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There’s no lack of confusion when it comes to what education looks like this fall with COVID-19 restrictions. Parents need to evaluate what’s best for their family, schools need to plan for any scenario under the sun and pleasing everyone is an impossible task. We contacted local education consultant, Marci Howell of Marci Howell Educational Services for an inside look at school options for parents in Pennsylvania. Excerpt from Marci Howell Educational Services’ Facebook page: As a general comparison, here are some advantages and disadvantages of alternative schooling options:• Cybers and homeschooling are not ideal for everyone – parents need to be engaged and involved to help students ease through the transition. And students need to buy in so that you won’t have a constant battle on your hands over getting school work done. Some of this is parenting (knowing how to motivate them without the battles) and some of it is stubbornness in the kids. But look at those issues honestly before making a move.• Most cyber charters provide live online classes along with an asynchronous common core aligned curriculum (which most students can work through on their own, without a teacher). Doing cybers, your kids will be online quite a bit. Probably not ideal for young kids to be on the computer a lot.• Homeschooling allows you to pick curriculum and topics to study. There are many approaches to homeschooling – some very structured like school and some very open and loose (unschooling). Most families tend to lie between the two extremes. Just know that homeschooling doesn’t have to be boring and full of workbooks & busy work. It can be fun, meaningful, and enriching.• Many school districts had their own online option before the pandemic hit. These have varying reviews, in my experience. But they’re free, and your tax money stays in the district this way.• Cyber charters are also free, but part of the tax money per student gets transferred from the local district to the cyber as tuition.• Homeschooling is not free. You can find great free resources online. You can get a whole year’s curriculum for just a couple hundred dollars and utilize your local library for a lot. You can get school done in a couple hours, and enjoy fresh air and family for the rest.• Many cybers offer group gatherings and field trips. Homeschoolers are notorious for getting together and doing day outings and field trips. And there are homeschool co-ops all over.Some questions to ask yourself:• Am I running away from something or toward something? If that’s too direct, how about – am I trying to get away from something negative or an I moving toward something positive? Are my motives right?• What’s your why? Is the whole family on board?• Are you prepared to trudge through the rough days and learn different parenting approaches?Questions to ask a cyber school:• Are live lessons provided? Are they mandatory?• How flexible are due dates? (Generally, they should give two weeks before temporary zeros or late penalties.)• What supports do you offer struggling students (IEP support, one-on-one help, group tutoring, etc.)? How available are the teachers?• How long should I expect my child to be on the computer daily at this age? Be sure to check out Marci’s website and Facebook page, and contact her for support in making the best education decision for your kids. If you weren’t considering changing your child’s education setting before the coronavirus, then it might be best to wait it out and see how the school year starts. Hopefully, schools will be more prepared in August, so don’t make a decision based on what happened in March when the shut down started. At Life’s Choices, we want to provide you with the best resources available for all your parenting needs. Please contact us if we can support you in any way! Free Parenting Classes Parenting is already tough, but parenting during COVID-19 can be extra tricky. If you need some extra support or guidance, contact us today for information about our free parenting resources. Contact Us Today Kutztown: 610-683-8000 | Hamburg: 484-660-3526 #cyberschool #parentingresources #onlineschool #coronavirusparenting #education #cybercharterschool #schoolduringcoronavirus #parentinghelp #parentingeducation #covid19schooling #parentingclasses #covid19parenting

Stress is a part of everyday life, but stress, COVID-19 and pregnancy together can feel overwhelming. Protecting your physical and mental health are vital during pregnancy, but it’s also important to protect your baby from stress. Chronic stress can have an affect on your developing baby so taking extra precautions to slow down and be in the moment are essential for a new mom. Some common causes of stress during pregnancy include: Fear of pregnancy loss Fear of labor & delivery Uncomfortable physical changes like nausea, tiredness and mood swings Financial stress Fear of taking care of the baby Consider a few of these options to help lower stress levels: Concentrate on your breathing Sit or lie down, close your eyes and take at least five deep breaths. Try to relax and let the stress go. Stretch Who doesn’t love a good stretch? Stretch your neck, back, arms, and legs at various