Before throwing out the meat and seeds of a carved Halloween pumpkin chew on this:
Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins A and C and potassium, and the seeds are high in fiber, vitamin B12 and polyunsaturated fatty acids, one of the so-called good fats.
"The flesh of pumpkin and the seeds are abundant in many essential nutrients," says Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center. "Pumpkins are low in fat, calories and are loaded with vitamins."
If you are planning to use fresh pumpkin for baking, Sandon says, choose smaller, blemish- and bruise-free pumpkins. Smaller pumpkins have softer and tastier meat. To maintain freshness, pumpkins should be stored in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
And don't forget to oven roast the pumpkin seeds. They are ideal as snacks or as a salad topping.
Check out our Purely Pumpkin Recipe Collection!
(10-20-09)
Breast cancer is predicted to kill more than 40,000 U.S. women this year, while 192,000 more will be diagnosed with the disease. With early detection, however, nearly 90 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer will live at least five years.
The keys to early detection are getting an annual mammogram combined with regular self-exams of the breasts, says Dr. Phil Evans, associate vice president for imaging services at UT Southwestern Medical Center. "We recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40," Dr Evans says. "For high-risk groups, including women who have a first-degree relative with breast cancer or women who had chest X-rays for Hodgkin's disease when they were younger, we recommend they consult with their doctor to determine if they need to start earlier."
Women whose mothers had breast cancer before they were 40 years old should start getting regular mammograms at age 30, Dr. Evans says.
(10-06-09)
The first swine flu vaccinations will start to arrive this week in some parts of the country. Around 600,000 doses of FluMist, a vaccine that is squirted into the nose, will be distributed between 21 states and four larger cities, with more following later in the week. The larger shipments of the vaccine (around 40 million) will start shipping the second week of October.
This year, most people will need two different shots for influenza; one for the "normal" flu and one for H1N1, or the swine flu. Children under the age of 10 will need two doses of H1N1.
Learn more by reading Swine Flu and Pregnancy: How Does the Influenza H1N1 Strain Affect Mom-to-be? and Swine Flu and Babies: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment for the Swine Flu. (10-06-09)
Many people who have died from 2009 H1N1 influenza in the United States had co-infections with a common bacteria (
Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus), which likely contributed to their death, according to a report published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. CDC is reminding people of the importance of being vaccinated against this common bacterium.
"Our influenza season is off to a fast start and unfortunately there will be more cases of bacterial infections in people suffering from influenza," says CDC Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Moore. "It's really important for people, especially those at high risk for the serious complications from influenza, to check with their provider when they get their influenza vaccine about being vaccinated against pneumococcus."
The CDC report included an analysis of specimens taken from 77 fatal cases of 2009 H1N1. Bacterial co-infections, including some caused by Streptococcus pneumonia, were noted in about a third of those cases. The following are CDC's recommendations for vaccination against Streptococcus pneumonia:
All children under 5 years of age should receive pneumococcal conjugate vaccine according to current recommendations.
In addition, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) should be administered to all persons 2 to 64 years with high-risk conditions and everyone 65 years and older.
The entire MMWR report can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr.
Read the following for more information:
Pregnant Women Urged to Get Swine Flu Vaccine
Swine Flu and Pregnancy: How Does the Influenza H1N1 Strain Affect Mom-to-be?
Swine Flu and Babies: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment for the Swine Flu
Swine Flu Vaccine: One Shot or Two? (10-06-09)
A new national survey reveals that, while almost all mothers recognize the importance and benefits of breastfeeding both for themselves and their babies, a large majority of moms want the right to make their own infant feeding decision, based on all available information and to best suit their own family's needs.
The survey, conducted by the bipartisan team of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research (GQRR) and Public Opinion Strategies (POS), also shows that regardless of how they fed their own baby, many moms believe infant formula is a safe alternative to breast milk.
"Mothers in the United States know what is best for their babies," says Anna Greenberg, senior vice president at GQRR. "But many moms report having to balance the needs of their baby along with competing needs of work or school, other family members and maintaining an adequate milk supply. The reality is that most moms don't choose either exclusive breastfeeding or exclusive formula feeding – they use a combination of both."
The nationally representative survey sampled opinions from 876 mothers of children aged 12 months and younger throughout the country. Eight out of 10 mothers (84 percent) believe breastfeeding is healthier for their babies, and a similar percentage (79 percent) believe it is healthier for themselves. Most mothers (83 percent) made their infant feeding decision prior to going to the hospital to give birth. The vast majority (82 percent) breastfed at some point during the first year; however, over half of the moms changed their baby's diet during the first year.
Mothers also identified a number of barriers that either prevented them from initiating or continuing breastfeeding, the most common of which include the inability to produce enough milk, returning to work and problems associated with breastfeeding (e.g., sore or cracked nipples, engorged or leaking breasts, breasts infected or abscessed).
