The theme for World Health Day 2025 is ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.’ This year’s theme will kick off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. This initiative will encourage governments and the healthcare sector to intensify their actions to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

image source: https://www.who.int/

7 Habits to Protect Maternal and Newborn Health

Here are seven simple but powerful habits that create strong starts for mothers, babies, and families—laying the foundation for a healthier future generation.

1. Prioritize Prenatal Care
   Early and regular prenatal checkups can detect and prevent complications, monitor fetal development, and provide essential health education. They are small appointments that hold immense power for both mother and baby. Ensure expectant mothers begin antenatal visits in the first trimester and attend all scheduled appointments.
2. Nourish the Mother, Nurture the Baby
   A balanced, nutrient-rich diet during pregnancy supports a baby’s brain, bone, and organ development. It also reduces the risk of maternal anemia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. Include iron, folic acid, calcium, and protein-rich foods daily—and drink plenty of water.
3. Embrace Emotional Support
   Pregnancy and postpartum can be emotionally overwhelming. Compassionate conversations, community support, and mental health check-ins reduce the risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. Ask new and expectant mothers how they feel—and listen without judgment.
4. Promote Safe Birth Practices
   Skilled birth attendance is critical for safe deliveries. Choosing a trained midwife or healthcare provider reduces risks for both mother and newborn, especially in emergencies. Advocate for safe birthing spaces and emergency care—every woman deserves a safe delivery, no matter where she lives.
5. Champion Breastfeeding from Hour One
   Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth strengthens immunity, promotes bonding, and reduces neonatal mortality. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months offers optimal nutrition and protection. Target educating families about the benefits of colostrum—the “first milk”—and the importance of skin-to-skin contact.
6. Encourage Vaccinations and Newborn Screening
   Vaccinations during pregnancy (like tetanus and influenza) protect both mom and baby. Early newborn screenings help detect and treat life-threatening conditions before symptoms appear. Keep a clear record of vaccinations, and schedule newborn screenings within the first few days after birth.
7. Build a Village of Care
   Public health is personal—but it’s also collective. Family, friends, health workers, and policymakers all play a role in ensuring that no mother or child is left behind. Support maternal health drives, donate to newborn care kits, or offer help to a new mom in your neighborhood.

Every mother deserves a safe pregnancy. Every newborn deserves a strong start. And every small action—from a shared meal to a timely checkup—can shape a healthier, more hopeful future for generations to come.

This World Health Day, let’s champion the quiet, powerful beginnings that make all the difference.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Are you sitting down? Your butt may have gluteal amnesia — the fancy term for dead butt syndrome.

But don’t panic. Your butt isn’t technically dead and it didn’t forget you on purpose. Gluteal amnesia happens when you sit more than you stand, e.g. at a desk job. So, if you spend hours a day on your gluteus maximus with minimal movement, the muscles in your butt may be on life support. But there are steps you can take (literally) to prevent and strengthen your glute game which can help improve your health overall.

Deskercise, or desk exercises, are simple movements office workers can perform at their desks to improve circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These exercises counteract the effects of prolonged sitting, which is a key contributor to poor blood flow and clot formation.

Effective Deskercises to Prevent DVT

1- Foot and Leg Movements

Heel and Toe Raises:

• Sit upright and place your feet flat on the floor.
• Raise your heels while keeping your toes on the ground, then lower and lift your toes while keeping your heels on the ground.
• Repeat 10–15 times per set.

Ankle Circles:

• Lift one foot off the floor and rotate your ankle in circular motions.
• Do 10 circles in each direction for both feet.

Leg Extensions:

• Straighten one leg and hold it parallel to the floor for 5 seconds, then lower it.
• Alternate legs and aim for 10 repetitions per leg.



2- Seated Marching

Mini March:

• While seated, lift one knee toward your chest, then alternate with the other leg as if marching.
• Continue for 30–60 seconds to activate the calf and thigh muscles.

3- Seated Stretching

Seated Calf Stretch:

• Extend one leg forward, keeping your heel on the ground.
• Flex your foot upward and hold for 10–15 seconds.
• Switch legs and repeat.



Hamstring Stretch:

• Sit on the edge of your chair and extend one leg straight out.
• Lean forward slightly from your hips until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh.
• Hold for 15–20 seconds per leg.

4- Core and Posture Boosters

Seated Torso Twists:

• Sit upright and twist your torso to one side, holding the backrest for support.
• Return to the center and twist to the other side.
• Repeat 5–10 times on each side.



Seated Pelvic Tilts:

• Rock your pelvis forward and backward while seated, engaging your core.
• Perform 10–15 repetitions to ease lower back tension and improve circulation.

