Natural Baby Magazine April 2018

Page 1

Natural Baby Magazine

Diet Vs Exercise Finding Your Zen Vaccines: What You Should Know

Get in the Baby-making Mood!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas Celebrate the Earth Free Digital Editions!

April 2018

NaturalBabyMag.com


Free Gift!

Our Gift to You! Print Yours Today. See on Page 19 of This Issue!

Let’s Get Social!

Contribute to Natural Baby Magazine:

If you would like to contribute to , email the publisher, Angela, at publisher@publishinparadise.com with your story ideas.

If you have products/programs that Follow us on Facebook and encourage parents to go “all natural” with their babies, you may Instagram email the publisher, Angela, at @NaturalBabyMag publisher@publishinparadise.com To be the first to be notified for consideration of a review. Please include a detailed description of about new issues, contests, your product as well as photos.

blog articles and more.

NB 2

Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com


InThisIssue April is AutismAwarenessMonth

5 Vaccines: What You Should Know Natural Baby Magazine is a publication of Publish In Paradise PublishinParadise.com. © 2018 Publish In Paradise. All rights Reserved.

NaturalHealth

The mission of Natural Baby Magazine is to provide helpful information to expectant and new parents from birth through the first year using all natural products, solutions, ideas and more.

8 7 Plant-based Tips for a Healthy Weight

No information in our magazines, on our website or blogs is meant to replace advice from your family doctor, obstetrician, pediatrician, midwife or other medical provider. Although we align ourselves with holistic approaches, we are only providing information. This information is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please seek medical attention whenever necessary.

12 Tips to Get You in the Baby-making Mood

7 What to Know About Your Drinking Water

10 Diet vs. Exercise: Which is Better?

NaturalHome

14 Mother's Day Gift Ideas 16 Finding Your Zen 17 Celebrate the Earth

NaturalBirth Publisher Angela J. Willard naturalbaby@publishinparadise.com

19 Free Gift: Expectant Mom's Pre-birth Checklist

Advertising Email: ads@publishinparadise.com

Our Cover Model: Love at first sight. Collin John Chappell began life on March 2nd 2018 at 10:59pm. He weighed 6 lbs 15 oz and was 19.75in long.

To have your baby on the next cover, submit your photos to us online at

In the cover photo he is only minutes old as he sees his mommy for the first time!

www.naturalbabymag.com/ submitphotos.html

Photo credit: Patricia Maureen Photography-P.M.P To have your baby on the next cover– submit your photos to us online at

NaturalBabyMag.com

More Articles on our Blog www.NaturalBabyMag.com Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com 3 NB


Own Your Own Business & Work From Home ● Are you in need of extra income? ● Are you a stay-at-home mom? ● Are you a single parent? If you have answered yes to one of those questions then this opportunity may be the perfect fit for you. Alaskan Glam Baby is for sale! This business is completely set-up and ready for its new owner to take over. The time commitment for this E-commerce business is only a few hours a day–or week, depending on your schedule, because you would be your own boss. The business includes initial training, all social media networks (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and advertising in Natural Baby Magazine with the ad design already complete.

Two Full Page and One Half Page Ads PreDesigned. Advertising Package Included in Sale.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today at akglambaby@gmail.com

NB 4

Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com


Vaccines:

What You Should Know

Childhood vaccine rates increase but more parents also are refusing Childhood and adolescent vaccination is considered by many to be one of the greatest public health accomplishments of the 20th century, but based on the results of a new study by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), there is still more work to do to ensure children and teens are protected against the diseases vaccines were developed to eradicate.

compared to those born in 2010 (4.2 percent versus 2.5 percent, respectively).

The Blue Cross Blue Shield: Health of America Report shows childhood vaccination rates climbed 12 percent among young commercially insured members. Data shows 69 percent of young BCBS members born in 2010 were up-todate on their CDC-recommended vaccinations by the age of 2 years and 3 months compared to 77 percent of children born in 2013.

It played itself out in Minnesota last year, when a measles outbreak in the Twin Cities exceeded the total number of cases reported in the entire U.S. the year before. Health officials didn't have to look far for the cause. Spread of the highly infectious disease started in the state's Somali-American community.

