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3 Reasons Dieting With Your Sweetheart Pays

By
Megan Whitworth
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It’s been well-proven that “social dieting” makes weight loss more fun and successful — especially with programs that include elements like the spirit competition, teamwork, encouragement and, of course, gentle peer pressure (you don’t want to mess things up for your other half, after all). Such programs, like the cash-and-camaraderie-fueled challenges that couples can partake in with HealthyWage, are not only a powerful and effective weight loss method, but also an exciting means to bring a couple closer together…and even subsidize their date night outings with monetary rewards realized for pound shedding success.

Below, HealthyWage offers three reasons why it’s a sweet idea to “diet-for-dollars” with your loved one:

1. Teamwork makes weight loss more fun, accountable and successful

Some financially incentivized diet contests leverage the power of “social norms feedback” and other key behavioral economics principles, being strategically designed to help couples and other team-based participants stay engaged in the positive new behaviors. In addition to making a couple’s weight loss effort more successful, it also makes it a lot more fun as they work together toward a common goal! In fact, not only can losing weight with a loved one in a competition format make weight-loss easier, but also more likely since there is more accountability — one has a direct stake in the other’s success. The result is an elevated incidence of support and positive peer pressure. And, the desire to win both money and bragging rights adds to the exhilaration and motivation in a contest where cash prizes are at stake.

A Brown University study supports this paradigm, having concluded that social networks and teamwork play a significant role in enhancing weight loss outcomes in weight loss interventions. The study found that team-based weight loss competitions significantly influenced each other’s weight loss, further substantiating the connection between social networks and health behaviors — particularly related to diet and exercise. Published in the journal, Obesity, lead study author Tricia Leahey remarked, “In our study, weight loss clearly clustered within teams, which suggests that teammates influenced each other, perhaps by providing accountability, setting expectations of weight loss, and providing encouragement and support.”

Couples working together in a weight-loss gamification scenario can proffer many benefits. This includes each participant’s individual health, of course, but also the well-being of relationship at large, as emotional bonds like respect, admiration, pride, appreciation, etc. are made stronger through the process.


2. The money motivation model can sweeten the deal for both parties

Leading academics have repeatedly found that money enhances weight loss success, making dieters significantly more likely to lose weight. You’d think health and vanity alone would be strong enough motivators for weight loss, but financial incentives provide additional benefits that are critical to success. And in a couple situation, those financial winnings can ultimately benefit both participants. Cash-based challenges are powerful tools that help couples not only commit to a specific starting point (eliminating pre-diet procrastination), but also avoid quitting before goals have been accomplished.

In fact, one related Mayo Clinic study on “Individual-Versus Group-Based Financial Incentives for Weight Loss” found that “financial incentives can improve results, and improve compliance and adherence.” Another widely cited study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (“JAMA”) found those who have a financial incentive to lose weight were almost five times more likely to reach their target than dieters with no money at stake. In this study, it was further established that the “double-incentivization model” is highly effective. Like, you are more likely to succeed if both of these dynamics are at play: you stand to lose something if you fail and you stand to win something significant if you succeed.

3. Studies show weight gain — and loss — is contagious

In a Harvard study, as published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that social networks play a significant role in the incidence of obesity, including both its proliferation and its remediation. In other words, people with obese partners, other family members and such are more likely to be obese themselves. The researchers concluded that social networks are closely tied to obesity, and examined the reasons why social networks affect people’s weight, including the fact that people “are influenced by the evident appearance and behaviors of those around them” and because “social contacts might change a person’s tolerance for being obese or might influence his or her adoption of specific behaviors.” The researchers also found that “weight-loss interventions that provide peer support — that is, that modify the person’s social network — are more successful than those that do not. People are connected, and so their health is connected.”

Ultimately, couples working together in a weight-loss gamification scenario can proffer many benefits. This includes each participant’s individual health, of course, but also the well-being of relationship at large, as emotional bonds like respect, admiration, pride, appreciation, etc. are made stronger through the process. Making hard work into a game tends to make participants more engaged and successful and programs like HealthyWage, which follow academic and industry research on gamification, provide users with an thrilling challenges that remove pre-diet procrastination and helps prevent co-dieters from giving up.

