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10 Ways to Lower Your Mortgage Payment

 
A high mortgage payment can account for a large majority of your income, leaving you with very little to cover the rest of your regular living expenses each month. It's best to keep your mortgage costs low and under 30 percent of your take home income so you won't feel a financial strain each month. If you're wondering how to lower your mortgage payments each month, there is more than one way to achieve that goal.



If you feel like your monthly mortgage is too high, here are 10 ways to reduce your mortgage.

1. Extend Your Repayment Term
A simple way to lower your mortgage payment is to extend your term (which is also referred to as re-casting or re-amortizing) if you can. You don't even need to refinance your mortgage to do this because most lenders will simply offer this service for a fee of about $250.

If you extend your 15- or 30-year mortgage to a 40-year mortgage, your monthly mortgage payment will decrease since you have more time to pay back your loan by stretching out the term. While you may pay more interest on your mortgage over time with this option, it's best for borrowers who need an immediate solution and may consider refinancing their mortgage in the future.

2. Refinance Your Mortgage
If you do choose to refinance your mortgage, it is one of the best ways to help ensure you lower your mortgage payment and your interest rate so you can pay less in interest over the life of your loan. You must have good credit to refinance, but you can utilize our refinance calculator to estimate how much you can save and how your mortgage payment would be decreased by.

3. Make a Larger Down Payment
If you are still in the market for a home, consider putting a large down payment down in order to keep your monthly mortgage low. While it's best to put at least 20 percent down, if you aren't in an immediate hurry to buy, see if you can set aside even more.

The more you put down on your home, the lower your mortgage will be. And if you put at least 20 percent down, you won't have to pay private mortgage insurance which will save you quite a bit of money as well.

4. Get Rid of Your PMI
If you bought your house and put down less than 20 percent of the purchase price as a down payment, you are probably paying mortgage insurance on top of your regular mortgage payment which can add tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to the overall cost of your home loan.

The good news, however, is that you can get rid of PMI. First, you have to repay enough of your mortgage so that you gain at least 20 percent equity in your home. Then, you can request your lender drop your PMI. Your lender may send an appraiser to your property to verify how much equity you have in your home before getting rid of the PMI, but either way if it is removed, your mortgage payment will be lowered.

5. Have Your Home's Tax Assessment Redone
If your home loan has an escrow, property taxes may take up a noticeable chunk of your mortgage payment each month. Property taxes are based on each county's tax assessment of how much your home or land are worth. Some homes in urban areas are overvalued causing the taxes to be high. The assessment is different from an appraisal since it is conducted by your county for tax purposes only.

As a homeowner, you can request to have the assessment done again or protest it by filing with your county and requesting a hearing with the State Board of Equalization. If the protest is approved, your homeowner's taxes will decrease along with your monthly mortgage payment.

6. Make Extra Payments Toward the Principle
If you'd rather see your mortgage payments decrease later instead of instantly, you should actually consider making extra payments on your mortgage each month. Like with all debt that has an interest rate, the more you put toward the principal balance, the sooner you pay the debt off and in the meantime, your extra payments can help reduce what you owe in the future.

If you can manage to make double payments each month for a year, you'll reduce the principle balance of your loan, pay less in interest, and possibly gain more equity in your home so you can drop PMI if you have it.

Making extra payments isn't always easy, but if you have a dual-income household, or receive any gift money or bonuses at work, you can certainly try to achieve that goal.

7. Choose an Interest-Only Mortgage
When you get a mortgage, some lenders don't require you to begin paying off your balance right away and will offer you an interest-only loan. Interest-only (I/O) mortgages occur in two stages: the first phase, where you only pay the interest on your mortgage and the second phase, where you pay off the actual principal balance plus interest.

If you have a 30-year mortgage and spend the first five years paying only interest, your monthly payment may seem pretty low, but you must pay off the rest of your mortgage in the remaining 25 years. I/O mortgages are a temporary way to lower your mortgage payments and can work out as long as you plan to increase your payments after the interest only phase is up.

8. Pay Your PMI Upfront
When you close on your home, you'll have the option to pay your private mortgage insurance upfront if you didn't put 20 percent down. Instead of having to pay extra on your mortgage year after year, you can just take care of PMI by paying a one-time fee.

This is why it's important to budget for extra expenses associated with buying a home and have plenty of savings set aside so you can make money-saving decisions like this. You may not have enough in your bank account to make a 20 percent down payment, but you may be able to cover your mortgage insurance.

9. Rent Out Part of Your Home
If you have the extra space, having a tenant can greatly reduce the cost of your monthly mortgage payment. If you have an extra bedroom, basement, or addition on your home, consider renting space out to a friend or trusted tenant who can pay you rent each month.

Even if it's just $300, that will help knock your mortgage payment down quite bit if you can't refinance or utilize some of the other options just yet.

10. Federal Loan Modification Programs
If you're undergoing a financial hardship and need to reduce your mortgage payment as a result, there area few federal loan modification programs to choose from. They can be available through your lender and you must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to reduce your mortgage payments short-term or long-term.

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, talk to your lender and explore all of these options mentioned above to see which solution will help improve your situation.

7 Easy Ways to Trim Your Mortgage Costs

 
As with most homeowners, your mortgage payment is probably your largest monthly expense. Wouldn’t it be nice to trim this huge cost and perhaps shorten the life of your loan? We have listed seven tips below to help save you money on your mortgage.



[In Pictures: The Worst States for Millionaires.]

The tips below are based on this hypothetical mortgage example (savings will vary based on your actual loan facts and timing of the change):

$200,000 mortgage
30-year fixed rate mortgage
6 percent interest rate
$1,199 monthly principal and interest payment
1. Add One Extra Payment Each Year

Perhaps the easiest way to save money on your mortgage is to make an extra mortgage payment each year. These extra payments are automatically applied on your principal, not interest. Not only does your remaining balance drop, but you will not have to pay interest each month on that principal for the remainder of the loan term.

Savings: $47,000. By making one extra payment of $1,199 each year and applying it to your principal, you could save over $47,000 in interest and cut 5 years off the life of the loan.

2. Set up Bi-Weekly Payments

Another trick to pay off your loan early is by creating a bi-weekly payment plan. Put half of your monthly mortgage payment in a savings account every other Friday (or, on your pay day). Each month, pay your mortgage from the account. At the end of the year, you will have made 26 half payments, which is 13 full payments. This will leave with you an extra payment that you can put toward your principal. Most people manage the separate accounts themselves, but there are companies that you can hire to act as an escrow service and manage the payments for you. Beware that they could charge you for this service.

Savings: $47,000. Same as extra payment.

3. Get Rid of Your PMI

If your down payment was less than 20 percent, you were probably required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, you can petition your lender to cancel the insurance as soon as your mortgage balance falls below 80 percent of the home’s appraised value. This can happen if your home’s value has gone up or you have repaid some of the principal. This may require a new appraisal but could shave hundreds of dollars off your monthly payment.

Savings: $130 per month. If you only put down 5 percent and had a PMI rate of .78 percent, you could save $130 per month.

4. Reduce Your Assessment

Property taxes can cost thousands of dollars a year. If you think your home’s value has decreased in the last year and it was not properly accounted for in your tax assessment, you can petition your assessor and fight your assessment. Lowering your tax assessment will lower your yearly taxes.

Savings: Varies. Depends on your local tax rate and home adjustment, but could be hundreds of dollars a year.

5. Reset Your Mortgage

This is not commonly known, but some lenders will reset (recast) your monthly payment if you make a large payment towards the principal of your mortgage. Your monthly payment stays the same, but the term of your loan shortens. When the loan is recast, your monthly principal and interest is recalculated so you end up with a lower monthly payment over the existing term of the loan.

Savings: $120 per month. Putting $20,000 into the loan would reset the payment to $1,079, saving you $120 per month.

[See 10 Smart Ways to Improve Your Budget.]

6. Modify Your Loan

If you are late on your payments and are going through a financial hardship, you may be eligible to modify terms of your loan (such as rate, term, or principal balance) to make it more affordable. The goal of these programs is to allow borrowers to stay in their homes and continue making their monthly payments. Not everyone qualifies for these types of programs, but if you do, they can save you a lot of money. To find out if you qualify, contact the servicer of your mortgage or visit the Making Home Affordable eligibility site.

Savings: Varies. It can reduce your interest rate to as low as 2 percent, extend your term to 40 years, or reduce your principal.

