Cool Crafts - Purchasing a Sewing Machine

 Ever wanted to buy a sewing machine but don’t know where to look? Master Quilter and VP of Customer Success at Linda’s Electric Quilters Corey Pearson has some tips on what to look for when purchasing a sewing machine.

 

1. Look for a machine that you can grow into. Check out your local sewing machine dealers to get a hands-on demo of sewing machine capabilities.
    

2. Choose the machine that has the right capabilities for your needs.
    

3. Don't be oversold on all of the “fancy” stitches a machine can do. 
    

4. Make sure to get a machine that can use a walking foot and a ¼” foot
    

“When you're picking out a sewing machine, think about the kind of projects you'll be working on and choose a machine that will grow with you. It's crucial to visit local dealers to see the machines in action and really understand what they can do,” says Pearson.

With all the options out there, thinking about what you’ll use the most is key.

“There's a huge range of options out there, but focus on what you need. For instance, if you're mainly piecing projects, a basic straight stitch machine might be all you need. I personally invested a bit more in an industrial straight stitch machine because that's what I use most, aside from my longarm. Don’t get too caught up in machines that offer a myriad of fancy stitches—you likely won't use them as much as you think. Also, ensure the machine is compatible with essential attachments like a walking foot and a ¼” foot. These are real game changers for precise sewing.”

If you need an excuse to start or continue your sewing/quilting hobbies, did you know there are physical benefits of crafting like quilting?

“There are tons of benefits of quilting, including physical ones. Not only does it serve as a wonderful stress reliever, providing a way to help calm the mind and ease anxiety, but it has been shown to enhance cognitive function and mental health, boosting memory, self-esteem, and overall well-being. It also improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are especially beneficial for us as we age or those living with disabilities,” shares VP of Customer Success at Linda’s Electric Quilters and Master Quilter Corey Pearson.

In addition to purely physical benefits, crafting is a hobby that helps us connect with others, which has physical and emotional benefits as well.

“Quilting also opens doors to new friendships and community connections, as joining groups or workshops connects you with like-minded individuals. It really instills a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, offering tangible outcomes and a feeling of accomplishment. It also promotes mindfulness, requiring focused attention that helps keep you present. I have seen how quilting truly enriches life, providing tons of benefits to those who do it.”

Consumer Critique: Kerasal Foot Care

 During the colder months, our feet are often neglected, covered up, and forgotten. Kerasal addresses this oversight head-on, championing the health and vitality of foot and nail care.

 

Stephen Maida, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at  Kerasal sheds light on the brand's commitment to excellence. He explains that the brand name Kerasal is partially made up of the word Keratin. Kerasal products are uniquely formulated to nourish and rejuvenate keratin – the tough protein that is the foundation of nails, skin, and hair. "Kerasal stands out as the top choice for keratin conditioning, showcasing unparalleled effectiveness in enhancing nail health, a notoriously difficult feat. This success with nails, the most challenging keratin surface, speaks volumes about its potential benefits for the skin," Maida elaborates.

 

Whitney Kopp, Kerasal Brand Lead, invites everyone to embrace the season's spirit of renewal. "As we leave behind the chill and darkness, it's time for a fresh start. Kerasal’s curated range of foot and nail care products promises quick results that provide everyone with the confidence to show off their feet this spring," Kopp states.

I had a chance to see several products from the Kerasal line. They're easy to use - and in my previous experience, they are very effective!

You can learn more in this interview with Stephen Maida, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at  Kerasal

 

What kind of foot care issues does the Kerasal product line solve?

 

As winter gives way to the vibrant energy of spring, Kerasal® provides an acclaimed range of foot and nail care products to renew your feet as they come out of hibernation. These products are formulated to reinvigorate feet and nails, ensuring they emerge from winter's embrace both revitalized and ready to step into the new season with confidence.

 

During the colder months, our feet are often neglected, covered up, and forgotten. Kerasal addresses this oversight head-on, championing the health and vitality of foot and nail care.

 

 

What should consumers look for when they're exploring treatment options?

 

Products that are trusted. Kerasal products are uniquely formulated to nourish and rejuvenate keratin – the tough protein that is the foundation of nails, skin, and hair. Kerasal stands out as the top choice for keratin conditioning, showcasing unparalleled effectiveness in enhancing nail health, a notoriously difficult feat. This success with nails, the most challenging keratin surface, speaks volumes about its potential benefits for the skin

 

 

What products does Kerasal offer for footcare?

