Grab bars keep your family safe on slick surfaces.

Create a safe haven well before the baby arrives

(ARA) – As people begin thinking about starting a family, most parents-to-be ponder how their lives will change when their new bundle of joy arrives. However there are many changes that should come much earlier. During pregnancy, there are many hidden dangers in your home. Luckily, you only have to alter your habits slightly to ensure a safe haven for you and your new arrival.

Nursery No-no
For most expectant mothers, decorating the nursery is an exciting project to complete in anticipation of the new addition. However, when choosing the perfect shade to splash the walls, recruit dad, grandparents or friends to help with this part. Nearly all paints — even environmentally friendly versions — emit fumes and it is unknown what their effects are on the baby. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that pregnant women avoid newly painted rooms (and their harmful odors) for at least two days after the job is done.

Bath Safety
As the “baby bump” continues to grow, the excess weight around the mid-section will shift a mother-to-be’s center of gravity, making her very unstable and increasing the risk of slips and falls. And, according to the Home Safety Council, falls are the leading cause (66 percent) of all nonfatal home injuries — with the bathroom being a main culprit due to water and slick surfaces. Luckily, there are many updates to the bath that can provide added comfort and security.

For help getting in and out of the tub or shower, the Home Safety Council recommends installing grab bars. SecureMount Grab Bars from Home Care by Moen are an ideal choice since they feature a unique anchor installation system that allows homeowners to install grab bars quickly and easily anywhere on the wall — without the need for a stud — for the ultimate in safety and peace of mind. Plus, they are available in a variety of styles and finishes to beautifully coordinate with the rest of the bathroom. In addition to grab bars, a shower chair may be an additional consideration. Products such as Home Care’s new Premium Shower Chair offer comfort, convenience and safety while performing showering tasks, such as washing hair or shaving legs.

Feline Frets
While Fluffy may be a best buddy, her litter box is a “must avoid” for pregnant woman due to the risk of toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a microscopic parasite that often resides in cat feces. Don’t fret, however, this doesn’t mean you need to get rid of your cuddly kitten. Be sure to keep litter in rooms where moms won’t be exposed and let someone else in the household take over the chore of cleaning the litter boxes.

Call a Maid . . . or Not
Unfortunately, most cleaning products are safe during pregnancy, so expectant status isn’t necessarily a green light to hire a maid. However, there are many things to consider that will keep mom and baby-to-be safe from harm. First, always ensure there is good ventilation and avoid using any products that say “toxic” since they have solvents that could harm the baby. Sites such as www.greenhome.com list the latest lines of environmentally friendly cleaning products. Or, for added peace of mind, just use a combination of baking soda and vinegar as a cleaning solution for just about anything in your home.

Begin to Baby-proof
Once the baby arrives, he will be mobile before you know it. So, take time now to baby-proof your home. Take an inventory of sharp corners, cabinets with dangerous objects and electrical outlets; then purchase and install the necessary safety items, such as corner pads, outlet inserts and cabinet locks to keep baby safe. Next, look for any breakable items that are low enough to be reached or heavy objects up high that could topple over. Inviting friends’ babies and toddlers over is a great way to “test” the baby-proofing efforts.

Pregnancy should be a joyous time in the lives of parents-to-be, so ensure nine months of health and happiness with these few tips. For more information on bath safety products, visit www.homecare.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: baby bath safety, baby baths, baby proof, cats and pregnancy, new moms, pregnancy safety, toddler safety

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(ARA) – As a proud new parent, you want to make sure that you capture every precious moment of your new baby’s life. It’s tempting to hit the nearest photography studio for a quick professional session, but in these tough times, that can be costly and time-consuming. For families on a budget, learning how to take great photography at home can be easy and fun.

“Taking beautiful pictures of your new baby is a great way to preserve life-long memories. By following a few simple steps, anyone can learn to take baby photos that they can be proud of,” says Jodie Otte, the photographer behind the Similac Advance EarlyShield advertising campaign.

Here, Otte reveals her tips on how to take and archive the best shots of your newborn and protect your memories.