points during the day to alleviate tight muscles. Get plenty of rest It’s a lot of work growing a new human so take advantage of every nap you can get! Get a massage Pregnant women deserve extra pampering so make an appointment for yourself today! Sip on herbal tea Not all tea is equal, so be sure to research to find the best ones for pregnant women. Here’s a site you can check out. Call a friend Whether it’s another new mama or a mama of many years, talking out thoughts and feelings help us to feel connected and less alone. Ask for help Create a network of supportive people who can help clean, cook meals and be available to lend a helping hand at a moments notice. Eat healthy Consider every bite you take in as one that will serve you and your baby’s overall health and well-being. Listen to music Listening to as little as 30 minutes of music can decrease cortisol which is your body’s main stress hormone. Laugh Laughter is good medicine for every day! Watch a funny movie, tell funny stories and let the stress melt away. If you are looking for more resources on stress relief during pregnancy, we’ve included a few links below. We’re here to offer help and hope throughout your pregnancy and beyond, so please reach out to us if we can support you in any way! PARENTS: Ways to Relieve Stress During Pregnancy AMERICAN PREGNANCY ASSOCIATION: Stress During Pregnancy VERY WELL FAMILY: Coping with Stress During Pregnancy Contact Us Today #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #covid19pregnancy #freepregnancytest #pregnancytest #stressinpregnancy #pregnantstress #pregnancystress #berkscounty #prenataleducation #prenatalclasses #coronaviruspregnancy #kutztown #ultrasounds #pregnancy

Pregnancy is a big deal, and whether a woman was hoping to become pregnant or was caught completely off guard, that woman needs support from her friends more than ever. Here are some ways you can help your friend process the news that she is pregnant. 1. LISTEN Honestly, we all need someone to listen when we are coping with big news. If your friend trusts you with the news of a pregnancy, you should be honored! Let her talk about how she found out, what she thinks about the pregnancy and what the father of the baby is saying. Let her imagine out loud what life might look like in a month, nine months or a few years. It’s not recommended to offer advice at the beginning of this conversation. Instead, practice “reflective listening” to stay connected. For example, if she says she took two tests and couldn’t believe the results, respond by mirroring back what she just said (“Wow, you took two tests? Then what happened?”) to keep the conversation moving. Reflective listening also helps you stay engaged in the mostly one-way conversation. 2. SUPPORT Once your friend has shared her initial thoughts, hopes and worries about the pregnancy, there are great questions you can ask that are tailored to her situation. By gently helping her look at the possibilities ahead, you can help her start to make a plan for what to do next. For example, you can ask questions like: What does the father of the baby think about the pregnancy? Will he support you if you decide to keep the baby? Have you told your parents? What will your friends say? How are you feeling? Do you have a doctor? What will you do about work? What will you do about school? Have you thought about what could happen next? What will life look like if you keep the baby? In nine months? In five years? How will life change if you choose adoption for your baby? Do you know about abortion procedures? How will you feel about an abortion down the road? How can I help? (and be prepared to follow up if she asks for help!) 3. DIRECT By listening to your friend and asking good, caring questions, you’ve provided invaluable help to her. But a necessary third step is directing her to some help. For instance, all pregnant women need to connect with medical care and ongoing support. This is where Life’s Choices can help you and your friend! Life’s Choices offers the following: Pregnancy Tests – Even if she’s taken one (or multiple) tests on her own, taking one in our office is helpful. Many women say this step makes a pregnancy more real to them. Prenatal Vitamins – No matter what her plan at this point, early pregnancy takes a toll on a women’s body. These vitamins help keep the mother and the baby healthy. Doctor Referral List – We’ve created and maintained a list of local OBGYNs, and we encourage women to set up an appointment early in their pregnancy. Confirmation Ultrasound – Typically given at the six week mark or later, our ultrasound confirms the age of the fetus and looks for a heartbeat. This type of ultrasound is often required by doctor’s offices, insurance companies and even abortion providers. Information on Abortion – While we do not perform, recommend or refer for abortions, we have factual information on the different procedures used to end a pregnancy. We want all women considering abortion to be well informed and provide this information in a caring, non-judgmental environment. Information on Parenting – We have great resources, classes and mentorship available for expecting parents. From what to expect during pregnancy, to creating a child