Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Deficient in D?

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is also a hormone. After Vitamin D is made by the skin or eaten, the kidney and liver help to convert it into an active hormone form. As a hormone, it controls calcium absorption to help the body build strong bones and teeth, and it helps maintain muscle strength. When you are deficient in calcium and vitamin D, your bones break down to supply calcium to the rest of your body. But being deficient in vitamin D can take a toll on more than just your skeleton.

"There have been concerns about vitamin D status in the U.S. because of increasing reports of deficiencies, with an estimated 10 million Americans over age 50 diagnosed with osteoporosis," says Atlanta-based rheumatologist Eduardo Baetti, MD.

"Vitamin D deficiency is associated with low bone mass and osteoporosis because vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium from the diet. Low levels of vitamin D have also been linked with poor muscle strength and other chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disease and some forms of cancer."

The Sunshine Vitamin

D is also the only vitamin that does not need to be consumed in food or supplements because our bodies are efficient at making it when our skin is exposed to direct sunlight (not through a window). But not all sun exposure is the same, and many factors help determine how much we absorb. In general, the further away you are from the equator, the more efficient the vitamin D production, but cloud cover and air pollution can hinder the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Many people living in the Southern United States can get enough vitamin D by getting about 10-15 minutes of sun exposure on their arms and face a few times a week -- as long as they don't use sunscreen, which blocks some of the UV rays necessary to make the vitamin.

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Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

After a century of highly medicalized prenatal care and childbirth, the trend in recent decades has swung back toward natural, gentle birthing techniques. Midwives and doulas, once frowned upon by the medical establishment, are now being welcomed into hospitals, oftentimes replacing doctors at the pregnant woman’s bedside. Much has been written about the benefits of water, hypnotism, and naturopathy in prenatal care and childbirth. This article will focus on the use of aromatherapy to ease the discomforts, relieve emotional stress, and maintain good health of mother and baby throughout pregnancy.

Each pregnancy comes with its own set of discomforts, arising from ordinary fluctuations in hormones and bodily changes. While diet and lifestyle changes are sometimes necessary for best results, many irritations, included those noted below, can be alleviated by the use of essential oils. When selecting oils, purchase only those of high-quality, which have been distilled for therapeutic use, and are free of additives. Due to the heightened sense of smell during pregnancy, limit blends to one or two oils at a time; you needn’t purchase every oil on this list. Try a couple and see which ones you like best. You will see that many oils have overlapping qualities.

Nausea, headache, and morning sickness, which are often the earliest complaints in pregnancy, can be treated by diffusing essential oils into your breathing space. Not only can doing this counteract diagreeable odors, but using oils with antiseptic properties, such as lavender or tea tree, will cleanse the environment of harmful airborne bacteria—protecting against colds and flu. To diffuse, simply mix 3 drops lavender with 1 drop peppermint and 1 drop eucalyptus in a bowl of water. Or if you prefer, specialized diffusers on the market heat and vaporize the oil molecules, which spreads the scent faster and farther into the room. If you are going out, keep a cotton handkerchief and a vial of lavender or peppermint with you. Place 1 drop of lavender or peppermint on the cloth and hold it over your nose, inhaling deeply, to prevent headache or nausea.

Cool or warm compresses can do wonders to restore a feeling of balance and wellness. Fill a bowl with warm or cool water (whichever appeals to you.) Add 3-4 drops of lavender, and drape a flannel across the top of the water to pick up the film of oil. Wring out the flannel and place it on the forehead or front of the ribcage. For warm compresses, cover the flannel with plastic and add a towel.

Citrus oils, such as orange, lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot, are safe to use in early pregnancy and have uplifting qualities. They are particularly effective in alleviating vomiting. Add 7 drops of any citrus oil to 1 ounce olive oil (or another carrier oil) and massage over the abdomen for best results.

Varicose veins respond well to cypress, geranium, lemon, and lavender oils. Use any mixture of these oils in a warm bath (total 6 drops), with alternating warm and cool compresses(total 4 drops) on the affected areas, or in a massage oil (total 7 drops essential oil per ounce olive oil). When massaging, use gentle strokes from the foot upward, being careful not to apply too strong of pressure where the varicosity begins or ends.

Women who complain of hemorrhoids and swollen anal tissue may find relief in taking a cool sitz bath with 6 drops lemon oil. To prepare the bath set a large plastic tub in the bathtub and fill with water. Add the oils and stir to spread. Keeping legs and feet outside the plastic tub, lower yourself into the water and soak for 20 minutes. Follow up with an aromatic massage of 7 drops cypress and 7 drops lemon oil in 2 ounces olive oil.

Another ailment common in pregnancy is edema, or water retention. Lavender, geranium and rosemary oils combat this condition by stimulating the lymphatic system to drain excess fluids from the body. Gently massage the feet and ankles, using upward strokes, with a combination of these oils in olive oil; or try a cool footbath with 3 drops geranium or lemon oil and 3 drops lavender.

Almost every woman earns at least a couple stretch marks by the end of her pregnancy. These can be prevented or reduced by topically applying a blend of 1 ounce each of wheat germ oil and hazelnut oil with 4 drops neroli, 2 drops carrot seed, and 2 drops geranium. Massaging the blend into thighs, hips, breasts and belly every night and morning will nourish the skin and help maintain elasticity.