About HealthyWage™
Industry-leading health and wellness, HealthyWage, provides cash incentives, social and expert-based support, tools and resources, and goal-setting and tracking technologies to address our nation’s obesity epidemic and improve America’s collective health. HealthyWage is at the forefront of the weight wagering movement, having formally created competitive, cash-fueled programs for more than 90 Fortune 500 and other companies, hospitals, health systems, insurers, school systems, municipal governments and other organizations throughout the U.S., and their program has been more informally run at more than 3,000 companies and organizations. The company was founded in response to academic research that proves even small cash rewards triple the effectiveness of weight-loss programs; that people are more effective at losing weight when their own money is at risk; and that social networks play a large role in the spread of obesity, and will likely play a large role in reversing obesity. Learn more online at HealthyWage.com.

Junior Achievement Calls for Sponsors for Bowl-A-Thon Fundraiser

By
Grace Baldwin
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Do you like to bowl?

If you do, consider gathering a group of friends, family, or colleagues to support your local Junior Achievement chapter.

“Simply put, Junior Achievement is a wonderful youth development organization whose focus is to help students understand personal finance, to help them see how vital entrepreneurship is to our economy, and to help them understand what skills employers are seeking in the workplace,” said Michelle Green, executive director of the JA Angelina County chapter.

During 2014-2015, JA impacted more than 4.6 million U.S. students in more than 201,000 classrooms, according to their website. The group works with students grades K-12 on a volunteer-basis by offering programs that foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills.

“For Angelina County, it’s an exciting three nights of fun and camaraderie,” Green said. “This year we will have three separate nightly themes including JA Super Hero on Monday night, S’mores & Strikes Bowling under the Stars with Woodland Heights on Tuesday night, and the Totally Awesome 80s Party with Lufkin ER on Thursday night. No matter which night you choose, you are supporting Junior Achievement and helping us teach vital skills to Angelina County students.”

The proceeds from Bowl-A-Thon go directly to the Angelina County JA chapter, and teams of five can attend the three themed nights at 6 p.m. Superhero Night is on Monday, Feb. 6, Bowling Under the Stars Night is on Tuesday, Feb. 7, and Totally 80’s Night is on Thursday, Feb. 9. Teams can be sponsored with either a Gold Sponsor or a Team Sponsor.

The Gold Sponsor is $750 per team and provides program kits for seven classrooms or 175 students. It also provides opportunities for the sponsor to have a presence in classrooms, recognition before, during, and after the event, and recognition on the JA Angelina County Website, Facebook, and event signage.

The Team Sponsor is $325 per team and allows sponsors to put together their own company or personal team or sponsor a team of Angelina County educators.

“Not only is the bowl-a-thon a fun night, it’s also our largest fundraiser,” Green said. “We greatly depend on the success of this fundraiser to allow us to continue to implement our programs in Angelina County classrooms.”

To find more information and/or sign up, visit www.JuniorAchievementAngelinaCounty.org.

Cement Treatment Scheduled for Nacogdoches Loop

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Motorists will experience delays beginning today through most of the week on US 59 South at SL 224 in Nacogdoches as work is planned to cement treat the soil for the future right turn lane for eastbound traffic on SL 224.

Webber, contractor for the $14 million construction project, will begin the treatment today through Tuesday. Traffic will be confined to one northbound lane during work hours near the intersection.

On Thursday, work is scheduled to move traffic in a final configuration, except for the right turn lane exiting onto SL 224 East. The intersection at Spradley Street is also scheduled to open. As striping is applied, traffic will be slowed through the area.

Motorists are urged to be alert to work through the project area this week as work begins to complete in some areas. Obey all traffic control devices and watch for workers near the lanes of traffic. Remember, traffic fines double when workers are present.

All work schedules are subject to change in inclement weather. For daily closures and updates, visit drivertexas.org and follow TxDOTLufkin at Twitter for updates or alerts.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or 936-633-4395.

Great Tips to Get in Shape in 2017

By
Megan Whitworth
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Every year, losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle top millions of people’s New Year’s resolutions lists. Unfortunately, it’s a lot easier to set a goal than it is to actually achieve it, so it’s important to have a game plan if you want to see results. Here are some sustainable tips to help you lose weight and feel great in 2017!

Set Goals Mindfully

Setting a goal to “lose weight” sounds great, but it is pretty vague. It’s hard to achieve a goal without a specific plan or focus. Remember to think about your health beyond just the number on the scale. Whether it’s deciding to train for a 5k race or choosing to reduce your sugar intake by half, getting specific and setting realistic goals helps you get a clear sense as to whether you were successful.

Get Hydrated

One simple way to cut back calories and sugar is to make water your drink of choice. Eliminate high-calorie beverages like juice and soda from your diet. Start the New Year off by setting a simple goal of drinking at least five 12-ounce glasses of water a day.

