You may have ask this questions many time whenever you were given a prescription medication by your doctor. Should I take this with food or before food or on empty stomach and so on.

Not all medicines are affected by food, but many medicines can be affected by what you eat and when you eat it. For example, taking some medicines at the same time that you eat may interfere with the way your stomach and intestines absorb the medicine. The food may delay or decrease the absorption of the drug. This is why some medicines should be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating). On the other hand, some medicines are easier to tolerate when taken with food. (more…)

Cold and Flu both are caused by viruses. They have many similar symptoms but generally Flu is worse. A cold develops gradually.  Initial symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and chills are followed by coughing, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, and nasal discharge.  If fever is present, it will be low-grade (less than 101 degrees). The flu most often hits abruptly, with a sudden high fever, dry cough, and headache. Other symptoms may include muscle aches, weakness, a sore throat, runny nose, and red, watery eyes that are sensitive to light.

Here is a simple chart to differentiate between the two: (more…)

Visit the child care settings that you are seriously considering for your child. As you observe, consider the following questions:

• Are there enough adults to meet the children’s needs?
• Do the caregivers seem to enjoy caring for the children? Are there joyful interactions between the children and caregivers?
• Do the adults and the children often talk with each other? Are children encouraged to talk with each other?
• Do the children in the program seem happy? When a child cries or acts out, how does the caregiver respond?
• Is the noise level in the child care areas comfortable?
• Is the center or home bright, cheerful, clean, safe and well ventilated? Is all equipment clean, safe and in good working order?
• Is there a posted plan of activities being followed that includes large muscle play (ie, running, climbing), quiet play with toys the child chooses, time for reading and talking, rest, and snacks and meals? (more…)

The child care that you choose for your family will play a key role in your child’s health and development. Finding high-quality child care is very important, but not always easy. You will need to consider many questions. But you are not alone — an increasing number of parents rely on quality child care so that they can work or attend school. The following information may help you in your search for the child care option that is best for your family.

There are several types of child care. Be sure to consider your family needs, schedule and your child’s personality as you consider the type care that’s right for your child. Generally, there are three types of child care:

• In-home care — the caregiver comes into your home. (more…)