Please note that there are some essential oils which should not be used during pregnancy as they are known abortifacients. These include basil, fennel, myrrh, parsley, sage, and thyme. Other oils which are emenogogues are listed in some texts as unsafe during pregnancy, while promoted in others. Cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, jasmine, juniper, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rose, and rosemary should therefore be used with care.

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You KNOW you are a nurse when :

You KNOW you are a nurse when :
by Ners HarmokoYou believe that all bleeding stops ... eventually.

You find humor in other people's stupidity.

You believe that 90% of people are a poor excuse for protoplasm.

Discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal seems perfectly normal to you.

Your idea of fine dining is anywhere you can sit down to eat.

You get an almost irresistible urge to stand and wolf your food even in the nicest restaurants.

You plan your dinner break whilst lavaging an overdose patient.

Your diet consists of food that has gone through more processing than most computers.

You believe chocolate is a food group.

You refer to vegetables and are not talking about a food group.

You have the bladder capacity of five people.

Your idea of a good time is a cardiac arrest at shift change.

You believe in aerial spraying of Prozac.

You disbelieve 90% of what you are told and 75% of what you see.

You have your weekends off planned for a year in advance.

You encourage an obnoxious patient to sign a self discharge form so you don't have to deal with them any longer.

You believe that "shallow gene pool" should be a recognized diagnosis.

You believe that the government should require a permit to reproduce.

You believe that unspeakable evils will befall anyone who utters the phrase "Wow, it's really quiet isn't it".

You threaten to strangle anyone who even starts to say the "q" word when it is even remotely calm.

You say to yourself "great veins" when looking at complete strangers at the grocery store.

You have ever referred to someone's death as a transfer to the "Eternal Care Unit".

You have ever wanted to hold a seminar entitled "Suicide ... Doing It Right".

You feel that most suicide attempts should be given a free subscription to "Guns and Ammo" magazine.

You have ever had a patient look you straight in the eye and say "I have no idea how that got stuck in there".

You have ever had to leave a patient's room before you begin to laugh uncontrollably.

Your favorite hallucinogen is exhaustion.

You think that caffeine should be available in I/V form.

You have ever restrained someone and it was not a sexual experience.

You believe the waiting room should be equipped with a Valium fountain.

You play poker by betting ectopics on ECG strips.

You want the lab to perform a "dumb shit profile".

You have been exposed to so many X-rays that you consider radiation a form of birth control.

You believe that waiting room time should be proportional to length of time from symptom onset.

Your most common assessment question is "what changed tonight to make it an emergency after 6 hours / days / weeks / months / years)?".

You have ever had a patient control his seizures when offered some food.

Your idea of gambling is an blood alcohol level pool instead of a football pool.

You shock someone with an unrecognizable rhythm ... until you get one you DO recognize.

You believe a book entitled 'Suicide: Getting it Right the First Time' will be your next project.

You have ever referred to someone's death as a 'transfer to part 3 accomodation'.

You can identify what kind of diarrhea it is just by the smell.

You will never name a daughter "Melena" or anything along those lines.. and laugh to yourself every time you hear someone by that name

You call subcutaneous emphysema "Rice Krispies".

Your immune system is so well developed that it has been known to attack squirrels in the backyard.

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CPR Chest Compression Depth Guidelines in Children May Need Revision

The chest compression depth recommended in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines for pediatric patients do not appear to be optimal and may be excessive, according to studies in the July issue of Pediatrics.
The studies used computed tomography reconstruction to estimate chest compression depths that would be optimal for infants and children up to 8 years old during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Current guidelines in that age group call for compressions of one third to one half the external anterior-posterior chest depth.
Dr. Matthew Braga at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and co-authors blame low rates of survival among children who experience cardiac arrest on unproven targets for pediatric chest compressions that are based on extrapolation from adults and animal models.
To provide direct experimental data, Dr. Braga's team examined pediatric chest CT scans previously performed to measure individual chest depths in 14 age groups between birth and 8 years.
Results show that "the current recommendations of one third to one half external anterior-posterior chest depth are not ideal and may not be attainable or safe for all children."
For example, a one-half chest compression in 3- to 12-month-olds would theoretically result in 25% having no residual internal depth, causing harm to structures being compressed. The authors estimate that the same would be true for 21% of 1- to 3-year-olds, and 8% of 3- to 8-year-olds.
According to Dr. Braga and associates, "Use of a constant chest compression depth target of 38 mm would be expected to be adequate for > 98% of 1 to 8-year-old children, with > 10 mm of residual chest depth."
Dr. Matthew Huei-Ming Ma and associates at National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, take a similar tack, using chest CT scans of 36 infants and 38 children ages 1 to 8.
They observed that accurate depths of chest compression at the lower half of the sternum and the internipple line revealed no significant difference. Therefore, they maintain, "because guidelines should be modified and simplified for ease of use by either the layperson or health care provider, it is not necessary to provide two choices in the pediatric resuscitation guidelines in the future."
Dr. Ma's team also observed that compression depths according to current guidelines were similar to or even higher than recommended compression depths for adults.
"More scientific debate is needed on this issue for further revision of pediatric CPR guidelines," they conclude.
Pediatrics 2009;124:e69-e74.
Source : http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/705045?sssdmh=dm1.492967&src=nldne

