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This article explains a new research study on daughter’s fertility when their mothers smoke during their pregnancy. It explains the study in mice, where they used a byproduct in smoking, PAH. The results are seen and discussed by doctors from the US.

smoking, pregnancy

A new research study has found and identified a chemical pathway by which a mother’s smoking before and after pregnancy might reduce her daughter’s fertility by as much as two thirds. As we all know, cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a definite no-no, and has been shown in retrospective studies to affect the fertility of a woman’s offspring. But this would be the first study that attempted explanation of the biology behind this effect, according to the Canadian scientists behind the research. The research was performed by a team from the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto that studied and investigated on the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), a byproduct of smoking, on mouse fertility.

The study included injections of a low dose mixture of PAH to three groups of female mice. One group received PAH before conception and again when they were providing milk for their pups, while one group received PAH only before conception, and the third group received PAH only during lactation. A fourth control group did not receive PAH but were mated at the same time as others. The total amount of PAH given to each mouse over the three-week injection cycle was equivalent to 25 packs of cigarettes, according to researchers. The exposed mice did not have fewer pups in their own litters, but when the researchers investigated on the number of eggs in their female offspring, they found about 70 percent fewer follicles available to produce eggs.

According to the lead researcher Dr. Andrea Jurisicova, the mother (mice in this case), exposed to PAHs-environmental pollutants found in cigarette smoke, car exhaust, smoke produced by fossil fuel combustion, as well as in smoked food-before pregnancy and/or during breastfeeding, but not during pregnancy, can cause a reduction in the number of eggs in the ovaries of their female offspring by two-thirds. This limits the window in which the daughter will be able to reproduce.

The new data provides biological support for epidemiological results, such as the previously observed reduction in fertility among daughters of smoking women. According to Dr. Norman Edelman of the American Lung Association, “if we do our job right and these results get good press thus this data could remind women of what they are doing to their unborn fetuses.?Dr. Amos Grunebaum of New York Weill Cornell Medical Center also added that this is an interesting study, but does not add much, since other studies have also shown similar outcomes. The key point here is that women should quit smoking before they even think of getting pregnant.

Although the findings do not define the length of time between quitting smoking and healthier fertility in offspring, Jurisicova noted that previous studies have shown that women who smoke have better results with “in vitro?fertilization one year after they quit smoking. The mice in the current study conceived up to two weeks after their final PAH injection, which is approximately equivalent to three menstrual cycles in women. More research is still needed for this, but mothers should be aware of the dangers that smoking can bring to their future offspring even after knowing this specific research study.

546

Here are the 8 things you need to build a cheap home gym. Create a home fitness gym that gets the job done!

cheap home gym, home fitness gym

You can put together a cheap home gym that gets the job done if you buy the essentials. As long as you stick with the proven equipment list -and stay away from the latest ab-flexor- you can’t go wrong.

The following are my 8 home gym must-haves:

1) Dumbbells
Dumbbells are essential for the home fitness gym, necessary for presses, arm exercises and even a few core exercises. There are many kinds of dumbbells out there, from the cheap to the boutique. All of which fall into one of two types: fixed weight or handles only.
Handles are plate loaded. This requires you to slide the weight plate on yourself and then fasten the weight with collars. Most handles are either standard or Olympic. Standard are smaller in diameter than the Olympic version. You’ll want to coordinate any plate loaded barbells you purchase with your dumbbells. That way the plates are compatible. Standard handles start at around $8. Olympic handles are pricier and longer. This added length actually takes getting used to on a few exercises.

2) Barbells
You need a good barbell, and, like dumbbells, they come in standard and Olympic. Again, definitely be sure that they’re compatible with your dumbbells. Although, an Olympic bar won’t fit on a standard bench, a 7-foot standard bar will work on an Olympic bench.
A standard barbell set includes a 20 pound bar, 2 dumbbell handles (with collars) and 85 pounds of plates. A unit like this will run about $100. This isn’t a lot of weight, so you’ll probably want to buy more before too long.

3) Bench
In a truly cheap home gym, you can use any old bench for presses and one-arm rows. Make sure that it’s 2 to 3 feet wide and solid. A piano bench could work if it’s heavy enough. Otherwise, a picnic bench also works well. Get creative: you can put something under the front or rear to have an incline or a decline bench.

4) Chin Up Bar
A chin up bar can be constructed out of any material that will support your weight. You can find a chin up bar for $10 to $40.

5) Swiss Ball
Although I think that these are somewhat overused, they can add a little variety to your home fitness gym workouts. In addition to making you look more sophisticated by simply having it around the house, they also increase balance and tend to strengthen the core muscles. You can find one for $20.

6) Jump Rope
Jump rope for cardio: $5. Simple.

7) Stairs
If you have a few stairs in your house, you can add a couple outstanding exercises. These include the lunge and the step-up. Since they elevate heart rate, both are good if you’re performing circuit training. And, if you live in an apartment building with several flights of stairs, your cheap home gym includes a free stairclimber.

Yard
If you have a backyard, you can always do basketball style conditioning drills, such as sprints and short intervals. Make sure to build up your joints and tendons first with slower, more deliberate strength training to avoid injury. And if you have solid walls, you could bounce a medicine ball. This move is good for ab development and keeping a high heart rate.

Now that you’ve built it, don’t forget to use it.

369

Did you know that buying fitness equipment for your home isn’t really that difficult?
It’s true that the world of fitness equipment can seem like a maze at times and that there are literally hundreds of different types of fitness equipment pieces that might work well for your home arrangement. However, with a little guidance, the process really isn’t that hard and you will be amazed at the bargains that you can find if you just dig a little deeper than the average consumer …

fitness equipment, commercial fitness equipment, home fitness equipment

Did you know that buying fitness equipment for your home isn’t really that difficult?
It’s true that the world of fitness equipment can seem like a maze at times and that there are literally hundreds of different types of fitness equipment pieces that might work well for your home arrangement. However, with a little guidance, the process really isn’t that hard and you will be amazed at the bargains that you can find if you just dig a little deeper than the average consumer is usually prepared to. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you out in your quest for new fitness equipment.

1. Look at used equipment. This is where some good deals can be found. Fitness equipment can obtain a weird status in a person’s home. They might have been really excited to buy it initially and dreams of a fit body and monthly gym savings might have filled their head. However, after 3 months, the equipment often sits vacant in that person’s home. Used equipment can be a really good deal due to the fact that it’s often times almost as good as new but now it’s for sale. To you. For cheap. Check out newspapers, Ebay, and other places; compare prices and get a deal.

2. Consider commercial fitness equipment. Often times, you can buy the same equipment that your local gym has. Imagine, you can have that same (gasp!) Stairmaster that has dogged you for years at the local Ballys, right in your basement. This might be appealing to some who have the capital to invest in a large piece of equipment. If you no longer have to pay a $50 monthly fee to go to a gym every month, this might be a really smart investment. Look into commercial equipment, you might be pleasantly surprised.

3. The first two points are almost worthless without considering the financing of your new fitness equipment. When looking to finance your new set of fitness equipment there are tons of important factors to keep in mind. You really don’t want to be paying too much for equipment that might be found at a cheaper price (after everything is considered) elsewhere.

515

Dedicated diabetes information websites can be an invaluable resource for diabetics as they present links and vital information in plain language…

diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes symptoms, diabetes treatment, gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes

If you or someone close to you suffers from diabetes, you know what a life-altering condition it is. Diabetes-the inability of the metabolism to generate the insulin necessary to properly process blood sugar-affects millions of people in the United States alone. If properly diagnosed, diabetes in and by itself is not a fatal condition. However, keeping it under control is essential and that requires proper treatment and constant monitoring. And the more you know about the disease the better your chances of being able to live a normal life with diabetes.

There are three forms of diabetes, two of them chronic and one temporary. The chronic ones are Type 1 diabetes where the body simply does not produce insulin (a hormone that causes cells to store glucose), and Type 2 where tissues and cells are not responding to insulin. Pregnant women may develop so called gestational diabetes where certain hormones cause insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes usually disappears once a baby is born. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes require treatment.

It all sounds pretty simple, but it’s not. Even after proper diagnosis, diabetes symptoms and diabetes treatment greatly vary from person to person. With Type 1, insulin injections are almost always required, but dosage varies, and diet and lifestyle can make a big difference. Type 2 can often be managed with dietary changes, exercise and supplements but, again, it varies from person to person. The difference between controlling diabetes properly and letting it go unchecked can be the difference between a normal, healthy life and one with serious complications that can result in deteriorating health and life-threatening conditions.

One thing that can help is being informed. And that doesn’t mean just a half-hour consultation with your doctor although that, of course, is mandatory and the start of all treatment. My physician told me to do my own research and educate myself as much as I could. He said knowing about a disease and its various treatment options would allow me to determine what is right for me. He even gave me links to some information websites.

The problem with gathering diabetes information is not that there isn’t enough, but that there is so much and in so many different places. That’s why it makes sense to seek a website that specializes in diabetes and offers diabetes news, articles, a comprehensive diabetes information directory, and links to important resources. I found one that was easy to navigate and covered all aspects of diabetes, with a directory to over two dozen diabetes-related topics such as exercise, diets, drugs, symptoms, testing, treatments, prevention, blogs, forums and more. The site also contained a large number of original articles by diabetes experts or just people who have learned to live with diabetes and wanted to share their knowledge and experience.

There is a great deal of useful information on diabetes out there, but it doesn’t help much if it is scattered all over the web or written in incomprehensible medical jargon. This is why a site dedicated to diabetes and diabetes resources of all kinds makes sense and should be on top of your browser bookmarks.

