Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Florastor Kids Review


I was recently given the opportunity to try out Florastor Kids. This is a probiotic for kids to help them maintain the normal balance of microorganisms in the digestive system. An upset in the balance of these microbiota, or flora, can cause intestinal problems, including diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, which can range from moderate to severe. Florastor® Kids is a clinically-tested, natural, yeast-based probiotic that aids in the growth of good microbiota in the intestines, while destroying and removing pathogenic (bad or disease-causing) microbiota to help maintain or restore optimal intestinal health. Florastor Kids is the number-one probiotic worldwide. It has recently been added to the ConsumerLab.com List of Approved Quality Products. It is unique because it can be safely given to babies and children from the age of two months. It also comes in a simple powder form that can be dissolved in beverages or soft foods! The active ingredient in Florastor Kids, Saccharomyces boulardii lyo, has been clinically tested for more than 50 years. It helps to eliminate or prevent diarrhea by promoting the growth of good microbiota, helping to remove pathogens from the intestines and neutralizing bacterial toxins. Florastor Kids also strengthens the digestive tract’s ability to help fight infection by releasing polyamines (organic compounds that stimulate cell growth) to help repair the mucous membranes of the intestinal walls, stimulating the production of immunoglobulins (proteins that function as antibodies), and increasing short-chain fatty acids to help nutrient absorption. It is perfeect for treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), acute gastroenteritis, traveler’s diarrhea, clostridium difficile (C. diff, which is a severe, possibly fatal infection of the colon that can occur after healthy microbiota are wiped out by the use of strong antibiotics, allowing a pathogenic bacteria to thrive; currently being seen more often, as C. diff is on the rise). As with anything, of course, ask your pediatrician before giving this to your child. Studies that support Florastor Kids’ efficacy and safety can be viewed at www.sboulardii.com.

I was really looking forward to trying this out because my youngest daughter gets diareahha quite often and there is not much we can do to help her out. Luckily, my sample of Florastor Kids arrived during one of these bouts and we were able to give it a try. After just two packets, she was back to normal. And, it was super easy to use! I just put it in some juice, applesauce, or yogurt and she doesn't even know she's getting it! I would definitly reccommend this to anyone with a little who is having some minor digestive issues.

You can find Florastor Kids in most retail chain pharmacies, and at independent pharmacies. Visit www.florastor.com to find out where to purchase Florastor Kids in your area. It is commonly found in the anti-diarrheal/stomach aid section, and can also be obtained by asking the pharmacist (many stores keep Florastor Kids behind the counter). It can also be purchased online at www.drugstore.com or www.newtimrx.com/florastor.html.

Here is an iterview with a board-certified pediatrician explainging the benefits of Florastor Kids:

Q&A with James Sears, M.D.: Tiny Tummy Troubles and Florastor® Kids

Pediatric diarrhea can be extremely stressful for parents, especially in babies and toddlers. Adult anti-diarrheal medications are not recommended for young children, which often leaves parents with only “watchful waiting” as an option.

Probiotics are a new health buzzword, and can be a drug-free method of helping to manage children’s intestinal issues. However, it’s important to do your homework. Because probiotics are supplements and therefore not subject to government regulation, it’s important to look for a probiotic that has sound scientific testing behind it, and that is appropriate for your child’s issues.

Dr. James Sears, board-certified pediatrician, author and co-host of the CBS-TV show “The Doctors,” has recommended Florastor Kids to patients for years, first of all because he’s seen its efficacy in pediatric diarrhea, and because it’s backed by scientific studies.

Dr. Sears answers some common questions about Florastor® Kids below:

Q: What are the most common causes of pediatric diarrhea?
A. Like most things in pediatrics, diarrhea is usually caused by a virus. The most common diarrhea-causing viruses are Rotavirus and Norovirus, but most parents just call them “stomach flu”. Kids can also get diarrhea as a side effect of antibiotics.

Q: How should a parent handle food and drink for a child with diarrhea?
A: The key to treating diarrhea is to keep your child hydrated and nourished. Breastmilk, formula, or electrolyte solutions are best for this, also, easy to digest foods will help keep the tummy happy. Cow’s milk can make diarrhea worse, so lay off this for a few days.

Q: At what point should a child with diarrhea be taken to the emergency room?
A If your child is losing more fluid than he can take in, he runs the risk of becoming dehydrated. This is especially true if he is also vomiting. It’s often the second day of illness when a child will become dehydrated, so watch for decreased urine output – number of wet diapers is less, or trips to the bathroom are less. If your child becomes lethargic, this is also a reason to call the doctor.

