"A Day in the Life..."

Each and every person or position at the Hinds County MS Study Location is unique. In an effort, to show you what a typical day looks like for everyone, we present to you our "A Day in the Life" series. First up is the NCS Hinds County Outreach Team!

On Saturday, March 24, 2012, the Outreach Team participated in the annual Zippity Do Dah Carnival. The Carnival is held as a fundraising effort to support the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital, one of our local Study partners. In addition, the Carnival, served as a wonderful avenue to help bring the community together by providing tons of fun activities for families and children.

The Outreach Team had a blast- we'll just let the pictures do the talking! Welcome to a day in the life of the Outreach team- ENJOY!

Youth Advisory Board (YAB) members Nate (left) and Ariel (right)

LaShondra (Outreach Specialist-Left) and Zonzie (Community Outreach Coordinator-Right)

LaShondra and Ariel

Zonzie decided to be brave and actually hold a Scorpion! 

Now shes's all smiles!

Zonzie and Ariel pictured with one of the world famous Clydesdales 

YAB members! (Andrea- far left, LaShondra, and Ariel- far right)

LaShondra and Sara (YAB member)

NCS Provider Champion Spotlight

Becky Bates, WHCNP

Becky Bates is currently a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner in the Department of OB/GYN at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Becky holds many certifications, including the National Certification Corporation (NCC) Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, N.A.L.S. Neonatal Advanced Life Support, and S.T.A.B.L.E. (Neonatal continuing education program that focus on the post-resuscitation/pre-transport stabilization care of sick infants). Her professional memberships include the Mississippi Nurses Association, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health. We interviewed Becky to get to know her better and
this is what we discovered:

What is your patient care “philosophy”?

Being healthy is such a blessing one that most of us take for granted, it is my mission to empower all my patients to take responsibility for their own health and ensure that they never take their health or themselves for granted.

What inspires you to be involved with the National Children’s Study?

My two sons, who are my world! I would do anything to ensure their health, happiness and success. I feel this study will help us do just that for future generations.

What are some of the major challenges to children’s health that you feel we are facing here in Hinds County and throughout the nation?

Of course poverty is major obstacle to healthcare access nationwide. Here in Mississippi poor nutrition and obesity are impacting the health of our children at alarming rates.

How do you see the National Children’s Study benefiting your patients?

By identifying health trends and practices over time, the study will help us see what is working and what is not so we can provide more effective programs and delivery of healthcare.

Where do you see the National Children’s Study in 5 years?

I believe the National Children’s Study is going to get lots of attention in the years to come as the data is collected. We are going to realize we have improved health in many ways but have a long way to go. Hopefully this study will give us a map of where to go next.

One Year Ago Today...

One year ago today, Hinds County NCS Staff, University officials, community supporters, and the local media all proudly stood on the front steps of the State Capitol to celebrate the Hinds County Study Center's "Kick Off" Rally! As we look over the past year, and reflect on all of our accomplishments, it's truly hard to believe a whole year as passed us by so quickly. Here are a few highlights from that memorable day:

Kick off Rally Media Coverage 

Hinds County Study Location NCS Staff and Supporters

Dr. Sharon Wyatt, Principal Investigator and Dr. Bev Evans, Professor Department of Pediatrics

Lastly, March 7, 2011 was officially declared "National Children's Study Awareness Day" by former Governor Haley Barbour:

So today we say "HAPPY NATIONAL CHILDREN'S STUDY AWARENESS DAY" to Hinds County, local partnering institutions, hospitals, advisory boards, and the community at large. Working together, we can help improve the health and development of children for generations to come.

Healthy Eating for Two

Being pregnant is an exciting time for mothers-to-be. So much so that some tend to go overboard and leave nutrition by the wayside. By following a few guidelines, a pregnant woman can provide the right nutrients to her developing child and hopefully avoid having health problems during pregnancy and the hard work involved in shedding all that weight after the baby is born.

Weight Gain A Natural Part of Pregnancy

Extra calories are needed in order to help the baby develop within the womb to maintain mom’s health. But how much weight gain is healthy? Normal weight gain during pregnancy ranges from 25-35 pounds. In the first trimester, a weight gain of 1-3 lbs per month is healthy. In the second and third trimester, a weight gain of 2-4 pounds per month is normally healthy. Gaining too much weight and eating foods high in fat, salt and sugar can increase a mother’s risk of developing certain complications during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. According to Marci Robins, MS, a registered dietitian with the WIC program at Wiser Women’s Hospital (UMMC), this can be avoided. Stick to a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy products during pregnancy.“The foundation of a pregnant mother’s diet should include calcium, iron, protein, fiber, folic acid, B Vitamins, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C,” explained Robins. “It is important to only take prenatal vitamins that are prescribed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife. These vitamins along with a balanced diet help to prevent certain birth defects and improve fetal development.”

What to Avoid

Read the product labels. Eating foods containing cornstarch, clay, ice, and baking soda is discouraged. Robins says these foods are thought to reduce the ability of the body to absorb the nutrients needed to aid in
the baby’s development or cause adverse effects. Sorry, but no uncooked sushi. Raw or undercooked
meats, fish, poultry, or eggs and lunch meats should be avoided due to increased risk of food-borne illnesses.“Herbal teas are not considered safe during pregnancy because of unknown safety of the ingredients. Caffeine consumption should be limited during pregnancy because its effects on fetal development need to be studied more before it is suggested as safe,” states Robins. Research has shown that alcohol consumption while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This syndrome results in a combination of abnormalities of the face and impairment both mentally and physically.

Resources for Healthy Eating

Becoming informed is one of the best ways to ensure healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Robins reminds new and expectant mothers to take advantage of healthy food and healthy advice offered through the WIC program and www.MyPyramid.gov where a wealth of information on nutrition can be found. Ultimately, working with your health care provider is the best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Ways to eat a balanced diet and how to make healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise and what to avoid should also be discussed with your provider.

Becky Martin, Hospital Outreach Coordinator