457

Do you ever wonder if you have a problem with your drinking. This article lists some behaviours that might suggest a drinking problem.

alcoholic, living with an alcoholic, enabling, co-dependency

You know that you have got a problem with booze when:

1 before every party or social occasion your partner asks you “not to drink too much tonight?

2 you feel that everyone in your company drinks too slowly or doesn’t know how to let their hair down and have a good time ?like you.

3 you are having extra drinks when you go to the bar, because (see number 2).

4 you hate going to any social occasion if there is no opportunity to drink.

5 you think about drinking constantly, can’t wait to finish work to go and have a drink, can’t wait to be finished ..anything.. to go and have a drink.

6 you hide alcohol around the house, garage, office, wherever.

7 you lie about how much you drink and how often you are drunk, always minimising the amount.

8 you can’t, or find it difficult, to set a limit on the number of drinks and keep to it.

9 you drink too much at inappropriate times, embarrass your family, friends and self.

10 you feel guilty about the night before and have difficulty looking people in the eye.

11 your hands shake in the morning

12 you feel sweaty on waking and for most of the day

13 the previous night’s drinking is a bit of a blur, or worse still a blank.

14 your partner increasingly criticises your drinking

15 your friends increasingly criticise your drinking

16 your co-workers and/or boss increasingly criticise your drinking

17 you don’t count your money in dollars or ponds but in the number of drinks that it will buy

18 you are always the last of your group to leave the bar and the first to suggest another bar or another drink somewhere else.

19 you find it increasingly difficult to talk to people or socialise without having had a drink.

20 you want a drink as soon as you wake up

If you experience a couple of them occasionally it does not necessarily mean that you have a problem with booze. It is when these signs are regular features of your drinking that they are significant. We can all overindulge on occasion but if these occasions are becoming more frequent and you are experiencing an increasing number of these signs then maybe you need to take a hard look at your lifestyle and your drinking. Also you do not need to be experiencing all of these signs to have a problem, a few of them is more than enough. If you do feel that you need help check with your family doctor sooner rather than later. Like most problems, drinking problems are easier to treat when they are detected early.

This article was published using Article Submitter

496

A short informational article on Ayurveda. Debunks common myths surrounding this alternative therapy.

Ayurveda

#1 Ayurvedic medicine is less effective.

Truth: It is true that this method of treatment calls for more patience and endurance. The effectiveness can be cited by this example.

Whenever there is a tear in a cloth or a hole in a pitcher, we intend to rectify it using the similar material that it is made of. Similarly any fault in human body also calls to be corrected by use of natural resources, as much as possible.

#2 Ayurvedic medicines are slow in showing results.

Truth: The irony lies with the delay from patient’s side. Most patients visiting holistic practitioners take their time in trying other systems of medicine so as to derive a faster result. This not only delays the effect of medicine, it also hampers the working of the drug. This is because the patient has either tried much more complicated and powerful combination of drugs, the effect of which needs to be neutralized first. Or in the mean time, his malady has substantially become deep rooted and taken chronic form. It may at times show to work slowly, but as the fable goes slow and steady wins the race.

# 3 Ayurvedic medicine has side effects.

Truth: Any side effect from medicine, of any therapy, may result from the misuse of drug, either in processing or in prescribing. As far as side effect or after effect is concerned, I believe time tested medicines are safer provided the former two factors are precise. The safety of Ayurvedic medicine and mode of treatment may be advocated in 3 pints.

1. In Ayurveda the very first principle in treating a disease is to do away with the basic cause, and also to see that no new ailment emerges as a consequence. A disease is eradicated from its roots.
2. Ayurveda insists that medicine be centered at the patient, than on the disease. The mind, body and soul are considered a tripod and medicine is prescribed for overall health augmentation.
3. Since Ayourvda deals with preparations mainly from herbs and natural resources, it is a harmless therapy with least or no side effects.

#4 Ayurvedic medicines are for older patients.

Truth: There is no known limitation in this form of treatment. It is equally suited to all age groups. Ayurveda could be considered a boon for children when their body system is yet tender and in process of immunity building. The natural products do not interfere with their body resistance and at the same time tends to be more safe and comforting.

#5 Ayurvedic medicines are just an alternative.

Truth: Ayurvedic system of medicine is incorrectly quoted as an alternate therapy as this has always been the most ancient and complete system of medicine. It’s been existing before the birth of other medical therapies. The word Ayurveda is itself derived from ‘Ayush?which means life and ‘Veda?which means science. There fore, Ayurveda is the complete science of life. It is a treasure to provide every individual a life full of health, vigor and vitality.

364

Many Americans are having difficulties falling asleep at night. Instead of sleeping and dreaming they roll around in their beds trying to fall asleep.

sleep,sleep problems,

Many Americans are having difficulties falling asleep at night. Instead of sleeping and dreaming they roll around in their beds trying to fall asleep. The result usually is people not rested enough in the morning and tired all day. This results in stress and less performance on the job or at home. We have developed a list of 6 powerful tips that have helped us to achieve better sleep.

1) Room temperature: Keeping the temperature in your bedroom at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or below is recommended. Too often an overheated bedroom is causing sleep problems. Scientific studies show that the body can better relax with temperatures at 70 degrees or slightly below.

2) Reduce caffeine. A recent study showed that caffeine is not metabolized efficiently and fast enough at night. The effects of caffeine last much longer than most people expect. The result is difficulty falling asleep. Studies have shown better sleeping patterns if no more caffeine is consumed after 6.00 PM.

3) Avoid alcohol. Alcohol will keeps the body from reaching the deeper stages of sleep, where the body does most of its healing and resting. The result of drinking can be a very light sleep or difficulty falling asleep in general.

4) Beds are for sleeping. If you are used to watch TV in bed or even work while being in bed, you may find it much harder to relax and to fall asleep. Remove the TV and do not work in bed. Sleep requires your brain to slowly shutdown and any distraction will cause sleeping problems.

5) Go to bed at around the same time every day. Don’t change your bedtime back and forth. Having a certain schedule developed it will be easier to fall asleep pretty much at the same time every day. A recurring schedule will help your body to get into a sleep pattern and make it easier to fall asleep.

6) Remove the alarm clock from your view. Starring at the time will only create the feeling that you have to sleep, but you are not. These worries will make things even worse. Losing the feeling for time by not seeing the actual and how long you have been awake has shown to improve healthy sleep.

540

Sensitive skin is often blamed for breakouts and itchy skin. This article discusses the qualities of sensitive skin and how these can be determined. This article also provides information and tips on the proper care of sensitive skin designed to reduce sensitivity and increase skin resilience.

sensitive skin care

A lot of people claim that they have sensitive skin when they break out after using a certain product or were exposed to the sun. However, most of than not, the culprits behind the blotchy skin and zits are using inappropriate products for one’s skin type and bad skin habits. If you are one of the many who break out or itch after sun exposure or using a product, it is a good idea to determine if sensitive skin is really the cause or something else.

How to tell if you have sensitive skin?

Generally, sensitive skin is thin with visible broken capillaries under the skin’s surface. Sensitive skin also has fine pores. When exposed to moderate changes in temperature, sensitive skin reddens easily, whether from cold or heat. Sensitive skin tends to rash easily when exposed to dirt or even moderate strength skin care products. If your skin manifests these signs, chances are high that you really have sensitive skin. For a thorough skin assessment, a visit to a dermatologist is in order.

Since caring for sensitive skin can be quite difficult, it is advisable to limit the use of skin care products. Generally, simple skin care regimens are more effective on sensitive skin since it prevents product overload. Sensitive skin care relies on strengthening the skin to reduce sensitivity and increase tolerance.

How to care for sensitive skin?

1. Hydrate your skin.

Sensitive skin is prone to dryness which can lead to increased sensitivity. Drinking eight or more glasses of water and applying a lightweight and hypoallergenic moisturizer a day can help restore your skin’s moisture or lipid barrier that acts as defense mechanism against allergens.

2. Eat skin-friendly food.

Fruits, vegetables, and other water-rich foods are essential in correcting skin imbalances. The vitamin, mineral, and water content of these foods hydrate your skin and restore its health. On the other hand, eating spicy food and drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks can increase your skin’s sensitivity.

3. Limit sun exposure.

Sun exposure can cause sensitive skin to redden and burn easily. Before going out, apply sun protection on your face using sunscreen and on your body with sunblock lotion. You can extend the protection to your lips to prevent them from darkening. Applying an SPF-rich lip balm under your lipstick or gloss can help protect your lips. Umbrellas, sunglasses, and hats protect your body, eyes, and face from overexposure to the sun.

4. Protect skin at all times.

Even when you are indoors, your skin still needs protection. If you are staying in an airconditioned room or one with forced heating, apply a lightweight moisturizer frequently. this will prevent your skin from drying out due to the extreme temperatures.

5. Avoid products with artificial colorants and synthetic fragrances.

Colorants and fragrances are added to skin care products only for increasing marketing appeal. Your skin do not actually benefit from these additions. Often, they even cause allergic reactions and increase your skin’s sensitivity.

Aside from these tips, it is also a good idea to switch to skin care products that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. A thorough skin assessment and consultation with a dermatologist can reveal to you skin care techniques and products that can help strengthen your skin and minimize its sensitivity.

704

You know you should be getting some sort of exercise, you know of all the health benefits that come with a more active lifestyle. You’ve tried the whole Gym thing, but it just wasn’t for you. The temptation to just sit in front of the TV, to curl up with a good book, or to spend a little extra time at your computer is just too big. Who wants to head to the gym right now anyway?