The study also found that the rate of documented vaccine refusal - in other words, doctors charting parental refusal of vaccines for their children - went up by nearly 70 percent for children born in 2013

The result of vaccine refusal can be dangerous, not only for the child who is vulnerable to diseases like measles and diphtheria, but for the community at large.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the vaccination rate among Somali-American children dropped from the high 80s to a low of 42 percent last year in response to the anti-vaccine movement's targeting efforts, fueling the outbreak. But the

Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | Š 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

5 NB


disease wasn't confined to the Somali community. It spread throughout the Minnesota public school system as well, infecting non-vaccinated children. The disease is nothing to take lightly. At the low end, it causes fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat and a rash, but it can be deadly, spawning pneumonia, blindness and even encephalitis. One especially alarming complication lurks in the brain for years after a person has recovered and mysteriously reawakens, causing seizures, coma and death. No one who has contracted that complication has survived.

Low Uptake of HPV Vaccine It's not just childhood vaccines that parents are refusing. According to the BCBSA report, only 29 percent of adolescents received a first dose of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine before their 13th birthday. The HPV vaccine rates lag far behind other adolescent vaccines, meningococcal and Tdap, which have rates of 72 percent and 82 percent, respectively. And that's a problem. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31,500 people die every year from cancers caused by HPV. It's a heartbreaking statistic, especially because the American Cancer Institute estimates that, if all teens were vaccinated against HPV, cervical cancer would be eliminated within one generation.

NB 6

What Parents Can Do The key to protecting children and teens from diseases like measles, rubella and HPV is vaccination, according to the CDC. Talk to your child's doctor about the safety and benefits of vaccination, if you have any doubt. Vaccinate your children according to the CDC-recommended Seven-Vaccine series: Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP), Heamophilus Influenza (Hib), Hepatitis B (Hep B) Polio (IPV), and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). Vaccinate your adolescent against HPV, Meningitis and DTaP. For more information, or to download the Health of America report, visit www.bcbs.com/healthofamerica.

For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. Source: BPT

THERE IS NO LINK BETWEEN VACCINES AND AUTISM Some people have had concerns that ASD might be linked to the vaccines children receive, but studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing ASD. Visit the CDC online for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/con cerns/autism.html

Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | Š 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com


What to Know About Your Drinking Water Having clean, uncontaminated water to drink at home and on-the-go is one of the most essential components to keeping your family safe and healthy. Unfortunately, safe water is not necessarily a given. A recent study, published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that in 2015, nearly 21 million people relied on community water systems that violated health-based quality standards. What’s more, the risks to your tap water are heightened during special circumstances like natural disasters and other emergencies. To help ensure you are hydrating healthfully all the time -- at home, in your community, on trips or in emergencies – consider investing in an easy-to-maintain water filtration device that can be used anywhere in order to improve water quality. One example is LifeStraw, first introduced for people in developing countries without access to safe water and for victims following natural disasters. The company now makes a range of water filters and purifiers designed for uses like emergency preparedness, outdoor recreation, travel and everyday hydration. The refillable LifeStraw Go 2-Stage water bottle features a built-in filter, and removes 99.9999 percent of waterborne bacteria

(including E. coli and salmonella), 99.999 percent of protozoa while also reducing chlorine organic chemical matter and bad taste. Suitable for kids, the LifeStraw Play model, a 10-oz water bottle designed for everyday use, incorporates the same technology with a sturdy kid-friendly leak-proof design. LifeStraw is available online and at your local Walmart, Target and Sam’s Club. What’s great is this is also a company that gives back -- for every LifeStraw product purchased, a school child in a community in need receives safe water for an entire school year. So far, the program has supported more than one million school children. Keep in mind that access to clean water is a persistent and global issue. By 2050, at least one in four people is likely to live in a country affected by chronic or recurring shortages of fresh water, according to the United Nations. This highlights the growing need to take precautions both at home and when you travel, and to invest in products that give back. To do everything you can to keep your family healthy and safe, start by taking steps to improve the water you drink. Source: StatePoint

Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

7 NB


7 Plant-based Tips for a Healthy Weight

Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian or omnivore, it's important to eat a diet that includes a symphony of minimally processed plant foods, according to Sharon Palmer, an award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist, plantbased food and nutrition expert, author and blogger. This includes whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, seeds and nuts. "The key to health - for people and the planet - is becoming increasingly clear. We need to make a sure-footed return to including plants regularly in our diet," says Palmer. For some, including more of the above in their daily diet (or switching over entirely) can be difficult, Palmer acknowledges. If the goal is weight loss or maintenance, the dietitian suggests starting with pistachios. "Pistachios offer a multitude of health benefits that can help you maintain a healthy weight," notes Palmer. "The fact that they're extremely versatile, and taste

Enter to Win " A Book of Days" Journal with Perpetual Calendar Perfect for jotting down baby' s firsts. www.naturalbabymag.com/contest.html NB 8

great, makes it easy to include them regularly, if not daily."

