Sunday, June 28, 2009

Yoga For Pregnancy Can Help Before, During And After The Birth

It seems strange to even read that someone can be practicing yoga while giving birth to a baby, but there are some poses that can actually help the delivery process and make child birth a less painful and traumatic time for many mothers.

However, the caveat is that you should try yoga even before you become pregnant so that your body is not trying something completely new with a baby growing inside. Of course, some people try yoga for the first time with a prenatal yoga DVD because of the aches and pains they feel with the first trimester nausea and bloating and the muscle cramps, swollen feet and heartburn that does not really make them feel like hitting the gym.

Yoga is a non-drug method of soothing the aches and pains based on thousands of years of ancient practices and time tested asanas or poses and breathing and relaxation techniques.

If you are expecting a baby and would like to stay fit for the next nine months of your life, it is a great deal to invest in a pregnancy yoga DVD as the whole family may join in and have some time to connect with one another.

The pelvic rock, the camel pose and tree pose are just a few of the moves in a pregnancy yoga DVD that can help energize and revitalize your system if you are feeling sluggish during the pregnancy days. Shoulder stretches and a queen dancer pose are also some asanas that the famous Lamaze institute recommends with prenatal yoga DVD as it can help strengthen the core muscles and make them ready for labor and delivery.

Speaking of which there are some yoga poses that you can use even while in the delivery room such as squats, downward facing dog pose (with support of course) and the cat or cow pose. They may seem to be Greek to the laywoman, but once you get a great pregnancy yoga DVD, it will become simpler with time and practice.

If you are suffering from even the mild baby blues or also known as postpartum depression, it is important to continue mild yoga poses with your doctor's permission. If you have had a cesarean section or if you had multiples or a complicate delivery and episiotomy, it might not be recommend for you until you are completely healed.

However, for those who went through a normal procedure, many doctors do give the go ahead for a some pregnancy yoga DVD poses to get back into shape. Feel better about yourself, look better and be a better role model for your family.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Yeast Infection Medicine During Pregnancy

If you do realize you are suffering from a yeast infection you can get medication over the counter at the local pharmacy without a prescription. If you are not showing then it is important to let the pharmacist know that you are looking for yeast infection medicine during pregnancy.

All of the medication over the counter for yeast infection medicine during pregnancy is the same as for Candida or thrush. It is however not the same for oral thrush. Since you have informed them you are looking for yeast infection medicine during pregnancy they will only give you creams to use that are safe for you and your baby. Since antibiotics orally will not be given to treat the infection, there are other ways to treat yeast infection medicine during pregnancy holistically and homoeopathically. Please ask for your gynecologist's approval before you go and do this yourself, as you don't want to harm your baby in any way by just administering your own yeast infection medicine during pregnancy.

Since having any infection is not the greatest of things a woman can have, it is one of those things due to the pregnancy that will happen at least once. You have no control over your hormones that are in total overdrive. You may also suffer from other ailments due to the hormones, like you may even get warts or other growths on your body or genitals which need to be removed after the baby is born.

As if the morning sickness isn't enough throughout the day, you still have to contend with all of this and running to the loo frequently as the baby presses on your bladder, and of course there are the piles and the hemorrhoids that you could also get.

If you do find that you are continuously using yeast infection medicine during pregnancy more than you would like consult your gynecologist as they could suggest other remedies or suggest extra vitamins and tonics to curb this from occurring too often. Often the most natural thing to curb urinal and bladder infections is pure mixed berry juice; you could also use a tea with ginger and apple cider vinegar to curb it, as this has been used for centuries for infections of the bladder, kidneys and urinary tract.

Do not just use oral medication that your friends or family may recommend as oral medication is the last thing you wish to take to fight an infection. Check with your doctor if you are still in doubt.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Perioral Dermatitis Pregnancy: Is it Hard to Treat?

If you have ever been pregnant, then you know just how difficult it can be when you are dealing with a sickness or health problem of any kind, to take care of it. With most things you are not able to just take care of it regularly, no problem, as you would have before. You have to make sure that you are not going to be causing the baby any harm, or yourself during this delicate time in your life.

Now if you are suffering from dermatitis herpetiformis also known as perioral dermatitis while you are going through pregnancy, of course you are probably feeling pretty bad and want to get it taken care of, but again you are going to have to make sure that you are keeping yourself and your baby safe.

To treat perioral dermatitis pregnancy, you will basically be fine as long as you stick to using only all natural products.

If you need to treat perioral dermatitis pregnancy, there are a few top picks for all natural products that you can use which will be safe for you and baby. One of the best choices to treat perioral dermatitis pregnancy is Karite Gold Shea Butter. This is one product that is completely natural and so you know that it will be fine to use if you have perioral dermatitis pregnancy.

It works not only for this skin condition but as well a variety of others and this includes dry chapped lips, skin rashes, psoriasis, athlete’s foot and cracked feet.

Or maybe you want to try some home remedies. Putting yogurt on the affected skin has proven to work wonders and most people have a container of yogurt on hand at their home already. You can try this, because the worst case scenario is that it just won’t work for you, but at least you can say that you tried.

Make sure that you talk to your doctor more about this before you try treating perioral dermatitis pregnancy on your own. It is not worth it just to clear up your skin and feel better about yourself if it means that you are going to be harming the baby in any way, and so you really want to get the advice of a physician and have them tell you what you should be doing here.

It is nice to know that there are lots of great options for natural treatments that you can use to treat your skin condition.

Monday, May 18, 2009

How Effective Is Pregnancy Stretch Mark Lotion?

