Nipples are more interesting than one would think.
We all have nipples, those delightful little nubs. For many of us, they're actually what's called a secondary erogenous zone, especially for women, which means that stimulating them can send pleasurable feelings right down to the genitals. Even so, some of us are very sensitive and others find their nipples are an absolute no-go zone. Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum, we believe these curious nipple facts will thrill you. (Read about other, lesser-known erogenous zones in The 6 Most Underrated Erogenous Zones.)
Your Nipples Are Perfect
No two nipples are alike. That means that the two nipples on your body may not be a mirror image of each other. This is normal.
The larger outer ring is your areola. For some women, the areola is light pink. For others, it can be darker and range from red to brown. For some women the areola becomes darker when they’re sexually excited. As a result, some cultures have even been known to paint their nipples to darken them in the hope of inspiring passion in their mates.
Within the areola there can be little bumps. These bumps are the product of your Montgomery glands. These glands produce a protective, white, oily lubricant for the skin. This is also normal. Don’t squeeze those little bumps; they are there for a reason and opening them up can cause infection.
Females can grow hairs around their nipples. Our entire bodies are covered in fine, often almost invisible hair and sometimes a woman will have darker hairs that look almost like little eye lashes on the outer edge of the areola. These little hairs are more proof that you are normal.
Got Milk?
There are two features that are unique to mammals: our hair and our milk producing breasts. The scientific term for having nipples is mammillated.
Each nipple has about 15 to 20 tiny openings. Some connect to milk ducts and some to the Montgomery glands I mentioned. The little whitish bumps you're seeing let you know where some of these openings are.
Other animals, like goats and cows, have one reservoir called an udder. The milk discharges through an opening in the udder called a teat. Still more curious is the platypus. A platypus does not have nipples or teats. Her milk is secreted out of two round patches of skin on her belly. Weird, huh?
Headlights On
Erect nipples always draw our attention, although it is a misconception that erect nipples are an indication that a woman is sexually aroused. (In other words, just because she’s got erect nipples doesn’t necessarily mean she’s raring to go!) Nipples become erect for many reasons, some of which are not sexual in nature, like if you are cold, or if they get sensation from your clothing rubbing on them. And sometimes a woman’s nipples may not be erect even when she is sexually excited.
Innie vs. Outie
Inverted nipples are fairly common. Anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of all women have them. An inverted nipple is caused by shorter-than-usual milk-bearing ducts in the breast. Those ducts are attached to the nipple and, in these cases, prevent the nipple itself from projecting. So the nipple may lie flat or even push in a little rather than projecting out. Inverted nipples don’t pose any health risk, although they may be an obstacle to new mothers as they breast-feed.
The easiest way to check whether your nipples are inverted is to gently pinch behind one, around the edges of the areola. If the nipple protrudes, it is not inverted. If your nipple is inverted it will actually retract into the breast. If you have inverted nipples and are interested in correcting it, there are solutions. Gently rolling the nipple may do the trick. For pregnant women who need to correct inverted nipples for breastfeeding, check out a maternity shop for disks that attach to the nipples and are designed to be worn inside a bra. This simple device gently stretches the tissue and encourages the nipple to stand outward.
Evolutionary Awesomeness (or Trickery?)
Human females are the only mammals that develop breasts and nipples that remain full and prominent, despite the fact that they are not lactating. Every other mammal only experiences prominent development during pregnancy and lactation.
Scientists speculate that the human female’s full breasts and erect nipples are a product of evolutionary development as a species. For other mammals, large breasts would be a sign that the female is lactating and not ovulating, and is therefore unavailable for procreation. Human females have developed ways of disguising when they are and are not fertile in order to confuse male mates and appear to be sexually desirable even when they are not ovulating. But we're also one of the few species that has sex just for fun! (Did you know that humans also have a hidden erogenous zone? Find out where it is in Your Hidden Erogenous Zone.)
