Healthy Lifestyle tips

1. Daily exercise is one of the most important healthy lifestyle tips. Exercise on a daily basis for at least 30 minutes per day. Brisk walk, aerobics, or just any kind of bodily movement can do wonders for your health.

2.You should sleep 6 to 8 hours per day. This will help your body to replenish itself and gives your body time to rebuild its cells. Lack of sleep make you feel tired and affect your eating habits. Adequate sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being.

3. Eat a well-balanced diet. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods that are processed and reduce your intake of foods that are high in fat, sodium and sugar.

4. Maintaining a healthy weight will help you look better and reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

5. Have a positive outlook. People who are positive tend to have better health and success in life then those who are negative thinkers.

6. Maintain a balanced lifestyle. There should be a balance between your work time and your leisure time. Remind yourself, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.”

7. Stop smoking. It is harmful to your health. It can cause heart disease, lungs cancer, and premature aging.

8. Meditation can help reduce stress, because it helps quiet your mind. Even if you just meditate 15 minutes per day, the result will amaze you.

9. Reduce your intake of alcohol. It is best if you could avoid it, but if you cannot, make sure that you only consume alcohol in moderation (a glass of wine or a can of beer per day).

10. Surround yourself with friends and family members who are supportive. A research by Australian scientist suggested that people who have friends that they can count on to be there for them, live longer. ***

11. Manage stress by doing meditation, breathing exercises, listening to music, etc. Stress, left not managed, can lead to tension and pain in your body and threaten your health and well-being.

12. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to help you with the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and the elimination of toxins from your body.

13. Take daily vitamins, mineral and herbal supplements to maintain your overall health or deal with your specific health problems.

14. Find things to laugh about on a daily basis. Laughter releases endorphins, boost your immune system, increases blood flow and relaxes your body.

15. Spending 5 to 10 minutes per day to practice deep breathing can improve your overall health. Deep breathing reduces stress, relaxes your muscles, improve your oxygen intake and delivery to all your organs and stimulate your lymphatic system.

16. Avoid your exposure to toxins like pesticides, molds, fungus and heavy metals like lead, mercury, aluminum, etc.

17. Eat complex carbohydrates and avoid simple carbohydrates like white bread, sugar, white rice, etc.

18. Eat organically grown fruits and vegetables, if possible, to avoid getting exposed to pesticides.

19. Life is too short so you should follow your bliss. People who are happy and have a fulfilled life tend to be healthier and live longer.

20. Avoid people who talk about illnesses and other negative things. ***

21. Get outside and spend your time in the open air daily, if possible. Exposing yourself to fresh air and sunshine on a daily basis is beneficial to your health.

22. Be appreciative of your life, your health and whatever you have. Gratitude is good for your soul as well as your health.***

23. Choose happiness and health. Make it your dominant intention to focus on things that make your life healthy and happy.

24. See yourself healthy and happy in your mind’s eyes.

25.Forgive yourself and others. Bearing grudges is bad for your health and well-being.

26. Remind yourself that it is natural for you to be healthy. Health is your natural state, not sickness.

27. Have a raw food diet day, a day where eat only unprocessed and uncooked foods, once or twice a month. This way you give your body a break from all the food additives and preservatives. Make sure that you consume only organic foods.

28. Try alternative medicine like acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology, etc.

29. Practice yoga. It’s good for both your body and mind.

30.Fasting once in a while is a good way to detox your body and gives your digestive system some time off.

31.Do not worry! Worry will not help you solve your problem and it is not good for your health. Worry is the main causes of many physical ailments that send people to hospitals. Remember that most of the things that you worry about will probably never happen anyway. “Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which will never happen. ~James Russel Lowell” ***

32. Accept yourself, your capability and your shortcomings. ***

living healthy Tips to a healthy life health solutions

Ted Noten's gun make up kit

The Chanel001 gun conceals Chanel lip gloss, an antique hairpin, a 18k gold toothpick, a perfume bottle with an 18k gold mechanism, a 50 gram 24k gold bar and a USB stick.

The Dior001 gun packed with accoutrements, including Dior lip gloss, an antique hairpin, an arsenal of pharmaceuticals, a USB stick with “secret information,” and a 100-gram sterling silver bar.