birth plan, to preparing to take care of a newborn, we have new moms and dads covered! Information on Adoption – Again, we have a list of reputable adoption agencies as well as information on what modern adoption looks like. Some women don’t realize, for example, they can choose the adoptive parents as well as how involved the birth parents will be in the baby’s life down the road. Material supplies – Parents can receive items they need for the baby, from a car seat and clothing to diapers and towels, and so forth. All of our services are provided free of charge and are conducted with complete confidentiality. If you aren’t located near our Hamburg or Kutztown, Pennsylvania, offices, don’t worry. As a CareNet affiliate, we can connect your friend to a center more convenient to her that will offer similar support. 4. PRAY At Life’s Choices, we strongly believe in the power of prayer! If you have a relationship with God, even a tenuous one, why not ask him to help your friend? Here are some Bible verses that show how much God cares about everyone involved: “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” -Psalm 127:3 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7 So, there you have it. If your friend tells you she is pregnant, listen to what she has to say, be ready to ask some good questions and then direct her to some help she may need. And don’t be afraid to pray and ask God for help – for you and your friend – through this process. Need more help? We are just a call, email or text away! We’re continuing to take necessary precautions and abide by guidelines for the safety of you and our staff. At this time, we ask that the client set up an appointment before coming in. Thank you! Contact Us Today #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #fetaldevelopment #freepregnancytest #pregnancytest #berkscounty #prenataleducation #prenatalclasses #freeresources #kutztown #parentingclasses #sonograms #ultrasounds #pregnancy

No one wants to find themselves with an STD and certainly not when they are pregnant. Being pregnant does not provide extra protection against STDs for you or your baby, so taking the usual precautions if you are sexually active to prevent one is necessary. An untreated STD can have serious effects on you and your baby, so it is important for you to be aware of these harmful effects and to protect both you and your baby from them. WHAT TO DO Many doctors routinely screen for STDs at the first prenatal visit and during the third trimester. Bacterial STDs are treated with antibiotics which can reduce the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor and other complications before birth and at delivery. If you think you may have contracted an STD at any time before or during your pregnancy, contact us today for free testing. Do not forget your partner needs to be tested and treated as well! For more information, take a look at the CDC’s STDs During Pregnancy Fact Sheet which provides useful information about specific STDs and their effects during pregnancy. You can also find out more about STDs and pregnancy here. CONTACT US We welcome you to set up a free appointment for STD (chlamydia, gonorrhea) testing. We also offer pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting classes to assist you in preparing for your new baby. To schedule your testing appointment or prenatal/parenting classes, you can call or text our Kutztown office at 610-683-8000 or our Hamburg office at 484-660-3526. At this time we ask that you make sure to set up an appointment rather than walk in (to abide by current COVID-19 safety standards). Schedule Your Test #freeSTDtesting #stdtesting #centerfordiseasecontrol #pregnantwithSTD #STD #pregnancyhelp #STDduringpregnancy #sexuallytransmitteddisease #prenatalclasses #parentingclasses

While many of Life’s Choices services focus on pregnant clients (from tests and ultrasounds to prenatal and childbirth classes), our parenting classes are also a popular choice for clients. Whether clients are expecting a baby or seeking guidance in various parenting stages, we cover a variety of topics! It’s been our true pleasure to work with many parenting clients every year. Here are some frequently asked questions we get about raising children: WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING THE BABY HOME? We get it — there are so many gadgets and gizmos out there. And baby clothes are so cute! But experts agree you don’t need that much to take care of your newborn, and you don’t need to break the bank to do so. Must-haves include: Sleeping space- a separate bassinet or crib with no stuffed animals, blankets or bumpers Food to eat- Breast milk and/or formula; for the latter you will need a supply of bottles and nipples and a way to safely clean them Comfortable clothes- soft cotton onesies are our favorite Diapers and wipes- lots and lots of diapers and wipes. You are also required by law to have an age-appropriate car seat when you take your baby home from the hospital. NOTE: Life’s Choices can help you gather the supplies you need for your baby, including all of the above items. Contact us to see how you can earn a car seat during your pregnancy, or inquire about ways to earn diapers and other items on