Halifax Regional Health System | Life & Health | Summer 2014 - page 7

MOMS-TO-BE
are faced
with many decisions, and it’s
never too early to start thinking
about how you’re going to feed
your baby. Whether you’ve made
up your mind to breastfeed or
you’re still trying to decide, it’s
important to know the facts.
Senecca Kirkhart, CPNP, an
international board-certified
lactation consultant (IBCLC), pro-
vides breastfeeding support and
education for families in addition
to caring for her pediatric patients.
“Research shows that choosing
to breastfeed is the best option
for both mother and baby, so
it’s important for moms to have
the support, encouragement
and knowledge to experience all
the benefits of breastfeeding,”
strong,” says HRDC Dental Di-
rector Bridget Brown, DDS.
“We are excited to have parents
and children attend this event
together, and we have some hands-
on activities to help demonstrate
the importance of good brushing
and the effect of sugar on children’s
teeth. When parents and children
develop good communication about
dental care, the desired outcome of
a clean mouth is easily attained.”
During the program, Dr. Brown
will address several issues, including:
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when children should have their
first dental visit
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ways to prevent early childhood
cavities
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when to expect changes from
primary to permanent teeth
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proper brushing and flossing
techniques
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thumb sucking
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dental sealants.
While parents hear from
Dr. Brown, children participate in
drawing and coloring activities fea-
turing brushing, flossing and dental
care, and they will have a chance to
become familiar with the clinic.
A U G U S T 2 1
Great
Beginnings:
HealthyMom,
Healthy Baby
Thursday,
August 21
6 p.m.
Leggett
Auditorium
Halifax Regional
Hospital
As part of World
Breastfeeding
Week, certified
pediatric nurse
practitioner
Senecca Kirkhart
will present. To register for this
event, call
434-517-8891
or visit us
online at
.
Senecca Kirkhart,
CPNP, IBCLC
Great Beginnings:
Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby
Kirkhart says. “Many reasons moth-
ers choose not to breastfeed are based
on myths and misconceptions. I would
urge any mom-to-be to do research
before their baby arrives and have a
breastfeeding support system in place.”
Kirkhart’s presentation will touch
on several topics, including:
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myths and realities of breastfeeding
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benefits of breastfeeding for mom
and baby
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building a support system for
those first weeks at home.
the worry of looking for a restroom
everywhere they go.
Could it be IBS?
IBS is a common disorder that af-
fects your large intestine (colon). The
signs and symptoms of IBS can vary
widely from person to person and of-
ten resemble those of other diseases.
Among the most common are:
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abdominal pain or cramping
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a bloated feeling
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gas
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diarrhea or constipation—
sometimes even alternating bouts of
constipation and diarrhea
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mucus in the stool.
For most people, IBS is a chronic
condition, although there will likely
be times when the signs and symp-
toms are worse and times when
they improve or even disappear
I’ve ‘Gut’ a Bad Feeling!
Thursday, September 18
6 p.m.
Leggett Auditorium
Halifax Regional Hospital
Bakul Patel, MD, of Southern Gastroenterology Associates,
specializes in treating IBS and will discuss the signs, symp-
toms and treatment of IBS.
Trust your gut, and make your reservation for this event by
calling
434-517-8891
or visiting
.
completely. Despite these uncom-
fortable signs and symptoms, IBS
doesn’t cause permanent damage to
the colon.
Source:
Bakul Patel, MD
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