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