Hot Topics

Below you will find our current Hot Topic listings. We hope you find them as useful as we do. If you have any questions about these items or would like to suggest a future Hot Topic please contact us online.

A Word to Expectant Moms...

Congratulations! Having a baby is one of the most exciting yet difficult journeys you will ever take. Healthy Families will help guide you through the ups and downs of pregnancy and new motherhood. We give you tips on taking care of yourself and your baby. Begin by seeing your doctor regularly during pregnancy.

For more information about prenatal care, click here.

Happy Mother's Day

Taking care of yourself means you’re more likely to have all the energy and enthusiasm it takes to care for your baby. Make sure you schedule an appointment to see your doctor for a “postpartum” checkup. This appointment should be between two and six weeks after your baby is born. If you have questions or problems before then, call your doctor.

For more tips about how to care for yourself, click here.

Am I Pregnant?

Finding out you are pregnant can be exciting, scary and nerve-wracking. Considering many signs of pregnancy are also symptoms of a menstrual cycle, this time of your life can be confusing too. Healthy Families wants to help you boil it down and calm your nerves.

10 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Fatigue
Food Aversions
Sensitivity to Smells
Nausea and Vomiting
Breast Swelling and Tenderness
Frequent Urination
Physical Changes
Shortness of Breath
Missed Period
Positive At-Home Pregnancy Test

For more information about these symptoms, click here. If you are pregnant, don’t forget to order your FREE Happy Birthday Baby Book To get more of your questions answered, visit www.HealthyFamiliesNow.net.

Tax Credit

Tax time can be a stressful time of year, but Better Beginnings can help. If you have paid for child care at an Arkansas licensed/registered two or three star Better Beginnings program and you meet the requirements for claiming the Federal Child Care Credit, you may qualify for a refundable state tax credit! Just ask your provider for the Early Childhood Certification Form, AR 1000 EC.

For more information on the tax credit or to find a two or three star program in your area, visit www.ARBetterBeginnings.com.

Traveling While Pregnant

We move our clocks forward by one hour on March 11. Most of us dread this day because we lose an hour of sleep, but should our children lose sleep too?

Some conditions might prevent you from travelling on airplanes. If your doctor is okay with you flying, here are some tips to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

Check the airline's policy about air travel during pregnancy.
Buckle up.
Choose your seat carefully. Aisle seats provide the most space and comfort.
Promote circulation. If possible, take occasional walks up and down the aisle. If you must remain seated, flex and extend your ankles often.
Drink plenty of fluids.

If your spring break trip or summer vacation consists of a road trip, here are some tips and tricks.

Buckle up.
Take an emergency contact sheet.
Have your insurance cards available in case of emergency.
Bring healthy snacks and beverages.
Plan extra time for bathroom and stretch breaks.
Move your seat as far back away as possible from the steering wheel.
If possible, bring a companion so you can relax and avoid doing all of the driving.
To help ward off motion sickness in a car, sit in the front seat, open the window for fresh air and focus on the horizon or a distant object.