(NewsUSA) - Following a significant drop in babies born in the last year, some forecasters are now predicting a 'mini baby boom' in 2022. If you are now considering starting or growing your family, maximizing fertility and learning about your health is a critical place to begin. The below Q&A will help guide you as you embark on your path to pregnancy.

How long will it take to get pregnant? What's normal, and what's not?

First, some basic guidelines: it is possible that you may get pregnant the first time you try -but it's unusual. Statistically, the chance of conceiving in any one month of trying-presuming regular intercourse (at least every other day around ovulation time) is about 15-20%. By the end of six months of trying, it's 50%. And by the end of a year of trying, it's 80%. So, don't be too concerned if it doesn't happen as quickly as you thought. However, if you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for one year, or if you are 35 or older and have been trying for six months without luck, contact a healthcare provider who may recommend testing to evaluate why you might not be getting pregnant.

What do I need to know before I try to get pregnant?

Remember to maintain good health habits BEFORE you begin trying to conceive to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy outcome. Important lifestyle adjustments should include eliminating smoking and drugs, and limiting alcohol intake. Begin taking prenatal vitamins, such as vitafusion Prenatal gummy vitamins that provide sufficient folate and Omega-3 DHA to reduce the chances of a baby being born with a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.

According to the March of Dimes, there is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for your baby at any time during pregnancy, even before you know that you're pregnant. Not only is drinking during pregnancy dangerous, specifically for a baby's brain development, but studies have shown that significant alcohol consumption can also contribute to decreased fertility. So, even if getting pregnant is just an idea, and you are off birth control, be extremely mindful of alcohol intake.

Visit with your healthcare provider before trying to conceive to discuss alternatives for certain medications that are not recommended for pregnancy, such as medications for high blood pressure or seizures. And if you are diabetic, try to get your diabetes under control to minimize the chance of a baby being born with any birth defects that can be linked to diabetes.

How can I maximize my chances of conceiving?

You ovulate about 14 days before you get your period. So, if you experience a 28-day cycle, you are probably ovulating around day 14-15 (counting the first day of your period as day one). If you have a 35-day cycle, you are likely ovulating around day 21. To maximize fertile days, an ovulation test kit will tell you when your LH surge occurs (LH, or the luteinizing hormone, triggers ovulation and marks the begging of a fertile period), so you can make the most of your prime conception time. However, timing ovulation and rushing to have sex on demand can be stressful month after month. Stress and sex do not mix well and can lead to vaginal dryness and painful sex. Make sure to use a clinically tested, fertility-friendly lubricant like Pre-Seed, which mimics the body's natural fertile fluids and helps keep sperm healthy and strong on its way to meet the egg.

Tips for pregnancy testing?

The two-week wait to take a pregnancy test after ovulation can feel like an eternity for those who want to know whether or not their recent efforts to make a baby were successful. Luckily, some at-home pregnancy tests use advanced technology that is sensitive enough to detect tiny amounts of hCG, or the pregnancy hormone, in urine. An extremely sensitive test is the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test, which can give an accurate result up to six days before the day of a missed period. Combo packs are also convenient when trying to conceive, such as the First Response Comfort Check Pregnancy Test kit that comes with three Early Result tests and five pregnancy test strips for added reassurance.

Try to test for pregnancy first thing in the morning, as this is generally when hCG is most concentrated. However, you can test for pregnancy any time of the day. Another pro-tip when testing, if you aren't sure whether or not you see a second line on the pregnancy test, or if the second line is faint, utilize an app such as EasyRead that can help you be certain of your result by scanning the analog test window on First Response tests. EasyRead will convert the lines into words on your phone: 'Pregnant' or 'Not Pregnant'.

Other words of advice?

Remember to follow good rules of health before, during and after your pregnancy journey. When trying to conceive, try to be as close as you can to your ideal body weight for a healthy pregnancy. Make sure to hydrate, get enough rest, and attend all check-ins with your healthcare provider as your journey progresses. And remember, try to relax and let the baby-making process be fun. Good luck!