* Get natural: When taking a picture of your newborn, you want the “soft glow” to emanate. The best way to achieve that is through natural lighting. Place your baby in a spot that is exposed to a lot of bright, indirect light void of shadows. Do not use a flash and raise your ISO speed to about 400.

* Practice patience: Infants are fueled by curiosity. Everything captures their attention. Try to get them to focus on one object throughout the shoot. Also, it’s a great idea to take a few test shots to ensure you have the perfect light and that your baby is comfortable. Once you have the best shot possible, snap away.

* Go black and white: Although color prints are vibrant and fun, make sure to print an array of photos in black and white. Not only are these photos classic and timeless, but they’re also the best option when trying to attain that professional look.

* Sharing is caring: Once you have the perfect shot of your new tot, make sure to share with friends and family. Cutting and pasting baby photos into an album is a thing of the past. To save time and cash, upload photos to free Web sites such as Shutterfly.com and create a personalized baby photo book. Need to add more photos? No problem — simply insert another page in your virtual baby book.

* Store safely: After countless captured memories, be sure to have hard copies as well and archive photos with care. Choose albums that are acid- and lignin-free in order to prevent photos from yellowing or becoming damaged. Look for plain pages without adhesives and always make sure to use page protectors and pocket corners. Store photo albums in a cool, dry, dark place that does not have dramatic temperature fluctuations.

Learning how to take professional baby photos has never been easier with these simple steps. Make sure you don’t miss another opportunity to capture a memory with your baby. For more baby tips and information, visit www.earlyshield.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: baby photography, baby photography tips, baby photos, newborn baby photography, newborn pictures

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Most babies will get some degree of diaper rash during the first year or two. Newborns are particularly prone to acquiring this red, inflamed area on the buttocks, thighs or genitals. Also, the skin itself may be warmer than normal. Fortunately, treating it at home is often simplicity itself.

Anything which irritates the skin can cause diaper rash. A baby’s skin is very sensitive. Still, there are a few common causes.

Long exposure to urine and feces is one example. Pure urine is not infectious. But it mixes readily with organisms, providing them with a growing medium. Bacteria are often found in feces, as a normal part of the body’s disposal of potentially harmful ‘invaders’.

One organism in particular accounts for a large number of diaper rash cases: yeast. This common fungus grows well in moist, warm environments, such as soiled diapers. Even when waste isn’t present, excessive humidity in the air encourages moisture under the diaper. That condition is especially likely in skin folds that trap moisture.

Other causes are possible, as well.

A change in diet can increase stool production, which increases the time the baby’s skin is exposed to it. Ironically, even a new cleansing product can cause diaper rash. Though rarely the cause, thanks to considerable testing, some babies are sensitive to certain products. A new detergent or fabric softener, or even a new disposable wipe, can irritate the skin.

And, not least, some babies are simply more sensitive than others to potential irritants. Tight diapers that are perfect for one will chafe another.

Home treatment is all that’s required in the overwhelming majority of cases of diaper rash.

In most cases, simply cleaning your baby gently but thoroughly will provide the right environment for time to do the rest. Changing diapers promptly and often will help prevent any instance or reoccurrence. Rinsing with warm water during a change to remove all trace of urine and feces is a good idea.

There’s rarely a need for swabbing with alcohol and it can often be counterproductive. It tends to dry the skin excessively. Patting with a soft towel followed by air drying is best. Allow the area to dry thoroughly before fitting the baby with a new diaper.

For babies that tend to develop diaper rash, avoid diapers or outer pants that have elastic bands that tighten against the legs. This blocks air flow that helps to keep the area dry. They may also chafe.

For more serious cases, an antifungal cream may be called for. There are over the counter ointments and prescription strength creams. Which is needed depends of course on individual factors that should be discussed with your physician.

With proper care almost all cases of diaper rash can be conquered within a few days. For those that persist or grow, see your doctor. Any time the rash is accompanied by pus or boils you should seek professional treatment for your baby at once.

Tags: Newborns Diaper Rash

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In generations past, nannies were extremely common. Then, for a while, they fell out of fashion. Though they never disappeared. Now, they’re back in style – probably to stay. Not just for the rich, they provide expertise, an often badly needed extra pair of hands, and – not least – a sometimes more objective perspective on your baby.