How i would love to get this through security at the airport and watch them make complete fools of themselves, heeheehee

evil laugh....

make-up kit Ted Noten Gun make-up kit

Upper Back and Chest Pain

What Causes Your Upper Back and Chest Pain?
Probably the most common cause the pain in your upper back and chest is your diaphragm. Your diaphragm has the same pain pattern as your heart. Hence it causes your chest pain and also tightens your upper back. The second most common cause is a mixture of the common causes of all back pain - tight muscles, weak muscles, joint movement and pelvic balance.

In the case of chest pain, your ribs are also likely involved.

Pain radiates to your chest as the rib attachment to your spine creates this, along with the upper back failing to move correctly. The smaller muscles that support the joints and the small muscles between your ribs will also radiate pain around the chest. As pain can take your breath away at times, this is the alarming symptom. You suddenly think you have heart problems, when in fact it is just a few muscles and joints not working correctly.

It may feel serious and if you are worried then you should be checked by your doctor. But in most cases, and we are talking 99% the problem lies in your spine.

Your diaphragm can tighten from stress, heavy lifting or from other factors in your spine. Your lower back works in tandem with your upper back. If your lower back twists and distorts so will your upper back, your diaphragm is caught in the middle and can tighten also.

The biggest mistake people make with all back pain is assuming that just because the pain is in one location, that is where all the problems must be. You need to think of pain as an alarm signal. A fire alarm does not tell you where the fire is, how big or what started it. It says there is a firer, and that is all.

Pain is only a signal. It tells you to take action and to remove the causes, not just the pain. Pain does not tell you where all the issues are.  This is why you need to first find ALL the causes, no matter where they are. If not you will only ever get temporary relief.

How can You Ease the pain in your Upper Back and Chest?

Easing your upper back and chest pain requires you to target all the factors causing it. You need to get the joints moving freely, relax the tight muscles, stimulate the nerve and blood supply to the weak muscles and rebalance your pelvis.

The first step is finding the distortion patterns that allow muscle and joint imbalances. This is the only essential step in removing your pain and a commonly forgotten one.

Once you know which pattern you have, you are then able to correct all the joints and muscles that are causing your pain. You should still look at all the causes, learn to remove stress so your diaphragm works better. Improve your overall fitness and health, make sure your lower back is balanced and learn to monitor your progress. Just because pain has eased, you should not stop working to remove the causes.

What is the best approach to ease your pain?

To get long lasting results you must both remove the symptoms and the cause. First you must identify which spinal imbalances are present, then attack the symptomatic processes. This can be achieved by using many techniques from ice/heat, Acupressure and anti-inflammatory measures. Then you must perform corrective techniques that target the spinal imbalances.

The principles of Spinal balancing address the both the pain and the root cause of the condition that is responsible for your lower right back pain. Through self assessments, your individual spinal imbalances can be identified, and a targeted corrective program can be developed for your specific needs.

Chest pain Upper middle back pain

7 Easy Steps to Weight Loss

Getting started on your easy steps
Anyone who has ever tried dieting knows the immediate feeling of deprivation that accompanies most weight loss plans. The result for most of us is that we can't stick to it.
Instead of drastically cutting your diet, try gradually accustoming yourself to eating less. Take smaller portions. Leave a little on the plate. In time, you'll find you need less food to feel satiated.
As you practice putting less on your plate, consider these seven steps to eating less (the following list is taken from Mr. Paul Wolf, health correspondent, and we highly recommend it):

Mini-meal is the operative word
Ideally, every time you eat, your plate should have some protein, a little fat and a little fibrous bulk to ensure that you feel full and satisfied. This takes some planning. It ultimately means losing the "mindlessly munching on pretzels" habit.
"Even if you eat fruit as a snack, healthy as it is, you won't feel completely satisfied because it doesn't have any protein and fat," Booth says.
An apple followed by, say, some plain yogurt, will do more for satiety than two apples. A baked potato, which has 100 calories, contributes more to satisfaction than 20 potato chips, which, at 114 calories, adds up quickly. Top that spud with a quarter-cup of low-fat cottage cheese (100 calories), and you have a filling, healthy snack for 200 calories.