There are many other options to get more active that don’t include jogging, weight lifting or ot…

You know you should be getting some sort of exercise, you know of all the health benefits that come with a more active lifestyle. You’ve tried the whole Gym thing, but it just wasn’t for you. The temptation to just sit in front of the TV, to curl up with a good book, or to spend a little extra time at your computer is just too big. Who wants to head to the gym right now anyway?

There are many other options to get more active that don’t include jogging, weight lifting or other “traditional?ways to work out. Here are a few ideas to get you moving

1) Chase your Kids around the Yard
You’d be surprised at how much of a work out you’ll get playing catch with your kids. Time will fly while you are having fun and your children will enjoy the extra time with you. Just get out there and play.

2) Turn up the Music and Dance around the Living Room
While you’re dusting, putting up dishes, straightening up the kids?rooms, or after you’ve been sitting around for too long, just play some of your favorite upbeat music and dance around in the house. Not only will you get your heart rate up, but you’ll also have more fun doing some of those chores.

3) Plant some Flowers
When the weather is nice, just get out there and plant some flowers. Or you could start a little vegetable garden, trim some hedges, cut the grass, or plant a tree. You get the idea. Just get out there, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and play in the dirt. Yes, this actually counts as exercise in our book.

4) Go for a Walk with a Friend
Take a walk and invite a friend to come along. I’ve had some of the best conversations while on a walk. Getting to chat with a friend makes the time fly by and before you know it you’ve been walking for 30 minutes.

5) Listen to some Music or an Audio Book while You Walk
Again, keeping your mind on something else will make the time fly by and you’ll get some extra fun out of your walk. You may even want to consider getting an MP3 Player. You can easily add what you want to listen to and go for your walk.

6) Sign up for a Yoga or Pilates Class
Consider starting a yoga or Pilates class. Both of these workouts are pretty low impact and won’t leave you sweaty and sore (mostly). You may also enjoy meeting some new people in the class.

7) Take some Dance Lessons with your Partner
Ok, here is the tough part: Convince your partner to take some dance lessons. Dancing will give you quite the workout and it’s just plain fun and of course romantic. Think about all your options here. You can pick from anything from Ball Room Dancing, to Line Dancing, to Latin etc. Pick something that sounds fun to you and go for it. You’ll enjoy the extra one on one time with your partner as well.

Go for a Swim at Your Local YMCA or Aquatic Center
Swimming makes for some great exercise. It is low impact and easy on your joints. Start by swimming a few laps, or play in the pool with your kids.

9) Go for a Bike Ride
Take the entire family on a bike ride. You can ride through your neighborhood in the evenings or plan a longer trip for the weekend. Pack a picnic for extra fun and start peddling.

10) Go for a Hike
Look for some hiking trails in your area and go for a hike. This could be a fun activity for you and a friend, or take the entire family along. Start with some easy trails and work yourself up to some longer or steeper trails.

Go ahead, pick one or two of the activities and get moving. I’m sure you’ll come up with plenty of versions of your own. The most important thing is to find something you enjoy, so you’ll stick with it. Get out there and get moving today.

358

Tip 1: Rise above the cravings

Imagine the cigarettes as crutches. You’ve always had these crutches to lean on and soon, it becomes impossible to walk without them. The important thing to learn is that as soon as you walk on your feet again, they’ll quickly regain strength. It may be a little known fact, but about half of what a smoker inhales from his cigarette is pure air. The next time you’re hit with a craving, take some deep breaths and relax. You will soon be able to…

stop smoking,quit smoking,addiction

Tip 1: Rise above the cravings

Imagine the cigarettes as crutches. You’ve always had these crutches to lean on and soon, it becomes impossible to walk without them. The important thing to learn is that as soon as you walk on your feet again, they’ll quickly regain strength. It may be a little known fact, but about half of what a smoker inhales from his cigarette is pure air. The next time you’re hit with a craving, take some deep breaths and relax. You will soon be able to rise above the craving, feel refreshed, and move on.

Tip 2: All the reasons to quit

Why do you want to quit? Do you have children? Do you want to live to see your grandchildren? Are you sick of the smell? Whatever your reasons are, write them down. Keep a daily journal of how you feel and in the very first entry list in bold letters every reason you have for quitting. List things like health reasons, expense, inconvenience, bad breath, or other reasons and make the list as long as possible. Also be sure to list how you WILL feel when you’ve kicked the habit.

Tip 3: The good, the bad and the ugly

After you complete your lists of reasons you want to quit and how you’ll feel after you’ve quit, make a list of the consequences of not quitting. Have other smokers in your family gotten cancer? Have they died? Do they have to speak through a hole in their neck? Will you be unable to pay off debt because you’re always buying cigarettes? Whatever you consequences, be sure to list all of them. As above, be sure to list the consequences (good consequences, of course) of quitting. Keep them to look forward to.

Tip 4: Break time!

Most smokers agree: a cigarette is a break. When quitting, give yourself breaks, but do something. Go for walk, eat a piece of fruit or drink some juice. This is critical because the body will be going through changes expelling all the accumulated poisons. The fruit will aid this process in many ways.

Good luck!

490

An increased temperature is the sign of many types of infection in a child, and it is essential that this can be measured. Every household with a child should have a clinical thermometer in the medicine cabinet. This article explains why.

clinical thermometers, how to measure fever, measure fever, fevers, childrens fever, high fever in children

Copyright 2006 Peter Nisbet

Every household with young children should possess a clinical thermometer. Young children, especially babies and infants, cannot properly describe their symptoms when they become ill. Many childhood diseases are associated with a raised temperature, sometimes inadequately described as a ‘fever?

The term ‘fever?means different things to different people and I prefer to refer to a ‘raised temperature? Serious diseases such as encephalitis and viral and bacterial meningitis start off with fairly simple symptoms. Take measles, for examples. Measles can kill young children, and if it does not, can leave them with serious side-effects or complications such as hearing and visual defects, learning difficulties and brain damage.

The initial symptoms of measles are similar to those of a cold. A runny nose, a bit of a sniffle, a cough and eventually a sore throat. Temperature also rises to over 38 Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit). If you think that your child has measles, or if temperatures stays at or goes over 38 Celsius, you should inform your doctor immediately.

If you do not have a clinical thermometer, you cannot determine the child’s temperature! You may notice your child becoming a bit flushed, and may feel warmer than normal to the touch. However, it is far better to be able to measure this accurately.

With measles, the temperature starts to drop after a day or two, then increases again as the spots appear and go as high as 40C (104F). You should definitely have contacted a doctor by then, but if you have no thermometer you may not have noticed the increase in temperature.

In many cases the temperature increase is the only indication that your child has more than just a cough and a runny nose. There are various types of thermometer available suitable for children. The old glass type with the kink is not recommended for young children. Digital thermometers are better, though disposable ones in the form of plastics strips with temperature sensitive dots are very useful. One side is self adhesive to stick to the skin under the armpit and the dots change colour at different temperatures. They can be used while the child is asleep and are disposable or re-usable for a certain period of time.

An alternative safe method to this is the ear thermometer which measures the infrared heat emission from the eardrum. An infrared probe is inserted into the ear and the temperature measured. This is safe because the probe is too short to reach the eardrum, and is larger than an infants ear canal. This is the type of system employed in hospitals, and is available for purchase either online or from good pharmacies for from around ?0 ($50). Forehead thermometers are also available, and traditional glass rectal thermometers can be used with infants by trained staff.

The second part of this article will give more detail on thermometer types and how they are used, and also discuss ‘normal?body temperature and its natural fluctuations.

382

Breathing is something we all do during our life time. We all know we are going to die if we are not breathing. Breathing is a reflex action done by our body to provide the flow of oxygen around the body to the vital organs.

Wikipedia, online encyclopedia, describes humans breathe between 12 and 20 times per minute, with children breathing faster than adults.

Babies may breathe as much as 40 times per minute. Adults normally breathe about 500-700ml of air at a time. An…

Breathing is something we all do during our life time. We all know we are going to die if we are not breathing. Breathing is a reflex action done by our body to provide the flow of oxygen around the body to the vital organs.

Wikipedia, online encyclopedia, describes humans breathe between 12 and 20 times per minute, with children breathing faster than adults.

Babies may breathe as much as 40 times per minute. Adults normally breathe about 500-700ml of air at a time. An average 14 year old takes around 30,000 breaths per day.
However, we can control our breathing. We can be more relaxed by breathing in and out so deeply. The more we allow our body to be filled by deep breathing, the less stress we place on our body and mind.

The more we practice our deep and controlled breathing, the more natural it becomes and we can call on it at any time of day to help us through those tired or stressed out moments.

With all the problems we have — either we feel stressed out at work, or at the end of a long hard day and we can’t sleep, or if we just want a few minutes to our self — we will find this simple breathing exercise really beneficial.

Here are some steps to do breathing exercise:

1. You can lie down, sit down or stand up as long as you are comfortable. Breathe in slowly through your nose to the count of four. Breathe very deep until all your body feel expanded.

2. Hold on that deep breath for four counts, and then exhale slowly through mouth to a count of eight.

3. Repeat the breathing in ?right down so your tummy expands. Hold on to it and then exhaling nine more times.

4. You can breathe deeper once you get used to the above steps by leave one hand on your stomach and place the other lightly across the chest. Breathe right down so your tummy expands

5. When it can’t go any further, breathe in some more and fill the tops of your lungs. Inhalations and exhalation are the same length, eight counts each, without holding in between.

