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Infant & Toddler Care : How to Take a Temperature

Using an ear thermometer, lay a baby on a flat service and restrain them in a safe way to take their temperature. Get tips for taking a baby's ...

Infant Baby Care Tips : How to Create Stimulating Activities for Infants

Create stimulating activities for infants by playing with them, singing songs, providing rattle toys, reading textured books and physically moving ...

Prenatal Vitamins – The New Apple is a Fish (Dr. Seuss would have approved)

Today’s nutritionists may very well tell you a fish a day would be better then the apple grandma recommended.   Why? Fish Oil has aggressively been studied over the last forty years for its Essential Fatty Acids EPA & DHA, also commonly referred to as Omega-3’s. The body of science that has developed is fantastically strong and well recognized from Nutritionist to MD’s.  This science includes positive findings for Omega-3’s effectiveness on health concerns ranging from reducing joint stiffness to reducing the risk of stroke but it is also highly advantageous for healthy people to add Omegas to their daily routine and especially important for pregnant women and children.

For the generally healthy population Omega-3’s play a critical role in supporting cardiovascular health, blood sugar metabolism and healthy brain function. For women who are thinking about having a baby, are pregnant or breastfeeding Omega-3’s are strongly recommended for their support in the development of the baby’s brain, retinas and central nervous system.  There are also new studies suggesting a link between a decrease in certain types of food allergies and infant eczema.  Now many researchers believe that mother’s should be taking Omega-3’s well before getting pregnant, as the fetus appears to be getting much of the DHA in particular, from the mother’s tissue stores. Omega-3’s are also important for the bodies of moms-to-be because Omega-3’s are thought to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, preterm labor and post partum depression.

So, if you are already eating well, taking good care of your health (including taking a daily multi vitamin), Omega-3’s are a smart choice.  You will want to look for products that contain both EPA and DHA with a minimum daily dose of 1000mg combined.  Also note that EPA and DHA can be found in flax seed and DHA can be found from algal sources for those interested in keeping a vegan diet.

There is one more thing to consider when choosing the proper Omega-3 product for you.  The dosage form!   Typically fish oil omegas are found in large soft gelatin capsules or a flavored liquid vitamin.  It is recommended in both cases to keep the product cool or refrigerated to minimize the risk of “fish burps” (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like), if you find this to be an issue even with refrigeration, consider taking them before bed.

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