Giving your child a healthy start is fundamental.
​As a parent, you play a major role in their early development. You can help them to adopt habits that will enhance the quality of their life for years to come.

Make smart choices while your child is still an infant and reinforce them as they grow. While you're keeping them strong and fit, you’ll also be nurturing a close and loving relationship.

Try these tips for raising a healthy kid.

Encouraging Your Child’s Physical Wellbeing:
1.Breastfeed if possible. Breast milk is easily digested and protects your baby from infections and diseases. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months.

2. Eat whole foods. When you introduce solid foods, steer away from processed products. Offer lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

3. Limit sugar. The American Heart Association recommends no sugar for kids under 2, and less than 6 teaspoons a day from 2 to 18. Cutting back on soda and sweets reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions.

4. Exercise regularly. Excessive screen time makes kids too sedentary. CDC guidelines call for at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity each day.

5. Enforce bedtimes. Bodies and brains need more sleep when they’re still developing. That ranges from a minimum of 14 hours for newborns to 9 hours for school-aged children.

6.Wash your hands. Cleanliness protects your kids and your community from germs. Show your children how to wash hands correctly with soap and running water.

7.Brush your teeth. Cavities in baby teeth can contribute to dental issues later in life. Introduce your child to a dentist before their first birthday and teach them how to make oral hygiene part of their daily life.

8. Apply sunblock. Childhood sunburns increase the risk for skin cancer. Keep babies under 6 months in the shade and buy broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher for the rest of the family.

9. Use safety gear. Take advantage of products that protect your child from accidents and injuries. Stay up to date with car seats, bicycle helmets, and other safety aids.

10. See your pediatrician. Schedule regular wellness visits and learn about symptoms that require urgent care. Ask your pediatrician any questions you have.

Encouraging Your Child’s Mental and Social Wellbeing:

1. Listen closely. Pay attention to what your children have to say. Encourage them to talk openly about their feelings. You’ll earn their trust and make it easier for them to turn to you if they’re in trouble.

2.Praise generously. Discipline is more about education than punishment. Let your child know when you’re proud of their behavior.

3.Manage stress. Kids feel pressured too. Exercise together. Show them how to use arts and crafts to express emotions that they may be unable to put into words.

4.Play for fun. Take a break from competitive sports and academics. Join them for unstructured play. Stage a puppet show or run through the sprinklers in your backyard.

5. Spend time together. Make family time a top priority. Plan weekend outings and one-on-one activities. Share family meals at least once a day.

6. Visit your library. Help your children to develop a love for books. Stock up on reading materials at home and check the calendar at your local library for story times and other events.

​Help your child to build a strong foundation for their overall health and wellbeing. Remember that you’re their primary teacher and role model. Your guidance and example increase their chances for a long and happy life!

Epidemiologic Issue: Increased Vaping Among Teens and Young Adults in Low-Income, Underserved Communities in Illinois.

The increased vaping rates among teens and young adults in low-income, underserved communities in Illinois is a growing public health concern. This trend is driven by a combination of glamorization by celebrities, easy access to vaping products, and a lack of education about the risks involved. Addressing this issue will require targeted public health campaigns, increased regulation of vaping product sales, and improved access to resources that help young people quit. Moreover, understanding the social determinants of health that contribute to this behavior is crucial in developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
​

Maternal Mortality Rates in Women of Color in Illinois

In Illinois, maternal mortality rates among women of color, particularly Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous women, persist at alarmingly higher rates compared to their white counterparts. Current data from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reveals a stark reality: Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, reflecting deep-seated disparities in maternal health outcomes. This disparity underscores systemic inequities rooted in socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and racial biases within healthcare systems.

Understanding the Problem: Women of color in Illinois face compounded challenges that contribute to elevated maternal mortality rates. Economic disparities, limited access to quality healthcare services, and cultural barriers all intersect to create a healthcare landscape where certain populations are disproportionately affected. These disparities are exacerbated by historical and systemic factors that perpetuate unequal healthcare access and outcomes.

Root Causes and Conditions:

Socioeconomic Disparities: Higher rates of poverty and limited access to insurance coverage impact maternal health outcomes.
Healthcare Access: Disparities in access to prenatal and postnatal care contribute to delayed care and poorer health outcomes.
Systemic Racism: Implicit biases and racial discrimination in healthcare settings affect the quality of care and patient outcomes.
The Cost of Neglect: Neglecting to address these disparities not only perpetuates inequities but also leads to unnecessary loss of life and diminished health outcomes for mothers and families. Beyond the human toll, there are significant economic costs associated with untreated complications, extended hospital stays, and long-term healthcare needs resulting from inadequate maternal care.

