Is This SICK...or Just Sad???

Unless your head has been in the sand, you are well aware that the United States is suffering from HUGE illness this flu season. Everywhere I turn, someone is sick.....in fact whole families are sick. Entire families are suffering with horrible viruses, and many are ending up on antibiotics due to progression into Pneumonia. The blogosphere is full of bloggers explaining their absence due to this knock out, drag on and on....and on.....illness epidemic. It appears that this year's flu shot has gravely missed it's mark.

One of the things that I find most interesting while reading all the posts and articles about sickness, is the wide range of advice out there coming from our paid professionals. At every turn, I see differing methods of treatment given to our parents of young children. It can be rather confusing to me....and in fact, it scares me. Most of us, chose a health care provider using methods much like throwing the dice at a craps table. Often we don't even have much of a choice. Then we trust this person with the most valuable earthly possession....our bodies.

Recently, I read in Parents Magazine that upwards of 17% of all Pediatricians are NOT certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Apparently this certification is NOT mandatory, however it is imperative as it requires Physicians to pass an exam every seven years, and keep up to date on medical advances. If that wasn't scary enough.....a current study showed that 12% of doctors who call themselves Pediatricians NEVER completed three-year residency training in pediatrics. EEEEEKKKKK!!!

Now I know that even Pediatricians that ARE certified and have received proper training may not be ideal choices, but it certainly is a step in the right direction. To check and see if your child's Pediatrician is certified CLICK HERE. Follow the link on the left had side of the web page, that features a magnifying glass icon. My advice is to keep your search somewhat broad. Initially, I didn't find Sugar's Pediatrician until I left the City and Zip code open. She was listed under a small community name instead of our city.

In addition, I'd like to encourage you to be a strong advocate for your child when you are visiting with the Pediatrician. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If something doesn't make sense to you....question it. My favorite question is, "Can you tell me why you DON'T think it is anything other than (fill in the blank)?" I find I get more information this way. The physician then will describe other illnesses and WHY your child doesn't have them. I last did this when Sugar had an unexplained rash. Having her doctor explain why it WASN'T all the other types of childhood rashes really helped me understand what we were looking for, and what we were seeing. I try to NEVER worry about taking up too much of her time. My child is worth being sure.

It is my hope that this wave of illness subsides for everyone soon. Hang in there. We are hibernating here at our house in hope of avoiding it.....well, as long as hibernating means Sugar attending Pre-school/daycare, and my working in the education field....SIGH!