Don't deprive yourself
You don't want to feel deprived or hungry; drastically cutting calories will only slow down your metabolism by driving your system into famine mode.
Don't count calories; just eyeball your portions. Let's say you hope to reduce your daily caloric intake from about 2,500 to 2,000. Focus on reducing your portion sizes by about 20 percent.
Within a matter of a couple of weeks, you will be adjusted to the new serving sizes and they will seem normal.

Eat delicious and well
Every diet regimen should permit the occasional treat and nice meal out. Eat delicious food, but eat it in smaller portions.
Obviously, cream sauces and fudge brownies at every meal will thwart your weight loss goals. Learn to enjoy ordinary food as well as extraordinary delicacies.

Eat your calories, don't drink them
A can of Dr. Pepper soda contains 150 calories. Three of these a day is an extra 450 calories. If you add commercial beverages, juices and sugary lattes to your diet, you practically need a calculator to tally the calories that don't do a thing when it comes to fulfilling your appetite.
Stick to water and tea and get your calories from more filling and satisfying foods.

Exercise is the perfect partner
Your diet will be all the more successful if you combine it with regular exercise.
Approach your exercise and diet plan with a focus on how you look and feel, not how much you weigh. In other words, think in inches lost, not pounds. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat.

Make meals last
Yes, two Balance protein bars have only 360 calories and also contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, fat, and carbohydrates. But you can down these suckers in a matter of seconds. Where's the chewing satisfaction? A couple of nutrition bars are not a meal or even a mini-meal for that matter.
The satiety centers of the brain may not get the message right away that you've had enough. Eat slowly, chew carefully and don't put more food in your mouth when you haven't dealt completely with the last bite

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/05/18/7-easy-steps-weight-loss/#ixzz1MorXVCgX

7 Instant Energy Boosters

1. Get a Whiff of Citrus
The smells of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits have been shown to be energizing, so simply add a slice or two of your favorite to a glass of water.
Or introduce citrusy scents into your morning routine, since several major beauty brands—Suave, Dove, and Dial, to name a few—now offer citrus-infused, wake-up-the-body washes. For a quick midday refresher, moisten a cotton ball with a few drops of citrusy bergamot oil and inhale.

2. Pull Your Hair
No, really. “If you gently take handfuls of hair and pull the skin away from your scalp to get blood flowing to that area of the head, you can relieve a lot of potentially tiring tension,” says Marlene Merritt, a doctor of Oriental medicine and a nutritionist at the Merritt Wellness Center, in Austin, Texas.

3. Exhale
Flushing out toxins helps the body run more efficiently, which also means you’ll have more energy. Simply lie in bed for two extra minutes in the morning and focus on taking deep breaths, since “many of our toxins are expelled by breathing,” says Karas.

4. Be Nice to a Stranger
“Sure, the sentiment feels a little bumper stickery, but when you do something kind, your energy goes up,” says nutritionist Jonny Bowden, author of The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy. Starbucks customers at drive-throughs around the country have been paying for the next customer behind them in a grassroots acts-of-kindness movement.Find other ideas at actsofkindness.org.

5. Pop a Peppermint
Smelling peppermint “stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which stimulates the area of the brain responsible for arousal and can make you more alert,” says Hirsch. (So that’s how Santa stays up all night).

6. Do Interval Exercise in the Morning
“Researchers at Leeds Metropolitan University, in England, found that exercising before or during lunchtime leads to a more productive workday,” says Karas.
But don’t spend 45 long minutes on the treadmill at one consistent pace. Bowden notes that alternating bursts of rapid activity, like running, with slower activity, like walking, over the course of about a half hour is a more energizing way to work out than endurance-focused exercise. Finally, in addition to your regular workout, one-minute sets of jumping jacks throughout the day will get your blood flowing.