Community Influence and Opportunities: In Chicago and across Illinois, community organizations, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups are pivotal in advocating for change. By mobilizing resources, raising awareness, and promoting culturally competent care, these stakeholders can drive meaningful progress towards reducing maternal mortality rates and improving health equity.

Proposed Solutions and Positive Outcomes:

Implementing Community-Based Doula and Midwifery Programs: By providing culturally competent support during pregnancy and childbirth, these programs aim to reduce complications and improve maternal health outcomes.
Advocating for Comprehensive Maternal Health Policy Reform: Policies expanding Medicaid coverage and addressing healthcare disparities can ensure all women have access to timely and quality care.
Enhancing Maternal Health Education and Outreach: Educating women of color and healthcare providers about maternal health can empower informed decision-making and improve care quality.
Long-Term Vision: Through these targeted interventions, Illinois can envision a future where maternal mortality rates among women of color are significantly reduced. This vision includes equitable access to healthcare, improved health outcomes, and a healthcare system that respects and meets the needs of all mothers regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

Conclusion: Addressing maternal mortality rates in women of color is not just a matter of health equity but also a moral imperative. By addressing root causes, advocating for policy changes, and fostering community engagement, Illinois can lead the way in creating a healthcare system that values and protects the lives of all mothers and families.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of maternal mortality rates in women of color in Illinois, several data sources can be utilized. These sources can provide valuable insights into the demographics, healthcare access, and social determinants influencing maternal health outcomes. Here are some useful data sources:
National and State Health Databases

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
   
   • Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System (PMSS): Provides national and state-level data on maternal mortality, including detailed demographic information.
   • Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS): Collects data on health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.
2. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH):
   
   • Maternal Mortality Review Reports: Annual reports on maternal deaths, providing in-depth analysis of causes, demographics, and contributing factors.
   • Vital Records (Birth and Death Certificates): Detailed records that can be analyzed for maternal mortality trends and disparities.
3. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS):
   
   • National Vital Statistics System (NVSS): Comprehensive data on births and deaths, including maternal mortality statistics.

Hospital and Healthcare Data

1. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP):
   
   • State Inpatient Databases (SID): Hospital discharge data that can be used to analyze maternal health outcomes and healthcare access.
2. Illinois Hospital Association (IHA):
   
   • COMPdata: A comprehensive database with information on hospital admissions, patient demographics, and health outcomes.

Public Health and Social Determinants Data

1. American Community Survey (ACS):
   
   • Provides detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing data that can help identify social determinants affecting maternal health.
2. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF):
   
   • County Health Rankings & Roadmaps: Offers insights into the health factors and outcomes at the county level, highlighting disparities and social determinants.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF):
   
   • Provides data and analysis on health disparities, including maternal and child health indicators.

Research and Academic Studies

1. Peer-Reviewed Journals:
   
   • Studies published in journals such as the American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Women’s Health, and Obstetrics & Gynecology provide insights into recent research findings on maternal mortality and disparities.
2. University and Research Institution Reports:
   
   • Institutions like the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and other academic centers often conduct studies and publish reports on maternal health disparities.

Community and Advocacy Organizations

1. March of Dimes:
   
   • Provides data and reports on maternal and infant health, including disparities and recommendations for improvement.
2. Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA):
   
   • Offers resources, data, and advocacy tools focused on improving maternal health outcomes for Black women.

Government and Policy Reports

1. U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO):
   
   • Publishes reports on maternal health, including assessments of federal and state programs aimed at reducing maternal mortality.
2. Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC):
   
   • A state-wide network focused on improving perinatal outcomes, providing data and resources on maternal health initiatives.

By leveraging these data sources, policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers can gain a comprehensive understanding of maternal mortality rates and the underlying factors contributing to disparities among women of color in Illinois. This information is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies to improve maternal health outcomes.

Maternal Mortality Rates in Women of Color in Illinois: Background and Epidemiologic Issue
Maternal mortality, defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, remains a significant public health concern in Illinois. This issue is particularly severe among women of color.

In Illinois, Black women experience significantly higher maternal mortality rates compared to their white counterparts.
Hispanic and Indigenous women also face elevated risks, though to a lesser extent compared to Black women.

Black women of reproductive age (15-44 years) in Illinois are among the most affected groups.
Women in lower socioeconomic brackets, with lower educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare services are particularly vulnerable.

