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Managing Birth Defect’s For A Lifetime
(Wyoming News) An estimated 1 in 33 babies is born with a birth defect, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While some require minimal intervention after birth, many birth defects affect the individual, parents and families across a lifetime.
Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part of the body. They may affect how the body looks, works or both. They can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops or how the body works, and may range from mild to serious health conditions.
Awareness of birth defects across the lifespan helps provide affected individuals, parents and families the information they need to seek proper care. Learn more about birth defects at each stage of life from the experts at March of Dimes:
Before and During Pregnancy
Not all birth defects are preventable but protecting a mother’s health before and during pregnancy can help increase the likelihood of a healthy baby. Having adequate folic acid for at least one month before getting pregnant and throughout the pregnancy can prevent major birth defects.
Other important steps include receiving proper prenatal care from a doctor, preventing infections, avoiding alcohol and drugs, controlling conditions like diabetes and avoiding getting too hot.
Infancy
Babies who are diagnosed with a birth defect during pregnancy or at birth may need special care. Similarly, monitoring for certain birth defects can help pinpoint a potential problem and ensure the baby begins receiving supportive care for better survival rates and quality of life. Examples include newborn screenings for critical congenital heart defects and monitoring bladder and kidney function in infants and children with spina bifida.
Childhood
For children born with heart defects and conditions like spina bifida, muscular dystrophy or Down syndrome, early intervention services and support can make a significant impact on a child’s success in school and life. They can help children with learning problems and disabilities; school attendance; participation in school, sports and clubs; mobility adaptations; and physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Adolescence
Many adolescents and young adults who have birth defects begin working toward a transition to a healthy, independent adult life in their later teen years. This may involve insurance changes and switching from pediatricians to adult doctors.
Other areas of focus might include medications, surgeries and other procedures; mental health; social development and relationships within and outside the family; physical activity; and independence.
Adulthood
Certain conditions, such as heart defects, can cause pregnancy complications or affect sexual function. Talking with a doctor about your specific condition can help you understand your risk.
In addition, every pregnancy carries a 3% risk of birth defects, even without lifestyle factors or health conditions that add risk, according to the CDC. Women who have had a pregnancy affected by a birth defect may be at greater risk during future pregnancies.
Talking with a health care provider can help assess those risks. A clinical geneticist or genetic counselor can assess your personal risk of birth defects caused by changes in genes, as well as your risk due to family history.
Find more information about birth defect prevention and management at marchofdimes.org/birthdefects.
Common Causes of Birth Defects
Research shows certain circumstances, or risk factors, may make a woman more likely to have a baby with a birth defect. Having a risk factor doesn’t mean a baby will be affected for sure, but it does increase the chances. Some of the more common causes of birth defects include:
Environment
The things that affect everyday life, including where you live, where you work, the kinds of foods you eat and how you like to spend your time can be harmful to your baby during pregnancy, especially if you’re exposed to potentially dangerous elements like cigarette smoke or harmful chemicals.
Health Conditions
Some health conditions, like pre-existing diabetes, can increase a baby’s risk of having a birth defect. Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body has too much sugar (called glucose) in the blood.
Medications
Taking certain medicines while pregnant, like isotretinoin (a medicine used to treat acne), can increase the risk of birth defects.
Smoking, Drinking or Using Drugs
Lifestyle choices that affect your own health and well-being are likely to affect an unborn baby. Smoking, drinking or using drugs can cause numerous problems for a baby, including birth defects.
Infections
Some infections during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects and other problems. For example, if an expectant mother has a Zika infection during pregnancy, her baby may be at increased risk of having microcephaly.
