http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/baby-names-for-twins.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/baby-names-for-twins.html Sat, 22 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 Choosing a baby name for your new born can be quite a stressful decision. With thousands upon thousands of names at your disposal, you may begin to feel a little over whelmed. Well, for twins, you can double the trouble! This article is aimed at helping soon to be moms and dads of twins to choose those perfect baby names.

Using anagrams for naming twins
One way of choosing baby names for twins is to take one name that you like and rearrange the letters to make another name. A few examples of this are:

Reva & Vera
Ira & Ria
Mary & Myra

If you are a fan of traditional baby names, then your choices are slightly limited with this option. But, if you don't mind bending the rules a little, then you can play around with this idea forever.

Using synonyms for naming twins
Another idea for choosing baby names for twins is synonyms! A synonym is a word (or a baby name in our case) that has a similar or exact meaning of another word. So, you might want your twins to both have names that mean 'flower'. An example of this would be:

Eve & Zoe
Yasmin & Lala
Dahlia & Daisy
Camellia & Heather

All of these names refer to a flower in general or a particular flower, although they are all quite unique from one another. For example, Heather is an English name, whereas Camellia is a Latin name. If you would like to experiment with this idea some more, visit www.namestobe.com. Simply type in a meaning or part of a meaning and a list of names that corespond to that meaning will appear.

Reversing names for twins
Choosing baby names for twins can sometimes be as easy as spelling a name you like, backwards! As you can imagine, this will only work for a small selection of names, but if you have the time to sit down with a pen, paper and some patients then you will eventually find some that you are fond of. An example of this would be:

Aiden & Nadia

Other tips for naming twins
Some other tips for naming twins are to use names beginning with the same letter, use names that rhyme, or even use names that have no connection between them what so ever. Sometimes parents get so wrapped up in trying to choose the perfect names for their twins that they forget the fact they have the option of choosing two names that have no connection at all. Regardless of what option you choose to name your twins, you should take the time to sit down and put some serious thought into your decision. Best of luck to you!







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This article was written by Sarah Mitchell from www.namestobe.comFind thousands of baby names, their meanings, origins and genders at www.namestobe.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/early-childhood-education%3A-the-key-to-success-in-life.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/early-childhood-education%3A-the-key-to-success-in-life.html Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0600
The truth of this statement can only be fully appreciated if one considers the enormous importance of preschool education. The famous Japanese violin teacher and educationist, Shinichi Suzuki, once expressed a great truism when he said, "The destiny of children lies in the hands of their parents." The direction and the quality of this destiny are largely determined -- by the parents -- in the first seven years of the child's life.

A study by High/Scope Educational Research Foundation of Ypsilanti, Michigan, showed the significant value of early learning. From 1962-1967, 123 African Americans, all aged 3 to 4 and born in poverty, and therefore at a high risk of later failing in school, were randomly divided into two groups. One group was exposed to a high-quality preschool program while the control group was not exposed to any preschool programs. The program that the experimental group was exposed to was based on High/Scope's active learning approach. In the study's most recent phase, 95% of the participants were interviewed at age 27. Additional data were gathered from the subjects' school, social service and arrest records. The most significant findings of this study were:

* Almost a third as many of those attending the preschool program, opposed to those with no preschool exposure (71% vs. 54%) graduated from regular or adult high school, or received their General Education Development Certificate.

* At age 27, four times as many of those exposed to the preschool program, opposed to those with no preschool exposure (29% vs. 7%) earned $2,000 or more per month, and they also scored higher on home and car ownership.

* At age 27, only one fifth as many of those with proper preschool exposure, opposed to those with no preschool exposure (7% vs. 35%) had been arrested five or more times, and significantly fewer arrests for drug dealing were made under the preschool program group members. (7% vs. 25%)

* The rate of out-of-wedlock births was lower among the group that had received preschool exposure. (57% vs. 83%)

There is a proverb that one never gets too old to learn. This, however, is only partially true. There are indeed certain aspects of learning that can only be acquired effectively during the first seven years of life. Parents, who are desirous of offering their child an adequate preschool education, should therefore take care to concentrate on these aspects of learning. Some of the most important of these skills and aspects of learning are discussed below.