7. Show Your Hands Some Love
“Take a golf ball and roll it between your desktop and your hand, from the base of the thumb, where your hand webs out, down to the wrist,” says Kevin Kunz, a coauthor of Complete Reflexology for Life. “There’s a really sensitive spot there. Stimulating it will perk you up,” says Kunz.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/05/16/7-instant-energy-boosters/#ixzz1Mootf3aL

8 FOODS THAT BOOST IMMUNITY

1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C tops the list of immune boosters for many reasons. There has been more research about the immune-boosting effects of Vitamin C than perhaps any other nutrient.Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies and increases levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses.

2. Vitamin E
Vitamin E stimulates the production of natural killer cells, those that seek out and destroy germs and cancer cells. Vitamin E enhances the production of B-cells, the immune cells that produce antibodies that destroy bacteria.

3. Carotenoids
Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells, and helper T-cells, as well as being a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals that accelerate aging. Like the other "big three" antioxidants, vitamins C and E, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by interfering with how the fats and cholesterol in the bloodstream oxidize to form arterial plaques.

4. Bioflavenoids
A group of phytonutrients called bioflavenoids aids the immune system by protecting the cells of the body against environmental pollutants.

5. Zinc
This valuable mineral increases the production of white blood cells that fight infection and helps them fight more aggressively. It also increases killer cells that fight against cancer and helps white cells release more antibodies. Zinc supplements have been shown to slow the growth of cancer.

6. Garlic
This flavorful member of the onion family is a powerful immune booster that stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white cells, boosts natural killer cell activity, and increases the efficiency of antibody production.

7. Selenium
This mineral increases natural killer cells and mobilizes cancer-fighting cells. Best food sources of selenium are tuna, red snapper, lobster, shrimp, whole grains, vegetables (depending on the selenium content of the soil they're grown in), brown rice, egg yolks, cottage cheese, chicken (white meat), sunflower seeds, garlic, Brazil nuts, and lamb chops

8. Omega-3 fatty acids
The omega 3 fatty acids in flax oil and fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) act as immune boosters by increasing the activity of phagocytes, the white blood cells that eat up bacteria.

ways to boost immune system immunity

Dare to trim...

short hairstyles trimmed black styles

What causes the noise when you crack a joint?

Your joints can make a variety of sounds: popping, cracking, grinding, and snapping. The joints that "crack" are the knuckles, knees, ankles, back, and neck. There are different reasons why these joints "sound off".

•Escaping gases:
Scientists explain that synovial fluid present in your joints acts as a lubricant. The fluid contains the gases oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. When you pop or crack a joint, you stretch the joint capsule. Gas is rapidly released, which forms bubbles. In order to crack the same knuckle again, you have to wait until the gases return to the synovial fluid.

•Movement of joints, tendons and ligaments:
When a joint moves, the tendon’s position changes and moves slightly out of place. You may hear a snapping sound as the tendon returns to its original position. In addition, your ligaments may tighten as you move your joints. This commonly occurs in your knee or ankle, and can make a cracking sound.

•Rough surfaces:
Arthritic joints make sounds caused by the loss of smooth cartilage and the roughness of the joint surface.
Is joint cracking harmful? If you are feeling pain when your joints pop, than you should seek a health care professional. In terms of knuckle cracking, some studies show that knuckle cracking does not cause serious harm. Other studies show that repetitive knuckle cracking can do some damage to the soft tissue of the joint. It may also lead to a weak grip and a swelling hand.

Best Canned Foods

What You Need To Know
Contrary to popular belief, canned foods can be just as nutritious as fresh produce.
Some of the nutrients found in canned pumpkin are actually more concentrated.
Integrating canned foods into your diet is easy; consider salads, soups and risottos.

Canned salmon

Canned pinto beans

Canned tomatoes

Canned smoked mackerel

Canned sardines

Canned kidney beans

Canned pumpkin

Canned clams

Canned chicken

click here to read more

Worst Canned Foods

What You Need To Know
Canned jalapenos rank as one of the highest sodium foods.
You're better off making your own chicken-noodle soup and freezing for later use.
Ravioli is canned in tomato sauce, which is packed with sugar.

Canned jalapenos

Canned chicken-noodle soup

Canned peas

Canned juice

Canned meat food product

Canned ravioli

Click here

Health benefits of Chestnuts

■Chestnuts, unlike other nuts and seeds, are relatively low in calories; contain less fat but are rich in minerals, vitamins and phyto-nutrients that benefit health.