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Mary Jane Minkin, MD is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine.

(NewsUSA) - Casi la mitad de los estadounidenses adultos presenta presión arterial alta y quizás usted no sepa que también la tiene hasta sufrir complicaciones, como un ataque cardiaco, un derrame cerebral insuficiencia renal, pérdida de la visión o problemas sexuales. Además, tener presión arterial alta puede empeorar un cuadro de COVID-19, según la Asociación Americana del Corazón.

"La mejor manera de saber si tiene presión arterial alta es controlándola. Controlarse la presión arterial con un profesional de la salud al menos una vez al año y regularmente en casa, por su cuenta, y consultar sobre las mediciones y planificar un estilo de vida saludable con un médico es una buena manera de mantener la presión arterial bajo control", dice Willie Lawrence, M.D., cardiólogo y voluntario experto de la Asociación Americana del Corazón.

Aprenda a medirla con precisión

Ya sea que la mida en casa, en el consultorio médico o en cualquier otro lugar, estos son aspectos importantes para saber para obtener una medición precisa de la presión arterial:

1. No fume, no consuma cafeína ni haga ejercicio dentro de los 30 minutos previos a tomarse la presión arterial. Vacíe la vejiga y permanezca en reposo al menos 5 minutos antes de tomarse la presión.

2. Siéntese derecho en una silla firme con respaldo. Apoye bien los pies sobre el suelo y no cruce las piernas. El brazo debe reposar sobre una superficie plana, con la parte superior a la altura del corazón. Coloque la parte inferior del brazalete del tensiómetro apenas por encima del pliegue del codo, directamente sobre la piel y no sobre la ropa.

3. Tómese la presión arterial aproximadamente a la misma hora, todos los días. Tómela dos o tres veces con un minuto de intervalo y registre las mediciones en un papel. Algunos tensiómetros guardan los resultados o permiten cargarlos a un sitio web seguro. Comparta los resultados con su médico.

Conozca el significado de sus valores

En la mayoría de los casos, la presión arterial normal es de 120/80 o menos. Si sus valores son constantemente superiores a 130/80, se considera presión arterial alta. ¡Valores como 180/120 o más podrían ser críticos! Espere cinco minutos y vuelva a controlarla. Si los valores no bajan, vea a un médico de inmediato. Si presenta síntomas como dolor de cabeza, debilidad, problemas de visión, dolores en el pecho, dolores en la espalda u otros problemas de salud, llame al 9-1-1 de inmediato. No espere a que la presión baje. Podría sufrir un problema de salud grave.

Sepa cómo reducir el riesgo

Para reducir el riesgo de padecer presión arterial alta procure mantener un peso saludable, hacer actividad física, comer de manera sana, reducir la ingesta de alcohol o no beber ni fumar por completo. Sin embargo, si tiene presión arterial alta, no se dé por vencido. Tener conocimiento de los valores de su presión arterial, controlarlos periódicamente, tomar la medicación según lo prescrito y elaborar un plan para mejorar su presión arterial y mantenerla bajo control con un profesional de la salud le ayudará a tener una vida larga y saludable.

Muchos negocios y organizaciones locales, como las iglesias, las barberías, los salones de belleza y los centros de salud de la comunidad están colaborando con la Asociación Americana del Corazón en el control de la presión arterial de las comunidades y son lugares adecuados para controlar su presión arterial y acceder a recursos e información sin costo que le ayudarán a llevar una vida saludable.

Para obtener más información, visite heart.org/hbpcontrol.

Acerca de la American Heart Association

La American Heart Association es una fuerza incansable para un mundo de vidas más largas y saludables Nos dedicamos a asegurar una salud equitativa en todas las comunidades. A través de la colaboración con numerosas organizaciones, e impulsados por millones de voluntarios, financiamos la investigación innovadora, abogamos por la salud pública y compartimos recursos que salvan vidas. La organización con sede en Dallas ha sido una fuente líder de información de salud durante casi un siglo. Conéctese con nosotros en heart.org, Facebook, Twitter o llamando al 1-800-AHA-USA1.