1. Language:

Language ability has been found to be an important predictor of reading ability. It is therefore of the utmost importance that parents should do everything possible to ascertain that their child be given optimum opportunities for language acquisition, more so because of the fact that, before the age of seven, a child has a phenomenal ability to learn language. From the age of eight years, the child's ability to learn language is equal to that of an adult. It is therefore very unwise if parents do not exploit the wonderful opportunity that is presented only once in every child's life, and only for a short space of time.

Parents should talk to their toddler as often and as much as possible. The more the small child is exposed to language, the quicker he will start to understand speech and later also start speaking. It is important that on a daily basis time should be set aside for story reading and/or story telling. However, it is vital that the same story be read or told over and over every day. The same story should be read to the child for several months before a new story -- a slightly more advanced one -- is introduced. This new story must also be read over and over for many months.

Effective language acquisition is dependent upon ample repetition of the same words, phrases and language structures.

2. Concentration:

Concentration is both an act of will and an acquired skill. For that reason it is important that parents make sure that the small child will receive enough opportunities to exercise this skill, so that he will be able to sit still and concentrate for at least 20 minutes or so by the time that he goes to school. From about two years the parents can start reading stories to the child. It is important, however, that the child must sit still and listen to the story. He must not be allowed to run around or play during the reading. To make this possible, the parent must start with a short story of about five minutes, and then little-by-little increase the time. In this way the child's attention span can gradually be stretched.

3. Work attitude:

The idea of school readiness is a universally accepted concept. However, readiness for work is probably even more important than school readiness. There has been a tendency over the past decades to try to make learning fun. This is certainly one of the reasons why there is so much learning failure all over the world at present, because learning isn't fun; it is work. Naturally, work -- just like learning -- can often be very interesting, and it can even be enjoyable. Moreover, there are always aspects of work -- and therefore also of learning -- that are neither interesting nor enjoyable. Regardless of this, however, they have to be done. It is of the utmost importance to teach a child that work is something that has to be done, and done to the best of one's ability -- also those aspects of work that are not interesting or enjoyable. The child whose parents do not succeed in teaching him this, faces a very hard and difficult future.

4. Coordination:

Nowadays, two of the common symptoms of children, who have difficulties with learning and with reading, are that they have low muscle tone and that they never crawled. Both these problems can be prevented in a very simple and easy way.

Low muscle tone is merely an indication of weak muscle strength, and a baby will only crawl if his parents teach him to do so. Children can only do what they are taught to do.

General muscle strength of the body is to a large extent determined by the strength of the back muscles. Muscles remain weak when they are not exercised. Parents should from very early in his life provide their child with opportunities to exercise his muscles, especially the back muscles. This can -- and should -- start from as early as a month or two.

By following a very simple procedure, parents can lay the foundation for their children to later have good coordination and strong muscles. From about a month or so the little baby should be allowed to spend as much time as possible on the floor in the face-down position. The baby will lift up his head, and this will develop strong back muscles. Being left in this position will also encourage the baby to try to move forward, which will encourage him to start crawling.

Later, when the child is a little bigger, eye-hand coordination can be developed by playing throwing and catching games with the child with a ball or bean bags. Fine motor control, as a preparation for a good handwriting, can be developed by letting the child crumple papers. Start by tearing pages from an old telephone directory, and giving the child one page at a time to crumple into a tight ball with one hand only.

5. Body parts:

Put on a pair of glasses with blue lenses. Everything you look at will have a tint of blue.

The great German philosopher, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), once said that we "see things not as they are but as we are." This axiomatic statement is based on the fact that we human beings approach and interpret our world from inside our bodies. Just like everything appears blue to the persons with blue lenses, our perception of our world is tinged by our knowledge of our own bodies. The child, who has inadequate knowledge of his own body, will be inclined to misinterpret the world around him.

For an example of this, consider the phenomenon of reversals. Our bodies have a right and a left side. It is therefore inevitable that we shall interpret all objects that we encounter in terms of two-sidedness. Unless the child has been familiarized adequately with his own sidedness, there is the distinct danger that he may misinterpret the sidedness of other things -- like b's and d's, for example.