7. Refinance

Lastly, the most common way to save money on your mortgage is by refinancing to a lower interest rate. Reducing your rate can lower your monthly payment and help you save on interest payments. However, there are costs associated with refinancing so you want to be sure you are going to save enough to cover the refinancing fees. With rates at historic lows, if you can refinance, and you haven’t already, you should consider it.

Savings: $126 per month. By lowering your interest rate to 5 percent, you would have a payment of $1,073 which would save you $126 per month. If the refinance costs $5,000, you would recoup the fees after 40 months.

Nate Moch is a mortgage correspondent for Zillow Blog, a resource for real estate and mortgage news.

The World's Top 10 Investment Banks

 
Investment banking is a stream of banking that primarily focuses on capital financing for global and local businesses, individuals and even governments. These diversified finance requirements can be in the form of equity/debt IPO, bonds offering, mergers and acquisitions, portfolio management, etc. (See Related: Information and Advice on Investment Banking)



How are investments banks ranked? While there can be several criteria, the easy ones to look at are the revenue numbers, global reach, employee headcount, income, etc.

This article lists the top 10 full service global investment banks, with a brief introductory description and recent income details of each, based on a combination of the above-mentioned parameters. Although investment banks have a lot more functions (like retail banking) which may not necessarily fall within investment banking space, the list below indicates the top rated banks and their numbers as a whole. Details specific to investment banking division are included, based on available data.

· Goldman Sachs (GS): One of the oldest banking firms founded in 1869 and headquartered in New York, GS offers a wide range of services spread across four divisions - investment banking, institutional client services, investing and lending and investment management. Goldman Sachs reported net revenues of $34.210 billion for 2013, of which investment banking division contributed $6 billion. Other divisions’ revenues were higher, but maximum percentage growth was in the investment banking space (around 20% - compared to 2012). Earnings per share (EPS) were $16.34.

· JP Morgan Chase (JPM): One of the largest investment banks, JPM Chase reported net revenues of $96,606 million, of which investment banking revenue contributed $1,700 million. EPS was $4.39. “The firm has $2.4 trillion in assets and $211.2 billion in stockholders’ equity” and operates in 60 countries with more than 260,000 employees with a diversified set of services. Apart from investment banking, it also operates in small business finance, international banking, transaction processing and private equity.

· Barclays (BCS): Founded in 1896, the London, UK based investment bank hit the recent headlines for allegations about rigging of London interbank rates and news about huge number of job cuts globally. Backed by a strong workforce of 139,600 employees globally, reports indicate total income of £28,444 million of which the investment banking segment contributed to £10,733 million – a segment decline of 9% compared to previous year. Overall, EPS was 3.8 pence. Along with investment banking, it has a strong presence in retail and commercial banking and card processing business.

· Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA-ML): The large entity formed by erstwhile Merrill Lynch being taken over by Bank of America following the 2008 financial crisis, offers a wide array of banking services including investment banking, mortgage, trading, brokerage and card services. Operating in 40 countries across the globe with total revenue of $89,801 million, the investment banking division contributed $6,126 million (up from $5,299 of 2012). The overall EPS was $0.94 for 2013. (Report)

· Morgan Stanley (MS): Founded in 1935 and headquartered in New York USA, the global firm employs 55,794 employees spread across multiple countries. It reported net revenue of $32,417 million, of which the investment banking segment contributed $5,246 million. EPS was $1.42. Apart from the usual capital raising, M&A, corporate restructuring services, the firm also offers diversified services like prime brokerage, custodian, settlement and clearing, etc.

· Deutsche Bank (DB): Based in Germany and listed on XETRA stock exchange, Deutsche Bank reported a net revenue of EUR 31,915 million. One of the largest financial services firms of Europe, DB specializes in the cross border payments, international trade financing, cash management, card services, mortgage, insurance and the usual investment banking stream. Deutsche has a global presence with operations in 71 countries.

· Citigroup: Tracing its roots back to the origin of Citibank in 1812, Citi today has 251,000 employees with business and operations in 160 countries. Of the total revenues of $76,366 million reported for 2013, contributions from investment banking rose 8% from the prior year to $4,000 million. EPS was $4.35. The bank has a strong presence in investment banking, investment management, private banking and card processing streams.

· Credit Suisse (DHY): With a net income of CHF 2,131 million and EPS of 1.22 in year 2013 (report), the Zurich Switzerland based Credit Suisse group founded in 1856 today employs 46,000 members across the globe in over 50 countries. Apart from the regular investment banking business, it also has presence in taxation and advisory, structural lending, real estate leasing and investment research services.

· UBS: Another Swiss investment firm founded in 1862 and headquartered in Zurich, UBS had a net income of CHF 27,732 million and EPS of 0.83 CHF in the year 2013 (report). The firm has a strong workforce of more than 60,000 employees across the globe with majority of them in US and Switzerland. The firm specializes in services to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, in addition to the investment banking, private, retail and commercial banking streams.

· HSBC: Another London based financial powerhouse founded in 1865 with operation in 75 countries serving 54 million global customers through 254,000 employees, HSBC offers a wide variety of services ranging from forex, leasing, M&A, card processing, account services, investment banking and private banking. Revenue totaling $ 64,645 for year 2013, EPS was 0.84 USD (report).

50 Best Investment Banks to Work For

 
50 Best Investment Banks to Work For

Today, we release our annual Vault Banking 50, a ranking of the best investment banking firms to work for in North America.

This year, the rankings were based on a survey of more than 3,000 investment banking professionals at all levels, from analysts and associates to managing directors and partners. Our survey asked professionals to rate their peer firms in terms of prestige, as well as their own firms in numerous quality of life categories, including culture, compensation, overall satisfaction, training, work/life balance, hours, and diversity.


To calculate the Vault Banking 50, we used a weighted formula that combines a firm's prestige score and various quality of life ratings, creating an overall "best to work for" ranking. We also compiled rankings in Prestige, Quality of Life, and Diversity.

Noteworthy this year, along with a new No. 1 firm, was the continued rise of the investment banking boutiques. Several boutiques (the relatively smaller banks on Wall Street) had excellent years in our rankings, rising many places in numerous categories. This underscored the smaller firms' continued rise in the investment banking league tables, as well as their successful implentation of various workplace policies.

What follows are this year’s big winners: the top 10 firms of the 2017 Vault Banking 50. All of our new banking rankings can be found here.

Multiple Sclerosis Basics

 
Multiple Sclerosis, also commonly known as MS, is a chronic, long-lasting and usually progressive disease affecting the central nervous system. MS progresses by cause sing continued damage to sheaths of nerve cells in the spinal cord, brain and optic nerves.

In MS, immune cells attack myelin. Myelin is a fatty-type substance that protects and insulates nerve fibers and nerve sheaths. Damage to myelin results in the growth of scar tissue. The scar tissue and other damage to the nerve sheath and nerve fiber disrupt and sometimes distort nerve impulses traveling back and forth between the brain and spinal cord. This distortion and disruption can produce many different symptoms across the entire body, which comprise the known effects of MS.

Resulting symptoms associated with MS include, but are not limited to:

• poor muscular coordination
• blurred vision
• difficulty with speech
• compromise basic bodily functions

There are 4 known types of MS, called "courses."

There are 4 Courses of MS:

Relapsing Remitting

The most common course of MS is Relapsing Remitting MS, occurring in an approximate 90% of MS patients. Patients with this course of MS typically experience symptoms of the disease in their 20s; attacks are periodic and then the disease goes into remission. Most patients with Relapsing Remitting MS will ultimately progress into a secondary progressive phase of the disease.

Primary Progressive

For MS patients with Primary Progressive MS, their symptoms generally see an increase (get worse) after being diagnosed with the disease. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 10 patients with MS are diagnosed with the primary progressive course of MS.

Secondary Progressive

Most MS patients develop Secondary Progressive MS after having Relapsing Remitting MS. In this course of MS, symptoms and attacks begin to steadily occur without remission. The time frame associated with Secondary Progressive MS is between 10 and 20 years after the patient is diagnosed with the Relapsing Remitting course of the disease.

Progressive Relapsing

Progressive Relapsing is the least common form of MS. In this course, symptoms do not abate and become progressive between each attack or relapse. Progressive Relapsing is sometimes seen as a more acute course of Primary Progressive MS. Studies suggest that only 5% of MS patients have this course of the disease.

How is MS Treated

There is no known cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Treatments for MS usually focus on helping a patient quickly recover from attacks or relapses and slowing down the progression of the disease while managing other symptoms consequent to the disease.

