Reason Why breast Feeding Is Important

What if scientists created a product that would protect children from developing chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, respiratory infections & ear infections? What if this product could protect children from developing allergies? What if this same product would also protect mothers from developing breast, ovarian & other types of cancers?

What if this product could be used without any of our energy resources & could be used at all times, even in times of natural disasters? What if several billion health care dollars could be saved by using this product? What if nature creates a product that encompasses these qualities?

He's, & this product is a mother's milk.

Healthy People is a federal initiative updated every ten years since 1989 by the Department of Health & Human Services in cooperation with health care agencies to improve the quality of our nation's health by producing a framework for public health prevention priorities & actions. Breastfeeding objectives are critical parts of Healthy People to improve maternal & infant health. These objectives are: 75 percent of mothers breastfeeding at the time of hospital discharge, 50 percent breastfeeding at six months & 25 percent at the finish of the first year.

Healthy People

Healthy People 2020 aims to increase these rates to 81.9 percent initiating breastfeeding, 60.6 percent breastfeeding at six months & 34.1 percent continuing at year.

If these objectives were realized, there would be over $4 billion saved in health care costs. Families would experience lower medical costs because of fewer incidences of chronic illnesses in their children. Respiratory & ear infections would never occur in children.

With fewer visits to doctors, working mothers would have fewer days & hours absent from work. Mothers would lower their risks of developing breast cancer & other types of cancers. Healthy physical & emotional development in both mothers & children would occur.

Child Nutrition

A mother's milk has every vitamin, mineral & other nutritional element that her baby's body needs, including plenty of that haven't been discovered or named yet, & it changes subtly through the meal, day & year, to match subtle changes in her baby's requirements.

The parts in breast milk are basically absorbed & utilized by the infant for normal growth & development. At no other time in life can a complete source of nourishment be contained in food source as it is in breast milk. Breast milk is basically digested; therefore, it does not add stress to a baby's internal systems, which still need months of growth & development.

The growth hormones, which are necessary & can only be present in breast milk, encourage & enhance a powerful development in the baby's organs, with the brain. All the categories of nutrients that are needed to complement the human brain can only be present in breast milk.

Child Health

Employed mothers who breastfeed document fewer work days missed & fewer doctor visits with sick children. Breastfed children never get constipated or have diarrhea, ear infections or respiratory illnesses, because breast milk has all the right parts in the right amounts for child growth & development. Breastfeeding has now been associated with lower risks of both type one & type two diabetes & sudden child death syndrome (SIDS).

The first milk is colostrum. It contains high amounts of immunoglobulins to compensate for the baby's immature immune method. Colostrum ought to be recognized as the baby's first vaccine. If a father gets sick, her body will naturally produce antibodies to fight the infection. These antibodies are then transferred through the breast milk to her infant, who will either not get sick or will have a milder case of the illness. If the infant gets ill, the mother's body will produce antibodies for the illness & transfer the antibodies through her milk. The infant will recover faster, & continued breastfeeding can help prevent dehydration in the infant.

Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast, uterine and cervical cancers. Most mothers with diabetes who breastfed have necessary less insulin.

Maternal Health 

Breastfeeding, Obesity and Other Metabolic Conditions

Because lactation is the next stage of female development after pregnancy and childbirth, mothers who breastfeed experience less bleeding, a return to the prenatal body shape and some weight-loss more naturally. With the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding, the return of fertility can be delayed which allows the mother's body time to heal before another kid is conceived.

Studies portray the link between child feeding practices and obesity later in life. Research reports that the risk factors for obesity include bottle-feeding, a maternal body mass index (BMI) above 27 and maternal smoking in the coursework of pregnancy.

Regulating Feeding

The kid is in control of the amount of milk taken at each feeding. The feeling of satiety (fullness) is developed and learned, which is so necessary for future weight gain. With bottle feeding, the caretaker is in control and usually ensures that the amount in the bottle is taken. This is the beginning of force feeding and can interfere with the natural development of satiety in the kid.

The hormone leptin regulates appetite and is present in higher concentration in breastfed children. It is now being researched as a preventive part for obesity. Research documents that children who were breastfed, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, have a lower risk of developing excess weight or obesity.

At no other time in life can food source offer total nourishment and protection from pathogens, support emotional needs and complement total growth and development. These positive effects with breastfeeding are dose-dependent, and the introduction of breast milk substitutes in the first six months of life is associated with a higher risk of ill health and premature weaning.

The high amounts of immunological parts in breast milk enhance the maturation of the child immune process. At birth, the child depends on passive immunity through breast milk for protection. The transfer of antibodies through breastfeeding stimulates response in the infant's immune process.

Conclusion

Yes, if the United States becomes a society that encourages, supports and protects breastfeeding as the appropriate child feeding practice, children would get the healthiest start in life and their birthright mother's milk. Human nurturing a one-of-a-kind lifetime bonding that exists between a breastfeeding mother and her child would be encouraged, supported and protected by all professionals and agencies serving families. Images of a kid at the breasts would be acceptable and natural, and the plastic bottle would get replaced as the icon for child care.

Exclusive breastfeeding for six months, with extended breastfeeding beyond the first year, is recognized as the appropriate child feeding practice by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other major health care academies, and is listed as a critical strategy in reversing this trend of chronic ill health in children.

This is Why Vegan Diet Rocks

The vegan diet can bring stupendous benefits to your health. In recent times, with the increasing awareness on the health issues people are becoming increasingly concerned about their diet and lifestyle.
Reduces overweight
Meat & different dairy products contains excessive amount of saturated fats, but vegan diets are free of cholesterol. Most of the vegan diets contain a low amount of saturated overweight. By decreasing the amount of saturated fats in your every day meal you can improve your health enormously. Vegan diet reduces the risk of major diseases such as heart assault & cancer. In the event you are eating vegetables, make definite you are in taking sufficient proteins, calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, & zinc. Vegan diet also helps you in losing weight. According to a study vegan eaters have lower body mass index (BMI) than the non-vegans. more study found that those who ate vegan reduce weight significantly than those who ate meat products.

Many people & turning to a vegan diet as there's so plenty of health benefits associated the vegan diet. Following are the few benefits of adopting a more vegetable friendly diet.

Healthy skin
Vegan diet also benefits the skin. The balanced diet can keep your skin moisturized, wrinkle free & radiant. Plant-based diets are high in vitamins & antioxidants. These vitamins & antioxidants are the building blocks for radiant skin. Plant-based diet also contains the high amount of fibers. Vegetables like broccoli, beans, avocado, & spinach contains the high amount of fiber. This fiber helps in getting a healthier skin by flushing out toxins. Vitamin C & E are basically present in common vegan meals act as powerful antioxidants that control skin-damaging free radicals & combat wrinkles, scars, & brown spots, promoting healthy & glowing skin. You can also get vitamin E from plenty of nuts & seeds such as walnuts, almonds, ground flax seeds, & sunflower seeds.


Prevents diabetes
Vegan diet also prevents from type two diabetes. Diabetes can be controlled & improved by vegan eating patterns combined with some exercises. These food can reduce the necessity for medications. The regular use of legumes & whole grains or processed cereals can improve the glycemic control in diabetic as well as insulin-resistant individuals. The regular consumption of whole grains can reduce the risk of type two diabetes & cardiovascular diseases.

Healthy heart
The heart is the most important organ of the body. In order to keep a healthy body it is essential to keep a healthy heart. The plant-based diet has been shown to prevent a lot of illnesses. vegan diet is lovely for a healthy heart. The plant-based diets can reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. This metabolic syndrome can put you at a higher risk for heart diseases. In the event you have metabolic syndrome this means you have at least out of serious heart health risk factors. These include hypertension, high blood sugar, low lovely cholesterol, & high triglycerides. According to a document published in 1999, it was found that the mortality from coronary heart disease is 24 % less in vegan eaters than the non-vegetarians. Another published document found that the risk of coronary heart disease is 32% less in vegetarians than the non-vegetarians. Vegan eaters usually have lower BMI.