Palmer offers these seven tips to achieve or maintain a healthy weight: 1. Prioritize breakfast. Eating breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and gives you energy and focus to begin your day. Adding pistachios to common breakfast foods, like cereal, toast or oatmeal, can balance your blood sugar levels and prevent energy slumps. Whole, chopped or crushed pistachios can add a satisfying crunch and a flavorful punch of plant-based protein. 2. Add movement. Just 20-30 minutes of daily physical activity, like a brisk walk, can help you maintain or lose weight. Instead of watching TV before or after dinner, encourage your family to join you for a stroll around the neighborhood. On the weekends, longer walks or hikes are the perfect time to reconnect with loved ones. Luckily, pistachios are lightweight

Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | Š 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com


and portable - the perfect snack for refueling after exercise. Keep a bag handy in your car, backpack or purse for a quick pick-me-up. 3. Start with SMART goals. Sustainable weight loss begins with baby steps. When your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound, you are more likely to achieve them. Try this goal on for size: Replace your usual afternoon snack with one serving of shelled pistachios three times per week for one week. Achieving SMART goals boosts your confidence and these small pistachio wins are packed with protein, B vitamins, healthy fats, potassium and even antioxidants. 4. Don't skip meals or snacks. Skipping meals can lead to uncontrollable hunger and binge eating. Three to five hours after eating, your blood sugar begins to fall and can leave you feeling fatigued and unfocused. Eating three small to moderate meals, and two to four snacks per day, can keep hunger at bay and keep your energy levels steady. Crack open a handful of pistachios for a quick snack - no preparation required - and you'll be ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you.

low-calorie, portable snack that can help you reach your goals. 6. Get creative with pistachio flour. Pistachio flour is a fun, gluten-free flour alternative that can spice up traditional recipes. Adding ground pistachios to standard crust recipes can boost the fiber and protein content of your favorite dishes. Try adding pistachio flour to Greek yogurt, along with freshly chopped garlic and lemon zest for a tangy, protein-rich, savory dip. 7. Swap your nighttime snack. When hunger strikes late at night, it's easy to reach for indulgent foods. Swap your typical nighttime snack of cookies, candies, pizza or ice cream for a more balanced choice: pistachios. Forget willpower and keep a pre-portioned bag of pistachios handy for when you need it the most.

Whether you have a little or a lot of extra weight to shed, adding pistachios to the mix has helped many people lose weight and improve overall health, adds Palmer. Source: BPT

5. Pre-portion pistachios. Did you know there are 49 pistachios in one serving? That's more than any other nut, plus 10 percent of the Daily Value of fiber. Pre-portion pistachios into small bags on Sunday evening and you'll be set for a week of smart snacking. At just 160 calories per serving, pistachios are a nutritious, Get yours on page 19 of this issue or click the ad above to download a copy to your computer. Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | Š 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

9 NB


(c) M.studio/stock.Adobe.com

Diet vs. Exercise: Which is Better for Weight Loss?

What’s more important: diet or exercise? Anyone who’s tried to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle has likely asked this question. Sixty-eight percent of people want to lose 10 pounds or more, according to a recent Harris Poll on behalf of Nutrisystem. March is National Nutrition Month, and a good time to get started on your goals. So, should you focus on diet, exercise or both? When it comes to weight loss, the split should be roughly 80 percent focus on what you eat and 20 percent on exercise. The logic is simple, say experts. “It’s all about calories in and calories out. If you’re eating less and exercising, you’re going to burn more calories,” says Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem. “However, exercise often

makes us hungrier, which is why many people who only change their exercise habits don’t see the scale move.”

To achieve a healthier lifestyle and shed weight, consider these quick tips that combine both diet and exercise: ● Eat more often: A 2015 study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that on average, people who ate six times or more daily consumed fewer calories, had a lower body mass index, and ate more nutrient-rich foods than those who didn’t eat at least six times a day. Eating smaller meals every three hours keeps you feeling full, controls blood sugar and helps boost metabolism.

NB 10 Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com


● Watch portions: American portions have become too big; and those used to dining out may consider restaurant portions to be correct, when they’re often four times as large as what’s recommended. Learning portion control is key to losing weight. When eating out, ask for a to-go box and save half for later. You can also turn to plans, like Nutrisystem, which deliver portion-controlled meals to your home.

