BuzzSugar

Box Office: It's a Chihuahua World and We're Just Living in It

BuzzSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:30:48 -0700

If the photo below were a Caption It contest based on this weekend's box office results, my entry would go something like: "Well Leo, there's no easy way to say this so I'm just going to come out with it. We got beat by the little talking dogs. Beat bad."

That's right, Disney's Beverly Hills Chihuahua was No. 1 for the second weekend in a row followed by the horror flick Quarantine. Ridley Scott's Body of Lies, which came in third, was expected to do much better "based on its star power alone" but the combination of mediocre reviews and the fact that audiences continue to eschew Iraq War-related movies probably worked against a successful opening weekend. Eagle Eye and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist rounded out the top five respectively.

The new sports film The Express came in at No. 6 followed by Nights in Rodanthe, Appaloosa, The Duchess, and City of Ember at No. 10.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Out and About: Hawaii's Quarantine Rules

PetSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:00:29 -0800

Welcome to Hawaii! Off the bat, I want to mention that the Aloha State has a special quarantine law designed to protect resident people and pets from potentially serious health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies. All dogs and cats, regardless of age, must comply with Hawaii’s pet import requirements. This makes it impossible to bring your doggie or kitty for a last-minute family vacay – you'll need at least four months of preparation, including rabies vaccinations and a blood test that requires waiting 120 days after a successful test result before entering the state. If you do arrive or relocate on the islands before this time period ends, you'll not only have to give up your pet, but you'll also have to pay boarding fees of $224 for five days or less (plus $17.80 each additional day after that) and relinquish your pet to the quarantine station on Oahu where you can visit during afternoon hours but cannot take animals outside of their outdoor kennel enclosures. To learn more about Hawaii's laws, read more.

This is a big improvement from the previous law, which required all pets to endure quarantine for at least 30 days, but it still makes travel to the nation's only rabies-free state difficult and pricey – even after paying for the necessary health requirements, it costs an additional $165 to get your pet released from the airport to the island. For those of you who've planned a trip in advance and waited the requisite time, they now also have a direct-release program for dogs traveling between the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu making it smooth sailing for subsequent island hopping.

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US Lifts HIV/AIDS Travel Ban

TresSugar — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:00:00 -0700

For the last 22 years, foreign citizens living with HIV or AIDS have been forbidden to legally enter the US. As of Monday, that ban will be a thing of the past. On Friday, President Obama announced the decision to overturn the policy he called "rooted in fear rather than fact." He said:

"We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease - yet we've treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic - yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people from HIV from entering our own country. If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it."

Before this decision, the US joined a less-than-impressive list of countries that banned HIV-positive outsiders. The list still includes: Armenia, Colombia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sudan, and Yemen. Considering there are already Americans living with HIV/AIDS, it served little purpose to "quarantine" the country. I'm happy to see that our HIV/AIDS prevention strategies will no longer include an ineffective and discriminatory ban.

Sugababes' Amelle and Heidi in Quarantine With Swine Flu

PopSugarUK — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:45:11 -0700

Amelle Berrabah and Heidi Range of the Sugababes are in quarantine after developing symptoms of swine flu. Their bandmate Keisha Buchanan said: "I definitely don't have swine flu, but the other girls are ill with it. We've had to cancel all our events for the next week or so while the girls get better. I can't believe I know someone who has swine flu. I'm sure we'll laugh when it's over." They have cancelled their appearances at Reading and Leeds Festivals, as well as their meeting with Jay-Z. Let's hope they follow Rupert Grint's lead and get well soon.

Is It Possible to Keep One Kid Healthy When Another Is Sick?

babysugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:00:12 -0700

What's worse than a sick baby? Two sick babies. Last week my daughter fell ill with a fever, cough, and a snotty nose. Impossible to quarantine her, I did my best to limit her contact with her six-month-old brother. After two full days of separation and endless hand washing, it became obvious that my plan failed.