Tips To Take Care Of The Skin Of New Born Babies

When children are born, they are exposed to all kinds of new factors that they didnt experience in the womb, like coldness, heat, clothes, chemicals, natural and artificial allergens and so on. The greatest discomfort children experience is through their skin, since a newborn babys skin is up to five times thinner than that of a grown up.Bathing

Therefore, babies’ skin requires that much more care and if they give it of our attention and nurturing in the first couple of months, it will be much simpler for the infant to adjust to the new surroundings. Here are a few basic tips on the way you can take care of your baby’s skin and keep it feeling nice.

Contrary to popular belief that children ought to be given a bath each night before bedtime, there is actually no require to fully bathe your infant over or times a week. They  don’t move around much like adults do, and they only get dirty around the mouth, the diaper area and skin folds, and these can be cleaned with a cotton cloth dipped in water only.

Infant skin will actually benefit from keeping its natural coat of oil on, so you can feel free to wash the infant less until they get bigger. You can use a infant sponge to wash them, always warm up the room before undressing them, use warm water, not hot, not chilled, check the temperature along with your elbow since your skin is more sensitive there.

Sanitary products

You  don’t require to detest the infant when you are bathing them, neat warm water will do. When your infant is bigger and their skin is thicker, you can use a light infant soap or shampoo, but it is better it they  don’t make bubbles. It is best to choose mild liquid cleanser, without soap, fragrance or color. Organic products are obtainable nowadays, in all categories, soaps, shampoo, infant cream, lotions, balms and talcum powders. Avoid petroleum based products at all costs.

It is of utmost importance that your baby’s skin is well hydrated at all times, so moisturize everytime you can. You can use natural oils like almond and olive oil and lotions based on these. Lotions are more likely to irritate the skin, so ointments and creams are preferred; they require to be fragrance-free and applied right after the bath. In colder weather a heavy moisturizing cream ought to be applied at least two times a day, the greasier the better.
Clothes

Since kid skin is sensitive, they ought to only wear 100% cotton or other natural material as it is the softest on their bodies. This goes for anything children get in contact with, from every day clothes, sleeping clothes, warm clothes to towels & bedding. It is best that these are made of organic cotton, wool or flux, as well as organic wood for buttons for example than plastic.

Sun blocking

Fundamentally, kid clothes ought to not contain any artificial chemical colors, bleaches or materials. Kid clothes ought to be washed & dried separately from the parents clothes & other laundry. A dye- & perfume-free kid detergent ought to be used, while a fabric softener ought to be avoided altogether.

It is important to protect your babys skin from the exposure to the sun & ultra violet rays. This can be completed by basically never letting the kid be in direct sunlight, between 10am & 4pm. When taking the kid out in the daytime, always protect them with a hat & clothing that has long sleeves & pants, you may even have them wear kid sun shades with UV protection. If the kid is more youthful than 6 months, apply sunscreen only to the areas you cannot cover with clothes, but in the event that they are older, you can apply sunscreen all over their body. Make sure it is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF at least 30 & reapply it every two hours if in daylight.

Most children will be spared from getting rashes & eczema in the event you follow these simple pieces of advice, they will enjoy their bath times & lotion times, as well as a massage since their skin is ultra sensitive to loving touch. So make sure you touch the kid gently & massage them a small each time you take their clothes of & while you moisturize their skin. They will love it!

Don’t Ruin Your Liver with Harmful Habits (MUST READ)

In humans, the liver is very important because of the numerous functions it performs. Scientists say this vital organ, being one of the largest in humans, detoxifies the body by ridding it of harmful substances, while it also produces the biochemical substances that are necessary for proper digestion of food.

The presence of a healthy liver in the body is

what makes the blood what it is, experts say, as the liver produces the albumin – a major component of blood serum.

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A General Practitioner, Dr. Daniel Ogunboyejo, says when a woman is pregnant, in the first three months, the liver is the main site of red blood cell production in the foetus. And even after the baby is born, this organ produces the hormone that plays an important role in the child’s growth and continues to aid the building up of organs and tissues in adults.

Ogunboyejo also notes that when a person’s blood pressure becomes low (hypotension), the liver, working in tandem with the kidneys, produces angiotensinogen – a hormone that is responsible for raising the blood pressure when activated by another enzyme (renin) that is released when the kidney senses low blood pressure.

Experts say the liver is thought to be responsible for up to 500 separate functions, usually in combination with other systems and organs. And that is why they conclude that this organ is necessary for survival, as there is no way to compensate for its absence in the body in the long term.

Scientists say the liver is basically the ‘body’s filter.’ The function of the liver is to process medications, alcohol, and other such chemicals and toxins and remove them from the body. “Therefore, anything you put into your body will, at some point and in some form, pass through the liver,” Ogunboyejo warns.

Liver destroyers

At a media briefing about Hepatitis C, a specialist in hepatology, gastroenterology and endoscopy, Dr. Aderemi Oluyemi, warns that numerous activities can jeopardise the liver, leading to damages that are sometimes irreversible unless the patient goes for liver transplantation – an extreme and expensive procedure that is not available in the country.

How can you damage your liver? These ways…

Abusing anabolic steroids

Many people, especially athletes, body builders and weight lifters, use anabolic steroids without supervision by a competent physician. Yet experts say these synthetic variants of the male sex hormone (testosterone), if used regularly and for a long period, can raise the risk of developing liver cancer as well as some other cancers.

It can also result in liver tumours; the liver may be enlarged, become deep red in colour and fragile.

“It may also lead to haemorrhagic cystic degeneration of the liver – a rare condition that requires urgent surgery,” Ogunboyejo notes.

Unguarded antibiotics, painkiller use

Many of the over-the-counter drugs that we use casually without consulting the doctor affect our liver the way we don’t imagine, Ogunboyejo says.

For instance, physicians say drugs used to treat epilepsy (anticonvulsants), cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), acetaminophen (painkillers) and isotretinoin (used to treat severe acne) all have terrible effects on the liver.

Worse still, a study published in the journal Gastroenterology also shows that of all types of prescription drugs, antibiotics are the ones most likely to cause liver damage.

Ogunboyejo laments that in most cases, people don’t just take these drugs in isolation; rather, they may combine two at a time. For instance, it isn’t improbable for people to take a combination of antibiotics and paracetamol. “In which case, you increase your risks of liver damage exponentially,” the doctor warns.

The physician therefore counsels, “If you have recently finished a course of antibiotics, or if you have been taking them long-term, it is vital to ask your doctor for a liver function test to determine the health of your liver.”

Uncontrolled diabetes

According to Diabetologist/Medical Director, Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, Lekki Phase 1, Dr. Afokoghene Isiavwe, people who are diabetic are more likely to develop liver damage than people with normal blood sugar level.

“More than people probably realise, diabetes has terrible effects on the liver. That is why I recommend that every diabetic has a blood test and ultrasound to check on the health of their liver annually,” she advises.

She adds that the closer you are to a healthy body weight, and the closer to normal your blood sugar level is, the better your liver’s health.

Impure water, alcohol use

What is the source of the water you drink? For the average Nigerian, we source our water from privately-owned wells or boreholes, which may not be bad enough if the wells are up to standard depth and the water sweet, odourless and colourless.

However, many people don’t know the ‘texture’ of their water, which may be hard or soft.

A study carried out by Scottish researchers show that those who drink ‘soft’ water and who also consume alcohol risk developing Alcoholic Liver Disease – a major killer.

Soft water is water which has relatively low concentration of calcium carbonate and other ions. It lathers with soap easily and contains few or no minerals such as calcium or magnesium ions.