6. When you exhales, let the old air out from your chest then from your tummy. So, you are going to be relaxed.

516

Managing asthma is not something your doctor can do for you all by himself. Asthma self help is an important part of treating and managing your condition so that it doesn’t take over your entire life.

asthma, self treatment, tips

Managing asthma is not something your doctor can do for you all by himself. Asthma self help is an important part of treating and managing your condition so that it doesn’t take over your entire life. Your doctor may prescribe both daily medication and medication to take in case of an acute asthma episode, but the task of minimizing risk of asthma attack and taking care of yourself on a daily basis is largely up to you and your family. Learning some key asthma self help tricks can help you keep your asthma under control so that it doesn’t interfere with your daily life.

Because asthma can be caused, triggered or worsened by so many things, there are many things that you can do to lessen the frequency and severity of the symptoms. Your doctor will offer important suggestions in addition to medication to help you manage your asthma. Think of those suggestions as a personalized asthma self help plan. A major part of asthma self help involves avoiding asthma triggers. Some ways that you can help yourself if you or someone in your family has asthma include:

1. The first and most important step in asthma self help is to follow your doctor’s orders. Don’t stop taking daily medication just because you feel better. If he’s prescribed daily peak flow measurements, be sure to follow instructions carefully and measure daily to monitor your condition.
2. If you smoke, quit. Whether the asthma sufferer is you or a child in your family, cigarette smoke is one of the most common asthma triggers known.
3. Keep the house dust-free ?or as close to dust-free as possible. Dust is another common asthma trigger. Use a cylinder vacuum instead of an upright ?preferably one that encloses the vacuum cleaner bag inside a solid canister to minimize pumping dust back into the air.
4. If you can, remove carpets and heavy draperies. They’re dust-catchers that easily breed dust mites. If you can’t remove them, vacuum them frequently using a canister vacuum cleaner.
5. Avoid using down feather pillows and comforters, and use a plastic cover on your mattress. Mattresses and pillows can harbor dust mites. The same goes for stuffed animals and other ’soft?decorations.
6. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf in cold weather. Cold air is another common asthma trigger.
7. If your asthma is triggered by allergens, monitor the outside air quality daily. Avoid open fields and woodsy areas during peak pollen seasons, and take extra care when air quality is in danger ranges.
8. Mold is another common allergen that triggers asthma. Keeping mold down is another important part of asthma self help care. Dry wet laundry immediately, and wash and disinfect bathrooms and showers regularly. Remove houseplants, as mold grows in their soil.
9. Pet dander can also trigger asthma symptoms. If you can’t part with a pet because of emotional ties, at least keep it out of the bedroom to minimize your exposure to dander.
10. Be aware of any food or ingested allergies, and avoid foods, medications and drinks that cause allergic reactions.

485

The increasing popularity of organic skin care has paved the way for the manufacture of a wide variety of organic skin care products. This article provides insight and information about organic skin care products along with tips on choosing authentic and quality organic products.

organic skin care products

Take a stroll along any beauty or skin care aisle and you will be bombarded by products claiming that they are “all-natural?or “organic.?The high demand for organic skin care products had drive major skin care product and cosmetic producers to mass-produce. Unfortunately, while this seems like a good news, mass producing skin care products and cosmetics is not practical unless manufacturers use preservatives and other chemicals to increase the shelf like of their supposedly “organic?products. As such, care must be taken in choosing organic skin care products to ensure authenticity and quality. Here is a guide to help you in choosing authentic organic skin care products:

1. Look for the USDA organic seal of approval.

The USDA has imposed several requirements for organic skin care products. Every product claiming to be organic must bear the USDA organic seal of approval. This means that the product has been tested and had met the quality standards set by the USDA for safety. The USDA sign means that the product and its components has passed tests conducted by the USDA for antibiotic and hormone use in livestock and crops.

2. Check beyond face-value.

Do not take the manufacturer’s word for what it is. Instead, read the label to get a thorough idea of the ingredients used for the manufacture of the product. When manufacturers put “organic?or “all-natural?labels on their products, they might be stretching the truth a bit. Some unscrupulous manufacturers may have used an organic ingredient but this does not make their products “organic.?Instead, check and read labels thoroughly to ensure that the product you are going to buy is indeed organic. Whenever possible, take note of some ingredients you don’t understand in the label and look it up online prior to your purchase to ensure that they are not preservatives or chemicals.

3. Be familiar with USDA organic ranking.

The USDA grants its organic seal of approval to products that passed its organic standards. In addition, the USDA also implements a system that designates a product as purely organic or not. Being familiar with this system ensures that you won’t be fooled when it comes to choosing an organic product. First, only products that used purely organic substances in their manufacture can be labeled ?00% organic.?Second, products with 95% or more organic ingredients can be labeled “organic?in their primary label. Third, products with 70%-95% organic ingredients can only be described as “made with organic ingredients?with three of these organic ingredients listed on the label. Lastly, products with only 70% organic ingredients or less can only use the word “organic?in their ingredient section.

By understanding what the manufacturers mean when they label their products as organic, you can minimize the risk of purchasing scam products masquerading as organic skin care lines. Better yet, research on the Internet for reviews and recommendations on the best organic skin care products around to make your choice easier.

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More than 60 percent of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, and obese persons are more likely to be ill than those who are not. Obesity presents challenges to physicians and patients and also has a negative impact on health status. Some patients who are obese may delay medical care because of concerns about disparagement by physicians and health care staff, or fear of being weighed. Simple accommodations, such as providing large-sized examination gowns and ar…

obese,obesity,weight loss,gastric,gastric bypass,bypass,obese weight loss,Laparoscopic,Laparoscopic

More than 60 percent of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, and obese persons are more likely to be ill than those who are not. Obesity presents challenges to physicians and patients and also has a negative impact on health status. Some patients who are obese may delay medical care because of concerns about disparagement by physicians and health care staff, or fear of being weighed. Simple accommodations, such as providing large-sized examination gowns and armless chairs, as well as weighing patients in a private area, may make the medical setting more accessible and more comfortable for obese patients.

Children Can be Obese too!
Children can also be obese! And it is not just baby fat we are talking about here. Children who have migraines are more likely to be overweight than the general population, while overweight kids suffer more disabling migraines than their normal-weight peers, a new study shows.

Americans have become considerably more obese over the past 25 years. This increase is primarily the result of consuming more calories. The increase in food consumption is itself the result of technological innovations which made it possible for food to be mass prepared far from the point of consumption, and consumed with lower time costs of preparation and cleaning. Price changes are normally beneficial, but may not be if people have self-control problems.

Another government study published in October, 2002 indicates that thirty-one percent of the American public is obese. It further suggested that fifteen percent of young people between 6 and 19 are seriously overweight. Even ten percent of toddlers between 2 and 5 are seriously overweight. The study appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Is there a Permanent Solution for Obesity?
But lucky for us all, advances in the medical world has made it possible for obese people to lose that weight and live a normal life! What is this method? It is called the gastric bypass surgery. Gastric bypass surgery has worked for thousands of people all over the world and has given lasting effect on weight loss! We urge you to find out more about the gastric bypass surgery method as a permanent way in losing tens of kilos and keeping them off forever!

626

Among diet experts, there is a rarely mentioned adaptation of the body that prevents a diet program from achieving the maximum results. This adaptation, the weight loss plateau, can be tackled in a variety of ways, most of which involve changes to the training or diet regimen of a person. While circumventing the metabolic rate can be a difficult process, it can be done.

diet, car accident, muscle spasms, weight loss pills

The typical human form is capable of achieving a number of incredible feats that seem to suspend or defy the way science tells us things work. Athletes, through sheer willpower, can end up lifting something that their bodies should not be able to without suffering anything worse than muscle spasms. People can adapt to extreme physical trauma caused by a car accident and defy predictions that they’ll never walk again. While, in general, these amazing feats are useful in a number of situations, there are physical reactions that some people look upon with quite a bit of disfavor. Among these “disfavored reactions?is something known as a “weight loss plateau.?

Essentially, the “plateau?is a term used to describe a situation where the body has become incapable of losing any further weight, usually due to developing a tolerance for the weight loss pills and methods being used. Essentially, the plateau is hit when the body develops tolerance for the regimen’s limitations and practices, thus allowing the metabolic rate of the body to adjust to whatever weight loss pills or techniques were being used. Most diet books decidedly ignore the existence of the plateau, primarily because it can be seen as negating the purpose of the diet and is, therefore, bad for marketing. There are, however, ways to counteract the human body building a tolerance for training regimens and weight loss pills.

The human metabolism, when presented with a pattern, will eventually adapt to that pattern. It is this natural adaptability of the human body that can cause the weight loss plateau, particularly if the person’s diet and eating habits have been altered for weight loss. As such, changing the pattern will, once a sufficient amount of time has passed, allow your diet plan or weight loss pills to become effective again. This trick essentially involves confusing the human metabolism, and is often taken as a rather drastic way to get the body back in “diet mode.?There are, of course, several ways to effectively alter that pattern without causing the body permanent harm.

Adding strength and weight training and modifying one’s exercise program can also help someone get past the plateau, in most cases. The body will still burn through nutrients during physical activity, though the digestive system’s metabolic rate can adapt such that more weight is retained rather than burned during exercise. Increasing the difficulty of the exercises, or changing the movements to target less-developed muscle areas, can effectively force the body to re-adapt. While the body is busy adapting to the changes, it can also start losing weight again. This method is best used with alterations to the person’s diet, however, to maximize the effectiveness.

Another trick used to circumvent the problem of the plateau is to make changes to the time frame between meals. The internal clock that the human body’s digestive system operates on can be altered to suit one’s purposes, provided one executes the proper alterations to one’s diet and eating habits. A simple action like altering the schedule of the meals, such as adding more meals but reducing the bulk of each, can have an appreciable effect on altering the metabolic rate. The key concept of this method is to fool the body into burning the food faster, thus getting one’s weight loss program and diet back on track.

