WebMD Pulse

I quit smoking 21 years ago. I had three young children, and one day I looked at my infant son and threw the cigarettes in the garbage! Quit, done. 

Today, it seems you don’t just throw the pack out. You pick a date, you talk to your doctor, you decide what might best work for you, and you hope from there it sticks. It’s not just cold turkey anymore. With so many more options these days, the chances are better you will succeed.  

There are plenty of choices to help you quit —  Nicotine replacement (e.g. Habitrol, Nicorette), counseling, acupuncture, hypnosis, and even drugs like Zyban and Chantix.  The new E-cigarettes also are becoming very popular, although controversial.

Our Expert, Jonathan Foulds, PhD on the Smoking Cessation Community, recently posted some information for our members on E-cigarettes. He also posted this “Quitlines Post” with some great tips to help you get on the road to quitting and stick with it.

“I would encourage all smokers who are thinking of quitting to call 1-800-QUITNOW (or the national quitline number in your country) and take advantage of this free service,” he says.

Dr. Foulds continues to educate himself on the latest and greatest ways to help those who want to quit and shares his findings with members on the board. 

If you want to give up smoking, I encourage you to visit our Smoking Cessation Community for the information and support you’ll need on your journey. 

Quit smoking. It was the best thing I ever did for myself and my health!

By Susie Byrne

Talk to Us
Do you want to quit smoking? What gets in your way?

If you’re in the first months of your pregnancy, you may have reached the lovely stage where you’ll eat anything within sight. You are not alone.

DeeMommy2Be on the 1st Trimester message board is referring to her stomach as a black hole.

“Am I the only one who is absolutely starving 24 hours a day?” she asks.  ”I don’t remember it being this bad with my previous pregnancies. I ate a HUGE bagel with cream cheese at 10 a.m., and I’m so hungry, I’m nauseous right now. Like, actual hunger! Hunger pains! It’s like this all day.  Time to go shopping for snacks!”

What are you craving or did you crave most during the first part of your pregnancy? Did you just give in to the munchies or did you try to keep the choices on the healthy side?

Find other moms-to-be, share your stories and make some lifelong friends:
Pregnancy: 1st Trimester Community
Pregnancy: 2nd Trimester Community
Pregnancy: 3rd Trimester Community

There is almost nothing cuter than your young child’s first pronunciation of everyday words. 

My own daughter (who is now 20 years old and would cringe at my sharing this tidbit) called the garage the “begrage”.  We were almost sad when she learned to say it correctly.

The members of our Parenting 4 & 5-Year-Olds community recently had fun sharing their kids’ adorable mispronunciations. Here are some of them:

Steckie98’s son Ashton says “bucksaball” instead of basketball. And, he uses “bresert” for dessert.

Both crunk05177 and sarah0323’s kids call their blankies, “bankey”.

Mommy5kiddos’ dear little daughter calls tornados, “tom-nados”.  And, a favorite from KC94920 is her child’s mispronunciation of oatmeal — “oopa-meal”.

What are some of super cute ways your kids pronounce words? 

Looking to connect with other parents? Find the message board that’s right for you.

Menopause stinks!

There, I said it. If you are female and live long enough, eventually your ovaries stop producing eggs, your body makes less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, and your periods become less frequent until they stop altogether.

Doesn’t sound so bad until you factor in the mood swings, hot flashes, and loss of sex drive.

Luckily, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin is here to help you deal with menopause and perimenopause symptoms. Maybe you aren’t a candidate or don’t want to use hormone therapy. Are you looking for alternative therapies to deal with hot flashes?

Check out Dr. Minkin’s great advice for community members, Scarlett, who feels she is “going loco” from perimenopause, and Tiny,  who wants to know if her irregular periods are part of perimenopause or menopause.

If you are one of the 20% of women who don’t have hot flashes, then consider yourself extremely fortunate. For the rest of us in the Menopause Community, it’s one of our main complaints.