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Eating Fish, Omega-3 Oils, Fruits And Veggies Lowers Risk Of Memory Problems

A diet rich in fish, omega-3 oils, fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, whereas consuming omega-6 rich oils could increase chances of developing memory problems, according to a new study.
For the study, researchers examined the diets of 8,085 men and women over the age of 65 who did not have dementia at the beginning of the study. Over four years of follow-up, 183 of the participants developed Alzheimer's disease and 98 developed another type of dementia.
The study found people who regularly consumed omega-3 rich oils, such as canola oil, flaxseed oil and walnut oil, reduced their risk of dementia by 60 percent compared to people who did not regularly consume such oils. People who ate fruits and vegetables daily also reduced their risk of dementia by 30 percent compared to those who didn't regularly eat fruits and vegetables.
The study also found people who ate fish at least once a week had a 35-percent lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and 40-percent lower risk of dementia, but only if they did not carry the gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer's, called apolipoprotein E4, or ApoE4.
"Given that most people do not carry the ApoE4 gene, these results could have considerable implications in terms of public health," said study author Pascale Barberger-Gateau, PhD, of INSERM, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, in Bordeaux, France. "However, more research is needed to identify the optimal quantity and combination of nutrients which could be protective before implementing nutritional recommendations."
In addition, the study found people who did not carry the ApoE4 gene and consumed an unbalanced diet characterized by regular use of omega-6 rich oils, but not omega-3 rich oils or fish were twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those who didn't eat omega-6 rich oils, which include sunflower or grape seed oil. The study did not find any association between consuming corn oil, peanut oil, lard, meat or wine and lowering risk of dementia.
"While we've identified dietary patterns associated with lowering a person's risk of dementia or Alzheimer's, more research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of these nutrients involved in these apparently protective foods," said Barberger-Gateau.Source :

source: sciencedaily.com

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Screening For Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a dangerous disease that is affecting many women today. One of the most important strategies to do to survive breast cancer, is get an early detection and treatment promptly. That means doing your monthly self exams, and getting yearly check ups at the doctors office. If you are in denial and think that it won’t happen to you, think again. It can happen to anyone, even in males.

The different techniques, used today, has advanced over the years.

Let’s take a look at some advantages we have to detect early stage of breast cancer through Medical review.

Mammography with Computer Aided Detection:

Mammograms are a great way to catch any early detection of cancer. Mammography is a an x-ray film of the breasts that is read by a Radiologist that checks to see if there is any abnormal findings. The Computer Aided Detection is a process that is computer based and it analyzes the mammogram for any abnormal tissue and shows the Radiologist where the abnormal tisse is, if there is any located.

Digital Mammography

Digital Mammography is a tool used to record an image of an x-ray of the breasts. The images are shown on a monitor and the doctors are able to enhance or manipulate the image for detection, before they print the image out on film.

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are a high-frequency sound wave that produces pictures called sonograms. These help the Doctors to distinguish if a lump or abnormal tissue is a tumor or a cyst. Ultrasounds are not only used as a diagnostic image, but also to help guide biopsy procedures of breast tissue, like fine needle aspirations. Ultrasounds are usually done after the result of an abnormal mammogram that might show micro calcifications or other abnormal tissue.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagining)

MRI’s is a procedure done that doesn’t use radiation. There is a magnet that is connected to a computer that then creates the images of what is inside the body. When a breast MRI is obtained there are a lot of images that are created from front to back, top to bottom and side to side. The patient gets on the scanning table and lie on their stomach. The breasts hang into a hollow in the table that has coils that detect any type of magnetic signal. Then the patient is moved into the tube like machine that has the magnet. This helps to improve any cancerous tumor visibility. A radiologist reads the results of MRI’s also

Fine Needle Aspirations

A fine needle aspiration distinguishes what type of tumor the patient has. There are solid tumors and liquid-filled tumors; which are cysts. How the procedure works is the doctor takes a fine needle and inserts it into the location of the tumor. The fluid in the tumor is then removed and sent to laboratory to see if the tumor has cancerous cells or not.

Surgical Biopsy

Surgical biopsies are usually done if the mass is a solid tumor. There are two different types of surgical biopsies, excisional, and incisional. Incisional biopsies are performed by removing only a small portion of the abnormal tissue to be examined by a pathologist. With excisional biopsies the whole tumor is removed with a small amount of tissue surrounding it, and then sent to a pathologist to examine.

There are other procedures that are used for detection of breast cancer. The techniques that are listed above are the most common procedures used for patients today. Newer diagnostic imaging and techniques are being developed that are guaranteed to catch early detection and identify patients that are at a high risk of breast cancer. Infrared Thermographic Imaging is a new discovery that picks up any subtle changes that have occurred in the breast pathology. Another new advancement for early detection is Gamma imaging camera that is used with an MRI that can pick up a cancerous tumor that is within the breast. There are always new advances in technology that will help improve the techniques to find early detection of breast cancer. One of these days there will be a cure, but for now concentrate on getting early detection before it becomes too late.

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Lybrel: Safest option to control pregnancy

ybrel is the first FDA approved birth control pill. Women globally have been opting for this birth control pill, as it is the safest option for them.

Lybrel birth control pill can also be regarded as a continuous pill, as it can be consumed 365 days. What attracts women more towards this pill is that it also suppresses the menstrual cycle.