Okay, so you found out you were pregnant with your first child! Great and wonderful for you, hope you have lots of fun with all the changes that are going to happen to you in the next nine months. Besides that everyone around you says you are suddenly glowing, they don’t get to see you when you are hurling up regularly from something that you saw or something that you smelt in the air that made you throw up. Wonderful thoughts we have here already.

And then there were the hormones that ran haywire, while you were looking so great too. And then it happened, you started to stretch, and the thoughts of you body after the birth nearly gave you nightmares. You picked up nearly thirty kilograms and your gynecologist told you if you didn’t stop eating so much he would put a mouth brace on you.

Yes, yes, there is a birth, but there is also a hell of a lot of stretch marks to go with it. Luckily for you, someone clever invented pregnancy stretch mark lotion, not just for you but for the other blossoming woman too out there that ate their way into near oblivion. As silly as you may think, pregnancy stretch mark lotion is not only for those who are and were pregnant; it is a marketing tool that makes people important when in their own specific situations. Yes, men can use it too if they wanted to, the pregnancy stretch mark lotion wont do anything to them such as grow female organs as such. What they don’t realize and maybe what they should is that the pregnancy stretch mark lotion would have the best ingredients in them to lessen, and maybe remove those cracked lines they could find riddled over their bodies. Way too much time was wasted on the paranoia of growing female organs, while a lot of marks could have been gone by now. Call it an ego thing! Guaranteed if the bottle said lotion for male stretch marks instead of pregnancy stretch mark lotion, a lot more sales could be made to target the men on the planet, not only pregnant woman.

One thing is for certain that with you skin being so elastic when you are pregnant, not even the pregnancy stretch mark lotion or the stretch mark removal lotion will take it all away at the end of the day. You would still have to either diet and or exercise to get those muscles back into order which will tighten up the skin too. No, it’s not that easy getting back to your old self after having a baby.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Check Your Risk of Osteoporosis With a Bone Density Test

Bone density tests let you to know if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Not that long ago, the only way osteoporosis could be detected was after you broke a bone. But by then, your bones were probably already very weak. These days, bone density tests, also known as densitometry or DEXA scans, can diagnosis osteoporosis or are the risk of developing it long before you break any bones.

If the mineral content in your bones is high, that means they are dense. Dense bones are strong and there's less chance of breakage. Bone density tests utilize X-rays to detect calcium and other minerals present in the bone. The results will let you know how your bone mass compares to other people of your gender and age and what your risk of developing the condition is.

It's suggested that you have a bone density scan if you are over the age of 65, or over 60 and experiencing any symptoms of osteoporosis. Bone density tests are usually performed two years apart so they can measure any change.

People of Caucasian and Asian origin are most at risk of developing osteoporosis. Women are four times more likely to have the condition, so if your doctor recommends one, you're best to follow his or her advice. If you are in a high risk category, don't put off having a bone density test performed.

Bone density tests can reveal a lot about bone mass, but they can't tell you why your bone density is low. For that, you need a complete medical history and a physical.

Bone density tests are typically performed on bones which are more vulnerable to breakage from osteoporosis. This includes the lumbar vertebrae near the base of your spine, the femur bone near the hip, and the bones in your forearms and wrists.

The equipment used to test bone density will be either a large machine on which you lie down, or a smaller, portable machine that measures density on the edges of your bone structure, like your heel, wrist or finger. These portable machines are sometimes available in a pharmacy so you can get tested without having to visit your doctor.

The result of a bone density test is a T-Score which let you known how you compare to a young adult of the same gender. Zero indicates that you have the bones of a 30 year old. Anything above -1 is considered acceptable. A score of -1 to -2.5 puts you in the category of having pre-osteoporosis or osteopenia. Under -2.5 is considered to be fully developed osteoporosis.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Consider the Risks Before Having Cosmetic Surgery

In the medical field these days, cosmetic surgery is among the leading surgical procedures. Because of new, innovative techniques as well as improved surgical techniques, cosmetic surgery is considered to be safe and effective.

However, although rare, there are still risks and potential complications, just as there is with any surgical procedure.

The chances of experiencing complications when undergoing cosmetic surgery depend a lot on the type of procedure being undertaken. Another consideration is the patient's structure and wellness.

Here is a list of a few of the typical risks and complications that are linked to cosmetic surgery:

* Bleeding - Bleeding is quite typical within the 24 hours immediately following a surgical procedure and can sometimes lead to complications. On occasion, blood will pool and collect beneath the skin to create what is known as a hematoma. It might cause you to have to make a second trip to the operating room in order to drain it. As well, a large hematoma can place you at risk of further complications such as infection, necrosis and wound separation.

* Possible adverse reactions – The sutures used to stitch you up following the surgical procedure are foreign substances. Therefore it's not unusual for the body to experience an adverse reaction to them. Problems such as spitting sutures, abscesses and granulomas may occur. If left untreated, further infection may develop.

* Necrosis - This is a process wherein body tissue dies as a result of oxygen deprivation. Higher risk operations have an increased risk for the patient to develop necrosis. These procedures include breast reduction surgery, tummy tucks and face lifts.

These are just a few of the potential risks involved in cosmetic surgery. Be sure to discuss the risks with your surgeon and don't proceed until all your questions are answered to your satisfaction.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Learn to Identify the Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is a time in a woman's life when her ovaries cease the production of estrogen. When her estrogen levels are low, menopausal symptoms begin to appear. If she hasn't had a period for one full year, she is officially in menopause. It's a complicated process, but completely natural and it will happen to every woman. However, each woman will have different symptoms.

