An Overview Of Corporate Insurance Health Plans Online

Corporate insurance health plans are a mixed blessing for any corporation or small business. These plans provide a guarantee that the employee will be covered for medical costs and treatments. Moreover, the price that is paid is often very affordable and cheaper than individual health insurance plans. Although documentation requirements and paperwork is more complex than other types of medical insurance, the coverage that is offered and the benefits of having one remains important to a large number of employees across the country.

Eligibility

Full time employees of any corporations that reports income taxes are eligible. Full time employment is generally defined as working more than 30 hours per week. Corporate insurance health plans are available to a large number of businesses and corporations. In this article, I will be talking about some of the major types of policies which are available online.

Mandated Coverage

Corporate health insurance plans are mostly controlled by state law. As new laws are enacted every now and then, lawmakers continue to add new plans and coverage in the existing one. Although this is of benefit to the employees, this increases the cost of insurance plans. For example, services such as maternity care make a significant portion of the corporate health coverage even in an organization that is composed entirely of males. These mandated benefits reduce the ability of the employers to tailor these types of plans to their business. But, if it is looked at from a practical point of view, this is the only way employees in an organization can get financial help for maternity costs through insurance companies.

Cost

The cost of corporate health insurance depends on a number of factors. For example, is a customer is unhealthy, he will be paying a higher amount than someone who is healthy. Larger businesses pay more for coverage and smaller ones pay less. The amount that each corporation pays not only depends on the availability of benefits, but on their budget. Basically, you get what you pay for. Larger corporations are able to afford more additional coverage such as vision and dental care. As a result, they pay more premium. On the other hand, smaller corporations try to limit the coverage to only what is needed and this includes medical checkups, x-rays and so on.

There are plans available which offer coverage at a lower cost, but only after trimming some of the benefits. So it is a matter of budget that decides the cost of your insurance plan.

Finding A Provider

There are a large number of health insurance providers available and they can easily be located through the internet. One of the best ways of finding a provider is to search online with the relevant keywords including the name of your state or city. Within a matter of seconds, you will have a long list of providers displayed. But, before you make a choice, you must understand what they offer and at what price. Different providers offer different policies and you should not be tricked into buying a policy that is not suitable for your corporation.

Babywise Book Review

On Becoming Babywise has proven to be successful in helping parents settle their babies, by offering a flexible, yet effective routine for parents with infants.

The Babywise book, written by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam provides a management plan to help babies synchronize feeding, playtime and night sleep cycles, thus giving your baby the best possible chance to distinguish night from day, and be able to sleep continually through the night moving from one sleep cycle to the next without fully waking.

The book not only provides a plan for parents to manage their babies feeding and sleeping schedules, but provides scenarios of when these schedules may not work, why, and problem solving to rectify the situation and get the schedule back on track. The first principle is for the mother to create a stable milk production, the book gives a guideline on how often you should be feeding in the early days, and when an infant can start sleeping through the night.

Schedules in the Babywise book are dependent on your baby's age, the schedule will change slightly as your baby gets older, with daytime naps decreasing, and daytime wakefulness increases.

The Babywise books are written in a series, with the first one On Becoming Babywise offering a flexible routine to establish feeding, wakefulness and night time sleeping. The second On Becoming Babywise II is parenting your pretoddler for ages 5 to 15 months and focuses highchair manners, waketime activities and baby sign language.

The Babywise books adapt as your child grows, the other books include:

On Becoming Childwise for 8 - 12 years, and On Becoming Teenwise for 13 - 19 years.

It is important for parents to be able to provide some structure in their childrens lives, and that structure should be flexible not rigid. The Babywise books offer a flexible and effective routine which parents can easily adopt.

Pregnant and Beautiful - Some Tips to Help You Stay Beautiful During Pregnancy

Being pregnant may be good news for you and your spouse but of course, along with the excitement of finally having a baby are the many beauty issues that come along with pregnancy. You may be thinking about stretch marks, sagging breasts, pregnancy acne and weight gain. But of course, you can be pregnant and beautiful at the same time.

Here are some tips to help you deal with the many changes of your body during pregnancy and remain beautiful even after giving birth.

Preventing and reducing stretch marks

Stretch marks are a nightmare to pregnant women. However, you can find some ways to help you prevent your skin from developing stretch marks or reduce their occurrence after giving birth. One of the ways to help you prevent or, if not, reduce the occurrence of stretch marks is to keep your skin moisturized from the start of your pregnancy. You can use cocoa butter or other creams and oils that will make your skin supple especially as you begin to gain weight.

It is also helpful to drink plenty of water to help moisturize your skin and make your skin smooth as well. Keeping yourself hydrated also helps your body function well. It is important to take care of your skin as well after giving birth, especially if you begin to lose weight as stretch marks can appear at this time as well.

Getting rid of pregnancy acne

Due to hormonal changes in your body, you can be prone to developing acne also during pregnancy. One thing you can do to be pregnant and beautiful and the same time is to exfoliate and use moisturizers if you are also dealing with dry skin. However, it is also important to keep away from harsh ingredients and products such as salicylic acid, which is common in treating acne. If you are not sure about the products that are safe for your pregnancy, you have to consult your doctor for some advice on which is safe.

Dealing with skin blemishes, dark spots and melasma

Dark spots and blemishes may also occur during pregnancy but one thing that you can do to fight these is to maintain proper nutrition during pregnancy. Always consider having healthy and nutritious diet to help you have clear and healthy skin. Although some dark spots may disappear after pregnancy, you can help reduce its occurrence and prevent it from worsening by protecting and avoiding exposure to the sunlight. You can wear sunscreen but you can also simply avoid sun exposure.

Drinking lots of water will also help eliminate toxins from your body, makes your body function well and helps you avoid skin discoloration during pregnancy.

Varicose veins

Having varicose veins is also another problem that you may encounter during pregnancy. To help you avoid these spider veins, avoid crossing your legs while sitting. Avoid standing for long hours as well. Although varicose veins may disappear after your pregnancy, you can supplement your diet with lots of Vitamin C to help you deal with this.

Of course, one major issue that you may face after giving birth is weight gain, thus you have to find ways to shed off those extra pounds after you have given birth.

Post Pregnancy Workout - 3 Questions That Will Help You Embrace Exercise After Pregnancy

Do you believe you can regain your pre-pregnancy body? I mean do you really believe? I ask this question because most of the women that subscribe to my weekly newsletter say they believe they can slim down however when you ask these same women if they really believe, the answers you get back are quite surprising.

Many feel that while they are confident they can lose some of the baby weight they gained during their pregnancy, a large number of them honestly don't think they can drop more than 15 pounds.

So, here is my question for you. If you have a person that is not convinced that they can achieve a goal, how hard do you think they will work toward it? The biggest obstacle I see is in the quality of the internal questions these ladies are asking themselves.

Question #1 - How Come I Can Never Lose Weight?

This level of question is not only unproductive but is very destructive. It forces your mind to come up with every reason why you can't lose weight. Every negative belief you have about yourself or your genetic makeup comes to your remembrance to give you ample ammunition as to why you are a sloppy pig.

You reflect on these ideas and you feel sad and depressed and of course if you are like most, you turn to food as your comfort. A better question is our second question.

Question #2 - How Can I Lose Weight?

This question is a higher caliber question than question number one however it is not the best question. Rather than focus our minds on what is wrong, this question challenges our minds to come up with a solution.

The problem is that the answer to this question is almost as painful as the answer to question number one. Take a moment and answer question number two silently to yourself.

All done?

Great, well if you are like most people you had two thoughts diet and exercise. Now, do either of those ideas sound like fun? They sure don't to me and I teach this stuff.

So, while this question is does pull our mind in the right direction, it still does not motivate us to take action to improve our fitness condition. Keep reading to discover the best question that we can ask ourselves.

Question #3 - How Can I Lose Weight and Enjoy The Process?

This is our highest level question but it can be challenging as well. The reason for this is because the answer may not be as easily obtained as the answers to the first two questions were. This question may actually require you to spend some time thinking and rethinking until you are able to come up with a few really good responses.

As an example if you thought a post pregnancy workout was unappealing, what if in your answer to question number three, you said to yourself, "you know I really always loved playing racquet ball or some other sport or activity that requires physical effort. In these cases, soon you'll be losing weight and enjoying the process.

Perhaps it is not a sport per se but an action that involves your baby in the workout itself. The key is simple, if you ask a better question; you will most certainly get a better answer.

7 Ways to Relieve Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain, especially lower back pain, is exremely common during pregnancy due to the sheer number of physical changes that occur. Added weight means that the back has to support a larger load, especially if the woman was already overweight before the pregnancy. There is also a change in the woman's center of gravity triggers, pelvic changes, loose joints caused by pregnancy hormones, poor posture, and stress. All of these changes happen to the body rapidly causing pain and discomfort for many women.

However, it doesn't have to be this way. There are lifestyle changes and natural treatment options that can help women feel more comfortable while they are pregnant.

1. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise allows the back to stretch and relax, and stimulates circulation. This can be especially effective for a woman whose back pain is primarily caused by stress. There are even exercises that are geared towards pregnant woman. An added benefit is that regular exercise can also help your body prepare for child birth. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

2. Wear flat, comfortable shoes

An obvious solution to back pain triggered by poor posture and standing for long periods of time is making sure to wear proper shoes. Shoes should support the arch of the foot and be low-heeled and comfortable. Often, pregnant women even have to go up a shoe size because of the swelling caused by the increase of blood and fluids in the body.