Not typically a snuggler, my daughter craves being held when she's down and out. Happy to oblige, I am afraid I became a human Kleenex and unavoidably transferred the germs from one child to the other as they breathed into and out of my clothes. So even though I tried my best to keeps mitts sanitized and sick parties separated, the bugs found their way to another victim. At this point, I can only hope my husband and I catch it at different times so one of us will be up for the challenge of caring for the kids in good health.
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Worried About Swine Flu? Keep Your Family Germ Free!

babysugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 06:00:53 -0700

If it's not one thing... it's the swine flu. Just when I was having a worry-free moment, this outbreak comes along to inject some fear factor into my life. Before children, I wouldn't have been too concerned but as a parent, I am fretting over every move I make. My mind wonders: Should I ride the bus? Eat take-out? Consume pork products? Not willing to live like a prisoner quite yet, I am not quarantining my family from the rest of the world but I am taking some precautionary measures set out by the Centers for Disease Control. To see what they are and see how to track the outbreaks, just read more.

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
Cover coughs in your elbow in case further hand contact is made.
If ill, stay at home and get rest.
If entering an area that has had confirmed cases of the virus, a face mask may be a helpful tool in prevention.
Avoid large crowds.

If you want to keep track of confirmed cases in the US, watch on Google maps.

Mommy Dearest: Sick Baby Etiquette

babysugar — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:00:00 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

Isn't the number one rule of play dates not to bring your sick child to another family's house? I recently hosted a play group and invited six other mothers and their babies over to play and have lunch. I was happy to have them all accept the invitation, except one. A 6-month-old little girl came over coughing, sneezing, and crying her little red eyes out. Everyone could tell how miserable she was, including her mother. She told us, "I'm sorry she's sick. I just had to get out of the house!" We tried to keep our children as far from her daughter as possible, but it didn't make any of us at ease with the situation. I wanted to ask her to leave, but was afraid she would be offended and not return to future gatherings. What should I have done, if anything?

- Sick About Sickness

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Sick About Sickness,

It sounds like your friend should have gotten out of the house and gone to the pediatrician. The child doesn't benefit at such a soiree since she was unofficially quarantined from the healthy children. She would have been better served at her own home with some rest and recovery time. However, if someone arrives with an ill child in tow, you might try a little honesty with a soft edge: "Maybe today isn't such a great day to play. It's pretty obvious that she's not feeling well. We'd be happy to have you over for another play group when she's up to par." If that doesn't work, you could ask her to keep her child in another area so that the other children are less exposed.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.
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Pop Watch: Little Dorrit, Episode One

PopSugarUK — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Last night saw the first installment of Little Dorrit hit our TV screens, with lots of characters and storylines introduced in the special one-hour episode. The series will continue in easier-to-manage half hour slots twice weekly, as the various strands start to come together. This opening scene-setter was a bit tricky to follow in places, but the different plots were held together by the overarching theme of imprisonment, both literal and metaphorical. Remind yourself who's who by taking a look at my slideshow of characters, and then relive last night's episode with me in my recap here.

Amy "Little" Dorrit (Claire Foy) is at the centre of the story, and the opening scene shows her birth in Marshalsea debtors' prison in 1805. Fast forward 21 years and we see adult Amy heading off for a job with Mrs Clennam (Judy Parfitt). The Miss Havisham-esque wheelchair-bound woman hasn't left her dark depressing house for 12 years, and lives with her wonderfully unpleasant servant Jeremiah Flintwinch (Alun Armstrong), who's all growls and aggression, particularly towards his nervous yet kindly wife Affery (Sue Johnston). The first hint of mystery comes when Mrs Clennam tells Flintwinch Amy is coming, but he should "tell her nothing".

To read my thoughts on the rest of the opening episode just read more.