Maternal mortality rates in Illinois show considerable geographic variation.
Urban areas like Chicago have higher rates of maternal mortality among women of color compared to other parts of the state.
However, rural areas also show disparities due to limited healthcare facilities and services.

In Chicago, neighborhoods with predominantly Black and Hispanic populations face higher maternal mortality rates. These areas often suffer from higher poverty rates, lower access to quality healthcare, and other socio-economic challenges.
Communities in southern Illinois, which are more rural and have fewer healthcare resources, also experience higher maternal mortality rates among women of color.

Over the past decade, Illinois has seen an increase in maternal mortality rates, mirroring national trends.
The disparity between white women and women of color has persisted, with Black women consistently experiencing the highest rates of maternal mortality.
Recent initiatives have aimed to address these disparities, but significant gaps remain.

What social determinants of health are influencing the behavior or health outcome you ask?

Healthcare Access and Quality: Women of color in Illinois often face barriers to accessing timely and adequate prenatal and postnatal care. Hospitals and clinics in underserved areas may lack resources and staff, leading to lower quality care.

Socioeconomic Status: Higher poverty rates among Black and Hispanic communities limit access to healthcare, nutritious food, and stable housing, all of which are crucial for maternal health.

Racism and Discrimination: Systemic racism within the healthcare system leads to unequal treatment. Implicit bias among healthcare providers can result in misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and inadequate care for women of color.

Health Behaviors: Pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which are more prevalent among women of color, increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications.

Social Support and Community Resources: Limited social support, childcare options, and transportation can impede access to healthcare services, exacerbating the risk of adverse maternal health outcomes.

Conclusion
In Illinois, maternal mortality among women of color is a pressing public health issue marked by pronounced racial and ethnic disparities. Black women, in particular, face significantly higher risks due to a combination of geographic, socioeconomic, and systemic factors.
To address these disparities, Illinois must improve healthcare access and quality, tackle social determinants of health, and confront systemic racism within the healthcare system. Comprehensive and targeted interventions are essential to ensure equitable maternal health outcomes for all women in Illinois.

Parents, this has been one long summer!
With back to school around the corner, a sick child is not on the agenda!
​Lets' all send OUR children back to daycare/school in great health.

I created this guide to assist you if your child comes home with a cold more than usual.
A Parent's Guide to Keeping Your Kids Cold-Free

Do your children attract colds the way a bird feeder makes hungry squirrels come
running?
With some simple precautions, you may be able to keep your children free
from infections this cold and flu season, or at least relieve their symptoms faster and
reduce their number of sick days.

While adults average only about 2 to 4 colds a year, many children have 10 or
more, especially if they're in close contact with other little ones at school or day care
centers. If you want to beat those odds, take a look at this guide to preventing colds.

Fighting Colds by Encouraging Cleanliness:

1.Wash your hands. The most effective way to stop colds is to keep your hands
clean, and keep them away from your face, especially your eyes. Teach your
children to wash their hands frequently with soap for about 20 seconds at a
time.

2.Check your nails. Remember to scrub under fingernails too, because that's
where germs get trapped. Keep your child's nails trimmed short and use a nail
brush to be thorough.

3. Switch your towels. A dirty towel will undo all your good intentions. Consider
using disposable towels, or wash cloth towels daily, when a family member is ill.

4. Disinfect toys. Stuffed toys and other playthings can transfer germs too. Clean
hard surfaces with diluted bleach. Hand wash teddy bears or put them in a
plastic bag with baking soda, and give them a shake.

5. Limit sharing. Show your child how to share safely. Train them to use their own
drinking glass and water bottle.

Fighting Colds by Changing How You Feed Your Kids:

1. Eat up. Starving a cold is a myth. Serve your child a balanced and nutritious diet
that will keep their energy up.

2. Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of liquids is good advice. Water or tea will loosen
up congestion, and warm beverages feel good on scratchy throats.

3. Sip soup. Chicken soup is another home remedy that makes sense. In addition
to keeping your child hydrated, it provides essential nutrients.

4. Try vitamins. A number of studies suggest that products with ingredients like
vitamin C or zinc may not provide any special benefits. However, if you don’t
mind the cost, you might want to see if they work for you.

Other Strategies for Fighting Colds:

1. Use a humidifier. Humidifiers can reduce coughing and make it easier to
breathe by adding moisture to dry winter air. Clean them regularly to avoid
mold.