3. Do not sleep on your back

Sleeping on your back puts unnatural pressure on your spine because the added weight leans directly on the problem area. Sleeping on your side takes the pressure off your back. Ideally you should also place a pillow or cushion between your knees to give your body extra support while you sleep. It will make a tremendous difference the next day.

4. Pay attention to your posture

Poor posture is one of the leading causes of back pain for anyone. During pregnancy, women are prone to poor posture because of the extra weight they now carry in front of their body. Their body must adjust to its new form, and women should be particularly careful to keep their shoulders back and head up.

5. Acupressure

Acupressure is a form of alternative medicine, and a pregnant woman who chooses accupressure treatment should only be treated by a professional practitioner that specialized in dealing with pregnancy. The practitioner will know how to apply pressure to specific points on the woman's body to relieve her back pain. Used incorrectly, acupressure can put a woman into labor. Used properly, it can provide the ultimate pain relief.

6. Massage therapy

Massage therapy for pregnant women is growing increasingly popular. An experienced massage therapist will know precisely how to position a woman's growing body safely for the massage. The massage therapist can utilize special techniques to reduce swelling, stress, and back pain. Gentle massage can be performed by anyone but it is best to see a professional to get the most relief for back pain.

7. Chiropractic care

In addition to typical back adjustments, a chiropractor can offer professional advice for stretching exercises and posture techniques that a woman can practice at home. The chiropractor can also advise on proper support gear, and provide manipulation to massage muscles and "pop" the joints in place. A a doctor of chiropractic that has experience with pregnant women can provide relief for many pregnancy-related aches and pains. An experienced doctor will know how to take precautions to prevent unnecessary pressure on the abdominal area, while attaining maximum relief.

Information About Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetrics and Gynecology is the specialty that focuses on the treatment of women. Gynecology focuses on maternity care before birth, support pregnant and after treatment when gynecologist is facing the general health of women, focusing on female genitalia. The experts asked the obstetrician midwife, while women have gynecological diseases expert.

Both these two specialties obstetrics and gynecology clumped together because both involve in caring for women. Specialties are the maternal and prenatal care, where management obstetric high-risk pregnancy, as well as family planning and reproductive health, endocrinology, hormones, research on the reproductive system.

Practitioner of obstetrics and gynecology called an OB/GYN. Many OB/GYNs are women, although many male doctors talent working in this discipline too. The reason behind this is that obstetrics and gynecology deals with sensitive female subjects, some patients prefer to work with female doctors, especially those who are concerned about shyness and decency. In obstetrics in rural areas and basic services provided by practitioners who have no special training, but can still provide the desired benefits to their patients.

An obstetrician/gynecologist are a physician specialist who provides medical and surgical care of women and has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth and genital disorders. This includes preventive care, prenatal care and detection of sexually transmitted diseases, Pap smears and family planning.

OB/GYNs may choose to specialize in the following areas:

• Acute and Chronic Disease
• Gynecology
• Behavioral problems of adolescents
• Cancer
• Endocrinology
• Maintaining health during pregnancy
• Infertility
• Operative Gynecology Infertility Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Preventative health
• Urinary tract disorders

Maternal / Fetal Medicine

* Concerned with the care and consultation for patients with complications during pregnancy

* Requires knowledge of obstetrics, medical and surgical complications for the mother and fetus, the current methods of diagnosis and treatment, adaptation and neonatal

Gynecology Oncology

* Concerned about the consultation and comprehensive treatment of patients with gynecological cancer

* Requires knowledge of the treatment of major cancers, diagnosis and complications of cancer

Endocrinology of Reproduction and Infertility

* Reproductive endocrinology and infertility do with the management of complex problems relating to infertility and reproductive endocrinology

* Requires information on the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders and infertility.

For perfection in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a doctor must first complete four years of medical school, he must have to follow residency. If your doctor wants to focus on subspecialty, such as gynecological surgery or fertility treatments, and more will be charged.

Postpartum Pain Relief - A Doula's Secret Formula For Easing the Pain After Birthing

If you've just given birth, most likely you are a bit sore in your perineum - the area between your vagina and anus. This discomfort can be greatly compounded if you have stitches. I am not a doula, but I did have a third-degree tear from birthing my first child. If you're not sure what that is, and you haven't delivered your baby yet, don't ask - you don't want to know. Fortunately, while various options will be suggested by your care providers to help you heal, special insight is available through alternative birthing experts. The following three suggestions, from which I greatly benefited, were recommended to me by my doula:

Frozen Witch Hazel Pads. A few weeks before your due date, purchase plenty of sanitary napkins, Ziploc sandwich bags, and several bottles of witch hazel. Completely saturate each napkin with witch hazel, put each one individually into a sandwich bag, zip it up, and place it in your freezer. Some health practitioners will recommend that you put Tucks pads on a sanitary napkin, but these frozen witch hazel pads are essentially the same thing only 10 times better. Tucks pads are small and can slip around. Plus, although they are cool, they're not frozen. After you deliver your baby, put one of these frozen pads into your underwear and experience the most wonderful relief. Your bottom will thank you for your forethought!

Sitz Bath. A sitz bath basin can be purchased at your local drug store and sometimes hospitals even give you one to take home. It's a plastic basin that fits on top of your toilet seat. Fill it with warm water several times a day and sit on it to soak your perineum. This will feel nice and help speed the healing process.

Hemorrhoid Cushion. This is a cushion with a big hole in the middle. Don't get the cheap red rubber ring one - it's rather uncomfortable. Instead, get one made from foam, covered with cloth. You can purchase a quality cushion from a medical supply store. You probably won't need one, though, unless you're experiencing pain from a tear, episiotomy, or hemorrhoids from pushing.

Drink Plenty of Water. And take a natural or synthetic stool softener, if necessary. Now is not the time to risk constipation. Water will help to keep your stool looser and easier to pass.

A squirt bottle filled with water is important for keeping your perineal area clean, but it won't really aid in pain relief per se. Although I thought I'd never be able to walk with my legs together again or have sex, I did heal completely. And thanks to these tips from my doula, my pain was greatly minimized.

Get Pregnant Fast The Herbal Way

For women who want to get pregnant fast but are having problems doing so, but still want to stay away from artificial means if at all possible, there exist some natural remedies that can help you. Of course, you should be doing the basics first like watching your weight, taking the right vitamins, and tracking your ovulation cycle. But if you still can't get pregnant, these remedies just might work for you.

Vitex or Chasteberry are known to stimulate ovulation and could help your chances of getting pregnant. What these herbs do is build up hormonal levels and can help women ovulate. The herbs also stabilize your body's levels of progesterone and also estrogen. By doing this it helps you get pregnant fast. The chasteberry in particular is good with helping in having more regular menstrual cycles.

If you have used sunscreen, you are probably familiar with PABA as it is a popular ingredient. But it can also help women who are having trouble conceiving. The beneficial effects of PABA have been documented. The results of one trial were that out of sixteen women who were infertile, twelve were able to get pregnant after taking PABA for several months, so it is worth looking into.

Another herbal option if you want to get pregnant fast is called red clover. What it does is increase estrogen levels while at the same time strengthening the uterus. Sometimes the alkaline and acid balance of the vagina can be abnormal, and red clover has been known to return this to a more normal level so that it is much easier to conceive a child.

Another simple, and delicious, way to increase your chances of getting pregnant is green tea. By drinking a cup or more of green tea per day, some women have reported that it actually repairs damage done by the aging process and some women have reported that their chances of conceiving have actually doubled.

Although the herbal remedies that we've discussed have been known to increase women's chances of conceiving and getting pregnant fast, you need to keep in mind several things. First of all, talk to your doctor. There could be other issues such as an infection, fibroid tumor, or other problem that your doctor can fix. And if you are taking infertility drugs to help you conceive, you need to tell your doctor first before taking any herbal remedies to make sure that they will not interfere with your doctor's plan.

Warning Signs for Premature Labor-Pregnancy

When to Call Your Physician or Midwife

Painful menstrual-like cramps.

Dull ache in the lower back(If you have had a dull backache throughout the pregnancy, then this symptom is only a danger sign if it is different from the backache you've had before.)

Pain or pressure above the pubic bone(in the area of the pubic hair.)

Sensation of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic region.

Increase in vaginal secretions, including loss of the mucous plug.

Change in the type of vaginal secretion(for example, from thick to thin or watery.)

Bloody discharge from the vagina.

Diarrhea.

Uterine contractions occurring 10 minutes apart or more frequently for more than 1 hour; even if they are not painful(a contraction is palpated when the top of your uterus-the fundus-gets hard, softens, and hardens again). If these disappear when you lie down, they are probably not labor:

Symptoms of urinary tract infection-pain or burning on urination, especially at the end of urination; urgency-an unusually strong feel of the need to urinate, especially if you actually urinate very small amounts; frequency-needing to urinate very often(although this may be difficult for pregnant women to differentiate from the usual increased frequency of late pregnancy).

Any leakage of fluid from the vagina.This can be a big gush or a continuous dripping of watery fluid. This may indicate rupture of the membranes.

If your work involves heavy physical labor, rotating or night shifts, long periods of standing, or makes you excessively tired, consider changing or reducing your workload. Unfortunately, women in the United States are not uniformly guaranteed paid maternity leave.