Next to choosing a pediatrician, selecting the perfect nanny could be the most daunting task facing a parent. But it doesn’t have to be an occasion for tearing one’s hair out.

There’s that all important and difficult to state ’something’, of course, that makes nanny and parent click. That is, the perfect nanny is one whose character and values reflect what the parents themselves aim for. You’ll want someone who is willing to follow your rules without resistance. Offering suggestions and advice is valuable. Ignoring the way you choose to run your home is not. Finding that combination leads effortlessly to trust, confidence in the nanny and a smooth working relationship.

Not far behind is whether that same simpatico exists between nanny and child. Any serious candidate should be introduced to the newborn. Babies operate by sense of smell, touch and limited vision. But they do make implicit value judgments, just as adults do. The infants reaction can range everywhere from instant crying to instant mother-love. Naturally, you’ll want to get a nanny who evokes something closer to the latter.

There are practical considerations, as well.

Some adults are naturally more disease resistant than others. Circumstances may lead them to less frequent exposure, too. A part-time nanny may have more than one family to care for. That introduces the possibility of exposing your somewhat fragile child to germs from others. This should be covered delicately, but decidedly. The perfect nanny will understand your concern and address it forthrightly and honestly.

Any reputable agency, and their employees or sub-contractors, will provide thorough reference checking. That includes personal references from past clients, criminal background checks, DMV history and evidence of a good health certificate.

Even a person just finding their first nanny job can still be the perfect choice, though. Everyone must start somewhere and a first-timer may well be the eager-to-please, determined-to-do-well nanny you are looking for.

It isn’t necessarily the case that he or she will lack experience with children, either. Many mothers, grandmothers, nurses and others regard the prospect of being a nanny as very fulfilling. The best way to find out, of course, is simply to ask.

Once you’ve narrowed down the list to one or two, discuss details.

Propose a contract. An agency will usually have one they use. Include a 90-day trial period in which either can back out without penalty. Look into what options for a replacement nanny (at least temporarily) may be provided if it doesn’t work out. Ask about sick leave and discuss paid vacations and medical insurance.

Remember, as emotional as the choice may be in some respects, you are hiring a professional to do an important job. Some aspects need to be approached like a business.

Good luck!

Tags: Perfect Nanny

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Well, ok, it’s confession time. You (and your baby) can live without many of the items below. But even apart from the natural desire of parents to make their baby’s life as easy as possible, many of these help ensure their health and safety.

You’ll need an infant car seat, even if you don’t intend the baby to go out often. Many hospitals will require you to have one before they’ll release mother and child. If you don’t have one, some will supply you with a temporary. They have their insurance regulations to follow, you know!

You’ll want to carry your baby around, but your arms will get tired. A good strap-on baby carryall will do wonders for you and your child. Like a good backpack (whether worn on the back or front), it will free your arms and save your back. They’re also great for encouraging the bonding between parent and child that comes from physical closeness.

An adjunct to that is a good stroller. Even with a good carryall, babies can get heavy after a while. A sturdy stroller with a braking mechanism for hills and near the curb is always useful. Having one with an adjustable hood allows for the right amount of shading and sunlight filtering, too.

Both at home and away, a good diaper changing station is never wasted. A portable one will help you during those spontaneous moments that always seem to come at the most inconvenient time.

There are times when you want to rest your baby to relieve your arms and still want the baby to get a great view. A bassinet or cradle with adjustable arms is the perfect solution. Naturally, you’ll want one that is ultra-sturdy. Make sure there are no sharp corners and look for ones that provide a means of securing blankets, buttoning in cushions and other handy add-ons.

As your baby develops, providing him or her with a means to exercise those burgeoning muscles promotes health and psychological well-being. A rocking chair with straps is useful. A bouncy seat with musical danglers is another good option. Make sure that any noisemakers are removable. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy!

Speaking of music, a good CD or iPod-type player with speakers can be a great addition to the ‘baby toolkit’. White noise helps some young ones deal with colic. Classical music helps young minds develop. Gentle sea sounds and lilting tunes provide a peaceful atmosphere that will help both child and parent.