The study author/liver transplant surgeon, Prof. Roger Williams, says those who drink soft water are exposed to the risk of liver damage because such waters contain lower levels of magnesium – the mineral that helps to protect the liver from the effects of alcohol.

But even on its own, Alcoholic Liver Disease occurs after years of heavy drinking, says a nutritionist, Dr. Tobi Lawrence. “Alcohol can cause inflammation in the liver; and over time, scarring and cirrhosis can occur. Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic liver disease,” she counsels.

Lawrence notes that the longer the time you have been using alcohol, the higher your chances of getting liver disease go up.

“It is also based on the more alcohol you consume,” she warns; advising that even those who claim to be moderate drinkers can still have damaged liver if it’s a habit they persist in for a long period.

Smoking

Smoking is harmful to virtually every organ in your body. Scientists say there are over 60 chemicals in cigarette smoke, all of which have the potential to affect and disturb all parts of the human anatomy. These chemicals prevent the liver from performing its main function by making it to age and become less efficient at removing toxins from the body.

Fatty foods

Lawrence says foods that are processed and contain lots of preservatives, fats and cholesterol can cause the liver to become clogged with fat residue. Avoid processed, deep fried or fatty foods such as sausage, bacon, corned beef, etc., to allow the liver to unblock itself and regenerate its cells.

Symptoms of liver damage

Symptoms of liver diseases include weakness and fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and yellow discolouration of the skin (jaundice).

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

People can often have diabetes and be completely
unaware. The main reason for this is that the
symptoms, when seen on their own, seem harmless.
However, the earlier diabetes is diagnosed the
greater the chances are that serious complications,
which can result from having diabetes, can be
avoided.
The most common symptoms of diabetes
Here is a list of the most common signs and
symptoms of diabetes:
Frequent urination
Have you been going to the bathroom to urinate
more often recently? Do you notice that you spend
most of the day going to the toilet? When there is
too much glucose (sugar) in your blood you will
urinate more often. If your insulin is ineffective,
or not there at all, your kidneys cannot filter the
glucose back into the blood. The kidneys will take
water from your blood in order to dilute the
glucose - which in turn fills up your bladder.
Disproportionate thirst
If you are urinating more than usual, you will need
to replace that lost liquid. You will be drinking
more than usual. Have you been drinking more than
usual lately?
Intense hunger
As the insulin in your blood is not working properly,
or is not there at all, and your cells are not
getting their energy, your body may react by
trying to find more energy - food. You will become
hungry.
Weight gain
This might be the result of the above symptom
(intense hunger).
Unusual weight loss
This is more common among people with Diabetes
Type 1. As your body is not making insulin it will
seek out another energy source (the cells aren't
getting glucose). Muscle tissue and fat will be
broken down for energy. As Type 1 is of a more
sudden onset and Type 2 is much more gradual,
weight loss is more noticeable with Type 1.
Increased fatigue
If your insulin is not working properly, or is not
there at all, glucose will not be entering your cells
and providing them with energy. This will make you
feel tired and listless.
Irritability
Irritability can be due to your lack of energy.
Blurred vision
This can be caused by tissue being pulled from your
eye lenses. This affects your eyes' ability to focus.
With proper treatment this can be treated. There
are severe cases where blindness or prolonged
vision problems can occur.
Cuts and bruises don't heal properly or quickly
Do you find cuts and bruises take a much longer
time than usual to heal? When there is more sugar
(glucose) in your body, its ability to heal can be
undermined.
More skin and /or yeast infections
When there is more sugar in your body, its ability
to recover from infections is affected. Women with
diabetes find it especially difficult to recover from
bladder and vaginal infections.
Itchy skin
A feeling of itchiness on your skin is sometimes a
symptom of diabetes.
Gums are red and /or swollen - Gums pull away
from teeth
If your gums are tender, red and/or swollen this
could be a sign of diabetes. Your teeth could
become loose as the gums pull away from them.
Frequent gum disease /infection
As well as the previous gum symptoms, you may
experience more frequent gum disease and/or gum
infections.
Sexual dysfunction among men
If you are over 50 and experience frequent or
constant sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction),
it could be a symptom of diabetes.
Numbness or tingling , especially in your feet and
hands
If there is too much sugar in your body your nerves
could become damaged, as could the tiny blood
vessels that feed those nerves. You may experience
tingling and/or numbness in your hands and feet.

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Malaria

What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It is usually
transmitted through the bite of an infected
Anopheles mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the
Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you,
the parasite is released into your bloodstream.

Once the parasites are inside your body, they
travel to the liver, where they mature. After
several days, the mature parasites enter the
bloodstream and begin to infect red blood cells.
Within 48 to 72 hours, the parasites inside the red
blood cells multiply, causing the infected cells to
burst open. The parasites continue to infect red
blood cells, resulting in symptoms that occur in
two-to-three-day cycles.

What Causes Malaria?
Malaria can occur if a mosquito infected with the
Plasmodium parasite bites you. In addition, an
infected mother can pass the disease to her baby
at birth. This is known as congenital malaria.
Because malaria is transmitted by blood, it can also
be transmitted through:
•an organ transplant
•a transfusion
•shared use of needles or syringes
What Are the Symptoms of
Malaria?
Symptoms of malaria typically develop within 10
days to four weeks following the infection. In some
patients, symptoms may not develop for several
months. Some malarial parasites can enter the
body but will be dormant for long periods of time.
Common symptoms of malaria include:
shaking chills that are moderate to severe
•high fever
•profuse sweating
•headache
•nausea
•vomiting
•diarrhea
•anemia
•muscle pain
•convulsions
•coma
•bloody stools
•sore throat

How Is Malaria Treated?
Malaria is a life-threatening condition. Treatment
for the disease is typically provided in a hospital.
Your doctor will prescribe medications based on the
type of parasite that you have. In some instances,
the medication prescribed will not be effective.
Drug-resistant parasites have been reported.
These parasites make many drugs ineffective. If
this occurs, your doctor may need to change
medications or use more than one medication to
treat your condition.

What to Avoid During Pregnancy

While moms-to-be are peppered with advice of what to do and what not to do during pregnancy, there is some guidance.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests :
-Avoid smoking and drug use during pregnancy ; this will reduce the risk of serious complications.
-Avoid alcohol during pregnancy to protect the baby from foetal alcohol syndrome, and other birth defects.
-Have someone else clean out your cat's litter box to  avoid toxoplasmosis.
-Cook meat properly to prevent food related illnesses.
-Stay away from hot rubs, saunas and other sources of high heat.
-Avoid douching 

Red Meat [suya] Shortens Lifespan - Experts

We've heard many times before that too much red meat is bad for us, but this study if more than 100,000 people still got the nation's attention. For the first time, researchers estimated the effect of red meat on a person's life span - and the news wasn't Good. 

On average, each additional serving of  saturated fat-filled red meat was associated with a  13% higher risk of dying during 28-year study. Processed meat products such as hot dogs, bacon, and salami were especially hazardous. But is there is an antidote available? Yes! Eating more fish, poultry, whole grains, and low-fat dairy may lower your risk of dying prematurely, scientific research has found. 

5 Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

Do you struggle with high blood pressure?

Millions of people do worldwide, and the

condition can dramatically raise your risk of

heart disease, stroke, and other potentially

life-threatening ailments. But while there’s

no substitute for medical treatment, there

are things you can do improve your

situation. Whether medication isn’t enough

or you’re just curious about alternative

methods, here are 5 natural ways to help you

lower your blood pressure.

Take the Stairs

We all know the huge benefits of regular

exercise, but for people who suffer from

high blood pressure, introducing a daily

exercise regimen can be especially

challenging.