an on-going basis through our personal education program. HOW DO I EVEN TAKE CARE OF AN INFANT? Some clients have lots of experience taking care of younger siblings. Others don’t have a clue of what to do with a baby. But everyone needs facts about baby care and assurance that they can handle this tiny, dependent little human. We have great classes that cover: Cradling the head and neck when holding your infant Bathing and diapering a little one– Note: girls and boys have different hygiene needs Feeding your baby- We have breast-feeding consultants available to answer the age-old question (“Is my baby getting enough to eat?”) and also support parents who choose formula as a supplement or main source of nutrition. Most newborns eat every few hours. Signs that they are getting enough include steady weight gain, 6-8 wet or dirty diapers a day and a generally content baby between feedings. Crying- Babies cry, a lot! It’s actually their main way to communicate any type of need. We can help parents know the different types of cries and recognize what they mean, be it the need for food or a diaper change or a desire for comfort. CAN I SPOIL MY NEWBORN BY HOLDING HIM OR HER TOO OFTEN? No! The opposite is true: babies thrive with love, attention, cuddles, and play. Babies don’t have the ability to manipulate adults through crying. They cry when they are hungry, uncomfortable or lonely, and by responding to your child’s needs at this stage, you help them grow emotionally, physically and intellectually. If your baby cries often, consult your doctor to see if colic or another health concern is at play. If you are feeling overwhelmed in the moment, ask a family member to watch the baby, or set him down in a safe spot like his crib to take a few moments to relax before trying again. You will be better able to care for your baby after this needed break. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET MY BABY TO SLEEP? Typically, a newborn sleeps 12 to 16 hours a day but only in one to two hour stretches. At three months, most babies “sleep through the night” (usually, a six hour stretch) plus naps and no longer need a nighttime feeding. At six months, babies tend to sleep 12 to 15 hours daily, including a short morning and longer afternoon nap, and by 9 months this shifts to a 11 hour stretch at night and one afternoon nap. If your baby is not sleeping, neither are you! Try developing a consistent nighttime routine, swaddling (for newborns), a cradle with motion, a pacifier for babies with a high-suck need, a quiet and somewhat dark sleeping space, a small feeding before bed and responding appropriately if they do wake in the night. HOW DO I HANDLE THE TERRIBLE TWOs? Oh, the toddler years. As our babies grow physically, they also grow in their sense of who they are. This is a good thing – your child learns her own preferences and can vocalize what she does and does not want to do! But these same positive developments bring a big parenting challenge: tantrums. Experts say tantrums rise out of your toddler’s growing independence, and it can be intensified when what he wants to do (say, get dressed himself) exceeds his ability to do so (those pesky buttons and zippers!). Added to that, toddlers often hear the word, “No!” It’s for their own good – but they don’t like it. The best way to move out of the tantrum stage is to handle your child calmly. Learn the signs of an approaching tantrum and avoid it if you can. For example, if your child loses her temper when she is hungry, make sure you have regular snacks and mealtimes. Just make sure you don’t reward a tantrum unless you want to see more of them. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Parenting is tough, and we want you to know you are not alone in your journey. Seek out advice from trusted family and friends as well as stories from your own childhood to keep it all in perspective. Check in with your pediatrician and other professionals to make sure your child is on track developmentally. And consider calling us to set up free, individualized parenting classes. We have something for almost every stage and challenge of the parenting years! Contact Us Today Kutztown: 610-683-8000 | Hamburg: 484-660-3526 #newborntips #babysleephelp #parentingresources #coronavirusparenting #raisingchildren #parentinghelp #parentingeducation #parentingclasses #summereducation #covid19parenting

It’s that time of the year when the weather is heating up, the sun is shining longer and your date night routine of staying inside all the time might be changing as places are opening up again. But let’s be real, date nights can get expensive and not everyone has the money to go to an amusement park for the day or the beach for the week! Here is a list of 10 affordable date night ideas for you and your significant other that won’t break the bank: 1. MINIATURE GOLF – If you and your significant other are competitive, mini golf is the way to go! It’s fun and very affordable, typically costing less than $10.00 per person. Most mini golf courses serve ice cream, too! You can make it a friendly competition with your significant other and have the loser buy ice cream! 