The cause of MS has not been discovered. There is, therefore, no known cure for the disease to date.

MS is not known to be hereditary; however, having an immediate relative with MS has shown to pose as a significant risk factor for disease development.

It is also widely believed by medical scientists that there are unknown environmental variables that trigger MS in people who have an inherent genetic predisposition to develop the disease.

As an example, the incidence of MS is significantly lower near the Equator. The underlying theory is Vitamin D plays an important role in the occurrence of MS. The populations residing near the earth's equator are exposed to significant amounts of sun-produced natural vitamin D. Vitamin D is thought to bolster the immune system functions and may fortify the immune system against immune mediated diseases such as MS.

There are many clinical studies focussed on finding cures and better therapies for multiple sclerosis. Some of these studies are observational, requiring answers to interview questions. Other studies measure the efficacy of a new or modified drug. Continental Clinical may have a paid study that may be of interest to you. Contact our study hotline at 443-574-4787 or visit us at http://www.continentalclinical.com

What Is Bradycardia?

 
Bradycardia is a type of arrhythmia characterized by reduced heart rate, which is less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). It can be considered as a variation of the norm in well-trained athletes, but most often it accompanies various cardiovascular pathologies. Slow heart rate is manifested by fatigue, semi-conscious state or transient loss of consciousness, cold sweats, darkening in the eyes, chest pain, dizziness, unstable levels of blood pressure; although, it can be asymptomatic as well.

If a person experiences any of the above symptoms, he or she should seek medical advice as soon as possible, since bradycardia can cause the following complications:

• Stokes-Adams attacks - periodic loss of consciousness. Such faints are followed by general muscle spasms, the pulse becomes too slow or undetectable, skin cover becomes very pale and breathing - deep;
• Sudden cardiac arrest;
• Arterial hypertension or unstable blood pressure;
• Coronary heart disease, effort or rest (unstable) angina pectoris;
• Development of chronic circulatory failure.

Pathological bradycardia can be the symptom of the following:
• Hypothyroidism - reduced production of thyroid hormones;
• Cardiovascular disorders like myocardial infarction, endocarditis or myocarditis;
• Acute intoxication (lead, pesticides, nicotine, narcotic substances);
• Traumatic brain injury, increased intracranial pressure;
• Infections such as typhoid, viral hepatitis, sepsis;
• Side effect of certain medications, for example, beta-blockers, cardiac glycosides, etc.

However, regardless of the cause of bradycardia, disturbed function of the sinus node (it means it cannot synthesize electrical impulses with the rate over 60 bpm) or inadequate spread of the impulses through the conduction pathways lie at the heart of this condition.

Preventive measures of bradycardia may include control and management of blood pressure and heart rate, healthy diet (reduced fat and salt consumption), smoking cessation and adequate alcohol consumption, maintenance of the work-rest regimen, fresh air, and regular physical activity. Annual medical check-ups will help to detect and cure any type of bradycardia.

Here are the basic principles of bradycardia treatment:
• If the heart rate is less than 60 bpm but no diseases of the cardiovascular system or other body organs are found, it's enough to apply preventive measures;
• The treatment of an underlying disease that provokes bradycardia;
• Change in the medications that can cause bradycardia;
• Severe bradycardia (heart rate less than 40 beats per minute) that leads to the development of heart failure can require a surgery to implant a pacemaker.

Dangerous forms of bradycardia require emergency treatment and hospitalization of the patient. Self-treatment is not an option.

Agoraphobia and Soclal Phobia

 
Agoraphobia - Fear of Open Spaces

Agoraphobia is a little more complex than that - it is the fear of being in any situation where things could go wrong without the chance to escape or get help. A lady contacted me who had been suffering worsening conditions for more than seven years. Initially it started as a little unease when people visited the house and developed into a situation where she could not go into a shop a bank or any public place without full-blown panic attack symptoms. Her heart would pound and she would feel sick and sweat all over, almost fainting at the thought of having to go and buy a loaf of bread. She also became more and more distressed at people visiting her home. Whether her symptoms were those of social phobia and or agoraphobia was never medically diagnosed. What was worse for her, was the youngest of her children was beginning to copy her behaviour in social situations and this was the final prompt for her to take action. Her doctor had given her medication but she didn't find it helped change anything in these difficult situations, just dulling the panic attack symptoms. No one really knows the causes of agoraphobia, although their may be some parental influences that affect whether a person is likely to develop either of these conditions such as being over protective or over emphasising the danger of strangers.

Social Phobia - More than being shy

Social phobia is much more than being shy, it is an absolute dread in certain situations that include meeting strangers, shopping, answering the telephone or starting conversations. We can make the mistake of perceiving someone as a shy person when in fact they are struggling hard to contain their panic attack symptoms. Unfortunately, as with my client, over time these symptoms become worse and often there is an increasing number of situations in which they develop. Guilt exacerbates the situation, guilt that loved ones have to go through it too, certainly in this case - the lady was upset that her children had to go to the shops for her, that she nor her children could have family and friends around, nor could she go to help them out or even attend family events. It was a vicious cycle of torment, in more ways than one. It is no doubt difficult for anyone not having been in this situation to even come close to understanding how badly it affects people's lives and relationships.

Agoraphobia Treatment

Traditional treatment for both agoraphobia and social phobia is usually provided in two ways - drugs and CBT. Anti-depressants are often prescribed since there can be correlation between depression and phobias, or mild tranquilizers to dull the panic attack symptoms. CBT is usually offered and is very effective, it is typically anything up to fourteen sessions and helps you identify unrealistic or unhelpful beliefs and teaches the skills to react more positively in those situations that are causing difficulty. My client had two sessions - the first one taking a full history and then a hypnotic therapy session. After the session I put her in the car and went to our local supermarket, her husband who had been in the car waiting outside, followed. We went straight in to the supermarket and danced, yes, danced in the aisles, knocking a few displays and trolleys I might add as neither of us were particularly skilled at a tango. The second session, two months later, to make sure that all was well and ensure that the therapy was embedded really deeply in her subconscious mind. Four years on and whilst I don't think she has danced in the aisles lately, she has attended her cousin's wedding, goes to church every week and no longer sends her kids for a loaf.

What Is The Paleo Diet?

 
The term paleo diet is synonymous with the caveman diet or Paleolithic diet. From the terms, it is clear that the paleo diet is primarily the diet that the Paleolithic human used to consume in the past. It is often touted as the healthiest diet since it discourages the use or consumption of processed foods in addition to the new foods that people stated eating after the Neolithic man. The Paleolithic man's diet was basically made up of meat, fruits, and roots. As the saying goes 'if a caveman dint eat, you should not eat it too'.

During the Paleolithic man period, people were hunters and gathers. The concept of farming had not been developed yet. As such, people hunted in the forests for meat while also gathering nuts, fruits and roots. The Paleolithic man was viewed as being stronger, taller and muscular compared to the present day man. Health experts argue that the change in diet as man developed due to agriculture and industrialization led to the consumption of processed food instead of the original caveman diet. As a result, the present man is often easily afflicted with ailments in addition to being weak. This can be attributed to the fact that the human body did not adapt fully to digesting the foods and grains we currently eat.

The diet is seen as the answer to the weight problem befalling the United States of America. Today, approximately 60% of the global population is overweight while 33% are viewed as being obese. Further, the change in diet has led to a large number of people globally suffering from diseases such as diabetes and cancer. It is vital to note that these statistics are continuing to get worse day by day. This is a clear indication that the present day diet is wrong and harmful to people. Thus, there is a need to revert back to the paleo (caveman) diet.

The diet excludes many products that make up today's sugar such as salt, dairy products, processed foods grains, vegetable oils and sugar. The exclusion of these three products from an individual's diet has a significant impact in reducing the probability of contracting lifestyle diseases.

So, what makes the paleo diet?

The paleo diet is made up of fruits, vegetables, lean meats nuts, seeds and roots, seafood and healthy fats. Healthy fats can be obtained from seeds, nuts, avocado, and fish oil.

If adopted, the diet is beneficial to people. Some of the advantages of embracing a paleo diet include; it reduces the probability of diabetes by stabilizing the blood sugar levels, enables an individual to shed off excess or stored fat, and leads to a reduction in allergies. Also, a paleo diet helps to improve a person's sleep patterns. These benefits illustrate the significance for the adoption of a paleo diet.

