In the United States, 1 in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect annually. These defects can vary in severity and in what body part is affected. January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness on the impact of birth defects and on ways to help reduce the risk…

Did you know that congenital abnormalities occur in approximately 3% of births? The month of January is Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness on congenital abnormalities that can occur and promoting healthy pregnancies.   The theme this month for 2020 is “Best for You. Best for Baby.” It’s important to note…

Did you know that January was National Folic Acid Awareness Month?Folic acid is one of the few nutrients you may not often think of when it comes to your daily intake – as a society, more time is spent focusing on vitamin D, fiber and protein (along with a few other nutrients). However, folic acid…

Ah, folic acid. I’m sure you’ve seen it mentioned on your cereal or pasta boxes, bread, and other grains, but do you really know what it is?   Last week was National Folic Acid Awareness Week and I meant to post this blog then, but, as I’m sure you all know the feeling, sometimes the…

January is the first full month of winter. With a new season comes a new selection of vegetables that are at their peak ripeness for consumption. This winter, play around with one of the most interesting and dynamic vegetable around, the artichoke. Artichokes have history dating all the way back to the time of the…

This week, January 5th – January 11th, is National Folic Acid Awareness Week. Folic acid is a water-soluble B-vitamin that is necessary for proper cell growth, as it is involved in cell DNA production.  The National Council of Folic Acid organizes Folic Acid Awareness Week. The purpose is to educate consumers and health care providers…

Take a daily multivitamin with folic acid. Most multivitamins sold in the U.S contain 400 mcg. Check the labels to be sure it says 400 mcg or “100%” next to folic acid or folate. Another option is to take a vitamin pill solely containing folic acid. Eat a serving of breakfast cereal containing 100% of…

Getting your cholesterol levels checked on a consistent basis is the key to living a healthy life. According to the American Heart Association, those who have cholesterol levels higher than 240 mg/dl are at double the risk of having a heart attack as opposed to those who have cholesterol levels <200 mg/dl. Include “good” fats…