2. WATER BALLOON FIGHT – These summer days can get so hot and humid. A fun and inexpensive way to cool down is with a water balloon fight! The best part is, all you need is a sink, water balloons (which you can find at the Dollar Store) and your backyard! 3. DRIVE-IN MOVIE – With COVID-19, drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback! They provide social distancing, while being able to enjoy a movie together outside. Also, you can bring your own snacks, so you don’t have to pay the typical outrageous movie theater prices! 4. S’MORES NIGHT – Have you ever met a person who doesn’t love s’mores? This simple and easy dessert is something you can make right in your backyard! If you don’t have a fire pit, don’t worry. You can always make them on the grill or even in your oven. You can even switch it up and try different candy bars and see which one you like the best! 5. HAVE A SUNSET PICNIC – This can be done in the park, by the lake, on a mountain, on a trail or even your own backyard! If you want to be more active, you can go on a hike or bike ride beforehand. Bring a blanket and your favorite snacks, too! 6. EXPLORE A SMALL TOWN FOR THE DAY – Making memories while exploring a cute small town for the day is one of the best dates. Going into all their shops, checking out the coffee shops and walking around town makes for a great time and a lot of great photo ops! 7. VISIT A FARMER’S MARKET – Farmer’s Markets are gems when it comes to date night. You can find all kinds of food and pastries to try there, or you can pick up fresh, affordable produce to make dinner at home! And there are typically different vendors to check out who are selling crafts, homemade jewelry and a lot of other one-of-a-kind items! 8. VISIT WASHINGTON D.C. FOR THE DAY – You may have to put this idea in your back pocket for now due to coronavirus, but there are so many free things to do in Washington D.C. You can visit all kinds of museums, monuments, the zoo and the botanical garden all for FREE! 9. CAMPING – Camping is a great, affordable option if you want to get away for a night or two! Even renting a cabin at a campground is typically cheaper than staying at a hotel for the night. It gives you time to disconnect from your phone and reconnect with your significant other! 10. BE A “TOURIST” IN YOUR OWN CITY – Earlier we talked about taking a road trip to a small town, but sometimes the best area to explore is your own city! Maybe there’s a restaurant you’ve heard about that you’ve been wanting to try or a new art gallery that opened up that you’ve been wanting to visit. It’s so important to support local small businesses, and this allows you to do that! CONTACT US Dating doesn’t have to be expensive! Find some of your favorite things to do together and get started. Here’s to saving money and having much needed quality time together! For more ways to help your relationship grow and thrive, check out our free online relationship classes, or contact us for more info! Contact Us Today Kutztown: 610-683-8000 | Hamburg: 484-660-3526 #relationshiptips #affordabledatenight #coronavirus #socialdistancingdatenight #relationshipclasses #covid19 #datenightideas

Life’s Choices is not an abortion provider, nor do we recommend or refer for abortion. However, if you are considering terminating your pregnancy, we have several services offered free-of-charge for your optimal health and safety prior to an abortion procedure. Life’s Choices can provide you with a reproductive health screening that includes testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound. We recommend these preliminary steps before an abortion for the following reasons: 1. STI TESTING Many young women hope to one day be a parent, even though right now doesn’t seem like the right time. To protect your body for a future pregnancy, it’s important to know if you have an STI. At Life’s Choices we test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, two of the most common STIs. The Center for Disease Control has estimated that one in four sexually active adolescent females has an STD such as chlamydia or HPV. (1) Many don’t know they are infected because STIs often have no symptoms. Untreated STIs can lead to infertility. In fact, the CDC estimates that 24,000 women become infertile each year due to undiagnosed STIs. (2) Additionally, an abortion procedure that is done while infected with an STI increases your risk of contracting Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). (3) One in eight women with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease have difficulty becoming pregnant in the future. (4) Whether you decide to have an abortion or not, being tested for STIs is important for your health and future. We provide confidential testing and treatment free of charge and can usually have your results within one or two days. 2. PREGNANCY CONFIRMATION ULTRASOUND Here are reasons why an ultrasound before an abortion is recommended: To determine a viable uterine pregnancy: A nonviable pregnancy is one that cannot possibly result in a live-born baby, for example if no heartbeat is detected or if the fertilized egg is not attached in the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). Early detection through ultrasound can hasten the appropriate medical response to either