When considering the options, it is helpful to keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another person. Some slower metabolisms may require combination of diet program and exercise regimen modifications, while others can get by with merely shortening the break between meals. The critical point is to find a method that works and is effective for a specific metabolism, which can be a time-consuming process.

318

This may come as a surprise to you, but sleep apnea is more common than you think. Yes, while it might seem like you are the only one who suffers from sleep apnea, we’d be willing to be that at least a few of your close neighbors suffer from it to. Well, the information age now allows you to listen to thousands of different opinions and possible cures for whatever ails you. Sleep apnea is no different. Follow these three tips and you should be all set in your quest for more i…

sleep apnea, sleep apnea symptoms, obstructive sleep apnea

This may come as a surprise to you, but sleep apnea is more common than you think. Yes, while it might seem like you are the only one who suffers from sleep apnea, we’d be willing to be that at least a few of your close neighbors suffer from it to. Well, the information age now allows you to listen to thousands of different opinions and possible cures for whatever ails you. Sleep apnea is no different. Follow these three tips and you should be all set in your quest for more information.

1) Start with a basic search on multiple websites. Try the regulars like Yahoo, Google, and MSN. Try searching for ’sleep apnea symptoms?or ’sleep apnea treatment.?Getting multiple sources of information can only make your information quest easier. Some search engines are better for some types of information (Google seems to be especially handy for scientific searches) while others are not. Get a lot of different information sources.

2) Another great source of information for everything is wikipedia.org. While we definitely don’t recommend trying to treat your sleep apnea yourself based upon the information you find (always see a physician, we aren’t physicians and can’t give a medical opinion), wikipedia.org is a good place to start looking for any information as it is “user edited? “User edited?means that anyone can conceivably change the information on wikipedia.org. It’s almost like a democracy of information presentation. It’s definitely worth a look in your sleep apnea research.

3) Don’t forget to look for information specifically on understanding sleep apnea. If you can’t understand what sleep apnea is, you are going to have a tough time even if you follow tips #1 and #2 to the letter. Get informed and try to understand what sleep apnea is. There are a ton of great resources out there if you look hard enough.

354

We all want to have great cosmetic dentistry procedures and when leaving the dentist, tell him how happy we are with the great results. In order to achieve this you will have to do your homework in time.

cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry procedures, teeth whitening

We all want to have great cosmetic dentistry procedures and when leaving the dentist, tell him how happy we are with the great results. In order to achieve this you will have to do your homework in time.

I will outline here some of the best tips I know to help you start with this and make sure you will avoid any bad results.

Tip 1. You can always ask your dentist to show you some before and after photos so you can make an idea of how your dentist worked before on other patients.
Some dentists also have this kind of cosmetic dentistry pictures for sale. You just have to ask.

Tip 2. Before starting your cosmetic dentistry procedure you will have to make sure that what you want and/or need is the same as what your dentist will do.
In order to make sure of this you will need to have a great communication with your dentist. You don’t want to have a bad experience and see at the end that
you ended up with something you don’t like.

Tip 3. Another great thing that you can do, both for you and your dentist, is to bring with you photos that show your expected results. This way your dentist
will know exactly what you have in mind, what you desire.

Tip 4. Never allow a dentist to start prepping your teeths without first having a functional wax-up done for you so you can see exactly how your teeth will
look after your treatment. This functional wax-up is prepared in the laboratory in order to be approved by you.

Tip 5. Large ammounts of money are spent each and every year by companies that market their cosmetic dentistry products. You should not belive everything you
see in commercials on TV. Always try to research each product or firm you want to use, on the internet. Search for reviews and anything you might find to make an exact idea of anything you might use.

I’ve outlined this great tips to help you with your cosmetic dentistry procedures. Always be aware of when you want to choose cosmetic dentistry.

413

Been trying and trying to cure my acne and I finally found the cure! Using mother nature natural resources, no expensive creams, lotions, or prescribed medicines. Learn how I did it.

acne, acne cure, pimples, scars, pigmentation

Only 2 months of using the Acne cure method, my acnes have completely under control. Face cleared up twice as fast and pigmentation lighten. I have combined 3 steps of curing methods using mother nature natural resources to control my Acne, NO expensive creams, lotions, or prescribed medicines. Sorry this is not a 1 or 2 days cure method but you will see results in one or two week’s time. Usually I have outbreak after SEX, yes after sex?Not sure whether other acne suffers have this problem, but after using this Acne cure methods, NO more outbreaks!

Here comes the cure?

Step 1.

Daily routine – THE NIGHT BATH

You must do this every day or twice a day if not convenient for you. THE NIGHT BATH ingredients you need are:

4 Cups of Dead Sea Salt (Normal sea salt will do but not as effective)
4 Cups of Epsom Salt

Why Dead Sea salt and Epsom salt? Epsom salt is well know for expelling toxins out of your body and Dead Sea salt contains minerals and naturally occurring chemicals found in dead sea which could replenish your body lost minerals and also for its antiseptic properties.

Fill your bath tub with the mixtures and lukewarm water, soak yourself inside for about 20-30 minutes. If you are not afraid that the salt will irritates your eyes, you can sink yourself totally into the water as long as your breath can hold. About 20-30 minutes later RINSE YOURSELF WITH COOL WATER.

Note: If you can’t access to bath tub, than mix 3 tablespoons of Dead Sea salt and Epsom salt with 1 tablespoon of warm water (not too watery) and a few drops of tea tree oil in a bowl, mix them well. Choose a comfortable area to lie down and apply the mixture on your face, neck or back. Avoid broken skin area, rinse with cool water after 20-30 minutes. This method is not as powerful as soaking yourself in the salt water, but it does helps.

You will have a very relaxing feeling with just 20-30 minutes of miracle salt bath. As I mentioned earlier, this step has to be done everyday until your skin condition improved. After I found this cure than remember when I was 8-12 years old, my dad used to bring me to swim in the sea and my skin was flawless. So if possible, go swim in the sea few times a week. So much for step 1 and if you do it consistently, you can see results very soon.

589

According to a recent study, car accidents ranked ninth out of the top ten causes of death world wide. It also ranked first among the top ten accident-caused deaths. Over 40,000 Americans die in car crashes every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone is involved in a car accident every ten seconds. It is estimated that every 12 minutes, a person dies in a car crash. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans 35 years old and younger.

car accidents

According to a recent study, car accidents ranked ninth out of the top ten causes of death world wide. It also ranked first among the top ten accident-caused deaths. Over 40,000 Americans die in car crashes every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone is involved in a car accident every ten seconds. It is estimated that every 12 minutes, a person dies in a car crash. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans 35 years old and younger. In 2002 alone, there has been a reported 43,005 deaths caused by car accidents.

What are the leading causes of car accidents?

Car accidents can often be attributed to driver recklessness or negligence, the vehicles involved in an accident, and road and weather conditions at the time of the accident.

Driver Negligence.

Driver negligence may manifest in many forms. It may be because of rubbernecking, driving under the influence of alcohol, the driver’s lack of experience, or an aggressive driving behavior.

Under driver negligence, rubbernecking had been reported as the top cause of car accidents. This happens when motorists stop to look at other accidents they pass by and lose concentration on the road ahead. This distraction ends up in a chain of accidents that could have been avoided. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in the US. This is considered as a criminal offense and is not taken lightly. A reported forty percent of all traffic-related deaths have been attributed to driving while intoxicated. Inexperienced drivers who aren’t accompanied by an adult with a valid driving license also contribute to car accidents. One quarter of reported car accidents involved teenage drivers. Aggressive driving behaviour like challenging other drivers to a street race in the middle of the road, forcing to cut into a lane, not giving way to other cars also contribute to the growing statistics of car accidents.

Vehicles.

Defective auto parts, vehicle design, and/or car maintenance are also major causes of car accidents. Defective door latches, seat belts, airbags, seat backs, roofs, ignition systems, and fuel systems are all contributing factors in the damage caused in vehicular accidents. The overall faulty design of a car makes accidents and damages more likely. SUV designs make a car less stable on the road and four times more likely to rollover in an accident as compared to passenger cars.

Road and weather conditions.

It is understandable that this cause isn’t really something man can have any control of. However choosing to come out on the road without first taking into consideration the weather and road condition may also be considered negligence on the part of the driver.

How can I avoid car accidents?

Responsible driving is the key to avoid getting yourself involved in a car accident. For teenage drivers, don’t go out driving unsupervised. Avoid ingesting too much alcohol when you’re driving, not only will you be able to see the road clearer, your concentration will be better, too. Concentrate on the road, disregard any distractions while driving. If it is really necessary that you take a moment to acknowledge any distractions, park your car on a safe area and then attend to what ever needs your immediate attention. Drive defensively instead of being aggressive on the road. Always keep yourself abreast to weather conditions before going out. Make sure and check your vehicle for any problems even before you hit the road. It is better to be prepared and safe than getting into an accident on the road.

815

Most folks I know start off the New Year by making resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. often, this mission is often easier said than done. Some last a little longer than others, but for most, impetus starts to fizzle soon into the next buffet engagement.

Have no fear: ten delightful tactics can empower you to motivate your self to a better body. Whether you are looking to lose a lot or just a few pounds or you want to exercise more to tone your body, you can creat…

employee motivation, self motivation, motivating employees, motivate, intrinsic motivation, motivation in the workplace, motivation theory, employee motivation program, motivation techniques, motivating students

Most folks I know start off the New Year by making resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. often, this mission is often easier said than done. Some last a little longer than others, but for most, impetus starts to fizzle soon into the next buffet engagement.