"Many mothers want to breastfeed," says Nicole McCleskey, partner at POS, "but oftentimes they realize that when it's time to go back to work, continuing to exclusively breastfeed and maintain their milk supply can be difficult without adequate support."
When asked what government actions could help increase breastfeeding in the United States, mothers recommend support after leaving the hospital, including guaranteed paid or longer maternity leave, increased assistance from health care professionals, breastfeeding support in the workplace and access to a breast pump. "It seems like these are areas where the government could support increased breastfeeding initiation and duration," Greenberg adds.
A key finding of the survey is that mothers want access to information on infant feeding. Three out of four moms believe new mothers should receive information on breastfeeding as well as infant formula so they can make an informed choice. Most mothers agree infant formula provides flexibility and choice, as well as a means of supplementing breastfeeding, when necessary.
"This survey underscores the reality that when it comes to infant feeding, mothers want full information, flexibility and choices," says Greenberg. "Mothers know what is best for their baby; but they also know that infant feeding is complex and they want the right to make their decision based on all available information and in an environment where mothers' choice is supported."
Learn more at www.MomsFeedingFreedom.com.
(9-22-09)
Families Fighting Flu (FFF) reminds parents to get their children vaccinated against the seasonal flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children 6 months through 18 years of age get a seasonal flu vaccination each year. This is the first year that this full influenza vaccination recommendation for children will be implemented by all doctors.
"Every year we remind families about the importance of getting children vaccinated against the flu," says Richard Kanowitz, president of FFF. "This year, it is just as important as any other to get your kids vaccinated. The seasonal flu is very serious as it took the life of my healthy daughter who was only 4 years old when she died. I do not want what happened to my family to happen to any other family; therefore, I encourage everyone to call their doctor now and make an appointment to get your kids vaccinated."
FFF is also announcing the availability of a new public service announcement (PSA) that features soccer legend and mom, Mia Hamm, who talks about the importance of getting a seasonal flu vaccination this year and every year. The goal of the PSA is to encourage families to get their kids, and themselves, vaccinated against the seasonal flu, which is the single best way to stay healthy. The PSA was developed in partnership with FFF, the American Youth Soccer Organization and MedImmune.
"I am excited about this new PSA as it is another great tool to help educate families about the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination," says Joe Lastinger, board member of FFF who lost his healthy 3-year-old daughter to influenza in 2004. "As a dad who has kids that play sports, it is very important to my wife and me that we help keep our children healthy by getting them vaccinated every year so that they don't get sidelined by the flu. We've seen firsthand the devastation that can result from not getting children vaccinated. It's our responsibility as parents to protect our children, so please get them a seasonal flu vaccination this year and every year."
To view the new PSA, click here.
Learn more by reading the following:
Swine Flu and Pregnancy
Swine Flu and Babies
Tackling Influenza: Healthy Decisions This Flu Season
Pregnant Women and New Parents Urged to Get Swine Flu Vaccine
Swine Flu Vaccine: One Shot or Two?
CDC Answers Questions About Swine Flu and Breastfeeding
Expert Tips for Swine Flu Prevention
What Parents Should Know About Swine Flu
(9-15-09)
Is Disney your go-to family vacation? Are you a master at coordinating everything from character breakfasts to family reunions? If so, then Disney Parks would like you to apply to be on its third annual Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Disney Parks has announced its search for 10 park-savvy parents to reside on the 2010 Walt Disney World Moms Panel,
www.disneyworldmoms.com, where they'll join panelists from previous years to make this the largest panel to date.
Similar to asking a friend or neighbor for advice, this online forum, led by parents sharing their ultimate park smarts, serves as a resource for families planning a Disney vacation. Beginning September 10, 2009, the Moms Panel search begins online, www.disneyworldmoms.com/2010 and will close on September 20, 2009, or when 20,000 applications are received, whichever comes first.
Parents who pride themselves on being Walt Disney World vacation experts are encouraged to visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2010 for what will be a magical seat on Disney's Moms Panel.
"We realize moms and dads are online now more than ever, engaging in social media to research tips, connect with others and identify what's best for their family," says Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "The Moms Panel provides an online space where they can interact and receive feedback from parents just like them. And the response has been phenomenal – more than 25,000 questions have been answered to date. With each new post, we reveal more of the magic of Disney. We're looking forward to another year of moms creating and sharing that magic with others."
"As a member of the Moms Panel, I have an amazing opportunity to help guests plan Walt Disney World vacations and craft trips that yield memories lasting a lifetime," says Tanya McNally, a panelist and mother of two from Basking Ridge, N.J. "As a special needs mom, I know firsthand that each family's vacation is different, and I feel most rewarded when I make tangible contributions to families with diverse backgrounds, budgets and abilities to plan trips as unique and wonderful as they are."