Some fortunate women may never experience menopause symptoms at all. However, it's believed that approximately 75 percent of women will have some kind of menopause symptoms. The degree and frequency of these symptoms will also vary according to the individual.

Typically, the symptoms of menopause range from mood swings to hot flashes to night sweats. Mood swings are actually very common in menopausal women, and greatly resemble the symptoms of PMS. Other common indications of menopause are periods that become erratic, as well as urinary tract or vaginal infections.

Irregular periods, both in frequency, intensity and duration, are a common precursor of menopause. In some instances, periods may be shorter than usual, or sometimes much longer. As well, bleeding can range from heavy to light. The amount of time between your periods may also vary considerably.

Hot flashes are another symptom of menopause. A hot flash is an unexpected sensation of intense heat which passes through your body. You will notice that your face becomes red, you start to sweat profusely, and you might become anxious or irritable. A hot flash is highly unpleasant, but completely unavoidable. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Most women swear it lasts much longer than that. Once again, though, it differs depending on the individual.

Generally, hot flashes are predominant in the first two years following the onset of menopause and gradually diminish. However, some women will continue to experience them for several years after menopause. One woman was known to be experiencing hot flashes at the age of 80.

Hot flashes that take place in the nighttime can interrupt your sleep. Indeed, many women find that their bedding gets soaked with sweat when a hot flash occurs during the night.

Vaginal dryness is another symptom of menopause, along with itchiness and irritation. Few women have major problems with these conditions immediately following menopause, but they will progress through time. Medical professionals believe that about half of all women over 60 years of age experience vaginal dryness to some extent. It's interesting to note that having regular sexual intercourse can help keep this problem under control.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Taking Care of Your Health After Childbirth

Childbirth is one of the most wonderful things a woman can experience, and also one of the most painful. But the instant your baby appears, you will feel a kind of happiness that nothing can compare to. You'll be caught up in taking of your baby for some time to come, but it's still important that you take care of yourself. Keep in mind that your personal health is critical to keep both you and your baby protected from illness and disease. Here are a few tips on taking care of yourself once you have been discharged from the hospital.

Rest: Childbirth can be exhausting. You need to allow yourself some time to rest. As much as possible, limit the number of visitors because this will add to your exhaustion. When your baby is asleep, use that opportunity for a nap.

Lifting: You need to avoid lifting heavy objects following childbirth. Don't lift anything that’s heavier than your baby. This can lead to injuries particularly if you just left the hospital you’re your childbirth involved a surgical procedure to your perineum or abdomen.

Get help: Family, relatives and friends are all usually happy to help you out following the birth of a baby. Let them know that you need them to help you through the early days, particularly if your husband is at work. They can help you out with simple thinks such as cooking, laundry or babysitting older children.

Stay clean: Make sure to wash your hands after doing anything in order to lower the chances of infection that can be passed along to your child. It's important that you do this particularly after using the toilet or after changing a diaper.

Healthy diet: Continue to eat healthfully like you did while pregnant. Don't resume drinking alcohol or beverages high in caffeine. Your diet will affect your baby’s health if you’re breastfeeding. Also, take a vitamin supplement to make sure you're getting enough nutrition.

Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.

Exercise: Strenuous activities aren’t recommended immediately following childbirth. Start with moderate exercise like a short walk around your neighborhood. Exercise will give you the energy and strength you need to deal with your young baby.

Get a checkup: Visit your obstetrician about a week following delivery to make sure everything is healing properly.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Vaginal Skin Tags: What To Do

No one is at ease discussing vaginal skin tags particularly in social gatherings. This could also be the reason why some people who suffer from the condition are reluctant to visit their doctors about their condition.

In most cases, vaginal skin tags are benign skin growths, which means they aren't cancerous or life threatening. There is no requirement to have them removed but because they aren't particularly appealing in appearance, many women choose to get rid of them. Your gynecologist can remove them in one treatment. Local anesthetic may be sufficient for the procedure, even though in some instances general anesthetic is used. Your gynecologist will decide which type to use.

Because vaginal skin tags appear in sensitive area, many women choose not to remove them. They don’t want to visit their doctor they're embarrassed. Nevertheless, you must check on them every once in a while. If they become larger, you need to see a doctor right away because they might have become cancerous. Make sure you keep a watchful eye on them.

If you pay attention, you'll become aware that your skin tags have a tendency to swell up during your periods due to the hormonal changes taking place. But don’t be concerned about the skin tags bursting. When your period is over, they will shrink again to their original size.

Generally, vaginal skin tags aren’t painful but when twisted they become tender and uncomfortable. For example, if it catches on your underwear or rubs against adjacent skin, you'll feel some pain. If the discomfort is ongoing, it might be a good idea to remove them. This procedure is usually classified as cosmetic surgery and you will likely have to pay for it yourself.

Skin tags are usually by cutting them off, which must be done by a skilled professional. If your vaginal skin tags are uncomfortable or painful, you really have to go through with the procedure or you'll go on suffering.

Most people will never see your vaginal skin tags, however many women who have this condition want them gone. These days, there's not need to be embarrassed about the problem. And really, only you and your doctor have to be aware of it.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Lose Your Stress: Just Say No

The lives of many women these days are unbelievably busy. Their schedules are overflowing. Between work and responsibilities at home, it’s very hard to strike the right balance and get any time to yourself to relax. But yet you keep taking on more and more responsibilities. Maybe you're the person your family calls when they need emotional support. Do your friends phone you up all the time to discuss their problems? Are you the first person called when a replacement is needed for the kids' carpool?