The way Lybrel works is very simple. It delivers low dose of hormones to our body every day. Like many other birth control pills, it suppresses pregnancy through the process of ovulation suppression. While we take Lybrel, the lining of the uterus does not undergo the changes needed for menstruation and, therefore one does not have regular menstrual cycle.

While undertaking the course of Lybrel, in place of a menstrual period, the women get what is called a "pill period." Most of the traditional cyclic birth control pills have been providing hormones for 21 out of 28 days. Thus, this prevents ovulation and minimizes the build-up of your uterine lining.

While starting the course of Lybrel, one can feel unscheduled bleeding or spotting. However, the number of days, for which one gets these spotting decreases in case of majority of women. The benefit of having no regular menstrual cycle is more beneficial than the unwanted bleeding and spotting.

But one should remember that Lybrel birth control pills should be taken under the supervision of your personal doctor. Women who have blood clots; breast, uterine, or liver cancers; a history of heart attack, stroke, or breast cancer and those who are pregnant should avoid taking these pills.

The sides effects associate with Lybrel are comparatively less and limit to menstrual cramps, headaches and nausea.

Along with controlling pregnancy, the Lybrel pregnancy control pills have another benefit. They also cure problem of acne.

Thus Lybrel is a safer option for those who want to avoid unwanted pregnancy. It has really acted as a blessing for working women. You can also buy these birth control pills online. There are many online stores which can be trusted. Order one now, and see the difference.

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Lybrel: Safest option to control pregnancy

ybrel is the first FDA approved birth control pill. Women globally have been opting for this birth control pill, as it is the safest option for them.

Lybrel birth control pill can also be regarded as a continuous pill, as it can be consumed 365 days. What attracts women more towards this pill is that it also suppresses the menstrual cycle.

The way Lybrel works is very simple. It delivers low dose of hormones to our body every day. Like many other birth control pills, it suppresses pregnancy through the process of ovulation suppression. While we take Lybrel, the lining of the uterus does not undergo the changes needed for menstruation and, therefore one does not have regular menstrual cycle.

While undertaking the course of Lybrel, in place of a menstrual period, the women get what is called a "pill period." Most of the traditional cyclic birth control pills have been providing hormones for 21 out of 28 days. Thus, this prevents ovulation and minimizes the build-up of your uterine lining.

While starting the course of Lybrel, one can feel unscheduled bleeding or spotting. However, the number of days, for which one gets these spotting decreases in case of majority of women. The benefit of having no regular menstrual cycle is more beneficial than the unwanted bleeding and spotting.

But one should remember that Lybrel birth control pills should be taken under the supervision of your personal doctor. Women who have blood clots; breast, uterine, or liver cancers; a history of heart attack, stroke, or breast cancer and those who are pregnant should avoid taking these pills.

The sides effects associate with Lybrel are comparatively less and limit to menstrual cramps, headaches and nausea.

Along with controlling pregnancy, the Lybrel pregnancy control pills have another benefit. They also cure problem of acne.

Thus Lybrel is a safer option for those who want to avoid unwanted pregnancy. It has really acted as a blessing for working women. You can also buy these birth control pills online. There are many online stores which can be trusted. Order one now, and see the difference.

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Reasons Why 100% Effective Vaginal Odour Treatments “Don’t” Work

Why is it that every piece of information found on vaginal odour treatments or vaginal discharge is nearly always the same? Many women admit to feeling more frustrated over this than that of their actual vaginal concern. Reasons given for this happening is, if inappropriate treatments are used and still no cure then naturally you are drawn like a magnet to once again return for what seems repetitive information? Let us say you have a vaginal odour and would like rid because of embarrassment, then what do you do, you look for medication or a solution to clear the smell. You can prevent further episodes of frustration if the right vaginal odour treatments are used in the first place. Take note all frustrated women, could you be using the wrong treatment, if so then the law of average has it that you will no doubt go back and have to read the same old thing over and over again until you get it right. No treatment no matter how affective will give positive results if treating the wrong condition.

Vaginal odour treatments vary purely because of different causes. These causes can be brought about for many reasons of which need to be determined by your doctor so he/she can get to the root of the problem for why the smell is there. Vaginal odour treatments are only 100% affective if your prescription is to treat the right symptoms. The vagina is an odourless organ of the body, but if your vagina is in the process of releasing an unhealthy smell - then there has to be a perfectly simple explanation for this, and for why there maybe a vaginal itch also. Having an itch around your private parts is not only embarrassing but one that can worsen if infection sets in after the delicate skin surrounding the vagina is torn through fingernails used for relief.

The best course of action to avoid vaginal irritation is to keep the genital area dry giving the region room breathe.

1 Cotton underwear should be worn
2 Change sanitary towels and tampons at regular intervals
3 Refrain from using vaginal sprays, deodorants or other type smellies
4 Remove damp clingy clothing caused through sweating
5 Avoid tight-fitting clothes; not only to help keep vaginal smells at bay but for comfort too
6 Wearing synthetic materials next to the skin can cause irritation
7 Cleanse well after using the loo. Use the front to back motion after bowel movement
8 Hot sweaty conditions should have you wash more

There may be times that you feel the need to go that extra mile by giving the vagina a real good scrub on the inside. Douching is not recommended as it can disturb the vagina's natural acidic balance and increase risk of irritation. A vaginal douche forces water or other fluids into the vaginal cavity to clean away discharge or stubborn period blood. The vulva only needs a daily rinse with warm water. Some fem products may contain scented ingredients which can add to your problem or cause irritation.

