The Bluebird Patch

Every year, more than 2,500 infants in the U.S. die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the unexplained, sudden death of an infant under 1 year old. As the number one cause of death among infants aged 1 month to 1 year, SIDS is a terrifying reality that thousands of families have faced. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hopes to raise awareness about the importance of creating a  safe sleep environment , so that babies can grow up to be all they dream about during their nighttime adventures. To launch our safe sleep guidelines, our friends at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta have created an imaginative photo series - From the NICU to the Moon - that dreams about what our sleeping NICU babies might become someday- an astronaut? A ballerina? A Top Chef? A doctor? Maybe even an Olympian? If the size of the fight in their tiny bodies is any indication, these babies have big things in store for the world. Visit Safe Sleep hub to find tips for keeping...

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Dr. Cocoa™. INTRODUCING DR. COCOA FOR CHILDREN Effective cough and cold medicine made with real cocoa for a real chocolate taste.   Kids hate being sick, but they also hate the taste of many medicines. My little one resists taking medicine because he has a sensory processing disorder that makes him very fussy when when it comes to certain textures and taste. Is a good thing I discovered Dr. Cocoa™ for Children because it has what he needs to help him feel better and get better. Some children's medicines have fruit flavors that are supposed to make them more appealing, but many of them still taste "like medicine" but Dr. Cocoa™ is different. Dr. Cocoa™ for Children ( www.drcocoa.com ) is the first-ever chocolate flavored, over-the-counter liquid cough and cold medicine line for children ages 4-13! Its patented formulas are made with trusted, effective ingredients and 10% real cocoa for a rich, soothing, chocolate taste. So ...

Dr. Oz will be hosting a free health clinic at Hilton Atlanta to celebrate that his tv show will be airing at Atlanta's own WSBTV! Bringing Healthy Back with Dr. Oz Health Expo will be on September 13th from 9am – 5pm. The expo is free but registration is required.   Here's what to expect at the Expo:  Dr. Oz’s 90 Minutes to a Healthier You -  Join Dr. Oz and an all-star roster of speakers on the big stage for entertainment, information and high-octane energy!  Learn the latest in health, nutrition, fitness and how to live The Good Life from Dr. Oz himself. Dr. David Wentz, CEO of USANA Health Sciences (a nutritional supplements company) and author of The Healthy Home, will point out the simple ways to protect your family from hidden household dangers in “90 Minutes to a Healthier You”.  But wait that's not all! Dr. Oz’s Atlanta 15 Minute Physical:  a team of medical professionals fro...

Common Sense Media reports that 40% of children under 2 years old have used smart phones and tablets. By now we know that most of our kids, and even ourselves, could use a  digitaldetox . Did you know that the average 8 to 18 year old looks at a screen around 7.5 hours a day? Did you also know that 1/3 of children have a television in their bedroom? Or that excessive screen time can be causing your child to be losing sleep, falling behind on school projects and increase their risk of health diseases caused by inactivity? Next week (May 5-11) is National Screen Free Week and, as I am sure you know, kids today are spending so much time in front of various screens (TVs, phones, tablets, video games, etc.).  With that in mind, please c heck out Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life.com for valuable screen time information and expert advice on how you can dialdown your family’s screen time and give your family a DigitalDetox . Personally, my youn...

This past week has been extremely difficult to update the blog due to a recent diagnosis of adult-onset asthma.  This is something that is completely new to me and I feel so lost when it comes to figure out what should I do (or not) to avoid experiencing a recurring asthma attack.  My children are so scared every time they see me  out of breath. They are constantly asking me "mommy are you okay" and it kills me, because as a parent you never want to be the cause of stress of your child. Having asthma is scary. I feel like a have a bag of bricks on my chest and it's so incredibly frustrating.  I'm noticing my asthma get's worse at night? Not sure if this is typical or not but I need to start doing some serious reading and find the best way to fight this. On the positive side papa bird and the little bluebirds have step up  to the plate, especially in the "chores" department, which allows me to rest as much as I can.  I still need to have more te...

