Posts Tagged: health

pregnancy — Comments Off
20
May 11

Insufficient Vitamin D Levels in Pregnant Women

Irrelevant of where you stand on the Big Bang Theory, Adam & Eve or Darwin’s evolution, the concept of women getting pregnant has been around for a very long time. And it’s something we’re very good at. Women have successfully given birth in the most difficult conditions, and to this day still do. In famine, war zones, severe poverty and with serious illnesses, women have produced healthy children “against the odds”.

But that is where the problem lies: “against the odds”. And as we learn more about pregnancy and foetal development and learn more about how lifestyle and nutrition can affect a baby’s development in the womb, we also discover that there are things we can do to lower the risk of our babies having health problems. This is why pregnant women don’t drink alcohol and avoid pate, soft cheeses, raw egg and such like. It is only relatively recently that pregnant women have been advised to significantly limit their tuna intake due to the effects mercury can have on their unborn child.

We are constantly learning about pregnancy and making lifestyle decisions based on those learnings. Recently attentions have turned to Vitamin D and the suggestion that mothers-to-be, even including those supplementing, might not be getting enough of this important vitamin – crucial for the development of the baby’s bones and the health of the mother’s.

A recent study in Northern Ireland tested the vitamin D levels in 99 pregnant women, plus a control group of 38, all living at latitudes of 54 to 55 degrees. In each gestation length group there were significant numbers deficient in Vitamin D and very high numbers with insufficient amounts. At 20 weeks, 44% of the group were Vitamin D deficient and a huge 96% were insufficient. And while those that supplemented did generally show higher levels, insufficiency was still evident.

This was an observational study, and therefore cannot be used to make recommendations on the exact levels of Vitamin D pregnant women should supplement with. However, it does give some suggestion that pregnant women should take a Vitamin D supplement, especially in the winter. Why? Our bodies produce Vitamin D when they get exposure to the sun, but in climates such as the UK our bodies may not produce any Vitamin D during the winter months so we are entirely reliant on getting this from our diet. Some foods are fortified with the vitamin but this study certainly suggests these levels aren’t high enough for pregnant women.

Understandably there are very strict guidelines about what vitamins and minerals it is safe for pregnant women to supplement with which is why existing pregnancy supplements such as BioCare’s Ante-Natal Forte include 5mcg of Vitamin D. These guidelines errs very much on the side of caution – as they should – but with the participation and moral difficulties of running experiments, this caution can actually mean pregnant women aren’t getting the best nutritional support available.

This will always be the case, and the safety of every unborn child far outweighs the potential benefit more knowledge could bring. But it is also important to keep finding new, and safe, ways of increasing and improving our knowledge about pregnancy, and how supplementing could optimise the “odds” of a healthy child, and mother.

Holidays — Comments Off
28
Apr 11

Ways to Be Acne Free

There are so many people that have acne, becoming acne free would be a great dream. A lot of people have trouble with infected follicles, blackheads, and whiteheads. Many people have problems with their skin follicles, whiteheads, and blackheads. Just recently it was believed that acne had been caused form poor hygiene, or eating poorly. It has become clear that this is not the case.

One of the causes of acne is not having enough fluid in your body. You can help reduce your acne by making sure that you drink at least 8 eight ounce glasses of water per day. By doing this you will help you digestive and circulatory systems, it helps your body get in top condition. If your body has the right amount of hydration you will have the ability to ward off infection such as the bacteria found in acne.

One of the biggest factors that causes acne is oil based cosmetics. Acne that is caused from cosmetics is generally found in those people that do not have acne conditions except when they use cosmetics. This type of acne will not cause any scaring but it is however unappealing. If you happen to get this form of acne then stop using the make-up that is the issue.

To get completely free completely rid of zits and to be pimples free you need to clean often. There are quite a few blends that are readily available but you need to be sure that you pick one that is not abrasive. Any blend that has salicylic acid can be an aide that is potent against treating whiteheads and any blackheads that is not flared up.

Regardless remember to keep your hands off of any pimples. By squeezing or popping you make breaks in your skin, this lets any bacteria in to infest your skin. Anyone that deals with zits needs to halt this terrible habit.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
18
Apr 11

Mothers, Please Remember that Your Baby Owns Your Breasts

Many mothers who breastfeed their baby often find themselves unable to cope and sadly, give up nursing their child. This can be for any number of reasons but it needn’t be so. The trick is to let your baby take the lead.