an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life threatening, or a natural miscarriage. Either one of these conditions would obviously make an abortion procedure unnecessary. To determine gestational age: Different abortion procedures are available at specific stages of pregnancy. For this reason, it’s important to know how far along you are in the pregnancy. The Reproductive Health Screening is valued at $350 but is provided completely free of charge at Life’s Choices due to generous donations from local individuals, businesses and churches. Life’s Choices does not benefit financially from any decision you make concerning your pregnancy. Our goal is to provide you with the resources and services you need in order to make a fully informed decision. CONTACT US We welcome you to set up a free appointment today, whether for STI/STD testing, an ultrasound or another one of our free services. You can find out more about the services we offer here, or contact us today: Contact Us (1) https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats17/adolescents.htm (2) https://lifeschoicessupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Youth-STI-Infographic.pdf (3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7121913/ (4) https://www.cdc.gov/std/pid/stdfact-pid.htm #stdtesting #pennsylvania #STDtestingbeforeabortion #hamburg #freeultrasounds #berkscounty #freeresources #kutztown #ultrasounds #pregnancy

It’s not unusual for a woman to contact our office asking a key question: “Am I pregnant?” The signs of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman, especially in early stages, and well-meant advice from family and friends can add to the confusion. So here is a quick review of some early signs of pregnancy, as well as some ideas of how Life’s Choices can help you confirm a potential pregnancy. AM I PREGNANT? A missed menstrual period is often the biggest and most familiar hallmark of early pregnancy. What complicates this “sign” is that no woman’s period is perfectly regular and her cycle can be disrupted by changes in health, birth control or other medications, an increase in stress or other factors. Some women do not experience regular periods at any time, making a “missed period” hard to spot. However, a missed period is a good place to start when considering if you could be pregnant. What are some other early symptoms? They can include feeling nauseous or even throwing up (and not just in the morning!), breast tenderness, increased need to urinate, feeling more tired than normal and unusual mood swings. Sound familiar? That’s because these symptoms can also be signs of an impending period. TAKE THE TEST The best way to find out if you are pregnant is to start with a pregnancy test, which involves a simple trip to the bathroom and testing your urine. These tests look for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone that is present in higher amounts when you become pregnant. HCG is usually detectable as soon as four days before your expected period. The test we use in our office is 99 percent accurate when taken the first day of your expected period. In fact, coming to our office for a pregnancy test is a great idea! We make sure our tests are in date and stored at an appropriate temperature (to increase accuracy) and the test will be performed by a trained client rep. Free Pregnancy Tests CONFIRM WITH AN ULTRASOUND What surprises some clients is that a pregnancy test, while a reliable indicator of pregnancy, is not considered verified proof of pregnancy. But no worries, we can help with that by performing a confirmation ultrasound at or after six weeks since your last menstrual period (LMP). This is the point in time that our technician can determine an embryo in the uterus, detect a beating heart and also give an estimated date of pregnancy. All of these factors are important as a woman plans what to do next with the news of a pregnancy, whether planned or unexpected. By coming to our office to confirm a pregnancy, women not only get a solid confirmation of the pregnancy but also find an empathetic, professional person to talk over next steps with them. Free Confirmation Ultrasounds SO … ARE YOU PREGNANT? Not sure if you are pregnant? Contact our office for a pregnancy test appointment. We offer two options currently: coming to our Kutztown or Hamburg office for an in-person test, or arranging to pick up a take-home test packet. Either way, once the result of the test is available, we can help you decide what’s next on your pregnancy journey. Let us know how we can help you or someone you know answer the question, “Am I pregnant?” Schedule a (completely free) appointment with us today to confirm your pregnancy. Depending on what you need, we would love to provide you with a free pregnancy test, confirmation ultrasound or another one of our resources. We’re continuing to take necessary precautions and abide by guidelines for the safety of you and our staff. At this time, we ask that you set up an appointment before coming in. Thank you! Contact Us Today **1. Herschorn, Sender. “Female pelvic floor anatomy: the pelvic floor, supporting structures, and pelvic organs.” Reviews in urology 6.Suppl 5 (2004): S2. 2. Huseynov, Alik, et al. “Developmental evidence for obstetric adaptation of the human female pelvis.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 113.19 (2016): 5227-5232. 3. Dr. Eric Hazelrigg, OB/GYN, Oral Interview, 4/11/19 4. Napso, Tina et al. “The Role of Placental Hormones in Mediating Maternal Adaptations to Support Pregnancy and Lactation” Frontiers in physiology vol. 9 1091. 17 Aug. 2018, doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01091 #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #fetaldevelopment #freepregnancytest #pregnancytest #berkscounty #prenataleducation #prenatalclasses #freeresources #kutztown #parentingclasses #sonograms #ultrasounds #pregnancy