Paleo diet's advice to avoid eating processed foods and sugars is supported by modern studies which have found a link between processed food and sugars, and weight gain or lifestyle diseases.

In conclusion, a paleo diet has a positive impact on the life of people.

Low-Carb, Fat-Free or Calorie Counting

 
It is a new year, so I would be going through my usual new year ritual: New year resolutions.

Over the years, I state my new year resolutions on the first day of the year and I always plan to stick to them, but then life happens.

By the end of the first week I would have forgotten most of my resolutions and reverted back to the status quo.

But, for the past few years there has been a constant resolution that I do not forget and that is: lose some weight.

Last year I tried the calorie counting weight loss plan, I downloaded an app on my phone and earnestly imputed my consumed food and drink.

It was so hard, I had to think twice before I consumed any single food item or drink and there was the added pressure of not exceeding my calorie limit for that day.

So no, calorie counting is definitely not for me.

I have previously explored popular dietary plans in the Diets category and so I could choose from one of those, but what is all this stuff I hear in the media today.

What exactly are the Low carb, Fat free and Calorie Counting?

Low-carbohydrate diets or low-carb diets as they are popularly known are dietary plans that limit the consumption of foods high in carbohydrates.

Foods high in carbohydrates include bread, pasta and rice. These food groups are replaced with foods rich in protein such as eggs, nuts, seeds and vegetables.

The Atkins, Paleo and Zone diets are low-Carb diets.

Fat-Free diets are dietary plans that are low in fat. There are variations to this plans from totally fat-free to a low-fat diet.

It can be quite difficult to totally eliminate all fat from a diet and might not be totally healthy because some fats such as Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated can help control cholesterol.

Calorie Counting involves counting the calories based on the food items consumed on a daily basis. It is used in weight management and there are numerous apps to help monitor the foods consumed. These apps act like a food diary of sorts.

So what is the best dietary plan? Well that is a personal choice, you have to stick to what works for you.

I think I would try the low-carb diet this year, I would tell you how it goes.

It is advised that you consult a certified health care provider before starting any weight loss program.

Why Is Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Gaining Popularity?

 
Bio identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a form of therapy that is used to attain an optimum level of hormones in the human body. While BHRT is mainly confined to the United States, there is a significant level of interest directed towards it. What this form of therapy is believed to achieve is to improve the overall hormone levels in the body. Bio identical hormone replacement therapy has garnered interest particularly with women as they are convinced that it helps them during menopause, making them feel stronger and revitalised. BHRT has gained popularity as a number of American women are of the opinion that conventional hormone replacement therapy has several side effects that could be life-threatening.

Bio identical hormone replacement therapy has numerous benefits especially for women as it is believed to prevent the occurrence of a number of chronic diseases that develop with age. Bio identical hormones are made from plant chemicals and share a similar molecular structure to that built in a woman's body. The benefits of BHRT include and are not confined to:

1. It builds muscle strength as a person (especially women) ages. With age, the human body experiences a gradual breakdown in muscle and fat which weakens the physical state of an individual.

2. Bio identical hormone replacement also improves libido as a result of increasing the levels of hormones in the body.

3. BHRT is said to improve energy levels, provide better sleep, and sharpen the mental state of a person.

4. In a fast-paced world where time is of the essence, there is hardly ever enough time for an individual to relax and feel rested. The modern lifestyle is driving people towards depression. Bio identical hormone replacement therapy reduces the risk of depression, leaving one feeling calmer.

5. This form of therapy is also believed to increase bone strength even as a person ages, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. This is a result of BHRT improving the bone density.

6. BHRT is custom-compounded, which literally translates to the hormones being made to suit every individual patient's condition. By this, it makes for a more balanced and accurate increase in hormone levels.

7. As it creates a calming effect on an individual, BHRT also improves sleep. When consumed, natural progesterone helps in promoting a patient's sleep and allows for proper rest.

8. Bio identical hormone replacement therapy reduces the risk of endometrial and breast cancer besides fighting Alzheimer's disease.

There has been some opposition in the practice of BHRT and while there is currently little significant evidence to completely prove that this form of therapy carries with it benefits, it has helped a lot of patients dealing with hormonal imbalance. A lot of reviews and tests are being carried out to show that bio identical hormone replacement therapy can successfully help a patient balance out the body's hormones. For patients suffering from high cholesterol, BHRT is said to improve or stabilise the levels and improve the overall health of an individual, thus increasing one's lifespan in the process.

I am Rohit Bisht, an expert in Sales and Industrial Marketing. I seek information about the latest trends in the market and provide necessary updates about the same. If you want to know more about bio identical hormone replacement therapy you can follow me and read the articles on related topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rohit_Bisht/2319568

Who's Afraid of the Divine Feminine?

 
So what brought on my latest soap box moment? It's really quite simple-our recent political race! I'm talking about the climate that was created (and still lurks) by the notion that a woman had not only decided to run for president, but she also had the nerve to be the woman who beat the embarrassment and pain of her husband's peccadilloes! Seriously? That's what constitutes political discourse worthy of a presidential run for office?!

To those who claim ignorance regarding the level of intolerance and discrimination more than half of our population faces on a daily basis, I offer the following response: privilege knows no suffering or differential access to power. Special privilege (which by extension, is imbued with a special access to power) often renders those "with it" a type of willful blindness to the suffering faced by those who have been denied access (i.e. the glass ceiling, etc) and discriminated against for decades. Similarly, it is same myopia that allows a modern society to be unmoved by the fact that every second of every day women and girls are discriminated against, assaulted, and undervalued.

Some of this has its origins in fear of the feminine, a false sense of "entitlement", the belief that the feminine equals "lesser" and weaker (a.k.a. prey). The year is 2016, yet this global tragedy continues as "we" point fingers at one another claiming ignorance. Yes we've all heard about the countries and regions of the world where this sort of treatment of women and girls is often overlooked and even tacitly approved or tolerated (i.e. "honor" killings, sex slaves, etc). But the sad truth is that we here in the West have our own special brand that we "dress up" in "acceptable " attire.

While in some instances our "brand" may be wearing a different mask or appear more sophisticated (or simply better tailored to fit into our cultural infrastructure), we also carry the same shame of treating the feminine as other and by extension deem it worthy of "unworthy" treatment. We only need look at the inadequate statics for rape and sexual assault (i.e. under reported, or compromised evidence collection, etc) on the grounds of our U.S. college campuses, to get a small glimpse of this ugly truth we continue to shelter. Need a reminder? I'm sure many can recall the controversial Stanford University sexual assault case in which an unconscious woman was raped by a male student athlete (former swimmer). To add insult to injury, the offender was given what amounted to a slap on the wrist by the judge overseeing the case.

Yet we tell our young girls, daughters, and sisters, that they are "free" to reach for the stars? Seriously?! Until we drag out bigotry, hate, and the intolerance lurking in the shadows, things will not only remain the same, they will get worse; especially for women and the rest of the "other". The harsh reality is that women, girls, transgender,etc, face the daily threat of violence and or discrimination at all levels of our society-it is simply a matter of degrees in terms of how this reality is expressed.

Why are women so "incapable" of reigning over their own bodies and decisions? Why are "some" men determined to suppress and oppress women and those they deem inferior to them? I don't really give a flying you-know-what! The bottom line is that there will always be predators and evil among us, but it is up to us to shine a light on the darkness and root it out. I have my own views of sexuality and gender but being the evolved Homo Sapiens that I am, I recognize that there is both beauty and balance in diversity, that I rule over no other human being, and WE ARE ALL EQUALLY valuable in this space. Let's not hide the ugly motivations and machinations beneath the guises of what constitutes "sociocultural" definitions of gender and sexuality in "our versions of society.

I stumbled upon a powerful piece of art featured in a news publication entitled "Truth is Beauty" created by Marco Cochrane and his wife (both artists are associated with the Bliss Project). The work and the sentiment behind it were so powerful that I was moved at my very core. I had to speak about it and share my thoughts as another woman who stands in solidarity with any and all who have been oppressed, victimized and violated because they are "other" (only I'm the minds of the oppressor, I might add).

