Use this health history tree to organize family health information and understand inherited risks, helping providers personalize preventive care and screenings. Understanding your family health history is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward protecting your well-being. The conditions that affected your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles can offer valuable clues about the risks you may face—and the preventive steps you can take now. Whether you're

As we head into the holidays and continue to navigate the sick season, we want you to have information to stay as healthy as possible! There are a lot of ideas and misconceptions around building your immunity to avoid getting sick. In this blog, we are dispelling some common myths and offering evidence-based facts to help you better understand what does and does not strengthen your immune system.   What is the immune system?   The immune system is made up of various organs,

It's Sick Season and there are three main respiratory viruses you should be prepared for this fall and winter: COVID, Flu, and RSV. Our guide is here to help you better prepare for these illnesses with evidence-based information.    We acknowledge that the public health landscape may feel confusing at this time. At BWPC our goal is to ensure you have all of the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. And yes, everyone should try to get their COVID-1

WHAT PEER-REVIEWED SCIENCE SAYS There is no proven causal link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism Large studies (like one from Sweden with 2.5 million children) found no evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism Find the study here: bit.ly/46ivgmr Professional organizations and leading medical experts   support the continued use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. RISKS OF UNTREATED SYMPTOMS DURING PREGNANCY U

Common COVID-19 Symptoms: Pay attention to your new and worsening symptoms, including:  Cough Shortness of breath or trouble breathing...

Isolation Guidance: Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you test positive and/or have...

Image Credit: Menshealthmonth.org social media toolkit June is Men’s Health Month, a time to hold space for open, healing conversations...

National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is observed every May during Maternal Mental Health Month and is led by the U.S. Department of Health...

WHAT IS CONGENITAL SYPHIILIS? Congenital syphilis is a syphilis infection passed from a pregnant person to their baby through pregnancy or childbirth. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Cases of congenital syphilis have been increasing in recent years. If left untreated, congenital syphilis can cause: Birth defects such as deformed bones Blindness Hearing loss Severe anemia Jaundice Rash Enlarged liver Miscarriage Men

What is a Levonorgestrel 1.5mg tablet? Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablet is emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy before it starts when taken within 72 hours  after unprotected sex or if your birth control falls through. It is a backup method and is not meant to be used as a regular form of birth control.  Levonorgestrel is available in multiple brands, such as My Way, My Choice, and Plan B One-Step. Levonorgestrel is sometimes referred to as the “morning after pill

Taking care of yourself is the first step in taking a care of your baby. 1. If I had a C-section, can I still have a vaginal birth? 2. Is my postpartum bleeding normal? When should I see my doctor? 3. What can I do to help with postpartum pain? 4. When is it safe for me to start exercising? 5. What is postpartum depression, and what signs and symptoms should I know about? 6. What are the benefits of breastfeeding? When will my breasts go back to their original size? 7. What r

Discuss these questions with your provider to experience a healthier pregnancy. 1. How often will I need to see a doctor? 2. What are hemorrhoids and will I get them? 3. Should I exercise during pregnancy? 4. Is bleeding normal during pregnancy? 5. Is weight loss normal? 6. Can I dye my hair or use a relaxer (permed) during pregnancy? 7. Do I need to take prenatal vitamins? 8. Can I have sex during pregnancy? 9. Is it normal for my breasts to change? 10. Are UTIs normal durin

Avian Influenza type A (H5N1) is a virus commonly known as “Bird flu” that causes disease in birds and poultry. H5N1 is not a new virus,...

Heartburn, also called acid indigestion or dyspepsia, is a very common discomfort in pregnancy. The muscles of the stomach may be slower at breaking down food and the growing baby within the uterus can put pressure on the stomach, forcing food back up into your esophagus (throat). The tips below tips that may help with heartburn. DIET Eat small portions Chew your food well and slow down if you normally eat fast  Watch what you eat. Keep track of which foods are triggers for y

Gastroenteritis means infection or inflammation in the digestive system. It is usually a short-term illness and is not serious. However, it can cause dehydration or an imbalance of important minerals such as sodium or potassium. MANAGING SYMPTOMS Eat simple foods such as lukewarm soups, non-acidic juices, electrolyte-balanced water, toast, applesauce, banana Stay hydrated Add lemon or lemon juice to water Ice chips or low-sugar popsicles Avoid fatty, spicy, and dairy rich fo

During the second trimester, you will start noticing the baby’s regular movement and activity. Around 20 weeks, start getting familiar with your baby’s movement. At 28 weeks, your provider will instruct you to start counting the kicks and baby’s movement patterns daily. HOW DO YOU COUNT THE KICKS? Generally, your baby should kick 10 times in 2 hours. Keep in mind, your baby may be more active when you are relaxing, sitting, after physical activity or eating a meal or somethin

Photo credit: California Department of Public Health Norovirus is a very contagious virus that spreads quickly. You can get it from...

Constipation is a common discomfort in pregnancy. Constipation may be caused by hormonal changes, pressure from the baby on the bowel, certain medications, or diet are examples that can make the bowel move slower. NUTRITION BASICS Drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty Drink 8 to 12 cups, or about 4-6 standard size water bottles daily Consume 25-30 grams fiber per day Try ground flax seed, 1 Tbsp twice a day on oatmeal or salads

What to do when you get sick? Did you know many symptoms are part of the natural healing process? When your body has an infection or...