As sexually transmitted infections may be implicated in premature rupture of the membranes and preterm labor, you should use a condom if you are at risk for such an infection. Being at risk means that either you or your partner has more than one sexual partner. If you have any doubt about whether this is the case for your partner, or you have had a pre term birth, you should use condoms. In fact, because semen contains prostaglandins-body chemicals that cause uterine contractions-use of a condom from midpregnancy to 37 weeks gestation is a good idea for any woman who has had a previous preterm birth. The condoms provide a barrier between your body and your partner's semen.

If you have a history of pre term labor or signs of preterm labor, avoid nipple or breast stimulation in the third trimester, before 37 weeks gestation, as this initiates uterine contractions. Abstain from orgasm if there is any question of threatened preterm labor, as it can lead to contractions.
There is some evidence, although not conclusive, that calcium supplementation may help prevent preterm labor. Routine calcium supplementation is not currently advised in pregnancy, but you should certainly maintain an adequate dietary intake of calcium sources. Except for sometimes causing constipation, a calcium supplement is not dangerous in pregnancy. If you have had a preterm birth, discuss with your physician or midwife whether or not they advise calcium supplementation as a possible preventive measure.

In the 1980s, some promising studies showed that preterm birth might be prevented with frequent prenatal visits and vaginal examinations for women at risk for preterm labor. A number of "Prevention of Preterm" birth programs were funded by various governmental and private agencies. Unfortunately, these did not demonstrate that such measures were uniformly valuable in preventing preterm birth. Whether or not to do weekly or biweekly vaginal examinations or ultrasounds to check the cervix in the third trimester for women with a previous preterm birth remains controversial.

What Causes ADD Or ADHD?

While many people consider ADD or ADHD to be caused by many 'social factors', i.e. bad parenting, video games, poor schools, etc., research is clear that the social causes have no merit with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The first place to start with the cause of ADD or ADHD is genetics. It is a very genetic disorder.

There is term called 'heritability', which refers to how genetic a disorder is. As an example - breast cancer is 30% heritable - meaning that about 30% of the possible causes of breast cancer can be attributed to genetics. Asthma is 40% heritable. Height is 80 to 85 percent heritable. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is about 80 percent heritable.

That means that ADHD is highly genetic. This research comes from twin studies and other family studies, and shows that ADHD is almost as genetic as height.

Now if genes cause 80 percent that means there is about 20 percent that is not caused by genetics. What are the other causes? When it comes to the non-genetic causes of ADHD, we can call these 'acquired' cases. When we look at acquired cases, we can separate these into: Prenatal (i.e. causes that affect the person before birth), and Postnatal (i.e. causes that affect the person after birth).

The Prenatal Causes of ADHD:

These are the acquired causes of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disroder that occur during the pregnancy.

* Mother smoking during pregnancy: if the mother smokes cigarettes during pregnancy this increases the risk by 2.5 times (so the child is 2.5 times more likely to develop ADHD than if the mother didn't smoke during pregnancy)
* Mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy: With alcohol during pregnancy, there is the same increased risk - 2.5 times.
* Prematurity: If there is prematurity at birth, there is a general increased risk for ADHD, however if there is bleeding in the baby's brain there is a 45 percent chance that that individual will have ADHD.
* Increase in pregnancy complications: If there is an overall increase in pregnancy complications there is a non specific increased risk for ADHD.

Interestingly cocaine or crack exposure is not a risk factor for ADHD once you account for smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Generally speaking a pregnant mother who is using cocaine will also tend to use cigarettes and alcohol.

The Postnatal Causes of ADHD:

These are acquired causes of ADHD that occur after the pregnancy (i.e. after the child is born).

* Head injuries/head Trauma: ADHD can develop after a significant head injury - by significant I mean one that results in loss of consciousness, or a serious concussion
* Brain Hypoxia which means not enough oxygen getting to the brain for a period of time. An example of this could be a near drowning or some other situation like that.
* Brain tumours
* Brain infection.
* Lead poisoning in the preschool years (i.e. before 3 years old)
* Survival from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) - because the chemotherapy itself can lead to brain changes.

The importance of the cause of ADHD is that for many people, when they realize that it is a real medical condition that is caused by medical issues, then they can let go of guilt - which can get in the way of useful treatment progress.

Bravado Clothes Help Pregnant and Post-Partum Women

During pregnancy, comfort is of extreme importance. As one's body changes and one's baby bump grows, having clothing that fits well ensures one's comfort all day long. When clothing is too tight, too loose, or pinches in all the wrong places, even the simplest of tasks can seem bothersome. This same mantra holds true after one's baby is born, as one is in the full swing of nursing and starting to get back to one's pre-baby weight. In order to ensure their comfort, many women spend a great deal of time finding the perfect nursing tops and pants. While this is very important, they tend to overlook one important aspect: the undergarment. Well-designed and perfectly fitting bras and panties are of the utmost importance during maternity and nursing, as one wears them every single day and they are the first thing one feels touching one's skin. Bravado, known around the world for their well-made nursing and maternity tanks, bras, and panties, is a designer who truly understands the woman's body during and after pregnancy, and whose designs ensure one's comfort throughout the day.

Having some essential tanks in one's maternity and nursing wardrobe is a good idea, as they can be mixed and matched with a variety of outfits. Bravado's Nursing Bra Tank is THE ultimate tank, as it is designed for nursing but can be worn during maternity and postpartum as well. Super stylish, it makes mom's feel great both inside and out. It's V-neck has a slimming effect, and the ruching at the bust adds a dainty feminine detail. The soft cotton and spandex fabric has flexible sizing, so that it molds beautifully to one's changing shape. As functional as it is fashionable, the tank has a seamless molded bra that provides excellent bust support. Its thin and cushioned straps are adjustable so that it can be fitted perfectly to one's changing shape and the subtle nursing clips provide full easy and discreet nursing access. This tank is a smart buy as one truly gets one's money's worth. With such great construction, it can be worn simply hanging around the house or dressed up for heading out. Pair it with your favorite boot-cut jeans and blazer, and an instant stylish outfit is created. Comfortable and stylish, the Nursing Bra Tank is an essential in every mother's wardrobe.

Having a well-fitting and extremely well-designed nursing bra is a must, as it will make one's daily life much easier. Bravado has perfected several great nursing bras, each designed with the mother's comfort in mind. Their Original Nursing Bra is a fabulous choice, as it is comfortable and supportive. Oftentimes certain bras work well only for certain bust sizes, but this one is designed in three different versions so that small, medium, and large bust sizes are accommodated. Each version is designed especially for different sizes, but they all have some of the same important features. Made out of cotton and spandex, there is superb breathability and stretch which allows it to mold to one's changing breast shape. Non-irritating seams and wide under-elastic provides excellent bust support while ensuring that the bra does not slip. Flat-laying clips allow for full nursing access. No matter one's size, this bra makes nursing much easier. Another gorgeous option is the Sublime Nursing Bra, which is feminine and sexy while still providing great nursing access. The beautiful lace detailing in the Black Cherry or French Vanilla color is accented by a dainty black bow at the bust. Functional as well, the double cup size and flexible fabric adjust to one's changing bust size and flat-lying nursing clips are easy to use. For a glammed up feel while still maintaining the highest level of comfort, Bravado's Sublime Nursing Bra is an excellent choice.

As one's body changes during pregnancy, having panties that fit well and make you feel great is a must. As they are something one wears every day, investing in some great pairs makes a lot of sense. Bravado's Original Bikini Panty is great for maternity and nursing. With a full seat that stays put and wide leg openings that don't creep up, comfort is guaranteed all day long. For those who want to make sure to avoid any underwear lines, the Original Thong is a good choice. For long-lasting comfort designed specifically for one's changing body, Bravado's underwear designs meet the criteria.

From tanks to bras to panties, Bravado creates garments that are comfortable, stylish, and sure to make one feel great throughout the day.

Pregnancy and Travel Insurance

Travelling while pregnant can be a bit of a gamble. "When should be your cut off date? What kinds of travel are worse than others for heavily pregnant mothers? Should you risk it if the destination isn't prepared for or can't or won't offer maternity care?" The last worry you would want on top of this is "how much will it cost?" We take a look at the world of travel and pregnancy and see how having travel insurance on holiday is very important when pregnant.

When can and should you travel?

Experts differ as to when you should stop all travel if you are pregnant. To an extent it depends on the type of transport you are taking. Driving isn't usually a problem, nor is walking unless you are trekking along very strenuous trails (though doing almost anything close to the due date may induce labour). Travelling by ship or train are, similarly, not huge problems. The main type of travel that is unsafe while pregnant is flying. The pressurised environment is arguably bad for the baby the closer to term a woman gets, and may cause complications and possible premature births.

Most airlines, for example British Airways, don't allow pregnant women past 28 weeks to travel. Others allow you to fly after that with a doctor's certificate up to 36 weeks and not at all after that, but that can be pushing the limit.

Will my usual travel insurance cover me?

Many companies offer travel insurance up until 28 weeks, depending on the company and the individual case. Most standard travel insurance policies don't cover pregnancy as a medical condition, and therefore it's best to check with your holiday insurance provider before you go. Many standard and cheap travel insurance companies will offer top-up pregnancy travel insurance policies, and it's best to invest in one of those even just for the peace of mind it will bring. It's also best to check the facilities of the country you are travelling to and what documentation you might need - better to be prepared than be caught short while abroad where there's little you can do.

Do I only need travel insurance if going by plane?

