It’s been a while since I’ve posted about all the tidbits of data I’ve been reading.
Here’s a special Health Blurbs for the Brain.
Introversion got you down? Act like an extrovert! Wall Street Journal article here.
The taller you are, the greater the risk of cancer. NYTimes blog post here.
I am loving this blogger’s series Surprising Things about Parenting in Foreign Countries. Here is an American’s perspective about parenting in Japan.
On pregnancy: “I’m six and a half months pregnant right now and have been going to a Japanese doctor. In New York, when I was pregnant with Motoki, my doctor warned me, “You can’t eat sushi, coffee, alcohol or raw cheese.” She gave me special vitamins. My Japanese doctor says nothing about any of that! No diet restrictions at all. I did pick up a flyer at the doctor’s office that said I can drink a few cups of coffee a day and a glass of alcohol.”
Omg, my doctor would have killed me if I even thought of eating sushi, drinking coffee or gasp alcohol!! Seriously, I was on a strict diet from the moment I found out I was pregnant. Granted he is a high risk doctor, but still very interesting to see the difference in culture on this alone!!
I know, isn’t it insane? One of the professors from my business school is coming out with a book in a couple weeks that talks about the myths and the facts of what to do and not do during pregnancy based on scientific research. I am dying to read it so I can relay the truth on my blog. Stay tuned.
I drank coffee probably every day of both of my pregnancies. No alcohol or sushi, though. I remember reading that Gwyneth Paltrow said her English doctor said she could drink alcohol, too. Interesting!! –Lisa
Yes I am determined to get to the bottom of the ambiguities of what to do/not do during pregnancy. Although I have to admit I personally will be so cautious that I’ll adhere to everything any doctor says.
It’s interesting to see all the different theories from different places. How about moderation? My doctor did tell me have a glass of wine towards the end of pregnancy, I think because I wasn’t sleeping at all.
Michelle, yes, I think that’s right. It’s all about moderation. I really want to understand it more so that I have facts to back up what is correct.
I love reading about parenting in different countries to see how different cultures react to pregnancy. I think we have a fear-tactic mentality here but I don’t know if it’s been scientifically proven that eliminating caffeine, certain foods, alcohol, etc has a healthy effect on the baby. I am with Michelle–the key is always moderation 🙂
Great post and I can’t wait to read your follow-up about your professor’s book!
Yes, Charlotte, I’m going to be all over her book as soon as it’s released. It’s called Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong-and What You Really Need to Know.
i am definitely interested in the series on being pregnant in other countries- I find topics about cultural differences fascinating.
Kate, check out this blogger’s series. I searched for it and here is the link. Japan and Norway so far.
http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/search?q=10+surprising+things
This is a test!
Thank you for testing, Allyssa!