■Nutritionally, chestnuts are similar to other starchy foods such as sweet potato, sweet corn, potatoes etc, consisting of mainly starch. However, they also contain high quality proteins.

■They are good source of dietary fiber; provides 8.1 g (about 21% of RDI) per 100 g. Fiber diet helps lower blood cholesterol levels by remove excess cholesterol absorbing in the intestines.

■Chestnuts stand out from other nuts and seeds because of their nutrition contents. They are exceptionally rich in vitamin-C. 100 g nuts provide 43 mg of vitamin C (72 % of DRI). Vitamin C is essential for formation of matrix in teeth, bones and blood vessels. Being a strong anti-oxidant, it offers protection from harmful free radicals.

■They are the one of the nuts rich in folates. 100 g nuts provide 62 mg of folates (or 15.5%). Folic acid is required for the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis. Adequate consumption of food rich in folates during peri-conception period helps prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.

■They are rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty like oleic acid (18:1) and palmitoleic acids (16:1). Studies suggest that monounsaturated fats in the diet help lower total as well as LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol) levels in the blood. Mediterranean diet which is rich in dietary fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, omega fatty acids and antioxidants help prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile.

■The nuts are excellent source of minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. Provide very good amount of potassium (518 mcg / 100 g). Potassium helps counter hypertensive action of sodium, lowers heart rate and blood pressure. Iron helps prevent microcytic-anemia. Magnesium and phosphorus are important components of bone metabolism.

■They are also rich in many important B-complex groups of vitamins. 100 g of nuts provide 11% of niacin, 29% of pyridoxine (vit.B-6), 100% of thiamin, and 12% of riboflavin.

■Chestnuts, like hazelnuts and almonds, are free in gluten and therefore popular ingredient in the preparation of gluten free food formulas for gluten-sensitive, wheat allergy and celiac disease persons.

■Chinese nuts (C.mollissima) are good in vitamin A; provide 202 IU per 100 g.

chestnuts facts chestnuts preparation chestnuts nutritional facts chestnut selection and storage

The Many Benefits Of Indoor Cycling/Spinning

Physical benefits of indoor cycling

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 3 to 5 days of cardio per week, for 30 to 60 minutes each time; this frequency and length of aerobic exercise has been shown to provide maximal benefits to the body including:

Weight loss

Increased energy levels

Stronger heart and lungs

Decreased risk for heart disease

Increased bone density

Better sleep

Improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels


Getting the most from your indoor cycling workouts

To reap the most benefits of indoor cycling possible, you need to be sure that you are exercising in the right “zone.” This is determined by measuring how hard your body is working at any given point during your workout, and can be done by two methods:

Heart Rate. To find the correct zone using your heart rate, take the number 220 and subtract your age; multiply this number by 70% -- this number is your targeted zone to gain the maximum benefit from your workout. To see where your heart rate is during a workout, simply find your pulse and count for six seconds, and then add a zero. (Or, to take the math out of it, purchase a heart rate monitor that will tell you your heart rate at a glance.)

The Talk Test. This is the simplest way to determine how hard you are working. During your workout, say a full sentence. If you can’t finish your sentence, you are probably exercising too hard; on the contrary, if the full sentence is very easy to say and you are not winded at all, you should pick up the pace for more calorie burn and benefits!


Mental & emotional benefits of indoor cycling

The benefits of indoor cycling are not limited to physical aspects; cycling bike workouts can do wonders for your mind, as well:

Relief from stress and anxiety

Eases symptoms of depression

Increased confidence about appearance

Improved ability to visualize and focus on a goal

How to Make Your Body Burn More Calories

You burn calories to provide energy for three main functions:

1) Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
This is the amount of calories you burn just by being alive – even when you are lying down, doing nothing. BMR accounts for approximately 60% of the calories burned for an average person.

2) Burning Calories for Activity
This is the energy used during movement – from lifting your arm to operate the remote control to cleaning the windows. This accounts for approximately 30% of the calories burned by an average person.