Bath time presents an excellent opportunity to teach the small child body parts and sidedness. As soon as the child is able to sit up by himself in the bath, the teaching should commence. Don't simply take the little foot and scrub it; rather hold your hand and then say, "Give me your right foot," and wait for the child to place his right foot into your hand. If he gives you his left foot, say, "No, the right foot," and then scrub only this foot. Next, nominate another body part, with left or right, and wash this. In this way go through all the various body parts, each one -- where applicable -- with left and right.

If a parent continues doing this every night for two or three years, the child will certainly have no uncertainties about left and right or body image. The effect of this, inter alia, will be that the child will not have any difficulties distinguishing between b's and d's.

6. Counting:

Counting can be regarded as the language of mathematics. It is therefore just as important to teach a child from very early in life to count well. The easiest way to teach a child counting is to start with his fingers, first with the fingers of one hand and then later both hands. Remember that, like with anything else, much repetition is required.

7. Colors:

Color is another very important very basic thing that should be taught to children very early in life. It is important to start teaching the basic colors first, white, black, red, green, blue and yellow. Again much repetition is required. One can, for example, play games with colors, e.g. "Put all the yellow blocks into the green box."



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Authors bio: Dr. Jan Strydom holds a doctorate in education and an M.A. in philosophy. He is the developer of the Audiblox program and the co-author of two books. Benetta Strydom holds a B.Occup.Ther. degree and is the co-developer of the Audiblox Preschool program. Visit their website Audiblox: Resources for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Learning Difficulties. *** This article can be freely used as long as a link to “Audiblox” http://www.audiblox2000.com is provided.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/about-fatherhood.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/about-fatherhood.html Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0600
This is a subject for discussion and application of thought. Who is the final judge about the goodness of the father? The mother? The children? The society? What qualities should a man possess to be called a good father? These questions generate a bigger debate.

Can a mother judge her husband about his goodness as a father? That judgment can depend on so many probabilities. What are her yardsticks? How was her father? What are her beliefs? Do these beliefs match those of her husband? How much does she love her husband and her children? If it comes to taking sides, whose side will she take? Will it be a well thought-out decision or one colored by many other factors?

Can the father judge his own goodness? What may be correct according to him, may be wrong according to her children? The man carries his psychological baggage and many times may be prejudging and expecting responses. Generation gap plays a bigger role. As the world progresses, priorities, tastes, values, everything undergoes change. Therefore a man himself cannot pronounce himself as a good father. Children will contest that, if he does not accept their beliefs. Which child will call his father a good father, if the father has set ideas about partying, relationships, studies, etc. Life can be viewd in many ways. Please view some of these screensavers about life thoughts. Screensavers - 1 , Screensavers - 2 .

Can the children judge their father? That is difficult to believe. The children surely wish for a father who not only agrees with their ideas, but supports them in all possible ways in enjoying life. What if a child is such that he believes that enjoying life is more important than studying for examinations?

If we think more about this subject, it will result into more confusion. What is to be thought about fatherhood and how does one become a good father? The best way out might be to accept the generation gap, listen to children before giving orders, have a fair debate on all important issues, and tell children exactly about values that will decide the final action. After doing all this, one should simply do one's duty and leave the rest to prayers. And before attempting to become a good father, one should first become a good man. A drug addict can never become a good father, nor a habitual liar.

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CDMohatta writes on love and romance, friendship and other topics for eCards. Currently he is writing content for http://www.cupidecards,com/ , www.ecarduniverse.com and www.screene.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/about-motherhood.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/about-motherhood.html Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600
This is true not only for humans but all mothers of the animal kingdom. A tigress will attack you and kill you if you dare to approach her cubs. Every animal mother teaches her young ones the art of living in their world. Every mother is ready to go to any length to save her young ones. A woman begins dreaming about her child soon after conception. Many expectant mothers talk to the yet to be born child. They feel totally comfortable doing that. They plan for the future of the kid, food, education, clothing, shelter everything. From the poorest to the richest mothers, we find that a sense of protecting her progeny is the most common trait. The greatest mother is of course our earth, that provides us with all we need to live. Please view some screensavers to enjoy her bounties.
Screensavers - Panaromas , screensavers - countryside

For a mother, the child is her extension. This is not so for the fathers. But mothers treat the child as same as themselves. Why? Nature gives this love to a mother so that the specie continues. Mothers are special. In few studies it has been found that infants stop crying when they listen to the recorded sounds of their mothers womb. They were protected there and when they come out in the world, they are surprised with the difference. The sounds of womb tell them that things have still not changed so much and they feel comforted. That is one of the reasons why touch works wonders. The more a mother touches her children physically, the more loved they feel. They get the reassurance of the protection of the mother.

