Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Pediatric Medication Dosage Links

Dose according to weight. Consult with a physician or pharmacist before combining any medication. Some drugs may contain additional pain relievers. Aspirin should not be given to any child.
Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Dosage Chart
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, etc.) Dosage Table

Monday, September 27, 2010

Pregnancy Questions: Take 2

What medications can I take?
Take a pre-natal vitamin daily! (With at least 800 mcg Folic Acid & Iron)
For pain/headaches: Tylenol, Excedrin with NO Aspirin
For cold symptoms: Claritin, plain Sudafed, plain Robitussin, Benadryl (after 12 weeks)
For diarrhea: Mylanta, Immodium and Maalox are safe after the 1st trimester (12 weeks)
For heartburn/stomach ache: Tums, Pepcid, Zantac    Stool Softener: Colace, Dulcolax
For nausea: Unisom (at night), Vitamin B6 (3 times a day), Ginger
Do not take: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Aleeve or Pepto Bismal

Should I change my diet?
Follow the food pyramid. Frequent small meals will help with nausea, add fiber for constipation.

How frequently can/should I exercise?
You can exercise as much as you normally would.  (No extreme or vigorous exercise)
30 minutes daily, 3-5 days a week is recommended.

How frequently should I see the doctor?
First visit between 10-12 weeks
Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks
Every 2 weeks until 36 weeks
Every week until delivery

Is it normal to bleed during pregnancy?
            If you experience spotting after intercourse, increased activity, or a cervical check, this is normal. You should notify your doctor if you are having bright red blood, heavy bleeding (like a period) or bleeding associated with severe cramping.

Did my water break?
If you feel a sudden gush of fluid, or have a steady amount of watery discharge, you should go to Labor & Delivery to be evaluated. Some increased vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy.

What does a contraction feel like?
Braxton Hicks contractions are normal to feel throughout your pregnancy, they typically show up after 20 weeks. They can be described as a periodic tightening sensation that begins at the top of your uterus downward. Your tummy will most likely look and feel hard, just like the sensation you are feeling.
Real labor feels somewhat similar to Braxton Hicks, but the contractions are more frequent and intense and are usually felt in your lower pelvis. You could also feel like you are having more intense menstrual cramps that radiate into the low back, pelvic pressure/pain, and all over tightening/pain. If you are experiencing contractions every 3-5 minutes that last 60-90 seconds, increasing intensity, loss of breath due to pain, and these contractions are persisting longer than 1/2 hour, you should call our office or go to Labor & Delivery.

I haven’t felt my baby move, what do I do?
Before 26 weeks, movement is much harder to feel because of the size of the baby. If you are experiencing this after 26 weeks, first drink a glass of orange juice or eat something sugary, put your feet up and try to feel for movement. If after 2 hours of this, you do not feel your baby at least 10 times, you should call our office or go to Labor & Delivery.

If you have other questions or concerns, a medical assistant is available for you to talk to during our regular business hours and an on-call doctor is available at all times if the clinic is not open.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Vaccine Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) is an excellent source for credible health information. Below is a link for the Vaccine Information Statements that explain what the risks and benefits are for each vaccine.

 http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm

Dr. Harrison Bio

Dr. Harrison is an Orem, Utah native. She graduated from Mountain View and completed her undergraduate at the University of Utah. She then attended medical school at Touro University in California and returned to Provo to complete her family medicine residency at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. She is married to Dr. Christian Hansen who is a chiropractor practicing in Orem. They have two little blondies that occupy her time away from the office. She loves spending time with her husband watching her girls dance, swim, perform and grow! She claims to strongly dislike chocolate... but her guilty pleasure is most definitely Betty Crocker brand brownies. We don't know? You do the math!

Pregnancy Questions: Take 1

I'm pregnant, when do I need to stop sleeping on my stomach?
Most women can sleep on their tummy until about 20 weeks, but this depends a lot upon body type and comfort. When it becomes uncomfortable is about the time you should start sleeping on your back or side.

What about sleeping on my back?
Most are able to sleep on their back until 24-28 weeks. You should stop if you feel light-headed, dizzy, short of breath, or pressure in your chest. If you commonly find that you wake up on your back, tuck a pillow under one side of your "tush" to keep you from rolling flat on your back.

Can I travel during my pregnancy?
Yes, airlines and cruiselines may have restrictions during prenancy. You should check with their policies before booking your trip. Usually around 36 weeks I would prefer that you stay within 1-2 hours of the hospital. Travel before this point is fine, but the recommendation may change if there are complications that arise prior to 36 weeks.

Do I have to get an epidural?
No. This is your choice. If you are planning to have a "natural" delivery, I would recommend that you prepare. If you would further information on classes in the community or books that can assist you in natural childbirth, contact the office for more info.

When can I find out what I am having?
Your routine pregnancy ultrasound is around 20 weeks. If you would like to find out the sex of your baby before this time, you may have an optional "gender check" ultrasound as early as 16 weeks, your insurance will NOT cover this. The cost is $25 at the time of service.

Can I get my hair colored while I am pregnant?
Yes, make sure the area is well ventilated. This also applies for cleaning supplies and paint fumes.

Are there any diet restrictions?
No raw meats. This includes raw fish and shrimp. Fresh water salmon should not be consumed more than once a month. You should not eat more than one can of tuna a week. You may consume lunch meat, be sure that it has been refridgerated. If you are unsure, cook it prior to eating it.

Flu season is just around the corner!

We now have flu shots! It is recommended that any patient age 6 months and up have a flu shot. It is STRONGLY recommended for our pregnant patients, anyone with a chronic illness, and infants 6 months-2 years. Come in today, no appointment necessary!


If you do not have insurance, or it does not cover your flu shot, you will be asked to pay $20 at the time of service.

Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to look at our site! We are hoping to use this blog as a resource for our current patients and for people who are looking to find a new doctor! We know how important it is to find the "right" doctor for you. Dr. Harrison is a family medicine physician who has been practicing in Utah County for 6 years. She is able to care for nearly all of your family's needs. From routine to urgent. Delivery to adolescent to adult care. WE LOVE TO WATCH YOUR FAMILY GROW!