Triple Nipple
Every now and then, you'll come across someone with an extra nipple - it's not that uncommon! These "supernumerary" nipples are common in many species, including primates, rodents and ruminants. Guys have extra nipples more often than females; 1 in 18 males and 1 in about 50 females have extra nipples. And a very select numbers of people have as many five or six nipples. Extra nipples usually run down the abdomen, along the milk line, but they have also been found on other locations, like on a person’s foot.
Whether they're big and bouncy or cute and pert, breasts - and their nipples - have a lot in common. But they're also all a little bit different, and a little unique. That means you'll have a little exploring to do, both with yourself, and with any new partner.
Further reading
The 6 Most Underrated Erogenous Zones
Your Hidden Erogenous Zone
Source : http://www.alternet.org/sex-amp-relationships/breasts-nipples
Sunday, 16 June 2013
Saturday, 15 June 2013
Breathing Exercises to Reduce High Blood Pressure
Step No. 1 - Relax. Play gentle music (such as classical or rhythm and blues) and get as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Step No. 2 - Breathe in sharply, quickly and deeply using the chest and the diaphragm, but keep to a comfortable rate. Allow the tummy to expand as the diaphragm presses downward into the abdominal cavity. You may also choose to breath in slowly, but remember that exhaling should still be twice as long.
Step No. 3 - Breathe out in a slower, more relaxed way. Breathing out should take twice as much time as breathing in. Gradually extend your exhale phase until it's approximately twice the length of your inhale phase. Do not count or use any kind of timekeeper, simply relax and let the air flow out. A short pause between exhale and inhale phases is normal. Do not force the air out sharply because the compression of the chest to expel the air also increases the blood pressure accordingly. Breathe out to dispel as much air from your lungs as possible.
Step No. 4 - Once you are used to this pattern, gradually slow your rate of breathing. Do not slow to a point of discomfort. If you feel any strain at all, you need to back off. Remember, you must stay relaxed to get the benefits.
Step No. 5 - Continue for 15 minutes. Repeat 4 or 5 times a week.
The breathing rate must be adjusted voluntarily. Our tendency is to not breathe enough volume and to not breathe at a high enough rate. Breathing exercises are required many times a day to break the old breathing patters. Practice technique regularly. If one practises the technique once every hour, over time your breathing pattern should automatically change as you become accustomed to breathing properly.
Also watch these videos
Breathing Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure (This video demonstrates the technique. It is advisable to download this video and view them few times.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEfP37J91Us
Reducing Blood Pressure with Breathing (This video clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of breathing for hypertension)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5fzM9dUTSA
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Step No. 2 - Breathe in sharply, quickly and deeply using the chest and the diaphragm, but keep to a comfortable rate. Allow the tummy to expand as the diaphragm presses downward into the abdominal cavity. You may also choose to breath in slowly, but remember that exhaling should still be twice as long.
Step No. 3 - Breathe out in a slower, more relaxed way. Breathing out should take twice as much time as breathing in. Gradually extend your exhale phase until it's approximately twice the length of your inhale phase. Do not count or use any kind of timekeeper, simply relax and let the air flow out. A short pause between exhale and inhale phases is normal. Do not force the air out sharply because the compression of the chest to expel the air also increases the blood pressure accordingly. Breathe out to dispel as much air from your lungs as possible.
Step No. 4 - Once you are used to this pattern, gradually slow your rate of breathing. Do not slow to a point of discomfort. If you feel any strain at all, you need to back off. Remember, you must stay relaxed to get the benefits.
Step No. 5 - Continue for 15 minutes. Repeat 4 or 5 times a week.
The breathing rate must be adjusted voluntarily. Our tendency is to not breathe enough volume and to not breathe at a high enough rate. Breathing exercises are required many times a day to break the old breathing patters. Practice technique regularly. If one practises the technique once every hour, over time your breathing pattern should automatically change as you become accustomed to breathing properly.