(NewsUSA) - More than 86% of people surveyed in the U.S. have never heard the term "aphasia." Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs the ability to communicate. People with aphasia may have trouble retrieving the names of objects or putting words together in a sentence. They may have trouble listening, speaking, reading or writing. This loss of language does not impact a person's intelligence.

One million people in the U.S.are estimated to have aphasia, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, and the National Aphasia Association.

Stroke survivors with aphasia face an increased incidence of poststroke depression versus stroke survivors with no aphasia.

It is important to know that aphasia is not an intellectual disability and does not impair intellectual function. Over time, many people with aphasia are able to improve and recover their language skills.

"Stroke and aphasia recovery can feel like the movie, 'Mission Impossible,' when the mission is basically impossible, yet the team does it and wins anyway," says Tom Broussard, a stroke survivor who developed aphasia in 2011 and has since become a stroke and aphasia educator.

"Others often think that it can't be done, but people who have lost their language still have the skills to do the impossible and regain their language again," he emphasizes.

Communication plays an important role in recovery. If someone can't express pain or depression, they can't get help.

The American Stroke Association and the National Aphasia Association are collaborating to help stroke survivors beat aphasia. They offer these strategies:

• Be patient and allow extra time.
• Use different options to communicate, including writing, facial expressions, speaking, pictures and phone/communication apps.
• Confirm what was said.

Broussard offers several tips that have helped him with his recovery, including starting a journal to record progress. He recommends reading aloud and recording yourself; also playing word and letter games such as ScrabbleTM and BoggleTM, and other card games and board games.

"One thing I wish that everyone knew about aphasia is that the brain really can rewire its language with persistent and repetitive language activities," he says.

Visit stroke.org/aphasia for more information.

(NewsUSA) -Luxury travel is back. The pandemic-weary population is emerging from lockdowns with the goal of relaxing and reviving senses dulled by one zoom meeting too many.

Whether it is finally taking the postponed honeymoon, or just getting some time away from home, travelers seeking a uniquely restorative experience can find it at Sunset at the Palms, a boutique Jamaican resort with the tagline, "Sensory Magic."

Sunset at the Palms offers an indulgent, adults-only experience. The resort has always featured its own version of "social distancing," with just 85 rooms and 25 acres of beachfront and gardens for maximum privacy.

The all-inclusive resort makes it easy to indulge all your senses through a full range of experiences.

• Accommodations. Upon arrival, your senses will be rewarded with the pleasant scent of lemon grass oil used to clean the natural wood found throughout the room, creating a relaxing atmosphere within the space. You have the choice of rooms or suites, in one of the resorts "treehouses," an individual Asian-inspired bungalow featuring private balconies located within lush gardens for privacy, but just steps from the beach, with full amenities, including wi-fi, king-size beds, and luxurious bathrooms.
• Dining. Sunset at the Palms tantalizes the taste buds with dining options including buffets, a la carte restaurants, room service, and private beach bar and grill amenities. The resort showcases the tastes of the island with Caribbean fusion cuisine, while providing a range of dining options to suit all tastes. A weekly cocktail party adds spice to the experience.
• Relaxing. At the resort's Ginger Lily Spa, "our mission is to help you relax," says Kamarla Simms, general manager.

Curate your experience from a menu of wraps, scrubs, massages, and facial treatments designed to help you unwind and rejuvenate. A full-service beauty salon is available, along with manicure and pedicure services.

• Sporting. When you are ready to indulge your sense of excitement, check out the range of water- sports opportunities at the resort's on-site water-sports center. Want to leave your stress on the water? The resort has kayaks, paddleboards, or the low-key pedal boats. Snorkeling equipment is available as well, so you can experience the ever-changing undersea environment.

"Sunset at the Palms invites travel enthusiasts to experience the healing warmth of the ever-present sunshine," says Ian Kerr, managing director. The white-sand beaches and tropical foliage in the heart of Negril is designed to provide a truly serene, intimate, and restorative getaway.