Of course, there are a whole range of toys that serve a number of good purposes. Babies are exploratory by nature. Providing safe things that will go into the mouth, but only so far, is one category. Building blocks of various sizes help the developing mind learn about shape, volume and other basics. Sound-making toys help them correlate self-initiated movement with the resulting noise. Learning cause and effect early is a big boon.

Don’t forget to stock the medicine cabinet with that whole range of needed items for emergencies!

Tags: Newborns

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There are a dozen beautiful and effective ways to personalize any baby gift and the results change a gift into something truly special.

A gift can be personalized by location: sticker on the bottom, embossed on the side, stitched across the top. It can display the baby’s name, the parents’ or grandparents’ names, or that of the giver.

The baby gift can even be decorated with a personally meaningful phrase, logo or photo. The text can be selected by the giver or conceived by the gift’s designer. A logo can be designed by a professional or by the one who picks out the gift. A photo can be selected from a wide range of stock images or supplied and incorporated into the baby gift.

Personalization transforms an impersonal gift into a keepsake that will be treasured forever. It offers a reminder of joyous occasions and provides incentive to hand the gift down from one generation to the next. Monogramming can add a name to cloth items. Printing can personalize any item that will absorb ink.

A Slumber Bear, for example, makes for a great gift. Children love the soft, teddy bear design and parents feel safe knowing the gift is sturdy and made from good materials. Later in life both parent and former young one can look back on the baby shower or first birthday or other occasion when the gift was received. Personalizing the gift makes that memory all the sweeter.

A Dilly the Duck cashmere booster pillow provides the perfect opportunity to stitch on the baby’s name. In later years that gift will evolve from a cherished nursery item to a memento of those tender years. Years after it has been given both parties can remember back to the many happy moments spent reading a story while the young one’s head rested on it.

Those tales themselves can be personalized in the form of a Fairy Tale book that carries all manner of individual markings. For stories written by the parents, they can be signed with the author’s name. For the child’s favorite tale, he or she can sign the book. The gift giver can sign the book and print the name of the recipient. All these methods and more turn a simple storybook into a treasured memento from childhood.

Birth plates provide an excellent chance to paint the baby’s name across the rim or on the bottom. It can be given in infancy and retained as a keepsake long after. The best option is to print the baby’s name, birth date and weight along the rim to commemorate the birth of that special person who entered life on that day.

Personalize the baby gift and you’ll turn a pleasant object into something unique that will be collected and given again generation after generation.

Tags: Personalized Baby Gifts

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Quick quiz: what is more memorable than the baby’s first birthday? That’s too easy! The answer is: nothing. The first year is so full of new experiences for parent and child that little later can compare.

Lightning fast growth, learning new things every day, developing those early habits that persist for a lifetime, offering every cute expression imaginable… The list is endless. Challenges and joys abound every hour of the newborns life and the first birthday is the perfect occasion on which to celebrate them all.

The occasion that marks the end of that first year is something that will be remembered for a lifetime. How can you find a gift that will do full justice to that?

There’s the common t-shirt, of course. But turn an expected first birthday gift into a special joy for giver, baby and parent by selecting the most fun design. Baby boy or girl will look great in this t-shirt covered with colorful balloons and cake. The smiling child on the front offers a preview of the expressions on the faces of all concerned once the box is opened.

What more fun, practical first birthday gift could you imagine than a motorcycle or sports car bank? Made of stylish, durable pewter it’s both a lovely decorative item and a practical toy. With handlebars or a steering wheel that turns and rubber wheels that spin, it will be seen on the nursery floor in no time. But it looks equally good sitting on the shelf where it can hold a dozen small coins or folded bills.

The little ones will need a step stool to reach those toys on the shelf. They could also use a rest after playing with them. The combination steppy stool/chair is the perfect solution. Made of sturdy wood and personalized with the child’s name, it’s practical and stylish. It’s 12″ high by 12 1/2″ wide and 6 1/2″ deep with a seat that measures 5 1/2″. That’s the perfect size for the nursery and the hinges make it easy to tuck away.