No. When pregnant you will want to have the extra travel insurance in place even if you are going by train, ship, car or any other transport. This is because the main point of travel insurance whilst you are pregnant is to literally ensure that you can be pregnant and give birth in another country if necessary. Most countries have no national health provision, and health care is paid for on insurance or billed to your account when your procedure is over. Some go as far as not treating you if you are unable to pay for the treatment there and then. The last thing that you want when going into labour is to have someone questioning your financial situation. To make sure that you are covered for any foreign medical expenses, always check that you have travel insurance before booking your holiday.

Herbal Breast Care - Useful Herbs For Breast Care

Herbs are used all over the world to cure various diseases. There are a number of herbal preparations available that play an important role in healing a disorder. In this article, you will find some useful herbal preparations for breast care.

Painful conditions of the breasts are common among women. Mastitis is an unbearably painful condition which causes inflammation and hardening of the breast. Sore, cracked nipples are usually a result of breastfeeding, either because of the baby dragging at the nipple or because correct care is not being taken in washing and drying the breasts before and after feeding.

Herbal Preparations for Breast Care

1. Take one teaspoon each of Marjoram (marwa, sathra), dried Aniseed (saunf), half teaspoon dried fenugreek and honey. Infuse the herbs in 600 ml. (1 pint) boiling water for 10 minutes. This potion improves the flow of breast milk. A poor flow of milk is always considered to be one of the causes of mastitis in lactating mothers.

2. Mallows increase the supply and flow of milk. Other herbs that have added benefits of giving breasts an alluring roundness are Borage (pattharchuri, patta ajwain), Parsley (ajmod, prajmoda), Watercress (jalkhumbi), Fennel (saunf), Anise (saunf), Cumin, Carrots, Lentils and Fenugreek.

3. Many of these herbs have the added benefits of counteracting post-natal depression. ½ teaspoon of Sage infused in 1 cup of boiling water when drunk 3 times a day has the reverse effect and dries up the flow of the milk.

4. To prevent sore and cracked nipples, rub the nipples with a mixture of pure lemon juice and olive oil throughout the pregnancy. Whilst nursing add a few drops of essential oil of geranium to a pot of cold cream and soothe the nipples with this.

5. Calendula flowers are beneficial for clearing the skin of eczema, spots and grease. It is claimed to be rejuvenating. Its ointment may also help in treating breast disorders.

6. Massage your breast with herbal oil. To prepare massage oil for the breasts, mix together 4 teaspoons each of apricot and wheatgerm oil. Warm it and massage painful breasts.

7. Camphor is used in preparing massage oil for hard breasts. Mix a few drop of camphor (kapoor) oil in two tablespoons of olive oil (jaitun oil) and massage your breasts but not when nursing.

8. Mix honey with lanolin or olive oil and use to rub cracked nipples. Lanolin rubbed into the nipples soothes and softens but before using make sure you are not allergic to it.

9. Warm poultices are natural remedy for mastitis. Baked potatoes, turnips, freshly cooked (not baked) beans pounded with olive oil, hot plasters and warm fomentations help. Keep the breasts in a sling - a good properly fitted, supporting bra.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the URL's (links) active.

If You Think You Have Major Depression

This is the most serious form of depression in terms of number of symptoms and severity of symptoms. It is a medical illness that involves the mind and the body and affects how a person thinks and behaves. Although suicidal thoughts or gestures are part of major depression, a person does not have to be suicidal to be clinically depressed; you may not be able to go about your usual daily activities, and depression may make you feel as if life just isn't worth living anymore. Although some people experience only one episode of depression, most have repeated episodes of depression symptoms throughout their life.

Symptoms of major depression

• Loss of interest in normal daily activities
• Feeling sad or down
• Feeling hopeless
• Crying spells for no apparent reason
• Problems sleeping
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Being easily annoyed
• Feeling fatigued or weak
• Feeling worthless
• Loss of interest in sex
• Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

The severity of symptoms differ from person to person. In some people, the symptoms are obvious to those around us, even if we don't recognize them in ourselves. Sometimes, a depressed person may just feel miserable or unhappy without knowing why.

What causes major depression?

It isn't known exactly what causes depression, but it is felt to be a combination of factors.

Biochemical: It is felt that naturally occurring chemical uptake to the brain (called neurotransmitters) may be interrupted or faulty. These affect mood and thought and are felt to play a part in depression. Hormonal imbalance can also be a factor.

Genetic: Some studies show that depression is more common in family groups and therefore is hereditary to some degree.

Environment: Life events can trigger depression. Loss of a loved one, financial problems, periods of high stress and marital issues are some of the major environmental factors in depression.

Risk factors for depression

Although the exact causes or triggers for depression aren't known, there are certain factors and life events that seem to increase the risk of developing depression. Being aware of these triggers can help you identify your own depression.

• Having other biological relatives with depression
• Having family members who have taken their own life
• Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one
• Having a depressed mood as a youngster
• Illness, such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's or HIV/AIDS
• Long-term use of certain medications, such as some drugs used to control high blood pressure, sleeping pills or, occasionally, birth control pills
• Certain personality traits, such as having low self-esteem and being overly dependent, self-critical or pessimistic
• Alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse
• Having recently given birth
• Being in a lower socioeconomic group

Seeking medical advice

Many people don't recognize their own depression and therefore don't seek help. If you recognize yourself in any of the above, you are taking a step in the right direction. Once you recognize the symptoms, you can then also recognize that you don't have to live like this.

It's normal to occasionally upset or unhappy with situations in your life. With depression, however, these feelings hang onto you for a long period of time. Your friends and family may tell you to "get over it," but you find yourself unable to do that. These feelings are more intense than just "feeling blue," and interfere with your life, work and enjoyment of daily living.

If you are feeling suicidal or having thoughts that life just isn't worth living, seek medical attention immediately. If you are having suicidal feelings right now, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). This is a free service.

If you don't want to or are unable to for some reason, you have other choices for reaching out for help, such as contacting family members or friends, a doctor or mental or health care provider, a spiritual leader, or someone in your circle with whom you feel a strong connection. You can also go to your local emergency room or call a crisis center or hotline.

Helping a loved one

You may be visiting HandlingDepression.com because you feel someone you love is suffering from depression and you wonder what you could be doing for them.

Have an open and honest discussion with them. As stated above, many times people don't realize they're depressed. For them, depression is "normal," and they don't recognize the severity of their condition. They believe that everyone feels the way they do. You may not be able to force someone to get professional help, but you can be supportive and offer encouragement.

Sometimes, someone who is depressed just needs someone to demonstrate to them that their presence in the world does matter, that there are people who care about them enough to help them make the first step in the right direction. It can be very helpful to them if you get a referral for them to get professional help, assist them in making the appointment and getting to it. Even these simple tasks can be daunting to someone who is severely depressed. Often, they require assistance in getting the help they desperately need because they are incapable of taking care of the things the rest of us take for granted.

If your loved one is suicidal, do not attempt to help them on your own. That is not to say don't help them - just don't try to handle it without professional help. Take them to the emergency room or call for emergency help.

An In Depth Look at Alopecia Areata

Alopecia is the term given for the condition of losing hair in one or more areas of the scalp and body. It affects both male and female, having a preference towards children, teenagers and young adults more than the older generation.

Heredity does play a role in its development. Having a relative with Alopecia increases a person's risk of having it as well. It is also caused by an over active immune system where the body develops cells that act on the hair follicles making them stop hair production. The cause of this autoimmune dysfunction is still unknown. Association with other autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies and vitiligo have been noted. It has also been linked to emotional stress.

According to surveys, 2% of the general population have Alopecia. However, it is not a disease that causes deterioration to the system. In fact most of those who have Alopecia are healthy individuals who can perform their daily activities just like everyone else. When Alopecia occurred at an early age that person may also become bald early. There are cases where one or more bald spots would appeared and then the hair re-grew normally again for sometime only to go bold again later causing more hair loss. For them, it is an on and off condition. For others, the bald spots remain and eventually progress to make them bald all over.

There are many types of Alopecia. By consulting a specialist for hair loss, they can determine the type by a close inspection of the scalp looking for exclamation point hairs. Sometimes a scalp biopsy is needed for diagnosis.

The most common type is Alopecia Areata. It is characterized by a round or an oval bald spot or spots on the scalp varying in sizes. Alopecia Areata usually occurring on one side of the head and may resolve itself within a year even without treatment. However, some people worry about their Alopecia Areata spots because the, spots to some, can look unsightly and stay for long periods of time. Alopecia Diffusa is when the round, bald spots are distributed evenly all over the scalp and not just on one side as occurs with Alopecia Areata.

It is called Alopecia Areata Monocularis if only one single bald spot is seen and Alopecia Areata Multicularis if there is more than one bald spots seen on the scalp.

Another common type of Alopecia is Alopecia Totalis. This is the loss of all hair on the scalp and face causing complete baldness. And then there is, Alopecia Universalis where there is loss of hair on all parts of the body including hairs in the axilla, groin and nose area.

Other types of Alopecia include Alopecia Barbae this is when the bald spot or spots appear on the beard. Alopecia Postpartum temporarily happens after a woman has given birth.

It is thought the same disease mechanism applies to all of these types of Alopecia. Most people affected with Alopecia have tried different treatments. Many of the treatments don't work and almost always have some kind of adverse side effects to the body.

Late Term Abortion Clinic - Things To Consider

Pregnancy is a nine months process and requires care and precautions. It is the dream of all the women to become pregnant and enjoy the pleasure of motherhood. Though the pregnant women are always under the consultation and guidance of professional gynecologists, they might face various complications in the process. Abortions are considered as a crime and the government has strictly banned the process but in case of severe complications that might cause a threat to the life of a woman, the doctors suggest to go for this process. When the complications come up late in pregnancy, you must consider an abortion clinic that offers outstanding services and carries out the surgical process in an effective manner. In order to ensure your safety it is necessary that you select a reputed Abortion clinic and get over the late pregnancy complications under the consultation of an expert doctor.

