We all know the importance of taking good care of our bodies after finding out we are pregnant. We do this by eating well, and by taking vitamins and seeing our doctor regularly. With one baby out of every 33 in the United States being born with birth defects, doctors are now trying to lower those numbers by recommending steps for prevention that start prior to conceiving.
Preconception counseling is suggested when thinking about getting pregnant. Your doctor can make suggestions to lower the
The time to think about having a healthy baby begins long before conception. The mother-to-be must give up bad habits, be in good physical condition, and consume a nutritious diet before she becomes pregnant in the first place. But women aren't the only one in the relationship who needs to prepare. Dad needs to jump on board "team baby" as well.
The quickest way to ensure a baby will not be born healthy: keep
The cliche, turning over a new leaf, connects beautifully with autumn. As the gold, orange, and red leaves fall from the trees, one can choose to think about the tiny buds that will take their place next spring instead. It may sound counter-intuitive, but I propose that we should think of fall as a time for beginning again, and not as a time to curl up into a ball for hibernation.
For a man who has let his health go, now is the time
Moms and dads, please take this advice to heart: food does not equal love. A candy bar given to a young child after a fall, or a banana split each day after school to celebrate another day of learning may seem harmless enough. But when food becomes a symbol of comfort and/or love to a child, then serious problems may occur.
Do you remember the stereotypical Italian mom who constantly begs her child to eat...anything and everything? Pasta, sauce, bread, meatballs, sausage...she fills the child's plate again and