Lots of women have a difficult time saying no unless they have a good excuse. But what happens if you simply don’t want to do something you're being asked to do? Maybe you’re too exhausted to bake cookies for the kids' bake sale. Do you say something? Not likely, if you’re one of those people who always get taken advantage of. You can’t depend on your family, friends, or colleagues to realize if you're overburdened. That's your job to figure out.

It’s good to be caring, involved and helpful, but if it’s leading to high stress levels because you can never have enough time to yourself, it can soon become more than a personal issue. It can be damaging to your health, both physical and mental. You need to learn how to make yourself your first priority and let others have only what you can spare. Remember, there's only so much you can do until you have nothing left, and no reserves to fall back on when you collapse.

Sometimes people will take advantage of you deliberately because they’re too lazy to handle their own problems. But you’re not doing them any favors by taking over for them whenever they call. Being a caregiver means you need to learn to take care of yourself first. Then you’ll be better able to meet other people’s needs.

You have to make a conscious effort to get time to yourself. Turn off the phone, both the cell and the landline. Shut down the computer, and just relax with your favorite activity. If you’re out shopping or enjoying a meal at a restaurant, there's no need for people to interrupt your enjoyment and your chance to lose your stress.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

What's Triggering Your Migraine Headaches?

If you suffer from migraine headaches you are well aware that there are few things more painful or longer lasting than a migraine. And women are much more prone to this problem than men. In fact, up to 25 percent of women suffer from migraines, and they outnumber men three to one in the likelihood of experiencing these painful headaches. A migraine can come up on you from out of nowhere, but is frequently triggered by undue stress and anxiety.

Because it can happen so quickly, it's difficult to figure out what you might do to keep it from occurring. Once you have it, all you can think about is the pain which is almost impossible to deal with. You need to become more knowledgeable regarding the signs and symptoms that precede your migraine headaches. Start a headache diary in which you make a note of the date, time and circumstances in which your migraine headache attacked.

Also write down what you were doing and what kind of mood you were in when the pain arrived. After a while, you should be able to compare your notes from and try to find things that the headaches had in common. Maybe you were short of sleep and overworked. Trying to do more than your body can handle can lead to high stress levels, which are a frequent cause of migraines.

Fluorescent lighting, which is ubiquitous in the workplace, can also be a trigger for migraines. If your job has you working in a room with fluorescent lighting, purchase a desk lamp that uses a full spectrum light bulb. Switch off the lights overhead and just rely on the light from your lamp.

Everyday noises that you would generally be unaware of can sound like you're in the depths of a subway when you're suffering from a migraine headache. If you're unable to hide away from the noise, use earplugs to reduce the impact. These are available at any drugstore and aren't expensive. So keep some handy at all times.

Each migraine is different and you might discover that particular foods can help ease the pain, or conversely, make it last longer. For example, limit the amount of caffeine you consume through soft drinks and coffee. Carbonated drinks are also known to increase the pain. Choose instead to consume pure fruit and vegetable juices. They are both nutritionally better for you and they have some detox properties. Many people don't feel like eating while they have a migraine, but if you can keep some liquids down you'll get some nutrition from these juices.

Taking some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication at the first sign of pain might be useful to halt the flow of prostaglandin, a chemical produced in your body that leads to pain and fever. You can easily purchase NSAIDs in the form of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen in a number of different brand names. If this doesn’t give you any relief, then you will have to visit your doctor and see if you can get a prescription for a more powerful pain killer.

There are no guaranteed migraine remedies but if you're well prepared, you should be able to minimize your pain and get through it with less discomfort.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Eating Right to Manage Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is actually quite common, with many pregnant women experiencing this condition. In fact, incidents of gestational diabetes are on the rise. Gestational diabetes is inclined to show up near the end of the second trimester or sometime in the third. There are some factors that may make some women more inclined to develop this ailment during pregnancy that you will want to be aware of, and you should also be aware of the symptoms of gestational diabetes.

Once you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes by a physician, he or she will give you some recommendations to manage the condition. One of the most important things you are going to have to pay attention to is what you are eating, and you will be given the guidelines for a proper gestational diabetes diet.

By following a gestational diabetes diet you will have to make some changes to the way you are currently eating in order to keep your blood sugar stable. The purpose of eating this way is to keep the problem manageable until your baby is delivered. This way both you and your new little one will be in good health and experience the least amount of risk.

As part of a gestational diabetes diet, the most important thing is to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. These are critical in order to make sure your blood sugar levels remain stable. They're also important to ensure that both you and your fetus get the best nutrition in order to thrive. It's equally important to eat plenty of whole grain products. All of these foods are will keep your blood sugar from rising too quickly following a meal because they are unrefined, natural products. Of course, milk is essential to a healthy pregnancy because your body needs lots of calcium. Many women would normally choose skim milk, which is low in fat and less likely to cause you to gain weight during your pregnancy. However, you also need fat in your diet, so your doctor might recommend that you drink full fat milk.

Gestational diabetes isn't a permanent form of the illness so if you manage it carefully during your pregnancy you can be back to normal after you've delivered your baby. Make sure that are cautious and aware and that your obstetrician knows any symptoms you may be experiencing. Anything that seems unusual should be brought to his or her attention, not just for your health but that of your fetus.

Most often, if you are diagnosed as having gestational diabetes, you will have to learn to manage the condition for the remainder of your pregnancy. Following the birth of your baby, however, your blood sugar levels should go back to normal. Of course your doctor will examine you following delivery to make sure everything is ok, and will deal with any issues that may arise.

