(NewsUSA) - Following a significant drop in babies born in the last year, some forecasters are now predicting a 'mini baby boom' in 2022. If you are now considering starting or growing your family, maximizing fertility and learning about your health is a critical place to begin. The below Q&A will help guide you as you embark on your path to pregnancy.

How long will it take to get pregnant? What's normal, and what's not?

First, some basic guidelines: it is possible that you may get pregnant the first time you try -but it's unusual. Statistically, the chance of conceiving in any one month of trying-presuming regular intercourse (at least every other day around ovulation time) is about 15-20%. By the end of six months of trying, it's 50%. And by the end of a year of trying, it's 80%. So, don't be too concerned if it doesn't happen as quickly as you thought. However, if you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for one year, or if you are 35 or older and have been trying for six months without luck, contact a healthcare provider who may recommend testing to evaluate why you might not be getting pregnant.

What do I need to know before I try to get pregnant?

Remember to maintain good health habits BEFORE you begin trying to conceive to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy outcome. Important lifestyle adjustments should include eliminating smoking and drugs, and limiting alcohol intake. Begin taking prenatal vitamins, such as vitafusion Prenatal gummy vitamins that provide sufficient folate and Omega-3 DHA to reduce the chances of a baby being born with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.

According to the March of Dimes, there is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for your baby at any time during pregnancy, even before you know that you're pregnant. Not only is drinking during pregnancy dangerous, specifically for a baby's brain development, but studies have shown that significant alcohol consumption can also contribute to decreased fertility. So, even if getting pregnant is just an idea, and you are off birth control, be extremely mindful of alcohol intake.

Visit with your healthcare provider before trying to conceive to discuss alternatives for certain medications that are not recommended for pregnancy, such as medications for high blood pressure or seizures. And if you are diabetic, try to get your diabetes under control to minimize the chance of a baby being born with any birth defects that can be linked to diabetes.

How can I maximize my chances of conceiving?

You ovulate about 14 days before you get your period. So, if you experience a 28-day cycle, you are probably ovulating around day 14-15 (counting the first day of your period as day one). If you have a 35-day cycle, you are likely ovulating around day 21. To maximize fertile days, an ovulation test kit will tell you when your LH surge occurs (LH, or the luteinizing hormone, triggers ovulation and marks the begging of a fertile period), so you can make the most of your prime conception time. However, timing ovulation and rushing to have sex on demand can be stressful month after month. Stress and sex do not mix well and can lead to vaginal dryness and painful sex. Make sure to use a clinically tested, fertility-friendly lubricant like Pre-Seed, which mimics the body's natural fertile fluids and helps keep sperm healthy and strong on its way to meet the egg.

Tips for pregnancy testing?

The two-week wait to take a pregnancy test after ovulation can feel like an eternity for those who want to know whether or not their recent efforts to make a baby were successful. Luckily, some at-home pregnancy tests use advanced technology that is sensitive enough to detect tiny amounts of hCG, or the pregnancy hormone, in urine. An extremely sensitive test is the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test, which can give an accurate result up to six days before the day of a missed period. Combo packs are also convenient when trying to conceive, such as the First Response Comfort Check Pregnancy Test kit that comes with three Early Result tests and five pregnancy test strips for added reassurance.

Try to test for pregnancy first thing in the morning, as this is generally when hCG is most concentrated. However, you can test for pregnancy any time of the day. Another pro-tip when testing, if you aren't sure whether or not you see a second line on the pregnancy test, or if the second line is faint, utilize an app such as EasyRead that can help you be certain of your result by scanning the analog test window on First Response tests. EasyRead will convert the lines into words on your phone: 'Pregnant' or 'Not Pregnant'.

Other words of advice?

Remember to follow good rules of health before, during and after your pregnancy journey. When trying to conceive, try to be as close as you can to your ideal body weight for a healthy pregnancy. Make sure to hydrate, get enough rest, and attend all check-ins with your healthcare provider as your journey progresses. And remember, try to relax and let the baby-making process be fun. Good luck!

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Mary Jane Minkin, MD is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine.

(NewsUSA) - Casi la mitad de los estadounidenses adultos presenta presión arterial alta y quizás usted no sepa que también la tiene hasta sufrir complicaciones, como un ataque cardiaco, un derrame cerebral insuficiencia renal, pérdida de la visión o problemas sexuales. Además, tener presión arterial alta puede empeorar un cuadro de COVID-19, según la Asociación Americana del Corazón.

