Anticipated Outcomes
In the bustling Motion household, preparations for the arrival of their first baby are in full swing. As part of their efforts to be well-informed, the family has signed up for prenatal classes offered by their local hospital. These classes, often held online due to work travel and scheduling conflicts, aim to equip expectant parents with the knowledge they need for a smoother pregnancy and baby's arrival.
One particularly valuable resource in these classes is the use of infographics. These clear visuals, created by Andy Brunning's renowned project, "Compound Interest," help simplify complex scientific and health-related topics, making them more accessible and engaging than a wall of text.
For instance, an infographic on 'Six key pregnancy hormones and their roles' was presented in one of the Motion family's prenatal classes. This graphic, which could also be a potential topic for another #ChemistryConversation with parents-to-be, charts the levels of six key hormones—human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, oestrogen, cortisol, prolactin, and oxytocin—over 40 weeks, the average length of a human pregnancy. Each hormone's role in foetal development, labour, and lactation is described in the infographic, along with graphics showing where each hormone is produced in the body.
Other infographics created by Brunning's project can aid health literacy and medical discussions. For example, there are visuals explaining the mechanism of common medications, the science of hydration, and the impact of nutrition and diet on health. These infographics can support discussions around diet-related conditions like diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular disease, and help patients understand why staying hydrated matters in health maintenance and recovery.
Moreover, infographics on topics like understanding vitamins and minerals, how vaccines work, and alcohol metabolism and health effects can be useful for addressing common concerns and misconceptions. They can assist in explaining medication actions, why adherence is important, and why supplements might be needed or what deficiencies could cause symptoms.
In the Motion household, a changing Compound Chem infographic could find a home on the nursery wall, serving as a constant reminder of the science behind their growing family. Frankie, the five-year-old dog, may also benefit from these clear explanations, as he exhibits unusual behavior due to the baby's arrival.
Brunning's work, which spans various topics such as medicinal chemistry, biology, and blood types, offers a wealth of resources for parents-to-be and healthcare professionals alike. By using these infographics in healthcare settings, more informed conversations can be fostered, empowering patients to better understand their health and make informed decisions with their healthcare providers.
- The Motion family, during their prenatal classes, found an infographic on 'Education and Self-Development: Understanding Vitamins and Minerals' particularly insightful, which detailed the roles and benefits of various essential nutrients for both mother and baby.
- As they navigate the journey of parenting a newborn, the Motion household plans to use infographics from Andy Brunning's project, Compound Interest, as a means to gain a better understanding of other health-related topics, such as hydration, nutrition, and medication actions, that will aid in creating a healthier and well-informed environment for their growing family.
