Showing posts with label women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label women. Show all posts

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Dandruff Treatment & Tips

Dandruff Symptoms

The scales from the scalp fall : When the hair is combed or brushed, or when the scalp is scratched, the scales from the scalp fall like snowflakes and settle on the eye brows, shoulders, and clothes. These scales sometimes appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp.

Itching is there and scalp may become red :Often there is itching as well and the scalp may become red from scratching
.


Dandruff Causes

Impairment of general health, wrong food intake, constipation
The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases.

Emotional tension, harsh shampoos, general exhaustion

Other factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, exposure to cold, and general exhaustion
.


Home Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff treatment using Fenugreek Seeds

The use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most important remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds should be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half an hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or acacia concinna.



Dandruff treatment using Lime

The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff.


Dandruff treatment using Green Gram Powder

A valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair should be washed twice a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd.


Dandruff treatment using Beet

Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night. White beet is better for this purpose.


Dandruff treatment using Snake Gourd

The juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose.


Dandruff treatment using Other Remedies

Dandruff can be removed by massaging the hair for half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days, or with a few drops of lime juice mixed with indian gooseberry juice every night, before going to bed. Another measure which helps to counteract dandruff is to dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool inbetween shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.


Dietaries for Dandruff

All-fruit diet with three meala a day of juicy fruits

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about five days and take three meals a day of juicy fruits.
Avoid citrus fruits, bananas, tinned fruits
Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed, or tinned fruits should not be taken
.


Well-balanced diet

After the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Further short periods of an all-fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at monthly intervals till the skin's condition improves.

Avoid strong tea/coffee, pickles, refined and processed foods

Meats, sugar, white flour, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided.



Other Dandruff treatments

Keep hair and scalp clean to avoid accumulation of dead cells

The foremost consideration in the treatment of this disorder is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to minimise the accumulation of dead cells.

Hair should be brushed daily to improve circulation


The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground, and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged everyday, using one's finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff, and encourages hair growth. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun is also a useful measure in the treatment of dandruff.



Warm-water enema

During the first five days of the treatment when the patient takes an all-fruit diet, a warm-water enema should be taken daily to cleanse the bowels. Simultaneously, an attempt should be made to keep the body in good health.


How to Cure Dandruff

Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.
As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common.
Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers,
experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation
.



Sunday, April 12, 2009

Stop hair loss : natural and herbal treatment to prevent hair fall for men and women,hair restoration and best products to buy to prevent hair loss


Hair Loss is one part of our life where men and women have always had equal share of difficulty.
Although women mostly suffer from from problems like hair fall,split ends, early greying of hair,short lenght but there are generally spared from a more horrifying truth that most men have to go through is Baldness.

Various remedies, both artificial and natural, have been researched upon and discovered in these many years for this gruesome menace which is haunting the human race.Though over the years herbal and natural treatment to hair fall has seen attracting more patients. the shift is well explained as in matters to skin and hair treatment Ayurveda and Homeopathy has proved to be more fruitful than Common medicinal sciences(read alopathy).

Hence various institutes have come up guarenting you with a complete cure for hair loss.
A few options are listed down below:


 

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women

Our skin shows what we are eating. All the toxins we got from loading up junk foods and oily dishes will be flushed out through pimples and breakouts. So you better watch you eat. Diet should be high in fiber and vitamins go for greens and other fruits and vegetables. Fish is a good source of Omega 3that is also good for the skin. Avoid process foods for they are packed with preservatives. 
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women drink water glass
Six to eight glasses is required for a glowing healthy skin. Choosesoup based dishes from the menu and avoid the oily and fried ones. Drink low-fat milk twice a day and limit your coffee consumption to two cups a day or totally skip it. Colas don't count in your water intake and refrain from drinking sugar-packed smoothies and other drinks. 

Check you lifestyle:

Are you a couch-potato? Do you love the outdoors? For our body and even for our skin, active lifestyle should be practiced. How can we say that we live an active lifestyle? And how is it beneficial for our skin? 
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women exercise daily
To live an active lifestyle, you must start exercise for at least 20-30 minutes a day. You can enroll for a fitness program, hit the gym or just walk with your hubby or your dog. Exercise pumps our heart well and promotes good blood circulation. Good blood circulation also paves way for healthier skin. Have you observed your pinkish glow after exercising? Sweating also flushes out toxins inside your body. 

