From what you put into your body to what you do with it, just about anything can impact your health when you’re pregnant. It can also impact the health of the unborn child. That’s why it’s important to take the steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of both the expectant mother and baby. The best way to start is to ensure you get the recommended amount of physical activity each week. The truth is that Moving Matters! Let’s review the physical activity guidelines for pregnant and postpartum women and learn about the benefits of movement before and after pregnancy.
Physical Activity Recommendations
Like anyone at any stage of life, physical activity is vital to maintaining good health leading to a better quality of life. For pregnant ...
Scientists and collaborators at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai recently identified novel genetic interactions that may contribute to congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a problem with the heart’s structure at birth. Let’s go beyond the surface and learn more about what the research means and how it can help others!
The Health Impact of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
When a disease or condition is congenital, it means someone is born with this condition. Congenital heart diseases or defects occur when “when the heart, or blood vessels near the heart, don’t develop normally before birth. Such defects result when a mishap occurs during heart development soon after conception — often before the mother is aware that she is pregnant,” ...
Every year an unprecedented number of pregnant women in the US suffer mental hardships. The American Academy of Medicine (AAMC) estimates that 1 in 5 women endure a mental health or substance use disorder during a pregnancy and up to a year after birth. In fact, mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What’s more, 80% of these deaths are preventable. That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Let’s dive into the hotline, how it helps Latinas and all mothers, and what HHS is doing to get the word out about it.
What is the National Maternal Mental Health ...
Are the corn masa products you eat fortified with folic acid? Because too many babies in the Latino community suffer from birth defects like spina bifida, UnidosUS and its partners submitted a citizen petition asking the FDA to require a warning label on unfortified corn masa flour and products. The warning would alert consumers when corn masa flour, tortilla chips, tamales, or other corn masa products do not contain adequate folic acid. A lack of folic acid can increase the risk of a serious birth defect if a woman becomes pregnant. “A warning label is a simple way to tell consumers of the risks posed by products that lack adequate levels of added folic acid—and to push food companies to fortify foods to protect people,” according to UnidosUS. Here’s how you can speak ...
August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to celebrate and support breastfeeding families, highlight the benefits of breastfeeding, and provide resources and help to mothers. Why is this important? Research shows that breastfed babies have lower risks of asthma, childhood leukemia, childhood obesity, ear infections, and more. Mothers who breastfeed also have lower risk of type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and certain types of breast cancer. “Breastfeeding has many health benefits for infants, children, and mothers and is a key strategy to improve public health,” according to the CDC. Let’s explore tools and resources that can help mothers and families with breastfeeding.
1. U.S. Breastfeeding Committee
Many mothers, especially Latinas, face many barriers to ...
School supplies, news clothes, and annual check-ups at the doctor are just a few things on a parent’s checklist for the start of a new school year. But don’t let one major part of a child’s health slip out of sight. Vision and eye health!
Advocating for Children’s Eye Health
Uncorrected vision problems can hinder child development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss. That is why Prevent Blindness Texas, an eye health and safety organization, is working to prevent blindness and preserve sight among children and adults by providing support and resources related eye health at all ages. “Early detection and treatment of eye problems are critical,” according to organization. To promote early detection of eye issues among children, ...
Many Latino children have pressing mental health needs but are not getting adequate mental health care, studies have shown. COVID-19 didn’t help, either. The pandemic heightened social isolation, dependence on smartphones and social media, and mental health issues among young people. Meanwhile, opportunities declined for physical activity – a proven method for treating disorders such as depression and anxiety. Loss of physical activity can harm physical, emotional, social, and mental health. This is why a PhD student at Michigan State University is offering a free online program geared to increasing physical activity to improve mental health in Latino children between the ages of 7 and 11.
About the Physical Activity Program
The program is part of a ...
USDA has approved a final rule to improve nutrition and support breastfeeding in food packages in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The final rule includes these changes: Require WIC-eligible whole grain breakfast cereals contain a whole grain as the first ingredient.
Increase access to whole grains in breakfast cereal, bread, and grains, including "tortillas made with folic acid-fortified corn masa flour (once available in the marketplace)."
Expand whole grain options to include foods like quinoa, blue cornmeal, and teff to reflect dietary guidance and accommodate individual or cultural preferences.
Provide more convenience and options in the dairy category, including flexibility on package sizes and non-dairy substitution ...
Nearly one of every two people are Latino in Harris County, Texas, which is home to Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city. As the Latino community rises, equitable health, education, and opportunity is critical. That is why two Houston organizations, Children at Risk and Child Health Policy at the Baker Institute, published the 2024 Latino Child Health Initiative Report to examine the state of Latino child health in Precinct 2, one of four precincts in Harris County. The report identified high rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity among Latino children in Houston, as well as barriers to mental health services and kindergarten readiness. Let’s dive into the report and how it reflects the overall US Latino population.
Latino Children and Risk for Diabetes, Obesity
In ...
