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Birth defects can be devastating for parents and their baby. Sadly, many birth defects happen without an obvious cause and cannot be avoided. But, doctors know there are some things a woman can do before and during pregnancy to help lower the risk of birth defects. They include:

Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.

This is a B vitamin that can reduce the risk of certain brain and spine defects. Experts recommend taking it even before you get pregnant.

Get good medical care.

See your doctor regularly and tell him or her if you plan to get pregnant. Begin prenatal care as soon as possible after you become pregnant. It’s important to talk about any health problems you may have and any medicines you take. You’ll also need tests to check for high blood pressure, blood sugar, and other possible pregnancy problems. You may also need certain vaccines (shots) to prevent illness and avoid some birth defects.

Avoid alcohol, tobacco products, and any street drugs including marijuana.

These can harm a developing baby.

Work toward a healthy weight.

Overweight women have a higher risk of birth defects. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to achieve a healthy weight. Ask your doctor how much weight you should gain during pregnancy.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Heat and humidity can trigger three major illnesses, according to Dr. Eric Kirkendall, of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center:

Heat strokesymptoms include hot flushed skin, high fevers (over 104ºF), altered mental states such as confusion, and can be accompanied by seizures. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency and needs to be treated promptly.

Heat stroke is a 911 emergency. Cool the person off as quickly as possible while waiting for medical services to arrive. Move the person to a cool shady place or an air-conditioned room; sponge the entire body surface with cool water (as tolerated without causing shivering); and fan the person to increase heat loss from evaporation. Keep the feet elevated to counteract shock. If the person is awake, give him or her as much cold water to drink as he or she can tolerate. Fever medicines are of no value for heat stroke.

Heat exhaustionsymptoms include pale skin, profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, or weakness. It is less severe than heat stroke but is still dangerous and may require medical attention.

For heat exhaustion, put the person in a cool place indoors or in the shade. Have him or her lie down with the feet elevated. Undress the person (except for underwear) so the body surface can give off heat. Sponge the entire body surface continuously with cool water without causing shivering. Fan the person to increase heat loss from evaporation. Give as much cool, not cold water or sport drinks as the person tolerates until he or she feels better. If symptoms do not improve or the person gets light-headed or faints, get medical care right away.

Heat crampsare most common in the abdomen and legs, especially the calf or thigh muscles. Tightness or hand spasms can also occur, but fever is not a symptom.

For heat cramps, monitor physical activity and make sure children don’t overly exert themselves. Adults can self-monitor. Make sure children drink plenty of water often. Encourage frequent breaks from physical activity to cool down and gently stretch muscles.

Psoriasis is a condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly. These extra skin cells build up and form scaly patches, redness or a rash.

There are several different types of psoriasis that look and feel different. Sometimes, a person may have one type of psoriasis and it later turns into another type. Experts aren’t sure what causes psoriasis, but they believe the immune system and a person’s genes are involved.

Fortunately, there are ways to help manage this condition and live a healthy life with this disease. Try these tips:

*  Know your triggers. Many people find that psoriasis flares up at certain times. Stress, skin injury, certain medications, infections or illnesses can cause a psoriasis flare-up. Talk with your doctor about healthy ways to avoid your triggers.

*  Focus on all-around good health. A healthy diet and exercise will help you manage psoriasis. For example, being overweight can make psoriasis worse. In addition, people with psoriasis are at a higher risk of getting heart disease and diabetes.

*  Don’t smoke. Smoking puts stress on the body and harms the immune system and skin.

*  Work with your doctor to manage itching. Many people with psoriasis have itching that interferes with life. Keeping skin moisturized, cold packs and over-the-counter itch creams may help. If these remedies don’t work, ask your doctor about prescription options.

*  Know the signs of psoriatic arthritis. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis will get psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis can be very painful and cause damage to your joints. Achy joints, especially in the morning, are one sign. Fingernails and toenails may also look different. They may get ridges, pits or a yellow or orange color. See your doctor if you notice any of these changes.

*  Keep mental health in mind. Some people with psoriasis get depression or anxiety. Plus, your mental health plays an important role in overall health. See your doctor and ask about treatment for these conditions.

*  Don’t stop taking medicines without your doctor’s approval. If you suddenly stop your psoriasis medicine, it can make the psoriasis more severe. If you need help paying for your medication, talk to your doctor. There may be financial assistance programs available for people with psoriasis.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, National Psoriasis Foundation

Atrial fibrillation, or “AFib,” is an irregular or rapid heartbeat. It happens when the upper chambers of the heart don’t pump as they should. The American Heart Association says many people don’t realize that AFib can be an extremely dangerous condition. In fact, if AFib isn’t treated, it can lead to dangerous blood clots and stroke. It can also make the heart get weaker and enlarged, causing congestive heart failure.

Symptoms of AFib

It can be hard to know whether you have AFib, because symptoms can be different for each person.

*  Heartbeat that feels fast, irregular, “thumping,” or fluttering

*  Feeling tired, weak or dizzy

*  Shortness of breath and/or anxiety

*  Sweating

*  Feeling very fatigued during exercise

*  Confusion

*  Chest pain or pressure: This is also a sign of heart attack. Call 9-1-1 if you notice this symptom. If you think you could be having a heart attack, don’t wait. Get emergency medical help immediately.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about your AFib symptoms and how to manage them. Some conditions like diabetes and heart disease, or having a family history of AFib, mean you could be at higher risk for AFib.

Preventing AFib

Like many heart conditions, the risk of AFib can be lowered by following a healthy lifestyle. This may include:

*  Regular exercise

*  A healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, sodium (salt), and cholesterol

*  Not smoking: if you smoke, get help quitting atwww.smokefree.gov

*  Getting checked for – and treating – high blood pressure (hypertension)

*  Keeping cholesterol under control and getting regular cholesterol checks

*  Working toward a healthy weight, if weight loss is needed

*  Avoiding high amounts of alcohol and caffeine

*  Treating obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that increases the risk of AFib.

Treating AFib

Treatment for AFib will depend on a person’s health history and how severe the AFib is. Some people may need medications, such as blood thinners and drugs that reduce clotting. Some people can keep AFib under control with blood pressure medicine.

A procedure known as electrical cardioversion may be performed when medications aren’t suitable. This is a non-surgical procedure that helps “reset” the heart’s rhythm. Other non-surgical procedures may also be discussed. In some cases, surgery may be needed. Only you and your doctor can determine what treatment is best for you.