Anterior Approach Hip Replacement

Saw the dentist this morning and he doesn't know what is wrong with my jaw.  He thinks it may be my tooth but it isn't conclusive.  It also may be due to the fact that I grind my teeth.  Going to watch it awhile and see it it gets any worse.  I have a crown on that side of my mouth and it may be that tooth and might need a root canal.  He wants to be very proactive since I'm looking at a hip replacement soon and you have to be extra careful that you don't have any kind of infection when you have surgery.

Speaking of surgery......I have been investigating this surgery and there is a new procedure called the anterior approach.  It requires a 2-3 day stay in hospital and you leave walking.  No therapy time involved.  No pain.
This is because they go through the front of the hip and do not cut through any muscle.  This speeds up recovery and healing extensively.

I sent the doctor an email and I'm going to call later today.  I want to see if I am a candidate (most people are) and see where to go from there.  Ron and I can fly to Houston, have the surgery and be home in about 4 days.  It would be so worth to me if I could do it.  I'd be able to have the second hip done a lot sooner too.  Keep your fingers crossed that I can make this happen!!!!!!

Questions

My outlook has improved so much because now I know what is wrong with me and their is a light at the end of the tunnel.  I hope that after the surgeries I will get my life back and be free of pain.  I had gotten so depressed when I thought that I was never going to get any relief.  

They made the decision yesterday to double fill my position here at the hospital.  They will be hiring my replacement and I'll have a few weeks to work with the selection before I have the first surgery.  I'm good with the decision because it will take a lot of stress off me and I can concentrate on rehabbing my hip after surgery.  The position will remain double filled until I'm ready to retire which may be in 18 months or if I feel like a new person I may choose to work longer.  Who knows.

Next thing on my list is to see the dentist in the morning.  I have a painful lump on my jaw and I want to see if it a tooth or what.  Ron ended up having to cancel his last surgery because of an infected tooth.  I don't want that happening to me.

If anyone out there has had a hip replacement please let me know how it went.  I am familiar with knee replacements but not hips.  I'm nervous and don't know what to expect.
 

UPDATEs from the bionic woman

Well, I finally found out what is causing me so much hip pain.  It wasn't bursitis but instead I need two hip replacements and two knee replacements.  I was caught off guard to say the least.

I'm starting with spinal injections to help with the slipped disc and nerve pain then I'll schedule the right hip replacement.  We'll see how that goes and then decide when to schedule the left hip.  I probably won't address the knees until I absolutely HAVE to and that may be after I retire.

Jan 2, I have the MRI and then Ron has his CT scan in mid January.  We need the results of his scan before I schedule surgery for myself.

We are never prepared for a surprise!  Just when I think I have my life plotted out I get a big surprise!  Our biggest decision is when to tell Mike.  It won't be until we have to because he gets really anxious if anything is going on with Ron and I.  I only have to refer to Ron's lung surgery.  

I was so saddened to learn about the passing of Patrick Leer.  He wrote the Caregivingly Yours blog and was just a fine man.  He was primary caregiver for his wife Patti for over 20 years. Patrick chronicled their experience and provided invaluable information to other caregivers.  He will be missed.
   

I spoke with the financial adviser today concerning purchasing the house for Mike and selling the current house.  I don't know if I'm enlightened or just hopelessly confused.  Gosh I wish I was smarter!  If I had known how much I was going to use my brain when I got older I would have taken more math!

I have had a rough week between back pain and hip pain and no sleep.  On top of a winter storm that made me afraid to step out on the ice.  Fortunately I was able to stay at home for most of it and ice my back.

I'm looking at a house that is for sale directly behind ours.  It is a cute 2 bedroom home that would be perfect for Mike.  We could put a gate in the fence and he could walk over anytime he wanted.  We talked to a realtor yesterday and toured the inside of the house (with Mike).  The only question Mike had was, "How am I going to use my goggles in that shower?"  Instead of a walk-in shower it has a tub/shower combination.  That threw him a curve ball I guess.  But he went home and "practiced" by taking a shower in the tub/shower combo in his current house.  He said, "It can be done." 