This article deals with some important things that should be considered in order to find a reputed late-term abortion clinic.

Extensive Experience

Late-term abortion is risky and can be fatal and hence it is necessary to get it done under the guidance of an experienced surgeon. The untrained and inexperienced doctors can enhance the risk. Therefore, it is essential that you get in touch with a clinic that offers outstanding medical care services. The doctors of the clinic should be experienced in performing the operation and have an access to modern surgical and medical equipments. In addition to this the staff of the health center should be friendly and compassionate with the patient and provide proper medical care.

Counseling and consultation

The professional doctors of the health center should be able to provide proper consultation and information about the risks and benefits associated with the late-term pregnancy. Providing clear information and understanding of the process is the best way to allow the patient to make a decision.

Emotional and medical support after the process

An abortion clinic should not only provide proper consultation and surgery to the patient but also take proper care of the patient before and after the surgical treatment. Proper post abortion care involves medication administration, emotional support and providing a friendly environment for the patient. Regular inspection of the patient is also necessary in order to make sure that there are no complications after the procedure is over. A good health center takes care of all the facilities and makes sure that the patient feels comfortable.

There are few Late Term Abortion clinics and hence it is necessary that you consider all the above discussed things before making your selection. It is you who have to undergo the treatment and considering a clinic that offers all the facilities according to your needs is the best. Take your time to inquire and research about the clinics located in your locality or nearby areas. Collect all the relevant information regarding the quality of the services offered by the center is the best way to get in contact with a reputed late-term abortion clinic and undergo abortion.

How to Be Taken Seriously in Your Doula Business - 5 Tips

So you want to be a doula. A Savvy one at that. I'd like to offer you 5 tips to help you be taken seriously as a business owner:

1. Make the decision and say to yourself "I own a doula business". Does it feel different to say that as opposed to "I am a doula". As doulas, we are nurturing, caring, creative and passionate about birth. We hold energetic space for a woman. We use our intuition often. It's a boldly feminine role. On the other hand, running a business is more masculine in nature. It must have its own structure and operate within bigger structures (as in state and federal government structures). We operate the business according to systems we put in place for ourselves, we put ourselves in the public eye through marketing and advertising efforts, and we hold our clients within a framework of expectations. Being a business owner takes recognizing not only who you are as a doula, but acknowledging the fact that you own and must manage the day-to-day tasks of a small business. Both sides of the coin must be balanced.

2. Create a plan for your practice. Business planning helps you to set goals, find out about your competition, determine what your clients want and see what money-making potential your business has in store for you. If you are the sole owner of your business and you are not planning to go into business with others or need outside funding, you don't necessarily need to create a full-fledged formal business plan. Karyn Greenstreet, one of the business coaches I like, wrote an article highlighting the points you should explore when creating a plan. Visit the articles section on passionforbusiness.com

3. Maintain a professional presence. You don't need to wear a suit when meeting with other professionals and clients, but you should dress professionally. Communicate via email without shouting (typing in all caps), the use of slang, emoticons or acronyms (ie: LOL, IMHO, etc) and by all means, use your spell check. Be on time for your appointments and have an agenda to follow for your interviews, prenatals and postpartum visits.

4. Get some business cards. Business cards help to communicate who you are, what you do, and how to reach you. It's much more professional than giving someone the same information scrawled onto a napkin. Business cards can range from free to fancy. I'd discourage the use of cards printed on perforated business card stock because the perforations are visible and don't look very good. A variety of cards can be created inexpensively on VistaPrint using their free templates, or you can upload or create your own card using your logo and branding.

5. Create and have your clients sign a contract. Whether you charge for your services or not, you need to have a contract. Contracts help you define your policies and the boundaries you choose to work within and helps you to communicate those with your clients. It is also advisable to have an attorney look over your contract. If cost is an issue for you, see if there is an attorney referral hotline and ask if there are any attorneys who offer pro bono services. Some SBA offices may also be able to refer you to resources for reasonable or free legal services.

Be proud of yourself. You are a doula. You own a doula business. There are many other factors that make a business owner and a business, but the five tips I've given you will help you be perceived as a professional and will help you to increase your confidence.

How 'Gancao' Can Help Pregnancy?

Radix Glycyrrhiza or in Chinese pronouns it as 'Gancao' is the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fishch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. or Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The drug is collected in spring and autumn, removed from rootlet, dried in the sun.

The woody rootstock is wrinkled and brown on the outside, yellow on the inside, and tastes sweet. The stem, which is round on the lower part and angular higher up, bears alternate, odd-pinnate leaves with 3-7 pairs of ovate, dark green leaflets. Axillary racemes of yellowish or purplish 3-foot-long spikes of flowers appear from June to August, depending on location..

The pregnant question always ask is this herb helps pregnancy rate? The answer is 'YES'. It has been proven thousand of years by the Chinese to use 'Gancao' to strengthen body immune system and reinforce the function of the spleen and replenish qi, removing heat and counteract toxicity, to dispel phlegm and relieve cough, to alleviate spasmodic pain, and to moderate drug actions. It also strengthens woman body and ovaries preparing for pregnancy.

Also I would recommend doing acupuncture on woman seeking higher chance of pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy

The origin of 'Gancao' is from China, where you can get it from Mongolia, Shanxi, Gansu and Xinjiang.

Recipes of Medicated Diet preparing for pregnant woman:
1. Licorice root and lettuce gruel

[Ingredients]: 6g licorice root; 15g lettuce; 100g polished round-grained rice

[Preparation]: Boil the smashed lettuce and licorice root with 200ml water until there is only 100ml water left. Extract the liquid and strain and strain the dregs. Put the liquid, polished round-grained rice and some water into a pot to boil. The porridge is done when the rice become soft and edible.

[Effect and Indications]: This recipe benefits Qi for promoting lactation and for those that seeking pregnancy. Lettuce is the dried seed of lettuce, It is bitter in taste and cold nature. It can promote lactation and relieve the syndrome of urinary stoppage. The polished round-grained rice is entitled to "the best tonic in the world", The combination of the three is a very good recipe for promoting lactation.

I'm really passionate and looking forward to help older women to conceive naturally, and I'd like to share with you more benefits and ways on pregnancy. I haven't had time to sit down personally with you and talk about details of getting pregnant at an advanced maternal age, but I would recommend you to read more and one of the books that I recommend at Pregnancy Miracle Guide.

Jobs Working From Home Can Really Help Out Pregnant Women

Finding out that you are expecting a baby can be a very exciting time. There is planning to do and baby items to buy. However, in the midst of all this preparation, there is still the reality of responsibilities and bills. Being pregnant isn't always conducive to holding down a regular job. This is the perfect time to look into jobs working from home. As technology has advanced, many companies have discovered the advantages of subcontracting with at-home workers. In addition, entire new industries have sprung up, with opportunities for making money attached. There is no reason that you can't enjoy your pregnancy, and still make a decent income working from home.

The first thing you need to determine is what you need from jobs working from home. If you have never been pregnant before, you may be unsure of how you will deal with the situation. If you know that you experience severe morning sickness, for example, you will be looking at different jobs than if you make it through those early months with little incident. Some jobs working from home require that you keep a consistent schedule. While you do have some advantages to not having to travel, you will still have much of the restrictions that accompany a regular nine-to-five job. These positions are usually in customer service and involved taking or making phone calls. For pregnant women, they aren't really the most ideal choice.

There are two types of jobs that offer the most flexibility for a pregnant woman. First, writers are needed to contribute online content to various sites on the Internet. Almost all of these jobs working from home allow you to set your own hours, and work at your own pace. However, in order to make a consistent income, you will need to dedicate several hours every day to keep up. With writing, you are paid on a piece-rate basis, and most companies do not offer residual income to their staff.

Residual income is where you perform a task once, and continue to get paid for that work. For a pregnant woman, jobs working from home that use a residual income model are the best option. The easiest and most lucrative residual income jobs are in affiliate marketing. Because of the amount of traffic that is on the Internet, companies are willing to pay for leads and ads that promote their product. They often don't, however, really have the time to perform these simple tasks themselves. Instead, they work with a network of partners whose main job is to promote their product or service. Affiliate marketing is an easy work at home job, has flexible hours, and continues to pay for the same work. This is one of the most ideal jobs working from home for a pregnant woman. You can work when you are feeling well, and still have the income stream during your down days.

Being a working mother is hard enough; being a working pregnant mother can be extremely difficult. As you never know what your day will be like, and how you will feel, you need jobs working from home that have the maximum earning potential, while still allowing for flexibility. Residual income positions, such as affiliate marketing, are probably the most useful jobs for the pregnant woman. Be sure that you understand the program that you are using for the best results.

The Pregnancy Miracle Review - Tips That Help

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful processes a woman can go through not only for the wonderful journey that accompanies the status also for the significance which marks the beginning of life. However the whole topic about pregnancy stirs up feeling of unhappiness to some women. Many people think that getting pregnant is quite simple but to some women it is one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish. Generally women are engineered differently biologically and while it may be effortless for some to get pregnant other women have to go through lengths to achieve the status. If you are on the bandwagon of women who have to go through lengths to get pregnant; all you have to do is to locate a good pregnancy miracle review offering tips on how to get pregnant.