Sustainable Meal Planning

A sustainable diet is not about deprivation, it’s about eating nutritious, enjoyable meals. For example, a Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats like olive oil; often offers better nutrition, better flavors and better results than a fad diet.

In fact, people who followed a Mediterranean diet lost 52 percent more weight than those with a standard low-fat diet said a study published in a peer reviewed journal. Over a period of two years, the Mediterranean diet group lost 9.7 pounds while the low fat diet group only lost 6.3 pounds.

Make Exercise Fun

Exercise is critical for a healthy body and mind. Whether it’s taking the dog out for a daily walk, signing up for a dance class or committing to hitting the gym three to four times a week, find a workout routine you love and can commit to so you don’t think of movement and exercise as a chore.

Seek Support

Even a well-balanced diet combined with exercise can use extra support. One great program that works in conjunction with a Mediterranean diet is the M3 system by Modere, an innovative weight management system combining credible products with real food and flexible lifestyle behaviors to help users detox.

The plan includes a thermogenic fat-burning supplement taken in the morning, a protein-rich shake for lunch, and an evening fiber drink to help control dinner portions. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. According to Modere, this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

“The lifestyle-based approach to dieting can mean better and more sustainable results than fads that require you to eat only from limited list of foods,” said Greg Horn, formulator of Modere M3.

The plan also requires you to make key changes that support health and weight management by letting you pick three of the five healthy lifestyle behavior options such as committing to walking 7,500 steps a day, cutting out fried foods and sugary drinks, or avoiding refined flour and white rice. To learn more about how M3 can help you this year, visit www.TakeM3.com.

Make 2017 the year you stick to your resolution!

(StatePoint)

Game Day Fun: Football Party Tips

By
Megan Whitworth
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This football season, bring family and friends together for a day of festivities.

Score a touchdown at the next game day gathering with simple and affordable party-planning ideas from the discount experts at Dollar General.

Show Team Spirit

Encourage game day spirit with your favorite team’s colors and football-inspired tablecloths, disposable paper products and posters. Get the kids involved by crafting foam fingers, or create garlands to hang around the rooms by cutting footballs out of construction paper and stringing them to green yarn.

This football season, bring family and friends together for a day of festivities.

Game Day Buffet

Make things easy for you and the guests by creating a buffet with iconic game day finger foods like wings, dips and sandwiches. Additional easy and affordable recipes, including tasty appetizers and desserts, are available online at Dollar General Easy Meals at dollargeneral.com/easymeals.

Keep food and drinks near the viewing area so guests don’t need to miss a moment of the game to refill their cups or plates.

Save Big on Game Day

Keep football fans happy by planning ahead. Stock up on favorite game day food at a discount retailer like Dollar General and save on items including drinks, chips and snacks. For additional savings, create a DG Digital Coupon account at dollargeneral.com/coupons, through the DG mobile app for Android and iPhone, or by texting “JOIN” to 34898. (Standard texting rates may apply.)

Make Clean-Up a Snap

Don’t fumble during the fourth quarter. Use disposable items to make cleaning up a breeze. The added bonus is that items like paper plates and plastic cutlery are affordable and easily found in your team’s colors.

With a few easy preparations, you can be a star player at the next game day party.

(StatePoint)

Space Buns and Why They are so Cool

By
Maddie Adams
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Space buns are so fun. I love them. They are super in-style right now and are the perfect addition to your outfit for a party, a concert, or just a fun night out with the girls.

Always leave out baby hairs or wispies from the space buns; you can curl or straighten them. Space buns are typically toward the top of your head but can be done towards the bottom.

Space buns are typically toward the top of your head but can be done towards the bottom.

To style space buns, split your hair down the middle and do two fun messy buns. You can do braided buns if your hair has trouble staying in buns.

To add something a little extra, put hair glitter in your part between the two buns. You can buy hair glitter in a pack with glue that comes with it that is safe for your hair. If it doesn’t come with a brush, to apply the glitter you can use a simple paint brush.

Or you can do a fun zig zag part. You can get a part by drawing a zig zag with a comb and separating it slowly. Plus, you can also add a bow that matches your outfit to each bun.

French braids are great to go from the back, front, or both into the bun.

My favorite is half up, half down with you hair curled on the bottom and then the two buns at the top. Just a note: If you curl your hair, curl your baby hairs, too. If you straighten your hair, straighten your baby hairs, too.