2. Gargle with saltwater. Your probably know that salt can soothe a sore throat,
but it may also prevent colds in the first place. Some studies show that even
gargling with plain water leads to fewer colds, and it costs nothing.

3.Cover your mouth. Encourage your child to cover their mouth when they cough
or sneeze. Germs are more easily transmitted by touch than by air, but it's still
the polite thing to do.

4.Warm your feet. Many studies have cast doubt on the belief that you'll catch a
cold if you go outside without a coat or hat. On the other hand, there is some
evidence that keeping your feet warm helps, so let your kids wear footed
pajamas or socks to bed.

5.Play outdoors. Whatever they wear, your children will benefit from spending
time outdoors. Some research suggests that vitamin D supplements reduce the
risk of infection by 10%, and sunshine can have similar effects.

Practicing good hygiene and eating lots of chicken soup will help your child to avoid
colds or recover faster. Either way, your whole family could have fewer sore throats
and runny noses this winter.

A three-day cleanse for newly postpartum mothers can be a popular option for those looking to jumpstart healthy eating habits and feel rejuvenated after childbirth. However, its usefulness and safety can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. Here are some key points to consider:
Potential Benefits:

1. Reset Eating Habits: A short cleanse can help reset eating habits and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods.
2. Increased Hydration: Many cleanses emphasize hydration, which is crucial for postpartum recovery and milk production if breastfeeding.
3. Nutrient Boost: A well-designed cleanse can provide a boost of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, which can be beneficial for recovery.

Potential Drawbacks:

1. Caloric Restriction: Many cleanses involve low-calorie intake, which can be problematic for energy levels and milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
2. Nutrient Deficiency: Cleanses that exclude certain food groups may not provide all the necessary nutrients required for recovery and breastfeeding.
3. Stress on the Body: The postpartum period is a time for recovery, and a cleanse can sometimes add unnecessary stress to the body.

Important Considerations:

1. Consult Healthcare Provider: It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any cleanse, especially postpartum, to ensure it’s safe and appropriate.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which is particularly important for breastfeeding mothers.
4. Gradual Changes: Rather than a drastic cleanse, making gradual and sustainable dietary changes may be more beneficial in the long term.

Alternative Approaches:

1. Nutritious Snacks: Incorporate nutrient-dense snacks such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables into the diet.
2. Small, Frequent Meals: Eating small, frequent meals can help maintain energy levels and support milk production.
3. Postnatal Vitamins: Consider taking postnatal vitamins to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Overall, while a three-day cleanse might offer some immediate benefits, it’s crucial to prioritize overall health and well-being during the postpartum period. A balanced and nutrient-rich diet, adequate hydration, and professional guidance are key to supporting recovery and maintaining energy levels.

​Need Help Starting? Contact us!
​

We all know the importance of looking after our bodies. We need to live a healthy lifestyle that strengthens both mind and body. But what does this actually look like, and what can you do to ensure that your lifestyle is as healthy as possible?
The notion of overhauling your life in favor of healthier alternatives can feel overwhelming. 

Here are five ways to build a healthy lifestyle: ​
​
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Changing your diet is one of the key elements of living a healthy lifestyle. This means incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are receiving the right balance of nutrients you need to stay healthy.
Filling your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables will also allow you to enjoy clearer skin, have more energy, and enjoy greater overall health.
Be creative when it comes to getting your fruit and veggies in - the internet is full of exciting recipes to help keep things fresh and delicious.

Stay Hydrated
Our bodies are made up primarily of water, and so it is important to maintain adequate levels of hydration throughout the day. Some of this will come from the water that we drink. According to experts, we should aim for around 8 glasses of water a day to stay healthy.
Carry a water bottle to encourage you to keep sipping throughout the day.

Move Your Body
Physical exercise is also a key ingredient in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t have to mean going crazy in the gym. Instead, find a form of exercise that you enjoy, and that you look forward to. This is the secret to ensuring that you stick to your routine, and prevents exercise from feeling like a chore.
Why not join a dance class, go for a run, or head up to a hill for a hike?
No matter what you do, moving your body is the number one goal.

Practice Mindfulness
Taking care of your physical body is important, but you also need to ensure that you are not neglecting your mind. Mindfulness is a way of grounding you in the moment and helping you appreciate and enjoy the world around you. It can also play a key role in alleviating stress and anxiety.
Why not try yoga, practice meditation, or just take a moment to stop and smell the roses?
Your mental health will thank you.