The good news is that the benefits from even

a small amount of exercise can have

significant effects on lowering blood

pressure. Even 10 minutes of light physical

activity can help decrease excess pressure

and/or amplify the effect of blood pressure

medications. If you can push that activity to

30 minutes every day, then you can

potentially lower your pressure by 4 to 9

millimeters of mercury! So, when you’re

facing that elevator or debating pulling into

the closest parking spot, think again! Those

small minutes of exercise may add up to a

healthier you.

Pick Up a Banana

The importance of a healthy diet cannot be

underestimated. If there was ever a reason

to eat better, controlling your blood pressure

is it. In addition to eating many dark leafy

greens and foods low in saturated fat, adding

a hearty portion of potassium to your diet

can be your savory ticket to low blood

pressure.

Potassium works to lower the pressure by

balancing out the harmful effects of salt –

the excess of which is one of the leading

causes of this dangerous condition. Foods

high in potassium include potatoes, squash,

avocados, fish, yogurt, and – you guessed it –

bananas.

Add some potassium to your diet for a potent

hit against high blood pressure. Extra points

for lugging a bag of bananas or potatoes up

the stairs.

Swap out the Regular Joe for Half-Caff

If you think that last cup of coffee at 10 am

doesn’t hurt you, think again. Caffeine can

cause a 4 mmhg jump in your blood pressure

that lasts right up to bedtime.

The good news is that half-caff or decaf

options taste pretty good these days.

Everywhere from grocery brands, like

Folgers, to higher-end vendors, like

Starbucks, offer tasty, less-caffeinated

versions of their most popular drinks. Swap

out your regular cup of Joe for the half-caff

version and you still get all the great flavor

without aggravating your body.

Have that Nightcap

Studies have shown that a small amount of

alcohol, defined as 1 drink a day for women

and 1.5 for men, can actually decrease your

blood pressure. One study, at Brigham and

Women’s Hospital in Boston, even found that

the adding one drink to your day, even if

that’s more than you’re accustomed to, can

have the same health benefit.

Of course, moderation is the key. Drinking 5

drinks in one sitting isn’t going to make it 5

times more effective. Likewise, skipping the

drinks throughout the week and having

them all at once on Saturday night can be

extremely detrimental to your health. But, a

single drink, defined as one 12 ounce beer, a

5 ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirit,

can be an easy, natural way to lower your

blood pressure. Add to that that this same

regimen can help control the risk of heart

disease and it’s a no brainer. Have that

night-cap.

Relax

Your body under the effects of stress is a

tremendous thing: the central nervous

system floods the body with adrenaline and

other hormones; the heart rate spikes,

muscles clench, breathing quickens, and, of

course, blood pressure rises.

If you are going through this every day in

response to work, family, and other of life’s

common stressors, you are quickly wearing

out your body and exacerbating your blood

pressure condition. Taking time for yourself

to slow down, unwind, and relax might be

just the thing that tips your blood pressure in

the right direction.

So, after that half-caff drinking day at the

office and the adventure of lugging bananas

up the stairs, relax with that nightcap and

call yourself an au-naturel champ the Blood-

Pressure Lowering game.

How to get rid of stretch marks naturally

Stretch marks are caused due to two main

reasons – pregnancy and sudden dramatic

weight loss or gain. However you don’t have

to feel miserable now because we will be

introducing you to some of the most effective

home remedies to get rid of these stretch

marks naturally.

Let’s explore several ways to eliminate or

reduce stretch marks without seeking

medical intervention.

Cacao Butter

You should apply cacao butter on the stretch

mark area of your skin. Many people have

tried this application and have seen good

results. It is a well known household

technique practiced by many. stretches. You will

see the results quickly if you apply it on the

stretch marks at least thrice a day at regular

intervals.

Try Olive Oil

Olive oil seems to produce desired results as

it is rich in Vitamin A, D and K. Apply olive

oil on the stretch marks once in a day daily

to see its positive effects.

Lemon Juice

You need to rub the lemon juice very gently

onto the stretch marks. Let the juice remain

on the mark for at least ten minutes before

you rinse it with warm water. Lemon Juice is

known to be naturally acidic which heals

stretch marks comprehensively.

Stretch mark creams

There are many stretch mark creams

available in the market, but unfortunately

very few of them really stick to their claims.

Don’t lose hope; instead you can give a try to

dermology stretch mark cream. Buying a

stretch mark prevention cream and applying

it on the stretch marks should help you in

eliminating those marks.

Don’t believe in any claims that the

manufacturer of stretch mark cream makes;

instead try those creams and see for yourself

whether it works or not.

Sugar effect

It is unbelievable to see the results that

white sugar produces if mixed with almond

oil and lemon juice. Apply the mixture onto

the stretch marks. Rub the mixture for at

least ten minutes before heading for a

shower. Follow this practice for a month and

you will see a considerable change in your

stretch marks.

Exercise daily

Follow a regular exercise regime to erase

stretch marks completely. Exercising will

help you keep your muscles toned and firm,

thereby, erasing and preventing stretch

marks, respectively. Practice Yoga and do

more of cardio to see the effects.

Potatoes

An item present in every kitchen - potatoes

are extremely beneficial in treating stretch

marks by stimulating new skin cell

formation. Rub thick slices of the vegetable

to ensure that the juice penetrates skin

layers.

Besides using oils, sugar and lemon juice, try

applying a reliable stretch mark cream as

well. Do a good research on many stretch

mark creams that are available in the

market.

You should now have the knowledge of

several home remedies that would work

wonderfully well on your stretch marks.

These practices have been followed by many

others and it worked for them and it will

work for you too.

Awesome reasons why you should take Green Tea so often

What Green tea can do to your body.Green tea can: 

- Bring down your heart disease and cancer risk. Green tea's powerful antioxidants have been found to reduce lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, stroke and heart attack 

risks. To add an extra boost, squeeze in a lemon — the vitamin C helps your body absorb more of the antioxidants. 

- Lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Three cups a day gives you the antioxidants you need to bring down these numbers. 

- Help you lose weight faster. Drink a cup before your workout and you might boost your fat burn. Studies suggest that the caffeine frees fatty acids so you can burn fat more easily. The tea's antioxidants might also work together with the caffeine 

to help you burn more calories. 

- Prevent arthritis. Imbibing green tea daily might help keep your joints healthy, preliminary research suggests. 

- Keep allergies at bay. Japanese researchers found that the compound EGCG (the same one that might fight hepatitis C ) found in green tea may help stop your body from reacting to allergens like pollen, pet dander and dust. 

So, now put on your cooker, with your kettle and boil some green tea. *Wink

How to Get a Healthier Teeth Naturally

Your oral health affects 90 percent of your
overall health. The mouth is like a
barometer. It can pick up and show signs of
health issues before they reach any part of
your body. For holistic dentists, taking care
of your teeth is the same as taking care of
your entire body. There are health issues,
like cardiovascular, inflammation, and
immune system issues that can be prevented
if detected earlier through checking the
condition of your teeth.
Oral health is linked to the overall health of
the body, which means the fast rate of tooth
decay means deeper nutritional problems.
For example, gum disease goes beyond the
mouth because it is an active bacterial
infection that can go throughout your body
via the bloodstream. The plaque deposits in
the gum disease are the same plaques that
are found in the arterial walls of people
suffering from heart diseases. If you have
gum diseases, you are at higher risks to
stroke, heart diseases , fatal coronary heart
diseases, preterm birth, oral cancer,
diabetes, arthritis, pneumonia aspiration.
This is why it is very important to support
teeth health with nutrition. Support your
oral health from the inside with quality
nutrition. You should also keep your mouth
healthy on a superficial level using quality
health products.