5- Standing Deskercises

Calf Raises:

• Stand up and raise your heels off the ground, then lower slowly.
• Do 10–15 repetitions for improved calf muscle activity.



Mini Squats:

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and perform shallow squats, keeping your back straight.
• Aim for 10–12 repetitions.

Bonus Tips:

• Set a Timer: Stand or move for a few minutes every hour.
• Hydrate Regularly: Drinking water promotes better blood flow.
• Compression Socks: Consider wearing these if you’re at higher risk of DVT.

Integrating these exercises into your workday can make a significant difference in preventing DVT and improving overall health. Would you like suggestions for incorporating these into a daily routine?

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

If you run a women’s fitness business—whether it’s a personal training service, online coaching, gym, or activewear brand—your online reputation matters. People trust reviews. They trust what they read on Google. And they notice when your name shows up on a complaint board.

These sites are public. They rank high in search. And once a listing is up, it can stay there for years. Even if it’s false or posted by someone who never used your service.

Here’s how to handle it, get it removed (if possible), and protect your brand.

Why Complaint Boards Hurt Fitness Businesses

Women’s fitness is personal. It’s about health, trust, and transformation. If someone searching for your name finds a post that says you’re rude, unsafe, or dishonest—even if it’s not true—they’ll move on.

A BrightLocal study found that 94% of people say a single negative review has made them avoid a business. That includes anonymous complaints with no proof.

One studio owner I know had a listing on a complaint site from a former friend pretending to be a client. The post accused her of “body shaming” and “unsafe workouts.” She lost four regulars before she even saw the post.

Step 1: Find Out What’s Posted

Start by Googling your business name in incognito mode. Look for:

• Your name + “complaint”
• Your gym or brand name + “scam”
• “[Business] review site”
• Your name on sites like Ripoff Report, ComplaintsBoard, or PissedConsumer

If anything shows up, screenshot it. Save the link. Make a note of what it says and when it was posted.

If you don’t own your name as a domain or haven’t claimed your Google Business profile, do that now. Controlling your name online helps in the long run.

Step 2: Check if It Breaks the Rules

Most complaint sites allow free speech. But they still have rules.

A listing can sometimes be removed if it includes:

• Hate speech or slurs
• Private information (like your phone or home address)
• Threats or harassment
• Fake claims from non-customers
• Duplicates posted over and over

Some posts violate the site’s terms without looking extreme. Always check the site’s reporting or content policy section.

One trainer I helped had a complaint that included her email and phone number. That post was removed in three days after she reported it for privacy violation.

Step 3: Try to Remove It Directly

Each complaint board has its own process. Here’s how to work with them.

File a content removal request

Look for a “report” or “flag” button. Or find a “Contact Us” page. Be specific in your message. Point out which rules the post breaks. Keep it short and professional.

Avoid writing long emotional responses. The goal is to make it easy for the site to say yes.

Ask the poster to remove it (if possible)

Some sites let users edit or delete their posts. If you know who posted it and think they were a real client, reach out calmly.

You can say: “I saw your post. I’m sorry your experience wasn’t what you expected. I’d love to make it right. If you’re open to removing the post, I’m happy to offer a refund or a free session.”

This won’t work every time. But it’s worth trying—especially if the post came from a misunderstanding or miscommunication.

Step 4: Suppress the Listing With Better Content

If the site won’t take the post down, your next move is to bury it.

Publish fresh content on trusted sites

Create content that ranks higher than the complaint. Start with:

• Your own website (use your name and brand name in headlines)
• Blog posts or testimonials from real clients
• Medium or LinkedIn articles
• YouTube videos about your workouts or fitness tips
• Guest posts on fitness or wellness blogs

Google ranks newer, relevant content higher—especially if it’s posted consistently.

One bootcamp coach started a weekly blog answering common fitness questions. After six posts, her new content pushed the complaint listing off page one.

Get listed on trusted platforms

Claim and update your profiles on:

• Google Business
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Yelp
• ClassPass or Mindbody (if applicable)

Positive reviews and active profiles help push down complaint links. They also build trust with new clients.

Step 5: Get Help From a Pro (If You Need It)

If the complaint is hurting your business and won’t come down, you may need outside help.

Some online reputation companies specialize in removing or suppressing complaint board listings. They work with lawyers, SEO experts, and public relations pros to clean up search results.

If you go this route, ask for real examples of past removals. Avoid companies that promise “instant results” or charge huge upfront fees.

Step 6: Protect Your Reputation Going Forward

Once the complaint is handled, build habits to protect your name.

Ask for reviews from real clients

After a great session, send a quick message with a review link. Focus on Google and Facebook.

Even a short “Loved the workout, felt strong and supported” builds trust.