Humans are mammals. Mammals belong to a species of animals that suckle their young. The word ‘mammal’ is derived from the Latin word ‘mammalis’, from ‘mamma’ meaning breast. So, all mammals suckle their young, however not all mammals suckle their young in the same way. Humans belong to specific group of mammals that carry their young with them and feed them frequently, whereas other mammals leave their young alone in a nest, feeding them less often. Mammals that leave their young for long periods between feeds produce milk that is far more concentrated than human milk. Human milk is best for babies when given frequently. This is the first important point to remember if you’re breastfeeding.

We only have to look back at our ancient past – or hunter-gatherer societies of today – to gain an insight into what is a ‘natural’ way to nurture our own babies. In those societies, mothers carry their babies with them and feed them frequently. But how often should YOU feed your baby? How do YOU decide when your baby’s had enough? The answer to both of these questions is that you don’t; your baby does. Your baby is the one who’s best able to decide how frequently and how much milk you should give. Your baby is in charge of your breasts.

Hunger is one of life’s most urgent needs. When we’re hungry we think only of eating. You baby’s sense of urgent need for nourishment is even more finely tuned and she will let you know when she’s hungry. Some breastfeeding mothers fear that they may overfeed their baby. Don’t worry, you can’t overfeed or ’spoil’ a breastfed baby by letting her feed whenever she wants to.

Establishing a good feeding rhythm is best achieved by understanding how breast milk is digested and by following your baby’s lead. Breast milk is digested within about 2 hours – formula milk takes double this amount of time – so you can expect your baby to be feeling hungry shortly after she has digested her milk. You should not be too alarmed if the time between feeds fluctuates. Again, follow your baby’s lead. Signs of hunger are; increased activity, mouthing or rooting for your breast. It is also usual for many newborn babies to seek continuous nursing during evenings when they appear to be somewhat fussy or unsettled. This feeding pattern is not only providing food for you baby but also comfort. The milk you produce first thing in the morning – after a good night’s rest – is the richest and most satisfying for your baby. A don’t worry about when your baby’s had enough milk; your baby will let you know. When your baby has had enough she will let go of the nipple; most babies fall asleep straight afterwards.

But will I have enough milk? This question is asked many times by breastfeeding mothers. Indeed, it is understandable as it can be hard to imagine producing enough milk for all those frequent feeds. But frequently feeding your baby is the answer. Frequent feeding – by baby’s demand – stimulates your breasts to produce more milk. Interruption of milk supply is often attributable to when mothers attempt to introduce a feeding timetable. You don’t control your milk supply, your baby does. But, many mother’s still have that nagging doubt as to whether their giving their baby enough milk. Unlike bottle feeding, you can’t see the amount of milk that your baby consumes. However a good way of getting reassurance about the amount going in is to look at the amount going out. A new born should be urinating at least six times during the day. You can also expect to see bowel movements three to four times a day, or even shortly after each feed. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to learn that urine and pooh of breastfed babies doesn’t have an unpleasant odor.

Successful breastfeeding is frequent feeding that is baby lead. If your baby wants milk then give it. Don’t wait until your baby starts crying but offer your breast as soon as you notice the signs that your baby is hungry. When you breastfeed, your baby really does own your breasts.

pregnancy — Comments Off
28
Feb 11

Deciding to Have a Child

So, you want to have a baby?

There comes an age and time in life when every person coupled or otherwise considers the question of whether or not to have a child. For some people, this is a no-brainer and they know from the time they are very young that children are in their future. For others, it is once that causes distress, concerns and worries because the urge is just not there. And still, for others it becomes an impossibility or an accidental decision. Having a baby is a huge step in life often seen as the entrance to the threshold of adulthood. There is lots of pressure, silent and outward, on people to have a baby and it is almost as if choosing otherwise is some sort of abomination.

In today’s world where men and women are becoming more equal, financially independent and are encouraged to develop passions outside of hearth and home the sheer thought of having a baby can be disgruntling. Regardless of what you think, what you have been told or what your imagination dreams of your future to be – having a child changes everything in more ways than imaginable. Some of those ways are more positive than you thought possible and others can be frustrating leaving parents to feel as if they have just entered a life sentence. Which in so many ways, they have.

The crazy thing about the decision to have children is it isn’t one that can be made early in life. It can’t be a set as a feasible goal because life changes so quickly. One minute you are in high school, college and pursuing a career-thinking babies are the enemy and a year later you are so deeply in love that you can’t imagine not sharing this special feat with that someone special. Furthermore once you make the decision to have a child and follow through, there is absolutely no turning back to the life you left. It is an all or nothing endeavor.