 

Kerasal's line of trusted foot and nail care products ensures that the “Step into Spring” is as beautiful as the season itself. Highlighted in the spring lineup are several standout products designed to refresh, renew, and condition:

 

• Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair Patches. These innovative adhesive patches deliver healthy-looking summer nails to consumers who can’t pinpoint their exact nail challenge– be it thickness, ridges, discoloration, brittleness, roughness or gel/acrylic nail damage.

 

• Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair Ointment offers visible results in just 1 day.  The Intensive Foot Repair ointment loosens hard, dry skin to exfoliate, deeply moisturize and soften severely dry skin & cracked heels.  

 

• Kerasal Nighttime Intensive Foot Repair Ointment offers the same visible results in just 1 night with Lavender, Chamomile, and Essential Oils and works while you sleep.

 

• Kerasal Nighttime Intensive Repair Foot Masks exfoliate and deeply moisturize dry skin while providing soothing warmth and a calming blend of lavender and chamomile essential oils.  All this goodness is wrapped in a premium convenient and mess-free single-use slipper for one to wear for 20 minutes before bed or whenever in need of calming relaxation.

 

• Kerasal Intensive Repair Foot Peel is enriched with Peppermint, Lavender, Argan oil, and Botanical Extracts and is designed to soften and remove dead dry skin exfoliating and moisturizing cracked heels to reveal baby soft feet in 3- 5 days after the 60-minute treatment.   

 

• Kerasal is a complete foot care line that offers visible results. For more information about products and to purchase online, visit the Kerasal store page on Amazon.  

 

 

Critical Steps in PR Crisis Management

By Thomas Mustac, Senior Publicist & Crisis Communications Expert – Otter PR

A crisis poses a challenge. Manage it well and you can emerge stronger on the other side, but manage it poorly and it can be your undoing.

Crisis management is an extremely important practice in the business world. When a company faces a crisis, such as a product failure or a misstep by an executive, proper management can save a company from significant reputational harm. Mismanagement, on the other hand, will cost you customers, market share, and profitability.

Public relations plays a key role in corporate crisis management. By providing a thoughtful and timely response to negative media attention, companies can address concerns and reassure stakeholders of their commitment to quality.

The following are key steps companies can take to provide an impactful PR response when a crisis arises.

Expect a crisis

Modern companies must invest in a crisis communication plan. The media landscape is packed with pitfalls, and the power wielded by influencers who post on social media networks can transform one casual comment by a CEO into a firestorm of unwanted attention that burns fast and bright.

A crisis communication plan empowers companies to respond quickly and effectively when a crisis arises. It starts by identifying potential risks unique to the company. 

For example, a company that provides financial analysis can come under fire from those who suffer financial loss after acting on official comments. A crisis plan will anticipate that and empower an effective response.

A comprehensive plan will create a crisis response team and assign roles such as media spokesperson and internal communications director. The plan will also define the channels that will be used for communication with internal and external audiences.

Provide a rapid response

When a crisis hits, time is of the essence. Companies should not delay in acknowledging the issue and communicating with clarity, as any efforts to deny or downplay obvious problems will only throw fuel on the media fire.

Maintaining trust with consumers and other stakeholders is a key goal of crisis communications, so honesty is key. Your statements should show that you are owning the issue, addressing it appropriately, and listening to the public’s concerns.

Adapt as the crisis evolves

Even the wisest PR professionals can’t predict the way a crisis will unfold. The best intentions can backfire, and competent communication can still miss the mark.

Consequently, companies must closely track how their response is landing. The best strategy will be flexible, allowing for adjustments in real time, and approach crisis communications as an ongoing dialogue rather than a one-time monologue.

Learn from wins and losses

Debriefing after a crisis can help strengthen your strategy and better prepare you for the next crisis. Have all members of the team provide feedback on wins and losses, and analyze KPIs in the weeks following a crisis to provide a true indicator of how effective your response was at regaining trust with your customer base.

Having a crisis management plan and being committed to deploying it quickly could be the best investment you make for your business. No company, regardless of its size or industry, is safe from the threat of a crisis, and no company is immune from the negative effects that result from poor management.

– Thomas Mustac, Senior Publicist and Crisis Communications Expert for Otter PR, is a medical and health industry PR specialist. He previously held positions at the Dr. Oz Show and New York Medical College. He has his Master's Degree from Iona College and received an Advanced Certification in Nonprofit Public Relations. He has a diverse background in healthcare, pharmaceutical, telehealth, tech, cosmetics, sports, and interior design public relations.

Freebies!