We should also be conscious of getting up on our feet and running errands. Walk instead of taking the car for short distances. Go to your co-workers' work station rather than using the phone or worse, emailing them. Use the stairs instead of using the elevator if you just going to the next floor or when going down. View these activities as part of your daily exercise. 

Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize:
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women wash your face daily
These three simple steps work wonders for your skin. Everybody should follow these simple yet effective steps in skin care. Wash your face at least twice a day but also avoid washing too often since it will only lead to oiliness. Choose gentle and hypo-allergenic cleansers like Cetaphil and Dove. They wash away oil and dirt but not the natural moisture in your skin like most cleansers in the market. Pat-dry your skin after washing and never rub! This will only irritate your skin.  

After washing your skin, apply toner to neutralize the PH balance for skin. Toners also prepare your skin for moisturizer. Toners should be



oil-free and water based. Astringent should be used once a week since it is for exfoliation and too strong for everyday use. 

Use Moisturizer at least twice day. Some areas in our body should not be neglected like our hands and neck. These areas show early signs of aging and Botox and other laser treatments are not usually done in these areas. Like toners, choose an oil free facial moisturizer after toning. Apply in circular motion to passage your skin and promotes good circulation. Don't forget to apply moisturizer in you neck and in your cleavage area. 
http://hallosushant.blogspot.com/
You should start putting hand lotions in your kitchen and in your bag. Dishwashing soaps and detergents make our skin very dry. Rinse off and apply hand lotion right away. Putting them on site saves you from forgetting. Don't forget to later lotion in your hands when retouching your make-up during lunch dates. Apply lotion all over your body before bed since your skin rejuvenates while we are asleep
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women face care
Sunscreen should also be a part of your regimen now. Apply it everyday even if you are not going outdoors. The sun can still penetrate through your tinted car windows and can reach you while you drinking iced tea in your balcony. Sunscreens should have at least 15 SPF and more if you are surfing or going to the beach. 

Choose your products wisely:

When buying skin care products go for products that use natural and organic substances, chemicals in most products only harms your skin. Avoid products that have fragrances since most fragrances are synthetics and just made for marketing proposes. For the usual consumer it is hard to determine which chemicals to avoid. For starters check the labels and hide away from those that have many ingredients listed. As they say less is better. Those added components are just preservatives, colorants and preservatives. 
Best Sensitive All Natural Skin Care Treatment and Products For Women organic facial eden
Following the steps above will improve your skin tone. It takes a little perseverance and discipline to follow them but its all worth it.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Myths About Gluten In Skin Care Products


There has been some debate in recent years about whether gluten found in skin care products, and various other non-edible substances can cause a reaction in people with Celiac's disease. The official answer to this question is no, gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin, so these products can only cause a reaction in celiacs if they are actually swallowed. Check products that come into contact with your mouth Check any products that you might use around your mouth such as lip balm or lipstick, and dental products such as mouthwash or toothpaste, to see if they contain gluten, as these may well be ingested and cause a reaction if you have gluten sensitivity. Sometimes it is difficult to see whether such a product contains gluten from the list of ingredients because gluten containing products have so many different names. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer and ask.

Is dermatitis herpetiformis caused by skin products containing gluten?

No, although dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin related condition associated with Celiac's disease, which is characterized by an itchy blistering rash, it appears in reaction to digesting gluten, not absorbing it through the skin. Experts state that skin products containing gluten will not have any effect on dermatitis herpetiformis. However, many people that suffer from this condition claim that their symptoms increase with the use of cosmetics containing gluten, so you may want to steer clear of these just to be on the safe side.

So what is causing my skin reaction?

If you have a skin reaction when you use a cosmetic product containing gluten, consult your doctor or dermatologist to find out what is causing it. It is possible that you do have an allergy to wheat or another grain that is not directly linked to Celiac's disease. Equally you may be sensitive to another ingredient in the products that has no relation to wheat or other grains at all. Other non-edible products to consider One item that has been the subject of investigation is the gum that is used on postage stamps and envelopes, that needs to be licked to make it sticky. Envelope manufacturers have confirmed that this gum does not contain gluten, so there is no need for celiacs to avoid licking envelopes.

Something that you should be aware of if your children are celiacs is the play dough they may use at kindergarten or school. This is often made with wheat flour, and if your child puts it in their mouth, they may ingest some of the gluten. If your child's teachers are aware of their gluten sensitivity, they should keep an eye on them when they play with dough, but mention it anyway as some people may not have made the connection.

