Louisiana ranks near the bottom nationally for infant mortality, and improving prenatal care can help reverse that trend. Prenatal care allows doctors to both make early interventions that can improve a baby’s health after birth and help soon-to-be mothers improve aspects of their own health that impact their pregnancy. To address the state’s underuse of prenatal care services, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals’ Partners for Healthy Babies program helps mothers-to-be learn more about needed services available to them. Partners for Healthy Babies’ new “Make the Call, Because Your Baby Can’t” campaign encourages mothers-to-be to call their helpline, 1-800-251-Baby (2229), and visit www.1880251Baby.org to get the information they need to access prenatal care and have a healthy pregnancy.

Have you ever looked at a beauty product’s list of ingredients and wondered what all those chemicals do? Jouralists Siobhan O’Connor and Alexandra Spunt have, and they did the research to find out. In their new book, No More Dirty Looks, they share their discoveries about the unhealthy chemicals used in many beauty products, explore why companies use those products, and advise women on how to find products that are safe and effective. The book will be released in July. Click here to see the authors’ blog, with more about the book and even more tips on what products to use.

National Women’s Health Week, May 9-15, is a weeklong observance that aims to educate and empower women to make their own health a top priority. This year’s theme, “It’s Your Time,” encourages women to take simple steps toward improving their health and preventing disease. The official National Women’s Health Week website offers women’s health related resources, including information on an eight-week physical activity program where you can set personal goals and track your progress.

There are a number of health benefits associated with breastfeeding, and doctors recommend that new mothers continue to breastfeed their babies for a full six months after birth. However, research shows that only 12 percent of new moms breastfeed that long. A new study conducted by the Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School in Boston, suggests that if all new moms breastfed for the doctor-recommended length of time, the number of infant deaths and diseases would fall dramatically. Consequently, the U.S. would save an average of $13 billion a year in medical costs. Read more.

The U.S. government recently launched the Text4Baby campaign, a new service that brings expert health information to pregnant women and new moms through their babies’ first year using text messaging. Click here to read about the service and how to enroll at no charge.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease known to cause genital warts and/or cervical cancer, isn’t just a concern for women. The virus can also cause genital warts and penile and/or anal cancers in men as well. Of the 6 million new cases of HPV in the United States each year, 74% occur in 15 to 24 year olds. Learn more about HPV and resources for getting vaccinated, tested and treated from the American Social Health Association.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 192,370 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year, but knowing the signs and seeking early medical attention can be key in early detection and treatment.

High cholesterol greatly increases the risk for heart disease and heart attacks. Following simple nutrition and fitness guidelines and getting a cholesterol blood test every five years beginning at age 20 can help manage cholesterol build up in the body and prevent a heart attack. Learn about what you can do to manage your own cholesterol levels.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly of women’s cancers, claiming the lives of close to 16,000 women each year. Many women don’t seek medical help until the disease has begun to spread, but if detected at its earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is more than 93%. Knowing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can be crucial for early detection. Learn the signs in this video.

It’s clear that cell phones are not just for making calls and sending texts anymore, but did you know they can actually help you get healthy? iPhone users can now download specific applications that can make getting healthy a whole lot easier. Check out this blogger’s post that names 50 iPhone applications that can improve your body and mental sharpness, help you quit smoking and keep you motivated.