Visit thepalmsjamaica.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - According to a 2020 study, amid the Covid-19 pandemic an estimated 59 million Americans have freelanced in the past year, which is equivalent to 36% of the country's entire workforce. The number of freelancers in the US is continuously growing and is expected to exceed 90.1 million by 2028, contributing $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy.

Today's independent workers are not only becoming a driving force in the American workforce, they are also busy people, often juggling multiple clients in multiple time zones across a multitude of media platforms. And with comes the operational pains of being a business owner. According to a recent 2021 survey of more than 200 freelancers by Indy - the all-inclusive, online platform for independent business owners, approximately one-quarter of respondents spend 10 or more hours a month on essential work tasks unrelated to their actual business and/or paid projects. These administrative tasks including invoicing, billing, dealing with contracts, expenses and organizing workflow often impede the ongoing management and potential for growth needed to succeed in today's competitive, decentralized marketplace.

Indy's survey also revealed that 30% of respondents use at least five tools and 44% spend more than $50 a month, including a subset of that group who pay $300 or more, on tools used to operate and manage their business each month. When deciding services used to maximize operations productivity and grow their businesses, these self-employed, solopreneurs and small business owners cited ease of use, cost and availability across all devices were the top three criteria for selecting and utilizing the critical resources and productivity tools needed for their daily and ongoing business operations.

Indy, offers a complete productivity suite that simply and easily streamline the key pain points for independent workers. Indy is invested in the success of today's independent workers and it's primary purpose is to help solopreneurs and freelancers streamline the business of running their business. "Ultimately, we believe in fostering community over competition and empowering today's 'indies' - the independent professionals, side hustlers and small business owners, to attain the stability, control and growth required to be more successful, achieve a state of steady income and grow," according to Sebastian Gyr, Indy co-founder and CEO.

Indy's freelancer survey, consisting of mostly independent workers outside of its customer base, also identified: saving time, peace of mind and fostering business relationships as the top three most sought out features when considering productivity tools. Indy's suite of productivity tools tick all the boxes for freelancers, from cost to ease of use. Invoice generator templates help streamline billing and process payments easier and faster. Calendar, Indy's new Calendar tool, syncs with existing calendars including Google Calendars and helps indies organize events and tasks, track time and more, while seamlessly linking project hours to invoices for accuracy and efficiency.

Indy offers effective solutions to the unique, operational challenges facing today's self-employed business owners.

Visit weareindy.com for more information and to create an account.

(NewsUSA)

"Shooting Out The Lights"
by Kim Fairley

Fans of "When Breath Becomes Air," by Paul Kalanithi and the popular 2016 film Manchester by the Sea won't want to miss this memoir. The story unravels like a mystery novel, but Kim Fairley's memoir wrestles with the very real secrets we keep from each other and the roles we play to protect ourselves.

The story explores the taboo of wide age gap love. Twenty-four-year-old Kim and 56-year-old Vern become marry and soon learn Kim is pregnant. But Kim's life flips when the widow of Vern's dear friend convinces Vern to take her 11-year-old son whose behavior challenges Kim's devotion, trust and the underpinnings of her marriage. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3gBH4GB.

"Plymouth Undercover"
by Pamela Kelley

Meet Emma McCarthy, a thirty-year-old failed actress who just moved home to Plymouth, MA. And her mother, Cindy, a yoga instructor in the Pinehills, an exclusive golf community in Plymouth. They've just inherited Court Street Investigations, a private detective agency -- and it's one part-time employee, eighty-year-old Mickey, a retired police detective.

They expect typical cases like cheating spouses or workman's comp, but quickly learn that the agency also has a reputation for solving murders. This is Book 1 of the "Court Street Investigations" series, from the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of The Nantucket Inn and The Restaurant. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3ysUKu6.