We ALL have a role to play on the world's stage, and it's time that we ALL say ENOUGH is ENOUGH, and NO it's NOT OK to victimize others on YOUR altar of bigotry, misogyny and hate! That's right! SAY NOTHING and the world will continue to ignore and tacitly enable this sickness, while this poison continues to whittle away at our humanity and civilization. In the words of Edmund Burke more than 100 years ago: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil was that good men should do nothing"

Mood Swings in Women: Causes and Remedies

 
Unpredictable mood swings are very common among women and they are caused due to some unknown events and occurrences. Some people use the terms mood swings and irritability interchangeably. But, both these terms are entirely different. The anger or impatience toward an event is known as irritability. However, sudden changes in mood, temperament, or emotions are called mood swings. In fact, it is highly frustrating because of their unpredictability.

Mood Swings in Women: Causes

As mentioned earlier, it is a drastic change of mood from one extreme to another. It can be occurred due to a number of reasons. Some of these causes affect women, but some others affect anyone equally. Those causes are:

• Menopause

• Emotional depression

• Constant flux between extremes

• Stress and anxiety

• Fatigue

• Hypothyroidism

• PMS

• Pregnancy

How to Deal with Mood Swings?

Foods have a greater role in balancing your hormones. Thus, if you change your eating habits, you can control your mood swings effectively. Eating regularly throughout the day is highly essential for controlling yourself. Ensure to consume protein with every meal. Your blood sugar level must be regulated for beating effectively with it. You can also try effectively to decrease the intake of carbohydrates.

Exercise has a greater role in the life of all people. It is highly effective for keeping your body healthy and disease free. However, exercise is also essential for controlling your emotions and mood. It is the best method for reducing your stress level drastically. A high-intensity kickboxing session or a yoga session can help you getting relief from stress.

Ensure to Consume lots of Vitamins and Nutrients

Eating healthy is the best way to lead a happy life. Your body requires the right amount of nutrients and vitamins for keeping it proper. If you are not able to regulate your moods even after all these methods, you can consult a doctor for getting proper medication. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants or contraceptive pills to deal with the problem. The contraceptives are highly useful for regulating your menopause cycle. Thus, you will get relief from extreme mood swings. Antidepressants are useful for balancing your hormone levels. However, you should be aware of the side effects that are associated with these medicines. So, you should contact your doctor before starting these medications.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is the other useful method for dealing with mood swings. This therapy is highly effective for replacing your negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Meditation or affirmations are used for achieving this goal. CBT is also a great coping technique, which is helpful for noticing the onset of mood swings. The CBT therapist helps to discover the real cause of it. Once you know the underlying cause of this problem, you can deal it effectively.

Lots of other options are available for dealing with it, You can spend your time with your loved ones or a good friend. You can also try listening to calming music or distracting yourself with your favorite hobby. You will also get some relief by simply sleeping it off.

Conclusion

If you are a woman and experiencing mood swings in your life, try to find out the underlying causes of the problem. If it is possible, try to make healthy changes in your life. Filling your mind with positive thoughts is the best way to deal with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective for recognizing negative thoughts and replacing them with positives. Breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga are effective for controlling mood swings in women.

Osteoporosis and Bone Density Drugs May Be a Problem

 
Women over 50 should be aware that their bones are thinner and this begins as early as age 30. Osteopenia is a lower bone density due to age and some doctors prescribe bone building drugs for it. It is not as severe as osteoporosis.

An American study showed some time ago that some women are taking way too many drugs for osteoporosis. In short they are being over-treated for bone loss and these drugs have serious side effects. The gist of it is that many menopausal women may be taking drugs they don't need.

The FDA in America has reported serious side effects of many of the bone-strengthening medications and that some women should not be taking them until they really need them. Whilst it is true that for women with osteoporosis, bone-strengthening medications can lower the chances of breaking a bone, experts argue that women with Osteopenia do not necessarily need the drugs. They are being taken at too early an age because women under 65 are being encouraged to have bone density tests which show a low result, they then start on the drugs earlier than needed.

Studies have shown that testing for bone density is really only effective for women over 65, yet it is recommended that women over 50 be tested even though they only have a 3% chance of a hip fracture from age 50-60 and only a 20% chance of fractures elsewhere.

An x-ray technique called DXA or DEXA shows how far below the norm you are with bone density and the norm is a healthy woman in her 30's. The closer to zero the better the bone density. -1 or higher is normal and -2.5 or lower signifies Osteoporosis. Between -1 and -2.5 is Osteopenia or low bone mass.

Most women in their 50s have some form of Osteopenia. It is not a disease. It is a marker for the risk of fractures and does not need to be treated with drugs. The reality is that people take the test and then spend more time worrying about their health than actually being unhealthy. Studies show that there is no evidence that long-term use of preventative drugs in women with Osteopenia will prevent fracture however drug companies disagree. Since bone loss is a serious issue they argue the drugs lower risk of that fracture providing real benefits. The debate is whether it is better to wait for the bone loss to be significant before starting treatment or to start treatment to keep the current bone quality. Others argue that women should wait until the Osteopenia develops into osteoporosis.

The possible side effects of drugs for bone loss such as bisphophonates used in America which includes Alendronate (Fosamax), Etidronate (Didronel), Ibandronate (Boniva), Risedronate (Actonel) and Zoledronic acid (Reclast) are many. They range from gastric problems such as acid reflux, heartburn, esophagus irritation, nausea, vomiting, ulcers or bleeding to muscle, joint or bone pain, oesophageal cancer, crumbling jawbone, fractures which are atypical, increased heart rate. Possible side effects of oestrogen receptor modulators are hot flushes, cramps, and clots. Possible side effects of hormones such as estrogen or progesterone (Premarin for example) are stroke, blood clots or breast cancer.

It needs to be remembered there are many natural things women can do to increase and keep bone density. Exercise, healthy diet, no smoking, low alcohol consumption are all pointers the medical and complementary medical industries both agree upon. Jogging, tennis, dancing, weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises all build better bones and prevent fractures as well as developing better balance. Vitamin D helps the body absorb Calcium which increases bone strength so if you don't get enough sunshine or vitamin D in your diet you MUST take the supplement. The quantities of calcium and Vitamin D needed are quite high so it becomes very important. If you have a vitamin D deficiency you need to take at least between 2 and 4 1000iu daily until your tests register as normal.

Also get rid of the alcohol and cigarettes. Bottom line is that neither are good for your health and make sure you eat plenty of vegetables containing carotenoids. Which is worse? You weigh it up. Drugs? Or take your supplements? Those are your only choices.

Top Tips for Getting Pregnant

 
Lots of people think that getting pregnant will just take a matter of days, but actually it takes a long time. We've done a little research to find out how to get pregnant. From changing your diet to habitual activities, there are numerous ways that you can boost your chances of conception.

Quality over Quantity:

You must have regular attempts in your fertile window. Fertile window means the best time to try to conceive during any given month. Usually, this should be done around 4 days before ovulation until 1 day after. Try to have intercourse every second day of the day after ovulation. This ensures that sperm is at its best and this could result in conception.

Keep It Up!

As regular ejaculation is needed to keep the DNA of the sperm fresh and ready for conception, it is important to avoid abstinence throughout the rest of the month. Men should be ejaculating at least every 4-5 days outside the fertile window.

Elevate:

Slightly elevating your pelvis directly after intercourse for 15 minutes to help ensure that the ejaculate remains in the cervix for longer.

Use Sperm-Friendly Lubricant:

If you experience cervical damage or dryness, you can give a try to sperm-friendly lubricant such as Pre-Seed, which provides moisture without harming sperm. This also allows sperm to swim freely, and make their way to the eggs.

Stay Healthy:

Staying well-nourished boosts your odds of conceiving! Make sure to take vitamin C. Also, while trying to conceive, it is important to avoid cold and flu tablets and anti-histamines as they can compromise production of vaginal mucous and seminal fluid.

Keep Your Pelvic Floor Toned:

Doing pelvic floor exercises can also increase chances of conception. Pelvic floor exercises will also help during labor and post-birth. Now there is even more of an incentive to squeeze those muscles!

Intercourse Position Matters:

Intercourse from behind or in the missionary position can increase your chance of conception due to deeper penetration.

Be Positive:

When you're trying to conceive, being positive is the first and foremost step! Are you experiencing, anxiety or depression? If you feel out of control of your emotions, or are experiencing severe mood swings or sadness, talk to your doctor about how you can safely address these concerns while trying for baby.

Try to Be Relaxed:

Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, and mediation can be beneficial to overcome tension and frustration during conception. Relaxed muscles can help increase chances of conception and ensure healthy ovulation.

Say "No" to Alcohol:

Recent studies revealed that one bottle of wine per week can reduce the chance of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) by 26%.

