With our recent bout of illness, I am always on the lookout for new ways to bite the bug so to say. I was reading my friend Deb’s blog this morning, she had a pretty rough year last year, with a plethora of illness to include Shingles, Mono, and walking pneumonia to name just a few. Austin had shingles when he was 9 and I don’t wish that on my worst enemy, but to have it twice?? Yikes! My understanding of shingles is that is is caused by the varicella virus (chicken pox) and it can re-occur any time you are immuno-compromised, or stressed. Shingles is the nerve ending being attacked, and from what I understand is about the most painful skin condition one can encounter.

Anyways, this year she is being proactive and using various treatments to stave off illness this year, to include a flu vaccine, and Zicam, some nasal swabs that are supposed to lessen the time you are sick. This is a really great idea, especially if you have kids or are a single parent where you cannot afford to take time off.

You really should check out Deb’s Money Smart Moms Blog, it is packed full of smart, witty, and informative information that is useful for any mom! I also loved the post on her other blog about her son’s ‘cave’. Wow, do we have the same kids??