Your Health: Another baby boom?

Baby boom

The United States registered a record number of births in 2007, at more than 4.3 million, a 1 percent increase over 2006.

Birth rates increased in all age groups from 15 to 44, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In contrast to falling birth rates for adolescents from 1991 to 2005, the birth rate for teenagers increased for the second straight year, by 1 percent.

There were also increases in the general fertility rate, the percentage of births to unmarried women (40 percent), and Caesarean deliveries (32 percent).

At the other end of the spectrum, average life expectancy at birth hit a record 77.9 years.

Be fruitful

Chocolate is out and fruit boxes are in.

In response to stated employee preferences and to encourage healthy eating, Adventist Midwest Health gave fruit boxes to its workers and volunteers for the holidays this year.

The boxes contain apples, oranges, pears and kiwi at all Adventist hospitals, including GlenOaks Hospital in Glendale Heights.

Officials said they were pleasantly surprised that employees said they preferred the fruit over the chocolate indulgence.

Dinner with docs

Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield continues its free Dinner with the Doc series on Wednesdays in the new year.

Topics include treating abdominal aortic aneurysms Jan. 13; celiac disease Jan. 20; and brain tumors Jan. 27.

The dinners are held at 6 p.m. at Arrowhead Golf Club or Danada House in Wheaton. Registration is required. For information, call (630) 933-4234.

Experts on elder-care

Looking for the best way to take care of aging parents? CNS Home Health & Hospice, an affiliate of Central DuPage Health, will offer a discussion exploring that topic.

An experienced panel will answer questions about insurance, legal issues, health care, long-term care, where to find resources, and how to discuss it with your family in a positive way.

The program will run from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18 at CNS Home Health & Hospice, 690 E. North Ave., Carol Stream.

Free registration is required at (630) 933-4234.