"La mejor manera de saber si tiene presión arterial alta es controlándola. Controlarse la presión arterial con un profesional de la salud al menos una vez al año y regularmente en casa, por su cuenta, y consultar sobre las mediciones y planificar un estilo de vida saludable con un médico es una buena manera de mantener la presión arterial bajo control", dice Willie Lawrence, M.D., cardiólogo y voluntario experto de la Asociación Americana del Corazón.

Aprenda a medirla con precisión

Ya sea que la mida en casa, en el consultorio médico o en cualquier otro lugar, estos son aspectos importantes para saber para obtener una medición precisa de la presión arterial:

1. No fume, no consuma cafeína ni haga ejercicio dentro de los 30 minutos previos a tomarse la presión arterial. Vacíe la vejiga y permanezca en reposo al menos 5 minutos antes de tomarse la presión.

2. Siéntese derecho en una silla firme con respaldo. Apoye bien los pies sobre el suelo y no cruce las piernas. El brazo debe reposar sobre una superficie plana, con la parte superior a la altura del corazón. Coloque la parte inferior del brazalete del tensiómetro apenas por encima del pliegue del codo, directamente sobre la piel y no sobre la ropa.

3. Tómese la presión arterial aproximadamente a la misma hora, todos los días. Tómela dos o tres veces con un minuto de intervalo y registre las mediciones en un papel. Algunos tensiómetros guardan los resultados o permiten cargarlos a un sitio web seguro. Comparta los resultados con su médico.

Conozca el significado de sus valores

En la mayoría de los casos, la presión arterial normal es de 120/80 o menos. Si sus valores son constantemente superiores a 130/80, se considera presión arterial alta. ¡Valores como 180/120 o más podrían ser críticos! Espere cinco minutos y vuelva a controlarla. Si los valores no bajan, vea a un médico de inmediato. Si presenta síntomas como dolor de cabeza, debilidad, problemas de visión, dolores en el pecho, dolores en la espalda u otros problemas de salud, llame al 9-1-1 de inmediato. No espere a que la presión baje. Podría sufrir un problema de salud grave.

Sepa cómo reducir el riesgo

Para reducir el riesgo de padecer presión arterial alta procure mantener un peso saludable, hacer actividad física, comer de manera sana, reducir la ingesta de alcohol o no beber ni fumar por completo. Sin embargo, si tiene presión arterial alta, no se dé por vencido. Tener conocimiento de los valores de su presión arterial, controlarlos periódicamente, tomar la medicación según lo prescrito y elaborar un plan para mejorar su presión arterial y mantenerla bajo control con un profesional de la salud le ayudará a tener una vida larga y saludable.

Muchos negocios y organizaciones locales, como las iglesias, las barberías, los salones de belleza y los centros de salud de la comunidad están colaborando con la Asociación Americana del Corazón en el control de la presión arterial de las comunidades y son lugares adecuados para controlar su presión arterial y acceder a recursos e información sin costo que le ayudarán a llevar una vida saludable.

Para obtener más información, visite heart.org/hbpcontrol.

Acerca de la American Heart Association

La American Heart Association es una fuerza incansable para un mundo de vidas más largas y saludables Nos dedicamos a asegurar una salud equitativa en todas las comunidades. A través de la colaboración con numerosas organizaciones, e impulsados por millones de voluntarios, financiamos la investigación innovadora, abogamos por la salud pública y compartimos recursos que salvan vidas. La organización con sede en Dallas ha sido una fuente líder de información de salud durante casi un siglo. Conéctese con nosotros en heart.org, Facebook, Twitter o llamando al 1-800-AHA-USA1.

(NewsUSA) - More than 86% of people surveyed in the U.S. have never heard the term "aphasia." Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs the ability to communicate. People with aphasia may have trouble retrieving the names of objects or putting words together in a sentence. They may have trouble listening, speaking, reading or writing. This loss of language does not impact a person's intelligence.

One million people in the U.S.are estimated to have aphasia, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, and the National Aphasia Association.

Stroke survivors with aphasia face an increased incidence of poststroke depression versus stroke survivors with no aphasia.

It is important to know that aphasia is not an intellectual disability and does not impair intellectual function. Over time, many people with aphasia are able to improve and recover their language skills.

"Stroke and aphasia recovery can feel like the movie, 'Mission Impossible,' when the mission is basically impossible, yet the team does it and wins anyway," says Tom Broussard, a stroke survivor who developed aphasia in 2011 and has since become a stroke and aphasia educator.

"Others often think that it can't be done, but people who have lost their language still have the skills to do the impossible and regain their language again," he emphasizes.

Communication plays an important role in recovery. If someone can't express pain or depression, they can't get help.