Make the baby feel part of the fun when you’re off to the gym or store with their very own personalized sport or duffel bag. They come in a half-dozen different themes, including sports, flowers, butterflies and princess. Colorful and made of sturdy canvas with a polyester lining, they’re practical and lovely. At 15″ long and 7″ in diameter, they make for a great extra bag in which to carry all the baby’s things.

Back home, don’t forget about those plush toys that make for ideal gifts. Skipper the Cowboy Dog or his pal Bojo are just waiting to come out of the toy box. They’ll sit quietly on the little wooden chair while your baby instructs them in the rules of the game in language you can only guess at.

Maybe the young one will have a head for business, who knows? You can start them off with a 5-piece soft briefcase set that holds lots of toys. With a squeaky calculator and a squeezable cell phone, they’ll feel right at home in the office.

Commemorate the occasion with a pewter photo album sporting a fun teddy bear logo. It’s the perfect means of storing all those pictures you took at the first birthday party. See that one there where the baby’s eyes light up after opening your gift…?

Tags: First Birthday Gifts

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Maybe you were thinking that baby shower cakes were just a tasty dessert served at the party… Well, that’s certainly one kind. But there’s a different kind of baby shower ‘cake’, one that is filled with all sorts of useful gifts for the about-to-be mom.

One of the most popular choices in this area is a gift that really does resemble a multi-tiered wedding cake. But rather than being made of sugar and flour and eggs, it’s constructed from the one thing a new mom can never have too much of: diapers.

These clever and decorative baby shower cakes make for the perfect gift for the occasion. Everyone thinks of giving diapers to the expectant mother, and she will certainly use them. But giving them in this form turns a needed but mundane gift into an opportunity for laughter for the guests and the guest of honor.

Piled high and covered with decorative items that really do make it look like the genuine article, these diaper cakes are fun and practical. The recipient can peel them off one at a time as needed. Like eating a wedding cake that will last for days or weeks, the gift provides its own storage bin.

The same design idea has been used successfully for lots of other baby shower gifts, though. The faux wedding cake can be filled with all sorts of toys for the baby, gifts for the about-to-be mother and father, and lots more.

It isn’t only diapers, after all, that the happy couple will need soon. Baby powder, lotion, baby oil, ointment and many similar hygiene products are common items in the nursery. At 32 inches high, you’ll find these cakes hold plenty of these necessities. Booties, terry cloth towels, a baby cap and several other clothing items are part of the package, too.

Even the smaller 2-tier baby shower cakes can offer dozens of highly valued gifts. As a centerpiece for the baby shower table, it makes a great decoration. Peel off the outer layers and enjoy the rattle, teething ring, pacifier and more that will definitely get used. Open it up and find socks, a manicure set, brush and comb, and other equally useful presents.

Some baby shower cakes may contain only decorative items, but those too will be highly appreciated by the guest of honor at the baby shower. Ceramic baby blocks, silk roses and more set on a scalloped silver platter make this a gift that won’t be shoved in the closet after the party. You’ll find the blocks decorating the shelf in the baby’s room and the silk roses on the mantle, while the silver platter livens up the table on special occasions.

Take a look at the bear baby cake and you may not be able to resist. Chock full of gifts – like undershirts, hats, hooded towel and more – they’re topped by a stuffed teddy bear that is sure to become the baby’s favorite for a long time.

Check out the full line of baby shower cakes and amaze yourself with all the creative options. And, oh, don’t forget to order the real thing for the party while you’re at it…

Tags: Baby Shower Cakes

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How many more toys does the little one need? Before you answer, consider that toys do much more than entertain. They educate, stimulate the development of perception and cognition, and may help build muscle strength and control. And, of course, amusement shouldn’t be scoffed at, either. A happy baby is a healthy baby.

The range of educational toys that also entertain little ones is endless. Baby Einstein books are everywhere. Others encourage exploring shapes and sounds. That musical toy that you hear as just a noisemaker is actually helping the baby associate a chosen movement with the creation of a particular sound.

Fitting shaped blocks through the right size hole may seem like just a game. But at the same time the baby is amusing him or herself it’s learning that some things fit and others don’t. That ability connects later to learning the alphabet and words where some things ‘fit’ and others don’t.