There are all sorts of hidden sources of gluten to look out for, and cosmetic and dental products that will be used around the mouth can be a particular cause for concern. However, most skin care products should not cause a reaction in celiacs unless they are put in the mouth because gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin.


About The Author: Sean Ambrose runs http://www.gluten-answers.com the web's most thorough source on providing free information on learning to manage a Gluten free diet successfully.

Please use the HTML version of this article at:http://www.isnare. com/html. php?aid=288621

============ ====== ARTICLE END ============ ======

For more free-reprint articles by Sean_Ambrose please visit: http://www.isnare. com/?s=author& a=Sean_Ambrose

Leading a Heart Healthy Lifestyle is Important For Women of Every Age( cuer for heart disease,cholestrol,diabetes,blood pressure)


Long considered a man's problem, heart disease now affects more female than males. Heart disease is responsible for 52 percent of all deaths in American women, claiming 250,000 female lives every year - more than all forms of cancer.  

Fortunately, much is known today about preventing and monitoring heart disease through lifestyle changes, which makes it possible to control many of your risk factors. To begin leading a heart healthier lifestyle, you first need to better understand heart disease.

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is the term used to describe a number of ailments affecting the heart, blood vessels and arteries.  
These conditions include:

Coronary Artery Disease - also referred to as coronary heart disease, this is a disease caused by fat, cholesterol and plaque build-up inside the artery walls, making them narrow. Coronary artery disease occurs when the heart does not get the oxygen and nutrients that it needs to function properly because of decreased blood flow.

Valvular Heart Disease - a disease that occurs when any of the four heart valves is damaged and becomes leaky (incompetent) , causing backflow of blood when the valve should be closed, or narrowed (stenosis), which makes it difficult for blood to flow forward.

Congestive Heart Failure - a condition caused by a variety of other conditions - including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease - that develops when the heart cannot adequately pump blood through the body.  

What is your risk for heart disease?

It is important to understand the risk factors that impact your likelihood of developing heart disease. Luckily, many of these factors are within your control. Answering the following questions and assessing your own risk for heart disease is the first step toward a heart healthy lifestyle.  

Do you have a family history of early heart disease?  

The tendency toward certain heart disease risk factors may be inherited. The presence of an immediate female family member (mother or sister) with coronary heart disease before age 65, or male relative (father or brother) diagnosed before age 55, will significantly increase your risk of heart disease.  

Do you have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, contributes to hardening of the arteries, and increases the frequency of angina (chest pain that is the heart's response to a lack of oxygen), as well as the risk of heart attack and stroke.  

Do you have high cholesterol?

High levels of cholesterol in the blood lead to increases in the amount of plaque in the arteries and coronary artery disease. All adults should have a lipid profile performed including a total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels. This is done after fasting for eight hours in order to get the most accurate results. The newest guidelines provide targets for your lipids according to your risk factor profile.  

Do you have diabetes?

Diabetes, especially uncontrolled or untreated - can significantly increase your risk of heart disease. A simple blood test can determine how much glucose (sugar) is in your blood. The normal, non-diabetic range for fasting blood glucose is from 70 to 100 mg/dL. If the level is over 126mg/dL, it usually means you have diabetes. If you have diabetes, treating other risk factors for cardiovascular disease - such as hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels - is particularly important.

Have your menstrual periods stopped?

As women reach menopause, the risks increase with one in 10  women between the ages of 45 and 64 experiencing some form of heart disease. After age 65, that statistic jumps to one in four. Around menopause, estrogen levels start to drop, and heart disease risk starts to rise.

Do you smoke?

If you smoke, kick the habit! Smoking increases your risk for a heart attack by almost five times that of a non-smoker. In addition, it has been found that low-tar cigarettes are not effective in reducing the risk of heart disease in those people who use tobacco.

Are you more than 20 pounds overweight?

Being overweight can more than double your risk of heart disease. Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Do you get little or no regular exercise?

Studies suggest regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Physical activity lowers your blood pressure, increases the amount of "good" cholesterol in your blood and reduces the tendency of blood to clot. Aerobic exercise - any exercise that makes the heart and lungs work harder to supply the muscles with oxygen - is a great way to strengthen your heart.

What is your body shape?