Now, my anxiety level is way up there because I don't want to make a bad financial decision, I don't know if I'm physically up to moving Mike and I don't know if that is just TOO close for comfort.  The reality is that we are taking care of him 24/7 as it is and this would just make it a lot more convenient.  The taxes are lower because it is a much smaller house than what he is in now.  It has been completely renovated with new windows/new siding/paint and carpet so we wouldn't have much maintenance.  

So, I'll pray about it and try to make this best decision for everyone concerned.

Cyber Monday.....this is about as cyber as I get today.  I have a board meeting in about 40 minutes and the golf cart parade is at 6:00.  This has already been a long day and just getting longer.

Our Thanksgiving was good.  The girl's 1/2 brother and his wife were here and they had a great weekend getting to know one another.  I was very thankful that they have found one another and seem so happy.

I've been down in my back since last Wednesday and I'm really anxious to see the orthopedist on the 15th.  I know I'll have to do an MRI before I know just exactly what if anything can be done.

I'm going to try and post pictures tomorrow of the parade.

Turkey holiday

There has been a lot of discussion lately about Black Friday shopping and now Turkey Day shopping.  I have always felt it was awful to ask people to work on a holiday that most people are enjoying with their families.  I was willing to sign any petition stating just that until I was approached by one of these employees who will be working on Thanksgiving day.  This person told me that they are grateful for the opportunity to work because they will be receiving overtime and they need the money so bad this year for Christmas.  I hadn't thought about that fact ..... the fact that they are making a little over minimum wage and time and 1/2 is very appealing.   I understand that.   

I'm saddened by how much our country operates on greed.  We keep making the rich, richer.   Soon we will all be working for them just trying to get by.  I guess we will just be a nation of Walmartians.

Reflections

It happens to all of us sooner or later.  We look in the mirror but the reflection doesn't match the image in our head.

Photographer Tom Hussey created the Reflection series.

 

tids and bits

Thank goodness my knee is feeling better this morning.  I iced it last night and it is definitely better.  But I did finally find a doctor willing to see me.  He is the orthopedist that operated on my daughter 3 times and they have become pretty good friends.  Julie called him and he said he would see me.  I'm sure he will order an MRI and then at least tell me if I need to see someone else.

NOW the MRI is another ball of wax.  Claustrophobia and MRI machines don't mix.  I didn't do any better in an open MRI either.  They had to take me out 3 times before they finally gave me something to relax.  It isn't so much the fear of small spaces that gets me it is the not being able to move.  I just freak out!!!!!!!  But I'm going to have Ron with me this time and if he just sits and touches my foot I think I'll do better.  We'll see.

Since I've been having so much trouble walking my sweet husband has pretty much taken over the house work.  He just bustles around every morning making the bed, taking out the trash and straightening up the house.  That's on top of waiting on me hand and foot.  I told him this morning I'm not used to someone having to take care of me and his sweet answer was, "Well, it's your turn".  I'm so grateful!

My daughter's doctor has prescribed Victoza for her diabetes.  She says it has really helped many of her patients control their blood sugar.  So, then I read that my daughter's insurance, which is the same as mine, will not cover Victoza after Jan. 1, 2014.  I researched other insurance companies and they are not covering it either because it is a new drug.  It will cost $545.00 a month excluding the needles which were another $54.00.

Here is why I am in favor of a one payer system.  I may pay more in taxes or whatever but at least I can budget for it.  Our current system isn't working.

 

the knee bones connected to the leg bone......

As Eliza Doolittle once said...."I'm done in".  I'm raising the white flag, I'm folding the tent.  I'm going to find an orthopedist that can help me if it kills me in the process.

This morning I was getting into the shower and my left knee just felt like it slid to the left followed by a sharp pain.  I haven't been able to walk on it since.  Or at least not without a lot of discomfort.  It hurts on the back left side of my knee.  