What is your biggest complaint about menopause?

By Tricia Yeung

You’ve vowed that the next stranger to touch your pregnant belly is going to get the mommy-to-be ninja treatment. But is that really the proper thing to do?

Navigating your pregnancy without breaking any pregnancy etiquette rules can be tricky. The good news is our wonderful members on the Pregnancy Communities have a quick guide for you.

Learn the 101 Best Places to Hurl from Klynshoe and others over on the First Trimester. Parking lots are a favorite, but there’s plenty of room for you to add your own top contenders to the list.

Morning sickness, the unpleasant symptom that dogs many pregnancies early on, can also make it hard to gain weight and stay hydrated. Luckily, many of our mommies have jumped in to help Scareddeath with her problems. If you have some tips to combat morning sickness, you can share them too.

Ashandchad wonders what some must haves are for your registry, other than the obvious things. The mommies-to-be on Second Trimester have a lot of good ideas, ranging from Boppy pillows to diaper pails and beyond. Post your own necessities or take notes and add them to your own registry!

Member Heat4heather wonders if she should pack goodies for the labor and delivery nurses when she packs her hospital bag. What do you have in your hospital bag?

Is there any hope for pregnancy brain? According to the ladies on the Third Trimester, giving birth may be the only “cure.”

Thankfully, with all of the support and friendship available on our message boards, learning etiquette may be one of the most fun parts of your pregnancy.  

Ready for more etiquette lessons? Watch for New Mom Etiquette coming soon!

 Some weight loss plans skyrocket to popularity overnight, and while your doctor may be warning you against them you find the pounds are melting away.

We tend to flock to diets that promise quick weight loss or less hunger. We read articles promoting the plans, and hear testimonies from our friends and other successful dieters. It all sounds so good, so easy, so doable. However, our doctors tell us to steer clear of so-called fad diets and stick to the slow and steady path of “eat less, exercise more.”

Many of us ignore the doctor’s advice and try the latest diet anyway. But, how safe are some of these quick weight loss plans?

The Detox Diet, which has become very popular, sparked a member from our Diet Community to ask if cleansing diets really work and if they are safe for weight loss. And, while the Dukan Diet, which many are calling the “French Atkins” diet, boasts instant weight loss and lifelong weight maintenance, experts say that the Dukan Diet does not include all the nutrients you need for good health.

Experts also warn us that the popular HCG Diet is a scam and to be careful using the HCG hormone for weight loss, but the community has mixed emotions about this and other fad diets.

Do you think the risks of some of these popular diets override the benefits of losing those extra pounds? Tell us what you think.  

By Coree Silvera

More from WebMD:
Eating & Diet Communities
How to Spot a Fad Diet
Everyday Fitness with Pam Peeke

Shannon Smith (twobeauties) is a member of our Heart Disease Community here at WebMD, and she has agreed to share her story with others here on the WebMD Pulse. Shannon’s daughter, Sydnie, now six years old, was born with Congenital Heart Disease. She tells us how she and her family coped with the diagnosis and weathered the storm over the years to raise a healthy, happy child. Her tale is an inspiration to us all.

Sydnie: A Six-Year-Old Ball of Energy

Sydnie is a ball of energy. Although she is petite and can’t keep up with a lot of other kids her age, she doesn’t let it stop her. 

She has been a fighter since the day she was born, with a feisty disposition that comes out whenever she needs it. Those who don’t know her well think that she’s a shy, demure child who would never raise her voice. I believe that her ability to be strong and her willingness to fight has gotten her this far. 

When she had the third open heart surgery in the series of three surgeries for Hypoplastic Right Heart, Sydnie told off every nurse, surgeon and doctor she came across in the ICU. By the time we were allowed to come into her room and visit her, she had managed to tell off everyone, and we were told many times by the staff that she was the feistiest four-year-old they had ever met. They’d never seen a child so alert just coming out of major surgery and after waking up from the anesthesia. When we walked into her room, as soon as we saw her, she began telling us off as well! She was angry that we had left her older sister home with her grandmother. It may sound strange, but it was a comfort to see her so alive and so communicative towards everyone. She was okay, she was herself again.