Bacterial Vaginosis/vaginitis

Bacterial vaginosis is an inflammation which happens in the vagina and includes several germs that cause bacterial vaginosis yeast infections and trichomoniasis. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection affecting from 10 percent to 64 percent of the female population. If BV is left untreated it can increase risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometritis, cervicitis, and cause complications to rise throughout pregnancy. Main causes of bacterial vaginosis include an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and the Gardnerella organism.

One familiar symptom of bacterial infection is an unpleasant fishy odor. Itching and/or burning sometimes come with bacterial infections, but are not necessarily a symptom of the condition. Bacterial Vaginosis treatment is relatively easy and effective. BV treatment usually consists of three days or up to a week of applying Cleocin 2% vaginal cream. Oral antibiotic treatment is sometimes given on prescription.

Vaginal Thrush

Thrush is an infection caused by yeast called Candida. Tiny numbers of Candida live on the skin and around the vaginal region. The immune system and the harmless bacteria that normally reside on the skin and in the vagina usually stop Candida from flourishing. Trailing behind bacterial vaginosis, thrush is the second most common cause of a vaginal discharge. Discharge is recognized as white and smooth, but can be loose (watery.) Aside from pain (not all patients) thrush is a female complaint of torment where the symptoms of an itch and redness come to the fore. Symptoms are normally petty and clear up them self. There are various treatments for thrush so it is important for your doctor to be the one who recommends any treatments.

Topical treatments are pessaries and creams which are inserted into the vagina with an applicator. Ingredients include anti-yeast medicines such as clotrimazole, econazole, fenticonazole, or miconazole. You can get topical treatments on prescription, or you can buy them at chemists without a doctor's prescription. Topical treatments can be used if you are expecting a baby.

Two types of tablet for treating thrush are available. Fluconazole is taken as a single dose, or itraconazole which is taken as two doses over the course of 24 hours. Side-effects are rare. Unlike topical treatments these are not to be taken if pregnant or breastfeeding. Anti-yeast cream can be rubbed onto the skin around the vagina to help relieve an itch. Tablet treatments and topical creams are equally effective. Women find the tablets more convenient, although more expensive, but hey girls what's a few extra pennies in comparison to having a healthy vagina.

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How Low Libido Affects Women versus Men

Most women and men experience low female libido at some time in their lives. Although the causes and treatments are not the same, many studies and much research is still needed to distinguish the subtle differences between how the two genders experience low libido. Believe it or not, about twice as many women than men experience low libido and it has a profound affect on their intimate relationships. We will identify some of the causes and symptoms specific to women who suffer from lack of libido. Some women don’t even realize that there are several medications that women frequently take which affect female libido. Many oral contraceptives suppress female libido so gradually that a woman may not even realize it is happening. Oral contraceptives prevent ovulation by changing the amount of hormones that are released in a woman’s body, so imagine how potent these medications actually need to be and how easily these hormonal changes could affect women’s libido. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy, for any reason, may also experience low sexual desire because the female hormones are suddenly depleted. Many women take medications (hormone replacement therapy or female libido pills) to replace the loss of hormones, which will usually increase libido, sexual desire, and sexual response. Many women increase libido by taking libido enhancer pills. These are usually made with a special blend of herbs used to treat female or women’s libido. Menopause is another cause of low libido and lack of sexual desire. This is again, due to the depletion and imbalance of hormones. Sometimes the loss of sexual desire that occurs naturally with age, can be aggravated by less moisture and lubrication in the vagina. This can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or even painful and it may cause frustration and stress that a woman begins to associate with sex. Obviously birth control pills, hysterectomies, and menopause are all reasons specific to the loss of female libido. The causes of low libido in men are more commonly caused from lower testosterone levels as men age, depression, stress, medical conditions, and substance abuse. There are medications such as Viagra that are very effective for men who would like to increase libido. If the problem is psychological, individual or couples therapy can help a great deal. It is important for a man with low libido to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. It is also extremely beneficial for a man with low libido to not smoke and moderate his alcohol intake. If you are a male or female who suffers from low libido, you should consult a physician to make sure this problem is not a result of a more serious medical condition that requires attention. In relationships, open communication is a great help and goes a long way in overcoming low male or to increase female libido.