 Picture frame at Home Depot Kids Workshop 5/4

Going Green - Sheri Miller Author Interview

I recently had a chance to interview Sheri Miller, music star and author of Honoring Our Planet! THINK!


Why did you write this book?
I co-wrote this magnificent kid’s book with my Mom, Linda Miller, a kid’s teacher. We both deeply appreciate and care about Planet Earth, kindness, diversity and kids. We’re passionate about teaching and empowering kids (and adults too) we have the power to create change and allow in solutions! We can do it! My Mom and I would love to inspire kids to use their spectacular imaginations (which is their superpower) and THINK! Encourage kids to think, feel, receive great ideas and solutions about how we best can make conscious choices to honor our Planet. We can plant trees, use solar panels, recycle, and perhaps even discover new solutions and ideas to respect and love our Planet!

Appreciation, imagination and focusing on solutions are our gifts and superpowers! This is a love letter to Planet Earth, and to kids.

Why is it so important for kids to have books that support learning about environmental issues?
This is OUR planet! Not someone’s else’s planet. It belongs to US! Planet Earth is our gift- it gives us abundant healthy food, clean water, bright sun consistently rising each morning and warming the earth, fresh oxygen! One day, it’ll be our kids who inherit our Earth, who fully take care of our Earth - so let’s start making positive, conscious, feel-good choices now! Let’s think seven generations ahead, about how our choices will impact both us AND future generations of our children and grandchildren.

Let’s create positive awareness and deep appreciation for our majestic planet now- so it becomes second nature for kids to honor our planet! It’s easy as breathing- to recycle or compost, or plant flowers or trees. I believe it’s a beautiful thing to instill a habit and practice of appreciation in our kids- one of the greatest gifts I believe we can give them!

How can families make small steps towards more eco-friendly choices?
Great question! Every small choice you make helps! You can plant trees, plants, flowers in your garden or an outdoor space. You can recycle, compost, and if you have trash put it into a designated trash receptacle. You can eat healthy foods that nourish your body, feel good as you enjoy it, and even bless your food and water with love before ingesting it! You can learn about solar panels, electric cars, and new energy source possibilities!

And super importantly, you can think positive thoughts about our Planet’s Well-Being, and appreciate our Earth. What if you and your child could speak out loud 3 things you each appreciate about our Planet Earth? Maybe it’s clean water to drink. Maybe it’s abundant, beautiful oceans to swim in. Maybe it’s all beautiful birds and animals we see and hear in nature. Ask your child “What are 3 things you appreciate about Planet Earth?” Make it a fun game!

In addition to this great exercise of appreciation, we can also talk with our kids about the ideas in the book. Ask your kids “How do you think you can honor and celebrate our Planet?” “What does honoring and respecting our Planet Earth mean to you?” Positive conversations with your kids opens the door to solutions, answers and possibilities of love for our Planet! Focus on love, focus on how blessed and fortunate we are to have such a truly spectacular, gorgeous Planet Earth! Let’s honor our planet! THINK!

Get the book:
Amazon: https://a.co/d/10T2ImG
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/honoring-our-planet-think-linda-miller/1145368844
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/honoring-our-planet-think/id6483932707

Consumer Critique - Dermoplast Post Partum Spray

 I had my children quite a few years ago, and remember the discomfort of those first few days home well. I would have loved to have something like Dermoplast Postpartum Spray to help out!

Dermoplast is endorsed by healthcare professionals nationwide, and now new Dermoplast Postpartum Spray offers rapid and secure relief in the most intimate areas. Its convenient no-touch spray application provides a cooling and comforting experience, ensuring mothers' comfort and well-being. This groundbreaking pain relief solution features a blend of 20% benzocaine plus soothing aloe and lanolin, making it the go-to choice for healthcare experts and new moms at home. Dermoplast Postpartum Spray provides fast pain relief for itching, soreness and pain in the perianal area.

 Exclusively available in the Care for New and Expecting Moms department at Walmart, this product epitomizes Dermoplast’s unwavering commitment to supporting mothers throughout their postpartum recovery journey.

Joanne Freyhof Fox, Head of Marketing for Dermoplast, commented, "Dermoplast is the hospital-strength formula moms have known and trusted for years. The launch of Dermoplast Postpartum Spray is a testament to our commitment to quality and our valued reputation in the healthcare community and among mothers.”  “Our new arrival of Dermoplast Postpartum spray and the gentle yet effective ingredients that offers immediate relief, allowing new mothers to focus on the joy of their new arrival,” adds Fox.