Have no fear: ten delightful tactics can empower you to motivate your self to a better body. Whether you are looking to lose a lot or just a few pounds or you want to exercise more to tone your body, you can create an action plan that can help you stay motivated.

Conviction: Conviction is the primal way for you to motivate yourself to exercise more or to stick to a diet. Faith in yourself is also known as self-efficacy and it means that once you believe that you can do something, no matter how hard, you do it. Those that have a lot of self-esteem believe that they have the power to make changes in themselves. Those without solid self-confidence will find that they will have a much more difficult time sticking to any fitness plan and will not exert much effort.

Support: A staunch support system of friends and family keeps almost anyone motivated to reach their goals. When a person starts a new fitness plan or diet program, many changes need to happen. It is important to surround yourself with others that can support you and understand your personal goals. Let those around you know that you need them to support your new goal and try to include them in your objectives.

Positive Mind-set: Your enthusiasm will soar if you keep a positive attitude towards your new fitness goals. Think about the positive aspects of a healthier lifestyle and exercise plan and keep that in mind you may be tempted to skip a day at the gym. When following any fitness plan, it is also important to remember that you may have setbacks or you may not achieve your goals as fast as you had hoped. Keeping your stance positive even during the rough times will help you stay focused on your goals.

Follow Through: You will find that you have an easier time staying motivated when you make a plan and keep at it. Without understanding each step you need to take to reach your goals, it will be harder to focus on the destination. For example, if you are trying to eat healthier, write down what foods you want to eliminate and foods your want to add to your diet. As you progress, compare your results with your plan and that will help you stay the course.

Keep Organized: Keeping organized will keeps the motivation burning to stay on the new fitness plan. If you plan on going to the gym a few times a week, you can get everything you need ready to go the night before. Have your shoes, gym clothes and membership card by the door. Not only will this make it easier for you find exactly what you need, but it will also serve as a visual reminder of your goal. Keep your days planned out and schedule time in for healthy cooking or burning the asphalt.

Forms of Motivation: Intrinsic and extrinsic are both types of motivation. Understand what they mean and which one helps keep you motivated. Those who are intrinsically motivated do not need outside forces, such as rewards to stay focused. They have the power from within to stay motivated. Other forces, such as rewards or praise from others, motivate those who are motivated extrinsically. Most people feel motivated both ways. Understand what kind of motivation keeps you passionate.

Reward Yourself: Incentives can be a great motivator, especially in a new fitness plan. Give yourself a small reward when you meet each of your goals. This will help you get to your final goal. You may choose to buy yourself a new shirt when you lose ten pounds or maybe go see a movie. Whatever appeals to you would stoke the flames of zeal.

Heroes: When you are trying to get a better body through a fitness plan, look for a hero. That person does not have to be famous, but anybody you look up to. Maybe it is someone you know with zest for healthy living. Use that person to emulate when your spirit wanes.

Knowledge is Power: As soon as you commit yourself to a new fitness plan, arm yourself with piles of information. Compare different diets and exercise plans. Learn the ins and outs of each one and you can make confident informed decision.

Varied Pursuits: Another great way to stay motivated is by diversifying activities. When you start to feel upset, you can set it aside and do something you really love. It might even be possible to include what you love doing to help you achieve your fitness aims.

529

If you want to stay sharp and in control of your life well into your golden years, there are proactive methods to achieving the mental alertness you need. More and more research is pointing to the fact that physical activity and lifestyle choices have more to do with preventing Alzheimer s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia – once thought to be a normal part of aging – than pure genetics. So if you had a parent, grandparent or sibling with AD it doesn’t mean you have to…

alzheimer’s,alzheimers,alzheimer’s disease,alzheimer’s prevention,dementia

If you want to stay sharp and in control of your life well into your golden years, there are proactive methods to achieving the mental alertness you need. More and more research is pointing to the fact that physical activity and lifestyle choices have more to do with preventing Alzheimer s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia – once thought to be a normal part of aging – than pure genetics. So if you had a parent, grandparent or sibling with AD it doesn’t mean you have to follow the same path.

Statistics gathered from extensive research do point toward a higher risk of developing AD if you had a close relative with AD – as much as 50%, but that has less to do with genes and more to do with following their lifestyle patterns. If for example, your parents were smokers who rarely exercised, you may have developed some of the same destructive habits.

What can you do to break the cycle and prevent AD? Take action and take control today. Even if you are in your 60s or 70s you can reverse some of the damage done to your brain through poor diet, inactivity, or damaging lifestyle choices. Scientists have discovered very recently that the brain has the ability to repair cells and neurotransmitters and improve cognitive function and memory.

It’s Not Too Late to Make A Difference: Start the 5 Steps Today

1. Eat Right. It seems so simple, yet too many people just don’t get enough of the mind preserving antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables. A well-balanced diet, free of diary products and using low fat sources of protein will protect both heart and mind.

2. Supplement where necessary. Many diets lack the nutrients proven to promote brain health. These include sources of essential fatty acids found in fish and specific herbs and minerals that can enhance cognitive function.

3. Exercise. Originally it was thought that exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain cells. This is still true, but a report prepared for the National Institutes of Health states that exercise can also stimulate the production growth factors, which are molecules produced by the body to repair and maintain nerves.

4. Lower Your Cholesterol. Many people with early dementia or AD symptoms may have actually experienced small strokes that damaged the brain’s neurotransmitters. By keeping cholesterol levels in check, the arteries are free and clear of plaque that can cause stroke.

5. Do your Mental Exercises. Keeping up with current events, working puzzles each day, learning and memorizing new information all work to keeping a mind strong and alert. It is normal for people to sometimes forget a name or date, but the more practice recalling such information the greater the brain’s ability to do this throughout old age. In the case of mental challenges, the more you do the more you can push back the clock on cognitive decline.

Five easy steps, when you think about it, can do much to make aging an event to celebrate instead of dread. With age there comes experience and wisdom, and we should all do whatever is within our power to be able to pass that on to the next generation.

551

Men’s sexual health is an oft-ignored topic especially amongst men themselves. As a result, most are misinformed or misguided regarding their own sexual health. This article provides information on the basics of male sexual health and a discussion of the common risks affecting men’s sexual health.

men’s sexual health

Most information available on sexual health are primarily geared towards women. However, men, particularly those who are sexually active are also at risk for sexual problems. Whether gay or straight, sexual health is an important aspect of a man’s life and must be paid particular attention to. Threats on men’s sexual health must be prevented and diminished, not only for their safety but also for that of their partners.

Parameters of Male Sexual Health

Men’s sexual health is usually determined by several factors. These factors include the following:

* Physical Health

Men who are physically fit and healthy generally have better sexual health than men who do not look after their diet or practice regular physical activity. Weak cardiovascular constitution, underdeveloped muscles, and poor blood circulation also contribute to poor sexual health. A weak body is also more prone and susceptible to infections which can weaken a man’s resistance to sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

* Psychological Health

Contrary to popular belief, a man’s physical constitution is not the sole determinant of sexual health. Often, some sexual problems are direct effects of a man’s emotional problems. For example, it is commonly observed that physically healthy men who suffer for erectile dysfunction have a serious lack of confidence or are riddled with anxiety performance disorders.

* Social Activities

Men who are in monogamous sexual relationships are at lesser risks for sexual problems compared to men who enter polygamous relationships. Drug addiction also puts a man at a greater risk for infection especially if he uses intravenous drugs.

Risks to Men’s Sexual Health

Male sexual health can be threatened by several diseases and disorders. Some of these risks include:

* Ejaculation Disorders

There are three common forms of ejaculation disorder in men. These are premature ejaculation, retarded ejaculation, and retrograde ejaculation. Premature ejaculation happens when due to an excess of sexual arousal, anxiety, or loss of control, a man ejaculates before or soon after penetration. Retarded ejaculation occurs when an ejaculation comes too slow that prevents orgasm. Retrograde ejaculation happens when the ejaculate is forced back into the bladder instead of being released at orgasm.

* Erectile Dysfunction

Another term for this disorder is impotence. This happens when a man is unable to have or sustain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse and ejaculation. As such, he is unable to introduce his semen into his partner reproductive system to induce a pregnancy. This is often caused by psychological trauma or an effect of certain medications.

* Inhibited Sexual Desire

This can be loosely translated to a loss or decrease in a man’s libido levels. Often associated with low testosterone levels, inhibited sexual desire may also be triggered by medications, psychological problems, and some illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure.

* Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections

Men usually get infected with STIs and STDs following unhealthy and unprotected sexual relationships with an infected partner. Usual signs of STDs and STIs include: difficulty in urinating, bloody urine, foul penile discharge, sores, lesions, and excessive itching in the genitalia.

Immediate medical assistance must be sought when it comes to problems concerning male sexual health. Diagnosis is usually done through physical and psychological exams, as well as a thorough evaluation of medical history. Treatment usually comes in two phases: medical treatment for physical symptoms and psychological therapy for mental and social factors.