Avoid Caffeine:

A 2016 study stated that just two servings of caffeine daily in the preconception meant that it was twice as likely for miscarriage to occur. The list encompassed in the name "caffeine" also includes tea, green tea, cola and coffee!

Studies have evidently also proven that those taking multivitamins are 50% less likely to miscarriage. If you're planning on attempting conception in the next three months or already on the process, stop caffeine and alcohol today and get ready to boost your health with baby-friendly supplements.

Thinking how does caffeine and alcohol affect fertility? Continue Reading...

A recent study stated the effects of caffeine, alcohol and psychological stress on IVF outcomes. Also it states sharing one bottle of wine per week can reduce a couple's chance at IVF success by 26% and also creates a negative effect on fertility.

For Women - The Consequences are as Follows:

Alcohol Consumption Causes:

- Reduced number of oocytes retrieved
- Lower pregnancy rates and spontaneous abortions

Stress Causes:

- Decreased fertilization
- Lower pregnancy rates
- Increased spontaneous abortions
- Low birth infants and multiple gestations

Caffeine Consumption Had An Adverse Effect On:

- Increased miscarriage
- Infants with decreased gestational age

For Men, Alcohol Consumption Causes:

Alcohol consumption negatively affected achieving a live birth, while caffeine consumption resulted in an increased number of multiple gestations.

It's advisable to ideally avoid all caffeine and alcohol in the 3-4 months prior to attempting conception. Stress management is also important while trying for conception. By having good nutrition, adequate sleep, regular exercise, mediation and enjoying your life you can reduce your stress level.

You'll want to put some planning behind your baby making. Follow the above mentioned tips to increase the chance of conception.

More tips to getting pregnant and also information on preconception care can be found at http://theseedconcept.com/tips-to-getting-pregnant

How To Breeze Through Menopause At Work

 
If you'll excuse the pun, this is a 'hot' topic at the moment, so I thought I'd write about what we can do help our ladies through menopause at work. There are currently around 3.5 million ladies over 50 in our workforce, so if you work with women this will affect you.

Unison have done a great job at raising awareness of the problems women can have with menopause at work, a main one is lack of sleep due to night sweats. Night sweats mean a serious lack of sleep, which in turn leads to irritability, poor concentration, and everything else we can do without at work. But that's not all, for many of my patients menopause at work has meant leaving embarrassing stains on seats more than once, and needless to say, self confidence has taken a knock as a result. Other menopausal delights can include panic attacks, urinary incontinence, palpitations, hot flushes, memory loss, and dry skin, making life a misery for tens of thousands of women. Women in high ranking positions can find menopause especially difficult and will rarely inform colleagues that they're struggling. But actually menopause needn't cause us so much trouble and there's a lot we can do to help women breeze through it.

How Can We Support Women Through Menopause At Work?

Keeping fans in the office, using breathable fabrics to make uniforms and allowing ladies access to cool drinking water are all great. The only thing is, they're only helping during work hours, and they're not really addressing the cause of the problem. What else can we do?

HRT is one option. Some women take it for years without any problem but many don't, and there are lots of safety and ethical concerns around using it. Having seen what can be achieved with herbal treatment time and time again, I'd suggest leaving HRT as a last resort. Herbal Medicines are much safer and effective to the point where some GP's are now suggesting their menopausal patients see a Medical Herbalist. There are many reasons behind why so many women suffer with what is, after all, a natural milestone in their lives, and a Medical Herbalist will aim to unpick those reasons in each individual patient before prescribing the herbs. One patient of mine recently cancelled the hysterectomy that she was booked in for as the herbs worked so quickly for her. The surgery would have meant considerable time off work as well as her having to cope with a young family whilst she recovered. What suits one person will not work for another, so simply making female employees aware of herbal medicine as an option would be a help. Perhaps you could even invite your local Medical Herbalist to do some drop in sessions at your workplace one day.

If you have enough delegates, a 'Healthy Aging For Women' workshop could work well, teaching women how to care for themselves not only through menopause but prevent other health issues as well. Of course, we should counterbalance it with one for the men too - I'll write about manopause another day!

Here are a few more ideas for you:

If you have any spare rooms, keep one a bit cooler and quieter as a bolt hole during hot flushes or anxiety attacks.
Put together a menopause toolkit outlining what support is available both in and outside work.
Nurture peer support. Encourage women in similar age groups to work, volunteer, or socialise together.
Make herbal teas available as well as the usual tea & coffee. Fennel is very inexpensive and has a mildly oestrogenic effect which can be helpful during menopause. Other calming, energising or uplifting blends can be used as needed too.
If you have catering onsite, ask them to offer healthy 'hormone friendly' meal options including oily fish, fermented soy such as miso soup, and plenty of fresh vegetables.
Encourage daily walks during lunch breaks.
Visit http://www.physichealth.uk if you would like to learn more about supporting your colleagues through menopause.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Hannah_Charman/2332020

Stepwise Procedure to Reduce Fibroids in the Uterus

 
Are you having problems about your periods? Are you going through pain while you are doing physical relationship? Then I must say that you are having fibroid in your uterus. Women above the age of 30 years do suffer from this problem. We all know cells response to hormones each of the month. The cells thicken, break down and fall down in the form of bleeding. But, those who are having fibroid have lots of troubles. The cells do not break down or break, they accumulate in the inner walls of the uterus. Women having non-cancerous tumours suffer from painful periods. One of the popular tests to diagnosis this condition is MRI.

Know The Symptoms of Uterine Fibroid

The symptoms of uterine fibroid are similar to the adenomyosis. In both the cases, women go through painful periods along with heavy bleeding. Apart from the painful periods, women experience the issue with the urine retention and urinary frequency, painful physical relationship, abdominal discomfort, fertility and pregnancy problems, constipation and much more. In the earlier days, most of the women undergo the process of hysterectomy. Here, in this process, the expert removed the uterus from the body. But, there are various complications in this procedure. So, the doctors are looking for the best alternatives.

Uterine Artery Embolisation- The Alternative Procedure

As the process of hysterectomy is having lots of complications, most of the women have fibroid undergo UAE or Uterine Artery Embolisation. There are various benefits of this procedure. The patient has to stay overnight at the hospital, there are no scars and marks, no pain, normal periods after the operation, keep the uterus intact, rapid recovery and totally covered by the medical aids.

The Procedure-

The First Step- Through the artery in your upper leg, the radiologist guides the small tube in the arteries that go to the uterus. Here, in this stage, the doctor makes the channel initially.

The Second Step- The radiologist then infuse medium-sized particles in the blood vessels that supply nutrition to the fibroid. This is the important step in the process and the expert does it carefully.

The Third Step- In this stage, the fibroid do not get the sufficient amount of nutrients and then die due to starvation. The professional customize the procedure as per patient's requirements.

Thus, from the above steps, it is clear that most of the women can live a healthy life without the fibroids and do not suffer further from adenomyosis if they undergo the process of uterine artery embolisation.

Rajib Saha is a reputed author and he writes various articles on pregnancy and problems related to it. He suggests the readers to consult doctor when suffering from adenomyyosis. There are advance treatments to treat fibroids nowadays.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rajib_KR_Saha/1179527

5 Common Yet Painful Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

 
Uterine myomas or fibromas are the firm and compact non-cancerous growths that develop in a female reproductive system or uterus. In most cases, these tumors are benign in nature but sometimes they develop in size and interfere with the healthy lives of people. According to recent studies, about 20 to 50 percent women, who have attained their reproductive age, suffer from this painful medical condition.

The prominent doctors all across the globe are still not certain about the causes of these tumors but they are sure that certain hormones like estrogen make the lumps mature rapidly. They have also proved that women, who are going through their menopause or are obese, have greater chances of suffering from this condition.

These uterine growths have some atrociously painful symptoms. In the following discussion, we are going to talk about some of them in detail.

Common Symptoms

1. Bad Periods- Uterine Myomas, also known as fibroids could lead to heavy and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Women would also experience prolonged menstruation cycles, blood clots, and terrible cramps. Due to excessive blood loss, they may also develop anemia.

2. Excruciating Pelvic Pain- If the tumors grow, women would feel pressure and heaviness in their pelvis or lower abdomen. In some cases, the uterus enlarges causing severe discomfort and sharp pain. They feel difficulty in lying down, bending or exercising.

3. Bladder and Rectal Problems- Large tumors put excess pressure on the bladder giving rise to the issue of frequent urination. It could also lessen its capacity to hold usual amounts of urine. In some situations, women cannot empty their bladder even if they want to. The tumors can also press against the rectum and lead to internal hemorrhoids.