The Milk Life campaign reinforces milk's many nutritional benefits, such as high quality protein, and shows how starting your morning with milk can help power the potential of every day.    The visually impactful work spotlights everyday moments of accomplishment, achievement and enjoyment, showing milk with the latest in graphic and animation technology to bring to life how families who include milk's protein at breakfast make the most of their day.  According to Ad Age " Protein is "really in the news and on consumer's minds," said Julia Kadison, interim CEO of MilkPEP. "But a lot of people don't know that milk has protein, so it was very important to make that connection between milk and protein "   Taibi said his agency started working on a new concept with MilkPEP a year ago. He said the ads are intended to convey the power of protein after you drink milk.  One ad shows a little girl jumping in...

I'm a spokesperson on behalf the Protein Fight Club Milk Mustache Campaign. I have been compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. Time flies fast when you are having fun! I can't believe a month ago I started my journey as a spokesperson for the Milk Mustache "Got Milk" campaign.  I was paired with registered dietician Carolyn O'Neil and was given cool gadgets to help me achieve my new year resolutions towards a happy and healthier new me.   It has been an exciting journey mostly because of the many lessons I've learned along the way. From not skipping breakfast to being more mindful of how many steps I take during the day here are my top five lessons I take with me that has helped me live a happy and healthier life. 1. Start your day with milk!  A good breakfast habit is essential is you want to loose weight! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and with 8 grams of protein in...

  GEORGIA ADVOCATES! Help us to get Ava's Law passed next spring! If passed, Ava's Law would require insurance companies to pay for "evidence-driven treatment" -- or treatment that's been scientifically shown to help kids with an autism spectrum disorder . The law would not affect the self-insured plans offered by bigger companies, which cover about 60% of insured people in the state, according to the Georgia Office of Insurance.    The new bill,  HB.309 , would require coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism, including physical, occupational, speech and behavioral health therapy. Sponsored by Representative Ben Harbin, the bill would take effect 60 days after enactment. If you want this done this year, it is essential that you at least send an email! Here is How YOU Can Help:

I'm  a spokesperson on behalf the Protein Fight Club Milk Mustache Campaign.  I have been compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. Having a high protein breakfast in the morning has help me tremendously to stay fuller longer.  Sticking to healthy morning routines like drinking 8oz of milk  is helping achieve my new years goals.  Drinking milk is  one of  the many small changes you can make each day that can add up to a healthy lifestyle. To help me further track these small changes that add up to success, our friends at FitBit and the Milk Mustache Campaign has provided me with a new Fitbit Flex.  If you are unfamiliar with Fitbit this is a stylish activity and sleep-tracking wristband that offers a slim, minimalistic design for people that are goal-oriented and want more flexibility in accessorizing; tracks steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, active minutes and sleep; syncs wirelessly t...

I'm a spokesperson on behalf the Protein Fight Club Milk Mustache Campaign. I have been compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. It's Not Breakfast Without Milk If you are looking for ways to loose weight and fight your mid-mornings cravings don't skip drinking a glass of milk. In recent study by Dr Michael Zemel and colleagues, analyzed the diets of 32 obese adults and discovered that those people eating three servings of low-fat dairy products a day lost more than 10% of their body weight. In contrast, those taking calcium supplements or those who had little calcium or dairy in their diet lost only 8% and 6% of their body weight, respectively. Personally, I love having high protein breakfast every morning. It gives me energy and valuable nutrients that I need to help me tackle the day. I always use egg whites, fresh fruit and of course a glass of 8oz of skim milk. If I'm making an omelet or scrambled eggs, I absolutely l...

    Pure organic honey is an amazing health food with many health benefits. It p rovides energy for the liver and brain, reduces metabolic stress, is an effective cough suppressant, improves digestion and reduces many gastrointestinal disorders, improves and restores the immune system, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides and increases HDL-cholesterol, is an effective antioxidant, reduces affects of aging and the risks for some forms of cancer, helps treat diabetic ulcers, speeds healing of first and second degree burns, and even helps reduce gum and periodontal disease. If you have a loved one down with the flu or with a sore throat surprised them with a thoughtful get well kit. Grab a cup and filled it with essentials like tea bags, chapstick, tissues, cough drops, fresh lemon and pure organic honey. Wrap in cellophane and print a get well card, for a personalized touch. I s the little things like these that people truly appreciate and will always remember you the...

Get Heart Smart. This free event will offer a complimentary heart-healthy breakfast, free educational and fitness classes, discounted screenings, a heart-healthy cooking contest with local firefighters and GMC associates, giveaways to inspire a heart healthy lifestyle including iPods, local gym memberships and much more! TO REGISTER, PLEASE CALL: 678-312-5000