Monitor your brand monthly

Set Google Alerts for your name, business, and top programs. This way, you’ll know if anything new pops up.

Check your search results once a month. If something bad is creeping up again, act fast.

Keep showing up

Don’t let one bad post stop you. Keep posting tips, updates, and wins. Share transformations, workout clips, and real moments from your classes. The more visible you are, the more control you have over what people see.

Final Thoughts

A complaint board post can feel personal. But you can fight back. Remove what you can. Bury what you can’t. Keep building content and trust.

You’re helping people feel strong, confident, and capable. Don’t let one angry post ruin that. Take action, own your space, and keep lifting others.

Your voice—and your fitness brand—deserves to be seen for what it is.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

America is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. In addition to racial and ethnic diversity, more than 350 languages are spoken in the U.S. In fact, 1 in 5 people speak a language other than English at home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

But for some people, cultural diversity means important health information can get lost in translation. Research shows that cultural barriers and language play a big role in misinformation and miscommunication between healthcare providers (HCPs) and patients.

English

El cáncer pulmonar es el segundo tipo de cáncer más común de las mujeres en EE.UU. y casi 60,000 mujeres murieron de cáncer pulmonar en 2024, más que de cualquier otro cáncer.

Los avances de métodos para detectar y tratar el cáncer pulmonar han mejorado esta situación, pero todavía falta mucho por hacer. Aunque 1 de cada 4 muertes de cáncer son causadas por el cáncer pulmonar, menos de 1 de cada 10 subvenciones federales de investigación se otorgan para financiar estudios de cáncer pulmonar.

“El cáncer pulmonar es una enfermedad que tiene desenlaces clínicos muy malos y desafortunadamente no hay mucha esperanza”, explicó Nan Sethakorn, M.D., Ph.D., oncóloga médica y profesora adjunta de la Universidad Loyola Chicago. Debe haber más educación y concientización acerca de los nuevos tratamientos disponibles de cáncer pulmonar”, agregó.

Lee:Tratamiento contra el cáncer pulmonar: Siguientes pasos después del diagnóstico >>

Este recurso educativo se preparó con el apoyo de Daiichi Sankyo.

I’m from Michigan so I know what cold is. I now live in Las Vegas — because I know what cold is.

All those years digging my car out of the snow has given me freeze-phobia — I try to avoid anything that’s even associated with the cold. I drink hot tea. I prefer my true crime cases solved. I don’t know where Iceland is on a map. And I’m a fan of Netflix — you can keep the chill.

It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around doing anything arctic on purpose. But cold plunges have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially on social media. The hashtag #coldplunge has more than billion views on TikTok, and “cold plunge women” has more than 144 million posts.

Read: The Latest Fitness TikTok Trends: Heart or Hype? >>

Cigarette smoking among drug dependent pregnant women is alarmingly high, estimated at 77 to 99%. Smoking during pregnancy can cause complications during delivery such as premature rupture of membranes, abruptio placentae, placenta previa, premature birth, low-birth-weight, stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). About 20% of low-birth-weight births, 8% of preterm deliveries, and 5% of all delivery deaths are linked to smoking during pregnancy. It is important to stop smoking prior to pregnancy in order to help give your baby the best chance of survival.

If you quit smoking before you become pregnant (or during the first 3 months of your pregnancy), your risk of having a baby with low birth weight is the same as that of a woman who does not smoke.