Also watch these videos
Breathing Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure (This video demonstrates the technique. It is advisable to download this video and view them few times.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEfP37J91Us
Reducing Blood Pressure with Breathing (This video clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of breathing for hypertension)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5fzM9dUTSA
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Infant sleep positioners: Consumer Warning - Risk of Suffocation
Infant sleep positioners: Consumer Warning - Risk of Suffocation
AUDIENCE: Parents, Consumers, Pediatrics
ISSUE: FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning not to use Infant sleep positioners. In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of babies known to have died from suffocation associated with their sleep positioners. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from the side to the stomach.
BACKGROUND: The most common types of sleep positioners feature bolsters attached to each side of a thin mat and wedges to elevate the baby’s head. The sleep positioners are intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. They are often used with infants under 6 months old.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers are warned to stop using infant positioning products. Never put pillows, sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under the baby or in the crib. Always place a baby on his or her back at night and during nap time. See the Consumer Update for links to additional information, including product photos.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Infant Sleep Positioners Pose Suffocation Risk
Two government agencies are warning parents and other caregivers not to put babies in sleep positioning products as two recent deaths underscore concerns about suffocation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the warning after reviewing reports of 12 known infant deaths associated with the products.
The most common types of sleep positioners feature bolsters attached to each side of a thin mat and wedges to elevate the baby’s head. The sleep positioners are intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. They are often used with infants under 6 months old.
To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm surface free of soft objects, toys, and loose bedding.Advice for Consumers
STOP using infant positioning products. Using this type of product to hold an infant on his or her side or back is dangerous and unnecessary.
NEVER put pillows, sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under the baby or in the crib.
ALWAYS place a baby on his or her back at night and during nap time.
REPORT an incident or injury from an infant sleep positioner to the Consumer Product Safety Commission by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx5 or calling 800-638-2772, or to FDA's MedWatch program6.
Suffocation and Other Dangers
In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of babies known to have died from suffocation associated with their sleep positioners. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from the side to the stomach.
In addition to the deaths, the commission has received dozens of reports of babies who were placed on their back or side in the positioners only to be found later in hazardous positions within or next to the product.
“We urge parents and caregivers to take our warning seriously and stop using these sleep positioners so children can be assured of a safe sleep,” says Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
FDA pediatric expert Susan Cummins, M.D., M.P.H, says parents and caregivers can create a safe sleep environment for babies if they leave the crib free of pillows, comforters, quilts, toys, and other items.
“The safest crib is a bare crib,” she says. “Always put your baby on his or her back to sleep. An easy way to remember this is to follow the ABC’s of safe sleep—Alone on the Back in a bare Crib.”
Medical Claims
Some manufacturers have advertised that their products prevent SIDS, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus—or flat head syndrome, a deformation caused by pressure on one part of the skull.
Although in the past FDA has approved a number of these products for GERD or flat head syndrome, new information suggests the positioners pose a risk of suffocation.
As a result, FDA is requiring makers of FDA-cleared sleep positioners to submit data showing the products’ benefits outweigh the risks. FDA is also requesting that these manufacturers stop marketing their devices while FDA reviews the data.
Infant sleep positioner manufacturers who are making medical claims without FDA clearance must stop marketing those products immediately, agency experts say, adding there’s no evidence the devices have benefits that outweigh the risk of suffocation.
“At this time, there is no scientifically sound evidence to support the medical claims being made by the manufacturers of these infant sleep positioners,” says Cummins.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page7, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Posted: September 29, 2010
The Original article as copied above may be found at :
Source: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm227733.htm
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
AUDIENCE: Parents, Consumers, Pediatrics
ISSUE: FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning not to use Infant sleep positioners. In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of babies known to have died from suffocation associated with their sleep positioners. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from the side to the stomach.
BACKGROUND: The most common types of sleep positioners feature bolsters attached to each side of a thin mat and wedges to elevate the baby’s head. The sleep positioners are intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. They are often used with infants under 6 months old.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers are warned to stop using infant positioning products. Never put pillows, sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under the baby or in the crib. Always place a baby on his or her back at night and during nap time. See the Consumer Update for links to additional information, including product photos.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Infant Sleep Positioners Pose Suffocation Risk
Two government agencies are warning parents and other caregivers not to put babies in sleep positioning products as two recent deaths underscore concerns about suffocation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the warning after reviewing reports of 12 known infant deaths associated with the products.