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If you’re like me, the quest to be in shape and manage weight feels overwhelming. And, as if the quest to be fit isn’t hard enough, there’s often other obstacles to overcome: health issues, time management, mustering up courage or energy. Even if you’ve been exercising for a long time, there’s always new barriers to be broken. So, how to put all of this into perspective?
?According to Tom Turner, executive liaison for the Spina Bifida Association that’s exactly it: Perspec…

fitness, inspiration, wellness

If you’re like me, the quest to be in shape and manage weight feels overwhelming. And, as if the quest to be fit isn’t hard enough, there’s often other obstacles to overcome: health issues, time management, mustering up courage or energy. Even if you’ve been exercising for a long time, there’s always new barriers to be broken. So, how to put all of this into perspective?
?According to Tom Turner, executive liaison for the Spina Bifida Association that’s exactly it: Perspective. And also, according to him, there’s no mountain too high to climb. Tom would know. Paralyzed from the waist down since birth he’s now 35 and trains about three times a week. In fact, he tells me, he just couldn’t get along without exercise.
?So in my quest for the last word on overcoming barriers in fitness, Tom sat down with me and together we came up with 3 basic principles that will help break-down fears and intimidations when striving to reach fitness goals. (After all, if he can exercise on a regular basis, shouldn’t that be encouragement enough for anyone to give it a?shot?)
?Principle #1 Move Into The Fear.
?”Train you mind to believe no mountain is too high or any goal is too difficult to attain,?Tom tells me. Basically, it’s all about meeting your fears and facing them head-on. In this principle, aim to recognize your fears, acknowledge them and then move through them. Ask yourself what is it that makes you uncomfortable? Have you let yourself get out of shape and are afraid you’ll never get back? Do you have an injury that’s caused you to be afraid of your body? If you can visualize creatively, then you can put your fears in check. See your self as you’d like to be. Remember: your body loves you and has the potential to heal itself to perfection. Your only job is to trust it and listen.
?Q: What is your body saying to you?
?Principle #2 Trust Your Intuition.
?It is important when overcoming obstacles and learning to break through barriers that you begin to listen to the still small voice of your body. In most cases, we all want the comfort of having someone telling us what we can and cannot do. However, our highest truth lies within us. This is not to say that the good opinion of others is not important, but ultimately the decision making comes from within.
?When facing a challenge or an obstacle look to how you feel. What are your instincts telling you? Often it is simply your instinct that will move you into a new mindset and raise your consciousness. “I wasn’t about to let the wheelchair stand in my way,?Tom tells me. In fact, he says he had to merely change his perspective about it. He says he first had to learn about what his restrictions were then, create a boundary for himself. “We all have boundaries,?he tells me. “Regardless if a person can walk or not, obstacles are as unique as people themselves. Therefore, it’s first best to know your boundaries.”
?Next, Tom tells me he aims to meet those boundaries.?”I first reach as high as I can within the confines of what I am able to do. Whether it be more sets, reps or greater endurance, I allow myself as much time as necessary to accomplish my small goals. It always surprises me, with small steps, how quickly I can reach a Big goal.??Principle #3 Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.
?What then, about fear? I wanted to know. If we move into the fear and meet it eye to eye what if fear meets us there? “So,?I asked Tom: “are you ever afraid? “After 19 operations in my life, I’ve really come to terms with fear,?he says. “It really comes down to our most primal fear; fear of death. Once you realize that death is all part of the divine plan, it’s liberating, you can let it go and, instead, choose how to live. So instead of being afraid of death I decided to choose how to live.”
?So what’s the take away message? Talking to Tom, I’m reminded of the poem by Dylan Thomas who said: “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.?It seems appropriate here. The bottom line: Staying afraid often keeps us from truly living. Tom reminds me that a positive attitude is key, “Life is all about attitude.” He also says he could let fear beat him down, yet he doesn’t. “I wouldn’t want to miss being part of tomorrow,?he concludes. That said, what fears are getting in your way? Make today the right time to face them.
?In conclusion: Life Beyond The Boundaries.
?When you’ve faced your fears and pushed your boundaries to the edges, what then? I wanted to know. Tom smiles. “Find a new mountain to climb,?he says matter-of-factly. “It’s what makes life fun. I know I have considerations. I know that there will be days that I’ll need to stay in bed and rest while my braces are getting tuned up. It’s those times when I am with my thoughts that I decide what I am going to set my sights on.??Author’s Note: In my personal quest to live beyond the boundaries I’ve chosen Tom as my role model (lucky for me, he’s my brother). We so often look to the media for these sources and so often they are illusory. There are “real?people everywhere doing great things…look around you; angels are everywhere! Learn from them. Choose someone you look up to, admire or of whom you appreciate their values. Set goals, climb mountains! Set intention in motion and enjoy the healthy process.

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Jean looked through the window at the birds flying calmly in the sky and some dogs running on the beach. It was a nice day and she felt calm and content to be there, memories came back from her younger days: when she knew she loved John, the the weather conditions had been equal and she, as a modest girl with attractive face and long and bright hair, had been happy to pulled towards her, a young bank manager.

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Jean looked through the window at the birds flying calmly in the sky and some dogs running on the beach. It was a nice day and she felt calm and content to be there, memories came back from her younger days: when she knew she loved John, the the weather conditions had been equal and she, as a modest girl with attractive face and long and bright hair, had been happy to pulled towards her, a young bank manager. Her skin like silk had attracted as he saw her on the beach, and regardless of timidity his he had bought a box of chocolates – he said they were soft to the touch as she seemed to be.
Their ardent fate flourished and Jean murmured as she bore in mind vacations and picnics, swimming in the same sea she was looking at now and canoodling in the back row of the cinema. John never forgot wedding anniversary and was always purchasing her nice flowers and chocolates and leaving some flowers on the bed – even after 50 years of being together.
Her cheeks reddened as she remembered some ardent moments – caressing each other during an Opera performance; fantastic dinners in Turkey and comfortable days in hotel bedrooms when on holiday, scarcely leaving their room, so crazy they were about their passion.
A hand gently met her hand and she looked up: here he was, her John, now 72 but still with a twinkle in his eye. He knew her so well that he straight away knew what she was thinking.
“I know fun wasn’t it, old lady? You are still the love of my life!”
Ah a romantic thought now she identified they were too old and John couldn’t coped with his impotence. Erectile dysfunction – what a medical condition identify something so unhappy.
On the other hand John had a surprise; he had been evoking too, and had discovered a website for generic Viagra and generic cialis on the Internet. He had placed an order some generic Viagra tablets, which claimed they would be able to help him to obtain his former sexual capability. Right now, he had a pack of generic Viagra in his pocket and a plan in his mind. A romantic walk near the sea, delicious banquet a relaxing walk and then home… where he intended to lie their passion again.

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Contact lenses are more expensive than regular glasses. Even when the lenses are available on sale, the solutions to keep them clean and the eye drops would make up for the rest. Despite the high price, many people prefer contacts to glasses.

Contact Lenses, Discount Contact Lenses, Colored Contact Lenses, Bifocal Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are more expensive than regular glasses. Even when the lenses are available on sale, the solutions to keep them clean and the eye drops would make up for the rest. Despite the high price, many people prefer contacts to glasses.

When it comes to contact lenses, it pays to shop around to find the best deal. Buying contact lenses usually involves paying for a whole package that might include the eye exam, contact lens, the solution, and eye drops. Some eye clinics keep a store of contacts that can be bought from their pharmacies. However, almost all the shops that deal with contact lenses usually have a doctor on board who can do a checkup in the shop itself before recommending the right pair of lenses.

Price checks can be conducted online where many websites provide comparison charts for easier decision making. Another alternative would be to visit a few shops and get a good knowledge of various types, models, and packages available and the wide range of discounts being offered for each. Comparison-shopping helps in getting the best bargain. Any optical shop would be able do a checkup on the premises, so the best option is to compare the prices on the whole deal instead of looking at the price of only one pair of contacts.

Optical shops provide the best deals since they are always trying to make money and increase their market share. It is wise to invest in a well-established contact lens package than in cheaper ones because there might be a possibility of eye problems later on with the cheaper brands. Some online optical shops offer mail-in rebates. They can be ordered online and are sent by a mail order, which can prove to be very convenient. Some websites specialize in taking mail orders and can be very reliable as well.

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Everyone wants to save money, and the good news is that purchasing medicine online is both easy and affordable. This is because online pharmacies have a much lower overhead expenses.. The US Pharmacopeia (USP) has joined forces with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) together with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has established quality control standards for all medications dispensed by pharmacies throughout United States. Their intention is to preven…

Everyone wants to save money, and the good news is that purchasing medicine online is both easy and affordable. This is because online pharmacies have a much lower overhead expenses.. The US Pharmacopeia (USP) has joined forces with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) together with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has established quality control standards for all medications dispensed by pharmacies throughout United States. Their intention is to prevent consumers from receiving poor quality and/or harmful medicines from online pharmacies.

US Pharmacopeia (USP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Association of Boards of Pharmacy offer these ten tips to consumers who are thinking of buying health products online:

1. Do not purchase from an illegal website. This means putting yourself at risk. The danger of you being able to purchase contaminated or counterfeit product is there, aside from the fact that you may also be given the wrong product, an incorrect dose or worse yet, you could not receive any product at all since most illegal web sites do not maintain longevity.

2. Purchasing an unsafe or inappropriate medication may put you at risk or cause serious health consequences.

3. Obtain prescriptions from your doctor before purchasing drugs online. Moreover, it is not a good idea to purchase a prescription drug online without seeing first your doctor even if you fill out a health-probing questionnaire. The questionnaire does not provide sufficient information that would enable a doctor to determine if that drug is safe for you to use, if another treatment is more appropriate, or if you have an underlying medical condition which could be negatively affected by the drug you are about to purchase.

4. Always try to consult a doctor before using any medication for the first time. This way you can thwart any negative side-effects that the medicine might cause you.

5. Avoid sites that offer to prescribe a prescription drug for the first time without a physical exam, sell a prescription drug without a prescription, or sell drugs that are not approved by Food and Drug Administration. Taking drugs without any physical check up can be harmful to your health and may even cause death.

6. Do not buy from a web site that does not have any access to a registered pharmacist that can answer questions.

7. Avoid sites that don’t contain information about the owner of the site and do not provide a street address and phone number to contact should problems arise.