The internet offers a wide resource of information about pregnancy and on how to get heavy with child. It is however wise to approach the tips offered with caution. There are tips which steer women towards piling their bodies up with pills which consequently results in long term detrimental effects to their health and no baby to validate what the women have to go through. Other tips have women take part in questionable rituals which border occult practices and may also involve ingesting substances which may similarly affect a woman's health. The best tips are those which advocate for natural ways of getting pregnant.

The whole science of bearing a child relates to natural biological processes without chemical aid. A woman's overall health directly relates to her readiness and ability to bear a child. The body may be subject to health limitations which decrease a woman's ability to bear a child. However every woman can get bear children as long as they take good care of their health. One of the tips advocated as a natural way of bearing children is staying positive. While many people may out right dismiss this tip, it does hold some significant relevance in the process of trying to bear children.

A woman who believes that she will get heavy with child is likely to maintain good health than a woman who may fall victim to negativity and eventually end up suffering from depression. A depressed person generally suffers from increased health problems which ultimately limit their ability to procreate. The age old method that women have been advised to use in a bid to increase their ability to procreate is to have lots of sex. While this may seem like a primitive approach to procreation the truth is that getting heavy with child begins with copulation. However copulation is approached from the stance of keenly noting a woman's ovulation periods and taking the opportunity to copulate during those periods to increase the chances of getting heavy with child.

There are quite a number of other pregnancy miracle review tips advancing for natural ways on how to get pregnant online.

How Massage Can Help Reduce Stress and Prevent Injury

Massage is so essential for overall wellness in the body. Prevention is the key here! So rather than wait until you are experiencing the pain and discomfort of injury or you feel the overwhelming stress build up in your body, use massage to reduce stress and prevent injury.

Why consider regular massage:

- Reduces muscle tension
- Improves circulation
- Stimulation of lymphatic system and helps to eliminate toxins
- Boosts immune system
- Reduction of stress hormones
- Deeply relaxes the body and mind
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Improves skin tone
- Improves concentration and alertness

Types of Massage:

Harmony Massage - Deep relaxation, using form pressure if required. Fall into a beautiful healing space of gentleness and nurturing.

Oriental Bodywork - Use of Chinese medicine techniques such as needling, cupping, spooning and acupuncture massage.

Remedial Massage - More clinical if experiencing a particular locomotor system problem. Using deep tissue and remedial techniques.

Pregnancy massage - As a woman moves through her pregnancy, she can experience changes in the body and stress on some areas that can cause discomfort. Ensures the utmost comfort for pregnant women, so that they can experience a treatment that nurtures and relaxes, whilst also tending to any problem areas. Regular massage throughout pregnancy can provide so many benefits, including:

• Relaxation and stress reduction


• Relief from muscle cramps and spasms and any other discomfort.


• Increases blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.


• Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.


• Improves outcome of labor and can ease labor pain.


• improves skin tone throughout pregnancy


• Provides physical and emotional support

Post-natal Massage - Post natal massage is so valuable. Not only is it a chance for the new mother to have some time out to relax, nurture and gather herself but it is also great for helping to reduce any stresses, provide support and release tension from any areas that may be causing discomfort from breastfeeding.

'Mother Roasting' - This is an ancient treatment practiced by many different cultures in slightly varied ways. Usually performed 2 weeks after the birth, 'Mother Roasting' is a process of warming the womb and the body to aid recovery.

'In Malaysia, the mother is given a massage a week or so after giving birth, with a special stone that is heated on the fire, wrapped in a cloth and placed on the abdomen. In South East Asia, new mothers are encouraged to sit next to the open fire. in Thailand, newly delivered women are sometimes placed in a special bed above a fire.'

Use of a Chinese Medicine technique called "Moxbustion", along with specific healing massage, warm oils and towels and warm wheat packs is a popular practise to aid recovery, restore energy and support the liver, kidney and digestive systems. This treatment is beautifully nourishing for the qi and blood in a new mothers body, which is so beneficial and needed.It is believed that it stimulates blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus. It militates against cold and dampness in the body and can serve to turn breech babies.

This treatment is really the perfect gift if you want to give something nurturing and rejuvenating for a new mother.

Where to go for Massage service:

Consider your local massage centers. Pick a convenient time, may be after work. Do not forget to make appointment through online or on phone. check the massage therapist's profile if he/she is a qualified professional. Check the accreditation authority's directory for registered practitioner's list for your locality. You should also consider personal reference from your friends and family since they can share you with personal experience.

Health Insurance - Maternity Benefits For Pregnant Ladies

The most beautiful gift given by God to a woman is the ability to deliver life which comes as the most joyous occasion for a family. However, unfortunately this beautiful feeling is hindered and overshadowed by the dark clouds of financial insecurity. A large percentage of women are clueless as to how to cover their maternity costs efficiently so as not to burn a hole in their pockets. This situation incurs the pregnant women with high stress and tension during her pregnancy which results in the complications at the point of delivery of the child.

Now, the question is how you can save yourself from the stressful situation during the pregnancy period and avoid any sort of unexpected complications. Nowadays, the high- end hospitals along with the health insurance companies have come up with excellent health coverage policies and plans including, maternity health coverage which are incredibly beneficial in making pregnancy a more economic process. These health insurance plans act as a supplement health plan which covers the high overrated costs that comes up with the nine-month pregnancy period and some of them even cover the expenses of post- pregnancy period. There is one plan which has come up newly in the market which has been covering maternity for individuals inculcating Pre & Post hospitalization Medical Expenses: Medical expenses incurred due to Illness up to 30 days period immediately before an insured person's admission to a hospital and 60 days immediately after the Person's discharge from the hospital.

Pregnancies can costs up to a lac of rupees involving all the medical costs and X- rays and sometimes, even more if that is a high-risk pregnancy. However, with a health insurance package you can have coverage for hospital visits, doctor visits, reasonable and customary charges for hospital accommodation, health check-ups. Moreover this newly introduced plan also covers the new born baby from day zero at no immediate extra cost. It will also cover vaccination expenses of the new born baby until the new born baby completes one year. So, end the worries and enjoy a stress free pregnancy.

How to Get Pregnant: Fertility Tips for Women and Men

One of the most common questions I see asked is, "How can I get pregnant?" Infertility affects ten percent of the reproductive population in the United States according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Many couples can overcome the challenge of trying to conceive through lifestyle changes.

Infertility affects both men and women. In approximately 40% of couples, male infertility contributes to or is the sole cause of their infertility. Lifestyle changes can have a dramatic impact on fertility. These tips will help both women and men increase their chances of getting pregnant.

For women...

* Use an ovulation prediction kit. This will let you know 24-48 hours before you ovulate so you can time your trying to conceive appropriately. When the test shows positive, you and your partner should have sex that day and the day after.

* Chart your basal body temperature. This provides you with a record of what is going on with your cycle. Not only will you be able to tell the day you ovulated, but charting your BBT can also identify potential problems such as low progesterone and luteal phase defects. You can download a free BBT chart from my website in either Celsius and Fahrenheit format. BBT Monthly Cycle Charts

* Take prenatal vitamins. This is essential for both your health and your baby's health. Taking folate at least one month before conception can decrease your baby's chances of having neural tube defects by 70%. The daily intake of vitamin C can help you grow a strong placenta that will last through a full term pregnancy.

For men...

* Limit or eliminate caffeine intake. Drink no more than one or two cups of coffee a day. Eliminate caffeine entirely if possible. Drinking an entire coffee pot full can be detrimental to your fertility.

* Keep cool and avoid excessive heat to your scrotum. Wear boxers instead of briefs, stay away from saunas and hot tubs, take cool showers, and avoid bike riding or over exercising.

* Take vitamins. At minimum, take a good daily multivitamin. Some important vitamins for sperm health are B12, C (500 mg daily), E (400 IUS daily), Arginine, L-Carnitine, Zinc (20 mg daily), Selenium (200 mcgs daily), and Coenzyme Q10. Folic acid is also recommended for men (400 mcgs daily). Get approval from your family doctor before taking any vitamins.

* Abstain from sex for short periods. Abstaining can increase the volume and potency of sperm, but abstaining for too long can leave too many older less motile sperm. Do not abstain for more than 3 to 6 six days.

* Be careful with medications. Some medications are known to cause fertility issues. Medications to avoid include anabolic steroids, some antibiotics (nitrofurans and macrolides), sulfasalazine (anti-diarrheal), and ketoconazole (anti-fungal).

For both of you...

* Have sex every other day throughout your fertile period. While having sex at the right time is one of the most important things you can do, some couples overlook this. A woman's egg is viable for just under 24 hours. Most sperm live 2-3 days, with some living up to five days. This means your fertile period begins approximately five days before ovulation and ends one day after.

* Exercise regularly. Exercise three or four days a week for at least 20 minutes per day. If you have not exercised in the past, then walking is a great way to get your exercise. If you have access to a place to swim, it is great exercise that is easy to get into. Remember for men that you should not over-exercise, which can create too much heat.

* Avoid toxins such as alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. Do not take any medications not approved by the ObGyn or your family doctor. Men and women both need to make sure their doctor is aware they are trying to conceive when they are prescribing medications.

* Do not smoke. This is worth repeating. Smoking can have a profoundly negative affect on your fertility. Smoking is also detrimental to the health of both you and your baby. If you are a smoker, stop smoking now.