1. Be Careful What You Put In Your Mouth
To keep your teeth healthy, you should avoid
sugary foods and drinks. This is common
sense since most people know that sugar can
lead to cavities and plaques. Most sugary
products you take are filled with corn syrup,
which coats the teeth and decays your teeth
faster by sticking in the crevices and cracks.
This is why sugary foods and drinks are
difficult to remove from your teeth. You
should also avoid foods that are rich in phytic
acids, like grains and beans. Finally, it would
be best to eat a lot of healthy fats. Some of the
best options for healthy fats are coconut oil
and fermented cod liver oil daily. You should
also drink plenty of water because it can
flush out the toxins in your body. Instead of
drinking those sugary drinks, it is better to
just replace them with water.
2. Brush Your Teeth up to Two to Three
Minutes
How long does it take you to brush your
teeth? Did you know that the time you spend
brushing your teeth can affect your oral
health? Yes, you may have avoided the foods
that are unhealthy to your teeth, but you only
brush for 30 seconds, and then you still won’t
have a great oral health. Plaque build-up, the
occurrence of gum diseases, and the pile up
of cavities can be significantly reduced with a
consistent oral regimen, which is brushing
your teeth twice a day for two to three
minutes. You don’t have to spend so much
time and money in going to the dentist or
buying expensive products just for healthier
teeth. You can simply brush your teeth
properly on a consistent basis.
3. Flossing Daily for Better Teeth
Flossing may not rid your mouth of bacteria,
but it can remove those little bits of food stuck
in the crevices of your teeth. But if you use
floss with an oral irrigator, you can clean
those hard to reach places and even remove
bacteria, food debris, and germs.
4. Your Mouth Should Have a Balanced PH
A low PH is an acidic environment, which is a
breeding ground for bacteria. If your mouth
has a low PH, it may be at risk for various
gum diseases. You can keep your mouth’s PH
at a balanced level by eating whole food for
your diet regimen. Maintaining a balanced PH
for your mouth is as easy as eating plenty of
fruits and vegetables.
5. Stay Away From Fluoride
Fluoride is in your mouth rinses, toothpaste,
and even water, but it doesn’t necessarily
mean it’s good for you. If you take in too
much fluoride, you are at higher risk for
nausea, diarrhea, headaches, muscular
weakness, arthritis & joint pain, cancer, and
more.
6. Supplements that Can Boost Oral Health
You can increase the mineral level with
supplements to boost your oral health. Some
of the major supplements that can efficiently
improve your oral health are fermented cod
liver oil, Vitamin D. Coconut oil, Magnesium,
Gelatin, and Vitamin C.

Other foods that boost eye health

This isn't repetition of topics ooh! The other post which said on foods that improves eye health is different from this, but both are essential, and moreover my eyes aren't so good this days. so, we orientating each other. * Wink.
Continue reading....
- Berries. Antioxidant-rich foods help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, and berries are some of the best sources of antioxidants, Dr. Maturi says. Berries are nutrient-rich with few excess calories and sugar. Red, blue, and purple berries (and other plants) are good sources of water-soluble antioxidants, which can help protect against eye damage .
- Kale. This leafy green is rich in both lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are concentrated in the macula of your eye and help absorb harmful high-energy light waves. "These
antioxidants protect against eye damage from things like sunlight, cigarette smoke, and air pollution," Ficek says.
- Cooked spinach. "Spinach is chock-full of lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E — all of which are good for eye health," says Neal G. Malik, RD, a dietitian with the University of California, Riverside.
- Foods rich in vitamin C . "Vitamin C is a top antioxidant and good for eye health," Ficek says. It helps protect blood vessels, including those found in the eye. Good sources of vitamin C include grapefruit, Brussels sprouts,
broccoli, strawberries, papaya, oranges, and green peppers.
- Foods rich in vitamin E. "Vitamins C and E work together to keep healthy tissue strong, but most of us don't get the vitamin E we should from food,"Ficek says. You can boost your vitamin E levels by eating more almonds, pecans, sweet potatoes, and vegetable oils. "Or have a small handful of sunflower seeds or use
a tablespoon of wheat germ oil in your salad dressing," she says.
Some foods from the sea. Wild salmon, as well as lobster and other pink shellfish, are rich in astaxanthin, a type of antioxidant called a carotenoid. Similar to lutein, astaxanthin can help protect central vision.
Fish oil may also help ease dry eyes and age- related macular degeneration, Maturi says.
- Yogurt and cheese. "Both of these dairy products contain zinc, which is also beneficial for the eyes," Malik says. Zinc is concentrated in the retina and helps vitamin A produce melanin, a pigment that helps protect the eyes.
- Green tea. "The catechins found in green tea are powerful antioxidants that protect the eyes from oxidative stress from free radicals," Ficek says.
Source: Everydayhealth

How to know your medical doctor is a quack

Ever wondered if that medical doctor of yours is a quack? 

This is how to know..... 

1. He prescribes medication without testing you for anything. 

Doctors are big on scientific evidence. They demand that millions of dollars be poured into research to prove that things work. 

Yet, when you visit their office, they often don't gather any verifiable evidence on what they are treating YOU for. Isn't that interesting? 

You spend a few minutes with a guy who prescribes powerful medication to mess with your neurotransmitters. No tests - not even a questionnaire. You bring your kid in to a pediatrician and leave a few minutes later with powerful brain stimulants for ADHD - and the doc never did one test! 

Quacks don't know of any tests for many of the conditions for which they regularly prescribe medication. 

2. He tells you it's all in your head. 

Telling you that your real symptoms are all in your head (translation: he thinks you are crazy) means that the answers are NOT in his head. When quacks don't have the answer, they don't consider that there is anything for them to learn. They just blame you. Nice. 

A legitimate practitioner will admit when he doesn't know something and commit to finding solutions by expanding his knowledge, or working with other practitioners on your case who may shed fresh light on the subject. 

3. He denies the role of lifestyle, nutrition and stress. 

Eat the donuts, camp out on the couch, drink the booze...no problem. This has nothing to do with disease. Just take your pills. 

Nowadays, some quacks are conceding that diet and lifestyle have something to do with the onset of disease, but they are STILL NOT TALKING TO YOU ABOUT IT. They never mention it. They don't ask you how you eat, sleep or manage stress. 

It's because quacks don't know much about these things. When practitioners do not know much about the cause of 90% of disease - I call that a scam. 

4. He'll put you on the medication roller coaster. 

Some unfortunate folks, after dealing with a quack that doesn't know what he is doing, end up on 10-20 pharmaceutical medications and have lost touch with what it is like to feel normal. They live in a world of symptoms and side effects and - for some reason - keep going back for more. 

The quack responds by continuing to dish it out, but he has NO IDEA how these medications are interacting with each other, really. He is just guessing and writing more prescriptions. 

5. His own health is a mess. 

Walk your talk. Does your doc do it? Is he anexample of true health? If not, then he may not even know what genuine health feels like. 

How is he going to get you there? 

Doctors are among the most stressed out and suicidal populations on earth. Bless them, for they maintain crazy schedules and are truly under duress. Still, it is no excuse. We are all stressed. Docs are supposed to be examples, are they not? 

6. His doesn't involve you in your own 

treatment. 

So, you heard that this or that lab test might be worth doing. You read an article or did some of your own research, huh? Is your doctor interested? Is he willing to consider that you may know something? 

Quacks look down their nose at you, but real health practitioners will cooperate with you in your own treatment. They will investigate with you, consider your ideas, your feelings and work as a member of your team. 

7. He believes you cannot be healed, but treats you anyway. 

You have a disease for which there is no cure. 

You will need to take these pills for the rest of your life. Please don't believe that nutrition, vitamins, herbs, God or anyone can heal you. 

You are stuck. Take your medicine. 

Meanwhile, thousands of your fellow human beings are healing from the very symptoms that trouble you. You are dealing with a quack who will medicate you into oblivion and witness your inevitable decline according to his expectations. 

8. His communication skills are pathetic. 

You have six months to live. Nothing more we can do. There's the door. 

Thanks for the compassion, doc. 