4. Backache and Painful Copulation- The growths at times put pressure on the nerves and muscles of lower back causing excessive pain. They could block the vaginal passage leading to discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.

5. Pregnancy Issues- Depending on the size and place of the tumors, they could lead to complications during pregnancy. When a woman conceives, her body releases hormones causing the womb to grow. The same hormones also mature the tumors increasing the chances of premature labor or miscarriages. The extremely big ones could change the baby's place causing complexities during delivery.

If you are suffering from the above symptoms, it is better to consult with a doctor and take professional guidance. Uterine Fibroid Embolization or UFE is a well-accepted treatment for fibroids. It preserves the uterus and gives relief from the lumps as well as the pain related to the condition.

Rajib Saha is an author, who writes about the painful condition of fibroids. The symptoms of this illness are unbearable and it calls for medical help. UFE is perhaps the best possible treatment for these benign tumors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rajib_KR_Saha/1179527

How to Find the Best Mortgage Rates in 2017

 
The best mortgage rates are still at historic lows heading into 2017. According to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, average 30 year fixed mortgage rates are still under 4%. With these rates, home ownership has never been more attainable. Low mortgage rates are only one aspect of choosing a lender, but finding the best rates is the first step in whittling down your list. I’ve purchased two homes in the past five years, and can personally attest to the fact that the home buying process can be nerve-wracking, but tremendously worthwhile in the end.


Mortgage Rate Comparisons

As a starting point to your search, the table below gives you a quick snapshot of mortgage rates in your state. You can choose your loan amount, loan type, and whether you’re purchasing or refinancing your home to get rolling. Using this tool, I found a low 3.4% APR on a $200,000 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage in my home state of Tennessee from AimLoan.com. If I wanted an adjustable-rate mortgage for the same amount instead, I could get a low 2.8% APR from AimLoan.

If you’re not purchasing a home, but looking to make some improvements, take a look at this Best Home Equity Loan Rates guide.

Current Rate Climate

While current numbers don’t match the historically low rates of 2012 and the first half of 2013, they’re still nothing to sneeze at. Average 30-year mortgage rates started 2014 at an average of 4.42% and dropped to just under 3.9% by the end of the year. That’s where they remain heading into 2017.

Right now, the best rates for the most credit-worthy borrowers on a conventional 30-year mortgage are hovering around 3.8%.

If you’re in the market for a mortgage, is it time to act? Experts say you’ll probably be in good shape even if you wait a bit longer. Rates are likely to remain low, though there is the possibility of a noticeable bump if the Federal Reserve raises rates significantly.

Here’s how to Find the Best Mortgage Rate

Compare Rates
Polish your credit score
Beef up your down payment
Consider how long you’ll be in your house
If you’re ready to get going in your search for the best mortgage rate, here are four tips that will ease your search. If you’re unsure of the type of mortgage you’ll need, make sure you read my summary of the different kinds of mortgages further down in this post.

Tip #1: Compare Rates

When you find the home of your dreams, chances are your real-estate agent will direct you to certain preferred lenders that he or she has worked with before. Take that recommendation with a grain of salt. Remember, your agent’s primary concern might be to close your deal quickly, but securing a mortgage is a complicated process, particularly if you’re a first-time buyer. Speed isn’t everything, and you need to look around for the best deal.

Whether you want to keep your business with a local lender or are considering working with a big-name company, be sure to look at rates online so you have a good comparison. This mortgage rate tool can help you find the best rates to aid your search.

Tip #2: Polish your credit score

Keeping your credit in top shape is paramount, especially if you’re applying for a conventional loan. The higher your score, the better your interest rate and the more loan choices you’ll have.

For example, according to the rate calculator at myFICO, I could pay as little as $1,305 a month on a $300,000 home loan in Ohio with a credit score higher than 760. My interest rate would be a hair under 3.3%. With a score of about 680, I’d be paying $1,372 a month at an interest rate of about 3.6%. And with a score of 620, I could be paying as much as $1,581 a month at an interest rate of more than 4.8%. With the lower credit score, I’d be paying $99,146 more in interest over the life of the loan.

Tip #3: Beef up your down payment

It can be painful to save enough for a down payment, but paying more up front can help you nab a better interest rate and save you money as you pay down your loan. It may also save you the cost of mortgage insurance, which many lenders will charge if you have a lower-than-normal down payment.

If I put the recommended 20% down, or $40,000, on a $200,000 home in Tennessee, I’d pay as little as $730 a month in mortgage payments, according to this Bank of America calculator. This assumes a 3.7% APR, solid credit, and a fixed 30-year loan. If I could only scrape together $25,000, I’d suddenly be paying $798 a month. And then there’s $70 a month in mortgage insurance, which I’d have to pay since I couldn’t put 20% down. That brings my monthly payments to just under $870.

Tip #4: Consider how long you’ll be in your house

If you know you’ll be in your home for a relatively short time before selling, looking at adjustable-rate mortgages can make more sense. That’s because you can take advantage of the ARM’s low initial interest rates, then sell the home before your rate begins to reset. Be absolutely sure you will only be in your home a short while. Many homeowners were banking on ARMs, but suffered rate increases when the value of their homes fell in 2008 and they were unable to sell.

If ARMs seem like too much of a risk to you, look seriously at a shorter-term fixed rate mortgage. Your monthly payments will be larger, but you will nab a much lower interest rate. Ultimately, you’ll pay much less over the life of the loan with the added bonus of building equity much faster.

Finding the Best Mortgage Lenders

Taking out a mortgage can be a time-consuming, confusing, and even emotional process. For that reason, we encourage you to look beyond getting the best mortgage rates when choosing your lender. The top mortgage lenders will not only give you a competitive rate, but make the process as seamless as possible. Here are a few tips that can help you find the best mortgage companies.

Tip #1: Do your homework online

Harness the power of the Internet to give you a wider perspective than you can gain from family and friends. You can find reviews of the best home loan lenders with just a few clicks. As with all online reviews, remember to consider trends. A few very bad (or very good) reviews may be an anomaly, while dozens of good or bad reviews probably get you closer to the truth.

A particularly good place to look is J.D. Power and Associates’ annual mortgage lender customer-satisfaction survey. The 2014 survey, based on the experiences of thousands of real customers, found Quicken Loans had the most satisfied customers, followed by Bank of America, Chase, U.S. Bank, and USAA. Criteria included how satisfied customers were with application and approval; whether the closing process was relatively quick; and whether the lending agent was reliable and easy to understand.

Tip #2: Ask friends and family

Local lenders may not have as many online reviews, so asking around can be crucial in helping you find the best mortgage companies in your area. Conduct a quick survey of your family and friends, especially if they’ve recently purchased or refinanced a home. Ask whether they felt they understood the lending process, whether their agent was prompt and courteous, and whether they feel they got the best rate they could.

Of course, it may so happen that your real-estate agent steers you to a reputable company. Happily, this was the case with my most recent home purchase. My husband and I researched the lender our agent recommended and found nothing but good reviews. We’ve been satisfied customers ever since closing.

Tip #3: Take note of how you’re initially treated

If you call a lender for information and don’t receive it quickly, consider that a red flag. Similarly, any lender who is unwilling or unable to clearly answer your questions — or acts like it’s a pain to do so — will probably be less than pleasant to deal with further down the line. Several of our calls to prospective lenders went unreturned, and we crossed those companies off our list immediately. Your mortgage might be the biggest financial transaction of your life, and you should feel comfortable with your lender.

Common Types of Mortgages

Obtaining a mortgage doesn’t always mean you’ll be coughing up 20% down and forking over the same payment for 30 years. Take a look at today’s most common types of mortgage so you understand what’s the best for you — and obtain the best mortgage rate in the process.

Fixed-rate mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage is by far the most common type of home loan. It’s also the easiest to understand. Though the proportion of principal versus interest on your bill will change over the course of the loan, you still pay the same amount every month. Your interest rate is locked in when you close on the loan, so you aren’t vulnerable to sudden increases in interest rates.

Of course, while you aren’t vulnerable to interest-rate increases, you’ll lose out if rates decline — you’ll be stuck paying that higher rate. It can also be harder to qualify for a fixed-rate mortgage if your credit score is less than stellar, particularly if interest rates are high. Down payments are typically high, too, with most lenders requiring 20% of the loan to avoid pricey mortgage insurance.