More diet and exercise tips can be found at leaf.nutrisystem.com.

Remember the key to meeting your weight loss and health goals is to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Focus on eating better and moving more and you’ll be on the right track.

Source: StatePoint

● Veg out: Vegetables are low in calories, high in filling fiber and loaded with nutrients. For breakfast, add spinach to an omelet; at lunch, pile your sandwich high with fixings like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, or use lettuce as a wrap instead of bread. During snack time, munch on carrots dipped in hummus or blend kale into a fruit smoothie. ● Drink more water: A study found that when people drank six cups (48 ounces) of cold water, they increased their resting calorie burn by up to 50 calories each day. Another study found that dieters who drank two eight-ounce glasses of water before meals lost 36 percent more weight over three months than those who didn’t sip before sitting down to eat. So, fill up that water bottle!

Get Your Baby’s Photo On Our Next Cover! For more info, click this ad or visit us online at www.naturalbabymag.com/submitphotos.html

Enter to Win " A Book of Days" Journal with Perpetual Calendar Perfect for jotting down baby' s firsts. www.naturalbabymag.com/contest.html

● Get moving: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of aerobic activity weekly, but research suggests that it doesn’t matter if you exercise for twoand-a-half hours straight or break it up into 10-minute chunks. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day then build up to 60 minutes when you’re ready. Get yours on page 19 of this issue or click the ad above to download a copy to your computer. Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

11 NB


Tips to Get You in the Baby-making Mood “For many women, getting pregnant can be a frustrating and anxiety-filled experience. It certainly was for me, which is why I was inspired to write 'The Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant,'" said Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D, whose book offers tips for women trying to conceive (TTC) so they are empowered to effectively navigate the fertility journey.

Try the following tips:

1. A good rule of thumb is to get off the pill three months before trying to conceive if you have been on it for less than a year, and six months prior if you have been on it for over a year.

2. Make friends with your ovulation cycle. Between a third and two-thirds of women under age 35 who are aware of their five-day fertile window are able to conceive in their first month of trying. Find this window by using a fertility monitor, ovulation predictor kits, charting or by leveraging all three. Consider a test like the First Response Ovulation Test so you'll know exactly when to get busy. 3. If you've been having ovulationfocused sex for over three months and still haven't conceived, keep calm and consider convincing your partner to get a quick and easy sperm analysis. This "male factor" or sperm

NB 12 Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | Š 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com


issue comprises nearly half of all fertility issues.

swim freely on their journey to fertilization.

4. Adjust your diet for optimal fertility. Incorporate fertility-boosting foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, soy foods and olive oil. Avoid trans-fats and partially hydrogenated oil, found in frosting and some baked goods. These are so bad that the FDA just outlawed them. Food companies have three years to comply, so, for now, you have to police yourself.

7. Cut the caffeine. Non-smoking women who consume about 2-5 cups of coffee per day cut their fertility by 12 percent. Consuming caffeine has an even worse effect on male fertility, where having 5 cups of coffee a day will cut his fertility in half. An alternative to getting more energy? Try getting a full eight hours of sleep - it will enhance your mood and your health.

5. Many studies show that taking prenatal vitamins, with important nutrients like folic acid, vitamin B6 and DHA, increases your chances of getting pregnant quickly. Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) have been linked to better embryos in IVF, positive brain development and higher IQs. There is also strong evidence that prenatal vitamins lower the chance of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, so begin taking them immediately, even if you're just thinking about becoming pregnant. Ask your medical provider about a prescription vitamin like OB Complete Petite since the variety of over-thecounter vitamins can be confusing. It's sugar-, gluten- and lactose-free and has 1,000 mcg or 1 mg of folic acid.

8. Soak up the sun. Sunlight causes your skin to generate vitamin D, which has been linked to fertility. Sit outside for 15-30 minutes without sunscreen a few times a week in the afternoon. This will also help you sleep.

6. Contrary to popular belief, having sex every day doesn't lower sperm count, so, feel free to have as much sex as you please, and enjoy it. But, if you are dry, use Pre-Seed, a sperm-safe lubricant developed specifically for couples who are trying to conceive. Pre-Seed is pH balanced and isotonic to mimic a woman's fertile fluids and the pH of sperm, allowing them to

9. When you think you may be pregnant - the earlier you know, the better. Several scientific studies show that the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test detects the smallest amount of the pregnancy hormone HcG - so it can tell you sooner than any other test. The sooner you know you're pregnant, the faster you can begin making healthy pregnancy choices for yourself and your baby that include diet and limiting exposure to hazards. To be extra sure of the result when it matters most, First Response Triple Check offers three unique pregnancy tests all over 99 percent accurate in one convenient combination kit.

