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Kiwi's Twitter Updates

Have fun at your Swaps, everyone! #costumeswap 244 days ago
I heard she's the Tooth Fairy's cousin! @practicallygrn conventional candy kids get at other homes, let Halloween Fairy visit! #costumeswap 244 days ago
Enter your DIY costumes with swapped and homemade items in our contest! kiwimagonline.com/costumes. Win $250 and be in KIWI! #costumeswap 244 days ago
Try Glee Gum or Endangered Species for natural/organic treats. You can get a lot for not much $$ #costumeswap 244 days ago
Great green costume: Park ranger! Got khaki shorts or a Scout uniform? Dress it up with a hat from a #costume swap 244 days ago
 

It’s National Folic Acid Awareness Week

Posted Jan 07 2010 12:00am

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Expecting a baby or know someone else who is? Dedicate some time this week to learning and spreading the word about folic acid, a nutrient that’s vital for proper cell growth and can prevent up to 70% of some forms of serious birth defects like Spina Bifida if taken before and during early pregnancy.

According to the National Council on Folic Acid, women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant should take 400 mcg of the B-vitamin each day. Additionally, it’s recommended that women who have a child or pregnancy affected by Spina Bifida or have Spina Bifida themselves take 4,000 mcg of folic acid for one to three months before becoming pregnant.

How to make sure folic acid’s included in your diet?  Eat plenty leafy greens like spinach, plus fortified grains, pastas, or cereals—all of which are good sources of the vitamin. However, it’s likely that you won’t obtain the recommended amount of folic acid from food alone (at least not on a daily basis), so it’s also a good idea to talk with your doctor about taking a supplement.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

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