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Toxins in household dust may be harmful to kids
Most of the dust that coats your furniture and floors comes from outdoors and can pose a health threat, a new study suggests.
BPA in canned foods could harm children, group says
Measurable levels of the chemical additive bisphenol A (BPA) were found in a variety of canned goods, including some that claimed to be BPA-free, according to an analysis released this week by the nonprofit advocacy group Consumers Union.
Toxic toys? Health group finds high lead levels
Children's toys carrying the Barbie and Disney logos have turned up with high levels of lead in them, according to a California-based advocacy group — a finding that may give consumers pause as they shop for the holiday season.
10 Tips to Make Bed Rest Manageable
10 Tips to Make Bed Rest Manageable
Being on bed rest may not be where you want to be, but if you’ve been ordered there by your doctor, you might as well make the most of it. Here are some ideas to help you survive the next few weeks while you take good care of yourself and your little one, which is your main concern at the moment!

Date Night

Don't let being stuck in bed get you down. And what better place to spend a romantic evening with your partner! Request he bring home your favorite meal and that chick flick you've been dying to see. Come on, you're on bed rest, he'snot going to deny you the Jennifer Aniston movie of your choicetonight!

Pamper Time!

Experiment with some new make-up, or give yourself a manicure. Of course, if you want a pedicure, you may have to ask your hubby to do the honors! Or better yet, request a massage from him. Lure him into it by letting him watch a sports event and that'll keep his interest while he massages away your aches and pains! And don't forget to have himgive those tootsies of yours some TLC too.

Keep a Cooler of Healthy Snacks Nearby

Being on bed rest does not give you free rein to forego healthy eating habits. Friends and family might feel sorry for you and pop on over with homemade treats and cakes, which is nice every now and then, but remember you are growing your baby, and that baby of yours needs to eat well! And since you can't beas active as you'd like, don't go crazy with the pies and cakes. Here are some tips on what's best to eat during your pregnancy.

Journal, Scrapbook, Plan Your Baby's Announcements

You think you'll be bored, but there'll be so much to do when your baby arrives, you'll wish for this time back. Get a head start on creating your baby book, journal to your baby, or even start picking out your baby announcements. You can even address envelopes in advance to save time.

Learn Something New

With so much free time on your hands, why not get creative with those hands of yours. BabyZone Mom to Mom contributor Kim was on strict bed rest for seven months when she decided to learn something new. "My sister got me books on how to crochet and all the beginner materials that I would need. I would turn on the TV and just crochet the day away. It became an addiction; 'just one more row,' I would say, over and over!" By the time Kim gave birth to her daughter Katie, she had crocheted three beautiful blankets for her!

Don't Quit Your Day Job

Being on bed rest didn't stop Maureen Johnson from working. She was able to work it out with her employers to continue working full-time from home with the help of a laptop and a fax machine. "I was on 'limited activity,' which basically meant I could not stand up or walk at all," says Johnson. Just make sure to keep everything you need close by. A basket containing pens, papers, important documents and folders, phone, and other office supplies will make for a much more productive work-at-home atmosphere.

Keep Structure in Your Day

When Debbie Smith was ordered on bed rest, she was instructed to keep her legs elevated and not sit upright. In order to make her days manageable, she discovered a daily schedule helped. "I wanted to limit my TV time so I blocked sections for outdoor reading time,list-making time, computer time, and my much needed Ellen Degeneres time!" Debbie found that having that bit of structure made her days go by more quickly and more productively.

Host a Girls Night In

Just because you're stuck inside doesn't mean you can't have friends over. BabyZone reader Emily found that having friends over kept her from getting the blues. "I enjoyed having friends over to help me laugh and get over the fact that I was stuck on the couch." Invite girlfriends over to watch The Bachelor or The Real Housewives of Orange County. Watching trashy reality TV is bound to make you feel better about being on bed rest! Since your guests are your friends, and they are sure to understand what you're going through by being on bed rest, ask them to bring the snacks. And here are some sparkly,non-alcoholic drinks you can all enjoy!

The World at Your Fingertips

With FaceBook, Twitter, and all the new social media avenues out there do you even need to leave your bed if you've got a laptop nearby? Shop online, surf, design your ideal nursery, chat with other moms about pregnancy, and search or theperfect baby name.

It Won't Last Forever!

While bed rest might seem like forever and you feel like you might not survive, remember the reasons you're doctor put you there. Pretty soon, you'll be holding that bundle of joy in your arms and these days or weeks will seem like a mere moment of time. So, while you're here, make the most of your time, and take care of yourself and your precious little baby! You're both so worth it!