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HEALTHY DIRECTIONS

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Welcome to CentraState Healthcare System’s blog, your trusted resource for wellness tips, health trends, medical insights, and more.

Browse through our vast collection of articles, backed by our expert team of healthcare professionals and doctors. From essential preventive care strategies to cutting-edge medical innovations and uplifting patient stories that embody resilience and hope, our blog will help you stay informed and inspired on your journey to optimal health.

Gestational Diabetes: Dispelling the Myths

By |2025-01-29T11:40:02-05:00December 30th, 2024|Categories: Maternity, Pregnancy and Parenting|Tags: , , |

Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy – and sometimes, those changes can impact your blood sugar levels.  According to the American Diabetes Association, up to 9 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. are affected by gestational diabetes, which is high blood sugar that only occurs during [...]

15 Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby

By |2024-11-20T15:38:54-05:00August 4th, 2024|Categories: Maternity, Pregnancy and Parenting|Tags: , , |

You’ve probably heard that “breast is best.” In addition to being a catchy phrase, it’s true: there are a number of benefits for both mother and baby for those who choose to breastfeed. Lysanne Loucel, IBCLC, a board-certified lactation consultant at CentraState, breaks down these benefits, along with the [...]

Dos & Don’ts for A Healthy Pregnancy

By |2024-11-20T15:39:36-05:00August 2nd, 2024|Categories: Maternity, Pregnancy and Parenting, Women’s Health|Tags: , , |

The pregnancy journey comes with lots of questions, especially when you’re having your first baby. In the age of information overload, your OB/GYN team can serve as a trusted resource on what’s healthy for you and your baby – as well as what lifestyle adjustments should be made. CentraState [...]

Prenatal Vitamins Essentials for Before and During Pregnancy

By |2024-11-20T15:51:54-05:00October 31st, 2023|Categories: Pregnancy and Parenting, Women’s Health|Tags: , , |

For most people, a healthy diet is a great way to get the vitamins and minerals you need. But if you’re planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, your body needs extra nutrients beyond the healthy foods you eat – and those can be provided in a prenatal vitamin. “Pregnancy [...]

Counting Kicks: Fetal Movements Are a Good Sign

By |2024-11-20T16:11:36-05:00May 1st, 2023|Categories: Maternity, Pregnancy and Parenting|Tags: , |

One of pregnancy’s joyous milestones is feeling your baby move for the first time. These movements – called fetal movements – can help determine if your baby is developing appropriately. CentraState OB-GYN Benoit Mapa, DO, explains fetal movements and what you should watch for. Q: When do women typically [...]

Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: What You Need to Know

By |2024-11-20T16:18:32-05:00January 6th, 2023|Categories: Maternity, Pregnancy and Parenting, Women’s Health|Tags: , , |

Pregnancy is an amazing journey. But sometimes unexpected health issues can throw you off course. Preeclampsia—high blood pressure during the later stages of pregnancy—is one of them. "Many preeclampsia symptoms—headaches, nausea, shortness of breath—are also common pregnancy complaints, so it can be hard to recognize those signs as a [...]

Third Birth: First-Rate Experience

By |2022-04-05T11:14:10-04:00January 20th, 2022|Categories: Pregnancy and Parenting|Tags: , , |

When Gillian Davis, 39, learned she was expecting another child, she knew what she wanted—and didn’t want—for her third baby’s birth. Gillian had gained over 100 pounds with her last pregnancy and had developed polyhydramnios, a condition in which there is too much amniotic fluid around the baby during [...]

ER Nurse Welcomes Healthy Twins During COVID-19

By |2021-06-15T16:35:36-04:00January 11th, 2021|Categories: Coronavirus, Pregnancy and Parenting|Tags: , , , |

When Kristen Connors McEvoy, RN, learned she was having twins last spring, she kept working as the clinical leader in CentraState’s busy Emergency Department. And then the COVID-19 crisis hit. While all healthcare workers were anxious about the virus, her pregnancy brought another level of concern. With the advice [...]

Healthy Recipes for Expecting and New Moms

By |2018-09-04T08:56:04-04:00April 11th, 2018|Categories: Pregnancy and Parenting|Tags: , , |

Expectant mothers need to be sure they get plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to help ensure they get the nutrients they need for their unborn baby’s development. The following are two recipes that are ideal for prenatal meals. Chicken Ratatouille Served over rice, this delicious dish is loaded with vegetables [...]

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