"Family Illness"
by Evan Wechman

A realistic fictional work that gives readers a sense of what it is like to grow up with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Steve suffers as a child, has lots of physical and verbal tics while in school, but lives in fear that his secret living with a mental illness in a hostile world will be revealed.

As Steve grows up, his illness plays tricks on him, making him question every moral aspect of his life. His fears intensify as he learns that a family member has OCD as well. This encourages Steve to fight back, but he wonders if he has lost too much of his life to the disease. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2QDcL7Z.

"Out of Business: Moran"
by David Citron

"Out of Business: Moran" is the story of Caleb Hanau, a Jewish young man who through his eyes and his own self-actualization in 27 chapters and Reflections (with a business plan) looks for meaning in education, finance, music, and healthcare. The author predicted many subsequent acquisitions and successes for his past relationships and work experiences including the necessity of physical and mental harmony in business and in life.

This unusual work takes an out-of-the-box approach and is written as a business plan. We see the rise and fall of the central protagonist Caleb. Some of it is poetic and some of it is in prose form, all arriving at years of searching for meaning in experience, music, and relationships. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3wVTXRl.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Consumers are swamped with messages about products and services. Effective advertising will cut through the clutter and capture a prospective customer's attention with a targeted message.

To be effective and reach a target audience, the best advertising is credible, unique, and memorable. Using flyers is a relatively simple and inexpensive way for small and mid-sized businesses to make an impact in the local community.

"The goal behind designing a flyer is to capture someone's attention within three seconds of them walking up to their front door," says Stefanie McKinney, founder and owner of The Flyer Guys, a family-owned, Arizona-based company that specializes in creating memorable advertising with flyers.

To make the most of your advertising campaign using flyers, keep these points in mind:

- A picture is worth 1,000 words. Don't underestimate the power of images. People look at pictures before they start reading any text, and a funny picture in particular can make an impression.

- Less text for more impact. Once you have a picture, think about text. Keep your text concise, and use bullet points when possible, in order to allow more white space for quick and easy reading.

- Catchy headlines. Along with a photo, a headline is the first thing to catch a customer's eye. No matter what headline you choose, consider using color for added impact, and keep your font choice easy to read.

- Contact information and call-to-action. This is where the nuts and bolts of your product or service comes in, so give it the proper attention. Even something conventional such as "Call Us" or "Order Now" can have greater impact with fonts and colors. Online businesses, make sure your website address is clearly visible, so your audience is likely to keep the flyer as a reference. For in-person businesses, simple directions and even a small map can help ensure that you are on the customer's radar.

- Enlist happy customers. Sincere testimonials can have a significant impact on attracting new customers. When your customers compliment your product or service, ask whether you can use their comments, either anonymously or with their name, to help promote your business. The more specific the comments, the better.

For more information about the power of flyers, visit theflyerguysaz.com.

(NewsUSA) - Peacock is the ultimate destination to stream the Tokyo Olympics with live coverage of some of the Games' biggest events, new daily live shows, original programming, and more. Almost all Tokyo Olympics is available to stream for free. New viewers can use an email address to sign up at peacocktv.com.

Fans can watch live coverage on Peacock every morning, including major events like?men's and women's gymnastics and?men's and women's?track and field. Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila will host Peacock's morning show?"Tokyo LIVE." Two-time Olympic medalist Laurie Hernandez will serve as a studio analyst for gymnastics along with Olympic medalist Bridget Sloan and three-time Olympian John Roethlisberger, calling the action live across all men's and women's gymnastics events. Bill Spaulding will call track and field play-by-play alongside Olympian analysts Tim Hutchings and Alysia Montaño.

Peacock will also stream live coverage of men's basketball throughout the games, beginning with USA vs. France on July?25. Bob Fitzgerald will call basketball play-by-play alongside analysts Fran Fraschilla and Vince Carter, gold medalist and eight-time NBA All-Star. These games are available on Peacock Premium.