Sydnie is a natural comedian. She is always goofy and has the best come backs of any kid her age I know. She loves to draw, play dress up, and she loves dolls. She loves pickles, olives and tomatoes. I believe she could live off of a diet of just those items if she needed to! She also loves sweets, like most kids, but she loves vegetables and fruits, which makes my job much easier. 

She and her sister, Jenna, both love music. Their favorite singer isn’t the Jonas Brothers or Justin Beiber, but Keith Urban! I have tried several times to win backstage passes to meet him, but haven’t had enough luck yet. I would love for them to meet him someday and have their Keith Urban teddy bears signed by him.  

Shannon Smith

Sydnie doesn’t like school, unless you count recess as school. That’s the only part she enjoys. She isn’t a fan of reading or homework. She’d much rather be playing with her dolls or running around outside. 

Her sister is the exact opposite. It’s so funny to see the differences in them, and yet they love each other and care deeply for each other. 

We have had issues with separation anxiety. In the past, she has been in therapy to help her cope with her separation anxiety issues, and it helped to some degree. She still cries at school some days and misses her mommy, but we try to keep things positive and remind her that everything will be okay. 

Recently, she has become fearful of dying and has started to understand how serious her condition is.  We are considering therapy again to help her understand and cope with her daily fears about dying and about possible future surgeries.

Sydnie has completed the three stages of heart surgery, but there are no guarantees she won’t have to have more surgeries in the future. There is a chance that she will someday need a heart transplant, but I don’t go there. It’s too hard for me to imagine doing that, so unless and until it happens, I am going to try to be optimistic about Sydnie’s future.  She is not “fixed”, and will never be “healed”.  Her condition is repaired and managed through routine exams and tests. This is a lifelong condition.

Shannon’s Advice to Other Parents: Be Your Own Best Advocate & Get Support

Over the past six years, I’ve had numerous people say to me, “I don’t know how you do it. You are so strong.”  I never know how to respond to that. In my mind, I am not a strong person. There are many examples I could list where I’m weak. Strong is not the word I would use for getting through something as serious as this. 

For myself, my “strength” came from a place of love. I loved my baby and I did what I had to do to keep her with us.  There was never any question as to whether or not we would fight for her. It came automatically. We would’ve flown across the world to save her and still would.

Our family was not happy with the care we were receiving, so we switched hospitals and cardiology teams after Sydnie’s second open heart surgery. It was a scary leap of faith, but it was one we both felt needed to be done. There were many days and nights that I second guessed my decision, but my gut instinct was that it was the right move to make. We love Sydnie’s cardiologist and the care she receives, now.  If you ever find yourself questioning your child’s care or are worried that they aren’t getting the proper care, it’s okay to get a second opinion.

As far as finding support, it’s imperative to find a support group online or in person. Having people who understand your worries and fears without judgment is so important. Although we want our family and friends to be there for us and understand our every concern, most of them don’t understand and may never fully grasp the day-to-day issues that you will face. Finding other families who have walked the path you will walk is amazingly comforting. There aren’t enough words for what they can provide you. 

Helpful Links from Shannon:
Mended Little Hearts
Mended Hearts
Duke Children’s Hospital

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is Part 3 of a WebMD Real Story series – Sydnie’s Heart.  We invite you to read Sydnie’s Heart, Part 1 and Sydnie’s Heart, Part 2. Please join us in thanking Shannon Smith for sharing her family’s story with us. And, if you have a Real Story you’d like to share with our readers, please submit them HERE.

Pet parents are just like any other parents — they like to talk about their babies.

