Many states are struggling to manage their budgets, especially with increased expenses from the Affordable Care Act and being required to offer health insurance coverage to a growing number of people. Recently, the National Alliance on Mental Illness raised concerns over mental health care cuts.

According to a study released by the Urban Institute, more than 50 percent of babies born into poverty have a mother suffering from depression. Of those, more than 70 percent fail to get appropriate treatment.

"During a time of national economic distress and severe budget cuts in mental health services, the Urban Institute study raises concern about the urgency of the needs of women and children," said NAMI executive director Michael Fitzpatrick.

Obtaining mental health services is crucial not just so a mother feels better, but for her children's benefit as well. A report from the Connecticut Commission on Children cites results from the CalWORKS Project as finding children under the age of six are at an increased risk of being homeless and ending up in foster care if their parents were poor and had depression.

Having a traumatic injury can be devastating, especially if it's a brain injury. A recent study commissioned by the CORE Health Foundation reveals emergency room visits and hospitalization costs can be exorbitant, highlighting the need for people to have a good health insurance plan. CORE advocates for those with disabilities.

In Texas alone, traumatic brain injury caused $6.8 billion in expenses. CORE says more money is needed to help offset the high costs associated with treating TBI.

CORE co-founder and chairman of the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists Jim Misko says even though people are surviving TBI, more work needs to be done.

"As we close out the first decade of the 21st century, Texas has seen significant medical advances that can increase the rate of survival for a TBI," said Misko. "Unfortunately, the number of cases continues to increase, which puts added strain on the financial systems supporting these injuries."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1.7 million people are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury each year. Many cases of TBI are mild, in the form of a concussion, but can be more severe or even fatal.

Having a newborn is an exciting time in any parent's life. For new parents, taking care of a little one can be a challenge, especially if they don't already have a lot of experience taking care of a newborn.

Most new parents are well aware of the importance of taking their infant to the doctor on the regular basis. Many, however, don't know realize that seeing the optometrist is important for overall health, too.

A survey by the American Optometric Association found that less than 25 percent of infants have an eye exam. Unfortunately, the lack of exams may be a contributing factor to one in 10 infants having an undetected vision problem.

"It is crucial that parents understand the importance of comprehensive eye exams for infants and how they are administered," said optometrist Dr. Glen Steele. "The good news about a trip to the optometrist is that most babies seem to enjoy the 'games' we use to determine whether their visual development is progressing normally and their eyes are healthy."

Receiving an eye exam is important at any age. Many health conditions can be caught by an optometrist. Detecting a condition early may ultimately lead to lower expenses and health insurance costs.

Proper care is important to everyone's health. When a patient sees their doctor, they are going to someone they trust to take care of them. However, a poll shows that many consumers think prescription drug companies play a part in determining which medications they are prescribed.

A poll by Consumer Reports reveals that nearly 70 percent of Americans taking prescription drugs feel that pharmaceutical companies play too large of a role in which medication their doctor gives. Patients are also hungry for information regarding side effects.

Director of Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center John Santa says it's good that many are concerned about medication safety.

"Patients should speak up. Discussing the risks of adverse effects with your doctor will help you prepare for those effects while increasing the chances you'll stay on the drug you need," said Santa.

The poll also found drug advertising towards consumers works. Consumer Reports says that 20 percent of patients taking a medication asked their doctor for one they saw advertised.

Some lawmakers have aimed to stop drug companies from advertising to consumers. USA Today wrote in an article last year that prescription drug advertising was a $4.3 billion segment.

With flu season right around the corner, it's time for people to begin thinking about protecting themselves against the virus.

Some people may shy away from getting the shot because they don't have the time to stop at their doctor's office. People can get the shot at the MinuteClinic located inside most CVS stores.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people get the flu shot in September or as soon as possible. The CDC notes that flu outbreaks can start as early as October.

Many health insurance companies will cover the vaccination. While it's wise for everyone to get vaccinated against the flu, the CDC recommends that pregnant women and those over the age of 50 in particular get the shot.

"The best protection against the flu is a flu shot. Even if you received the H1N1 vaccine earlier this year, you should still receive this year's 'all-in-one' seasonal flu shot," said MinuteClinic chief nurse practitioner Paulette Thabault. "Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, so getting a flu shot is an effective way to protect both yourself and those around you."