Monday, April 27, 2009

The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Pregnant Women

Expectant moms seem to experience more than their share of pain and discomfort while pregnant. It begins in the first trimester and doesn't let up until the delivery is over. Although it's perfectly normal for a pregnant woman to have aches and pains, there's nothing wrong with trying to get some relief from the discomfort. As the pregnancy progresses and the problems seem to mount up, including frequent back aches and joint pain, they need to find some way to ease their misery.

Luckily, massage therapy is the ideal solution. But not just any kind of massage. Pregnancy massage therapy is quite different from a regular massage provided at your spa. The massage therapist must be highly knowledgeable regarding the particular needs of a pregnant woman. Pregnancy massage therapy must be performed so that there is no harm done to the fetus. The pregnant woman's body must be carefully positioned and the proper intensity used in order to do the most good and not create more problems than she had to start with.

The major therapeutic benefit of massage therapy during pregnancy is that it stimulates the joints and muscles to function more efficiently and improves the blood circulation. As well, a professional massage can do amazing things to ease the fatigue, both mental and physical, that an expectant mother frequently suffers with.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, it's perfectly safe to get a normal massage at the day spa or regular massage therapist. But once you're into the fourth month it's important that only pregnancy massage therapy be utilized, and make sure it's done by a professionally trained massage therapist.

Actually, many obstetricians will recommend that their pregnant patients have pregnancy massage therapy once a month. This can help to relax their bodies and their minds, and the improved flexibility will be helpful when it comes time to deliver the baby.

Pregnancy massage therapy is useful both during pregnancy as well as following the birth of the baby. In the end, the benefits of pregnancy massage therapy make it an ideal activity to get the new mom ready for the big event at the end of nine months.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Pregnancy and Lower Back Pain is a Popular Combination

Just about everyone has observed a pregnant woman holding a hand to her lower back as she stands or walks. If she isn't doing that, she's probably massaging her tummy. When you're protruding to the extent that you are in the later months of pregnancy, you just can't seem to help yourself from trying to soothe the pain in your back.

There are a number of reasons why you experience more lower back pain during pregnancy. First of all, your body is manufacturing hormones in quantities that are generally higher than normal. One of the primary hormones produced by your system is known as relaxin. This is the hormone that assists your pelvic joints and ligaments to relax so that your baby can fit through the birth canal. However, it doesn’t only loosen things up during childbirth. It's also doing its thing right through your pregnancy, which is what produces the awkward waddle that is so common among expectant mothers.

As well, since your uterus is growing ever larger, it shifts your center of gravity. Your have to be more cautious when exercising, even going for a walk, and become accustomed to balancing your body in a new way. While you go about your daily routine, the ligaments that keep your uterus in place are becoming more relaxed, and they will pull on your spine and back muscles. Since these muscles weren't really created to handle the extra weight of your uterus, your spine and the muscles in your back have to do their part. And that's why you get lower back pain when you're pregnant.

You need to make sure you get regular, moderate exercise when you're pregnant. This will help protect your from lower back pain and make you generally more comfortable. Do some pelvic tilts, either standing or on the floor. These are often recommended as a good exercise to do when pregnant in order to help ease your lower back pain.

You can also get some relief for pregnancy back pain by maintaining good posture. Of course, that bulge on the front of your body makes it difficult to maintain your balance sometimes, but you can still focus on remaining upright with your shoulders back.

If you already have a child in the house, be extra careful about not picking her up using your back for leverage. Don't bend at the waist, and use your legs to lower and lift your body. If you have to pick something up off the floor, squat and then use your legs to get back up. This will protect your back and reduce the chances of suffering from lower back pain during pregnancy.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Anti-Aging Skin Care Products Can Make a Difference

For some women, it might seem like they just finished celebrating their thirtieth birthday when no sooner do those fine lines start showing up on their face. Even though your skin might start aging too soon for your liking, there is some good news in the situation. These days, there are more choices than ever in anti-aging skin care that will get rid of those distressing changes to your skin for at least a while longer. Regardless of if you choose to undergo a cosmetic procedure or use a cream or serum, it's easier than ever to look younger than you are.

The choices are endless once you start examining cosmetic procedures for anti-aging skin care. A popular treatment these days is kin resurfacing, which is a great way to say goodbye to those fine lines. There are actually several ways to approach this procedure, including dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. Any of these has its pros and cons, so you need to consult with your doctor before deciding on an anti-aging skin care that's best for your situation. Some skin resurfacing procedures have only minimal discomfort and they don't require you to take time off work, making them ideal for today's busy women.

Another popular treatment is the use of injections. Botox injections will cause the muscles in your face to become paralyzed, eliminating the fine lines and wrinkles that your facial expressions can produce. A wrinkle filler will plump up your skin and eliminate lines. You're sure to find some sort of injection treatment that will suit your needs. With all the new developments in this field, some of these injection treatments don't even require that you undergo allergy testing like you would have had to not so long ago. Most of these injections are entirely safe and don't involve much time to recover. However, they will need to be repeated on a regular basis if you want to keep up the appearance.

In the past, cosmetic treatments were the only way to make a serious change to your skin, these days you don't have to visit a cosmetologist in order to enjoy skin that appears much younger than it is. There's a huge assortment of anti-aging skin care products that you can purchase at your local store and apply to your skin, oftentimes with amazing results. For instance, one ingredient that is contained in a number of anti-aging creams is known as argireline. This product has been clinically demonstrated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by up to 30 percent. Other ingredients that are very promising are matrixyl and collagen. These products plump up the skin and encourage the production of collagen to fill in the grooves. If you use these products on a daily basis, your skin will remain smooth and soft at a reasonable cost.