“I recommend Dermoplast Postpartum Spray to my patients, says Carly Fleming,
Postpartum BSN, RN and Co-founder of Fourth Trimester Foundations, LLP. “It is a lifesaver,
and it helps my patients get back on their feet, provide significant pain relief, and enjoy new motherhood,” adds Fleming

 

You can learn more in this interview with Joanne Freyhof Fox, Head of Marketing for Dermoplast

 

I had never heard of a postpartum spray. What is a postpartum spray and who is it suitable for?

Dermoplast®, the trusted leader in pain relief sprays for over five decades, introduces the revolutionary Dermoplast Postpartum Spray. This hospital-trusted brand, already a staple in 90% of labor wards across the United States, now brings instant relief and soothing care to new mothers at home after childbirth.

Dermoplast is endorsed by healthcare professionals nationwide, and now new Dermoplast Postpartum Spray offers rapid and secure relief in the most intimate areas. Its convenient no-touch spray application provides a cooling and comforting experience, ensuring mothers' comfort and well-being. This groundbreaking pain relief solution features a blend of 20% benzocaine plus soothing aloe and lanolin, making it the go-to choice for healthcare experts and new moms at home. Dermoplast Postpartum Spray provides fast pain relief for itching, soreness and pain in the perianal area.

 

What are some common symptoms that can be eased by postpartum sprays?

Dermoplast Postpartum Spray provides fast pain relief for itching, soreness and pain in the perianal area

 

How can consumers find quality postpartum sprays?

Consumers can look for these type of products in the Care for New & Expecting Moms Department of retail outlets. This innovative product is now readily accessible to mothers nationwide through Walmart. The product launch is accompanied by comprehensive educational initiatives, ensuring that every mother understands the support Dermoplast offers during this pivotal time.

Dermoplast Postpartum Spray is available in a convenient 2.75-ounce spray can at Walmart and www.walmart.com, with a suggested retail price of $7.98. More than just a product, it is a reliable pillar of support, providing comfort when it's needed most. For additional information, please visit www.dermoplast.com.

 This innovative product is now readily accessible to mothers nationwide through Walmart. The product launch is accompanied by comprehensive educational initiatives, ensuring that every mother understands the support Dermoplast offers during this pivotal time.

 

About Dermoplast:

Physicians and mothers have trusted Dermoplast products for more than 50 years. Formulated to deliver pain relief and ease discomfort from cuts, scrapes, sunburns, insect bites, and minor burns. The “no-touch” spray application provides soothing relief with less pain to where it’s needed, even the most tender of areas.

Book Nook - Great Battles for Boys

 Video games, smart phones, TV – there are a lot of challenges to getting boys to read. And yet it’s more important than ever that boys become strong readers. Boys who cannot read well by grade 5 will struggle more in middle school. Statistically those boys are also more likely to drop out of high school. Forget about college.

Unfortunately, that’s happening across America. Standardized tests show boys lagging behind girls in reading skills – at every grade level, K through 12 – and in every state. Simply put: there’s a reading crisis among boys. However, studies show that boys who are “reluctant readers” are much more likely to pick up a book if it seems “just for them,” or about “stuff that really happened.”

I had a chance to review a book from the GreatBattlesforBoys series.  - a series that aims to make reading engaging and interesting for boys.

Written by a teacher-parent whose own son hated to read, author Joe Giorllo and his spouse Sibella created the series after noticing their book-avoidant son had a deep interest in military history and battles. With Sibella’s background in publishing and Joe’s teaching experience, they launched their first book in 2016: Great Battles for Boys: WW2 Europe. There are nine books in the series – each one a #1 bestseller on Amazon – with more than 7,000 five-star reviews from boys, parents, and grandparents.

Although I don't have sons, I got the one about Ancient Greece, since that's a time period my younger kid is interested in. She found it a very quick read, easy to get into - and loved that it was fact-based and that she learned something from reading it too.

I also had a chance to do an author interview.

What makes the Great Battles series a great option for reluctant readers?

Ironically, my goal is to help boys "forget" they're reading. I want them to feel so carried away by the book that they don't realize they're sitting still and reading. That magical experience will spark a love for reading that will lasts for a lifetime. 

That's why I keep my chapters action-packed and use an engaging, conversational style. It's similar to what I did while teaching history to middle schoolers — hold their attention and make learning fun. My books also include powerful historical images that spark their imagination. 

All of those elements help change the way boys feel about reading. Suddenly, reading is not boring, it's not like a textbook. Reading is FUN!