For intensive purposes, it is probably best to weigh the pros and cons of having children before you embark on the journey. Unfortunately, it is like concocting a travel plan to Pluto, because you don’t know the real pros and cons of having children until you do so. How could you, really? Even people who have children can’t really find the words or pinpoint the feelings of watching a birth or witnessing a first step. Having children is one of those things in life that is indefinable and felt differently by every person. It is the inhuman mixture of love and passion, fear and worry, excitement and anxiety, frustration and stress.

At the risk of sounding trite, the best way to decide whether or not having children is your destiny or not is to allow your destiny to just unfold. Keeping an open mind and realizing that should the embodiment of a child be right for you it will show itself to you at some point ensures you will not be pressured, disappointed or anxious about it. In other words, never say never and don’t place all your genetic eggs in one basket. When the time is right to have children, whether on purpose or accidentally, it will happen. Sometimes the best way to choose whether or not to become a parent and to decide if you are ready for it or not is to face the music when it begins to play.

Contrary to what you may believe in this moment, ten years ago or five years from now – having children may or may not be important in your life. Even the best laid plans can fail which means that the little pink line that says a baby is coming can and does happen to people who are both sides of the fence when it comes to this issue.

Your ultimate decision and desire to have children is one that only you can make. Having faith that the right things in your life will happen, in the proper order and that whatever your future holds, either with children or otherwise, will be happy and abundant is the best stance to take on the issue. Who knows, your decisions and thoughts are as uncertain as summer rains in the dessert and you just never really know all the answers in life for sure.

Parenting — Comments Off
31
Jan 11

Sound Advice For New and Sleepy Parents

If you are the parent of an infant, you’ll want to try to stay awake long enough to read this article. New parents often suffer from sleep deprivation, sometimes for the entire first year of their baby’s life and even beyond.

Here are some tips that should help get you on the right track:

  • First of all, if your baby is less than 6 weeks old, there’s not much you can do except persevere. It often takes babies a good six weeks to recognize the difference between night and day. Their sleep patterns are so erratic that there’s just no point in trying to train them at this young age. Just try to sleep when your baby sleeps and get through this initial stage as best as you can.
  • During the first four months of your baby’s life, she will likely spend the better part of the day’s 24 hours sleeping. She’s also very portable, so enjoy this while you can, before you get into napping routines and are house-bound. She’ll sleep just about anywhere, through just about anything. Don’t try to limit her sleep during the day, as this will not help her to sleep more at night. Sleep begets sleep. Your baby cannot get enough of it.
  • Once baby approaches the age of four months, a more clear sleep routine develops. A typical schedule for a four to eight month old is as follows: Baby wakes up around 7:00 a.m. She’s tired and ready to go back to bed by 9:00 a.m. Baby sleeps until 11:00 a.m. She’s tired and ready to go nighty night again around 1:00 p.m. Baby sleeps until about 3:00 p.m. She wakes and is bright-eyed until around 5:00, when she needs a short “cat-nap” of around 20 minutes to half an hour. Baby is ready for the crib again around 7:30 or so, and this time should sleep for a longer period of time. She will most likely continue to wake up once, perhaps twice during the night until she gets to be closer to eight months, when once per night should be about it.

Until your baby is 8-9 months old, she should not be awake for more than two hours at a time. I know this doesn’t sound like a lot of awake time, but if you spend a day observing your baby, I think you’ll find that she does tend to follow this pattern. Once she’s been up for close to two hours, you’ll recognize signs that she’s getting sleepy.

Making sure that your baby gets adequate rest during the day, and maintains a consistent and appropriate schedule for her age will, in turn, help to ensure that a more manageable night time sleep routine takes hold. An overtired baby will not sleep well during the night. Many parents are afraid that having baby sleep so much during the day will result in sleepless nights. Not so. Sleep begets sleep. Further, if you instill good sleep habits at an early age, you’re doing your child a favor for the future.

pregnancy — Comments Off
27
Dec 10

Prenatal Paternity Testing is Important

Of course there are many different versions of the science of DNA testing that have been helping people for years, but at the same time there are always a few versions that find more use in the public arena than most.

Take paternity testing for example. Now this is the science that has been around for long enough now that there has been a certain trust built up with the public over the procedures and facilities where they go to have these tests done. One of the procedures that can actually determine the biological relationship between a man and a child can be accomplished before the child is even born.

Paternity Testing Before Birth

While there are different names for it, paternity testing before birth or prenatal paternity testing is a necessary and important part of the process. Still, while the biological relationship between the man and a child is the most form of this test, there are other reasons for this version of paternity testing.

Technological Advancements

The other advancements in technology have made it so that it’s not always clear if the woman carrying a child is the biological mother. With the new advancements in technologies where eggs and sperm are donated, the implications of prenatal paternity testing can take on a whole new dimension.