9. He spends less than 10 minutes with you. 

Recent research shows that new doctors are spending less time than ever with patients - an average of eight minutes per. This is NOT headed in the right direction folks! This is your health - the most precious gift you have. It needs time and attention and real expertise. 

Eight minutes is not enough. 

New docs are quoted as saying, "We just don't have time." 

Translation: "We don't have time if we are going to make a lot of money." 

Money before patients = quackery. 

10. He thinks he is God. 

In spite of all the obvious signs of quackery, he still thinks he is all knowing. You still cannot connect with him as a person. He doesn't see you as a person. He won't take your ideas and suggestions, because you obviously don't know anything. After all, he is omniscient. 

Stop supporting your quack and find real help. 

Source: Naturalnews

Nutritional Value of Breadfruit

Breadfruit Nutritional value 

Breadfruit 

Nutritive Value per 100 g. (USDA) 

Principle 

Nutrient Value 

Percentage of RDA 

Energy 

103 Kcal 

5% 

Carbohydrates 

27.12 g 

21% 

Protein 

1.07 g 

2% 

Total Fat 

0.20 g 

1% 

Cholesterol 

0 mg 

0% 

Dietary Fiber 

4.9 g 

13% 

Vitamins 

Nutrient Value 

Percentage of RDA 

Folates 

14 µg 

3.5% 

Niacin 

0.900 mg 

6% 

Pyridoxine 

0.100 mg 

8% 

Riboflavin 

0.030 mg 

2% 

Thiamin 

0.110mg 

9% 

Vitamin A 

0 IU 

0% 

Vitamin C 

29 mg 

48% 

Vitamin E 

0.10 mg 

1% 

Vitamin K 

0.5 µg 

<1% 

Electrolytes 

Nutrient Value 

Percentage of RDA 

Sodium 

2 mg 

0% 

Potassium 

490 mg 

10.5% 

Minerals 

Nutrient Value 

Percentage of RDA 

Calcium 

17 mg 

2% 

Copper 

0.084 mg 

9% 

Iron 

0.54 mg 

7% 

Magnesium 

25 mg 

6% 

Manganese 

0.060 mg 

2.5% 

Phosphorus 

30 mg 

4% 

Selenium 

0.6 µg 

1% 

Zinc 

0.12 mg 

1% 

Phyto-nutrients 

Nutrient Value 

Percentage of RDA 

Carotene-ß 

0 µg 

— 

Crypto-xanthin-ß 

0 µg 

— 

Lutein-zeaxanthin 

22 µg 

— 

Breadfruit contains moderate levels of 

essential vitamins and minerals. It is rich in riboflavin, iron, niacin, thiamin, iron and phosphorus. It contains minerals like potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese, selenium and phosphorus. It also contains adequate levels of protein. 100 grams provide 7.4 grams, approximately 23% of the recommended amount. It is low in 

saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium.

Why you shouldn't tattoo your body. - The Risk

I don't know the major reason why people tattoo their bodies. But to me, it's disgusting and unreasonable! It adds no beauty whatsoever or does it? 

Well, continue reading!... 

Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including: 

- Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo. 

- Skin infections. A skin infection is possible after tattooing. 

Other skin problems. Sometimes bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink. 

Tattooing also can lead to keloids — raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue. 

- Bloodborne diseases. If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases — including tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. 

- MRI complications. Rarely, tattoos or permanent makeup might cause swelling or burning in the affected areas during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. 

In some cases, tattoo pigments can 

interfere with the quality of the image. 

Medication or other treatment might be needed if you experience an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink or you develop an infection or other skin problem near a tattoo.

Few steps to combat Body Odour.

I have seen people with this stuff, It is very embarrassing. Perhaps you are one of them suffering from this uncoverable-ailment. Do some of the listed.

- Watch what you eat

Certain foods have the potential to make our sweat more pungent. A diet high in the red meat increases body odor as does curry, garlic, and other spicy foods. “We don't fully digest garlic, curry and onions so they leave the pores with the sweat and create a strong smell,” explains Debra Jaliman, MD, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.

- Shave your underarms

If you have a lot of hair under your arms, it slows the evaporation of sweat so that you have more bacteria. (If your crotch area is a problem, consider waxing. And take pit stops, meaning, if you exercise a lot or sweat a lot, wash under your arms a few times a day and change clothing.

- Wear breathable clothing

Natural fibers (linen, silk, cotton, light

wool like merino) can breathe and

decrease sweating. Also some of the high-tech fibers wick away moisture. Many exercise clothing now offer high-tech fabric that wicks away moisture from the body, so bacteria doesn’t have a chance to get at the sweat. (Clothing tags will identify them.) Dressing in layers also helps soak up the sweat.

- Use antiperspirant and deodorant

An antiperspirant blocks the sweating action while deodorants have fragrance to mask the smell. Deodorants also make the skin more acidic, making it less hospitable for bacteria. If a regular product doesn’t work for you, try a stronger over-the counter antiperspirant.

- Apply twice

Studies have shown that applying

deodorant in the morning on dry skin and at night before bed makes a big difference.

Night-time application allows the

ingredients to get into the sweat glands and clog them, as opposed to the morning, when sweat glands may already be full.

- Bath Twice daily

- Avoid wearing really really dark clothes.

- Change shoes often

If foot odor is your problem, give shoes a chance to dry inside by changing them often. Dust them and your feet with foot powder to maintain dryness.

Share to your social networks if this orientate you. 

Natural Exquisite ways to have Pink lips

You know, pink lips also adds to our beauty. That's why you see girls buy lip stick and others. Even for guys.
If you are my Facebook friend or instagram follower you must have seen some of my pictures saying am pinky endowed. Well it adds to everyone's beauty if it isn't awkward. But it is nice so these are tips to help give you natural pink lips like mine or better than mine. *winks.
- Use Pomegranate Seeds and Milk
This is another efficient way to lighten dark, dull lips. You can create that beautiful pink color by using pomegranate seeds. Crush up the seeds and mix it with some milk. Apply this home remedy to your lips regularly, you will see them becoming redder and fuller. The fantastic thing about this remedy is that there are no side effects. These seeds are sold in some shops in Nigeria.
- Cucumber Juice
This is another great way to reduce the darkness of your lip, you can just apply a bit of cucumber juice on them. Simply slice a cucumber, rubbing it against your lips to allow the juices to soak on. If you do this for five minutes each day, you can lighten your lips to a pretty pink color.
- Lemon Juice And Sugar
Another home remedy is with the use of lemon and some sugar. Cut a thin slice from the lemon, sprinkling a bit of sugar on top and rub your lips with it each day. This works well because lemon works to naturally bleach your lips, returning them to their light, pink color while sugar will exfoliate dead skin cells.
- Strawberry Mixture
Strawberries have many benefits that are great for lightening dark lips. All you need to do is make a paste using strawberries and mix it with some aloe vera juice and pure honey.
Apply this paste and leave it on for five minutes before rinsing it off and replacing it with an homemade lip balm. This is effective because berries have many vital vitamins and minerals that can keep your lips healthy and therefore vibrant.
- Mix Honey, Almond Oil and Sugar
What you can also do is to mix sugar, honey and a little bit of olive or almond oil. Apply this to your lips, massaging it in for ten minutes. You will share the results.
TIPS:
- Smoking should be avoided. Smoking not only deteriorates health, but also makes lips dark.
- Avoid drinking excess of tea and coffee. Caffeine is an important factor for dark lips.
- Avoid licking lips as this can make lips dry and chapped.(but I do lick my lips and its not dark. Well. Research is powerful.)
- Eat skin nourishment food with minerals to make lips beautiful. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals that nourishes our skin.
- Drinking 8 glasses of water every day will help to keep lip skin soft and prevent it from dying.
- Protect lips from sun rays.
Note: When you exfoliate your lips, make sure you don’t use your toothbrush too hard on your lips so that you won’t injure your lips: All you need to do is dampen a soft-bristled toothbrush with warm water and gently rub your lips using small circular motions. 

