Babies, Babies, Babies

www.crying-babies.com

So I never thought I'd say this, not now, not for awhile, but, I'm ready to have a baby. Don't worry, you're not the only one freaking out. And I'm not saying I'm going to anytime soon (NO WAY), due to financial constraints and emotional stability and whatnot...so maybe I should rephrase it.

Let's start all over.

I'm well-informed about having a baby. (Much better) Working for WIC for almost a year now, I have learned a lot about nutrition during pregnancy, problems during pregnancy, breastfeeding, various types of formula, frequency of feedings, hunger cues, how to prepare formula, how long one should store formula, THE WORKS! It's been pretty overwhelming, but it's comforting to know that I have the answers to any questions moms may have about their babies.

So Rule #1 in my Book of Success would have to be: Learn everything about anything. Even when you think it's irrelevant. Because in more cases than one, you will be asked, and you will be expected to know the answer.

And because August is around the corner and because it is Breastfeeding Month...

BREASTMILK VS. FORMULA...THE BENEFITS!

Formula

• Minerals
• Vitamins
• Fat
• DHA/ARA
• Carbohydrates
• Protein
• Water

Breastmilk (all the above, plus what's below!):

• Antibodies
• Hormones
• Anti-Viruses
• Anti-Allergies
• Anti-Parasites
• Growth Factors
• Enzymes

Notice the difference! In addition, formula-fed babies have a greater risk of ear infections, diarrhea/constipation, pneumonia, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), obesity, diabetes, asthma, allergies and cancer.

So the next time having babies crosses your mind like I just did...research like crazy before making a decision.

Source: California Department of Health Services WIC Department

You Are 16, Going on 17

Picture this. You're 16. You're pregnant. You're Juno! Or, if you're a male, you just got your girlfriend pregnant. You're Paulie Bleeker! Anyone else but you, right? But hey, it happens. WHAT DO YOU DO?! WHERE DO YOU GO?! WHO DO YOU CALL?! I agree with the yellow-shirted cashier: definitely "one doodle that can't be undid."

Now I may not be able to help you with everything, but I'll do my best to get you in on the food part. After all, it is what I do.

Well for one, you can come to WIC, a Federal assistance program for healthcare and nutrition of low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and infants and children under the age of five. I, as a Certified Healthcare Professional and Nutritionist, will be able to provide you with nutrition guidelines during your pregnancy and information regarding any pregnancy problems you may have. I will then schedule follow-up appointments to make sure you're gaining the right amount of weight. Just ask about a WIC program near you.

In addition, it is my job to refer you to a case manager, who can help you with any other assistance you may need such as public housing, car seat discounts, etc. Since I work with health centers as well, I will also be able to refer you to a doctor, dentist, or even a nurse practitioner for Women's Health! Just ask.

Before you leave, don't forget to pick up your food instruments (aka: coupons) so you can pick up milk, cheese, eggs, juice, cereal and some beans at the WIC store near you! Now WIC may not provide fresh produce, but we do coordinate with a Farmers Market Nutrition Program that will provide you with just that. Just ask.

It's my job, it's what I do.

So if it turns out that you really are Juno, or Paulie Bleeker, remember that there is hope. There are ways. Just don't be afraid to ask for help.

Career Moves (Literally)

Today was definitely one of those days. One of those days that are so crazy, you're forced to step back a little and reevaluate your life and the direction you've chosen. Maybe it was because of the total of 28 clients that we saw today. Maybe it was the mere fact that everything that could have possibly gone wrong, did, and as working supervisor, three clerks and two new Certified Health Professionals in training had no choice but to turn to me for solutions. Maybe it was the 93-degree weather and the crying kids who couldn't tolerate it. Or the really weak air-conditioning, nay, the lack thereof. Maybe it's the gas prices...but even the thought of another day complaining about gas prices is getting old. One fine day...gone mad. Monday, Mad-day, Tuesday, Madder-day...is it Friday yet?

Today I took a step back. I was so stressed I even got a headache. One of those. On the bright side, I did start questioning my life...(if this isn't the bright side, frankly, I don't know what is!):

Is what I think I want to do really what I want to do?

Dun-dun-dunnnn.

The answer? Yes. But with an economy such as ours, I can do better. I just know it. Now for you aspiring dietitians out there in the healthcare field, here's something to consider, brought to you by dietitiancentral.com's 2008 SALARY SURVEY:

San Diego, California - www.visitusa.com

Highest Yearly Salary (Gross) = $161,000 (San Diego, CA)
Description: Assistant Manager, Director, Nutrition Program Director, Private Practice

Lowest Yearly Salary (Gross) = $20,000 (San Diego, CA)
Description: Sports Nutritionist, Director of Strength & Conditioning, Health & Fitness Centers

Full-Time Average Salary = $53,486

Don't be fooled by those numbers though, like I just was approximately 2.3 minutes ago, especially the one with the highest yearly salary. Do consider the fact that some jobs require years and years of experience before you can make that much money! In addition to certificates, specific degrees and special trainings! Do...your...homework!

Now for the state of Illinois, the highest yearly salary ($86,000) is working as a Scientist and Diabetes Educator in Highland Park for a food manufacturing company. Hm...something to consider.

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

First step...

Location. Location. Location.

After all, I gotta start somewhere...