* Eat healthy. Eat whole, natural foods. For instance, eat an orange instead of drinking orange juice. Avoid processed foods. This means for the most part sticking to the outside aisles at the grocery store where the whole foods are and staying away from the packaged foods on the inside. For bread, check the label. If it says enriched, then it is processed. Look for unprocessed whole grain breads. For oats, eat steel cut oats rather than instant.

* Get to a healthy weight. Thin men may have a low sperm count, while obese men may have their hormones out of whack - too much estrogen and not enough testosterone. Thin women do not have enough estrogen and may not ovulate, while obese women have too much estrogen to get pregnant.

* Be sure and get plenty of anti-oxidants in your diet. This includes drinking tea, eating fruit snacks like blueberries, cherries, black plums, prunes, and apples, and eating vegetables such as dark green leafy (kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, etc.), tomatoes, peppers and parsley.

* Drink water and lots of it. A man should drink half his weight in ounces of water per day. If he weighs 200 pounds, he should drink 100 ounces of water. A woman should drink a minimum of 100 ounces of water per day.

* Avoid stress. This can be hard to do, especially during the two week wait, but it is essential for your reproductive health. Relax and enjoy this time with each other.

* Avoid toxins. Do not take any medications unless approved by your ObGyn and your family doctor. Stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and recreation drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.

* Avoid environmental hazards such as pesticides, lead, heavy metals, and radiation.

Following these lifestyle change tips can help many couples improve their chances of getting pregnant. Some changes will provide almost immediate improvement, and some take longer. Keep in mind that it takes three months for a man to grow sperm, so if things like smoking or excessive heat have hurt or killed his sperm, it can take that long for the lifestyle changes to take affect.

Acupuncture to Induce Labor? Acupressure is a Better Way to Induce Labor Naturally

An ancient method of improving the body's health and functions is acupuncture. With the growing popularity of acupuncture techniques, no wonder it is also being used to induce labor. Many acupuncture specialists will assist expectant mothers when their pregnancy is at full term and past due. Acupuncture is the practice of using thin needles on specific points throughout the body, encouraging labor. The fact is acupressure is just as effective, without the use of needles. Acupressure is a method of applying pressure to these same points on the body with just your fingertips. The acupressure technique is so simple it can be done in the comfort of your home!

Acupressure techniques have been around maybe even longer that acupuncture. Maternity acupressure method is proven safe and effective for inducing labor, unlike many other natural labor inducing remedies or medications that can cause a more painful labor and could be risky for both the mother and child.

Maternity Acupressure is both natural and effective. It has been shown to, not only to induce labor, but it makes giving birth easier and helps remove much of the pain associated with childbirth. Using drugs or pharmaceuticals to induce labor is very common; however it has a high degree of risk. This is a safe and natural way to induce labor without the complications and effects of medications. Acupressure for labor has been used by thousands of birthing women and is safe, effective, and doesn't carry risky side effects.

In fact, many labor health care workers and professionals are recognizing the advantages that labor acupressure techniques offer and are encouraging women who are past their due dates to utilize the benefits of acupressure before agreeing to induce labor with pharmaceuticals.

A recent controlled study shows that women who were given labor acupressure treatments after they were past their due dates experienced a natural onset of labor significantly more often than those women whose acupressure points for labor were not treated (Complement Ther. Med. 2005). This study shows how those who use labor and delivery acupressure methods see better results as opposed to those who don't use acupressure methods.

Studies prove that acupressure helps to encourage the onset of labor while reducing the pain that accompanies it. The women who used this simple holistic method found it either extremely helpful or very helpful in inducing labor at home and/or giving relief from labor pains. In addition, labor partners stated the technique made them feel more helpful during childbirth. The frustration of not being able to help the birthing mother is common among fathers and other supporting care-givers, and thus this hands-on method gave them a way to actively be part of the unique life event. In addition, several women expressed how impressed they were by their labor partners; the maternity acupressure techniques were easy for them to learn and they were able to help control labor pains making their partners comfortable.

Psychological Changes During Pregnancy

According to Psychologist Laura M. Glynn of Chapman University, "Pregnancy is a critical period for central nervous development in mothers." Psychologically speaking, the incorporation of a stranger in your body and future life is the main challenge presented before a pregnant woman and her husband.

There is a tremendous change in the hormonal secretions during pregnancy. This is the only time in the life of a woman when she faces massive hormonal fluctuations. The upheaval of pregnancy makes nearly all women emotionally fragile and sensitive. Research has suggested that the reproductive hormones prepare a woman's brain for the demands and tasks of impending motherhood.

Self- Image

The changing size and shape of body may make some women feel awkward about them. They may think that they are no more attractive in the eyes of their partners. In many societies pregnancy is still associated with social stigmas. A pregnant woman is not deemed fit to work.

A pregnant woman is treated differently outside and in the work place. If you are in your late trimester, then your colleagues may show anxiousness towards your well -being, in turn affecting your work efficiency.

Mood Swings

Thanks to the hormones, you will feel an emotional turmoil building within you. The changes during pregnancy make all women feel emotionally fragile, prone to crying and feelings of panic. Even in the healthiest of pregnancies, the pregnant woman feels some confusion and extreme mood swings.

Feelings about Your Partner

The emotional upheaval brings many changes for you and your partner as a couple. There are a lot of demands on your relationship and you expect a lot and at times, unrealistically from your partner. The reality of approaching parenthood sometimes causes tension. Strengthening the bond while coming to terms with pregnancy in the initial stages of pregnancy may prove claustrophobic and there may be a lot of friction and conflict between the mother and the father.

Special Anxieties

There are a lot of anxieties related to your baby during pregnancy. The first trimester is marked with an apprehension of losing your baby, or a miscarriage. The second trimester is a trimester of general well -being and health. The third term brings with itself anxieties towards delivery and labor. You start nurturing anxieties as to whether your baby will have any kind of abnormalities, whether you will be a capable parent, or whether you will be able to cope with the day to day care. If there has been a previous infertility, then the anxiety of pregnancy assumes a different meaning altogether.

Dreams during pregnancy may be disturbing or even have a purpose of their own. You may dream about losing the baby, or dropping your baby, or a baby that is stillborn. These dreams represent a perfectly legitimate fear that you have at the back of your mind. Sometimes you even dream of hurting yourself and in turn your baby as well.

Dreams may be considered as a release for your anxieties. It is a healthy symptom of wanting to do the best for your baby. Every pregnant woman at some stage worries about something being wrong with the baby, and these dreams are part of an understandable concern for the baby's well-being.

There are concerns about labor as well. Anxiety related to behavior, the ability to bear pain, and losing control are normal human concerns.

What to Do about These Psychological Changes

-Believe in yourself and your image.

-Try to be positive.

-Involve your-self in some pleasurable aspect of preparing for the baby's arrival.

-Talk to your partner. Be generous towards your partner.

-Encourage yourself to take a general interest in looking good, eating healthy and keeping fit.

-You can also go for pregnancy support counseling.

-Discuss your issues with a psychologist, friend, colleague, partner and other parents.

There are definitive findings on the effect of the prenatal environment on the baby. There is full correlation between life inside the uterus and life outside. There are evidences that maternal anxiety early in gestation takes its toll on the baby's cognitive development, and high levels of stress hormones late in pregnancy also enhance it.

There is new scientific evidence that the way a mother affects her fetus, in a similar way the fetus affects its mother!

Finding Pregnancy Help With Ergonomics

Pregnancy is a time of both excitement and anticipation. As you await the birth of your child, you will have many physical changes. Your body will stretch as your baby grows within you and along with this, you will experience new aches and pains.

It seems that pregnancy affects women in different ways. Some women are hardly bothered by their changing bodies while others seem to be sick and feel awkward from the very beginning. Although it is great to have the support of others, do not become frustrated if your symptoms are unique when compared to others. We all have different bodies and therefore, pregnancy is going to affect different women in different ways.

One thing that is normally a problem during pregnancy is sleep. You will likely be taking naps and feeling quite fatigued during the first part of your pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, however, you will find it harder and harder to find a comfortable position to sleep in. In fact, it's not even usual to have insomnia in the last few months, lying awake in bed for hours upon end. Thankfully, there are several ergonomic products available to help you get comfortable so you can rest and sleep.

A cradle sleeping pillow is specially engineered to help you relax and get comfortable enough to get to sleep and stay asleep. These pillows are made of various densities and heights so you can get exactly what you need for a good night's rest. Providing extra support to the shoulders, neck and arms, you will wake up refreshed and rejuvenated after a night's rest with a cradle pillow. A neck roll is another product that some pregnant women find helpful. Not as large as the sleeping pillow, the neck roll fits right under the neck, providing support and rest. In order to accommodate your needs, the neck rolls are available in various sizes.

A sleeping bean is another great product for pregnant women. These full length pillows make it easy for anyone to get more comfortable, especially women who are pregnant. Not only will you find support for your legs, back and hips, but you will also find that it will bend flex to any position that you need to find the comfort you need. With the sleeping bean, you will be able to take the pressure off of painful or uncomfortable body parts and get the sleep you need. Most women wrap their bodies around the bean and are able to get comfortable enough to get to sleep.

Another type of cradle pillow that many women find helpful is one that fits right under your belly as you sleep. You will then be able to sleep on your side, which is what most doctors recommend for pregnant women. Another great thing about this cradle pillow is that you can use it later when you nurse or are recovering from your pregnancy. It's a pillow that you will want to keep around for many uses.

So, there are many products available to help a pregnant woman get some rest and sleep through the night in the most comfortable positions. However, being pregnant does not mean sleeping all the time. Nearly half of all women in the United States alone will continue to work while they are pregnant, up until the time of their delivery. So, there are health issues at work and home that can be helped with ergonomic products also.

