Healthy pregnancies and optimal fetal development are crucial to ensure a healthy future for not only the mother and child but for our society as a whole. In addition to personal health behaviors and genetic factors, environmental toxins can pose significant risks to the pregnant woman and her developing fetus. A recently initiated longitudinal study of children in Ramsey County, Minnesota seeks to investigate the long term health consequence of exposure to environmental pollutants including radiation and selected chemicals. Prenatal education, including avoidance of environmental contaminants, for pregnant women can help reduce these risks and complications by informing pregnant woman about the impact of environmental factors. The purpose of this research was to determine prospective mothers’ awareness and knowledge of environmental impacts upon pregnancy and fetal development. Data were collected by written survey from pregnant women attending selected prenatal education classes in both rural and urban Minnesota cities.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (a.k.a., PTSD) is prevalent among military veterans. Due to the ghastly nature of war, veterans have witnessed violent and disturbing events that affect them for the rest of their lives. Upon returning from duty, these veterans often have difficulty making the transition from the battlefield to civilian life. Veterans’ experiences in the battlefield often results in years of emotional, behavioral, sexual and social issues. This lingers for a lifetime, unless these veterans are helped. To identify ways to assist veterans with PTSD, this study will focus on male veterans who served in the Afghanistan War from 2001 to 2011. During the research process, this study will focus on the following questions: 1) what is the scope of depression among this population? 2) How does depression cause barriers to civilian life? The purpose of this research is to enhance understanding of depression related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for military veterans. Many families have veterans who go through difficulties, and this study may assist them in addressing PTSD and related depression issues. The research will be done by analyzing literature written about military veterans, and literature written by veterans themselves. Through greater understanding of the factors that contribute to stress and other mental health issues of Afghanistan War, veterans returning to civilian life, may better prevent and alleviate much of their suffering.