Age
Women who are 34 years old or older may be at increased risk of having a baby with a birth defect.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
March of Dimes
Laramie County Arrest Records
59-year-old Jane Frances Felicia, DUI: Felony, Driving under Suspension, NCIC Hit Person: Felony, Lane Change
43 year-old Richard Allen Hartke, Stalking: Communicating
44-year-old Megan Lynne Marlow, Domestic Battery
40-year old Nabor Juan De Dios Mirabal, Resisting Arrest
26-year-old Lucas Tyler Saulsbury, Animal at Large, Refusing to Obey, Interfering/Obstructing
47-year-old Laura Amy Springer, Motor Vehicle Theft: Felony
Organizing Your Personal Home Office
(Wyoming News) When temperatures creep up again, it signals time for an annual tradition: spring cleaning. While big projects like windows are hard to overlook, don’t forget smaller areas that need attention, too, such as your home office.
Making sense of a year’s worth of paperwork and clutter can take some serious time, especially as many people have been working from home more than normal, but getting organized can help you tackle home management tasks more efficiently. Making the office a priority can reduce frustration when it comes to spending additional time in your office while working from home.
These five tips can help get you started:
- Make sure you have furniture that can adequately store your stuff, including plenty of space for files, reference books and computer equipment. Pieces need not be costly to be functional and there are plenty of attractive options available online and at both small and major retailers.
- Arrange the space with its intended use and your own work style in mind. For example, if you don’t need ample space to spread out over a large, flat work area, eliminate that space – it’s simply an invitation for clutter.
- Place items you rely on frequently, such as a calculator or ruler, within arm’s reach so they can easily be put away between uses. Capture these items in containers and bins to keep the space looking neat and free of clutter.
- Establish a filing system that lets you keep track of important papers you need to keep and have a shredder handy to help you discard any sensitive documents. Whether you alphabetize, color code or use some other method, group paperwork into segments for categories such as bills, banking, health care, auto, insurance and so on for easy access in the future.
- Tangled cords can make even the most organized spaces look messy, and they may pose a fire or tripping hazard. Get control of your cords by storing devices you don’t use regularly and securing the remaining cords with twist ties or clips. Remember to use a surge-protected power strip to minimize the chance of damage should a power surge occur.
Find more tips to make your workspace tidy and organized at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Pexels
Trending Colors and Textures In 2023 Home Designs
(Wyoming News) Over the past year, architectural design saw a surge in nature-inspired, earth tones, such as calming shades of blue and green. Homeowners can expect this trend to continue into the coming months, but with warmer, richer colors.
This ongoing interest in warm neutrals with earthy undertones and pink and blush shades is likely to be increasingly popular in 2023 as homeowners become more adventurous with their color choices as a form of creative expression.
Trending Colors
Selecting the right colors for your home project is often influenced by both your personal preferences and the latest design trends. Some contemporary options to consider include:
- Earth Tones: Warmer, natural-looking earth tones are versatile, working seamlessly with just about any design or architectural style of home. Some trending hues include muted terracotta, green, yellow and plum.
- Warm Neutrals: Although they’re not typically used as statement colors, warm neutrals bring a sense of comfort while also offering an inviting, blank canvas to let individuality flow freely. On-trend options include shades of dark brown, caramel, tan or off-white.
- Rich, Dark Colors: These deep, saturated hues can make a house stand out and look more modern while still offering a nod to warmer hues. Chocolate brown, brick red or dark jade are popular choices for those who prefer rich hues.
- Pink and Blush Shades: Various shades of pink, rose and blush will be increasingly popular choices for homeowners exuding a greater sense of self-expression. In home design, look for these colors to appear in coral, pink, red-orange, raspberry or blush tones.
- Sweet Pastels: There are signs homeowners are ready to bring colors back into their homes. Expect to see sweet pastel shades like soft pink, mint green and light purple in furniture, decor and accessories.
Materials with Texture
With warm neutrals and earth tones dominating the color palette, both interior and exterior design will depend heavily on texture to add definition. More design choices will move away from faux finishes and instead focus on natural and authentic looks, many of which can be achieved through brick and stone.
Brick and stone give designers options for adding depth and dimension, integrating a play on light and shadows with a variety of textural elements.