Depending on your body type, whether you are apple- or pearshaped, you may be more likely to develop heart disease. The Nurses' Health Study at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that middle-aged and older women who are apple-shaped are at greater risk for heart disease. According to the study, women with a 38-inch waist or greater are three times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than women with waistlines of 28 inches or less.

Make a healthy change  

As a woman, it is important for you to understand heart health. Current research studies, such as the Nurses' Health Study at Brigham and Women's Hospital (http://www.brighama ndwomens. org/excellence/ cardiovascular. aspx), are finding significant differences between men and women that extend to the symptoms, prevention and treatment of heart disease. Be heart smart for your good health! 

About The Author: As a woman, it is important for you to understand heart health. Current research studies, such as the Nurses' Health Study at
http://www.brighama ndwomens. org/excellence/ cardiovascular. aspx
Brigham and Women's Hospital, are finding significant differences between men and women that extend to the symptoms,prevention and treatment of heart disease. Be heart smart for your good health!

Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare. com/html. php?aid=289053

============ ====== ARTICLE END ============ ======

For more free-reprint articles by Paulette Bouchard please
visit:
http://www.isnare. com/?s=author& a=Paulette+ Bouchard

Monday, March 23, 2009

Breast cancer-information,cures,symptoms,survivors,statistics,diagnosis,treatment


There are chances that Most women will develop breast cancer at some time in their life.

First of all, remember that breast cancer is a treatable disease. 

There are four kinds of treatment. One or more of these may be used for you depending upon what you need and want. The four ways of treating breast cancer are: 

1. Surgery (Removing the cancer with an operation.)
2. Radiation therapy (Killing the cancer cells with special x-rays.)
3. Chemotherapy (Killing the cancer cells with drugs.)
4. Hormone therapy (Stopping the cells from growing with hormone drugs.

Each of these four treatments is described in more detail later in this document. 

Your doctor should tell you what kind of breast cancer you have and the stage it is in (that is, if it has spread and, if so, how far it has spread). 

Some breast cancer can be treated in several different ways, and you may have a choice of treatments. If your doctor tells you that you do have a choice, you should take time to decide which treatment you would prefer. 

Unfortunately, some breast cancer can only be treated in one, specific way, so not all persons have a choice of treatment. Before making any decision or starting any treatment, you may wish to talk with each doctor who may be giving you a particular type of treatment: 

  1. A surgeon removes breast cancer with an operation
  2. A radiation oncologist gives breast cancer patients special x-rays to kill their cancer cells.
  3. A medical oncologist treats breast cancer patients, including selecting the drugs that can be used to kill their cancer cells or stop their cancer cells from growing. 
  4. A plastic surgeon rebuilds the breasts after an operation. 

You have a right to get a second opinion from another doctor if you wish. 

You also may wish to participate in a clinical trial of a new or potentially improved treatment, and you should ask your doctor about these options if you are interested. 

____________________________________________________________________
for more  info plese visit:

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Kegel Exercise For Women's Health


Kegel exercise for women is the perfect pelvic floor toner that can relieve anxiety and stress; enhance sexual health and a host of other women's health issues. 

Years of research into why women have problems after childbirth, supports the kegal exercise device as an effective means of improving core stability as well as womens holistic health

For many women of all age groups, poor tone to their pelvic muscles can lead to all manner of frustrating and embarrassing social and health-related women's issues. These can include urinary incontinence, flatulence, bowel incontinence, poor core stability, trouble achieving orgasm, not to mention the devastating affects on women's social and psychological health and wellness. 

Women who believe they are too young to be affected by these conditions, need to think again! The majority of women who experience poor pelvic muscle tone, do so after pregnancy/childbirth. Additionally, women can also be affected as they age; through illness; lack of exercise; or even weight gain; all of which can contribute to weakening the pelvic muscles. 

Any one of us can at some point or another experience at least one of these conditions or health issues. Yet, in this day and age, women need not suffer in silence over any of these aspects of their health. A simple yet effective kegel exercise device can literally turn back the clock on this very intimate area of womens health. 

For women who identify with any of the above conditions, following a mere 10 minute womens health kegel exercise program can set them on the road to regaining full pelvic floor muscle tone. Truly remarkable results can be achieved from a short, daily kegels for women exercise, with a quality kegel exerciser.

Women's pelvic floor muscle group play a very important role. As well as supporting the sexual and abdominal organs, at peak performance, these prevent loss of sexual sensation, urine, faeces or even gas escaping, during any kind of exertion.  