So, I called an orthopedist and they wanted to know all my issues.  Well, my right hip, lower back and now my left knee.  I was told he doesn't treat anything but knees and shoulders.  Then I found a doctor that treats only backs........and I found another one that treats hips.  Do I have to see 3 different doctors?  What on earth will that cost?  I'm very frustrated.

I'm going to home early today so I can get a knee wrap at the pharmacy.  I'm hoping it will help stabilize my knee and maybe help with the pain.

Getting older isn't easy and it is definitely costly!

Guess who's coming for dinner!

Thanksgiving......it's right around the corner.  I got a call from my daughters yesterday letting me know that their 1/2 brother and his wife will be here for Thanksgiving.  My daughters finally found their brother after a 15 year search.  They've seen each other twice in the last two years and wanted very much to spend a holiday together.  I met them 2 years ago and they are a very sweet couple.  They are in their late twenties and both very nice.

Now, the thing is I'm a little worried about "Uncle Mike".  I told my daughters that Ron and I can take him out for Thanksgiving and they can have this time with their brother but they won't hear of it.  I just don't know what Mike will say to him if he makes the connection that he is my ex-husband's son.  Mike has some pretty strong feelings about how Jim (my ex) abandoned his daughters and he might say just about anything.  He also liked Jim when we were married and he took it personally when Jim left.

For me it still feels surreal.  I can't believe I will be having Thanksgiving dinner with the son of the man I was married to 44 years ago.  We didn't know if he was alive or dead for over 25 years.  My daughters only saw him 2 times after the age of five.  It's just a weird feeling.  I also feel self conscious for some reason.  I don't know what Jim told his son.  I know I shouldn't care but it makes me feel defensive in a way.  I'll sort it all out and move on.  It was a long time ago and I'm happy now and that's what matters most.  That and the fact that my daughters are happy to know their younger brother.

Up Up and Away

Every year we hold a golf cart Christmas parade here at the hospital.  It it a very competitive competition and there are some elaborate floats done every year.  This year Administration is entering a float.  The theme of the parade is Disney Christmas so we are going to create the UP house from the movie UP.  (If you have never seen this movie it is adorable)

We will turn the golf cart into the house and then suspend helium balloons from the roof.  We are going to put led lights inside the balloons since the parade is after dark.

I need to find a stuffed dog to be Dug and his cone of shame.  I think I'll have him looking out the window of the house.  

We only have $50.00 to use on the float so this will be tricky!  I just love doing this stuff and the parade is so much fun.  I am not good with video cameras but I'm going to try and film and post the parade this year.  Wish me luck!
 

The falling leaves........drift by my window!

After a hard freeze last night I woke up to see the neighbor's Fruitless Mulberry tree raining leaves.  When I went to the car you could hear the leaves softly raining down covering the ground like a golden blanket.  I just love nature!  I used to have the same kind of tree in my front yard but the roots began to damage the driveway and threaten the foundation of the house so I had to remove it.  It was really hard to have it cut down.  I don't however miss raking leaves!

The weather in Oklahoma is so diverse.  One night you are sitting outside enjoying a concert and the next night you are preparing for a freeze.  It can switch from hot to cold mid day and we just know to dress in layers.  

Ron got his schedule today and it is great.  He will work 8-5 Monday - Friday and off at 4:00 on Wed.  He'll work an occasional Saturday.  It's so nice to have him home in the evening and not spending 2 hours commuting every day.  We originally thought he'd be working 11 - 8pm which was OK but we'd never see each other since I go to bed at 9:00.   So this is great!

Now it is time to plan Thanksgiving and I'm looking forward to the holiday! 

My daughter Julie teaches kindergarten but she is also certified to teach art through grade 12.  She has been teaching art to her kindergarten class for the past 3 years and she sent me some of her budding artist's work.  I was so impressed that these drawings were done by 5 year olds that I had to share.