How can families encourage their kids to try out new books, especially if they haven't had good experiences with reading before?

It's a lot like encouraging your kids to try new foods: Don't give up, keep trying.

With reluctant readers, it's also crucial for parents to find the right subject. For some boys, it's sports. For my son and the boys in my classroom, it was military history. Once they started reading about epic battles and heroic historical figures, the door to reading flew open. Suddenly they were begging to visit the library.

What are some unique challenges that may be faced by boys when they are looking for reading material?

Many boys, like my son, gravitate toward non-fiction books -- or "The stuff that really happened."

Meanwhile, most kids books tend to be fiction or fantasy. Terrific books, but the boys are simply not interested in reading them.

That's a serious problem because the only way to become a strong reader is to read -- and read a lot of books. You can really see the depth of the problem in middle school. The boys who can't read well by 5th grade really struggle in middle school. Those boys are also statistically much more likely to drop out of high school.  

It's a tragedy, frankly. 

Going Green - Yipes! Wipes

 Soft, sustainable, and effective, Yipes! Wipes have picked up another prestigious parenting award; these big-kid wipes have just been named a PARENTS 2024 Best Skincare for Kids Award winner.

 
Designed by a mom on a mission to teach kids to develop independent healthy habits and embrace the messiness of growing up, Yipes! Face and Hand Wipes are loved by kids, parents, and the press! These convenient big-kid wipes are 99% plant-derived, so they’re soft and safe for kids’ skin but super effective against dirt, grime, and everyday messes. Yipes! are hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and plastic. Designed specifically for kids, Yipes! are available in a pouch or box (both MSRP $8.00) containing 12 individually wrapped wipes for easy transport in a pocket, lunch tote, or backpack. Completely compostable and 94% biodegradable, Yipes! Wipes are not tested on animals, are vegan-friendly, and are made in the USA.
 
PARENTS Best Skincare for Kids Awards recognizes 29 of the latest and greatest hair and skin products for baby, kids, tween and teens, and prenatal. Yipes! Wipes were chosen by testers and an expert panel of judges as one of this year’s best skincare products in the kids category. The full winner list can be found at Parents.com.

In addition to the PARENTS Best Skincare for Kids Award, Yipes! Wipes are the winner of the Good Housekeeping Parenting Award and the National Parenting Product Award. To learn more about Yipes! Wipes or to purchase this award-winning skincare product, visit www.yipes.com today. 
 
About Yipes! Wipes:
 
The first wipes designed to encourage kids to develop their own self-motivated healthy habits, Yipes! were created by Deborah Lu Lynch, a mom who wanted parents to embrace the messy side of growing up with their kids. Developed specifically for kids who are ready to graduate from “baby wipes” to a wipe they feel confident using on their own, Yipes! Wipes are 99% plant-derived and contain no parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested, Yipes! are soft, gentle, and sustainable, yet effective at removing dirt, grime, and all kinds of messes. Learn more at www.yipes.com. 
 

Going Green - Earth Day Message from Blue Orange Games

 I got this email and wanted to pass it on - my family has loved Blue Orange games and I'm happy to see them work towards greater sustainability!

While this month marks a special time on this wondrous Pale Blue Dot that we live on, we also recognize the importance of celebrating our planet not just on April 22nd, but every day. As part of the Blue Orange sustainability initiative, we've taken concrete steps to minimize plastic usage, from eliminating plastic shells to ditching shrink wrap around our games. Our goal is clear: to reduce waste and champion eco-friendly practices in all aspects of our business. We're proud to say that several of our newest releases, including the Next Station collection, Museum Suspects, and Wonder Woods, feature paper elements instead of unnecessary plastic components. This is a step in our journey towards a greener future, and we're excited to continue making strides in sustainability for years to come. This Earth Day, let's celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet by playing games that inspire appreciation for the natural world. Together, we can make a difference, one game at a time. The Blue Orange Team.

Planet: Building Your Own World. Enter the cosmic realm with Planet, a game that lets you craft your very own world using 3D globes. From cultivating habitable lands to strategically placing mountains and oceans, Planet challenges players to create thriving ecosystems. It's not just a game; it's a journey into environmental stewardship and the delicate balance of life on Earth.

Photosynthesis: Embrace the Power of Growth. In Photosynthesis, players experience the awe-inspiring process of tree growth, from planting seeds to harnessing the power of sunlight. This captivating game not only educates about the importance of trees in our ecosystem but also highlights the vital role of sunlight in sustaining life on our planet. And with the expansion Under the Moonlight, you'll explore the natural phenomena of the moon cycle, deepening your connection to the Earth and its rhythms.