Meanwhile, Mrs Clennam's son Arthur (Matthew Macfadyen), who has been living in China with his father since he was a child, is on his way back to London but is temporarily quarantined in Marseille because of the plagues in the East. He has been getting to know the Meagles during his journey, and the parents (Bill Paterson and Janine Duvitski) are obviously keen for him to get involved with their daughter Pet (Georgia King).
This light-heartedness is coupled with foreboding difficulties: firstly, Arthur keeps remembering his dying father's last words to him - "put it right" - as he handed his son a pocket watch and urged him to go to his mother. Secondly, the Meagles' adopted daughter, Tattycoram (Freema Agyeman), is treated more like the hired help than a member of the family and is becoming increasingly frustrated. The mysterious, and quietly terrifying, Miss Wade (Maxine Peake) has taken a scared Tattycoram under her wing, and is pushing her to get in contact when they return to England. There is a suggestion of sexual attraction on Miss Wade's part, which Andrew Davies has discussed in his interview with The Independent. What do you think of this interpretation of the character?

Rigaud (Andy Serkis), a murderous Frenchman, is also in France. He's in prison with Italian Cavalletto (Jason Thorpe), and we get a feel for just how sinister Rigaud is in his treatment of his fellow prisoner. He is later freed, as there isn't enough evidence against him. It isn't clear at this stage what role he will play in the characters' lives, but it's sure to be a dangerous one.
After being given a job by Mrs Clennam (who has mysteriously said God has brought the child to her door), Amy returns to her home at the prison and we see how much the turnkey's son John Chivery (Russell Tovey) loves her. He's such an adorable character! Amy looks after her prisoner father William Dorrit (Tom Courtenay), who calls himself the "Father of the Marshalsea" and has self-deluded ideas of grandeur in his hierarchical position in the prison. Amy's brother, Edward (known as Tip, much to his father's annoyance) has also just become a prisoner as he owes a horse dealer 40 pounds.
Arthur arrives at his mother's house, and asks her what his father's dying words mean. Mrs Clennam is incredibly cold towards her son, refusing to allow him to kiss her cheek, and tells him his father's words mean nothing. Once he's left she opens the pocket watch to find a note inside saying: "Do Not Forget". Ooh, intriguing. That night Arthur dreams about his childhood with his mother, and how unkind she was towards him and his father. He tells her he wants to give up the family business, and asks if they could have wronged anyone. Mrs Clennam is furious and demands he leaves, but while she is hostile towards him, she is almost tender towards Amy.

Meanwhile, the Meagles arrive back at their lovely house in Twickenham and we discover a "scoundrel" called Mr Gowran had been chasing after Pet before their sojourn abroad. We see more evidence of how the family treat Tattycoram as a servant, and when she runs off in a huff who should she come across but scary Miss Wade, who's come looking for her. She calls Tattycoram by her real name, Harriet, and gives her another lingering kiss as she leaves. She seems to be plotting revenge, but we'll have to wait to find out what form it will take, against whom, and what role she wants Tattycoram to play.
Arthur follows Amy home, as he's convinced himself that his family must have wronged her somehow and that's what his father's dying words mean. He discovers she lives in the prison when he enters with Frederick Dorrit (James Fleet), brother of William and uncle to Amy. He's a much quieter, unassuming character compared to his brother, who embarrasses Amy by lording it over Arthur and indiscreetly requesting a "testimonial" (money). Amy is further embarrassed when her flighty sister Fanny (Emma Pierson) and brother Tip turn up, and we see more evidence of how Amy has to look after all of them. Arthur is so busy trying to talk to Amy about her father's debts, and why his mother gave her the job, that he gets locked in for the night! Tip helps him out by finding him a bed.

Mrs Clennam keeps looking at the message from the pocket watch, and summons Flintwinch by stamping her stick. She demands that he find the box of legal documents and such official papers and burns them. He scuttles off muttering to himself, and then burns the papers in front of Mrs Clennam. What she doesn't realise, however, is that her servant has kept back some documents and has given them to a shady character. Affery has heard the men talking and listens in as best she can, and looks totally shocked when she see her husband has a twin brother (also played by Alun Armstrong). Flintwinch catches her and threatens her as the episode ends on a mysterious and aggressive note.

So there are my thoughts on this intriguing, if sometimes confusing, opening episode. I'd love to know what you think, if you were one of the majority who planned to watch the show, so be sure to share your thoughts with me. I've had a sneak peek at the next episode, and it gets even better!

