Verse of the Day

The Lord will work out his plans for my life

for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.

Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

{Psalm 138: 8}

Health Tip of the Day: Preventing Listeriosis

When you are pregnant, it is important to be cautious about what you eat. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be found in contaminated foods. Listeria can cause the serious infection Listeriosis which can cause miscarriage, premature births, or infections in a newborn. In order to prevent Listeriosis, pregnant women should avoid foods that are often contaminated with listeria.  Listeria can be found in uncooked meats including meats such as hot dogs and deli meats, uncooked vegetables, and unpasteurized milk.

How to Avoid Listeria

Avoid soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheeses, Greek-style feta cheese and soft Mexican-style cheeses such as queso blanco, queso fresco and Panela. These are only safe if the label says they are made using pasteurized milk. Do not drink unpasteurized milk. Instead, try cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and processed cheese slices and spreads such as cream cheese and cottage cheese.

Be careful when eating hot dogs, lunch meat, or deli meat. They need to be reheated to at least 160 degrees before eating. Do not eat deli meat at a restaurant because they do not reheat them. Subway recommends non-lunch meat sandwiches such as meatball, steak and cheese, roasted chicken, and tuna.

Do not eat refrigerated pates or meat spreads.

Practice safe food handling:

• Wash all fruits and vegetables
• Keep everything clean including your hands and preparation surfaces
• Keep your refrigerator thermometer at 40 degrees or below
• Clean your refrigerator often
• Avoid cross contamination between raw and uncooked foods (this includes hot dog juices)
• Cook foods at proper temperatures (use food thermometers) and reheat all foods until they are steaming hot (or 160 F)

For more information visit http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/listeria.html

Health Tip of the Day: Exercise

Being pregnant doesn't have to mean getting fat and being tired all the time! Engaging in a regular exercise routine can help you look and feel your best during the pregnancy. Even if you have never exercised before, now is a great time to start!

Exercising at least 30 minutes a day has many benefits:

                -Helps reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling

                -Helps prevent gestational diabetes

                -Reduces constipation

                -Gives you more energy

                -Improves your mood

                -Promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance which can help

                prepare your body for labor

                -Helps you sleep better

                -Get back to your pre-pregnancy body faster!

Exercises to Try During Pregnancy

Walking is one of the best and safest exercises you can do while you are pregnant. In the summer, be sure to walk in the morning or evening to avoid the heat. When it still way too hot, take a trip to the Jones Center in Springdale where they have a four-lane walking track that can be used for free! Try walking with a loved one to make your exercise something you enjoy!

Swimming is another safe exercise during pregnancy. Swimming allows you to strengthen your muscles while the water supports the weight of your body. It can also decrease swelling in your legs. Swimming is not only a great way to beat the heat in the summer at the Siloam Springs Aquatic Center ($3 or $1.50 after 5:00), but it can be enjoyed year round at the Jones Center in Springdale for $2.

Yoga is a great way to increase your muscle strength, circulation, and increase your balance. In addition, it helps you learn to breathe deeply and relax which can help you prepare for labor. Classes are offered at the Arkansas Yoga Center in Fayetteville on Thursday nights from 7:00-8:00 p.m. If you would rather stay at home, the top rated prenatal yoga videos on Netflix are "Prenatal Yoga", "Crunch: Yoga Mama", and "Yoga Journal: Yoga for Your Pregnancy."

If you don't feel like going out, there are many strength training exercises and stretches you can do at home. You can find pictures and information about them here.

Sticking to an exercise routine can be difficult, but it comes with numerous benefits. In order to stay motivated, try exercising with a friend, joining a class, listening to music, or trying an activity you have never tried before. If you haven't been exercising regularly, pregnancy is a good motivation to begin.

Remember, before beginning an exercise routine it is important to talk to your doctor.

Health Tip of the Day

How do I safely switch to a different formula?
Before making the decision to switch, be sure to talk to your doctor. Parents often assume that formula plays a part in a baby's fussiness, gas, spitting up, or lack of appetite. But often that's not the case.

If giving the OK to switch formulas, your doctor will recommend a way to do it so that your baby's feedings and digestion aren't interrupted. The doctor may suggest mixing the two formulas together little by little, then eventually eliminating the original formula altogether.

(This was taken from an article off of kidshealth.org)

Here at the resale store and incentive boutique, baby formula is donated to us and we have the privilege of giving it away to customers and clients. Trang Freeman, staff member of New Beginnings, explained that switching formulas could be risky for your baby. Consulting a doctor first is crucial, but also understanding how a babies digestive system works is important in understanding why to take precaution.

These formula cans and baby food are FREE for those who need it. We also have formula coupons to give away. All we ask is that you only get the kind your baby uses to ensure your baby is safe and happy. Come by resale store and ask about our FREE formula.

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Quote of the Day

A human person is infinitely precious and must be unconditionally protected.

{Hans Kung}

(photo found on pinterest.com)

New Blog!

We are excited to have a place where we can share stories, tips on pregnancy, accurate information on different health issues, the funny moments that life brings and our heart for this ministry. Our hope is for this space to act as a window into the ministry that we love and serve. Feel free to post comments or questions!

(photo found on pinterest.com)