Smiling Babies – The Best Medicine For All Of Us

When it comes to babies, nothing is more painful than to see them hurt. The good news is how much we can do to maximize their chances of living well… and it starts before they’re born.

Good prenatal care increases every baby’s chance to go full term and have a healthy weight at birth. The benefit to Moms is easier pregnancies.

New research shows how good prenatal care can go beyond birth and set the stage for better health as future adults. While not yet proven, there seems to be an association between malnutrition in uteri and an increased risk for obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in later years.

The March of Dimes supports programs that focus on pre and post natal care so both babies and mothers have the best chance to live happy and healthy lives. Regular doctor visits before and after birth means possible complications are identified and treated as soon as possible.

By supporting babies’ health, we minimize healthcare costs and increase our chances to see more babies smiling.

Learn how you can support the March of Dimes!

Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes millions of young people to improve their communities through service and volunteering. Established in 1988, it is now celebrated in more than 100 countries. At events around the globe, young people address the world’s most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and governments. Learn more at www.gysd.org

Many historians believe the origin of volunteering came from the early colonists. To get through the challenges that come with relocating, support groups evolved to make it easier. Remember, they didn’t have the services we take for granted today. Families had to pack up, start farms and get through daily tasks on their own. Survival depended on helping each other out.

Benjamin Franklin started the first volunteer firehouse in 1736. Then, during the Revolutionary War, volunteers boycotted British products and funded war efforts to show their philanthropic patriotism.

Starting in the late 1980s, the trend in teenager volunteerism has increased. Educational and youth services organizations urge and continue to encourage their participation.  Not to be outdone, adults, 65 and older, are jumping in as well. Longer life expectancies and healthier bodies give them the opportunity to do more. Conversely, current research suggests regular participation improves their physical and mental health. It’s a classic win-win.

Richard Nixon established National Volunteer Week in 1974. Since then it’s become a well deserved celebration and recognition of what volunteers contribute throughout our country.