Brick carries a sense of tradition, character and timelessness while also serving as a popular choice for homeowners due to its design flexibility. Qualities such as low-maintenance, resilience, durability, sustainability and beauty make brick an option that allows homeowners to balance function with appearance.
Homeowners can find more than 600 brick and stone products with Glen-Gery’s extensive product line that offers endless design possibilities and timeless beauty. From handmade to glazed bricks and everything in between, these building products come in a diverse array of colors, textures and sizes, making it easy to personalize living spaces with the latest design and color trends.
Try a virtual design tool like Picture Perfect, which can help you visualize projects, or find other style inspiration at glengery.com.
Bring Color with Brick
Brick is often selected for its functional benefits, but it’s also an appealing building product due to its versatile color, texture and size combinations. Color can evoke a certain mood and assist in achieving a desired outcome. Often, architects and designers even incorporate multiple colors or create custom looks by using multiple brick colors and styles.
To help homeowners hone in on the perfect look to match their vision for contemporary design and align with anticipated 2023 color trends, Glen-Gery will introduce its inaugural Brick Color of the Year, a program that showcases trending hues that lend well to trending aesthetics.
Reflecting contemporary earthy, nature-inspired color trends, the Pitt Cafe Series consists of four soft, neutral-toned, versatile bricks, ranging from creamy white to earthtone and brown-gray with highly pronounced textural features. What’s more, the series can be used for both interior and exterior applications for modern or contemporary designs.
SOURCE:
Glen-Gery
Wyoming Dinner Tables Can Explore A Mediterranean Cultural Flair
(Wyoming News) During the past year, many people have missed the opportunity to travel and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the world, but it’s easy to explore other cultures and cuisines by experimenting in the kitchen.
If you’re looking to transport your taste buds to the shores of Spain or the beaches of Greece, one of the best places to start is with the Mediterranean Diet. Renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian recommends these tips to help home cooks elevate their dishes and easily incorporate the popular diet into everyday cooking.
Reach for Pantry Staples. There’s no single definition of the Mediterranean Diet, but it’s high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil and seafood. By keeping your pantry stocked with canned versions of ingredients like beans and fish you can easily add them to your favorite dishes. Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates, and Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle are flavorful ways to bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table.
Add Seafood. Eating more seafood is one of the leading principles of the Mediterranean Diet. Tuna salad is one tried-and-true dish that can help incorporate fish into your menu. To make it more nutritious, opt for tuna that’s packed in extra-virgin olive oil, so you don’t have to add much mayo to the base. For example, Genova Premium Tuna provides a tasteful addition to recipes and is high in protein, a great source of omega-3s and has a uniquely rich and savory flavor that offers a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Visit GenovaSeafood.com for more recipe inspiration.
Tuna Aioli Dip with Balsamic Drizzle
Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 4
- 6 ounces Genova Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 anchovies
- 1/2 lemon, juice only (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumber spears, endive leaves, sliced fennel and bell pepper strips, for dipping
- Drain tuna, reserving 2 tablespoons oil.
- In small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Bring to boil and reduce until syrupy, about 1 tablespoon. Let cool slightly; discard bay leaf and rosemary sprig.
- In blender or food processor, process tuna and reserved oil, mayonnaise, capers, anchovies and lemon juice to make smooth dip. Transfer to flat serving bowl. Drizzle with balsamic syrup. Serve with raw vegetables.
Yellowfin Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates
Prep time: 20-30 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, drained
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus additional for garnish (optional)
- 2 lemons, zest only (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces whole-wheat orecchiette
- 1/2 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted and quartered
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dill, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
- Preheat oven to 325 F.
- On a sheet tray, toast pine nuts 8-12 minutes, or until golden. Set aside to cool.
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Prepare ice water bath by filling large bowl with cold water and ice. Stir arugula into boiling water and cook until bright green and tender, about 30 seconds. Drain arugula, immediately shock in ice water and set aside to fully drain; cover with towel.