Definition and Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer.

What is a Stomach Ulcer?

Stomach ulcers are painful sores that can be found in the stomach lining or small intestine.

Stomach ulcers are also known as peptic ulcers. They occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from.digestive juices is reduced.

According to the American Gastroenterological Association, an estimated four million people have stomach ulcers and one in 10 people will develop the condition over their lifetime (AGA ).

Stomach ulcers are easily cured, however they can become severe without treatment.

What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are not necessarily caused by one single factor. The decrease in the stomach’s mucus lining that leads to an ulcer is commonly caused by:

- An infection with the bacterium

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) long-term use in excess of the recommended dosage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen Zollinger-Ellison syndrome—a rare disease that makes the body produce excess

stomach acid

Certain factors and behaviors put people at higher risk for developing stomach ulcers:

- Smoking

- Frequent use of steroids (such as those for treating asthma)

- Hypercalcemia (overproduction of calcium)

- Family history of stomach ulcers

- Being over 50 years old

- Excessive consumption of alcohol

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

There are a number of symptoms associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer. 

The most common symptom is a

burning sensation or pain in the area between your chest and belly button. Normally, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty and it can last for a few minutes or several hours.

Other common symptoms include:

- Dull, burning pain in the stomach

- Weight loss not wanting to eat because of pain nausea or vomiting bloating burping heartburn (burning sensation in the chest) pain improves when you eat, drink , or take antacids

Talk to your doctor if you experience

symptoms of a stomach ulcer. Even though discomfort may be mild, ulcers can get worse if they aren’t treated. 

Opinion: Reasons why you are not getting pregnant.

I wish no one reads this. According to researchers, being barren is the worst thing that can happen to couples. Ofcause, we are sure to know that God is the ultimate provider of life.  He is the one that gives one babies but however God might have released the baby and your health may be now the cause and stumbling block of the...... . The following can take a toll in your bareness. God help!

- Stress

When you mention to friends and family that you’re “trying,” you’ll almost guaranteed to hear someone say, “Just relax and it will happen.” Easier said than done. Stress, good or bad, is going to take its toll on you both physically and mentally. According to naturopathic doctor Via Bitidis, co-director of the North Toronto Naturopathic Clinic, balance and calm are a crucial part of trying to conceive. “When you’re stressed your adrenal system takes a hit. Your body isn’t going to say, ‘Okay, let’s get pregnant.’

Learning to say no and to take time for yourself is important for improving your chances of having a baby.” Megan Karnis, medical director of The ONE Fertility Clinic in Burlington, Ont., agrees with a word of caution: “A lot of women think the best thing to do when you’re stressed is to take time off work. In my experience, that doesn’t help, because it makes a woman feel she has to get pregnant in that time and then the stress to get pregnant is so much higher,” she says.

Instead of altering your day-to-day routine entirely, Karnis recommends counselling, art therapy, meditation and exercise to reduce stress levels.

- Sleep deprivation

You already know that catching an adequate number of zzz’s makes that morning department meeting more bearable, but here’s another reason to get yourself to bed before the wee hours. Sleep deprivation puts stress on the body (there’s that pesky s-word again) and when you’re tired, you don’t run on all cylinders. “For people who don’t get enough sleep, their immune systems are down a little bit and they’re more likely to get infections, which will affect the reproductive cycle,” Karnis says. “This applies to men as well.

Infections can cause fever and that excess heat can damage the sperm temporarily,” she says. “Women who don’t get enough sleep can also start to feel anxious , which may cause missed periods.” Keeping yourself healthy is the baby bottom line, so set the PVR to record Mad Men and enforce a new bedtime.

- Weight issues

A woman who is underweight or overweight may have some difficulty conceiving a baby.

“An undernourished body may not ovulate properly,” says Bitidis. On the other hand, excess weight can have a significant effect on fertility. “Just being over your ideal weight decreases your chance of getting pregnant even if you are ovulating regularly,” says Karnis. “The further you stray above 25 on the Body Mass Index, the worse it gets.”

Maintaining a healthy diet and developing a reasonable exercise routine will do wonders for your mind and body,” Bitidis adds.

- Cycle confusion

“A lot of women don’t understand their own cycles,” says Bitidis. Most of us were taught the typical 28-day cycle in health class back in high school, but every woman is different and cycles vary in length. “The biggest thing is timing,” Karnis says. “We teach women that ovulation is two weeks before your period.

Most people think that it’s two weeks after, but that’s only if you have a four-week cycle,” she says. You’ll have better luck conceiving if you monitor ovulation and start having sex at the right time. “We also teach people about sperm life—they can live for three days in the cervix, so you don’t have to have sex on the day of ovulation, it could be the day before.

We also find that a lot of people don’t know that lubricant decreases sperm motility and transfer, so you shouldn’t use lubricant when you’re trying to get pregnant,” says Karnis.

- Biofeedback

“Keeping a positive attitude is incredibly important. There is a huge mind-body connection. Try not to listen to the negative stories and try to be patient,” Bitidis advises.

Preparing for pregnancy up to a year in advance may be a good idea if you’re planning to start a family in the near future, that way you can focus on making lifestyle changes. If you’re trying now, remember that it can take time—experts say up to a year— to conceive. If you’re concerned that it has taken too long, speak to your healthcare provider about your options for fertility counselling and treatment.

Source: Interview with Britis.

Pregnancy: Signs that tell you Labour is near.

How do I know it's time for labour? Read the below!

When will it happen? How will it feel? How long will it take? And, commonly: How will I know it’s time?

It’s hard to predict the answers to those first three questions, since every birth is different.

But for number four, we can help. There are some clear labor signs to watch for.

So sit back and relax as we educate you on 10 signs that labour is near.

- Your baby “drops”

A few weeks before labour begins, your baby will start to descend into your pelvis (for first- time mamas; in future births, this “lightening” doesn’t usually happen until you’re truly in labour). Your baby is getting into position to make his exit: head down and low. Yes, you might feel you’re waddling even more than you have been up until this point — and you may be back to taking very frequent bathroom breaks like you did way back in your first trimester, because baby’s head is pushing down on your bladder too. But the good news is you have a little more breathing room, since baby is moving away from your lungs.

- Your cervix dilates

Your cervix, too, is starting to prepare for birth: It starts to dilate (open) and to efface (thin out) in the days or weeks before you deliver. At your weekly check-ups, your provider may measure and track dilation and effacement via an internal exam. But everyone progresses differently, so don’t be discouraged if you’re dilating slowly (or not at all yet).

- You feel more cramps and increased back pain.

Especially if this is not your first pregnancy, you may feel some crampiness and pain in your groin and lower back as labor nears.

Your muscles and joints are stretching and shifting in preparation for birth.

- Your joints feel looser

Throughout your pregnancy, the hormone relaxin has made all of your ligaments soften and loosen (it’s also responsible for your bouts of clumsiness this past trimester).

Before you go into labour, you may notice your joints all over your body feel a bit looser.

Relax — it’s just nature’s way of opening up your pelvis for your little passenger to make his or her way into the world.

- You have diarrhea

Just as the muscles in your uterus are relaxing in preparation for birth, so are other muscles in your body — including those in our rectum. That can lead to loose bowel movements. Though annoying, this is normal; stay hydrated and remember it’s a good sign!

- You stop gaining weight (or lose pounds).

Weight gain tends to level off at the very end of pregnancy. Some mothers-to-be even lose a couple of kilograms! This is normal and won’t affect your baby’s birth-weight. He’s still gaining, but you’re losing due to lower levels of amniotic fluid, more potty breaks (see #1 and #8 on this list), and even increased activity (see #7).