A child should always feel indebted to his/her mother because nobody else including the father sacrifices so much as the mother to bring us up. Mother is compassion and for a young kid, mother is God.

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About the author of this article: CD Mohatta writes for messages in screen-savers, desktop wallpapers, and online greetings. He writes on living, inspiration, romance, business management, etc. You can download screen-savers or send greetings at these websites which contain his writings: Everyday Inspirational Screensavers, Friendship Greetings and Love Sorry Cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/buying-custom-baby-bedding-and-pre-made-baby-nursery-bedding.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/buying-custom-baby-bedding-and-pre-made-baby-nursery-bedding.html Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600
It is important to invest wisely in proper baby bedding. This means materials that are soft, resilient, light, and warm on a baby’s skin, and sheets that fit as snugly as possible over a firm, snug mattress. This also means no quilts, comforters or pillows, as they are considered risk factors in sudden infant death syndrome. There are two options when buying baby bedding: pre-made baby bedding and custom baby bedding.

Pre-made baby bedding is a great, cost effective way to buy for your baby. If you do decide to use pre-made baby bedding, a good idea is to pick the bedding before anything else in the nursery or bedroom. This way you can design around the bedding, which often makes it easier to manage.

The problem many new parents face is that they may not be able to find exactly what they want, and will put it off, looking for the perfect match for a nursery or bedroom theme. Pretty soon the baby comes along, and the parents still haven’t chosen the bedding; they are now rushing to throw something together, and are unhappy with what they get. While this isn’t always the case, it is for many people. Others are happy and find what they need quickly, but for those that are having trouble, there is always custom-made baby bedding.

Custom baby bedding is great, especially if you can’t find a material you want, a pattern you like, or design element you require. Custom baby bedding can be manufactured to any and all specifications you have, and that is what makes it so great. You have full say in layout, looks and design, ensuring the uniqueness of your baby bedding and your happiness with finding exactly what you need.

This also creates less stress, because you will pick your design and layout, order it, and wait for it to arrive. This save saves you time and energy that can be better spent elsewhere. While you may fear that custom-made bedding is very expensive, many manufacturers are very reasonable, and are worth at least a call or an email.

Buying baby bedding is a very personal and individual experience for most people, and getting exactly what you want is important. Whether you decide on pre-made or custom baby bedding, the most important thing is that you are happy and satisfied with your choice. Make sure you do the research and find out what materials are out there (cotton jersey is a great one) and what’s available for new parents.


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By Kiran Joseph from http://www.sheetworld.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/what-is-thread-count.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/what-is-thread-count.html Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Thread count is measured by counting the number of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric. Thread counts average from lowest (80) to highest (1200). Most are usually between 180 and 300, and anything above 300 is considered higher quality.

Higher thread count means more threads, and this usually translates into a more densely woven fabric that lasts longer and is many times softer. Some exceptions to this rule are fabrics made of linen, flannel, or jersey.

Fabrics like linen, flannel, or jersey are subject to low thread count because of the type of material they are made of and the properties of that material. For example, part of the softness of flannel comes from its low thread count because of the material it’s made from.

Ply and thickness are two factors that also affect thread count. The ply is defined as the number of threads that are wrapped into a single thread. Single-ply refers to the use of single threads in the construction of a fabric. Two-ply refers to materials that twist two threads together into a single thread, thus increasing the fabric’s thread count and creating a stronger thread. This creates a heavier, more durable fabric.

Using finer threads often allows for softer, smoother fabrics and more fit into a square inch. Finer thread, like silk, create a lighter fabric, and are thus more desire able than coarser threads. They are also more fragile, so it is important to care for them especially well.