(Continued on page 15)

Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | Š 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

13 NB


(c) WavebreakmediaMicro/stock.Adobe.com

5 Stand-Out Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Need a Mother’s Day gift that truly shines? Take these fun and practical ideas into consideration.

1. A clean house. Let Mom take a load off now and again. Hire a cleaning service once a month for a year, or if you’re on a budget, do it yourself. From laundry to dishes -- an IOU ticket to take care of the chores she would usually handle will give Mom an opportunity to take more time for herself to read a book or go out with friends. 2. A classic accessory. If you’re looking for something classic, give Mom an accessory that combines function and fashion, such as the Vintage Collection timepieces from Casio. Offered in a range of styles that

complement fashion palates from simple and classic to retro glam, each timepiece comes equipped with an LED-lit display face, a countdown timer and a 1/10th second stopwatch. They also feature a daily alarm, hourly time signal and an auto-calendar, making them a necessity for anyone looking for fashion flare that keeps her organized, on-time and up-to-date with appointments. 3. Some rest and relaxation. Send Mom for a spa day, where she can select the treatments and services she wants best. Or, help her to create a spa-like environment at home, with face masks, a foot spa and bath bombs for the tub.

NB 14 Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com


4. A hobby. Has Mom always wanted to learn to play piano? Consider gifting portable technology to help her achieve this dream. One modestly priced option is Casio’s CT-X700 portable keyboard, which features a rich sound with a powerful AiX Sound Service. Designed for casual players and beginners, it has a Lesson System that displays the proper fingering and notation, helping you learn its library of 100 built-in songs, as well as a six-track recorder. 5. Time together. Spend some quality time with Mom. Take a cooking class or comedy workshop together, or look for sip and paint options, where you learn painting skills while enjoying a glass of wine or beer. Local cafes and bars often host such events; however, you may want to check out the community center or community college for class options, too.

Source: StatePoint

Read our blog for more articles… ● Kickstart a Healthier Lifestyle ● Spring Cleaning Your Kitchen ● Find Out the Truth About Tap Water ● Product Review: "Quack-U-Wack" Baby Bath Soap- Video ● Boost Your Breakfast with Protein-Packed Recipes ● Bringing Sustainability Home is as Easy as ABC

(Continued from page 13)

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed about getting pregnant, more information lies within "The Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant." Besides planning on incorporating these tips into your daily life, here are two things that you can do right now: 1. Take a supplement of 1,000 mg of fish oil a day 2. Learn the relaxation technique of deep breathing to ease anxiety. You're about to start your trying to conceive (TTC) journey. Enjoy the ride.

Source: BPT

● Sip Your Way to Wellness ● A Mother's Loss Sheds Light on Need for Better Asthma Control ● Looking for Balance? Fighting Fatigue? Your Diet Might be a Place to Start ● Meet Today's Organic Shopper ● 5 Strategies to Embrace a Green Lifestyle ● And more….

naturalbabymag.com/ natural-baby-blog Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

15 NB


? s e t u in M 5 e v Ha Easy Tips for Finding Moments of Zen

From work to working out, kids' activities to household tasks and so much more, modern life has never been busier. The problem is hectic schedules can lead to unnecessary stress. If you're one of the many people who feel frazzled on a regular basis, you're probably longing for a vacation or a day at the spa. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to cut stress that you can sneak into everyday life. From mealtime to bedtime, if you start embracing small moments to be more mindful, you'll be surprised how fast you can cut down on overall stress.

Here are five simple examples of how you can find your own moments of Zen today:

2. Find quick-and-easy solutions. If making dinner for your family seems like a daunting task, choose quick-andeasy options designed to take the hassle out of meal prep, like SeaPak's Shrimp Scampi or Popcorn Shrimp. The frozen food aisle is a great place to begin your journey toward finding your happy place in the kitchen. Here, you can find a variety of products that taste great and require minimal prep work, so you can dedicate more time to doing the things you love, like spending quality time with your family.

1. Take a 5-minute walk. Whether it's getting fresh air or just getting yourself moving, a change of place and pace can reduce stress and give you a few moments to relax, especially during hectic times. For example, take a 5minute break while dinner's cooking to walk around the block. Weather not right for a walk? Give your body a quick stretch with an at-home yoga session.

