Motherhood, Mayhem, & Medical Mysteries

(Re-release) On this special episode, join Mel & Miranda as Mel discusses illnesses often faced by first responders, and the long-term impacts still felt by those who survived and responded to the 9/11 Tragedy over 20 years ago. Miranda shares some tips on how to prepare for a successful parent- teacher conference... even though she may have missed one or two on accident... oops! SPOTLIGHT:World Trade Center Health Program The WTC Health Program is dedicated to helping those who were there during and after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Program provides services to individuals who meet their requirements.https://www.cdc.gov/wtc Feal Good FoundationThe mission of the FGF includes educating elected officials and private entities on the various problems, concerns and issues faced by First Responders in their everyday duties. The FGF is therefore dedicated to advocating for First Responder rights and illuminating, to proper authorities, the serious issues they encounter.https://fealgoodfoundation.com/ SOURCES:Mel-https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_arising_from_the_September_11_attacks https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/health-effects-of-9-11-still-plague-responders-and-survivors/ Miranda-https://www.verywellfamily.com/expect-at-parent-teacher-conference-3545346 https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/parent-conferences.htmlhttps://www.edutopia.org/article/5-strategies-successful-parent-teacher-conferencehttps://www.varsitytutors.com/blog/5+things+to+do+after+a+parentteacher+conference https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/parent-engagement/articles/surviving-difficult-parent-teacher-conference

This week on the podcast, we’re diving into the final stretch of pregnancy—yes, the third trimester! We’ll cover everything from your baby’s growth spurt (and the epic hiccups that come with it) to what’s happening with your body as it prepares for the big day. Plus, Mel unpacks the mystery of VBACs: what it’s like to go for a vaginal birth after a C-section, and weighing the pros and cons so you’re totally in the know. Tune in for a blend of laughs, real talk, and all the info you need to finish your pregnancy journey strong!Spotlight:Every Mother Countshttps://everymothercounts.org/Every Mother Counts’ mission is to make pregnancy and childbirth safe, equitable, and respectful for every mother, everywhere.Sources:Mel-https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21687-vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbacMiranda-https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/third-trimesterhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997https://www.webmd.com/baby/third-trimester-of-pregnancy

Welcome back, Mayhem Mommas!! This week, hear Mel share her recent misadventures driving back from Ohio in the midst of Hurricane Debby, aka Debby Downer! Next, Miranda discusses a corny, yet beneficial topic in the world of parenting... family meetings! What are they, why should you have them, and what should you talk about to make sure your fam is all on the same page when the calendars and the chaos collide. Lastly, Mel delves into a medical mystery we hear a lot about, but may not fully understand-- cholesterol! After this episode, you'll be able to rattle off the nuances between HDLs and LDLs, and maybe even triglycerides! Grab yourself a heart-healthy snack (like oatmeal with some almonds) and let's dive in to learn more! #cholesterol #hearthealth #familymeetings #parenting #motherhoodSpotlight: The American Heart Association www.heart.org From humble beginnings, the AHA has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites our more than 35 million volunteers and supporters as well as our more than 2,900 employees.Sources: Mel-https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterolhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23922-what-is-cholesterolMiranda-https://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/healthy-communication/family-meetings-power-working-together/https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/How-to-Have-a-Family-Meeting.aspx

This episode is chock full of laughs-- hear about Mel & Miranda's recent "noncert." What's a "noncert," you ask? It's when you go to see a concert with your bestie and it gets cancelled due to thunderstorms... oh well-- the Gal Pals still managed to have a great time! Next, Melanie educates us about the origin of the word "hysteria," and the disturbing patriarchal history of its meaning. Not cool! Then, Miranda wraps up the episode with part two of her pregnancy series as she discusses the second trimester! You'll learn some weird facts and fetal development for sure! Put the kiddos to bed and join us for another episode of 4M podcast! Spotlight:The SeekHer Foundationhttps://seekher.orgSeekHer Foundation is on a mission to bridge the gender gap of mental health through advocacy, research, and support for emerging leaders who are impacting change in their local communities & beyond.Sources:Mel-https://uselessetymology.com/2018/01/17/the-etymology-of-hysteria/ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/HysteriaMiranda:https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047732https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16092-pregnancy-second-trimester

Calling all Mayhem Mommas! You won't want to miss this super informative episode all about the challenges and chaos of BACK TO SCHOOL Season!! Mel gets us prepared to ward off those pesky B2S illnesses-- everything from the common cold to the stomach flu-- and Miranda shares some tips and tricks to kick off the school year successfully. Plus, find out how the Gal Pals rescued Miranda's husband after a cycling mishap, just in time to take the kiddos to the museum. It's wild, it's wacky, and it's just a downright weird time on this week's episode of the 4M podcast! #backtoschool #B2SSpotlight:Kids in Need Foundationwww.kinf.org Kids In Need Foundation is the only national nonprofit focusing on the nation's most under-resourced schools: those where 70 percent or more of the enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced-cost meals through the National School Lunch Program.Sources:Mel-https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2023/aug/how-to-prevent-back-to-school-illnesses/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/back-to-school-health-tips-for-parents-infographic Miranda-https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/Back-to-School-Tips.aspx

The Gal Pals are celebrating Jonah's birthday this week by reminiscing on the day he was born. Mel shares all about her wild (but wondrous) birth story and enlightens us about her firsthand experience with gestational diabetes. Fast forward a few years, and before you know it, these itty bitty babies are staying home alone for a few hours after getting off the bus from school. Learn some tips from Miranda about how to prepare your age-appropriate youngster to confidently-- and safely-- stay home after school. SPOTLIGHT:National Child Safety Council (NCSC) is the oldest and largest 501(c)(3) federally, tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated entirely to the safety of children in the U.S. However, over the years, NCSC has expanded its scope to include adults and seniors. https://nationalchildsafetycouncil.org/SOURCES:Mel-https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/gestational-diabetes-a-to-z Miranda-https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/Red-Cross-Offers-Safety-Tips-For-When-the-Kids-Are-Home-Alone.html#:~:text=A%20general%20rule%20of%20thumb%20is%20that%20no,call%20to%20check%20in%20when%20they%20get%20home.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Is-Your-Child-Ready-To-Stay-Home-Alone.aspx