Sugar Bits - Beverly Hills Chihuahua Scores No. 1 Again

PopSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:45:00 -0700

Beverly Hills Chihuahua came in at the top spot in the box office for a second weekend in a row with Quarantine behind it. Body of Lies placed below expectations at No. 3. - BuzzSugar
Lisa Marie Presley and her husband Michael Lockwood welcomed twin baby girls last Tuesday afternoon and are now home. The names of the newborns have not been released. - Us Weekly
John McCain will make an appearance on The Late Show this Thursday, facing David Letterman for the first time since canceling on him last month. - E! Online
Travis Barker blogged a thank you to everyone for their support since the plane crash and mentioned he hasn't seen his ex-wife Shanna Moakler since the first week he checked in, despite reports to the contrary. - Travis Barker's MySpace
Tim Robbins received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday with Susan Sarandon, and Jack Black attended the ceremony. - AP

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Pertussis

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:25 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an extremely contagious bacterial infection characterized by violent coughing, followed by a "whoop" sound as the person tries to breathe in. Pertussis can be deadly to infants and small children. Children in the U.S. are routinely vaccinated for pertussis, but the disease is rising again, especially in infants who have not completed the series of vaccinations and in teens whose immunity has worn off. The vaccine keeps children from contracting the disease when they are most at risk, but teens and adults who have been vaccinated can still get a milder form of the disease.

Signs and Symptoms

The three phases of the disease are listed below.

Catarrhal phase (lasts 1 - 2 weeks):

Upper respiratory infection. Can be mistaken for a heavy cold
Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
Loss of appetite
Very runny nose

Paroxysmal phase (lasts 1 - 4 weeks):

Cough increases (2 - 50 times a day), and fever decreases
Sudden, forceful breathing in causes the whooping sound
A sudden intense bout of coughing (paroxysms) causes bulging and tearing eyes, tongue sticking out, and bluish discoloration
Vomiting or choking may follow coughing bouts
Pneumonia may develop

Convalescent phase (lasts 2 weeks to several months):

Cough slowly goes away

What Causes It?

A type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis causes pertussis, and it is spread through droplets coughed into the air. It is a highly contagious disease. Adults with a mild form can infect those who have not yet been vaccinated.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Your health care provider may take a smear from your nose or throat. Your health care provider will prescribe an antibiotic, which helps prevent the disease from spreading, and ask you to avoid contact with others while you are contagious. Patients with complications, severe coughing bouts, or who are under one year of age are hospitalized.

Treatment Options

An infant with pertussis should be treated immediately by a doctor. In adults, treatment is largely to control symptoms and prevent spreading. Quarantine, parenteral fluid and nutrition, oxygen supplementation, and mechanical ventilation may be required.

Drug Therapies

Antibiotics -- (usually azithromycin or erythromycin) reduce transmission and are effective even for infants.
Corticosteroids such as betamethasone (0.075 mg daily per kilogram of body weight) may reduce severity and length of coughing fits, especially in infants.
Albuterol (0.3 - 0.5 mg daily per kilogram of body weight) reduces the severity of coughing fits.
Over-the-counter cough suppressants have no effect and should not be used.

Surgical and Other Procedures

In cases of loss of consciousness, immediate resuscitation is essential to avoid brain damage and death.
Suctioning of secretions, oxygen administration, parenteral fluids and electrolytes are used for infants and in those with protracted illness.
Mist by tent may benefit infants.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Pertussis should be treated with antibiotics. Supplements, herbs, and homeopathy are useful as supportive therapies and may help quicken recovery. Talk with your doctor if you are using alternative therapies in addition to medication.

Nutrition

Note: Doses given are for children. Adults should double the amounts.

Eliminate dairy, bananas, wheat, and meat products.
Encourage small, frequent meals of vegetable broths, steamed vegetables, and fresh fruit (especially pineapple and grapes).
Vitamin C (200 - 500 mg two times per day. Children over 4 years of age can have up to 3,000 mg per day in divided doses for short periods of time), zinc (10 - 15 mg per day), and beta-carotene (10,000 - 25,000 IU per day).