Minimize Stress
One of the most important things that you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle is to minimize your stress levels. Stress has a negative impact on your mental health and emotions, and it can also impact your physical health.
​Do your best to reduce stress through exercise, meditation, or mindfulness.
If you are really struggling to cope with stress, don’t feel ashamed to seek professional help.
​
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a healthy lifestyle does not have to be difficult. Just a few simple tweaks and adjustments can help you enjoy incredible results. You will enjoy short and long-term benefits for your health, happiness and wellbeing.


​

In our relentlessly busy world, self-care often feels like a distant dream. We juggle careers, families, and social obligations, leaving our well-being on the back burner. This relentless pursuit of achievement fuels a constant state of fatigue, irritability, and a nagging sense of inadequacy. The joy of daily living gets lost in the daily grind.

This imbalance has severe consequences. Strained relationships, decreased productivity, and declining health are just a few. We become susceptible to stress-related illnesses, sacrificing long-term health for short-term gains. The “always on” mentality makes it tough to prioritize self-care, pushing us towards unsustainable quick fixes.

But what if you could thrive in both your personal and professional life?
You can! 
Lets dive deep into Why Do We Struggle With Self-Care?
#SelfCare, #Success, #Burnout, #Worthiness, #SelfImage, #StressRelief, #HealthyEating

Wellness is the natural state of my body.
 
My body and health are pivotal to my overall well-being. I realize that my quality of life is affected by my health. Because of this, I take care of my body and make healthy choices.
 
Wellness is important to me.
 
I choose healthy foods that nourish my body and avoid disturbing my mind. The nutrients I receive from healthy meals provide my body with the essential materials to maintain and heal itself.
 
Eating well is a big part of maximal wellness, but there are other components that are just as crucial.
 
I support my body’s efforts to be healthy by getting sufficient sleep. I aim to sleep for at least seven hours each night. Sleep rejuvenates my body and mind. I look forward to getting the rest my body requires. A full night of rest is a priority for me.

​Exercise is another important component of wellness. I take part in thirty minutes of healthy exercise each day. My body craves exercise. It keeps my muscles toned and supple. My heart and lungs grow stronger with regular exercise.
 
Today, I allow my body to reach a natural state of wellness. I avoid foods or activities that contradict wellness. I allow my body to heal itself. Wellness is the natural state of my body.
 
Self-Reflection Questions:
 

1. How is my current diet interfering with my quest for wellness?
2. What activities do I take part in that are obstacles to health and wellness?
3. What habits am I willing to develop that will move my body toward a state of wellness?

Getting started with meditation is a lot easier than you may think. There isn’t any special equipment you need to buy or classes you should be taking. While buying a book, a guided meditation audio recording or an app for your smartphone are certainly options, you don’t even have to do that to get started. I’ll share everything you need to know to get started meditating right here in this post.
 
Start by getting comfortable in a spot that’s as free of distractions as possible. You want to sit down either on a chair with your feet firmly planted on the ground, or sitting cross-legged on the floor. If you sit on the floor, you’ll be more comfortable if you sit on a cushion. It’s important that you can sit in whatever position you choose comfortably and that you’re keeping your back straight. Slumping may make you sleepy while you meditate, and bad posture may cause you discomfort after a while.
 
Before we start with the actual meditation, let’s get back to distractions. In the beginning, you want to cut as many of them out as possible. Choose a quiet spot where no one will interrupt you. Turn off the ringer on your phone, close the blinds if you think it will help to create a calm and soothing space. You won’t always have to go through all this trouble to meditate because, after a little practice, you’ll be able to do the little meditation exercise I’m about to share with you anytime, anywhere. But like any new skill, meditating can be a little hard in the beginning. It sounds simple enough, but it’s easy to get distracted. That’s why it’s important to set yourself up for success by cutting out any distractions you can.
 
Here’s how to meditate. Sit down, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Notice how the air flows in and out of your nose and mouth. Try to think of nothing else. This is the hard part and something that takes practice. Start meditating for a few minutes here and there and increase the time as you move along. Don’t judge yourself when your thoughts stray.
Keep bringing yourself back to the sensation of the breath anytime you notice that you’re thinking of something else.
 
That’s all there’s to it. Getting started with meditation is simple, but like any new skill, it takes practice. Which is the reason you should have your Moon Cycle Mama Holistic Wellness Journal or Moon Cycle Papa  Wellness Journal near to write how are you feeling, what did you discover about yourself, etc. Throughout the meditation session. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Stick with it and keep practicing these new meditation skills. You’ll be glad you did.