Walk the Walk - It's in the Shoe!

Photo by Monica

I don't wear heels. I don't because I can't. I can't because I refuse to let my feet suffer any more than they have to. That and the mere fact that I can't walk in them to begin with. I believe it's related to my inability to walk straight. It has always been a problem long before I was even "old enough" to wear heels. My coworkers have been encouraging me to bust out my heels ever since I wore a pair to work one day. They said that they make me look more "grownup and sophisticated." It was really flattering at the time, and you'd think that would motivate me to wear heels on a daily basis. Wrong. But for the record, I'm really considering it. Especially after today. Especially after reading The REDEYE's cover story entitled "Arch Enemy - You may love them, but your feet might not - how flip-flops can hurt you" by Leonor Vivanco.

I'm a big fan of ballet flats and flip-flops because I don't have to worry about "walking like a woman." Unfortunately, my feet seem to have developed a hatred towards me because of it. It's beginning to hurt to walk, a lot. Every day after work, nay, while I'm at work my feet already start to experience fatigue from all the weight I put on them. According to Dr. Charlotte Covello, a podiatrist in the loop, "The moment flip-flop wearers feel heel or arch pain, they should stop wearing them, because the pain can lead to a chronic foot injury." My thoughts? I feel heel and arch pain on a daily basis...but wait a minute, did you just say...CHRONIC FOOT INJURY?! (Monica runs to her closet in frantic search for a decent pair of heels to wear...from this day onward.)

Photo by Monica

On top of increasing my risk for foot injury, I probably have also shortened my strides based according to a study of 39 students at Auburn University. "Shorter strides mean more distance," Justin Shroyer, lead author of the study exclaimed. This, in turn, will also "change the way people walk and therefore may cause foot and lower leg pain," Shroyer continued. I always wondered why my friends, who are clearly shorter than me, seem to walk a lot faster than me. Now? Now I get it...it's in the shoe!

Moral of the story? Flats and flip-flops are so in. But chronic foot injury, shorter strides and unhappy feet? Forget it!

To read more about the article and the love-hate relationship between your feet and flip-flops, go here.

To read more about careers in podiatry, which I strongly encourage everyone to do because it just saved my life/feet today, go here.

Happy Independence Day!

Earlier today, while listening to National Public Radio, I heard a touching Independence Day story.

Two of the United States of America's founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both performed great feats of public service during their years as leaders of the country. However, as will often happen in politics, they clashed on various issues and disagreed vociferously. Over the years, their political battles became legendary and they stopped speaking to each other.

As they grew into their autumn years, however, they reconciled somewhat, and began writing letters. Together, they bemoaned how the youngsters running things "these days" had no idea what they were doing, couldn't possibly have gotten through what they went through at their ages, and so on and so forth. As each approached his death, he wanted to live to see one more Fourth of July.

As I paused and thought about how absolutely significant that date would be to each of those men, goosebumps rose on my arms and on the back of my neck. In large part, each man had brought about the independence of this country. July fourth was of such import... "On this day, 30 years ago, this nation was born."

As the fiftieth anniversary of the United States' birth dawned, each man awoke, opened his eyes and witnessed the day. Thomas Jefferson passed away first that day, followed by only hours by his former nemesis and later favored correspondent.

I am no great patriot; I see the warts of this country with perhaps more criticism than most. Still, I am moved when I hear stories of human connection and triumph, heroism and courage. Two hundred and thirty two years ago, many stories of bravery and struggle were being written by truly incredible people. It was an exciting time, and I often yearn to go back and witness firsthand how it all came to be.

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

Obligatory health-related content: LIGHT FUSE, GET AWAY! No blowing off any fingers or toes.

Don't be a Darwin Award.

Images by: www.elcivics.com, revorants.blogspot.com, www.pdphoto.org

Hola, Paco. Que tal?

I still remember it like it was yesterday. Junior High. Spanish classroom. Sixth grade. The first time I was exposed to the language of Spanish. Most common conversation with my peers? See the title of this blog. It's amazing how much I've learned since then.

Today marked Day 1 for Training Day for this new nutritionist I'm training (or better known as new "Certified Health Professional"). She would be the 3rd nutritionist-in-training since I started last October. Three trained nutritionists in nine months? Not bad. Especially considering the fact that even I, myself, feel like every day is a learning opportunity at work. Even I, don't know exactly what I'm doing all the time. Best advice anyone has ever given to me? "Never be afraid to ask questions." Never be afraid to be curious. Find out. Throw yourself out there. Learn.

She was surprised how fluently I spoke Spanish as she observed me assess/counsel a Spanish-speaking family earlier. She couldn't believe that I, like her, only took Spanish in high school, only up until my junior year. Truthfully, I've been getting a lot of compliments about how much my Spanish has improved since I started working for WIC. It's flattering, really, especially since I would literally break out into laughter sometimes knowing that what I just said was not the right way to say it. My clients laugh, I just hope it's with me and not at me.

What I'm trying to say is, it helps, a lot. Knowing Spanish? It can really do you wonders. Not only am I able to provide WIC services, but I can also act as a mentor for new employees. I can go home and know that I helped someone, and inspired another. And so, I've become more determined than ever to master the language. Who's with me?!


And so, the adventure begins...


http://www.idiomasperu.com