Did you know that WebMD has a Pet Health Community devoted to your pets? It’s true! We are a warm and fuzzy social bunch; so pull up a chair, kick off your shoes, and cuddle up with Fido and Fluffy to chat with other pet parents just like you.

Here’s a sampling of some of our recent discussions:

Our pregnant community members want to know how to introduce a pet to a new baby. Do you have tips to share?

Community member Sloniger has an 11-month-old puppy who likes to chew on everything. Veterinarian Dr. Bernadine Cruz has some training tips to stop this behavior.

Dr. Drew Weigner and Dr. Sandy Willis discuss litter pan issues and breathing problems with Hotkatt, whose kitty was just diagnosed with feline leukemia.

Another Community member, wmatto83, got some timely advice from her online friend Ajohnson08099 to help calm down her hyperactive 4-month-old lab puppy!

Has your cat gotten into a fight like misskitty123’s cat? Members Rohvannyn, Luvmycatsandmydogs and Home2strays share their first-hand knowledge on administering kitty first aid!

In addition, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, a vet oncologist, shares her stories about the pets that visit her medical practice in her blog, “Tales from the Pet Clinic”. Meet Cuddles, Mencheese, and Rufus.

Our wonderful members and veterinarians are ready, willing and able to help answer your pet health questions. So come on over, introduce yourself, tell us about the pets in your life, and get to know us.

Question of the Day:  Do you treat your pet like a person? Tell us how! 

By Tricia Yeung

Note: Remember, as with our other health professionals, our vets cannot diagnose your animal online. If you have time sensitive questions or a possible life-threatening situation, we urge you to take your pet to his own vet for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

When you have Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, you may find you spend more time around the house than out and about.

If you are not familiar with the symptoms associated with these debilitating conditions, it is difficult to understand how your life is affected. Pain, diarrhea, fevers, dehydration, weight loss, anemia, food limitations, multiple medications and complicated surgeries are only some of the issues members of our Crohn’s and Colitis Community encounter on a daily basis.

The stories are heart-wrenching accounts of real people who have overcome pain and frustration, and still manage to live their lives day-in and day-out. And, the members here at WebMD also manage to have a little fun.

Shanna_02 says it is difficult for family members and friends to understand her limitations. “No matter how strong the support system is, unless they are going through it or something similar, no one will completely understand,” she shares.

And, Javamamma27 even wrote a “Dear John” letter to Crohn’s Disease.”I don’t like you,” she says. “I am officially breaking up with you. Please stop following me around, making me hide in the bathroom for hours and hours.” 

Member mindyj1971’s children talk about wanting to find a cure for their mom, her seven-year-old wrote, “When I grow up I be a doctor to help my mom because she is sick.”

Since getting out for daily errands and especially travel, can be difficult or impossible members are talking about what they can do at home. Several of the group shared what they have been reading. Member larsstarscanary has “a zillion cookbooks that I love to flip through”, and jaimem92 says, “Now I’m reading the Zombie Guidebook.”

Recently, our members also planned a virtual vacation. Arbob5, who decided to virtually travel back to Sanibel Island, say, “Great memories…we all agree on what a wonderful place it is.” Another member just wants to get “anywhere warm”.  And, HannahLeigh89 is planning a future honeymoon. “I’ve never seen the ocean or traveled outside of the US,” she tells her friends on the board.

In spite of their symptoms, these members offer each other great support, empathy and advice.

If you are living with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis we invite you to find a home here. You won’t find a better group of folks.

By Kathy Smyder

Last month we shared that pro surfer Bethany Hamilton would be answering member questions on our Raising Fit Kids community.

She has now posted her answers, and they are wonderful!

Come on over and check them out:

What outside activities would you suggest for my boys?
How did you conquer your fear of getting back in the water?
How did your parents’ reactions help you?
What can we tell our children that will help them understand and respect the ocean?
Tell us about your parents.
Do you like to cook? And, what healthy things do you suggest cooking with kids?