Facilities

Of course you’ll need to make sure that the facility where any of these DNA testing procedures are carried out is the best in that it should be accredited and run by professionals. You’ll need to make sure that any of the places where you might go to have any one of these paternity testing procedures carried out has the staff that can carry out the sample collections in a reasonable manner as well.

One of the other things that should help you to make your decision are the locations that the place you’re considering has. Remember that the most professional of these companies will have the most locations to serve you and all these places should be staffed by trained professionals that know all about the things that make the collection process both safe and comfortable.

Remember too that you will want to have your privacy respected and to that end you’ll want to find a place that has a policy in effect so that the results of a court ordered paternity test or some other form are not made public against your wishes.

pregnancy — Comments Off
30
Aug 10

Breastfeeding Today

One of the most nurturing, natural and healthy things you can do for your new born child is breastfeed them when they are young.

The first time you breastfeed, you may have no idea how to do it the best way. This can make you feel frustrated, especially if you are a new mom, as well. However, when you are given instructions the frustration can quickly change to a rewarding experience for both you and your baby.

Using a Breast Pump

If you prefer not to breastfeed in public or if you are a new mom that works, you might want to consider buying a breast pump. Numerous brands and styles are available in most pharmacies and several are portable, easy to carry in your hand bag.

In addition, breast milk stores well for a couple of days in sealed containers, in the refrigerator. Your baby will stay healthy and well fed, even though you are not around to breastfeed.

Understanding What Your Baby Needs

First and important things you will want to understand when you are planning to breastfeed are; when to start, how frequently do you do it, and for how long. Since your baby, like all babies, is unique, how long you want to breastfeed is something you will have to figure out. Many physicians suggest one year, though your child may choose to stop before that.

Using Formula

Formula is a perfectly fine and acceptable choice, particularly if you are not able to breastfeed. The key is to feed and nourish your baby in whatever way you can. Today, with our modern knowledge of nutrition, a lot of formulas have similar nutrients that breast milk has.

Formula is an acceptable choice if you are not able to breastfeed. The key is to feed and nourish your baby in whatever way you can. Today, with our modern knowledge of nutrition, a lot of formulas have similar nutrients that breast milk has.

Even experienced mothers with several children may be able to share the differences that they say in their own infants in dealing with sickness and getting any allergies.

Breastfeeding can build an important closeness with mother and child, that help both of them adjust to their new lifestyle. Babies will experience again, the warmth and secure feeling of being physically near the body that they were joined with day for 9 months. New mothers, especially need time to adjust to the responsibilities and physical demands placed on them.

Many times, breastfeeding can stimulate each of the five senses more and help to build their memory. Over and over, each time the new born is fed, they can see their mom, smell her, touch her, taste the milk from her, and hear her as she takes a breath or possibly even pick up her heart beat by being next to her ribcage.

Breastfeeding is an important part of bonding with your baby, giving your baby the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and more.

pregnancy — Comments Off
11
Aug 10

Tubal Ligation Reversal – Questions Before the Surgery

If you have been considering a tubal ligation reversal but have questions, you have found the right place for answers. In this particular article, we will address a couple questions about the preparation for the surgery and about what is done in the surgery itself.

What do I need to give the surgeon before surgery?

You will find that the tubal reversal doctor will want to review your tubal ligation operation records. He needs to know the method of sterilization and what length of tubes were left. This helps him know how to proceed. If that cannot be provided, then your surgeon may want to do an exploratory look before actually starting the surgery.

In addition, you will need some blood work done no longer than about 90 days before the surgery, though the closer it is to the actual operation day, the better. This lab work will basically check on your health.

What’s that going to cost?

Maybe nothing if you can get your health insurance to pay for it. You will need to find out from the specific surgeon you choose if that lab work is part of the fee you are paying him. Be specific and get it in writing if he says it is included. But if you must pay it yourself, it should be under $200, maybe even less. It will depend upon where you are.

I have only one tube left. Should I even try?

It depends upon what a records review shows about that one tube. But if it can be repaired, then certainly go ahead with the surgery. Getting pregnant might take a little longer as you will have to wait for that side’s turn, but it can and does happen.

I have had a previous c-section. Can the incision be made there?

Yes, it can. You should, however, know just how invasive the surgery is when done by the doctor you choose. Ask him how big an incision he makes will be. I’d also want to know just how experienced he is at this surgery. Presumably, a very experienced tubal reversal doctor will make only as big an incision as necessary. You will want one that makes the smallest incision possible to do the work rather than one that just cuts you wide open, so to speak.

Is my weight going to be a problem?