Don’t overlook the need for a sheer physical outlet, as well. As any parent can testify, babies have lots of energy that just can’t be suppressed. They touch, they explore, they push and prod. That’s helping them develop muscle control, fine-tuning hand and eye coordination, and more. It’s also a sheer joy for the little ones to see what happens when they bat that mobile to make it squawk and spin.

Even dolls are more than just ‘playthings’. If they talk, the baby is learning about human sounds and what they mean. If they’re dressing the doll, the baby learns in a different way how some things fit and others don’t. They also learn that some things can break or tear. Valuable lessons while they enjoy the process.

Don’t forget that all those toys have to have a place to live.

Toy chests come in a range of styles that can blend right in with any nursery decor or childhood interest. The little farmhouse toy chest can be populated with farm animals that remind them of the petting zoo. A stylish mahogany or beechwood chest is perfect for that rich-looking design you spent months imagining during pregnancy.

Develop your child’s interest in baseball at an early age, while you integrate the toy chest into the rest of the furniture and decorations. Or, select the princess carriage toy chest and turn a mundane storage box into a wonderland full of treasures. Choose the circus design and watch your child’s delight in animals grow starting right from those early months.

Education, development and sheer fun are all part of contemporary toy and toy chest collections. Made of durable materials that are safe and stylish, the baby won’t be the only one who is happy with the choices.

Tags: Toys and Toy Chests

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Parents often arrive home from the hospital a day or two after a birth exhausted. But that quickly passes. The urge to take your newborn to visit grandparents and others will soon become very strong. Then there are the inevitable pediatrician visits for exams, vaccinations and other medical events. While minimizing travel during the first three months is desirable, whenever you choose to travel with your newborn there are a few things to keep in mind.

Traveling with your baby can seem like planning a 13th century caravan across the desert. There are a thousand things, it seems, to consider. But with modern transportation, communication and baby-friendly facilities in so many places, it’s really not that bad.

Naturally, you won’t forget to bring the basic supplies. You’ll want a supply of diapers, diaper rash cream and a bag for soiled diapers. You should bring some teething gel and infant paracetamol for pain relief on the road. Newborns should not be given aspirin. Petroleum jelly is a must. Sunscreen is helpful for those circumstances where you can’t keep the sun entirely off. Babies have very sensitive skin.

You’ll want a good bonnet and the ability to layer clothing for changes in temperature. That change can be from an air-conditioned car to the hot sun at grandmother’s house. Or, it can equally be from the heated car to a house that is a little chilly for the newborn. Be prepared for either eventuality.

Avoid traveling by air for the first year whenever possible. This isn’t just a courtesy to the other passengers. Pressurized cabins, recycled air, pressure changes from takeoff and landing, and other issues represent a stress to your baby’s system. Breastfeeding mothers will find it hard to find privacy at feeding time and both parent and onlooker can be made uncomfortable.

For auto travel, you’ll need a good child safety seat, one that is specifically designed for infants. It should be rear facing and be installed in the back seat. An air bag that deploys in the front seat can cause serious harm, both from direct impact and the hard jerk to a baby’s neck. Always take the time to secure the car seat properly.

However you travel, food and drink are essential bring-alongs. Babies get hungry on an internal schedule that is not synchronized with parental convenience. Telling them to ‘wait until we get there’ is not an option, as it is with older children. The ability to breastfeed conveniently and safely is best. For those on formula, having some means of warming formula is good. Special warmers are available that plug into the cigarette lighter socket.

The ability to perform a diaper change on the road is another must. The alternative isn’t merely discomfort, but a bad smell for you and increased likelihood of diaper rash for the infant. A portable changing station or pad will make that chore much easier.

Newborns are much more susceptible to germs than older children, since their immune systems are still developing. Keeping exposure at a minimum is important. Avoid having every family member and friend breath on or touch the newborn. Insist that only those with clean hands and no colds get close.

Sure, there are lots of challenges to face when traveling with a newborn. But, like that 13th century caravan, it can be an adventure!

Tags: Traveling with Newborn

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