 
Impressive......

Sunday Concert

Once a year my daughter and her husband host a home concert for their neighbors and friends.  This year's concert was this past Sunday evening and Ron and I enjoyed a wonderful night of music, friends and food.  The performer this year was a young man named Ernie Halter.  I hadn't heard his music before Sunday night but I really enjoyed hearing him.  I googled the following information about Ernie:


Ernie Halter is an American singer/songwriter, also known as the "Cuboslavian". He was signed to Rock Ridge Music. Born in Inglewood, CA in 1974 and raised in Orange County, Halter started playing piano when he was 8, guitar when he was 14,and writing his own songs when he was 16. His first disc Lo-Fidelity came out in 2005, followed by Congress Hotel in 2007. Halter's music is mainly influenced by artists such as Beatles, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder and The Go-Go's. Burial sampled from Halter's song 'Whisper' in his 2007 album Untrue. Justin Bieber made a cover of his original song 'Come home to me' in 2011. He toured through much of the United States. 

This is a song he played that I just loved. He performed Sunday with just a guitar and it was very intimate.  This song especially spoke to anyone struggling with something in their life.  Check him out!

Confirmation is always nice

Every now and then, if we are lucky, we receive confirmation that we are where we are supposed to be.  Whether that be in relationships, life, or our careers.  Yesterday was such a day.  

It was late in the day when I received a call from a parent of one of our patients.  The father sounded so excited I wasn't sure where the call was going.  He couldn't talk fast enough as he expressed his gratitude for what we had done for his son.  

He started by saying he and his wife had been fighting the "system" for some time and were just about at their wits end.  After being on our waiting list a short while they finally got in to our pediatric GI clinic.  He said that from the moment they walked in the front door they knew they were finally home.  He said, "It's the people, from the ladies at the reception desk who laughed with us to the dietician, who by the way deserves a raise, everyone made us feel as if we were the most important people they had seen all day.  Finally someone listened to us!"

At this point the dad began to cry and through choked tears he said, "My little boy is tasting food for the first time." 

I haven't written much about where I work but I can say there is no other place like it.....at least not in Oklahoma.  We have some of the most experienced people you will ever find working with children with developmental disabilities.  They are experts in their field with years of experience.  It is a one stop shop for everything from pediatric neurology to OT, PT, and Speech.  They treat everything from feeding issues to behavior problems.

We have beds for 36 inpatients and we treat outpatients from all over Oklahoma both on site and through tele-therapy and in schools.

I came here when I was 8 years old to dance for the patients.  The experience left a lasting impression on me and when I interviewed for my current position I knew this was where I was meant to be.  The young father I spoke with yesterday confirmed what I already knew.  
J.D. McCarty Center 
 

The Gate Keeper

Mike called us this morning with a guilty conscience.  He called AT&T Uverse last night and ordered more movie channels.  This is after we have told him a million times that he is not to order stuff without our knowledge.  He is on a tight budget that I manage for him and I can't do it if he keeps surprising me.  I told him that if he feels guilty after he does something then he knew he shouldn't be doing it in the first place.

Oh my, I hate being the gate keeper.  I feel terrible that I am telling him what he can and can't do with HIS money.  But if I don't then he will be broke and will never know or understand why.  I feel like I'm playing bad cop all the time.  

I worry all the time about what would happen if I became incapacitated and couldn't take care of myself let alone my brother.  But I guess that is a universal worry of all caregivers.

Ron is signing up for Medicare this month.  This is another milestone.  I remember the first solicitation I received from AARP.   I hadn't even turned 50 yet and I was so insulted when I got it.  Now here I am.....on the verge of Medicare. Since we plan to continue working we will only enroll in part A and continue our employer coverage until at least 66.  

There sure is a lot to learn about getting old!

Messin with my mind!

It's NOVEMBER people!  Can you believe it?  The year is almost gone.  Time goes so much faster when you have less of it ahead of you.  When I was a little girl it seemed as if decades passed between Christmases.  But now it comes around in the blink of an eye.

