Birth Defects are differences in the way your Child’s body develops. These variations can range from minor to significant and arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While many congenital conditions cannot be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk by prioritizing your overall health during pregnancy, including:

- Prenatal care: Regular checkups with your healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring your health and the baby's development.

- Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and smoking significantly reduce the risk of certain birth defects.

Some common examples include cleft lip and/or palate, bone growth abnormalities such as short stature, missing limbs, or scoliosis, congenital heart conditions, chromosome abnormalities like Down syndrome, clubfoot, fetal alcohol syndrome, and sickle cell anemia.

During pregnancy, Healthcare providers utilize screening tests, such as blood tests, ultrasounds, and fetal echocardiograms, to identify potential birth defects. Some birth defects may not be apparent until after birth. Signs and symptoms in infants and toddlers may include heart abnormalities, such as an irregular heartbeat and difficulty breathing, developmental delays, including not responding to sounds, poor eye contact and delayed milestones, unusual head, face, eye, ear, or mouth characteristics, difficulty feeding, and irritability. If you notice any concerns about your child's development, consult with their healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.

Read more at: https://www.cdc.gov/birth-defects/awareness-month/index.html

The start of a New Year often brings with it a renewed focus on Health and Fitness, with Weight Loss being a common Resolution. However, sticking to these goals can be challenging. To increase your chances of success, focus on creating sustainable habits rather than drastic measures. Start with small, achievable goals, such as incorporating 30 minutes of daily exercise, like a brisk walk or a bike ride, or reducing sugary drinks and opting for water or unsweetened tea. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you progress. Find an exercise routine you enjoy, whether it's dancing, swimming, or team sports, to make it more likely to stick with it long-term.

Remember that consistency is key, so aim for regular, even if short, periods of activity rather than sporadic intense workouts. Celebrate your successes along the way, whether it's reaching a mini-goal, fitting into a smaller size, or simply feeling more energized. These small victories will help maintain motivation and remind you of your progress.

It's also crucial to remember that setbacks are inevitable. Don't let a missed workout or a slip-up with your diet derail your entire journey. Instead, acknowledge the setback, learn from it, and get back on track as soon as possible. Focus on building healthy habits that you can maintain throughout the year, such as cooking nutritious meals at home, prioritizing sleep, and managing stress effectively. This holistic approach to wellness will not only support your weight loss efforts but also improve your overall health and well-being.

Read more at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6444530/