- You feel extra-tired …or you have an urge to Rest.

Wait a minute, is this the third trimester or the first? Between the active bladder and the exhaustion, sometimes you can feel like you’ve traveled backwards in time. That super-size belly, along with the heavy bladder, can make it hard (even impossible) to get a good night’s sleep during the last days and weeks of pregnancy. Pile on those pillows and take naps during the day if you possibly can! That is, unless you’re feeling the opposite of fatigued: Some Mamalettes get a burst of energy as birth-day nears, and can’t resist the compelling urge to clean and organize everything in sight. That’s okay, as long as you don’t overdo it!

- Your vaginal discharge changes colour and consistency.

In the last days before labour you’ll notice an increased and/or thickened vaginal discharge.

You may also notice the loss of your mucous plug — the cork sealing off your uterus from the outside world. It can come out in one large piece (it looks similar to the mucous you have in your nose, but with faint streaks of blood) or lots of little ones (though you may not notice it at all if you’re the flush-and-run type). This thickened, pinkish discharge is also called the bloody show and is a good indication that labour is imminent (though without labor contractions or dilation of three to four centimeters, labour could still be a few days away!).

- You feel stronger, more frequent

contractions.

Contractions are an early sign of active labour — except when they aren’t. You can experience Braxton-Hicks contractions for weeks and even months before delivery. You’ll feel their pinch as the muscles in your uterus tighten in preparation for their big moment (pushing that baby out!). How can you tell the difference between real and false labor contractions? Look for these signs of real labour:

* If you’re active, contractions get stronger instead of easing up

* If you change position, contractions don’t go away

*The contraction pain starts in your lower back and moves to your lower abdomen, and possibly your legs

Contractions progress: They get more frequent and more painful, and sometimes fall into a regular pattern

- Your water breaks

While movies would have you think you’ll learn you’re in labor only when your water breaks (of course in the middle of a romantic dinner date at a busy restaurant), that’s a very unlikely scenario. It’s actually one of the final signs of labour most women notice — and it happens in less than 15% of births. So don’t count on it as your only labour sign!

Still feel like you won’t know when to

announce “It’s time!” and get ready to meet your baby? Try not to stress about it. You’ll be seeing your doctor or midwife frequently now, and she’ll help you spot all the important signs.

Source: Mamalette

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Changes during Puberty in Boys and Girls.

Puberty — or sexual development — is a time of dramatic change for both boys and girls.

Hormone-driven changes are accompanied by growth spurts that transform kids into physically mature teens as their bodies develop.

It's important for them to have healthy eating habits, a well-balanced diet, and some physical activity each day to ensure continued growth and proper development during these years.

Changes in Girls

These characteristics describe the sequence of events in girls as they go through puberty:

- Breasts begin to develop and hips become rounded.

- An increased rate of growth in height begins.

- Pubic hair begins to appear, usually within 6 to 12 months after the start of breast development.

- The uterus and vagina, as well as labia and clitoris, increase in size.

- Pubic hair is well established and breasts grow further.

- The rate of growth in height reaches its peak about 2 years after the start of puberty.

- Menstruation begins, almost always after the peak growth rate in height (average age is 12.5 years).

- Once girls start to menstruate, they usually grow about 1 or 2 more inches, reaching their final adult height by about age 14 or 15 years (younger or older depending on when puberty began).

Changes in Boys

Boys tend to show the first physical changes of puberty between the ages of 10 and 16.

- They tend to grow most quickly between ages 12 and 15. The growth spurt of boys is, on average, about 2 years later than that of girls.

- By age 16, most boys have probably stopped growing, but their muscles will continue to develop.

Other features of puberty in boys include:

- The penis and testicles increase in size.

- Pubic hair appears, followed by underarm and facial hair.

- The voice deepens and may sometimes crack or break.

- The Adam's apple, or larynx cartilage, gets bigger.

- Testicles begin to produce sperm.

Source: Kidshealth

Hot to treat Epilepsy Naturally.

Can epilepsy be cured? How can epilepsy be cured? See this below...

Why Go Natural?

Epilepsy is traditionally treated with anti-seizure medications. But these medications don’t work for everyone, and they come with a risk of side effects.

From herbs and vitamins to biofeedback and acupuncture, there are a lot of choices available. But there is far less evidence backing up natural treatments for epilepsy compared with conventional medicine.

Some alternative therapies might complement your current treatment plan, but you should always ask a doctor first.

Inside Herbal Treatments

With an increasing market and public interest, herbal treatments have soared in popularity. It seems there is an herb for virtually every ailment. NYU Langone Medical Center estimates that 20 percent of people taking prescription drugs also use herbs.

Some of the most commonly used herbs for epilepsy are:

- Burning bush

- Groundsel

- Hydrocotyle

- Lily of the valley

- Mistletoe

- Mugwort

- Peony

- Scullcap

- Tree of heaven

- Valerian

Such herbs have the potential to reduce seizures, but there’s no scientific proof that they work. The FDA doesn’t regulate the safety and efficacy of supplements. Herbs sometimes cause unpleasant side effects such as headaches, rashes, and digestive problems.

While some herbs might help epilepsy, others should be avoided. These include:

gingko and St. John’s wort (may interact with anti-seizure medications) kava, passionflower, and valerian (may increase sedation), garlic (can possibly increase medication levels), chamomile (may prolong medication

effects)

Vitamins May Complement Treatment

Along with a healthy diet, certain vitamins can help decrease seizures in epilepsy. Keep in mind that vitamins alone don’t work. You should also follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent a possible overdose.

The most frequently used vitamins for epilepsy are:

- Folic acid

- Vitamin B6

- Vitamin D

- Vitamin E

Self-Control and Biofeedback

Some people with epilepsy try to control their brain activity to reduce the frequency of seizures. The theory is that if you can detect symptoms of an impending seizure, then you may be able to stop it.

According to NYU Langone Medical Center, some patients experience symptoms 20 minutes before a seizure. Others might feel symptoms for several days leading up to the event, including:

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Fatigue

- Bad headaches

Self-control methods are used to prevent or decrease the intensity of the seizure once it arrives. There are varying techniques, all which require good concentration and focus.

Examples of such methods are:

- Meditation

- Walking

- Immersing in a task

- Sniffing a strong odor

literally telling the seizure “no”

Oftentimes, these methods are too good to be true. The problem is there is no single technique to stop a seizure, and there is no guarantee it will work every time.

Another method involves biofeedback. Like self-control measures, the purpose of the process is to take control of your brain activity. Biofeedback utilizes electrical sensors to alter brain waves.

Physical therapists commonly use

biofeedback. If you’re interested in this procedure, seek a professional — don’t fall for a biofeedback practitioner without credentials.

Other Alternative Treatments

Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments are sometimes considered other alternatives to conventional medicine. The exact way acupuncture helps is not understood, but the ancient Chinese practice is used to help chronic pain and other medical issues. By placing fine needles in specific parts of the body, practitioners help the body heal itself.

Acupuncture may change brain activities to reduce seizures. While the practice sounds good in theory, there is no scientific evidence to prove acupuncture as an effective epilepsy treatment.

Spinal manipulations in chiropractic care may also help the body heal itself. Some chiropractors use specific manipulations to help patients control seizures on a regular basis. But like acupuncture, chiropractic care isn’t widely viewed as an effective form of epilepsy treatment.

Certain dietary changes may also decrease seizures. The best-known diet is the ketogenic diet, which focuses on eating a higher ratio of fats. It’s considered a low-carb, low-protein diet. This sort of eating pattern is thought to help decrease seizures, although doctors don’t know exactly why.

Children generally use the ketogenic diet, and many people find the restrictions challenging.

Still, this type of diet might complement other treatment measures to help reduce seizures.

Source: Healthline