Health Tip: Be Careful During Hot Weather
Heatstroke occurs when a person's temperature soars to 104 degrees F or higher, effectively shutting down the body's heat-regulating mechanism. Symptoms may include hot, dry skin, inability to sweat, muscle cramps, and shallow breathing.
Here are suggestions to help prevent heatstroke, courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System:
* Avoid working or playing outside in the hot sun. If you must be outside, limit your direct exposure to the sun, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
* Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
* Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you aren't thirsty.
* Keep your home air conditioned, or keep windows open and use lots of fans to keep the air circulating.
* Eat small meals, and limit your alcohol consumption when temperatures are high or you're not used to the climate.
Health Tip: Paternal Bonding
Even though dads can't participate when moms are breastfeeding, there are many other ways for new fathers to bond with newborns.
Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
* Dad should be present through labor and delivery to share the baby's first moments.
* Dad can help with bottle feedings, and can still be present during breast feedings.
* Dad can read and sing to the baby, and give her a bath.
* Dad can make the same coos and noises that she makes as she begins to try to communicate.
* Dad can carry the newborn using a baby carrier that rests across the chest.
* Dad can let the baby feel and grab his face and hair, helping her get to know him.
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