Regardless of what kind of anti aging skin care you decide to go with, there's sure to be something that will help you look better and feel better about your appearance.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

What Are Genital Warts

Everyone always warns you about sexually transmitted diseases and how difficult they can be to deal with. From middle school on, you hear that you should always be careful about who you choose to sleep with because you can catch something from them. And you really should listen, because one of those sexually transmitted diseases is a painful condition known as genital warts.

Genital warts are just that – warts that develop in the genital area, either on or around the anus, vagina or penis. Genital warts are caused by an infection by some types of human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. In fact, the two HPV subtypes that account for nearly 90% of genital wart cases are subtypes 6 and 11. By the time they reach age 50, around 80% of women will have been infected with some form of HPV, but only a few strains will actually cause genital warts. It should be noted, however, that these two strains of HPV, while they do cause genital warts, are considered very low-risk when it comes to cancer development.

For females, the symptoms of genital warts are fairly obvious. Painful warts develop in clusters and spread into large masses of warts all around the genital area. They can develop both outside and inside the vagina. Inside, they occur on the opening to the womb, the cervix. In men, genital warts are typically present on or around the tip of the penis, but they can also develop along the shaft or even on the scrotum. Both males and females may also develop genital warts around the anus. It is even possible – although less common – for genital warts to develop inside the mouth or throat due to oral sex as well.

Genital warts, as an STD, are spread by sexual intercourse. If you have unprotected sex with someone who has HPV, there’s a very high chance they will infect you with it as well. Any type of sexual intercourse, whether it’s oral, anal or vaginal presents a risk.

Once you catch HPV, you can’t get rid of it. The virus continues to live inside your skin. That’s why once you develop genital warts there is a chance they will develop again. While there is treatment available for genital warts, all doctors can do is get rid of the warts themselves. Chances are you will have to have the procedures done more than once. That’s why it’s extremely important to always practice safe sex – once you catch this particular STD, you’ll have to live with it for the rest of your life.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Botox Injections: Know the Facts First

Who hasn't heard of Botox injections to eliminate wrinkles? Celebrities and housewives alike have undergone this procedure in order to get rid of unwanted lines on their faces. If you're considering doing the same, you need to ask yourself if you're really prepared to go this route in order to achieve younger looking skin. Everyone will eventually look old no matter how much assistance you get from modern dermatology. Really, you're just slowing down the process. But if you're convinced that Botox is the treatment for you, make sure you understand everything that's involved first. Here's a look at some facts and precautions about using Botox injections.

1. Botox is known for removing wrinkles. But it won't diminish other common skin problems such as age spots, sun damage and pigmentation changes. It also won't soften your skin if your main concern is its roughness.

2. Botox is a costly procedure. If you really want to undergo Botox injections, you have to save up for it. And be prepared for more than one procedure. You will likely have to repeat the treatment after a few months depending on your skin's reaction.

3. It's a risky procedure, particularly if you don't get the right doctor. The procedure entails the injection of toxins into your skin. Not everybody has the same reaction to these substances.

4. Make sure to inform your doctor in advance of any medications and nutritional supplements that you are taking. He or she has to be informed about your overall health so they can assess if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

5. Warning: If the treatment isn't done properly, you might end up with more rather than fewer unwanted lines.

6. This treatment isn't suitable for sensitive skin and delicate veins. Botox involves injections which you might not be able to tolerate physically.

Undergoing Botox injections for wrinkles must be considered carefully before you commit yourself. How far are you willing to go to be beautiful? You have to be prepared for whatever happens. Make sure to do thorough research about the treatment, even before you visit a dermatologist. Ask around and find the best specialist in your area. Trust is important when you're seeking a more youthful appearance through Botox injections.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Learn to Spot the Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

A high percentage of women are at risk of being affected by a vaginal yeast infection. Almost 50 percent of women affected by this condition have reported experiencing the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection more than once in their lifetime. It is indeed very necessary that you learn all about what the symptoms are and how to identify them. You need to know how to go about treating the symptoms.

The better informed a woman is in regard to symptoms of vaginal yeast infection the better will be her chances of coping with the problem whenever it arises. There are certain very common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. Many symptoms of a yeast infection are quite obvious, including excessive itchiness in and around the vagina.

Sometimes the itching of a yeast infection is intermittent. When the condition is severe, the itchiness is almost unbearable and will sometimes impair movement. Some of the common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include redness, swelling, irritation and a burning sensation in the vaginal area. A woman with a yeast infection will urinate more frequently and feel some pain while doing so. Sexual intercourse becomes highly uncomfortable because of the pain in the vagina.

Another symptom of a yeast infection is an unusual discharge from the vagina that smells like fresh bread or yeast and looks like cottage cheese.

Some women will only develop one or two of these symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. It's unusual for all the symptoms to develop at the same time. Once you discover the symptoms of a yeast infection you need to get your physician or gynecologist to examine you and diagnose your condition. Once your have a confirmed diagnose, an appropriate course of treatment will be recommended that will help ease the pain and discomfort.

The typical cures for this condition include over the counter treatments, natural yeast infection cures, or in severe cases your doctor might prescribe a medication. One or more of these options should help eliminate the symptoms of this painful condition.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Using Chinese Herbal Medicine for Fertility

As a woman increases in age, her uterus and ovaries don't function as efficiently as they used to do. There is also a reduction in the hormone levels that are necessary in order to become pregnant. Chinese herbal medicine has been used to treat these fertility issues not only in older women, but also in younger women who have had problems getting pregnant in the past. Fertility has been promoted through Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture and has been documented by different doctors who have used it.