Fixed-rate mortgages are most often offered for 10-, 15- or 30-year terms, with the latter being the most popular choice. Longer terms generally mean lower payments, but they also mean it will take longer to build equity in your home. You’ll also pay more interest over the life of the loan.

We opted for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage when we bought our most recent home. Because we closed at the beginning of 2013, when rates were at historic lows, we were reasonably confident about locking in our rate. Though we still have to pay mortgage insurance because we didn’t quite have a 20% down payment, we’re able to afford it, and we don’t mind taking a while to build equity since we believe we’ll be staying put for a long time. It’s also easy to budget for the same payment every month.

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)

ARMs make home-buying more accessible for more people. Typically, they offer lower down payments, lower initial interest rates, and lower initial payments, making it easier for a wider range of people to qualify for better homes. The interest rate remains constant for a certain period of time — generally, the shorter the period, the better the rate — then rises and falls periodically according to a financial index.

The main downside is obvious: If your ARM begins to adjust when interest rates are climbing, your escalating payments could start to squeeze your budget. It can also make annual budgeting tricky, and if you want to refinance with a fixed-rate loan, the cost can be quite steep. Ultimately, with an ARM, you’re accepting some of the risk that your mortgage lender would absorb with a fixed-rate loan.

There are several kinds of ARMs. One-year ARMs typically offer the best mortgage rates, but they’re also the riskiest because your interest rate adjusts every year. At slightly higher rates, hybrid ARMs offer a longer initial fixed-rate period. Common hybrid loans include 5/1 mortgages, which offer a fixed rate for five years and then and an annually adjustable rate for the next 25 years.

FHA and VA loans

FHA and VA loans are government-backed mortgages. FHA loans require much smaller down payments than their conventional counterparts. In fact, you may qualify for an FHA loan with as little as 3.5% down. They may also be available to those with less-than-perfect credit. However, you’ll likely be on the hook for mortgage insurance each month in order to help the lender blunt some of the risk. That makes FHA loans a good option for those with a steady, healthy income without enough savings for a huge down payment. My husband and I purchased our first home using an FHA loan and roughly 10% down. Though we did have to pay mortgage insurance, we received a good interest rate and could easily handle the payments with our income — and of course, we were happy to start building equity instead of paying rent month after month.

VA loans are also available with low (or even no) down-payment options, minus the mortgage insurance required on FHA loans. However, the VA typically charges a one-time funding fee that varies according to down payment. You must have a military affiliation to get a loan — active-duty members, veterans, guard members, reservists, and certain spouses may qualify.

Interest-only mortgages

Technically, interest-only mortgages are a type of ARM. These mortgages are compelling because they allow home buyers to pay only interest for a certain period at the beginning of the loan, keeping payments as low as possible. They can be a good choice for someone who expects a significant increase in income down the pike.

If this sounds like a sweet deal, it’s because interest-only mortgages come with tremendous risk. They can goad buyers to purchase much more home than they would otherwise be able to afford. Your payment is lower initially, because you are only paying interest, and not principal. Once the interest-only payment period is up, your payment will jump significantly when you begin to pay the principal of the loan, plus you can experience a rate increase. With these risks, you’ll probably want to steer clear of interest-only mortgages as your primary option.

Balloon mortgages

Balloon mortgages offer low, fixed interest rates for a short term — typically five to 10 years. In fact, you may only pay the interest on the loan for that term. The catch? The remainder of the loan, likely a very significant sum, is due when the term is up. While most people intend to refinance with a more traditional mortgage to avoid making the lump-sum payment, depending on doing this is a big risk. If your home has declined in value or you’re deemed uncreditworthy, you might be out of luck — and at risk of foreclosure. For this reason, balloon mortgages are best avoided except in very special cases.

Starting Your Search for the Best Mortgage Rates


You’ll need a good understanding of the best type of loan for you as well as prevailing mortgage rates. And be sure to pick a lender with a reputation for good customer service. Ready to begin? Get started by using our online search tool to find the best mortgage rates in your area.

Once you’ve found and purchased the home of your dreams, you’ll need to protect your investment. Check out our guides to the Best Home Insurance and the Best Home Warranty Companies to keep your home safe from everything from natural disasters to pesky appliance breakdowns.

Remember, securing the best mortgage isn’t simply about finding a lender who offers you the best rate. The best mortgage lenders will guide you through the complex process with ease and treat you with respect. This makes finding the best rates from top mortgage lenders a little bit tougher than finding, say, the Best Credit Card or the Best Savings Account.

And if you’re searching for other banking services, check out our other guides on the Best Free Checking Accounts, the Best Money Market Accounts, and the Best CD Rates. Good luck!

Top Online Travel Agencies in Nigeria

 


Before I jump to the list of top online travel agencies in Nigeria, let me take you through a short interesting piece on while we are recently witnessing this great and wonderful development in the Nigeria aviation industry. Every industry has a point when it has to embrace modern technology for the sake of improved productivity, customer service and overall efficiency. In this age of information technology, we have witnessed many industries join the online business revolution. Online shopping started decades ago and the likes of amazon and ebay were the biggest entry in the ecommerce world. Nigeria, being the giant country in Africa, is the first to join the online business trend. Konga and Jumia make the biggest entry and lead a successful ecommerce business in Nigeria and further expand to other countries like Kenya and Ghana.  Just as the ecommerce business went fully online, the Nigeria aviation industry experience the same positive change.

Nigeria travel agencies offering different travel services such as cheap flight booking, visa procurement, local and international vacation packages etcetera are well known for their offline service delivery. Transactions are completed on phones and in office. Basically they operate a walk-in system of service delivery. Seeing other countries embracing online travel business. Many Nigeria based travel agency wanted to join the trend but were reluctant due to the security challenge surrounding online payment and website security. In the past, transaction security has always been a major concern anywhere in the world for online transaction. Now it is something of the past even in Nigeria, as most Nigerian banks now use top security measure in processing transactions. In fact, the Nigerian banking industry has also witnessed its own revolution and now boast of modern information technology systems that effectively tackle security challenges surround online banking with credit and debit cards. Previously most banks used to partner with payment Processor Company such as interswitch to solve this problem but banks now have their own payment processor that efficiently solve online banking issues.

After highlighting the issues that cause delay before travel agencies embrace online selling platform, I will now list the travel agencies with the most online presence in Nigeria.

Nigeria Online Travel Agencies List:

WAKANOW: Wakanow is by far the biggest online travel agency in Nigeria. On their website, they offer cheap flight to all destination as well as accommodation, Visa procurement services and different special package for honeymoon and pilgrimage program. You can book a service and pay for it without needing to call or visit their office. They have dedicated customer care unit that attends to booking issues. Also they are the most visited travel website in Nigeria according to statshow.
TRAVELSTART: Travelstart is one of africa’s top online travel agency with branches in Nigeria, Bahrain, Botswanna, Zimbabwe, Unite Arab Emirates, Turkey, Tanzania, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Namibia, Morocco, Kuwait, Kenya and Egypt. Travelstart is the second most popular online travel agency in Nigeria. Though they command a much bigger status elsewhere. They offer affordable flight, hotel and car rental services. Travel package can be book and pay for on their website and they have responsive customer service.
FLYIBAT: Flyibat.com is arguably the fastest growing travel website in Nigeria. You will hardly notice that they are much younger than their competitors. They have highly responsive customer care unit. Their services include Flight, hotel and tour booking. They also have a dedicated unit for visa assistance. One of the best feature on their website is the automatically controlled cheap flight finder. When you open the website, right below the booking engine is a small space where cheapest flight available for most destinations are displayed. Personally when I am looking to buy cheap flight, I find them very helpful.
TRAVELBETA: Established by a former staff of wakanow.com, travelbeta is a new online travel agency that is here to rub shoulders with the top guns. They also command large customer base. One thing I love travelbeta for is their promotional packages. Unlike other online travel agencies, they run promo from time to time and they don’t wait for airline promo before making their customer happy. They are the only Nigeria travel agency that run a black Friday sales when you buy ticket at a giveaway price. You can subscribe for their newsletter to monitor when next they will be rolling black Friday sales.
There you have it. There are still many more online travel website offering travel services in Nigeria. Like I said earlier, the Nigeria online travel business is still very new, many new agencies are joining every day, but only few could stand the test of time. So the next time you are thinking of where to get your flight ticket, do your pocket a favor and compare prices from the online agencies listed above.

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