For your own safety during the surgery and during the recovery after wards, you will want to have a BMI of less than 35. So if you are overweight or obese, then, yes, your weight will be a problem. It can lead to pulmonary problems among others as well as increased risk of infection. However, you may find a surgeon who will do the surgery for more money.

What is all this about suturing two or three layers?

It has to do with the three layers of the fallopian tubes. The innermost layer has cilia that move the egg along to the uterus. If stitches are made in it to hold your tubes together, there is going to be scarring. Do you have any scars on your skin where you have no feeling? I do. Do you want that in the most important layer in your tubes?

However, the middle layer is made up of muscle and connective tissue. This is the layer that is the strongest to hold the tubes together and is the most important in allowing the two pieces to heal back together. The outer layer is a thin covering and is stitched as well. So basically, you will want a surgeon who sutures the two outer layers during your tubal ligation reversal surgery.

Babies-Toddler — Comments Off
8
Aug 10

A New Baby – The First Days and Weeks

Bringing your baby home for the first time can be a scary prospect.

In fact, the first few days and weeks are like a step into the unknown and it’s easy to feel as if you’re doing everything wrong.

Try not to worry, though, because there’s lots of advice and support available to help you adjust.

The checks

Who will come to see me after the birth?

The day after you leave hospital a community midwife will visit you at your home. A typical visit will last around 30 minutes, and she will arrange to visit you again within a few days.

What checks will she carry out?

The first time she visits your midwife will want to do the following:

Check your baby’s weight (you will need to undress your baby so that she can do this)

Make sure that the umbilical stump is healing well

Check that your baby is feeding well. If you are breastfeeding she may want to make sure that your baby is latching on correctly

Feel your tummy to make sure that your uterus is shrinking back to its normal size

If you had a c-section or needed any stitches she may want to check that you are healing well with no signs of infection.

When your baby is between 6 and 14 days old you will be offered the newborn heel prick test, known as ‘the Guthrie test’. This involves making a tiny pin-prick in the heel of your baby’s foot and collecting a drop of blood, which is used to cover four absorbent circles on a piece of card. This test is used to screen for some very uncommon health problems, including:

Cystic fibrosis Hypothyroidism Phenylketonuria

Parents are usually only contacted if there’s a problem, but results are available from your GP or Health Visitor.

How many times will she visit?

Your midwife will visit regularly until your baby is around two weeks old. If she is happy that all is well with you and your baby she will then hand over your care to a Health Visitor, who is based at your GP Surgery.

Initially your Health Visitor will visit you at home, but after the first visit you will need to bring your baby to regular baby clinics, so that his weight can be monitored and you can ask questions or discuss any concerns.

Parenting — Comments Off
21
Mar 10

Nothing is More Important Then Your Health When Parenting

As a parent there is nothing more important then understanding your health and how important it is to parenting. If you’re not healthy, then your no help to your family and loved ones, you may even become a burden.

I have heard people make comments that the most important part of their life is their family, and that their family even comes before their own health.

Now, without a doubt, your family is very important…nobody is going to argue that fact. There is one aspect of your life that should take top priority, even over your family.

I’m not talking about putting yourself ahead of your loved ones, when medical or other family situations come up. We all have to step up and help out when certain situations arise, sometimes even at the risk of our own health.

I’m talking about not exercising, eating poorly (this includes over-eating, as well as, not eating), smoking, excessive drinking and what ever other bad habits that put our health at risk. To not look after our own health is an act of selfishness. If your health or life for that matter is all messed up, you owe it to your loved ones to clean it up.

If you just need a few minor tweaks, then do it. Put forth the effort necessary to make changes. In truth, you may be able to accomplish personal change on your own, but it could be a rough ride. I like to listen to interviews on Cd’s from the wealth creator a series of powerful interviews with some of the most influential and well known people from around the world. These interviews are with people like Jack Canfield, Robert Kiyosaki, Dr. John Gray, John Assaraf and Brian Tracy and many others.

Most of us have been programmed the wrong way. Take a look at your health and life, right now! Is it the way you always dreamed it would be? If you didn’t say yes, then you and I both need to change.

In our lives, our minds have been trained to think a certain way. We need to be introduced and understand new ideas and concepts that were not available to our parents. We have to be willing to change.

Only through personal change can we make a difference in our own and our families lives.

Hans K Anderson is a father of two who takes parenting very serious. Hans believes that being a better parent involves making changes to create a healthier life both physically and mentally. To make changes in ones life Hans exercises and listens to the Wealth Creator Source daily to learn new ideas and concepts to make these changes permanent.

http://healthcareandbeauty.net/blog/?p=223

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