To style space buns, split your hair down the middle and do two fun messy buns. You can do braided buns if your hair has trouble staying in buns.

For a more casual look, you can wear a visor and then the space buns in between it.

For a fun concert look, buy some temporary colored hairspray or hair chalk and put in your hair before you do the buns.

Have fun ruling the galaxy, and happy #FashionFriday!

Update from Rep. Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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As January comes to a close, I’d like to point out that this past month was School Board Recognition Month. As a former school board member, I have a deep appreciation for the critical role our school boards play in shaping our state’s future by providing direction and leadership for our state’s 1,000 plus school districts. I hope you’ll take time to thank your local school board trustees for their dedicated service. With that said, here’s an update on what’s happening in Austin . . .

Meetings and Engagements

The Texas Association of Counties recently had their annual legislative day at the Capitol, and I had the pleasure of meeting with various county commissioners and judges from across our legislative district to discuss their priorities for this session. Locally elected county officials play such an instrumental role in the communities they serve, and having the opportunity to hear directly from them, is both extremely informative and helpful. I want to thank all of our local elected officials, as well as the many constituents who made it down to Austin, for participating in such an important event.

This past week I served as a panelist at The Conservative Roundtable of Texas Policy Summit to discuss health and education in our state. The discussion that took place was very productive and I was grateful for the opportunity to engage with a number of my colleagues, as well as attendees, about the importance of prioritizing education and healthcare reforms this session.

I also met with Dr. Bryan Shaw, Chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and representatives from the Texas Forestry Association, to talk about an issue of critical importance to East Texas and the entire state – prescribed burning. This group will be working closely with TCEQ to improve the agency’s proposed rules on this topic before they are finalized in a few weeks. While we hope a legislative remedy is not needed, I have a bill drafted and ready to go should the final rules not reflect what I believe are reasonable and common sense requested changes.

Reminders

The mobile office is back on the road in February and looks forward to seeing you around the district! Here’s this month’s schedule: February 1st from 9am – 11am at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville or from 1:30pm – 3:30pm at the Madison County Courthouse Annex in Madisonville. You can also visit us on February 15th from 9am – 11am at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett or from 1:30pm – 3:30pm at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton. Finally, you can come see us on February 22nd from 9am – 11am at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.

A Journey to Bolivia: Catching up with Chris & Miranda Rudd

By
Megan Whitworth
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In November 2016, I met married duo Chris and Miranda Rudd, who were getting ready to move to Bolivia to work with the international organization Word Made Flesh Bolivia. At that time, the couple was working on earning money for their move, but things have changed since then. Chris and Miranda are leaving today for their new home. We are excited and look forward to hear more from Chris and Miranda as they answer their call from God to serve the people in Bolivia. A couple of weeks before they left, I chatted with Chris about their upcoming move and changes that happened since we last talk.

Keep reading to catch up with the Rudds!

Chris Rudd, left, and Miranda Rudd at the Capital Building in La Paz, Bolivia.

M: I heard you bought your plane tickets for Bolivia, when do you guys leave?
C: We fly out of Dallas on January 26th! The date is coming up quickly and we are trying our best to rush through our to-do list before the big day gets here.

M: So what has happened in the last couple of months since we’ve talked last?
C: Since our last meeting, we enjoyed a full winter holiday season. We got to have Thanksgiving and Christmas one last time and made an effort to make the full rounds this year. I think we had five different meals on both Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Surprisingly, and it can be attributed to nothing other than God, the process of driving all over town and hitting all the gatherings at the right time was pretty smooth.

I officially ended my time with the praise team at our church. With our departure coming so quickly, I really wouldn’t be able to dedicate the time that helping lead praise deserves. Making that official is easily one of the most difficult parts of this process.

We completed the visa process and it appears the process of getting our pet to be able to travel with us is going to be far easier than we first thought. God has placed his hand in all of these situations and smoothed the road for us so far, something we are tremendously grateful for.

We’ve made more progress with our fundraising as well! We are almost completely done (98 percent) raising our startup costs and we’ve raised 76 percent of our monthly support. Although we still need $920 in monthly support, we are faithful that God will provide everything we need to be successful in Bolivia.

Last week, our missions pastor and his wife hosted an evening of worship and prayer for us in their home. We talked in detail about six or seven major pillars (our marriage, fundraising, spiritual and physical health, families, etc.) in our life that we wanted to pray over. It was moving to experience our friends come together with the sole focus of praying for us. Our Harmony Hill family has been such a blessing in our lives.

