Women Health Care

During pregnancy your nutrition needs are going to increase. Even before becoming pregnant it is a good idea to make every effort to start eating healthy and taking a women’s multivitamin. A prenatal multivitamin is a better choice during pregnancy.

Let’s start with the recommended daily intake of food during pregnancy.

DURING PREGNANCY :

7 or more Fruits and Vegetables (3 fruits/4 vegetables)

Fruits and Vegetables high in vitamin C are the best. These include strawberries, melons, oranges, papaya, tomatoes, peppers, greens, and broccoli.

9 or more Whole Grain Products

A fortified breakfast cereal containing iron and folic acid is the best way to start each day. Enriched bread, rice, pasta, and any whole grain product are your other choices.

4 or more dairy products

Low-fat milk or non-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese are the obvious choices.

60 grams of protein (two or more 2-3 ounce portions of lean meat)

Other sources of protein include eggs, nuts, dried beans, and peas. Do not eat undercooked or uncooked meat or fish. (NO SUSHI) Do not eat deli luncheon meats Continue Reading

A recent study conducted on behalf of The Independent Women’s Forum disclosed that health care was one of many economic concerns for American women. Only 16 percent said it was the top issue facing Congress and just over half the respondents placed health care among the leading three. Yet the people in Washington have placed this issue ahead of everyday living expenses, energy costs, unemployment and other financial problems.

It’s interesting that two-thirds of those surveyed think reform is more for other people than themselves. They would prefer not being included in any proposed changes (54%). This was confirmed when 57 percent of respondents indicated they do not feel a government-run plan is best for their needs. And, a whopping 75 percent want few to no changes to their own health care program. Less than 10 percent of respondents are looking for action in the next few weeks with most wishing for a quality bill rather than one with artificial deadlines.

The price tag of health care reform has major political implications. A cost of $829 billion over the next 10 years was deemed to too high by a plurality of women and 55 percent believe this figure is underestimated compared to what will actually be spent. Therefore, 45 percent would be less likely to vote for a candidate supporting this amount or more; and 67 percent would not vote for someone in favor of moving people from private to government-run health care. Continue Reading