NCS Provider Champion Spotlight

Provider Champions are crucial to the success of the National Children’s Study. In an effort to continue to engage our Providers and also inform the community of our local Provider involvement,we present to you the Provider Champion Spotlight. Dr. Bouldin, the Hinds County MS Study Location appreciates you!

Shelia Bouldin, MD

Dr. Bouldin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Division, and also serves as the Ob/Gyn Residency Program Director at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Bouldin is also a member of the Hinds County Study Location Community Advisory Board. We interviewed Dr. Bouldin to get to know her better and this is what we discovered:

What is your patient care philosophy?

My philosophy on patient care is to listen to all of my patients while treating everyone with compassion and respect.

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

I was inspired to become involved with the National Children's Study when I realized the potential impact it could have on the overall health and quality of life of future generations. Having grown up in Mississippi and practicing medicine in Mississippi I have seen first-hand countless lives affected by preventable illnesses. I am very hopeful that the NCS can be instrumental in improving health related outcomes across 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?

Obesity is one of the biggest problems facing children across our state and the nation. We see obesity-related morbidity starting at very young ages.

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

My patients will benefit from participating or being a part of this landmark study by knowing that they could have a tremendous impact on the lives of so many people. They can become champions for better health and a better quality of life.

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

Five years from now not only will the National Children's Study be a common household name, every citizen will be volunteering to participate. Five years from now we will probably have a better understanding or information on environmental factors that impact our children's lives.

Fit Pregnancy During Summer Months

We're back for our 2nd installment of our ever so popular Fit Pregnancy Corner Series! This time, since summer is officially almost here and we all know that a Mississippi summer is like none other, we want to focus on a health pregnancy during the summer months.

So we present to you- by our very own Fitness Expert & Community Outreach Coordinator, Zonzie McLaurin, "Fit Pregnancy During Summer Months!"

CONGRATULATIONS – what exciting news that you are pregnant! Being pregnant is such a wonderful time of celebration and planning – but being pregnant in the summer warrants some additional precautions and safety measures. A summer pregnancy is by no means the reason to miss out on your favorite outdoor activities, but it is important to take some extra steps to protect yourself and your baby, as well as staying fit! Follow these fit and safety tips to help you survive the summer months:

Healthy Summer Foods

A wonderful aspect of summer is all the yummy foods we can choose from. Remember, as a mom-to-be, you need to choose your foods wisely. Limit the seafood (stay away from large, predatory fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, etc.), and watch the processed foods. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and good dairy products. Also, don’t forget to eat healthy snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels up.

Traveling

Summer brings all those fun trips that we’ve been looking forward to all winter long. If you are flying, it is important for you to fly when it’s safest and most comfortable (weeks 14-28). For roads trips, try not to spend more than six hours in the car, and take breaks to stretch, walk and go to the restroom. Also, don’t forget to pack some healthy snacks and plenty of water.

Summer Exercises

Yes, I know it’s hot but it is so important to stay healthy and fit while you are pregnant. Some very good and safe exercises for you to do in the summer are walking, swimming/water aerobics, and yoga. Take those early morning walks when it’s cool and when you have a lot more energy. Swimming or doing water aerobics allows you to feel weightless - and the water keeps you cooled off. Enjoying some practical yoga exercises can be fun and relaxing. There are a lot of videos that you can choose from - where you don’t have to get out and drive to a class. Remember to watch your heart rate when doing any exercise.

Regulate your Temperature & Staying Hydrated

I can’t express how important it is to regulate your temperature and stay hydrated. If your core temperature gets too hot it can cause some serious issues, so don’t get as hot as you normally would. Also, being pregnant requires that you keep extra fluids in your body for you and your baby. Drink lots of water, but don’t over-do-it, because too much water can be as much of a problem as too little.

Dressing for Pregnancy

Just because you are pregnant, doesn’t mean you don’t have to be Fashionably Fabulous. Remember to wear loose, light colored, natural fabrics. Cotton and linen are good choices (they allow for quick evaporation of moisture and your skin can breathe), and the lither the color, the better – it will help reflect the sun’s rays. Also, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes - try to avoid wearing high heels.

Rest & Relaxation

Now that you are pregnant, it more important than ever to get plenty of rest and relaxation. This time in your life is special, so you need to avoid and switch from the stresses of everyday life – it’s so important for your health and your baby’s wellbeing. Get plenty of sleep (take naps during the day and get to bed early at night) and to do things that are relaxing to you. Treat yourself to a massage, it can help reduce stress and help with those aches and pains you may be experiencing.

Zonzie McLaurin, MPH, BHSA, CSCS

Community Outreach Coordinator

Disclaimer:

Before you start any exercise routine, please consult your health care provider. He/she will make sure it is safe for you to start or continue a routine or program.  Also make sure you notify your physician if you experience any type of injury, vaginal bleeding or leaking, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, muscle weakness and regular contractions during exercise or at any time.

May is High Blood Pressure Education Month

Did you know....

(Source: http://www.cdc.gov/features/highbloodpressure)

• Women are about as likely as men to develop high blood pressure during their lifetimes. However, for people younger than 45 years, the condition affects more men than women. For people aged 65 years and older, it affects more women than men.
• About 28% of American adults aged 18 years or older have prehypertension.
• In the United States, high blood pressure is more common among blacks than whites. About 44% of black women have high blood pressure.

Here are the ABC's to prevent cardiovascular disease and contribute to your overall health:

(Source: http://www.cdc.gov/features/highbloodpressure)

• Appropriate Aspirin therapy
  • Ask your doctor if taking aspirin is right for you.
• Blood pressure control
  • Keeping your blood pressure under control reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke. More than half of the world's stroke deaths are caused by elevated blood pressure levels. 
• Cholesterol management
  • Get your cholesterol checked regularly and manage it with diet and physical activity or with medication, if needed.
• Smoking cessation
  • Get help at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a healthy diet that's low in sodium.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Prevent or control diabetes.
• Limit your alcohol intake (fewer than two drinks per day for men, or one drink per day for women).

BE HEART SMART AND PROTECT YOUR HEART!