Q: Do you recommend probiotics for kids?
A: I’ve been recommending probiotics for years, and it’s now a recognized treatment for kids when they have diarrhea. When kids get diarrhea, a probiotic can help replenish the “good” bacteria that is supposed to be living in the intestine – which will improve their digestion.

Q: What is Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids is a natural probiotic that supports the presence of beneficial (“good”) microbiota in the intestines, which helps keep pathogenic (“bad” or “disease-causing”) microbiota (like bacteria and viruses) from attacking the gut.

Q: What is the active ingredient in Florastor Kids and how does it work?
A: The active ingredient in Florastor Kids is a freeze-dried form of yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii lyo. It helps promote the growth of good microbiota, while attracting and removing pathogens from the intestines.

Q: Have any clinical tests been done to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Florastor Kids?
A: Yes. The active ingredient in Florastor Kids, Saccharomyces boulardii lyo, has been studied in more than 40 clinical trials. Studies have been published in top medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and Gastroenterology magazine.

Q: How do the effects of Florastor Kids differ from those of bacteria-based probiotics, such as acidophilus?
A: One of the key differences in a yeast-based probiotic, such as Florastor Kids, is that it can not be killed by antibiotics, and it, in turn, protects the body’s own flora during the course of antibiotic treatment to guard against antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of “good” and “bad” microbiota in the intestinal tract, causing harmful bacteria to grow far beyond their normal numbers. The result is often frequent, watery bowel movements.

Q: Which kids could benefit from Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids has been proven effective in managing a wide variety of intestinal problems, but is often used to help with:
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)
Acute gastroenteritis (general, sudden onset diarrhea)
Traveler’s diarrhea
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (C. diff)
Chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s

Q: Why would a parent choose to treat a bout of diarrhea with Florastor Kids as opposed to an anti-diarrheal product?
A: Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) are typically not recommended for young children. Florastor Kids helps remove toxins from the intestines and at the same time bolsters the body’s defense against the pathogens.

Q: How should Florastor Kids be taken?
A: Florastor Kids is a fruit-flavored powder that comes in packets. The powder can be mixed into water, milk, juice or soft foods (such as applesauce), and should be taken twice a day.

Q: How long can Florastor Kids be taken?
A: There is no reason that Florastor Kids can not be taken every day, but it is most often taken once symptoms start, and until symptoms stop. It is recommended to start taking the same day as antibiotic treatment and stopping it once the course of antibiotics is complete. For those wishing to protect themselves from traveler’s diarrhea, it is recommended that Florastor Kids be taken starting four days before the trip starts, and finishing four days after the trip ends.

Q: Who should not take Florastor Kids?
A: Children under two months of age, as well as those with yeast allergies and central venous catheters.

Q: Does Florastor Kids need to be refrigerated?
A: No. Florastor Kids’ freeze-drying process means that the product does not need to be refrigerated, making it ideal for travel.

Q: I went to a few pharmacies in my area and could not find Florastor Kids on the shelves. What can I do?
A: Try asking the pharmacist. Even though it does not require a prescription, many pharmacists may keep it behind the counter so that they can explain its benefits, particularly if they recommend taking it with antibiotics. On www.florastor.com there is a list of local and online pharmacies that stock Florastor Kids.

I'd like to thank Momselect for the opportunity to do this review!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Oh, My, My, My...

We have had a bit of a crazy day today...but, I will get to that in a second. First, I must say that any of you who missed out free Ben and Jerry's yesterday should really sign up for the ChunkMail (their little e-mail newsletter), so that you don't miss out next year! I even gave you the link, so you have no excuse :) Anyhow, the girls and I went after lunch yesterday and got free scoops. Here is Lily enjoying her Strawberry. Ava and I shared a Half-Baked (yummy) and a CoffeeCoffeeBuzzBuzzBuzz (my favorite, mostly cause it has caffeine).


