Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with hopeful anticipation, and most pregnancies are uneventful and result in healthy babies. Pregnancy, however, is not entirely without risk, leading some expectant parents to worry about birth defects and whether they’ll give birth to a healthy baby.
Many birth defects are minor and easily treated. But about one in every 33 babies is born with a major birth defect, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Major birth defects may have a serious impact on development, functional ability and overall health. Throughout January, which is Birth Defects Prevention Month, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights pregnancy risks and preventable birth defects. At BeSmartBeWell.com medical experts, and real-life expectant moms, like Sharon, share information to help lower the risk for birth defects.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/birthdefects/50829/
With about one out of every three children in this country obese or overweight, it’s more important than ever to focus on healthy choices and changes that families can make together. Throughout March, which is National Nutrition Month, BeSmartBeWell.com shares stories of real families like Cindy and her children, who got healthier by cutting out junk food and exercising more.
“We lost over 200 pounds together as a family,” says Cindy in a video on Be Smart. Be Well. “After going back through and looking at pictures of where we were to where we’ve come, it’s just absolutely amazing!”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodobesity/50831
Vikes, Dance Fever, French Fries. The names might not be familiar to you, but chances are good your kids have heard of them. These are the street names for prescription drugs, and more and more teens are using them to get high.
Each year, nearly 2 million teens abuse prescription drugs. The new parent’s Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Guide from BeSmartBeWell.com and The Partnership at Drugfree.org breaks down the most commonly abused prescription and over-the-counter drugs in a simple-to-understand and interactive web page. Learn drugs’ “street” names, how kids are using them (inject, inhale, etc.), why they're dangerous and the warning signs of abuse.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50821/
Childhood obesity is a nationwide epidemic, but the Hispanic community is particularly affected. Children of Hispanic descent are significantly more likely to be overweight and obese than non-Hispanic Caucasian kids, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
For 11-year-old Alejandra and her parents, food was an expression of love. But overeating and other unhealthy habits led this young girl to become overweight. Today, Alejandra knows that you can eat right and still eat well. At BeSmartBeWell.com , Alejandra and her parents show how they've changed their ways without sacrificing their culture or love of food.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50822/
One in three adolescents has been hit, harassed, emotionally abused or digitally stalked by a romantic partner. Be Smart. Be Well. asked 15 middle school, high school and college students about their experiences with abusive relationships on-camera. The resulting video, Teens Start Talking, now available on BeSmartBeWell.com, is an honest and courageous look at the risks of being young and in love in today’s fast-paced technological world.
Teens Start Talking explores teens’ views of dating abuse and provides tips–straight from teens–for how young people can escape an abusive relationship or help a friend who is in one. Produced in collaboration with LoveisRespect.org, the video is a frank and hopeful discussion of teen abuse from the teen perspective.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50832-be-smart-be-well-abusive-relationships-straight-talk-from-teens
On November 17, millions of Americans will mark the American Cancer Society’s 36th annual Great American Smokeout by giving up smoking for the day, and maybe for good. Because smoking can trigger asthma symptoms in children, quitting is an important first step toward protecting kids’ health. BeSmartBeWell.com tells parents the steps they can take on the Great American Smokeout, and every day of the year, to lower the risk for childhood asthma.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodasthma/50826/
As many as one in five U.S. teens suffers from disabling mental illness. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month in May, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights the issue of mental illness in teens and tells the stories of two teens who moved from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
What does mental illness look like in teens? It looks like Colleen, who’s battled depression and anxiety since she was 13, and Katie, who struggled with addiction in her early teens. Mental illness in teens looks just like the kid next door – studies show nearly half of all youth will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50033/
They’ve been dubbed the “Sandwich Generation”–middle-aged people caring for aging parents while still taking care of their own children. Pulled in many directions, these family jugglers are at risk for stress, depression and other health problems. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population; 10,000 people turn 65 every day. This will continue for nearly 20 years, and that means more and more people will find themselves aiding their aging parents.
Throughout November, which is National Family Caregiver Month, BeSmartBeWell.com sheds light on the challenges of caregiving and the particular issues facing the Sandwich Generation. At BeSmartBeWell.com, siblings Chris and Ann share their story of juggling jobs, family and caring for elderly parents.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/caregivingparents/50827/
Chlamydia. HPV. Herpes. Gonorrhea. They’re not easy topics to bring up with your teen, but sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are rising among adolescents. Nearly half of all new STD cases are in young people between the ages of 15 and 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Parents can help slow the rise in STD rates by talking to teens about STDs, STD prevention and the importance of STD testing — but first they need to have the facts. BeSmartBeWell.com prepares parents to talk to their kids about STDs by offering a variety of expert interviews, life story videos and resources. Watch the video What Can I Do About It?
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50823-bsbw-sexually-transmitted-diseases-std-teens-what-parents-need-to-know
Adults aren’t the only ones who should be thinking heart smart this February, as heart disease is a concern for an increasing number of children, too. Research shows that overweight kids are more likely to develop heart disease as adults. And many overweight children already have conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which puts them at risk for heart disease now.
The good news is that most kids can address these risks with changes in diet and exercise. Throughout February, which is American Heart Month, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights the heart risks facing overweight kids and provides advice for how to manage them.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodobesity/50830/
Each year, more than 4 million women and one in 10 men are harmed by their partners, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tragically, the most dangerous time for victims of domestic violence is when they try to leave.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, BeSmartBeWell.com, in collaboration with the National Domestic Violence Hotline, shares the story of Bessie, a domestic violence survivor, and provides practical tips and resources to help people break free from abusive relationships.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50824/
Nearly 10 percent of U.S. high schoolers report being hit, slapped or physically hurt by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the past year, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control. And nearly one in four have been victimized through technology, according to a nationwide survey by Liz Claiborne Inc. and the Family Prevention Fund.
To help raise awareness of teen dating violence and the dangers of digital abuse, BeSmartBeWell.com shares the story of Kari, a high school girl who went from an ambitious achiever to a tragic victim of teen dating violence.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50820/