Beginning late this year through 2010, Disney Parks will unveil new features and Web enhancements to the Moms Panel site to further engage and educate inquiring guests on all their park-related questions.
(9-15-09)
More than a third of photographs in magazines geared to women of childbearing age show babies in sleep positions or sleep environments that are unsafe, according to the study, "Infant Sleep Environments Depicted in Magazines Targeted to Women of Childbearing Age," in the journal
Pediatrics.
Researchers looked at 20 magazines with wide circulation among women 20 to 40 years old, as well as eight magazines geared toward expectant mothers and parents of young children. The researchers analyzed pictures of sleeping infants and infant sleep environments (such as cribs) in both articles and advertisements, looking for adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for decreasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
More than one third of magazine pictures of sleeping infants show them in an inappropriate sleep position, such as on their tummy. Two thirds of pictures depicting infant sleep environments are not consistent with AAP recommendations. According to the authors, such messages in print media may create confusion and misinformation among parents, and may inadvertently lead to unsafe
practices.
(8-18-09)
Breastfeeding reduces infant mortality by 21 percent and offers increased health benefits according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), yet only 54 percent of new mothers in the Philadelphia area attempt to breastfeed their newborns. August is National Breastfeeding Awareness month and Independence Blue Cross (IBC) takes this opportunity to remind members of its support and incentives to breastfeed their newborns.
"IBC is proud to offer reimbursements through our Baby BluePrints program toward breastfeeding tools and support because breastfeeding results in improved health for mothers and babies," says Dr. Cathy Dratman, medical director at Independence Blue Cross. "Breastfeeding is also much more cost effective than purchasing formula. The more information mothers have on the topic, the better decisions they can make."
Breastfeeding can also do the following:
Develop a bond of closeness and trust between mother and infant.
Save families a significant amount of money over the course of the child's first year.
Reduce cases of ear infections, diarrhea, bacterial meningitis, allergies and obesity in infants.
Lower risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Help mothers get back to their pre-pregnancy weight faster.
Decrease costs for programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
Lower annual health care costs by $3.6 billion in the United States if every new mother attempted to breastfeed her baby. (AAP)
Through IBC's Baby BluePrints program, members can receive up to $50 back for taking a childbirth or breastfeeding class, $50 back on the purchase of a breast pump and $100 toward support from a lactation consultant, a health care provider who helps new mothers learn to properly breastfeeding their newborns. In certain acute medical situations, IBC covers rental costs for hospital grade breast pumps for nursing mothers.
In addition, Baby BluePrints offers free telephone-based counseling to help if moms-to-be or members of their households are trying to quit smoking. The program helps women stay healthy, confident and comfortable throughout and after pregnancy. Since wellness is a primary focus at IBC, the insurer continues to promote healthy choices during and after pregnancy by offering breastfeeding reimbursements. For more information on this program, call 1-800-ASK-BLUE.
(8-18-09)
The majority of U.S. hospitals are providing formula packets upon discharge to breastfeeding mothers while nearly one-fifth of hospitals give something other than breast milk as a first feeding to healthy babies, a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found. This practice contradicts the best medical evidence available and breastfeeding recommendations supported by many organizations working to improve maternal and child health nationwide, including Lamaze International.
Breast milk, the natural first food for babies, provides a potent dose of antibodies and essential nutrients, says Lamaze International. Research indicates that breastfeeding benefits continue throughout a child's life, including decreased risk of diabetes, obesity, juvenile leukemia, heart disease, asthma and ear infections. Breastfed children also have been found to have better jaw and eye development than those who are not breastfed.
Breastfeeding benefits moms, too. Directly after childbirth, breastfeeding helps a uterus return to its normal size. It may help a new mother lose pregnancy weight, and studies show that it reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The act of breastfeeding has been shown to increase bonding between Mother and Baby.
Lamaze International has used recommendations from the World Health Organization to develop six healthy practices that increase the opportunity for women to have safe and healthy birth experiences. One of these practices is to Keep Mother and Baby Together – It's Best for Mother, Baby and Breastfeeding. When a mother and her baby are skin-to-skin, rooming-in together, there are unlimited breastfeeding opportunities. Researchers have found mothers are more likely to continue breastfeeding if their baby is brought to them for feeding when rooming-in is not possible.
Lamaze International, an organization that bases its education on the latest scientific research, encourages expecting women to tell their care providers they want to keep their babies with them during their hospital stay. By making her preferences known, a woman can ensure unlimited breastfeeding opportunities, which in turn will help give her baby the best start possible. For more information, visit www.lamaze.org.
(7-21-09)
See parents helping parents in action! 