Local apartment buildings in Bolivia. Painted by National Artist Mamani Mamani.

M: What have you guys learned during this time?
C: One of the biggest things that comes to mind is that God’s timing is indeed perfect. We wanted to be back in Bolivia by early December but with that date being pushed back to January, we were able to enjoy another holiday season with all of our families.

A new friend of ours, a missionary who has served in Africa and is awaiting his and his new wife’s return to the field, helped to clarify why it is that we don’t quite feel at home here in Texas. He pointed out that nowhere will feel like home – not Bolivia, not Texas – because our home is not on this world but is in God’s kingdom. That’s something that I’ve always known but it’s never felt more true and could not have been worded better. It makes me more comfortable and willing to accept this feeling of not being settled.

M: What are you looking forward to most?
C: We are looking forward to getting back to the friendships we started in Bolivia and growing those relationships. Our missions pastor told us back in September of 2015 that friendships grow quickly and strongly when you’re in the mission field. This has definitely proven true for us.

We are also looking forward to having a home to call our own. We have been in “transition” since September of 2015 and have been living in someone else’s home since February 2016. While we are grateful to everyone who has opened their homes to us during this time, having lived on our own since we were married in 2006, this change has been one of the most difficult for us. It’s hard going from having a full home to yourself to being in a situation where if you want any privacy, you’re confined to a bedroom.

A photo of Miranda Rudd, left, and Chris Rudd starting a three day hike of the Takesi Trail (Inca trail) in Bolivia.

M: What do you want others to know?
C: I would want people to know that if they’ve had a feeling they may be interested in mission work, to pursue it. That call comes from somewhere. Test the waters. Start small. Start local. Maybe explore a short term trip. If you feel you aren’t equipped, it’s just fear. God will not call us somewhere to abandon us or leave us lacking the tools we need to be successful. My first trip involved me leading a group of ninth and 10th grade boys in four days of discussion. At that point, I had never even helped with a Sunday school class or a vacation bible school class. God was faithful, as he always is, and provided me with the information needed to fill four days of discussion and the courage to stand confidently in front of those kids to lead them through the content. God will always give you the tools you need to be successful in what he calls you to do.

To learn more about the Rudds or to partner with them as they serve in Bolivia, visit discoveringpurpose.net or on their Facebook page “Discovering Purpose.”

Join CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial in the Fight Against Heart Disease

By
Megan Whitworth
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Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in American men and women. This terrifying reality takes center stage during the month of February as the American Heart Association and health organizations across the country recognize National Heart Month. CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin, an accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) with Resuscitation, wants all of East Texans to pay special attention to their hearts this month and all year around by arming themselves with education and awareness.

Heart disease includes numerous problems, many of which are related to the buildup of plaque in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms, it can stop the blood flow causing a heart attack or a stroke.

So what causes the plaque to build up?

Cardiologists say it’s a complex process that starts when the inner lining of the artery is damaged. Three possible causes of damage are elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, high blood pressure and cigarette smoking.

While family history dictates what diseases a person is predisposed to there are simple precautions that can be taken to reduce risk factors for heart disease.

“When it comes to preventing heart disease, don’t smoke, exercise regularly, manage stress appropriately, and eat a balanced low cholesterol diet,” said Kevin Hudson, F.A.C.C., interventional cardiologist with The Heart Institute of East Texas. “Diabetics and patients with high blood pressure need to adhere to the prescribed medical regimen of their primary care physician. Preventive measures include regular follow-ups with their primary care physician to monitor for any problems or changes that could require further testing for heart disease.”

Women are at a particularly high risk for this devastating disease. Each year, cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of nearly half a million women almost one per minute In fact, more than eight million women are currently living with heart disease, and last year alone, 267,000 women died from heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of cardiac distress present themselves in women much differently than men, who often experience what’s normally portrayed on television and in the movies.

“Although men and women can experience pain as pressure that feels like an elephant sitting on their chest, women can experience a heart attack without chest pain,” said Ravinder Bachireddy, F.A.C.C., interventional cardiologist and President of the Heart Institute of East Texas. “Women may experience shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness and fainting, upper back pressure, extreme fatigue, or profuse sweating. Even when symptoms are subtle, the consequences can be deadly, especially if women experiencing these symptoms do not get help right away.”

If these signs are present, call 911 immediately.

CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial will join the nation in the fight against heart disease in women on February 3 by going red. The annual Go Red for Women Day raises awareness about heart disease being the No. 1 killer of women each year. Employees are all encouraged to wear red on this day and hope the rest of Lufkin will join them. CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial is part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national nonprofit health system based in Englewood, Colorado.

