved in prevented COVID deaths.  

- For every 1 COVID death prevented, the lockdowns caused these harms: 1/3 of a death of despair (suicide or drug overdose); 316 people thrown into major depression; 127 people out of work; 350 students out of school; 1,640 people denied the right to live their lives as they wish.

- Mask wearing has “little or no effect” on COVID cases or deaths.

- Hand washing and hand sanitizer use is the best intervention and could dramatically reduce COVID deaths, but this was underemphasized.  

- Asymptomatic people very rarely spread COVID.

- Children do not spread COVID, and closing schools had no effect on COVID spread at all, and we knew that by the summer of 2020, and CDC staff wrote a paper saying so in January 2021.  

 

In conclusion, Dr. McTavish says, “Lockdowns have no advantage at all. If you think life is better than death, a long life is better than a shorter life, happiness is better than depression, more money is better than less, education is better than ignorance, child abuse and domestic abuse are bad things, and more personal freedom is better than less, then you agree the lockdowns were a mistake.”  

 

Hugh McTavish is a Ph.D. biochemist and immunologist and a patent attorney. He has authored 18 refereed scientific journal articles and is the inventor of 21 U.S. patents. He has also written two prior books on public policy and nature. He has started two pharmaceutical companies off his own inventions. He lives near St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

For more information, please visit HughMcTavish.com and COVID-Sanity.org, or follow him on Twitter (@covid-sanity).

 

COVID Lockdown Insanity: The COVID Deaths It Prevented, the Depression and Suicides it Caused, What We Should Have Done, and What It Shows We Could Do Now to Address Real Crises

Publisher: West Fork Press

ISBN-10: ‎ 1737327112

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1737327110 

Available from Amazon.com

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