3) Dietary Thermogenesis
The ‘thermogenic effect’ described as meal-induced heat production – the calories burned in the process of eating, digesting, absorbing and using food.

You can influence all these factors, and speed up your rate of burning calories using some, or all, of the following tactics:


1) Build Muscle

2) Move More

3) Eat Spicy Food

4) Aerobic Exercise

5) Eat Little and Often


                                                          Click here to read in detail.

Burning calories

Six Tricks to Double Your Calorie Burn.

A plateau is a lovely thing when you get to it after hiking all day. It's not, when describing your fitness efforts!
Plateauing means that despite dragging your body to the gym every day, it's gone into slacker mode. Your weight won't budge, your muscles go on hiatus. A workout for the Bikini season .
Enter The Hollywood Trainer, Jeanette Jenkins, with jumper cables. "People get into an exercise rut," says Jenkins, whose students have included Queen Latifah and Christina Applegate. "You can go to the gym for 30 minutes and burn 300 calories. Or go and burn 600. You can literally double the amount."

                                                 Kelly Rowland Shows Off Her Bikini Bod


Here, she shows six ways to do that——techniques she perfected for her new super fat-blaster DVD, "Bikini Boot Camp." "In my other DVDs, even I dilly dallied—I put down the weights, took a little breather. But on this one, there's not a moment to think about resting. It's boom, boom, boom, next, next, next. We maximized the calorie burn for the time spent. And you can definitely do that with your own workout."

1. Combine upper and lower body: For example, instead of standing there doing biceps curls with dumbbells, add simultaneous stationary lunges.

2. Shuffle with your walk: During a 30-minute power walk, include 5 intervals of side shuffles lasting 60 seconds to 2 minutes each.

3. Insert cardio blasts: Instead of resting or texting between sets on the weight machines, do 25 to 30 jumping jacks, alternating knee lifts, or front kicks.

4. Wear a weighted vest: This will double your burn while walking, hiking, running, or taking a cardio class.

5. Do drop sets: For weight training, start off each set with the heaviest amount you can lift for 10 to 15 reps; then drop the weight 50 percent and continue to 25 reps.

6. Bump up your weights. While taking a sculpting class, push yourself to use 2 to 3 pounds more than you normally would. "It will make an incredible difference," says Jeanette.

Click here to go to this website and watch the video

kelly rowland bikini body

Pregnancy week by week

Click here to follow your week by week pregnancy.

pregnancy stages pregnancy week by week

Calculating Your Dates: Gestation, Conception & Due Date

Calculating Gestational Age:
Last Menstrual Period: If the mother has a regular period and knows the first day of her last menstrual period, gestational age can be calculated from this date. Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period and not from the date of conception.

Ultrasound: The baby can be measured as early as 5 or 6 weeks after the mother's last menstrual period. Measuring the baby using ultrasound is most accurate in early pregnancy. It becomes less accurate later in pregnancy. The best time to estimate gestational age using ultrasound is between the 8th and 18th weeks of pregnancy. The most accurate way to determine gestational age is using the first day of the woman's last menstrual period and confirming this gestational age with the measurement from an ultrasound exam.

Calculating Conception Date:
In a Typical Pregnancy: For a woman with a regular period, conception typically occurs about 11-21 days after the first day of the last period. Most women do not know the exact date of conception, and their conception date is merely an estimate based on the first day of their last period.

Special Cases: Women who undergo special procedures such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization typically know the exact date of conception.

Calculating Due Date:
Estimated Due Date: Based on the last menstrual period, the estimated due date is 40 weeks from the first day of the period. This is just an estimate since only about 5% of babies are born on their estimated due date.

Difficulties in Determining Gestational Age:
Last Menstrual Period: For women who have irregular menstrual periods or women who cannot remember the first day of their last menstrual period, it can be difficult to determine gestational age using this method. In these cases, an ultrasound exam is often required to determine gestational age.

Baby's Growth: In some cases it is difficult to determine the gestational age because the baby is unusually large or small. Also, in some cases the size of the uterus in early pregnancy or the height of the uterus in later pregnancy does not match the first day of the last menstrual period. In these cases as well, it is difficult to obtain an accurate gestational age.

pregnancy calculators
gestation period
conception

Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy; however, one of the most significant pregnancy symptoms is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle. Here are other possiple symptoms:

Implantation Bleeding:
Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.

Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation:
A delayed or missed period is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.

Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, illness or breastfeeding.

Swollen/Tender Breasts:
Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.

Fatigue/Tiredness:
Feeling fatigued or more tired is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception.

Other Explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

Nausea/Morning Sickness:
This well known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, change in hormonal birth control method or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

Backaches:
Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy; however, it is common to experience a dull backache throughout pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

Headaches:
The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.

Frequent Urination:
Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.

Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.

Darkening of Areolas:
If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

Food Cravings or Food Aversions:
While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy. Some women develop adversions to certain types of food early in pregnancy and this too can last for the next 9 months.

Other Explanations: Poor diet, lack of a certain nutrient, stress, depression, illness or impending menstruation.

Pregnancy symptoms
Early pregnancy signs

Causes & Treatment of Hiccups

Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. As the muscle contracts repeatedly, the opening between your vocal cords snaps shut to check the inflow of air and makes the hiccup sound. Irritation of the nerves that extend from the neck to the chest can cause hiccups.

Hiccups Causes
Many conditions are associated with hiccups, but none has been shown to be the cause of hiccups.

•If you eat too fast, you can swallow air along with your food and end up with a case of the hiccups.

•Any other practices that might irritate the diaphragm such as eating too much (especially fatty foods) or drinking too much (drunk people hiccup) can make you prone to having hiccups.

•In these instances, your stomach, which sits underneath and adjacent to the diaphragm, is distended or stretched. Because they occur in relation to eating and drinking, hiccups are sometimes thought to be a reflex to protect you from choking.

Try these methods at home:
•Hold your breath.
•Drink a glass of water quickly.
•Become frightened.
•Use smelling salts.
•Pull hard on your tongue.
•Place one-half teaspoon of dry sugar on the back of your tongue. (You can repeat this process 3 times at 2-minute intervals. Use corn syrup, not sugar, in young children.)

causes of hiccups  home treatment for hiccups

Apple Cider Vinegar health benefits

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is an effective natural bacteria-fighting agent that contains many vital minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine that are vital for a healthy body.
What are the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

•Reduce sinus infections and sore throats
•Balance high cholesterol
•Cure skin conditions such as acne
•Protect against food poisoning
•Fight allergies in both humans and animals
•Prevent muscle fatigue after exercise
•Strengthen the immune system
•Increase stamina
•Increase metabolism which promotes weight loss
•Improve digestion and cure constipation
•Alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout
•Prevents bladder stones and urinary tract infections

Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar

Weight Loss
While it is not known why, many people claim that Apple Cider Vinegar promotes weight loss. Some theories suggest that ACV helps to speed up the metabolism, while others suggest that it burns calories. A number of nutritionists also believe that combining Vitamin B6 and Lecithin with Apple Cider Vinegar is highly effective for weight loss. A suggested remedy is to mix 2 teaspoons of ACV mixed with a glass of water and drink this before every meal or sip it slowly throughout the day

Bad Breath
Due to its acidic properties, Apple Cider Vinegar makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath or halitosis. Simply add 1/2 tablespoon of ACV into a cup of water and gargle the mixture in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time until the cup is empty.

Body Odor
Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective body odor remedy, since it can help adjust the skin's pH level which helps to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. For armpit odor, simply wipe them once each morning with undiluted apple cider vinegar (using a cotton ball). For foot odor, fill a pan with warm water and add 1/3 cup of ACV, then let your feet soak in this mixture for 15 minutes once per week.


Skin Problems and Infections

Acne
Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural cure for acne. Please refer to our Acne Home Remedy page for more information on how to treat acne with Apple Cider Vinegar.

Age Spots
Apple Cider Vinegar contains sulfur that fights the effects of aging, which makes it suitable for treating age spots. Visit our Home Remedy for Age Spots page to learn about an effective Apple Cider Vinegar and onion juice treatment for this condition.

