🗞 Local News

1. Oceanport’s Spring Festival is coming up on April 26th from 1PM to 5PM. Get ready for a day of local makers, delicious food, craft brews, and fun activities for the kids—all with the perfect spring vibes! (Oceanport)

2. If your IG feed is full of influencers swearing by beef tallow, you want to give it a shot AND support a local small business… Semolina has it in their Fair Haven pasta shop! (Fair Haven)

🍗 Today’s Nugget

When a stomach bug strikes, you really don’t have much time to prep or get up to speed on any potential red flags, who should see the doctor or which electrolyte packets to get…which is why we’re prepping you NOW.

This week’s tips come from 1) your doctor, 2) your dietitian and 3) your puke-savvy mom friend. We’re three moms with nine children between us aka a LOT of experience on this topic. Hope it’s helpful!

Your Doctor

Alexis Totten, DNP, Mother of two

1. If you’re not eating at all, fluids with electrolytes are the way to go. Liquid IV, Gatorade, and Pedialyte all sell powder packets that don’t take up too much space and can be easily stored in your first aid/emergency kit.

2. Don’t stress if you can’t drink a lot of fluids at once. Instead, focus on taking a few sips every 5 minutes to start and increase gradually as tolerated.

3. If you’re unable to keep fluids down even with the sipping method, if you’re not making urine because you’re so dehydrated, or if you feel so weak/terrible that the thought of getting out of bed seems impossible, these are all reasons to go to the ER for evaluation and IV fluids.

4. When in doubt, go see your PCP.

   *Disclaimer: This advice is for healthy adults and older children. Infants, diabetics, and those with significant health problems should consult their doctor. 

Your Dietitian

Jenny Champion, RD, Mother of four

1. At the first sign of stomach trouble in my house, we make an ice tray of electrolyte cubes (using Earth’s Best solution) for everyone to suck on especially if keeping drinks down is problematic.

2. Some clean electrolyte brands I love: Earth’s Best, Just Ingredients and Hydrant.

3. When you’re brave enough to try solids, start slow and bland. The BRAT diet is always a solid (get it?!) option (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). I also like to do a peeled, boiled white potato with a sprinkle of salt (potassium + sodium, baby!).

4. Frozen bananas blended in a food processor with a splash of water make a delicious treat that feels slightly more exciting than just the room temp fruit for days.

5. If diarrhea lingers for a few days and you’re totally sick of your BRAT diet, try sipping on broth. I like Kettle & Fire or Pacific brands.

Your Puke-Savvy Mom Friend

May Borras, Vommat Founder, Mother of three

1. Since alcohol-based hand sanitizers won't kill norovirus (ugh), always wash your hands with good old soap and water and use antibacterial wipes that clearly state they kill norovirus on their labels.

2. Norovirus can survive for weeks (!!) on soft surfaces like couches and carpets—so cover them up with something disposable like a Vommat which makes it easy to safely dispose of the vom and the particles that can make others sick too.

3. Try keeping peppermint, ginger, lemon, or rubbing alcohol on hand- smelling them might relieve nausea.

📚 How-To Library

1. Lower Cholesterol Naturally

2. Eat for Mental Health

3. Make Better Smoothies

4. Read a Food Label

Disclosures:

This is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before taking supplements or making any major dietary and / or lifestyle changes.

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