I have been working on Christmas shopping and have just about finished all the buying I'm going to do.  I like to leave December for homemade gifts and baking.  Since my daughter's new kitchen is ready for the holidays it will be fun initiating it with Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas. She hosted a "girl's night out" party Saturday to show off the new space.  I was in need of a night out as Mike had just about worn me out last week.  Thank goodness for Ron.....he watched a football game with him so I could have a break.

Daylight savings time is a confusing concept for someone with schizophrenia.  Mike was sure we were just "messing" with his mind!  He thought that his whole world has been reset 1 hour including all his doctor appointments.  Took a lot of convincing to get him to not call his doctor's office to reschedule his appointment 1 hour ahead.

Communion went well yesterday.....Mike the food critic gave a thumbs up for the communion wafer!  That's always a relief.  When it is not to his gourmet taste he announces to the congregation that the bread is bad!  Ron said, "Maybe God has a sense of humor."  

I replied........"Obviously he does....just look around."

Polar Opposites & Ghostly Tails!!!!

Happy Halloween!

The Phantom Cat

Cats crave routine, which is why so many people report seeing ghostly apparitions at specific times. A cat may return at the same time as her feeding, or at the time she expects her owner to return from work. Sometimes a cat is just not ready to say goodbye.

One story tells how a cat was taken to a veterinary office, where she was diagnosed with feline leukemia. The cat was put to sleep, and the grieving owners prepared to donate the cat's carrier and other belongings to the local shelter.

The owners put the cage and personal belongings of the cat in the back seat. As they began driving, the woman felt a familiar presence – then she heard a familiar "meow." She looked in the rearview mirror and saw her tabby, sitting in her carrier. The woman slammed on the brakes.

Her husband looked back and saw the tabby clearly – no ghostly apparition, the cat looked like flesh and blood. The couple looked at one another – was it possible that their cat somehow made it out of the vet's office and into the car – even after getting the fatal injection?

The cat didn't answer. She meowed again, and looked at them expectantly. Guilt-stricken and not knowing what else to do, they drove back to the vet's office, talking in soothing tones. The cat laid down in the carrier and appeared to go to sleep. The couple looked at each other again, but when they turned back to their tabby, she was gone.

Cleveland Kindergarten Flapper Girls....My Julie is the one in the hat!

Tired....just plain tired....

I've been having a lot of nightmares for the past two weeks.  Every night I wake up because my hip is hurting which allows me to remember (with too much detail) the bad dreams I'm having.  Last night there were three and they involved everything from flaming car crashes and my former neighbor burning to death in front of my eyes to a meeting with my uncle (who has been dead over 30 years) to discuss my brother.  The last one was a little fuzzy but I know I was late to work because I got a call from my daughter who needed help for some reason........I'm exhausted this morning!

I read something yesterday on Facebook written by a 40 year old about the smelly old people at the dentist's office.  I know it was meant in humor but after reading some confirming comments from others about old people smelling because their insides are rotting it made me think about my 90 something mother. 

Young people may think old people just don't bathe and sometimes that does become a problem.  My mother hated to get in the shower because it was exhausting for her and because of her arthritis sometimes very painful.  Medications she took made her breath bad and no amount of mouthwash was able to fix it.  She would have been so embarrassed if she had known.  It would have made me so sad if she had been the subject of ridicule.  Reading things like that makes me so sad.

Heavy Load

It's been a busy week so far and it just got started.  This is the first time I've had a chance to update in a while.

As a caregiver for my brother I sometimes feel the responsibility weighing heavily over my shoulder.  Being responsible for another human being and guardian over their well being can feel really overwhelming at times.  I feel it especially when it comes to financial matters.  

I recently got a notice from a collection agency concerning a physician's group in Okla. City.  I've never seen a bill from anyone so the first contact being from a collection agency really startled me.  After some digging all I've been able to learn so far is it dates back to May, 2011.  Since, we didn't start handling all his finances until 2012 there is no telling what the bill is for or whether Mike ever received a statement.

