Bella's Butterfly Kisses: Last Year

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Last Year

With my birthday coming up on Friday, I can't help but sit and remember what I was doing this time last year. Isabella was sick on my birthday last year and Frank was at a convention downtown. That day I remember thinking that I was so happy to be spending the day with my girl. She spent so much time sleeping on my lap with her hand down my shirt, her favourite position. We did lots of cuddling, read tons of books and watched her favourite shows. It was an amazing day. Nothing exciting was happening, yet I was so content with where I was and who I was with.

I received an amazing surprise that day. Bella began walking! I was so excited and so was she. Being that Isabella wore a harness for the first nine months of her life, I thought that she would have been delayed with her walking. Instead, my daughter rose to the challenge and began to walk.

What a beautiful day that was. I thank God for giving me that day and allowing Bella and I to spend it just the two of us. It is like God was giving me that memory as a gift. He knew that in the future that memory was what I was going to hold onto. On Friday, I will close my eyes and think of that day. I will remember that feeling of happiness and pride that I had each and every time Isabella was near.

I miss you Monkey.

1 comment:

Angie said...: Marisa,

I know today is a tough day for you thinking about Isabella and how you spent your birthday with her last year. I wish I could change all that for you. I just couldn't let the day go by without telling you that I love you and Happy Birthday.

Angie; December 2, 2011 at 11:45 AM

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Group A Streptococcus: The Facts

(Information courtesy of Directors of Health Promotion and Education - http://www.dhpe.org/)

What is Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep)?
-a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin
-the letter "A" is in reference to the specific classification of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus
-in some cases Group Strep A might cause no symptoms of disease, while in others, it can cause infections ranging from mild to life-threatening
-it is spread by direct person-to-person contact
-can usually be treated with anti-biotics

What are the related infections?
-mild illnesses: strep throat or impetigo
-serious illnesses: scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, postpartum fever, wound infections, pneumonia

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-strep throat: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands
-skin infections: red, weeping skin sores
-scarlet fever: the above symptoms plus a characteristic rash on the neck, chest, skin folds and inner thighs

Ocassionally, a more deadly strand of Group A Strep can bring on two rare, but severe diseases:

1. Necrotizing Fasciitis
-often called the "flesh-eating disease"
-an infection that attacks the deep layers of tissue
-occurs when the strain enters through an opening in the skin
-for unknown reasons, the strain becomes very aggressive, releases a toxin and destroys flesh and muscle

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever and sever pain, swelling, heat and redness at a wound site

Note: In Canada, 3-7 people per 1 000 000 are affected each year with necrotizing fasciitis, which is approximately 90-200 cases per year. 20-30% of these cases are fatal.

2. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome
-causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure
-damages kidneys, liver and lungs
-toxin causes irreparable damage to tissue and organs

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever, dizziness and confusion
*this disease has no sign or symptom that make it distinctive from other illnesses

In all instances of Group A Strep infectiosn, symptoms will appear quickly, within 1-3 days.

What are some preventative measures?
-wash hands thoroughly and often
-ask your doctor for a throat culture for a sore throat paired with a fever
-keep wounds clean
-seek medical attention for infected wounds paired with a fever

How is Group A Strep contracted?
-the bacteria are carried in the discharges of the nose and throat of an infected person and/or in infected wounds or skin sores
-the bacteria spreads when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of an uninfected person
-the bacteria can also enter the body through cuts and scrapes
Note: When an infected person is ill, the risk of contamination is the highest. People who are infected with no symptoms are much less contagious. Household items like cups, plates and toys do not play a significant role in the spread of Group A Strep.

Who is at risk?
Anyone.

What is the treatment for Group A Strep infection?
-various anti-biotics
-early treatment may limit the risk of death but does not prevent it in every case