• Get working on a smoke-free home: The presence of other smoker(s) in your home can be a constant reminder and the sheer smell might make things difficult for you. Request them to smoke, if they really have to in your absence or outside the house.
• Begin with small Baby Steps: Who says you have to quit smoking overnight? Jump start by eliminating the morning cigarette and then the one after meals. Soon there will be more time in the day and less time spent smoking. A slip is okay. If you find yourself some day smoking a cigarette first thing in the morning, do not take it as a failure. Get right back on the track by eliminating the cigarette for the evening. Count every day as a milestone.
• Try looking for better options: Enroll in an online smoking cessation program (they can walk you through quitting, and they’re free). Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can make you twice as likely to succeed. As well as patches, there are tiny tablets, lozenges, gum and a nasal spray. If you like holding a cigarette, use an inhalator.
• Exercise every day: Studies have reported that smokers have lower cravings for cigarettes after exercise compared with when they had been inactive. Moderate exercise can be a viable alternative to many of the pharmaceutical products, such as nicotine patches, for women who want to give up smoking. A ten or fifteen minute walk, jog or cycle when times get tough could help a smoker kick the habit. Also, exercise will release endorphins in the body that will make you feel naturally high and alert (an improved mood, sort off). There are many ways for you to experience a totally natural high. If you want to experience a high without using drugs or drinking coffee, just exercise.
• Keep a journal: Record your thoughts about smoking, and start analyzing what you’re thinking when the craving pushes off. Figure out some new beliefs that you can start feeding yourself about smoking that might help in better handling of the habit. Collect your thoughts and use them as inspiration. Decide and write why you want to quit. Visualize the increase in your Energy so you can put in working towards your life purpose, and contribute more to life.
• Modify your Diet: An American study has revealed that some foods, including meat, make cigarettes more satisfying. Others, including milk, cheese, fruit and vegetables, make cigarettes taste terrible. So swap your usual steak or burger for a veggie pizza instead. According to results of a new study, cigarette smokers who ate fruits and vegetables an average of 4 or more times per day were 3 times more likely to be tobacco free 14 months later, compared with those who ate fruits and vegetables fewer than 2 times per day. If you are experiencing a cigarette craving, eating increased amounts of fruits, vegetables or drinking a glass of milk may be potential ways to curb your urge to smoke. Fizzy drinks, alcohol, cola, tea and coffee all make cigarettes taste better. So when you�re out, drink more water and juice.
• Ask friends or family to join you in quitting smoke: If your friends or family members want to give up, suggest to them to join you in the quest. Take help of a Smoking Helpline, available in your city. When you’re at a party, stick with the non-smokers.
• Change your Routine: Avoid those things that make you reach for a cigarette. Think about how you can change your routine to help manage the times and places that trigger the urge to smoke. When you get up in the morning (and after meals), immediately brush your teeth or get physically active. While driving to work consider car pooling, listening to a different radio station, and taking a different route if possible. On breaks at work; read a book, walk around the building, or call a friend. The point is to stop smoking by changing your routine. By making things different you can help manage the cravings and triggers that make you want to smoke plus you are trying new things and that is always a plus.
• Take folic acid supplements prior conception, which studies show can protect your baby from some serious birth defects, including spina bifida, a life-threatening spinal malformation. nearly all multivitamins contain at least 400 mcg per dose, the minimal amount needed for a healthy pregnancy
• Keep trying. If you have tried over and over again to quit smoking, there is no reason to stop trying. Get counseling or join a support group for people who smoke. Find an Internet chat room for 24-hour support.

Before pregnancy, you can use almost any approach to kick the habit, including behavioral methods, nicotine replacement products (gum, patches and inhalers), antidepressants and smoking cessation drugs. But during pregnancy, some of the medications may not be safe. These agents may pass through the placenta to reach your baby.

Set a date to quit and stick to it.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms can be brutal. Most women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS) — night sweats and hot flashes — among other symptoms that can disturb your sleep, affect your mood and lower your quality of life. And these symptoms can go on for years and are associated with an increased risk of serious health conditions over time.

The good news is that there are treatments that can help with symptoms, bone loss and other issues that happen during menopause. Hormone therapy — treatment that replaces hormones like estrogen and progesterone that fluctuate during perimenopause — is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and considered the gold standard for care, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

However, misinformation about the safety of FDA-approved hormone therapy is still shared online despite evidence that the treatment is safe for most people. The misinformation has led to an increase in interest in alternative hormone treatment options, namely compounded hormone therapy (HT).

Compounded HT is sometimes marketed as a “natural” alternative to FDA-approved hormone therapy because it may include plant-derived hormones called bioidentical hormones. In reality, there are FDA-approved bioidentical hormone options, such as estradiol and micronized progesterone, and not all bioidentical hormones are compounded.

In addition to seeking a more “natural” alternative for hormone therapy, people look to compounded HT for customized doses and alternative delivery methods that may not be an option with hormone therapy regulated by the FDA. But the lack of regulation means you don’t know for sure what you’re getting.

This educational resource was created with support from Kenvue, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.

Niranjana Parthasarathi, M.D., started experiencing extreme fatigue and joint pain in her 20s. Within months, she was diagnosed with lupus. “As a medical student, I knew how serious it could be,” she said, recalling how one of her peers had tragically passed away from complications of the autoimmune disease during her internship.

Parthasarathi went on to graduate medical school, and was able to take time off during her residency when she had a flare, which is a period when the disease becomes more active. She became a well-respected internist and worked full time as an associate professor of internal medicine. But at 50 years old, she experienced a flare that led to severe acute kidney failure and left her disabled.

“I’ve unfortunately not been able to resume full-time work or even consistent part-time work,” she said.

Despite this devastating turn, Parthasarathi, now 62, still considers herself fortunate, She had the network and access to care to get quickly diagnosed, and she continues to have health insurance that covers her ongoing medical care, which has included chemotherapy, blood transfusions and immunosuppressants. For those who don’t have access to resources, the costs related to lupus can be devastating.

This educational resource was created with support from Novartis.