Health Tip: Get Children Tested for Lead Poisoning
Since exposure to even low amounts of lead among children can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems, it's important for parents to prevent exposure at home.
The Environmental Protection Agency offers these suggestions:
* Have your child tested regularly by a pediatrician.
* If your home was built before 1978, have it tested for lead paint.
* Always have your child wash his or her hands before eating.
* Wash bottles, pacifiers and toys -- and anything else that may be put in the mouth -- frequently.
* Keep floors and window sills clean and free of dust and paint chips.
* Use cold water, not hot, for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula. Let the water run until it is as cold as possible.
Health Tip: Before You Get Pregnant
It's important to take care of yourself while you're pregnant. But you should begin caring for your body long before you confirm that you're expecting a baby.
Here are suggestions on how to prepare your body for pregnancy, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
* Eat a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat.
* Start a regular exercise routine. You should get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
* Stick to a regular sleep schedule, to make sure you get plenty of rest every night.
* Take a daily multivitamin that includes 400 milligramns of folic acid.
* See your doctor for a physical exam, and make sure you're up-to-date on all vaccinations. Also talk to your doctor about whether any of your current medications may not be safe during pregnancy.
* Don't use illicit drugs, cigarettes or alcohol.
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