The other thing I'm working on is his Medicare/Medicaid.  I got a form yesterday to review his Medicaid eligibility.   I just get worried that I'll make a mistake on something but I'm just doing the best I can and that's all I can do.  Bless his ole heart....his cognitive decline has just been so swift that this is completely necessary.  My job is to keep him safe, happy and independent as long as possible.  So far so good.

Sometimes I really sense Ron's frustration if not resentment of the situation.  Our weekends are almost totally devoted to Mike.  A fact that is really hard for Ron.  But with both of us working full time the weekends are all we have to take care of Mike's needs like his shopping and house cleaning etc.  Plus we spend all day Sunday with him for church and lunch outings.  It's a lot to ask of my husband and though he assures me he knew what he was getting in to when he married me I know his life would be a lot less hectic if he hadn't.

But, all in all, we are grateful and very fortunate that we are able to accomplish what we do.  

 

Life Lessons

When Mike and I were in grade school there was a grocery store just around the corner from our house.  Normally we both loved it when our parents asked us to go to the store for some last minute item.  But one day for some reason I protested when my father asked me to go.  Mike jumped up and volunteered and with money in hand out the door he went.

A short time later Mike came through the door handing his parcel to our dad just as I said, Ha Ha you had to go to the grocery store.  I know more got the words out of my mouth when Mike looked at me holding something in his hand and replied, “Yeah, but look who got the Tootsie Roll.”   

Our father was a sales manager at the time and used this story at many of his sales meetings.  The lesson of course is that the one who goes the extra mile……………..gets the Tootsie Roll.  

Glad I learned that lesson early.

What life lessons did you learn at an early age?

OOOklahoma where the wind comes straight from the Gov's office.

Ron got his schedule yesterday and after 5 weeks he will be working 11:00 - 8:00 Mon-Friday and sometimes Saturday.  So, in the scheme of things we won't be together much since I work 8 -4 but he will have two more hours a day to call his own and that's what matters.  He'll have his mornings to schedule doctor appointments, etc. and that will be a great help.

Yesterday the Gov. of my fair state said that state agencies will not be using state money to maintain services.  She says Oklahoma is not in the business of bailing out the Federal government.   “The state of Oklahoma doesn’t have the resources to prop up federal programs with state dollars if the federal government shutdown continues."

What she's really saying is....."I have high political aspirations and I'm up for re-election in Oklahoma where blue is the dominant color.'Oh, and I hate Obama."

So you Oklahomans who are expecting services can just sit on it!  Your state doesn't have your back.  

That my friends is the difference between liberals and conservatives.  

Ron started his new job yesterday and it was weird when we pulled into the driveway yesterday afternoon at the same time.  So nice that he is in town and no more commute to the city.

I can't believe half the month of October is over.  Amazing how fast time flies except in Washington.  They seem to know how to make time stand still or does it just seem that way?  I can't even talk about that mess anymore because I feel my blood pressure rising when I do.  

I've been trying to get some Christmas shopping done and I got a gag gift for my twin daughters for their birthday.  One daughter is accident prone (as I've mentioned before) and so I am telling them I had dolls commissioned from their likeness.
 

I ordered two brunette dolls and the wheelchair set.  I hope Julie doesn't mind being the brunt of the joke.  Before my mother died she referred to Julie as "the damaged one".  Right now Julie is sporting a leg brace a cast on her arm and a wrapped ankle on the "good" leg.

Turn the lights back on..................

The following was posted on the webpage of Okla. Republican Representative Jim Bridenstine:

"The reason the federal government is shut down is because President Obama and his allies continue to protect a failed law that is hurting the country.  Congress should ensure not another dime of taxpayer money is spent on Obamacare."

Oh those pesky republicans....they do have a way of spinning a yarn.............failed law they say......you mean the one that hasn't had the opportunity to fail?  PLEASE.....give me a break.   I've never been so disgusted in my life.  