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Breast Enhancement Therapy For Each Individual

A lady finds herself to be a complete woman only after she has experienced the divine joy of motherhood. This can be expressed only after going through the stages of pregnancy, childbirth and lactation or breast-feeding.
These stages bring many emotional, mental and physical changes in every woman. The breast enlargement is a major part of this change, which takes place naturally. The enlarged breasts are firm during the period of lactation as the supply of hormones to produce mother’s milk is continuously maintained. The fullness of female anatomy during such a period is for everyone to appreciate in a divine way. Even a skinny woman finds herself to be large breasted during this period.
However, after this phase is over and lactation stops, the breasts start shrinking and sagging as well. It is the desire of every woman to remain firm breasted with rounded large beasts, always. The absence of these features certainly brings confidence problems in some women. The confidence problems can be severe enough to result in anxiety or depression in certain cases. Therefore, the thought of breast enhancement therapy comes instantly to the female mind.
The same can be said for woman going through menopause. They may have large breasts, but the breasts are neither shaped well nor firm. However many ladies would like to retain their firmness particularly in the breasts, during that age as well. There are a few surgeries available, which cause breast enlargement. But, these have to be observed with the passage of time for their effectiveness and side effects, if any.
The major draw backs for the types of therapy involving surgery is that they are costly and every woman may not be able to afford it. Hence, we have breast enhancement pills, which are safe to use and these produce the desired result over a period of time. A woman, using breast pills regularly feels more confident after developing firm and well-shaped breasts large enough to attract the others’ attention. These pills can also be used by women who have lost the shape and size of their breasts due to a prolonged illness.
These breast enlargement pills supplement the estrogen and other feminine hormones that are responsible for the development and growth of female breasts during puberty or pregnancy, thereby strengthening the breast tissues and enlarging the mammary glands. The herbal pills have certain advantages over other therapies as they contain certain herbal ingredients that open up the tissues and then expand them to make the female breasts rounded and firm. It is important to keep in mind that the process of shaping and enlarging the breasts, which is limited somewhat to genetics, is different for each particular female when taking herbal breast pills.

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Knowing the Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Knowing the Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy: "

Having a baby can be a joy. It signals the start of family life. The baby serves as the carrier of the bloodline and legacy of the parents. More than that, a baby is a very important individual who will someday grow up and make a difference in this world.

Creating a baby involves sexual reproduction. This can occur when a couple has sexual intercourse and both the egg cell from the woman and the sperm cell from the man unites into one fertilized cell. This cell quickly duplicates and matures within just hours and turns into a zygote. The zygote then attaches itself to the uterus lining where it further matures into a fetus. This fetus has the physical appearance of a human being as early as 6 weeks old. This developing group of cells can come to know as the woman’s baby. The period of holding this baby inside her womb and until the baby is born is called the pregnancy period.

The pregnancy period lasts for approximately 9 months or specifically 36 to 40 weeks of gestation. During this period, there are countless changes involving the baby’s growth and development inside the mother’s womb. The mother is also affected with these changes, having some changes of her own too in order to accommodate the baby’s needs. Together the mother and her baby form a bonding relationship as well as a physical connection with each other.

To know if a woman is really pregnant, there are numerous signs and symptoms which give out clues to alert the people if there is or there is no pregnancy. First, there are possible signs of pregnancy which can be felt and experienced by the woman. Next, there are probable signs of pregnancy which can be felt by the nurse or examiner. Lastly, there are positive signs of pregnancy which can be derived from running tests and examinations through which the final verdict is revealed of whether or not the woman is pregnant.

As the baby matures, there are a lot of possible signs and symptoms a mother will feel. There are nausea and vomiting episodes more commonly known as morning sickness. She will have missed monthly periods or will not menstruate in the succeeding months. The mother will have changes in libido and may feel less inclined to having sexual intercourse. She will feel her breast engorging and swelling. As the baby gets larger, the woman will have increased frequency of urination. She will also have food cravings or in some cases pica, which is the unusual consumption of usually non-edible food. The mother will be easily fatigued and experience skin changes and stretch marks. She will also feel fetal movement inside her which is termed as quickening.

Having experienced the possible signs and symptoms mentioned above, the woman will be inclined to go to a clinic to be examined. There are probable signs and symptoms which are noted by the nurse or examiner. The nurse performs a thorough assessment on the woman’s body. The nurse notes an increased abdominal girth on the mother. The nurse observes that the mother has bluish discoloration on her vagina along with the presence of a softening cervix. The nurse observes that the mother is having Braxton Hicks contraction which is a series of false labor contractions. The nurse can also note that the baby can be palpated on the mother’s abdomen.

To validate all of these signs and symptoms, there are positive signs of pregnancy to look out for. Among the three, positive signs are the most reliable indicators of pregnancy. These involve being positive in four tests, namely, the hearing of fetal heart tones through Doppler sound or stethoscope, ultrasound detection, x-ray visualization, and movement of baby as detected by the examiner.

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Myth During Pregnancy Period

Myth During Pregnancy Period: "

Pregnancy is a time for joy. It is a time when the parents-to-be look forward to the hold their bundle of joy in their arms. Unfortunately, not every mother-to-be is as knowledgeable about pregnancy as she should be. To add the confusion they are often misled by half truths and old wives tales when it comes to their pregnancy week by week. In order to have a healthy pregnancy, women must educate themselves on the early pregnancy symptoms and other pregnancy related issues.

Myth 1 Miscarriages

Many women worry about health issues during their pregnancy. One of the biggest concerns about pregnancy is miscarriages. Miscarriages happen, however, all spotting and bleeding are not signs of miscarriage. Still you must see a doctor immediately in case you have some.

Myth 2 weight gain

Mothers are also worried about their own health during pregnancy. Weight gain is a concern for most new mothers. With the week by week development of the baby, a mother gains about 25-35 pounds. However while eating; a mother-to-be must take care of the quality and not the quantity of food that she eats. She should not think that she has to eat for two! Instead she should follow a good diet plan. She should give up smoking, alcohol and reduce caffeine intake. Mild exercise such as walking and swimming are great ways to maintain ideal weight.