Natural herbal medicine is now becoming more widely accepted in the west as individuals are seeing the benefits of a more natural and holistic approach to medicine. Chinese herbal medicine is being used in conjunction with modern medical practices as a better combination that reaches all levels of the individual's health issues rather than just treating the surface of the problem. Chinese herbal medicine uses a more holistic approach in that it looks at the foods that the person eats, the exercise program that they are on, the climate they live in, their body type and more. By examining more than just the problems that the person is presenting for treatment, the doctors can recommend a change in the person's lifestyle that will help to bring their body back into alignment so that it can naturally stay in good health.

Studies have shown that Chinese herbal medicine for fertility has helped to increase the blood flow in the uterus and the ovaries, especially in older women. In addition, the endocrine hormones have also shown an increase in the women's bodies that have used this type of treatment. The endometrial lining has also shown improvement, thickening so that it is better suited for conception and pregnancy to result. Each case of fertility issues has to be examined by a Chinese herbal medicine expert so that the proper treatment can be prescribed. There is not one particular method or treatment that will work with all women since each woman's body is different and the particular energy blockage is different for each woman. As a result, each woman with fertility issues will receive a different Chinese herbal medicine recommendation and treatment plan so that her chances of becoming pregnant become higher.

Some doctors will use Chinese herbal medicine fertility treatments in conjunction with other fertility procedures since the woman's body is more receptive to the impregnating process with the treatment than without it in most cases.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Finding Heartburn Relief During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings a whole host of symptoms along with it, and some are less pleasant than others. Heartburn is a common complaint, especially during the later months of pregnancy when an inflated tummy can put additional pressure on the base of the esophagus. Even during the early months, pregnancy hormones can send your digestive system off track and even those who have never experienced heartburn before may begin to recognize the all two familiar burning and bitter taste in the mouth. The good news is that heartburn doesn't have to be a constant companion during those nine months. There are a number of options in heartburn relief during pregnancy that can keep those uncomfortable symptoms at bay so you can enjoy more restful days and nights.

One of the easiest methods of relieving heartburn during pregnancy is a few simple lifestyle changes that will make it more difficult for those symptoms to rear their heads. First, cut back on the amount of food you eat at a sitting, since fuller stomachs can mean a greater chance of heartburn. Instead of eating three big meals a day, try eating five or six smaller ones. It is also a good idea to avoid eating too close to bedtime, since lying down with a full stomach can also increase your risk for heartburn. If you find the painful burning sensation keeping you up at night, try raising the head of your bed a few inches for overnight heartburn relief during pregnancy. If these simple lifestyle changes do not work, there are some over the counter medications you can try as well.

Most doctors agree that antacids are safe to take for heartburn relief during pregnancy, but it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any type of medication. Antacids provide immediate heartburn relief by neutralizing the acid in the stomach so that it doesn't create the painful burning sensation. The best heartburn relief during pregnancy is an antacid made from calcium carbonate that also contains magnesium. Stay away from antacids that contain aluminum during pregnancy, since this ingredient can be constipating.

If antacids don't seem to do the trick, there are other over the counter medications available. Some of these will block acid production to bring heartburn relief and prevent symptoms from coming back. However, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying any of these methods of heartburn relief during pregnancy to ensure the medication you choose will be safe for both you and your baby.

Heartburn is a typical problem during those nine months, but you don't have to suffer through it. There are many options in heartburn relief during pregnancy that will keep those painful symptoms at bay so you can rest easier.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Stretch Mark Prevention Creams: What You Should Know

Nobody enjoys having stretch marks, but if you are pregnant, or have lost weight suddenly, it's highly likely that you will develop these unsightly lines on various parts of your body. Ninety percent of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy, usually appearing during the fifth or sixth month. Genetics play an essential role in deciding whether or not you will develop stretch marks.

Stretch marks start out as pink or red colored marks on the stretched skin, and over time, the color changes to silvery white. Keeping the skin moisturized with the help of stretch mark prevention creams is the best way to keep them at bay. There are some specialized creams available that keep the skin elastic and supple, and also serve as food for the skin. These creams have oils and vitamins that enhance the production of collagen, and provide support to the dermis, keeping the skin intact despite overstretching.

Massaging the skin with stretch mark creams also improves your blood circulation. Use the cream after bath to moisturize the skin. Moisturize your abdomen, thighs, and breasts, which are the most common areas where stretch marks appear. It is also essential to continue the regime after the delivery, until you are back to your normal weight.

Choose stretch mark prevention creams that contain almond oil, cocoa butter, shea butter or wheat germ oil, as they penetrate the skin well and provide excellent moisture. Make sure that the cream you use is all natural and safe. Before using any cream, consult a specialist

Some people feel that the common brands of these creams found in the regular stores are not pure enough. It is better to buy pure cocoa butter from a health food store and grate it with a cheese grater. Heat it in the microwave, and once melted, mix it with vitamin A, vitamin E or shea butter, and apply on your body.

As well as using stretch mark prevention creams, it is also essential to eat a well-balanced, varied diet so that weight gain is contained. Balance your meals so that you get complete nutrition. Drink lots of water to keep the skin hydrated.

When it comes to stretch marks, prevention is the key to the cure. Eliminating stretch marks isn't easy, and sometimes it takes months before they fade. Some stretch marks creams do a fantastic job of preventing skin damage, and noticeably improve the appearance of scarring. Establish a skin care routine, and stick to it. Keep your routine simple, so that you can maintain it in the long run.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Learn More About HPV Female Genital Warts

HPV is one of the most frequently contracted sexually transmitted diseases, and so it is one that you are definitely going to want to be educated on, that is for certain. While there is no cure for genital warts, there are various treatments that are available but these are going to have to be used for the long term.