- In blender or food processor, add arugula; garlic; pine nuts; butter, if desired; Parmigiano-Reggiano; lemon zest, if desired; salt; and pepper. Puree on high, incorporating olive oil to desired thickness.
- Place pesto in bowl and cover tightly to avoid discoloring.
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add pasta and return to boil, stirring occasionally. Taste pasta for doneness 2 minutes earlier than package instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer to large bowl. Do not rinse.
- Add pesto gently until evenly distributed. Fold in tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, dates and olives.
- Divide between shallow bowls and finish with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano, dill and parsley, if desired.
SOURCE:
Genova Tuna
Keeping Your Vehicle On the Road Longer
(Wyoming News) For many families, cars are huge, long-term investments second only to homes. Many are looking for ways to keep their cars on the road longer and make them safer to continue to serve their needs for years to come.
No matter what or where you drive, you can keep your current vehicle looking and performing its best – and even update it to make it safer – with these tips inspired by eBay Motors’ Parts of America tour, a cross-country tour exploring unique car cultures across America.
Choose the Right Tires
If it’s time to trade your tires in, take the time to learn what options are available for your vehicle. For those in fair weather states, summer performance tires offer the best possible fuel efficiency all year round. Families living in milder states with occasional snow may consider all-season tires that trade efficiency for safety on a variety of surfaces. Finally, when it comes to driving in a winter wonderland, there is no substitute for specialized rubber and tread patterns – purchase a dedicated set of snow tires to ensure you’re safe all winter long. No matter your situation, a new set of tires can maximize safety and extend the life of your car.
New Look, New Ride
One way to breathe new life into your ride is to take it to the next level aesthetically. With enthusiast communities growing around nearly every make and model of vehicle, it’s easy to find parts to make your vision a reality. One of the most eye-catching additions is a new set of wheels, and there are thousands of brands, styles and sizes to choose from for every car. The addition of front, side and rear aerodynamics kits, such as front splitters or rear spoilers, can give any ride that athletic look. Upgrading stock headlight and taillight units – many fitted with high-visibility LEDs – has never been easier.
Upgrade Your Tech
Safety and creature comforts alike can add to your enjoyment of your vehicle, even if you’ve been driving it for several years. Many cars can be updated with the latest and greatest features available in new rides, including high-tech infotainment equipped with digital assistants, front and rear cameras, parking sensors, blind spot warning and even collision avoidance systems. As families look to extend their cars’ lifespans, these technology upgrades can make driving comfortable and safer.
Power and Performance
While looks and tech can bring new experiences to your car, no change has quite the same impact as improving its performance. Options abound for those looking to improve the power and handling of their ride, such as replacing the exhaust system, lowering springs, adding a coilover kit or conducting a full suspension replacement.
Find Purpose-Built Parts
Whether you’re an amateur DIY-er looking to maintain and make small upgrades to your vehicle or an expert looking to make bigger modifications, finding parts and accessories that fit your vehicle is crucial. From hard-to-find performance modifications to made-to-fit cosmetic accessories, eBay Motors offers parts and accessories for nearly any vehicle, skillset and project. The app offers an entire catalog of inventory with 122 million live parts listings at any given time, giving auto enthusiasts the ability to purchase from an expansive inventory from the convenience of a smartphone. What’s more, features like Buy It Now, My Garage and Fitment Finder enable users to easily search parts and accessories, verify the items fit their vehicle and make immediate purchases for what they need.
Skip the Wait
The global supply chain continues to recover from disruptions that have stretched back several years, and many customers are feeling the strain when it comes time to upgrade, maintain or repair their vehicles. Some shops around the country are quoting waiting times of several months just to have the right part delivered for service. However, families can find relief and get their car back on the road quicker by looking online to source their much-needed parts. In fact, many technicians work with customers to have parts delivered directly to their shop from online sources to expedite and simplify the process.
Auto enthusiasts can find more helpful tips, tricks and resources at ebaymotors.com.
SOURCE:
eBay Motors