 "A CBS News poll found that only 25 percent of Americans approve of shutting down the government over differences about Obamacare.  Prior to the shutdown, Republican strategists reportedly believed that the continuing unpopularity of Obamacare would translate into public support for efforts to use the budget process to delay or defund it. It’s clear that they miscalculated."  (Fix.gov)

Congressional Republicans cannot reasonably expect Obama to compromise on the signature achievement of his presidency. Now that the Affordable Health Care Act is going into effect, it will be up to voters in future elections to evaluate it. Republicans should turn their attention to fiscal policy, the budget and debt ceiling deadlines that triggered the current crisis. 

Here's some ENTITLEMENT....I'm Entitled to Call Congress a Bunch of Dumb Asses

It’s times like this that my husband and I have to be very careful in what we say.  The government shut down lends itself to causing marital strife since we sit on opposite sides of the aisle.  I am way too quick to state my opinion because I’m just too mad to keep quiet.  Now that both sides are starting to talk about those pesky “entitlement” programs such as social security and Medicare I am really boiling.  While they are not losing a paycheck and they are not impacted by cuts in social security it infuriates me that they play so willy nilly with the lives of those that depend on these programs.  AND it is NOT ENTITLEMENT……….we paid in to these programs our entire working lives.  I’m ready to march on Washington.  Let’s get all our silver headed friends and march…….get your scooters and ride.  This is too serious to ignore.

Nothing to laugh about!

Myths and other tid bits

How many of us grew up believing the reason we say God bless you when someone sneezes is because your heart stops and you are essentially “dead” for just a second?  I know I did………….but the truth is when you sneeze, your eyes close, your chest contracts and your lungs expel air, but your heart keeps beating.   So just say……………Hey, you’re good lookin as suggested by Jerry Seinfeld, it makes just as much sense.

Better not make a silly face or your face will freeze that way.  Unless you have a stroke at age six it isn’t likely your face will freeze.  But I guess it isn’t entirely impossible.  Of course if you died while making a silly face rigamortis would set in and freeze it that way but you won’t be around to enjoy it.

Did your mother tell you to wait an hour after eating before swimming?  Mine did………..but the truth is you won’t sink like a lead weight.  No one is quite sure when or why parents began telling their children to wait an hour after eating before setting so much as a little toe in the pool or lake but two popular theories abound, one biological and the other social.

First, it seems to have been believed that upon eating, most of the available blood in one's body would flood to the stomach to help with digestion. Thus deprived of proper blood flow, the limbs wouldn't have enough of the precious fluid in them to be able to execute even a simple backstroke, leaving the young swimmer to seize up with cramps and sink like a frozen ravioli in a pot of water.

The second possible origin of this myth is, perhaps, more likely. Water safety concerns were much more lax in the '50s and '60s when there were few lifeguards watching the water for potential accidents. So, parents had to maintain a constant vigil. What better way to get a respite than to tell little ones the take-an-hour-break tale? This would allow parents at least 60 minutes of peace when they most needed it -- after their bellies were full of a torpor-inducing lunch.

Chewing gum stays in your body if swallowed.  That would mean that every single person who ever swallowed gum would have evidence of the gum in the digestive tract.  No such evidence exists....ever had a colonoscopy????

Hats keep in heat.  Sorry, if mom told you this she meant well but 40 to 45" of your body heat doesn't escape out of your head like a boiled kettle.

Nails and hair continue to grow after you die. Nope, the myth comes from the fact that skin recedes form a dead body, making nails and hair appear longer.  

I had my kids believing some doozies when they were young.  I told them the street lights knew when to come on because a little man lived in the light and he was always looking outside to see if it was getting dark.  First sign of darkness he pulled the chain and the lights came on.  It was the only work he could get since he was only 3 inches tall.......

They were also told that when the ice cream truck rang its bell it meant he was out of ice cream.