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

Catarrhal stage: Choose two herbs from each of the first two categories. Combine in equal parts in a tea (½ cup every 3 - 4 hours), a tincture or glycerite (30 drops every 3 - 4 hours).

Paroxysmal stage: In addition to the above formula, combine 2 parts of catnip with two to four of the other antispasmodic herbs in a tincture or glycerite (20 drops every 1 - 2 hours).

Immune-stimulating herbs:

Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Usnea lichen (Usnea spp.)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Expectorants:

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum)

Antispasmodics:

Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata) (not more than ¹/4 of combination)
Bryonia (Bryonia alba)
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia erythrina)
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Homeopathy

Although very few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies as supplemental treatment for the symptoms of pertussis as long as the underlying infection has been appropriately treated. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Aconite -- Take during the first 24 hours that symptoms appear, particularly if they develop following exposure to cold weather. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals with a hoarse, dry, cough who complain of dry mouth, thirst, restlessness, worsened symptoms from cold air or lying on the side, and being awakened from the cough.
Drosera -- for dry, spasmodic cough with sharp chest pain and a tickling sensation in the throat that may cause the individual to gag, choke, or vomit. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who tend to be hoarse, become worse when lying down, and perspire during the night.
Hepar sulphuricum -- for later stages of pertussis with wheezing, little mucus production, and coughing that comes on when any part of the body gets cold.
Ipecacuanha -- spasmodic cough and gagging or vomiting. This remedy is commonly prescribed for infants.
Phosphorus -- for several different types of cough, most particularly a dry, harsh cough described as a persistent tickle with sharp chest pain signified by the individual clutching his or her painful chest. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are often worn out and exhausted, have undue anxiety, even fear of death and require a lot of reassurance.
Spongia -- for harsh, barking cough that produces no mucus and is associated with a tickling in the throat or chest that worsens when lying down and improves when the individual eats or drinks warm liquids. This remedy is often used if Aconite was not successful.

Physical Medicine

Chest rubs. Use 3 - 6 drops of essential oil (camphor, thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary) with 1 tbs. food-grade oil (almond, flax, or olive).
Castor oil pack. Apply oil to clean soft cloth, place on chest, and cover with plastic wrap. Place a heat source over the pack, and let sit for 30 - 60 minutes. Use daily.
Place 3 - 6 drops of essential oil in a humidifier or a warm bath.
Alternating hot and cold applications to the chest or back. Alternate 3 minutes hot with 1 minute cold.
Wet Socks Treatment. Before going to bed, take a pair of thin cotton socks, wet them, and wring them out so they are just damp. Place on feet, and then place dry, thick (preferably wool) socks over them and go to bed. Socks should be dry by the morning. This pulls congestion and inflammation away from the head and chest.

Acupuncture

May enhance immunity and decrease duration and severity of infection.

Massage

Foot massage has a relaxing effect and can help induce sleep. Massaging along the acupuncture points that affect cough can be helpful.

Following Up

Complete recovery is expected unless there are complications.

Special Considerations

Vaccinations are 80 to 90 percent effective. They last about 12 years.

Supporting Research

Bartram T. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorset, England: Grace Publishers; 1995:452-453.

Behrman RE, Kliegman R, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 1996.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:432.

Bove M. An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants. New Canaan, Conn: Keats Publishing; 1996:205-208.

Carr AC, Frei B. Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69(6):1086-1107.

Cummings S, Ullman D. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. 3^rd ed. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1997: 67, 72.

JAMA Patient Page. How much vitamin C do you need? JAMA. 1999;281(15):1460.

Johnston CS. Recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA. 1999;282(22):2118-2119.

Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 210-211.

Rakel RE, ed. Conn's Current Therapy. 50th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 1998.

Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, Park JB, Wang Y. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA. 1999;281(15):1415-1453.

Rosen P, Barkin R, eds. Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby-Year Book; 1996.

Scott J. Natural Medicine for Children. London: Gaia Books Ltd; 1990:133-134.

Ullman D. Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1992: 70-73.

Ullman D. The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1995: 227-228.

Review Date:
9/1/2006
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

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