For more information about heart disease, visit CHIStLukesHealthMemorial.org/services/cardiovascular.

10 Things Everyone Should Do after Having a Newborn

By
Chasity Boatman
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Editor’s Note: We are proud to announce that Chasity Boatman has joined Texas Forest County Living as a contributing writer. She is a co-owner of Marco’s Pizza in Lufkin, the creator of the blog “Every Child is a Blessing,” the Postpartum Progress Ambassador, and she has spoken at many motherhood conventions across Texas. Her blog has been featured on ABC News, Yahoo News, and USA Today. Here is her first story for us about 10 things a new mother should do for herself, her family, and her baby after the birth of a newborn. Enjoy!

Congratulations on the birth of your newborn! Whether you delivered at a hospital or at home, had a C-section or a natural birth, the week after your birth can be a whirlwind. Below are 10 things I think that everyone should do after having a newborn. Tip: Since you will have a lot going on, you may want to print this out and post it on your refrigerator so you do not forget about it!

1. Spend time in bed

This may seem simple, but it is necessary. Your body needs to heal after birth, and you need to let it. Skin to skin contact has benefits for both mother and child. Stay in bed, snuggle with your baby, sleep when they sleep, breastfeed, and relax. Hopefully you have family and/or friends who will offer to bring you food and clean your house. If not, do not worry about it. Your house can wait.

2. Write down any questions

Keep a notepad and pen next to your bed or use your notepad app on your phone. This way you can write down any questions you may have for your first doctor’s appointment. It could be about your child’s poop, temperature, behavior, or something else entirely. No question is a dumb question. Keeping a list will help you stay organized and give you piece of mind.

3. Be kind to yourself

The first time you see your body in the shower after birth it is going to look different. You will have extra weight, skin, and you may have stretch marks. You may be sore. You may feel unattractive. Do not look at your new body in disgust. Remind yourself that you did a beautiful thing. You nurtured a human being with your body and birthed them. The way your body looks is normal and beautiful. You are gorgeous. No one expects you to look like a model after birth.

4. Write down your birth story

I wrote down Benjamin’s birth story while he napped. It took me a while to write because it was traumatic, but I am so glad that I did. It allowed me to heal from my birth, remember my experience, and share my experience with others.

Chasity’s son, Ben, when he was 4 months old in 2013. He is now 4 years old.

5. Find a place for birth items

You will receive several items from the hospital including diapers, wipes, a comb, infant hat, infant blankets, infant clothes, and the medical bracelets you both wore. You can place these items in a box, display them on a shelf in your nursery, or put the items in a shadowbox. I put Benjamin’s items in a shadowbox to display in his nursery.

6. Spend time on yourself

You cannot pour from an empty cup. While you’re taking care of your family, you need to remember to take care of yourself as well. Put on a face mask, take a long shower, paint your nails, or read a book.

7. Send out birth announcements

You can put those newborn pictures to good use by putting them on a birth announcement! Birth announcements are a wonderful way to share what your baby looks like, offer a keepsake to family and friends, and showcase your little one’s birth information. You can print off a birth announcement to send in the mail, or post one online.

8. Fill out your baby book

A baby book is the opportunity to fill out all of the details that you will probably forget down the line. Your baby’s birth length, weight, and time of birth is something you will always remember, but you’ll be surprised at how much slips your mind like their favorite food or the first time they stood up. I had strangers ask me all the time when Benjamin started running, babbling, and his first foods. To be honest, I had to look at Benjamin’s baby book a few times. There are a lot of firsts to remember!

Chasity and Ben when he was around 4 months old.

9. Prepare for monthly pictures

I love doing monthly pictures with Benjamin! It is a great way to look at how much he has changed each month. Whenever a holiday passes, pick up a couple of discounted props. I have used Christmas ornaments, Easter eggs, fall leaves and pine

cones, and other items I have found in the Target clearance aisle. You will definitely want these pictures for the future!

10. Schedule doctor’s appointments

You will need you schedule your baby’s first appointment with the doctor and a checkup appointment with your OBGYN. Make sure to bring extra baby clothes and diapers to the first doctor’s appointment. They will want your baby naked to weigh and examine them. When you go to your OBGYN appointment, make sure that you tell them if you are feeling any signs of depression, anxiety, or OCD. Postpartum mental illnesses affect 10-15% of mothers. It’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of. You can receive help from your OBGYN.

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