Now, for our adventure today. So, I have mentioned before that Ava likes to catch herself on her face (see here and here). She gets a bloody lip at least once a week. Today, however, was her worst yet. She fell and caught herself on the coffee table. She managed to split both her top and bottom lip and create a huge gash in her upper gum, as well as give herself a frenectomy (which for everyone not married to a dental student is when they separate that little piece of tissue that attaches your upper lip to your gum). And, of course, she did all this while Daddy was at school and not ahome to check to her mouth (which he frequently has to do). So, I start calling everyone at the dental school I can think of to try to get in touch with Nate to see what I need to do while trying to mop up the obscene amount of blood comin gform her screaming mouth. I finally made the decision to just head to the school and hope someone there could find him for me. Luckily, Nate called just as we were pulling up. He checked her out and thankfully, it looks like she didn't do any permanant damage (although, he says when she grows up she will be able to pull her upper lip over nose, very useful talent). The biggest issue with this whoel thing is that now every time she hits her mouth (which she has done twice since she got up from nap time about 2 hours ago), her mouth starting bleeding again. Not to mention that she chews on everything she can get her hands on and I am petrified she is going to shove somethign up in her gum...ugh. I have a feeling she is going to be my child who is constantly giving me little heart attacks. I would put money on her breaking at least one bone before she hits adulthood. It's the whole needing to do everything big sissy does without any fear or concern for your own limitations that gets her every time :)

Monday, April 20, 2009

What We've Been Rocking Out To

My girls love to sing and dance. YouTube has been great for finding songs for them to rock out to! Here are some of our favorites that we have been listening to lately:





Sunday, April 19, 2009

Park Playdate and Soccer Tournament

On Friday, we met up with Madison and Kim at the park for some much needed playtime! The girls had lots of fun (as always!). The first picture of Lily makes me laugh. She always shows her emotions with every inch of her body. She was very happy in this picture, and her whole body shows it!


We had a picnic, so, of course, we had to get cupcakes!

Which Ava hugged...she really likes cupcakes...

On Saturday, Nate participated in a soccer tournament played by all the different housing villages...we came in third of four, but everyone had fun! It was kind of funny watching Nate play, because he we playing with a lot of internationals (I think there were only 4 Americans there) who have been playing since they were little kids and Nate has never played soccer...We brought lots of snacks and balls for the kids and some of Lily's friends from Maguire came to watch their dads' play, too. Oh, and I put the girls in their new Gator outfits. So cute. I think I may have to make some more of the skirts in some pretty floral fabrics...






I love watching Ava run. She pretty much just thrusts herself forward in such a way that it looks like if she were to try to stop, she would just fall flat on her face.


There had been a lot of hugging going on lately...

Which is super sweet...

But, often ends like this.


Ava wants to learn to do somersaults like her big sis.

Nigh-nigh on Grammy's lovely quilt.

It's a little girl pile up! The cute little blondie is Lily's friend Sienna and the other little girl, Antonia, was actually born the same day as Ava. It was funny seeing them together because Ava is about 2 inches taller and prbabaly a solid 5lbs heavier.

All the girls playing in the dirt.

Ava chilled with me in the shade for quite a while when Lily was playing in the dirt. She was so cute watching the game and just playing around.

She looks so much like her Daddy!


There he is! Playing goalie...hehehe...

Here are a couple more park/ cupcake shots from my friend Kim's blog.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Sweet Shots

Just some sweet pics of the kiddos, well, the first one is not so much sweet as just Ava being Ava...

One of our favorite sayings around here is, "Give it to Ava, she'll eat anything!" Here she is stuffing a whole basil leaf into her mouth. What a nut!

Totally fake sadness...




Easter

The girls had so much fun celebrating Easter last week. We did the little egg hunt and Easter Festival they had here at Maguire last Wednesday. Poor Lily only got like 8 eggs, but she still had fun.

Isn't that a sweet dress? Gotta love Old Navy.

Lily and her friend Sienna.


Ava loves this horse. She plays on it every time we go to the playground!

On Easter Sunday, we headed over to Grammy's farm house. We spent the day relaxing, egg hunting, coloring eggs, and playing. It was a lot of fun.

Ava and Pa checking out her Easter Basket. Pa looks a little confused by the bubble wand : )

Lauren and Ian showing off one of their East goodies...

Now, the egg hunt. There are a lot of pictures of this. A lot. Mostly of Ava. Lily was pretty much just a streak. Oh, and I did want to mention that some of the pics are by Lauren, my brother's girlfriend. She had an awesome camera. I am a little jealous...

















Thought this was a nice picture of Ian that Lauren took.

Mom's dog, Letti.





Elijah looking...well, 13.





Nate trying to save Ava from the ants. She was more mad about him making her stanf still than about the ants...









Later, we had a silly string fight. This was short-lived, but very fun.


Is Nate hiding behind Lily??? Way to go, Daddy. Using your three year old as as human shield...







Cute picture, but don't worry, it is totally posed...they did not all attack Lily :)

Doing her little dance.

The kids also dyed some eggs.



Well, Ava ate one...




As we were leaving, we found a bunch of little grasshoppers and the girls had to play with Grammy's eggs hanging in the front yard!






Love those fat little feet!