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There's a lot that goes into keeping your home safe for your family, some of it is obvious, but some of it... not so much. To help new families keep on top of everything, State Farm is sponsoring the series, "New Beginnings; Being There for Your New Family." Watch as Gretchen bravely opens her home for an evaluation by Rebecca Morley, the Executive Director of The National Center for Healthy Housing. Rebecca checks for the main elements of a healthy home: dry, clean, pest free, ventilated, contaminate free, and maintained and shares where to check for potential problems. For even more information, visit the NCHH healthy home checklist by clicking here.

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Are you ready to leave your kids with a babysitter? Paige and Gretchen talk with Lindsay Oaksmith, from the American Red Cross, about the Red Cross babysitter training program and share a few of their own experiences, too.

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While Paige and Gretchen were at the Pampers facility in Cincinnati, Ohio they learned about a wonderfully easy way to help eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. Jodi Allen, Vice President of North American Baby Care, explained the devastating claim this disease has had on the lives of newborns and mothers in developing countries. The good news is that Pampers has partnered with UNICEF in a campaign to eliminate neonatal tetanus through a program of low cost vaccines. UNICEF spokesperson Salma Hayek says, “In our own small way, this is an opportunity for moms like me here in the U.S. to help other mothers on a global level.” Watch the show to learn how easily you can help save a life!

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An estimated one in three children in the United States is overweight. That’s an alarming number! Gretchen has a passion for dance and exercise and was thrilled to visit with Shannon Miller, seven time Olympic medalist, about the Shannon Miller Foundation which is dedicated to fighting childhood obesity.

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Like us, you’ve probably heard or read something about BPA, the “bad” chemical in hard plastic. Bisphenol-A, or BPA, has been linked to a wide range of health problems including cancer, obesity, and some learning disabilities. It is especially dangerous to children. Gretchen and Paige wanted to learn what they can do to keep their families safe, so they invited Julia Bovey, from the NRDC (that’s the Natural Resources Defense Council) to explain what to look for on labels, which products to avoid, and which products are safe. This is information every parent should know. For more about BPA check out these articles and websites:

http://www.factsonplastic.com/?gclid=CN3IxrXOk5cCFQhJagodaAMq-w http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=plastics-in-our-diet http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-09-16-bpa-fda_N.htm http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/114/bpa

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Most new moms aren’t gonna shed the lbs as fast as Hollywood moms Reese Witherspoon or Kate Hudson, but they can still look great while they are on their way!  Gretchen and Paige visited with television stylist and makeup artist, Kim Foley, and she said the reality for most moms is that they won’t fit into their pre-pregnancy clothes for awhile.  Watch the show to get her tips and advice for looking your best after baby, and avoiding the dreaded “frumpy mom” look.