We all need some hope and encouragement, don’t we? This pandemic has affected all of us mentally and emotionally. The best source we have for encouragement is found within the pages of the Bible. God’s Word is truth and life, and getting a daily dose of it (or even more often!) brings peace to our weary souls. Try meditating on a few Scriptures every day. Post notes around the house to keep God’s promises before your eyes and set your eyes on the One who knows you better than you know yourself. Here are a few healing Bible verses to start with: JEREMIAH 17:14 “Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” ISAIAH 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” JEREMIAH 30:17 “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD.” JOHN 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ISAIAH 40:29 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” PSALMS 107:19-21 “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” EPHESIANS 1:18 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” ISAIAH 40:31 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” PSALM 33:18 “But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” PSALM 33:22 “May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” MORE BIBLE VERSES You can find more encouraging Bible verses to memorize and meditate on here: Hope Bible Verses Healing Bible Verses If you would like to reach out to God but don’t know where to start, we recommend this prayer for personal healing. If you are interested to learn more about the hope found in Jesus, we would love to answer any of your questions! We welcome you to give us a call or reach out to us via our website for more information. Contact Us Today #encouragingbibleverses #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #bibleverses #scripturehope #berkscounty #freeresources #kutztown #freerelationshipclasses

A virtual 5k?! When we started planning this event back in the winter months, we had no idea what laid ahead for us. Making the Spring Chicken 5k virtual hadn’t even crossed our minds, but we’re so happy, with the help of our amazing 5k committee, it eventually did! This event completely blew our minds with the outpouring of love and support we received! There was a sense of community that went above and beyond our expectations, and the enthusiasm from our participants was unmatched! We had 247 participants registered, we sold 300 chicken dinners, we had 115 people post pictures on social media and we had 29 prizes to give away! With the help of our business sponsors and all of you, we were able to beat our goal of raising $15,000 bringing in $16,300! This event wouldn’t have been possible without all of our business sponsors. We would like to an extend a big THANK YOU to each of them! SPRING CHICKEN SPONSORS: H&R Block (race sponsor) The Bridge Church Four Twelve Bob Weaver Auto Salem Church Trinity Bible Fellowship Church Essig Plumbing and Heating Glory to Glory Church Concern Professional Services Esbenshades Garden Centers and Greenhouse H&R Block RACE SPONSOR The Bridge Church Four Twelve Bob Weaver Auto Trinity Bible Fellowship Essig Glory to Glory Concern Esbenshade\\\\\\\'s Garden Centers Thank you for your continuous support of Life’s Choices! We also want to give a special thank you to our 5k committee: Jordan and Stefani Boyer, Jackie Brindle, Josh and Ally Porter, Katie Riegel and Keena Shaffer. From logistics to creating one awesome t-shirt, we wouldn’t have been able to pull this off without you! Thank you to every one of you who supported Life’s Choices through your Spring Chicken 5k participation! Your partnership is making a difference in the lives of so many women and families. We can’t wait to see all of you again next year! ONLINE GIVING If you weren’t able to participate but would still like to support Life’s Choices, you can give online below! Thank you again! Donate Here #5k #pennsylvania #hamburg #freeultrasounds #virtual5k #springchicken5k #berkscounty #fundraising5k #prenatalclasses #berkscounty5k #ultrasounds