As with any other muscle, your kegel muscle need to be excercised to prevent loss of tone and weakness. With the appropriate kegel exercise, your pelvic floor muscle will gain strength and become more toned. No more worrying about urine incontinence when you sneeze or even suffering in silence over the quality of your love life.  

Kegel exercise target this specific muscle group that is responsible for sexual enjoyment; control over bladder, bowels and strengthens them, thus taking the strain off other core muscle groups which have to compensate for that weakness. 

While there are a number of kegal exercisers on the market, it is important to choose a quality device to achieve the very best kegel exercise outcome and to prevent injury. 

Visit the link below to learn more about the kegel exercise pelvic toner device that has been recommended by Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping in addition to getting further information on: 

Instructions for kegel exercises 

The tremendous benefits of kegels for women's health and sexual health 

Kegel exercises during pregnancy 

The key benefits of strengthening pelvic floor muscles, plus more...


___________________________________________________________________________________
About The Author: Olga Graham-Try is a qualified life coach
with extensive experience in social care practice and founder

Please use the HTML version of this article at:

For more free-reprint articles by Olga Graham please visit:

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The Glass of MILK - a true story



One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.

Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How  much do I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," she replied "Mother has taught us never to accept payment for a kindness." He said... "Then I thank you from my heart."
 


As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt; stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
 
Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.
 
Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.
 
Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.
 
Dressed in his doctor's gown he we nt in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.
 
 
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.
 
 
She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she looked, and something caught; her attention on the side as She read these words.....
 
"Paid in full with one glass of milk." (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly

For more details

A true story - Wilma Rudolph


A  little girl who was born into a very poor family in a shack in the Backwoods of Tennessee. She was the 20th of 22 children, prematurely born and frail. Her survival was doubtful. When she was four years old she had double pneumonia and scarlet fever - a deadly combination that left her with a paralyzed and useless left leg. She had to wear an iron leg brace . Yet she was fortunate in having a mother who encouraged her.





Well, this mother told her little girl, who was very bright, that despite the brace and leg, she could do whatever she wanted to do with her life. She told her  that all she needed to do was to have faith, persistence, courage and indomitable spirit.


So at nine years of age, the little girl removed the leg brace, and she took the step the doctors told her she would never take normally. In four years, she developed a rhythmic stride, which was a medical wonder.


Then this girl got the notion, the incredible notion that she would like to be the world's greatest woman runner. Now, what could she mean - be a runner with a leg like that?

At age 13, she entered a race. She came in last - way, way last. She entered every race in high school, and in every race she came in last. Everyone begged her quit! However, one day, she came in next to last. And then there came a day when she won a race. From then on, Wilma Rudolph  won every race that she entered.




Wilma went to Tennessee State University, where she met a coach named Ed Temple. Coach Temple saw the indomitable spirit of the girl, that she was a believer and that she had great natural talent. He trained her so well that she went to the Olympic Games.

There she was pitted against the greatest woman runner of the day, a German girl named Jutta Heine. Nobody had ever beaten Jutta. But in the 100-meter dash, Wilma Rudolph won. She beat Jutta again in the 200-meters. Now Wilma had two Olympic gold medals.



Finally came the 400-meter relay. It would be Wilma against Jutta once again. The first two runners on Wilma's team made perfect hand-offs with the baton. But when the third runner handed the baton to Wilma, she was so excited she dropped it, and Wilma saw Jutta taking off down the track. It was impossible that anybody could catch this fleet and nimble girl. But Wilma did just that! Wilma Rudolph had earned three Olympic gold medals.

Circumstances do not determine our outcomes. Even when our circumstances are beyond control, we have the free will to choose our responses to circumstances. We can choose resistance or acceptance.

Acceptance and choosing to act on what we *can* do will determine our future. We have the ability to create and hold feelings of gratitude for the achievement of our dreams; these feelings determine our outcomes. Saint Augustine (354-430), wrote, "People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering."


God made us no less wondrous than all these creations. He intended for us to live abundantly. He gave each individual a unique purpose and unique talents. He also added the ability to achieve our most cherished dreams.

We can "heart power" those dreams by accepting that ability with faith. Then we will realize the presence of that indomitable spirit that our Creator gave us. Today we can choose to offer thanks for those divine gifts. Gratitude will make our dreams inevitable.


Friday, February 27, 2009

TEN QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT PREGNANCY


Q1. Can I get pregnant following oral sex or heavy petting?

No. You can only get pregnant from full sexual intercourse.