Cellulite
Many women have found that Apple Cider Vinegar can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Our Cellulite Home Remedies page contains details on how ACV can be used to treat this problem.

Yeast Infection
Apple Cider Vinegar has been found to be an effective treatment for yeast infections. See our Yeast Infection Home Remedies page for more details on how soaking in a bath mixed with a few cups of ACV can be used to treat this infection.


Stomach Problems

Constipation
Apple Cider Vinegar is frequently used as a natural cure for constipation. Please visit our Constipation Home Remedy page for more information on how drinking Apple Cider Vinegar can help cure this common digestive problem.

Diarrhea
There are various causes for diarrhea, and although it should not be left untreated, it is often a natural way for the body to rid itself of harmful compounds and ingested materials. Apple Cider Vinegar is a fantastic natural remedy for diarrhea since the high pectin concentration acts as a protective coating which soothes the irritated lining of the colon. A suggestion is to add 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to a large glass of water, and drink this 3 times daily while the symptoms persist.


Major Illnesses

Diabetes
Apple Cider Vinegar may help to control high blood sugar levels, which is why it is often used as a natural treatment for Diabetes. Visit our Diabetes Remedies page to learn more about how ACV can be used to treat this condition.


What are the Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar?
There are no major known side effects of Apple Cider Vinegar when used in moderation. However, drinking vinegars, acids or even lemon juices on a regular basis can lead to a deterioration of dental enamel. This can give your teeth a yellowish look and make them more sensitive to heat and cold. To prevent this, the vinegar should always be diluted with water or a pinch of baking soda should be added in order to reduce the acidity level.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

So UTI's have been on the increase oncampus and thought i would gather more information on this infection and share how i have managed to avoid it.

Possible signs of a urinary tract infection

•A burning sensation when you urinate
•Feeling like you need to urinate more often than usual
•Feeling the urge to urinate but not being able to
•Leaking a little urine
•Cloudy, dark, smelly or bloody urine

Tips on preventing urinary tract infections

•Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. Drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections.
•Don't hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to.
•Wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
•Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
•Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly) before sex if you're a little dry.
•If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method. Ask your doctor about other birth control choices.

Home Remedies:

Treating Urinary Tract Infection With Water
One of the best home remedies for urinary tract infections is to simply drink lots of water. By drinking lots of fluids, you will force yourself to urinate more often, which will help your body flush out the bacteria that is causing the infection. A recommendation is to drink 6-8 large glasses of water per day.

Using Vitamin C as a Natural Cure for Urinary Tract Infection
Increasing your daily Vitamin C intake can help increase the acidity of your urine, which can help prevent bacterial growth. Therefore, if you suffer from frequent UTIs, taking 1000mg of Vitamin C per day has been shown to be quite effective at preventing recurring infections.

Cranberry Juice as a Natural Remedy for Urinary Tract Infection ****
Cranberry juice contains high concentrations of Vitamin C and Quinolic Acid, both of which are known to help treat UTI since they help prevent bacteria from anchoring onto bladder walls. Therefore, if you have UTI, drinking 12 to 24 oz of cranberry juice can be very effective. As a preventive measure against urinary tract infections, drinking at least 3 oz per day works quite well.

Herbal Remedy for Urinary Tract Infection Using Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that contains a number of substances which help fight infections including UTI. You can either drink an Echinacea tea once per day after lunch or dinner, or consume high-quality 300mg Echinacea capsules or tablets once per day. Echinacea capsules can be found in many health stores.

Treatment:
The antibiotics most often used to treat urinary tract infection are pills typically taken for three days, and sometimes as long as 10 days, depending on the bacteria causing the infection, the drug used your medical history:
•trimethoprim (Trimpex)
•trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim)
•amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Wymox)
•nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin)
•ampicillin
•ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
•ofloxacin (Floxin)
•norfloxacin (Noroxin)
•Levaquin (levofloxacin)

How serious are urinary tract infections?
Urinary tract infections can be painful. But medicine can keep them from becoming a serious threat to your health. The kidneys can also be infected, which can be a more serious problem. Kidney infections usually require an antibiotic for a longer period of time and are sometimes treated in the hospital.

Urinary Tract Infection UTI