One complaint of pregnancy is the swelling of legs, feet and ankles while walking or standing for long periods of time. During pregnancy, women tend to retain water and if too much swelling occurs, there can be other problems that can be risky for both mother and baby. An ergonomic product that might be able to help with this is an adjustable foot rest. A foot rest that is adjustable will allow you to raise your feet and legs to a comfortable position where they will receive adequate blood flow and also prevent strain to your back and legs.

You will definitely want to consider buying a lumbar back support if you are going to be working at a desk chair. These supports will give your back comfort to help you get your work done. Most lumbar supports will fit in any type of chair, even the car, so you can have support while traveling or working. Of course, a spine wedge for the bottom of your chair will also help with circulation and take the strain off of your back, legs and hips. These can also be used at night for support between the knees.

These are just a few of the ergonomic products that can help during pregnancy. Other products that can be helpful to pregnant women are an ergonomic office desk, anti-fatigue mats and lumbar cushions. Depending upon your needs, your discomfort, your pregnancy and what type of work you do, there are ergonomic products out there to help give you the support you need during this exciting time in your life.

Back Pain In Pregnancy - Essential Tips That Can Help

Women commonly experience back pain in pregnancy. So, what are some of the reasons for this physical condition? When a woman gets pregnant, some of the hormones in her body known as the pregnancy hormones start to soften the ligaments. This movement further causes the joints to move around more than usual. This is the time when pregnant women start to feel pain in their back. Some women can even experience strained ligaments. Apart from the hormones, another cause is the postural problems that are caused by the growing uterus. Also, the position of the baby is another reason. Towards the end of pregnancy, the baby settles in a position that compresses the nerves causing the pain.

In dealing with back pain in pregnancy, women need to learn how to understand their body changes. They need to be flexible enough, so they can right away adjust to their present condition. It might be a little difficult, but they must try to learn how to establish a good posture. One way is to put a rolled up towel or lumbar cushion right behind the lower part of your back. You can also make use of pillows in order to prevent yourself from slouching.

Other ways of having good posture includes keeping your chin up, keeping your shoulders slightly up and back, keeping your head centered over the shoulders, keeping the knees slightly bent, and exercising with the focus on the abdominal muscles. Avoiding wearing high heel shoes can also help you prevent back pain in pregnancy.

You need to concentrate on exercising. By just walking for 20 to 30 minutes day, you can really prevent yourself from experiencing excessive back pain. Women, who don't know when and how to start the exercise, should consult their midwife or physician regarding the most appropriate abdominal exercises in pregnancy. They can also ask a professional instructor.

Having a good amount of rest is very important for pregnant women. You need more rest towards the end of your pregnancy. Pregnant women should sleep on their side at night. Putting a pillow between the knees or using a body pillow will help. There are so many other techniques that could reduce or prevent back pain in pregnancy. However, these techniques will be ineffective without a good amount of self discipline. Women need to understand themselves first and develop the needed self discipline, before they proceed to applying some procedures that could keep them away from feeling pain at their back.

Five Crucial Steps To Ensure Successful Pregnancy and Safe Delivery

Every woman longs to be pregnant someday, but not all women know what it takes to be safely pregnant for between thirty seven to forty weeks. It does not matter whether you are pregnant for the first or second time or several times before, this article aims to let you into some of the information that may have eluded you until now.

Pregnancy can manifest same signs and symptoms such as headaches, fainting spells, dizziness and mood swings, nausea, fatigue, food cravings associated with other Health conditions, but if all or any of those were preceded or followed by morning sickness and tender or swollen breasts, then you might be really pregnant.

The need for a pregnancy test

Most women who have had the above symptoms have not cared or thought it necessary to go for a pregnancy test. A lot of them have self-medicated, took malaria drugs that harmed their fetus. If you feel any of the above symptoms while sexually active, go take a pregnancy test at your nearest clinic or get a pregnancy test kit at your neighborhood pharmacy and do it yourself at home.

The Importance of Regular Prenatal Clinic

Obstetricians are specially trained pregnancy and babies' doctors who are your best friends while pregnant. Do not forget to schedule a meeting with your obstetrician for registration, several other tests, and to provide you with information in respect of your due delivery date and schedule of monthly prenatal visits for the care of your baby.

If you have any health issues, you will be given drugs to remedy it. If not, you will be given gestation vitamins and advice on proper diet and exercise. Prenatal visits are very important for a successful pregnancy and safe delivery, but most pregnant women neglect it.

The three trimesters of Pregnancy and their problems.

1. The first trimester - first 12 weeks of gestation - will give rise to increased levels of progesterone, your ability to absorb food into your body will be compromised, and morning sickness, constipation, flatulence and heartburn will set in.

2. The second trimester - from the 13th to the 27th week of gestation - brings with it a welcome lessening of your morning sickness, but your waistline, increase in belly size and more varicose veins etc may make you uncomfortable.

3. The third trimester - 28th week of gestation - is the period when you begin to notice the movement of the child in you. You will begin to feel more fatigue; your legs may become swollen and weakened. Your baby's activities may begin to hamper your movement. You may develop skin rashes, generally feel very uncomfortable, and waddle. Regular prenatal visits will help you deal with all those pregnancy problems with care and advice from your prenatal clinic.

Inform your Doctor about the Medical History of your family.

It is crucial that you inform your doctor about your family medical history, so that you can be well examined against genetic illnesses or birth abnormalities that may happen to your baby if adequate medical care and attention is not given to it.

Inform your doctor about your current medical conditions.

It is very important that your doctor is informed about your current medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, cardiac disease etc., so that he or she can help you with precautions against pregnancy complications.

How To Get Skinny After Pregnancy

I'm going to show you how to get skinny after pregnancy. If you're struggling with pregnancy weight gain, relax... it's not as touch as you'd think to get rid of. Here are 4 simple rules to follow. Following them will get you skinny.

First, I'd like to congratulate you on the birth of your baby. Now however, it's time for me to show you how to get skinny.

Rule #1: Move around more

Yeah, it's boring when said like that. But do this. Get a mini-trampoline ($25 at Wal-Mart) and jump on it for 2 minutes at a time. If you watch tv, do it during commercials. Did you know each 1 hour tv show has about 22 minutes of commercials. So there's 22 minutes of working out without making you more busy or forcing you to block out 30-60 minutes to workout. You get 2 things done at once. Make it three... you also get skinny.

Rule #2: Eat more meals, just smaller meals

This helps speed up your metabolism while making your digestive system way more efficient in pulling out important nutrients for you and expelling the useless wastes. Like the rule above, it accomplishes 2 things at once. It'll also cut down on your cravings since you won't have fluctuating blood sugar levels due to big meals.

Rule #3: Eat a big breakfast

Oh, wait... didn't I just say to eat small meals above? Yes I did. And you can still eat a small breakfast if you want, but if you're to eat a big meal, make sure it's at breakfast time so you have time to burn off all the calories later in the day.

Also, by having your big meal in the morning, you're "front loading" your calories. This helps you to eat less and snack less later in the day. The best choice for breakfast would be 3-4 scrambled eggs with 1/2 a can of black beans.

It's high in fiber and protein... which is exactly what you need for breakfast.

Rule #4: Snack strategically

With my clients, I've found that their snacking seems to hurt their weight loss efforts more than their meals. So let's take care of this right now for you as well. For snacks, I want you to eat only the following foods... low calorie yogurt, baby food puree, apples, grapefruit, 10 black olives, a slice of cheese wrapped around a dill pickle, string cheese, or red grapes. That's it!

If you're serious about losing your pregnancy pounds, then that's how to get skinny after pregnancy. Nothing complicated. So do it and thank me later.

Low Thyroid Symptoms - Keeping Up With Thyroid Problems

Hypothyroidism happens if you have low levels of thyroid hormones. It is a serious problem and affects a great number of people today. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can be dangerously fatal. Normally, your thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that help maintain and keep your system healthy and balanced. In addition, these same hormones regulate your metabolism. Whenever your thyroid gland is not functioning properly, low thyroid symptoms start occurring and a condition like hypothyroidism happens. Most of the time, this problem occurs in women over 50 years old.

Knowing the Low Thyroid Symptoms

Some of the more common low thyroid symptoms that happen can sometimes go undetected for years and years because of its subtlety. Most of them are common symptoms that we encounter once in a while so it leaves us thinking that it is normal and harmless. However, if not taken care of right away, these low thyroid symptoms can cause even more deadly problems. Two of the most prominent symptoms that people experience are fatigue and low energy levels. Other symptoms also include constipation, depression, muscle weakness, dry skin, puffiness, hoarseness, abnormal sensitivity to the cold, joint stiffness, weight gain, and higher cholesterol levels. It could also cause menstrual irregularities in women that suffer from this problem. You will notice that these low thyroid symptoms are quite common. Therefore, without having yourself checked, it might be difficult to detect that you have low thyroid problems.

Living with Low Thyroid Problems

People who suffer from low thyroid symptoms will attest to the fact that this can pose as a big challenge to everyday activities. You need to follow thyroid-specific medications to help minimize the effects of your low thyroid problems in your usual activities. One of them is of course for you to have a healthy diet. Find time to get some exercise, get plenty of sleep and rest as well as time off to relax. Low thyroid symptoms should be taken seriously. When detected, make sure to seek professional help to find the cause of the symptoms. This helps in preventing the problem from worsening and gives you a good chance to prevent further complications from developing.