Myth 3 Labor

Many women are afraid of labor as well. They presume labor to be always painful. Labor might be painful for some women, while others may not feel much pain during childbirth. Women today can opt for natural birth or epidurals. Epidurals reduce labor pains. Breathing techniques can also help to reduce pain during natural childbirth. Keeping fit and healthy throughout pregnancy ensures an easy labor.

Myth 4 Posture

One of the biggest myths about pregnancy is that you should not sleep on your back. As long as you find it comfortable, and have no health problems, sleeping on your back is okay. Most women find it comfortable to sleep on their side.

Myth 5 Travel

Another major concern for mothers is the use of seatbelts. Seatbelts save lives, so you should not stop wearing one when traveling. However, you need to speak to your doctor about the position of the belt. If you can place the belt properly, there is no risk to your baby.

Today, women have many choices in terms of medical care and information. The mortality rate for mothers and babies has gone down considerably all over the world in the past few decades. All thanks to modern medicine and pregnancy health awareness. Hence, there is really no reason for you to worry about pregnancy. Take it easy and make sure you have proper diet and follow a well planned exercise regime.

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Baca Selengkapnya - Myth During Pregnancy Period

Ten Myth About Childbirth

Ten Myth About Childbirth: "

1. My water will break if I am truly in labor.
Amniotic fluid surrounds your baby during pregnancy. If you are in your last weeks of pregnancy you may be expecting a gush of water prior to the onset of labor. For most women their water does not break before labor begins and often does not break until you are in active labor if it breaks on it's own at all. In fact, quite often your doctor or midwife will break the bag of waters at some point during labor.

2. You will know when you are in labor.
Early labor can last hours and even days. Braxton Hicks contractions can feel very real and be difficult to tell apart from true labor contractions. While most women will know once they have reached the active phase of labor, early labor can be more subtle. It is not uncommon for women to be dilated four or even five centimeters and not be aware of the fact that they are in labor .False labor contractions are irregular and usually do not increase in intensity, frequency, or duration. Moms who have given birth before may actually have a more difficult time distinguishing true labor contractions from false labor. The only way to be sure whether you are indeed in labor is to have a vaginal exam to check for cervical dilation.

3. Labor induction always works.
Labor induction does not always work. Your doctor will perform a vaginal exam to check for cervical dilation and effacement and position of your cervix. Labor induction works best when the cervix has already begun to soften and dilate. You may go in for your 39 or 40 week appointment hoping for an induction only to be told that your cervix is not favorable to be induced. It is also possible to have a failed induction. If baby is not in distress you may be sent home to try labor induction again in another day or two.

4. Contractions feel like menstrual cramps.
You may have heard that contractions feel like menstrual cramps. While for some women early labor contractions may feel like menstrual cramps, this is not a very realistic description of labor contractions. Natural childbirth is definitely doable and many women have an unmedicated birth. However, we feel describing contractions as menstrual cramps is a disservice to first time moms. There are more honest and accurate descriptions of labor contractions that will better prepare you for childbirth. Contractions do resemble menstrual cramps in their location and general achiness, but they also have a powerful tightening more closely resembling a charlie horse. Generally speaking contractions in the active phase of labor will be tightening, painful, and increase in intensity until you reach the peak of the contraction and then the pain will begin to subside.

5. Unmedicated childbirth is always best.
Because labor is not one long sustained contraction but rather a series of contractions increasing in intensity, natural childbirth is quite possible. Natural childbirth, utilizing relaxation exercises, breathing, and resting between contractions, offers one option for pain management. Natural childbirth offers women the ability to be in complete control of their birth and there is a very empowered feeling after having a successful unmedicated birth. Benefits of an unmedicated birth include faster recovery time and shorter labor for mom, more alert and active baby (and mom too), and of course it's cheaper. However, there are occasions, where an unmedicated birth would not be best and certainly many reasons why women would prefer a medicated birth over an unmedicated one. Conditions such as an abrupted placenta, a baby in a breach position, or signs of fetal distress are all very good reasons to need a caesarian section. An unmedicated birth is ideal, but a happy, healthy birth can be attained regardless of your childbirth choice.

6. If you are really in labor you will not be sent home.
Women may assume if they are truly in labor that they will be admitted to the hospital. You can be in labor and still be sent home. If you are in the early phases of labor, you may be sent home until your contractions increase in frequency or your cervix is more dilated. Many hospitals will not admit you until you are at least four centimeters dilated. Do not get discouraged if the labor and delivery nurse tells you that you have to go home. You may indeed be in labor!

7. Once a caesarian birth always a caesarian birth.
This may or may not be true depending on the type of caesarian section you had along with the reasons for having a caesarian birth to begin with. VBACs or vaginal birth after caesarian are becoming increasingly more common. You will need to discuss with your doctor whether a VBAC will be possible for you.

8. Each labor gets easier.
This may or may not be true for you. Generally speaking, second labors are shorter in duration, but that is not always the case. Shorter does not always mean easier. Baby could be bigger than your first or positioned differently. Also, if you have a very rapids labor, you may find you do not have as many choices for pain medication or you may simply choose different pain options. There are any number of factors that could affect your birth.