While thread count is important in picking your bed linens, remember that cotton and silk are the main types of materials to judge based on a high or low thread count. Other materials like linen, flannel, and jersey may have a lower thread count, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t comfortable. Blends are also common, and often create softer materials. Jersey-cotton blends, for example, are ideal for baby sheets and other types of baby bedding.

When in doubt, see what feels the best. You’re best off visiting a fabric store and exploring the many different kinds of materials to find out how a fabric feels. Knowing what you’re going to get makes your sheet shopping experience easier and more rewarding, especially if you’re shopping online.



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By Kiran Joseph from Sheetworld

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/mothers-day.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/mothers-day.html Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Those of us, who have forgotten about the sacrifices our mother has done to bring us up, should ask the mother to tell something about our childhood. She will open her memory box and tell you so many things about this and that you will wonder how she could ever manage to raise you and your siblings up. You may not remember most of your childhood, but the mother remembers because you are her child. For a mother her children are dearest to her. They are an extension of her personality.

So many women sacrifice all their education, career and everything else to raise their children properly. They care for their children at every moment. One day the nest becomes empty of her children as one after other the children begin moving out. Imagine the condition of mother who is left with nothing but the memories. The empty rooms and the memories. Even after all this, she does not complain. She wants the best for her children and is always ready to give whatever she has for that.

Please never forget to remember your mother on Mothers Day. Why not make everyday Mothers Day. For your mother, everyday was Children's Day, isn't it? You can make a lovely selection of expressing thanks to your Mother with ecards from www.ecarduniverse.com Please view Mothers Day Cards and Thank You Cards

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C.D.Mohatta writes on spirituality, motivation, management etc. You can send ecards with messages written by him. These ecards include the topics of holidays, religion, expressions, celebrations, motivational, romance, family and friends. Also download beautiful screensavers with real videos. You can also download more nature screensavers with videos of flowers, landscapes, waterfalls etc. The third site, the author writes for is Fun Quzzes Cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/mothers-day-selecting-the-right-ecard.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/mothers-day-selecting-the-right-ecard.html Sat, 15 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
What kind of ecard should be sent to mother to make her feel good? Any ecard essentially has three components- design, colors and text. If all of these combine properly, the card can make a big impact on the mother and make her happy. You will find Mother's day ecards on most of the ecard websites. Some of them are paid and some come totally free. Why not to chose free if the quality is equally good? Look around for free card sites and select the ecard for your mother. Look at the Mothers day ecards on www.ecarduniverse.com

Talking of the card design, avoid using animated cartoons. Younger people may like those designs. But they don't evoke the feeling of warmth, love and gratitude. Try cards with video shots of nature - flowers, birds, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, clouds etc. These will make your mother feel good. View this ecard for Mothers Day. Next is the choice of colors on the Mothers Day ecards. Select the ones with muted colors. Colors that are warm and soothing. You know the choice of your mother. Try to get one in the colors she loves. A Mother's Day ecard with the right text can make your mother very happy. Chose one with text that is full of memories, warmth and thanks to express gratitude. Please view these cards - Ecards For Mothers day

Getting the right ecard for your mother is very important. She is the one mostly responsible for bringing you up. You are here largely because of her. Invest enough time and select the right Mother's Day ecard to make your mother happy on Mothers day.

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CD Mohatta writes for mother's day greeting cards, fun tests and fun quizzes, and also for screensavers and wallpapers. He mainly writes on motivation, education, management, entertainment, etc.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/mothers-day-mother-and-wife.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/mothers-day-mother-and-wife.html Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
How many men realize the work done by their wives? Rather they start feeling jealous that their wife is paying more attention to kids than them? It sounds ridiculous. Instead of making such complaints that are outrageous, men should make all attempts to help their wives and share as much burden as possible. A man who earns can say - I draw a paycheck of this much amount. What will a mother who works round the clock say about her paycheck? Her paycheck is the smile on face of her healthy children and satisfaction of her husband. No monetary value can be put on that.