Just as with any other sexually transmitted disease, you should be smart and taking all the proper precautions towards not contracting an STD in the first place, but since this is not always the case and mistakes do happen, at least you should be aware of what HPV female genital warts are.

HPV female genital warts are caused by the virus known as HPV, or the Human Papillomavirus. There are actually more than 100 types of HPV that a person can develop, and there are some which result in warts, and these warts can be passed on from one person to another. They are very contagious, and so if you ever find that you are suffering from genital warts, you want to abstain from all sexual activity until you have got the situation sorted.

If you have HPV female genital warts, the first step that you want to take is to get in and see your doctor. They are going to be able to examine the HPV female genital warts and see how serious the problem is. Then they are going to be able to work with you on this and make sure that you are going ahead with the right treatment method.

You have to be aware that even when the HPV female genital warts go away, the disease is still there. However the purpose of treatment is no reduce the number of warts that you have or at least make sure that they go away as quickly as possible.

Therefore you are always going to have to keep an eye on yourself and your body and make sure that you are looking out for more warts in the future. Your doctor is going to have to do routine checkups and they will need to examine inside as well because genital warts can occur on the cervix and other areas of the body.

Make sure that you are educated on this and that you know what the disease is all about so that you know how to deal with it properly.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Female Hair Loss: You're Not Alone

It is surprising to learn that as many as thirty million people suffer from hair loss. And a surprising percentage of this number consists of women. It is a problem that is not all that easy to deal with. If the individual is a woman who suffers from hair loss, then she is not alone. All people lose between 50 and 100 hair cysts a day and that is natural. In the case of hair loss in women the reasons for the problem include stress and insufficient amount of iron as well as the poor condition of their scalps as too anemia and even because of problems with kidneys, thyroid, liver and more.

To prevent female hair loss, avoid all hair care products which contain phosphates, sodium lauryl sulfates, and petroleum. They contain contents which have been soundly inspected by the professionals and fallouts may likewise happen during their use. These will all damage the hair and consider it or not, can be seen in "natural" hair products. A good thumb rule is: Don't purchase it if one cannot judge the components.In addition, to ensure hair loss prevention for women you need to ensure that you are hygienic in your habits and that your hair is always kept clean and is well looked after. It's important to realize the significance of this. Here's something else you need to consider. Don't be fooled into purchasing the oil extract products because they are not the same and do not stop hair loss as well as essential oils.

It's always important to do some research. Here's something else you need to consider. Hair loss might be associated to medicines that one is taking. Another hair loss prevention tip for women is to avoid using drugs, especially those drugs that are not allowed and those that are not absolutely necessary. One of which is the consumption of birth control pills. So be certain to have the doctor counter check on all of the medicines to see if they are adding to the hair loss.

The hair loss products for women are prescription medicines available in the market. Revivogen is a radical, all-natural hair loss product for women in the combat against hair loss. Revivogen is grounded on the most recent medical comes out into the reason and treatment of hair loss and is produced with natural ingredients that have been scientific proven to decrease DHT production, barricade the androgen sense organ and induce hair growth.

Hair loss can be because of many things. Even emotional upheaval and stress can lead to hair loss in women as too can menstruation, illnesses as well as insufficient vitamins and lack of proper nutrition.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

What is Perimenopause and Menopause?

In the beginning we await the curse; the onset of womanhood. In our later years, we experience the change. Does it necessarily follow this is the end of womanhood? No, but the two are synonymous. Perimenopause and menopause may be the end of the second cycle of life; but it is also the beginning of another. What is perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the time when hormonal changes occur in your body. Beginning in your late 30’s, 40’s and early 50’s, a disruption in your menstrual cycle may occur many times before menopause. If you are currently experiencing symptoms such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, hot flashes, sleep disruption, headaches, dry eyes, hair loss, and weight gain, or extreme emotional distress, you can be assured that these are all common signs of perimenopause. The hormonal changes which occur during perimenopause are responsible for many of these symptoms. For some, most of the symptoms only last for a few months. For others, no symptoms occur. What’s left is mild to severe symptoms. Generally, however, many women feel uneasy during this time; hot flashes, palpitations, fatigue, mood swings and even irrational thinking are among the many signs accompanying perimenopause.

Perimenopause does not often segue into menopause right away. Depending upon the woman, it could take months to years before menopause occurs. However, the symptoms are influenced by lifestyle. Have you been engaged in a proper diet and exercise regimen? Has stress been a major factor in your life? Do you drink or smoke in excess? Any of these factors can play an important part on the type of symptoms and their severity.

After a period of time, you will eventually become menopausal. What is menopause? It is that point in time, without having had a menstrual period for one year, you are considered to be in the menopause cycle. While the average ages is considered to be around 52; menopause can occur at any time between 30 and 60 years of age. The cycle of menopause can either be difficult or easy. For example: let’s assume you haven’t had a period for 6 months. Suddenly, in the 7th month it appears. Yikes! Conversely, your period stops and doesn’t return at all for a year. Easy! It depends upon the woman; it’s as simple as that.

The symptoms accompanying menopause can be difficult or easy as well. Some women experience no symptoms, while others are plagued with hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, spotting, and the full range of mood swings which invariably occur. Why is there such a wide gap in response to menopause? It is the hormonal imbalances and changes that cause the fluctuation. In addition, diet, lifestyle and genetics also play a major role in determining what type of symptom response will occur.

While perimenopause and menopause are natural to a women’s life cycle, neither have to be looked upon with fear or trepidation. Instead, view them both as the beginning of a new phase in your life cycle.