Guest Post: -Ask Me Why I’m Bald- #childhoodcancer #StBaldricks

The first time I heard about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation was in 2009, when I watched and photographed two Soldiers having their heads publicly shaved at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The research I’ve done since then has always shown what an outstanding organization this is. Although I’m not brave enough to shave my head like Jessie, I can at least donate. I challenge you to read Jessie’s story and pledge, and then think about what you can do to help in the fight against childhood cancer.- Elisebet

From Jessie:

In 2012, I made the crazy decision to shave my head! While bad hair days had been known to drive me crazy, that isn’t why I decided to go bald. I went bald for a wonderful cause! I shaved my head to raise money for The St. Baldrick’s Foundation. It was such a great experience that I’m shaving my head again on March 15th, 2014! My goal is to raise $2000 to help conquer kid’s cancer, and I hope you can help!

Jessie gets her head shaved 2012 to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation exists to help bridge the funding gap in childhood cancer research. Did you know that all types of childhood cancer receive only 4% of US federal funding for cancer research? That makes St. Baldrick’s the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants! Worldwide 175,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Luckily, St. Baldrick’s is funding ground breaking clinical trials to improve childhood cancer treatment and fighting to find a cure. Shaving my head to raise funds for childhood cancer research is an honor!

You see, I’m a mom to 6 wonderful kids. We have been fortunate that our children are for the most part healthy kids. Not all parents can say the same thing. There are too many parents rocking their children in hospitals instead of their homes. There are too many kids that are sick instead of playing outside and enjoying normal activities. Most of all, there are too many children that have been lost to childhood cancer. What if the money we raised helped to save a life, or two, or twenty lives? What if the children that are fighting cancer all survived to do amazing things? Those children may grow be up to be parents themselves, or they may be the next great artist, or maybe they will even find the cure for cancer themselves. The children that fight motivate me, and I hope they will motivate you!

It is my honor to shave my head in support of all children with cancer. Please join me and be a hero for kids! You can donate online, and you can keep your hair! Thank you so much!

About the Author:

Jessie headshotJessie Voiers is the laughing lady behind the blog Then I Laughed. Jessie has six children, 1 adopted at birth and 5 bonus children gifted to her upon marriage. When she isn’t chasing kids around, she loves to blog, go to the bathroom by herself, and find any bargain imaginable. She will soon be bald, so should have some extra free time that used to be taken up by styling her hair.

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Guest Post: Flat Head Syndrome

Pediatricians and other health professionals advocate back sleeping for prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Back sleeping has significantly decreased the incidence of SIDS. However, back sleeping may have increased the number of infants with flat head syndrome. Researchers are still researching the correlation. Regardless, because this condition is so common today, it’s important for parents and caregivers to know about it.

What is Flat Head Syndrome?
Flat head syndrome affects up to 50% of infants who sleep on their backs. Flat head syndrome is a common name for several conditions including brachycephaly (skull is flat and taller in the back), plagiocephaly (head is flat on one side) or scaphocephaly (long, narrow head). Infants with flat head syndrome will have a flattened area on their head. All flat spots should be evaluated by your child’s pediatrician. There is a condition called craniosynostosis (premature closing of the “soft spot”) that is more serious than the previously mentioned conditions. It is important that you rule out the possibility of craniosynostosis if you notice your baby’s head beginning to get flat areas.

What are some treatment options?
There are several treatment options that you and your pediatrician can discuss. Treatment will depend on the severity, exact condition and the age of the infant. Typically treatment will start with repositioning therapy and tummy time. If these options don’t work, then physical therapy may be needed. In more severe cases, your infant may need a helmet to help your child’s skull reshape properly. There are also several products on the market that are for helping infants with this condition and to help prevent it as well. The most important thing is to take action when your baby is as young as possible, or it can be too late to correct it.

Tummy time is important for newborns and infants to help develop their neck muscles. There are many play mats available for your child to play on and make tummy time more interesting and enjoyable for them.

Where Can I Learn More about Flat Head Syndrome?
To learn more about flat head syndrome, you can visit www.babyflathead.org. On this website you will find a lot of resources including reviews of products, information about safe sleep for infants, the latest news and research on this condition, and stories from other parents who have been through this with their babies.

About the Author:

Sarah and sonSarah is a 40-something mom to a 21 month-old boy who had flat head syndrome. Her blog advocates natural methods as a first option to treat flat head syndrome. Her blog has become a true passion of hers; she aims to make as much information available on this topic as possible.

Note- My Life: A Work in Progress was not compensated for this post.

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Looking for guest posters! “Body after Baby” series

I’m looking for mothers to guest post during a “Body after Baby” series starting October 21. Summer may be over, but it’s never too late to make healthy lifestyle changes and meet fitness goals! Are you a Zumba instructor? Personal trainer? Bodybuilder? Nutritionist? If not, you don’t have to be a fitness or health professional to guest post! Are you a mom who has met significant goals in fitness and/or weight loss?

If you’d like to share your personal story and inspire and encourage other mothers, please email me at emegburg@mylifeaworkinprogress.com. Thanks!

~Elisebet

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