3. Choose quality over quantity. Make the most of your time each day by being intentional with your activities. Whether it's playing a new board game with the kids after dinner or watching a

(Continued on page 18)

NB 16 Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | Š 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com


(c) Rawpixel.com/stock.Adobe.com

5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day April 22 is Earth Day, an annual opportunity to celebrate the natural world and get involved in short- and long-term efforts to protect the environment.

Here are five ways to celebrate: 1. Volunteer. Many neighborhoods and communities around the country host volunteer clean-ups to honor Earth Day. Find one in your area or organize your own: gather some friends, some sturdy garbage bags and pairs of work gloves, and head out to a park or the shore of a local waterway for a cleanup.

2. Enjoy Nature. Get outside and enjoy nature. Even if you aren’t an experienced hiker, there are plenty of tools to make getting outdoors easy, such as wearable tech, which can support your adventure. One option is Casio’s ProTrek PRW3510Y-8, which has triple sensor technology, including a compass, thermometer, altimeter and barometer, allowing you to track your surroundings as you explore them. Featuring Tough Solar Power, it can be charged by sunlight or florescent light, making it an ecofriendly choice. 3. Plant a Tree. Trees provide shade and food for people and a habitat for (Continued on page 18)

Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com

17 NB


(Continued from page 17)

birds and other wildlife. What’s more, they produce oxygen for people to inhale, as well as sequester CO2. Trees also reduce polluting runoff by intercepting water. In short, we need trees! Celebrate Earth Day by planting one. Each year, you can watch it mature and grow. 4. Reduce Waste. The land and ocean have become saturated with plastics and other trash. Get into the habit of reducing waste by recycling and reusing items as much as possible. Take a look at the footprint you create with your plastic consumption and find ways to improve your habits. Bring a reusable bag to the grocery store. Buying a drink? Don’t use a straw. Getting takeout? Ask the restaurant to hold the plastic silverware. 5. Update Your Technologies. Outdated tech often contains harmful elements that can hurt the environment, such as lead paint or mercury. Check out newer models that meet international standards like The Minamata Convention on Mercury. For example, Casio Lampfree Projectors combine a laser, a fluorescent element and LED light to deliver a hybrid light source that lasts up to 20,000 hours while sustaining a high brightness. Because these projectors are mercury-free, it removes the need to replace hazardous and expensive bulbs. This Earth Day, celebrate a healthy planet with environmental stewardship at-home and in your community.

(Continued from page 16)

TV show with your spouse, small quality moments can help you relax and enjoy yourself and your family when at home.

4. Take time to reflect. When using great-tasting, low-hassle products like SeaPak to make dinner, you'll be spending way less time in the kitchen. Take those extra moments to reflect on everything you accomplished during your day or week. This will help give you a sense of pride and is a real confidence-booster.

5. Break from technology. Take a break from technology, even if it's only for 5 minutes. Set down your phone, turn off the television and step away from all electronics. Just giving your mind a break from the active world of technology can reduce stress and help you mentally reset, especially during mealtimes, where being present is particularly important.

These are just five simple examples, but moments of Zen can be found anywhere if you take the time to look for them. Remember, the little moments are what make the biggest impact in life, and by embracing mindfulness, you're setting the stage to be able to focus on what really matters.

Source: BPT

Source: StatePoint NB 18 Natural Baby Magazine April 2018 | © 2018 Publish In Paradise www.NaturalBabyMag.com


For Mom Sleepwear, robe & slippers Maternity underwear Nursing bra & Nursing pads Change of clothes Comfortable shoes to wear home & Socks! Toiletries, including toothbrush & hair brush Hair band/scrunchie, if needed Lip moisturizer/balm-a must! Sanitary pads Coconut oil or lotions to soothe skin Breath mints/gum, healthy snacks, bottled water Relaxation materials: books, magazines, music Eyeglasses/reading glasses, if needed Focal point-a small favorite object to focus on when breathing Cell phone and list of important phone numbers—cell phone charger Other:

For Coach/Dad/Partner Watch with a second hand to time contractions Camera/video camera and film/tape/memory cards Toiletries, including toothbrush Change of clothes Snacks and reading material Dollar bills or change for vending machines Cell phone/prepaid phone card—cell phone charger Massage items & oils for helping mom relax List of important phone numbers to call when baby is born Other:

For Baby Newborn diapers & Wipes Receiving blankets & Warm blanket Newborn clothes Socks or booties Infant hat Infant coat or bunting Baby bottle & formula if needed Infant car seat Other:



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.