Wonder Woods: Exploring the Forest. Step into the enchanting world of Wonder Woods, where players embark on a journey through a forest filled with adorable wooden meeple mushrooms. Betting on the value of these fungi, you'll immerse yourself in the wonders of nature while bluffing and playing with the intricate ecosystems that sustain life in the woods.

Healthy Habits - Maternal Health Equity

 Having a baby should be one of the most joyful times in a woman’s life. But for women of color, especially black women, the pregnancy experience frequently also triggers fear and anxiety. Black women and their babies, at all socioeconomic levels, face substantially higher rates of complications and mortality during pregnancy than white women. One dynamic physician is teaching women what they need to know to help turn this situation around.

Yamicia Connor, MD, Ph.D., MPH is a Harvard-MIT-educated OB-GYN, surgeon, research scientist, engineer and mother of three. She’s using her unique background to serve as the driving force behind establishing greater equity in women’s healthcare.

“My passion is improving the lives of women,” she says. “Black women, in particular, face so many challenges both in pregnancy and their everyday lives. I am dedicated to advancing women and their contributions to their families, society and the world. When you have kids, it makes you even more invested in making the world a better place.”

The statistics are both revealing and alarming
“The richest Black women have infant mortality rates at about the same level as the poorest white women,” Connor confirms. “Maternal mortality rates are just as high among the highest income Black women as among low-income white women.”

Where a woman lives can also impact her level of care. “It’s very different practicing medicine in a big teaching hospital versus a rural hospital, which is the type of setting where most care in the U.S. is provided. Even with the best intentions, the medical staff may not have the knowledge, familiarity and resources to provide the best care possible.”

Educating oneself will help bring about change
Connor wants to redefine standards in women’s healthcare in part by equipping patients with more knowledge. “We know a lot more about pregnancy care now than we did 10 to 15 years ago. There are also a lot more tools available,” she says.

“We don’t want women to feel the burden of managing their pregnancies. That’s what their medical professionals are there for. However, we do want women to know the key questions to ask and to understand the standards of care they should expect to receive.” These include:

1. Genetic testing should be offered at the beginning of pregnancy. “This is particularly important if a woman has any concerns in her background such as a history of disabilities and learning delays that increase the likelihood that she would benefit from genetic testing and counseling.”
   
2. A detailed fetal scan must be done at around 18 to 20 weeks. “This should be routine, but I’ve seen women not get it.”
   
3. Diabetes testing should be done at around 28 weeks or potentially earlier in the first trimester. “This is especially important if there are any risk factors such as obesity or elevated hemoglobin A1C.”
   
4. Decreased fetal movement should always be evaluated, especially after 28 weeks. “A woman should not be embarrassed if she goes in multiple times because she can’t feel the baby. An ultrasound can assess issues with the placenta and fluid abnormalities, and evaluate the baby’s movements and breathing. I’d rather reassure patients that their babies look great than have them sit home and worry.”
   
5. Headaches during pregnancy must be taken seriously. “If acetaminophen, hydration and rest don’t resolve a headache, her doctor should be consulted. Some headaches may be a symptom of severe preeclampsia, which can progress to eclampsia.”
   

Connor is committed to educating both patients and physicians on the most equitable and fair healthcare possible. “We want pregnancy experiences to be filled with joy, not fear. The best way to accomplish that is to ensure pregnancies are safe.”

She concludes, “To foster meaningful change, we must empower Black women during their healthcare journeys. It is imperative that we amplify female voices.”

Learn more about how we are working to bring about change at https://www.yamiciaconnor.com/ 

Biography: Yamicia Connor, MD, Ph.D., MPH
Yamicia Connor is an experienced OB-GYN with a heart for change. She uses her medical know-how and passion for justice to fight for every woman's right to good health. After completing her undergraduate education at MIT, she earned a medical degree from Harvard Medical School through the Harvard-MIT Health Science and Technology Department and a PhD from MIT in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics. Following the completion of her OB-GYN residency, a transformative journey that honed her skills and deepened her commitment to advancing women's health, she pursued a Commonwealth Fellowship in Minority Health Policy. She acquired a Master of Public Health (MPH), further enriching her perspective on healthcare delivery and policy. Connor founded 'Race to Better Health' and 'Diosa Ara', initiatives that embody her dedication to improving health outcomes and advocating for policy change.