The American Stroke Association and the National Aphasia Association are collaborating to help stroke survivors beat aphasia. They offer these strategies:

• Be patient and allow extra time.
• Use different options to communicate, including writing, facial expressions, speaking, pictures and phone/communication apps.
• Confirm what was said.

Broussard offers several tips that have helped him with his recovery, including starting a journal to record progress. He recommends reading aloud and recording yourself; also playing word and letter games such as ScrabbleTM and BoggleTM, and other card games and board games.

"One thing I wish that everyone knew about aphasia is that the brain really can rewire its language with persistent and repetitive language activities," he says.

Visit stroke.org/aphasia for more information.

(NewsUSA) - As the threat of COVID-19 continues, doctors and patients are considering the long-term impact of the pandemic on public health, especially heart health.

The American Heart Association's annual publication on Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics for 2021 emphasizes that heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide.

"COVID-19 has taken a huge toll on human life worldwide and is on track to become one of the top three to five causes of death in 2020. But its influence will directly and indirectly impact rates of cardiovascular disease prevalence and deaths for years to come," says Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., ScM, FAHA, president of the American Heart Association and chair of the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

Not only does research show that COVID-19 itself can cause heart damage, the indirect effects of the pandemic will likely generate an increase in heart health problems, he says. "Unhealthy eating habits, increased consumption of alcohol, lack of physical activity and the mental toll of quarantine isolation and even fear of contracting the virus all can adversely impact a person's risk for cardiovascular health, he emphasizes. "We'll need to watch and address these trends as the full ramifications will likely be felt for many years to come."

COVID-19 will impact the risk of experiencing or dying from heart disease or stroke for many years for several reasons.

- Unhealthy habits: During extended periods of quarantine or lockdown, many people developed or returned to behaviors related to poor eating, changes in work/sleep habits, lack of regular exercise and the mental stress of social isolation and excessive screen time that could contribute to heart disease and stroke.

- Missed medical visits: Many patients postponed regular doctor visits to manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol, resulting in an epidemic of poorly controlled disease that can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

- Fear of hospitals: Data from the American Heart Association show that many individuals experienced a heart attack or stroke during the pandemic and did not seek urgent care out of fear of contracting COVID-19 in a hospital setting. Unfortunately, some people may have experienced medical events with lasting consequences that may have been lessened with prompt treatment.

- Heart-related risks for COVID-19 patients: Although studies of the impact of COVID-19 on pre-existing medical conditions are ongoing, the data show that individuals with cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure are at increased risk for more severe disease - even death - if they become ill with COVID-19. It's important for everyone eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit heart.org/statistics to view the complete 2021 Statistical Update and to find fact sheets with information about the impact of COVID-19 on heart health and about cardiovascular disease risk in general.

(NewsUSA)

(NewsUSA) - High blood pressure occurs in almost half of American adults, and you may not know you have it until you experience complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss or sexual problems. In addition, having high blood pressure could contribute to worst COVID-19 outcomes, according to the American Heart Association.

"The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to monitor it. Having your blood pressure monitored by a health professional at least once per year and regularly monitoring it yourself at home and discussing your numbers and a healthy lifestyle plan with a doctor is a great way to control your blood pressure," says Willie Lawrence, M.D. cardiologist and American Heart Association volunteer expert.

Know how to measure accurately

Whether you're measuring your blood pressure at home or having it measured in a doctor's office or someplace else, here are important things to know to get the most accurate reading:

- Get ready. Don't smoke, consume caffeine, or exercise within 30 minutes of checking your blood pressure. Empty your bladder, and rest quietly for at least 5 minutes before measuring.

- Get set. Sit up straight on a firm chair with a back. Place your feet flat on the floor and uncross your legs. Your arm should be on a flat surface with your upper arm at the level of your heart. Place the bottom of the monitor cuff just above the bend of the elbow directly on your skin, not over clothing.

- Go. Take your blood pressure measurement at about the same time each day. Take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results on paper. Some blood pressure monitors will save results or let you upload them to a secure website. Share your results with your doctor.

Know the meaning of your numbers

In most cases, a normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less. If you have readings that are consistently higher than 130/80, that's considered high blood pressure. A reading of 180/120 or higher could be a crisis! Wait five minutes and check it again. If it doesn't come down, see a doctor right away. If you experience symptoms such as headache, weakness, trouble seeing, chest pains, back pains or other health problems call 9-1-1, immediately. Don't wait for your pressure to go down. You could be having a serious health problem.