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are defined as an infection or disease that is transmitted through sexual contact caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. There is so much to know about STDs, how they are transmitted and who they affect. Here are some common questions people often ask about STDs. (Disclaimer: Some sensitive issues discussed below.) FIVE COMMON QUESTIONS 1. How are STDs transmitted? STDs can be transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal sex. 2. Who do STDs affect? STDs can affect people of all ages. However, STDs do have a higher positivity rate in the younger population. Fifteen to 24-year-olds account for half of the 20 million new cases of STDs that occur in the United States each year, but they only make up about a quarter of the population. Also the CDC suggests that gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are at a higher risk of getting STDs. 3. Can I get an STD while I’m pregnant? Yes! You can get an STD before and during your pregnancy. The CDC recommends that all women should ask to be tested at their first prenatal visit. It is very common that doctors will automatically offer this, but some of them will not, so it is important for you to ask! If you think you may have been exposed after your first test, please let your doctor know. If you have an STD while pregnant and you do not get treatment, it can lead to serious health problems for you and your baby. You can pass the infection to your baby before, during or after birth. The doctor may also decide to do a cesarean delivery (c-section) to prevent the spread of infection to the baby. 4. Can STDs be spread during oral sex? Yes! There are many STDs and infections that can be spread from oral sex. It may be possible to get some STDs in the mouth or throat. This can happen by giving to oral sex to someone with an infected penis, vagina or anus. It may also be possible to get infected on the penis, vagina or anus by receiving oral sex from someone who has an infection in their mouth. You can also be positive in more than one area (ex: mouth and genitals). It’s important to remember that STDs do not always show symptoms. If you have had oral sex and you are getting tested, be sure to ask your health care provider if they can provide a throat swab as well. 5. What can happen if I leave an STD untreated? If STDs are left untreated it can cause long term pelvic and abdominal pain, infertility and complications with pregnancy and an increased risk of giving or getting HIV. If you know that you’ve been exposed or even if you are unsure of your exposure, it’s important to be tested and receive the proper treatment if you have a positive test. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Knowing your STD status is very important and critical in preventing the spread of disease. If you think you may be infected or at risk, DO NOT have sex until you are tested and treated. The CDC states, “the most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (vaginal, oral and anal). For more information on STDs, you can visit the Center for Disease Control’s website: cdc.gov. To schedule your testing appointment you can call or text our Kutztown office at 610-683-8000 or our Hamburg office at 484-660-3526. At this time we ask that you make sure to set up an appointment rather than walk in (to abide by current COVID-19 safety standards). Schedule Your Test #freeSTDtesting #stdtesting #centerfordiseasecontrol #STD #sexuallytransmitteddisease

Since schools have been closed for a few months already, the timing of “summer vacation” probably feels surreal for many parents and their kids. Summer sports, pools, and many outdoor activities are being cancelled, yet we’re all looking for life to be more “normal.” During these challenges, parents need creative ideas to engage their kids and build family relationships, so we went searching for some ideas to help parents with the summer of 2020. BRAIN-BUILDING FUN 1. Virtual Field Trips – Whether it’s a virtual tour of Apollo 11 or using Google Earth to tour the world, check out this website for a lot of cool ideas if the weather is bad or if a lock down is still in effect. Common Sense Education This site offers recommendations and free apps for all ages. 2. Stretch Your Brain – Learning a new language is fun and educational on Duolingo, but there are a variety of other options here. Also, National Geographic has a vast array of ideas and materials available online and is only a click away. ACTIVE & SUMMERY Parents magazine online has great, inexpensive ideas to keep young minds and bodies active through the summer months. Build an outdoor obstacle course, camp in your own backyard, volunteer or tour your hometown are just a few of the ideas they suggest. What about teens? They need some ideas, too, like volunteering for a local charity, burying a time capsule to open when they are 25, or starting their own business! Here are a few links to check out: Attitude Magazine –> Summer Activities for Teens We Have Kids –> 100+ Things for Teens to Do This Summer We hope these ideas are helpful. Remember, our kids really just want our time and attention, so keep building memories that will keep family connections strong! CONTACT US FOR FREE PARENTING RESOURCES If you find yourself needing some help with parenting issues, we have plenty of free parenting resources and informative videos that we can send your way and discuss with you. Parenting can be challenging at times, but we are here for support! Contact Us Today Kutztown: 610-683-8000 | Hamburg: 484-660-3526 #health #boredom #parentingresources #coronavirus #coronavirusparenting #parentingeducation #summerideas #ultrasound #parentingclasses #summereducation #covid19parenting #boredombusters #covid19