8. If possible, refrain from purchasing from foreign web sites because generally it is illegal to import drugs from these sites and the risks you are facing are much greater. You could actually be held personally liable for importing this drug.

9. Be very careful in dealing with sites that claim that they have found a new cure for a certain serious disorder and offer quick cure-alls for a wide range of ailments. Likewise, stay away from sites that include undocumented case histories claiming remarkable results.

10. Beware of sites that make use of impressive sounding medical terminology to disguise their lack of research or those that claim that the government, the medical profession, or research scientists have conspired to suppress a products in spite of the effectiveness of the product to cure serious diseases. And if you want to be sure that you are purchasing from a licensed online pharmacy you may check out the site with the VIPPS and see whether it is a licensed pharmacy with good standing.

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There is no more question to the veracity of the ill effects of cigarettes to people who smoke as well as to those who do not smoke. Second hand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer and heart disease in non-smoking adults and of sudden infant death syndrome, among others.

second hand smoke

All over the world, there is a concerted effort from different sectors of the government to enact stiffer anti-smoking laws due to the overwhelming evidence that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer and other serious diseases. These laws are also being made to deter the proliferation of second hand smoke that causes serious diseases and premature deaths in both adults and children.
There is no more question regarding the veracity of the ill-effects of cigarettes to people who smoke as well as to those who do not smoke. Second hand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer and heart disease in non-smoking adults. It is also blamed for the so-called sudden infant death syndrome, low birth weight, acute respiratory infections, ear infections and asthma attacks in infants and children. It is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the United States of America each year.
There is no risk-free level of exposure to second hand smoke. Every exposure has substantial and immediate adverse effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health. Each cigarette actually contains more than 50 carcinogens.
It is about time that a comprehensive smoke-free law is enacted that will be applied to all workplaces and public places. Comprehensive smoke-free workplace policies are the only effective way to protect non-smokers from second hand smoke. Other approaches, such as the installation of air ventilation systems and the setting-up of smoking and non-smoking sections of rooms are not effective and do not not eliminate chances of exposure.
Contrary to what the critics are saying, the laws protect the health of the general public without harming the business sector. Evidence from peer-reviewed studies shows that smoke-free policies and regulations do not have an adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry.
With this report, all arguments and excuses not to take action are eliminated. Many research and hard economic data have revealed that smoke-free laws do not harm sales or employment in restaurants and bars. In fact, they sometimes have positive feedbacks, such as what happened in New York City after the law has taken effect, business receipts for bars and restaurants increased, their job employment rose, and the number of liquor licenses increased. This happened despite the fact that most establishments complied with the law, and the great majority of New Yorkers supported the law.
Another positive outcome is that smoke-free laws resulted in significant cash savings. According to statistics from the Society of Actuaries in the United States, second hand smoke cost the country around US$ 10 billion a year in health care bills, lost wages, and related expenses.
Even the corporate world has joined the bandwagon by maintaining smoke-free workplaces and providing a specified area for smoking. Some countries, states, provinces, territories, and districts have adopted full smoking bans inside restaurants and bars. Second hand smoke, or passive smoking, is a major preventable cause of death. Since smoking hurts more people than just smokers, smoke-free laws need to be upheld at all times to protect everyone’s right to breathe clean air.

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People begin to learn about dental health from a very young age, when teeth first begin to show up. But in spite of such early awareness, many people fail to maintain good dental health through their adult life. Good dental health comprises brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and regular visits to a dentist or dental hygienist as well. Besides, people supplement their dental care with the use of products like mouthwash or advanced mouth care systems. You should keep it in mind that the lack of adequate dental care practices will result in cavities and gum disease.

Dental Health, Dental Health Plans, Dental Health Care, Child Dental Health

People begin to learn about dental health from a very young age, when teeth first begin to show up. But in spite of such early awareness, many people fail to maintain good dental health through their adult life. Good dental health comprises brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and regular visits to a dentist or dental hygienist as well. Besides, people supplement their dental care with the use of products like mouthwash or advanced mouth care systems. You should keep it in mind that the lack of adequate dental care practices will result in cavities and gum disease.

It is generally advised that you use a toothbrush with softer bristles so as to protect your gums. Some people, however, prefer power brush systems that help break up plaque and bacteria in your mouth. But it takes more than brushing to keep your teeth in good health. Some other steps need to be taken to ensure that people do not lose their teeth as they become old.

To begin with, you should understand your own oral health needs, as your oral health depends on your diet, the type and amount of saliva in your mouth, your overall health and your oral hygiene routine. Try to follow a daily routine in consultation with your dentist.

As fluoride strengthens developing teeth in kids and prevents decay in adults, toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride should be used. You should brush at least twice a day, if possible three times or after every meal. You should also floss at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing will remove plaque, a complex mass of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.

Limit the consumption of snacks and follow a balanced diet plan. Tobacco in any form will enhance the risk of oral cancer and cause stains on your teeth. Visit your dentist regularly and get your mouth examined.

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Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease. This article gives 7 clear steps that can be taken to manage the condition and reduce its impact on your child.

asthma, childhood asthma, child asthma, Kane

Asthma is the most common chronic (long-term) childhood disease. In America about nine million children are diagnosed with asthma. Up to ten per cent of children in Europe are also suffering from asthma symptoms. Unfortunately parents of these children are often uninformed about the various ways to control childhood asthma.

If you suspect your child has asthma the first priority is correct diagnosis. However, be aware that symptoms can vary from episode to episode and not all wheezing and coughing is caused by asthma. Asthma-like symptoms in children younger than five are usually due to a virus or bacterial infection of the airways. However if your child is experiencing breathing difficulties it is best to get them to a doctor whatever the cause.

About eighty per cent of children who develop asthma do so before the age of five. Studies show that children living in rural areas have lower rates of asthma than those who live in cities, particularly if they spent their first five years in a rural area. For children living in inner cities the cockroach allergen seems to worsen asthma symptoms more than dust mite or pet allergens. Therefore another important step in the control of your child’s asthma is to ensure that general cleaning and maintenance routines are followed to ensure cockroaches are not encouraged into the home. Levels of cockroach allergens have been found to be highest in high-rise apartments.

Another factor that has been linked to the development of asthma in children is exposure to smoke. A study in Norway showed that almost ten per cent of adult asthma patients had experienced passive smoking during early childhood. Therefore another step to take at home is to ensure that your child is not exposed to tobacco smoke.

If your doctor recommends the use of medication the next step is to encourage your child to take the medicine. Asthma is one of the main causes for emergency room visits by children. Yet studies have shown that up to half of these hospitalizations may be preventable if children, particularly teenagers, followed their medication schedule correctly, avoided their asthma triggers and made regular visits to the doctor.

Perhaps fear of side effects or dependency, or an impression that it is uncool to be seen taking medicines is preventing children taking their medication as regularly as they should. Perhaps intermittent asthma symptoms persuade children and their parents that it is not important to take medication if there are no symptoms. This is a mistake. Even when there are no obvious symptoms an asthmatic’s lungs will be inflamed to some degree.

The fact that the condition seems to run in families with a history of asthma or allergies suggests that certain people are born with a predisposition to asthma. Some may believe you are born with the condition and there is nothing you can do. However a child’s environment can also play an important role. Studies have found that exposure to potential allergens like pets and pollen in the first six months of life may reduce the chance of developing asthma later. However exposure beyond six months of age has the opposite effect. Being born into a family that already has siblings also seems to reduce the chance of developing asthma.

It is known that children are more susceptible to viral and allergic triggers than adults. An important step in controlling your child’s asthma is identifying the triggers and teaching your child how to recognize their asthma triggers and avoid them. One possible trigger is ibuprofen, with over 100,000 children susceptible to asthma symptoms brought on by the drug.

Children tend to spend more time outside during the summer vacation. If pollen or high levels of ozone trigger your child’s asthma you need to monitor these. Physical exercise is a common trigger of childhood asthma. Teach your child to take medication if necessary, and do warm up exercises before strenuous activity and wind down exercises after.

If your child is going away to camp during the vacation make sure those in charge are aware of your child’s asthma management and action plans. There are camps designed specifically for asthma sufferers in the U.S. and Canada.

It is essential to have a written action plan that clearly states what medication to take and when, as well as how to respond to an asthma attack. You or your child may not remember what to do at a time when it may be difficult for them to breathe, so it is essential to have the important details in writing.

It is important you and your child remain calm during an attack as panic can produce more breathing difficulties. A parent’s instinct may be to cuddle their child, but that would constrict the chest further.

If asthma is diagnosed your next step is to inform your child’s school. Every school should allow access to asthma medication and some allow children to carry and self-administer their asthma medication if certain requirements are met.

Whilst we’re talking about schools here’s one often overlooked childhood asthma trigger. School buses are major sources of pollution, and studies show children who ride them are exposed to five to fifteen times as much asthma triggering particulates inside the buses compared to outside. New Jersey recently passed a law requiring retrofitting of school buses and municipal vehicles to clean up tailpipe emissions. Is your state doing the same?

Remember, if asthma is confirmed you need to educate yourself. According to the experts knowledge is the best prescription. To stop the disease affecting your child’s life you need to know how to monitor and manage asthma. This will mean knowing how to use medications correctly, whether your child’s attacks are triggered by allergens and if so how to reduce exposure to them, and the lifestyle changes that will help your child prevent attacks.

Despite being a widespread disease there are still plenty of myths about asthma. One of the most damaging of these for children is the belief that the condition will improve every seven years or can even disappear completely. Unfortunately, any apparent improvement is probably due to hormonal changes as the child’s immune system matures. The underlying condition does not go away and not managing it can lead to long-term lung damage.