Know how to reduce your risk

You may reduce your risk of high blood pressure by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating healthfully, reducing alcohol or not drinking and not smoking. However, if you do develop high blood pressure, don't give up. Knowing your blood pressure numbers, monitoring them regularly, taking medication as prescribed and working with a healthcare professional on a plan to improve your blood pressure and keep it under control, may help you to live a long and healthy life.

Many local businesses and organizations, such as churches, barber and beauty shops and community health centers are working with the American Heart Association to control blood pressure in communities and can be good places to get your blood pressure checked and to access resources and information at no cost to help you to live a healthy life.

For more information visit heart.org/hbpcontrol.

(NewsUSA) - Offices around the country are finally opening back up. According to census.gov, more than a third of Americans are still working from home , but the number of people getting back into their daily commutes-and their work clothes -- is growing every day.

In the APA's Stress in America™ poll conducted in February 2021, 42 percent of Americans reported undesired weight gain during COVID-19 quarantines, lockdowns and work-from-home time. Their average weight gain: 29 pounds.

To get back into a healthier routine once you head into the office, Courtney McCormick, registered dietitian and manager of clinical research & nutrition at Nutrisystem, offers these simple tips.

Pile on the Produce: Even the odds and help yourself stay on track when you clock in. Load up on non-starchy vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, carrots and more each day because they're loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber, but they're low on calories. The fiber helps you feel full without filling out.

Pack Satisfying Snacks: Healthy snacks may be the most important option you can give yourself at the office. When you start to feel that 3 p.m. slump, it can be so easy to grab one of those coworker-brought bagels or hit the vending machine. Being prepared with satisfying options can help you make food decisions to meet your health goals.

Make Meals Ahead: Meal prepping ahead of time can help you stay on track when it's time to eat at the office. Pre-portioned meals such as those from Nutrisystem or power bowl recipes are a great healthy lunch meal prep option because they are easy to grab and go, yet heartier than a salad. You can also whip up several servings of chicken in the slow cooker or on the grill to pair with steamed veggies all week long.

Stay in the Know: Once you've got your healthy meal prep underway, arm yourself with information. When a coworker invites you to lunch or happy hour, you're going to want to be there-it's the first one in more than a year! So give yourself the info to concentrate on the experience without stressing about your order. Look at the menu online before you head out so you can see which options are best for your healthy lifestyle.

To add to your efforts, don't forget to stay hydrated and active during the workday. Pack a water bottle to refill during the day and plan to meet a co-worker for a lunchtime walk. For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem's The Leaf at leaf.nutrisystem.com.

(NewsUSA) - Today's consumers are looking for beverage choices that offer far more than just great taste. Whether for increased energy or hydration, the "functional beverages" category is expanding rapidly as America's middle age and older persons are focusing on nutrition and other positive lifestyle changes to live healthier lives. For those over 45 years, maintaining healthy blood sugar is increasingly important. Many in this age group are pre-diabetic and at future risk for heart disease, stroke and other complications.

Until recently diabetic friendly beverage choices have been limited to dairy shake beverages which, while healthy and nutritious, are not refreshing or thirst quenching. Unlike many other consumer categories, the diabetic friendly beverage category has not been served with a wide selection of beverages such as flavored waters, iced teas, as well as delicious coffees and sodas.

One brand expanding consumer choice for diabetic friendly beverages is GLUCODOWN®, manufactured by Glucose Health, Inc. of Bentonville, Arkansas. What sets GLUCODOWN® apart from other sugar-free powdered beverages is a breakthrough ingredient, a special form of soluble fiber, clinically demonstrated to reduce rising blood sugar after meals. Not only is GLUCODOWN® attracting the attention of diabetic consumers, it's also gaining popularity among persons following KETO diets for weight loss and better health.

The GLUCODOWN® product line-up consists of diabetic friendly iced teas in the four most popular flavored iced teas sold in America -- Lemon, Peach, Raspberry and Super Berry (blackberry & blueberry). Additionally, four new GLUCODOWN® "enhanced water" flavors are now available including Peach-Mango, Watermelon, Strawberry-Banana and Cherry. Like the GLUCODOWN® iced teas, the new "enhanced waters" flavors are dietician recommended to maintain blood sugar in a healthy range - -- especially after meals.

These diabetic friendly beverages are distributed nationally in pharmacies such as Walmart and CVS and are a top-seller seller at Amazon.

The beverage is manufactured by publicly traded Glucose Health, Inc. (Ticker: GLUC). For more information on the Company, visit glucosehealthinc.com or GlucReport.com for investor information.

For product information or to purchase, visit Amazon and type GLUCODOWN in the Amazon search bar, or visit www.shopglucodown.com

(NewsUSA)

(NewsUSA)