Q2. How will I know if I am pregnant?

If you have had sexual intercourse since your last period and you are late for your current period, you may be pregnant. Following implantation of the fertilised egg menstruation should not occur, hence for women who have been sexually active and who have previously menstruated regularly, the absence of a period should be put down to pregnancy.

The most common way to confirm a pregnancy is to purchase and undertake a home test. These are relatively cheap and can be done in the privacy of your home. The manufacturers claim they are over 95% accurate.

If the home test has a positive result, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.

Q3. Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

For most couples it is normal for them to enjoy an active sex life throughout the pregnancy. Sexual intercourse will not harm the development of your baby as it is cushioned by a bag of fluid in your uterus.

Sex during your pregnancy may also help you both unwind and should help you maintain a strong bond with your partner, ready for the months ahead.

Q4. Does vaginal discharge increases during this time?

Yes, unfortunately it does. Vaginal discharge may well increase during all stages of your pregnancy and should be similar to the discharge you have previously had before a period. It is only if the discharge becomes very thick, smelly or blood stained that you need to seek medical assistance. If the cause is an infection, it can be easily treated with creams or tablets.

Q5. Will I get piles/haemorrhoids?

You may. Although people laugh and joke about piles, they are no laughing matter.

During pregnancy the walls and veins in your anus swell and blood flow becomes sluggish, causing the affected veins to throb and become painful.

There are precautions you can take to help reduce the chances of developing piles, such as:

 Eat a high fibre diet and drink lots of fluid to avoid constipation.

 Try to relax on the toilet and not strain.

 Undertake regular exercise and pelvic floor exercises to help blood flow around your anus.

If you do get piles, your doctor, midwife or pharmacist will be able to suggest a suitable cream to ease the pain.

Q6. What is the best contraception to use after birth?

This will depend on how soon you wish to have another baby. If you want another baby soon (within one year), then short-term measures such as the cap or condom, ideally with the use of a spermicide, are probably the best contraception.

Long term, methods such as contraceptive injection, hormone implant and ،¥the pill،¦ may be your best options.

Q7. How soon can I have sex after birth?

It is advisable to wait a few weeks after a normal delivery, and up to three months after a caesarean, as healing may take this length of time. It is important however that both you and your partner agree: neither should feel pressured into it.

Be aware that you may feel dry; though by using water-based lubricants there is no reason why sex should not be as enjoyable as before.

Q8. How will the midwife measure cervical dilation?

The midwife will measure how dilated (or open) the cervix is by gently inserting two fingers into the vagina. She assesses how open the cervix is by opening her fingers and feeling around its perimeter. She will also be feeling the position of the cervix and how soft it is.

She will always try to be gentle but sometimes the process can be slightly uncomfortable. Try to stay as relaxed as possible: the tenser you are, the more uncomfortable the procedure will be. Hold your partner،¦s hand while the midwife examines you and ask him to try and distract you.

Q9. How will the hospital staff break my waters if they need to?

The midwife will discuss with you why you might need your waters breaking. Remember though, if you are not comfortable with this you can decline. If you fully understand the need to have your waters broken, and are happy to go ahead, the midwife or doctor will perform a normal vaginal examination then insert a long thin plastic hook that is a little bit like a crochet hook. The hook will be brushed over the bag of waters, which will usually be enough pressure to break it. The cervix does, however, have to be sufficiently open for this to be carried out.

Q10. If I have an episiotomy or perineal tear, how will it be repaired?

It is not always the case that your perineum (the area between the vaginal entrance and the rectum) will tear or need to be cut. Moreover, if it is, there is no way of knowing if you will require stitches. Some studies have shown that perineal massage can help prevent trauma. Your midwife will be able to advise you on this. Sometimes if a small tear has been sustained, it will be left to heal naturally.

If the area does require stitches, the midwife who has been looking after you will usually do it. You will be given local anaesthetic to numb the area before the midwife starts and she will check that you are unable to feel any pain before commencing. These days, stitches are almost always dissolvable and will not need to be removed.

Want to know more?

If you do want to know more about pregnancy, from conception to labour, you should take a look at Pregnancy for Beginners- a comprehensive guide for the new mother-to-Be. Written by a State Registered Midwife, it is a simple, easy-to-understand, yet comprehensive, book you can download to your computer in minutes. See www.pregnancyfacts.org for full details of this invaluable guide for the newly pregnant woman.
by: Alan Cutler