A wife who is also a mother draws no contract with those she cares for. She makes no pre conditions. For a woman, who loves her husband, her man is very important and for a mother, her children are most important. Women bear many injustices. A lot of them work for years to only get a divorce at the end. To restart the life with kids must be a real tough job for a divorcee woman. Society that is male dominated should not only acknowledge their mothers, but also their wives. Women deserve much more recognition than they get.

Recommended ecards for Mother > Mother's Day eCards. Recommended ecards for wives> I Love You eCards and Thank You eCards. Please keep your women cheerful always. Whether she is your mother or she is your wife. Please recognize the invaluable work they do to raise a family.

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CDMohatta writes text for free cards including mothers day ecards and free birthday cards.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/here-they-come-the-poison-plants-of-summer.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/here-they-come-the-poison-plants-of-summer.html Sun, 30 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500
The three most common culprits--poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac--are native to the Americas. European explorers hadn't seen them before. Sometime around 1600, Captain John Smith recorded his encounter when he wrote, "The poisoned weed is much in shape like our English ivy, but being touched, causeth redness, itching, and lastly, blisters."

Pocahontas could have warned him. After all, Native Americans knew all about poison ivy. Indian warriors coated their arrow tips with it, and medicine men rubbed the leaves on infections in an effort to break open the swollen skin.

Colonial doctors paid attention. They jumped on the poison ivy bandwagon and expanded its use to the treatment of herpes, eczema, arthritis, warts, ringworm, and even rattlesnake bites. Use of poison sap in early American medicine was so widespread that poison oak was listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the U.S. as an official therapeutic agent.

Today we know the rash of poison plants is a contact dermatitis. Upon first exposure, most folks develop antibodies against the sap. On subsequent exposure, the antibodies attack the sap, resulting in the bothersome rash. The few who don't make antibodies, won't get the rash. But they should still watch out--antibody production can begin anytime, making a fool out of poor Uncle Pete a day or two after he rubs poison ivy up and down his arm just to prove he ain't allergic.

So what is poison sap anyway? The offending chemical is urushiol, a yellowish oil inside the leaves, stems, and roots of the poison plants. Because it's inside the plant, undisturbed leaves won't harm you. However, if the leaves are chewed by insects, stepped upon, or otherwise damaged, the oil leaks onto the plant's surface where it can come into contact with human or animal skin. As it turns out, only humans and closely-related primates break out with the rash. Dogs, cats, cattle, and sheep are not affected, but they can convey the oil to their human keepers. Clothing and tools also spread the oil, and since the sap remains allergenic for years, unsuspecting spring gardeners can get the rash from last season's gloves.

If you come into contact with poison sap, or at the first sign of rash, you should take a long shower with plenty of soap and water. Avoid immersing in a bath because the oil can float, spreading to other parts of your body. Washing the oil from your skin will stop further spread. Rash may still appear in new areas, but this is because areas exposed to smaller amounts of sap take longer to break out.

Once you have the rash, it stays awhile. The skin has to repair itself, a process taking 10-14 days. All you can do in the meantime is treat the symptoms. With mild cases, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines--like Benadryl--is the best combination to control inflammation and itching. If you have widespread rash, face involvement, or infected blisters, it's time to see your doctor. You might need steroid pills, a shot, or an antibiotic.

As always, prevention is best. All three poison plants have compound leaves with three leaflets. My grandma used to say, "Leaves of three? You let them be!" and she was right. The leaves are glossy green with a smooth surface. In the fall, the foliage may turn orange or scarlet. Poison ivy is a stout weedy vine that often climbs trees. Poison oak is larger and more shrub-like. Poison sumac grows in swampy areas and can reach up to twenty feet in height.

There is a medicine that prevents the rash by providing a barrier on the surface of exposed skin. IvyBlock (bentoquatam) is available over the counter and approved for age six and up. It should be applied 15 minutes before exposure and reapplied every 4 hours for continued protection.

So get out there and enjoy the Spring. Grill your burger. Fill your tank. Take a ride in the country. But when you get there, remember what my grandma said. Otherwise, you might end up in the waiting room, scratching your sores with those other two million Americans.


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Mike Patrick Jr, MD is the author of Pediascribe: a Collection of Thoughts From an American Pediatrician. For more information, please visit http://www.pediascribe.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>