New hosts and contributors on Peacock will help fans catch up and keep up on the Tokyo Games. Amber?Ruffin will be on the ground providing her own unique, comedic analyses of the competition. The hilarious commentary series "Olympic Highlights with Kevin Hart and Snoop Dogg" will recap the Olympics' most impressive displays of athleticism as well as the moments that don't go as planned. Rich Eisen?will host "Tokyo Gold," a daily, comprehensive look at the most compelling performances of the day. Lindsay Czarniak, Lolo Jones, and MJ Acosta-Ruiz will host "On Her Turf" at the Olympics, the first NBC Olympics show dedicated to covering women's sports at the Games.

Every evening, Cari Champion and Kenny Mayne?will host?"Tokyo Tonight," which will bring fans into the Games with quick turnaround highlights as well as interviews and feature stories -- Jac Collinsworth will serve as on-location contributor.

Looking for more ways to enjoy the Olympics? Peacock is also rolling out new Original programming to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics, including "For Ball and Country," which follows some of the greatest men's basketball players in America as they set aside their on-court rivalries and form a star-studded team to represent their country, as well as "Golden: The Journey of USA's Elite Gymnasts," which takes fans behind the scenes as Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez, Morgan Hurd, Sunisa Lee, Konnor McClain, and MyKayla Skinner compete for the four coveted Team USA roster spots. Additional Originals available to screen include "The '96 Effect," "The Sisters of '96: The 1996 USA Women's Olympic Soccer Team," "Michael Phelps: Medals, Memories & More," "The Greatest Race," and "My Pursuit: Life, Legacy & Jordan Burroughs."

Following the Tokyo Olympics this summer, fans can look forward to streaming additional sports events on Peacock, including upcoming Sunday Night Football games, Premier League soccer matches, NTT IndyCar Series, and much more.

Sign up for free at https://www.peacocktv.com to watch Peacock's Tokyo Olympics programming -- including curated highlights and playlists, full event replays, and six Olympics channels -- to never miss a moment.

(NewsUSA) - As the threat of COVID-19 continues, doctors and patients are considering the long-term impact of the pandemic on public health, especially heart health.

The American Heart Association's annual publication on Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics for 2021 emphasizes that heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide.

"COVID-19 has taken a huge toll on human life worldwide and is on track to become one of the top three to five causes of death in 2020. But its influence will directly and indirectly impact rates of cardiovascular disease prevalence and deaths for years to come," says Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., ScM, FAHA, president of the American Heart Association and chair of the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

Not only does research show that COVID-19 itself can cause heart damage, the indirect effects of the pandemic will likely generate an increase in heart health problems, he says. "Unhealthy eating habits, increased consumption of alcohol, lack of physical activity and the mental toll of quarantine isolation and even fear of contracting the virus all can adversely impact a person's risk for cardiovascular health, he emphasizes. "We'll need to watch and address these trends as the full ramifications will likely be felt for many years to come."

COVID-19 will impact the risk of experiencing or dying from heart disease or stroke for many years for several reasons.

- Unhealthy habits: During extended periods of quarantine or lockdown, many people developed or returned to behaviors related to poor eating, changes in work/sleep habits, lack of regular exercise and the mental stress of social isolation and excessive screen time that could contribute to heart disease and stroke.

- Missed medical visits: Many patients postponed regular doctor visits to manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol, resulting in an epidemic of poorly controlled disease that can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

- Fear of hospitals: Data from the American Heart Association show that many individuals experienced a heart attack or stroke during the pandemic and did not seek urgent care out of fear of contracting COVID-19 in a hospital setting. Unfortunately, some people may have experienced medical events with lasting consequences that may have been lessened with prompt treatment.

- Heart-related risks for COVID-19 patients: Although studies of the impact of COVID-19 on pre-existing medical conditions are ongoing, the data show that individuals with cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure are at increased risk for more severe disease - even death - if they become ill with COVID-19. It's important for everyone eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit heart.org/statistics to view the complete 2021 Statistical Update and to find fact sheets with information about the impact of COVID-19 on heart health and about cardiovascular disease risk in general.

(NewsUSA)