9. You will feel an urge to push.
Feeling the urge to push is instinctive and natural right? If baby is ready to come you will certainly feel an urge to push! Well, believe it or not this is not always true. Many women do feel an urge to push, but not always. Sometimes pushing is painful and women will avoid pushing at all costs. Other times medications such as an epidural will interfere with the sensation of needing to push. Your doctor or midwife will help you to understand what is happening during labor and help you determine when you are ready to push.

10. Epidurals lead to caesarian sections.
This belief is still held by some, but recent studies have shown that epidurals do not cause an increase in caesarian sections.

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Baca Selengkapnya - Ten Myth About Childbirth

Myth During Pregnancy Period

Pregnancy is a time for joy. It is a time when the parents-to-be look forward to the hold their bundle of joy in their arms. Unfortunately, not every mother-to-be is as knowledgeable about pregnancy as she should be. To add the confusion they are often misled by half truths and old wives tales when it comes to their pregnancy week by week. In order to have a healthy pregnancy, women must educate themselves on the early pregnancy symptoms and other pregnancy related issues.

Myth 1 Miscarriages

Many women worry about health issues during their pregnancy. One of the biggest concerns about pregnancy is miscarriages. Miscarriages happen, however, all spotting and bleeding are not signs of miscarriage. Still you must see a doctor immediately in case you have some.

Myth 2 weight gain

Mothers are also worried about their own health during pregnancy. Weight gain is a concern for most new mothers. With the week by week development of the baby, a mother gains about 25-35 pounds. However while eating; a mother-to-be must take care of the quality and not the quantity of food that she eats. She should not think that she has to eat for two! Instead she should follow a good diet plan. She should give up smoking, alcohol and reduce caffeine intake. Mild exercise such as walking and swimming are great ways to maintain ideal weight.

Myth 3 Labor

Many women are afraid of labor as well. They presume labor to be always painful. Labor might be painful for some women, while others may not feel much pain during childbirth. Women today can opt for natural birth or epidurals. Epidurals reduce labor pains. Breathing techniques can also help to reduce pain during natural childbirth. Keeping fit and healthy throughout pregnancy ensures an easy labor.

Myth 4 Posture

One of the biggest myths about pregnancy is that you should not sleep on your back. As long as you find it comfortable, and have no health problems, sleeping on your back is okay. Most women find it comfortable to sleep on their side.

Myth 5 Travel

Another major concern for mothers is the use of seatbelts. Seatbelts save lives, so you should not stop wearing one when traveling. However, you need to speak to your doctor about the position of the belt. If you can place the belt properly, there is no risk to your baby.

Today, women have many choices in terms of medical care and information. The mortality rate for mothers and babies has gone down considerably all over the world in the past few decades. All thanks to modern medicine and pregnancy health awareness. Hence, there is really no reason for you to worry about pregnancy. Take it easy and make sure you have proper diet and follow a well planned exercise regime.

Baca Selengkapnya - Myth During Pregnancy Period

Pain Management in Childbirth

Pain Management in Childbirth: "

Pain in childbirth is normal, healthy, and productive -- and ends with the ecstasy of your baby's birth. Although management of labor pain plays less important role in a mother’s satisfaction with childbirth, compared with the quality of the relationship with her labor support and her ability to take part in decision making, it is an important topic.

Pain in labor is a nearly universal experience for childbearing women. It is, however, experienced differently by birthing mothers. The majority of women, though, need some sort of pain relief during childbirth. Methods vary from drugs to natural methods, and it is worth considering the various options available to you well in advance.

Non-pharmacologic methods of labor pain relief are becoming more common as mothers, as well as pregnancy and labor caregivers, become more aware of the effectiveness of these methods. Changing positions and movement, warm water baths, massage and acupressure are gaining more popularity, in addition to relaxation and hypnobirthing, in management of labor pain.

A vast study by Childbirth Connection in 2005 revealed that 69% of birthing mothers used at least one non-pharmacologic method to relieve pain and increase comfort during their labor. Most frequently used were breathing techniques and position changes and movement, followed by relaxation, visualization or hypnosis. As many as one in five birthing mothers used hands-on techniques such as massage and labor acupressure. These two hands-on techniques were rated very helpful by vast majority of 91% of the mothers. The popularity of these pain relieving methods is based on the simplicity and easiness to use them anywhere without any special and expensive tools. This is in addition to highly satisfactory level of relief from labor pains.

Less frequently used labor pain relieving methods include use of birthing balls, birthing tub or pool, and aromatherapy. Mothers who use these pain relieving methods, also, generally rate them helpful. Unfortunately, their use is limited by the need of special equipments or space.

By far, the most common forms of medication in both vaginal and cesarean births among the pharmacologic labor pain relieving methods are the epidural or spinal analgesia. Epidural or spinal analgesia mostly give excellent labor pain relief. However, studies revealed a scattered satisfaction with epidurals. Many interviewed mothers described their experiences of not having access to this type of pain relief when they wanted it, getting uneven pain relief on different sides, and experiencing headaches, and other adverse effects.

Labor is an exciting event and involves many new sensations, especially if you are having your first baby. These sensations are part of giving life to your baby. However, no one needs to suffer during childbirth. By understanding what you can do, and how others can help you in order to prevent and relieve labor pains, you are most likely to have a satisfying birth experience.

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Baca Selengkapnya - Pain Management in Childbirth