The most common types of sleep positioners feature bolsters attached to each side of a thin mat and wedges to elevate the baby’s head. The sleep positioners are intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. They are often used with infants under 6 months old.
To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be placed to sleep on their backs on a firm surface free of soft objects, toys, and loose bedding.Advice for Consumers
STOP using infant positioning products. Using this type of product to hold an infant on his or her side or back is dangerous and unnecessary.
NEVER put pillows, sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under the baby or in the crib.
ALWAYS place a baby on his or her back at night and during nap time.
REPORT an incident or injury from an infant sleep positioner to the Consumer Product Safety Commission by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx5 or calling 800-638-2772, or to FDA's MedWatch program6.
Suffocation and Other Dangers
In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of babies known to have died from suffocation associated with their sleep positioners. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from the side to the stomach.
In addition to the deaths, the commission has received dozens of reports of babies who were placed on their back or side in the positioners only to be found later in hazardous positions within or next to the product.
“We urge parents and caregivers to take our warning seriously and stop using these sleep positioners so children can be assured of a safe sleep,” says Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
FDA pediatric expert Susan Cummins, M.D., M.P.H, says parents and caregivers can create a safe sleep environment for babies if they leave the crib free of pillows, comforters, quilts, toys, and other items.
“The safest crib is a bare crib,” she says. “Always put your baby on his or her back to sleep. An easy way to remember this is to follow the ABC’s of safe sleep—Alone on the Back in a bare Crib.”
Medical Claims
Some manufacturers have advertised that their products prevent SIDS, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus—or flat head syndrome, a deformation caused by pressure on one part of the skull.
Although in the past FDA has approved a number of these products for GERD or flat head syndrome, new information suggests the positioners pose a risk of suffocation.
As a result, FDA is requiring makers of FDA-cleared sleep positioners to submit data showing the products’ benefits outweigh the risks. FDA is also requesting that these manufacturers stop marketing their devices while FDA reviews the data.
Infant sleep positioner manufacturers who are making medical claims without FDA clearance must stop marketing those products immediately, agency experts say, adding there’s no evidence the devices have benefits that outweigh the risk of suffocation.
“At this time, there is no scientifically sound evidence to support the medical claims being made by the manufacturers of these infant sleep positioners,” says Cummins.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page7, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Posted: September 29, 2010
The Original article as copied above may be found at :
Source: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm227733.htm
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Is it Dangerous to Swim Within an Hour of Eating?
Most children have probably heard from their parents that they must wait at least an hour after eating before hopping into the water for a swim. Otherwise, they could suffer cramps and drown. The theory behind this tale is actually pretty sound and has to do with a shift in blood flow in the body.
When you eat something, your body increases the blood flow to your stomach muscles to help with digestion. The larger the meal you scarf down, the more oxygenated blood your stomach needs for digestion. But this means less oxygen available for your arms and legs, which require an increased amount during exercise (whether you’re swimming, running, or cycling). Depriving your muscles of vital oxygen can lead to cramps, conceivably increasing your risk of drowning.
[What Causes a Charlie Horse?]
For recreational swimmers, the risk of getting cramps after eating is actually very low; your body has more than enough oxygen to share between your stomach and limbs. The real danger lies with those who eat huge meals before vigorous, triathlon-level exercise. Such cases can indeed lead to cramps and even vomiting. But even then, the medical consensus has long been that it’s unlikely to result in drowning; that is, unless the swimmer all-out panics and forgets how to float.
This story was provided by Life's Little Mysteries, a sister site to LiveScience. Follow Life's Little Mysteries @llmysteries. We're also on Facebook & Google+.
Source: http://www.livescience.com/22444-is-it-dangerous-to-swim-within-an-hour-of-eating.html?cmpid=514626
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
When you eat something, your body increases the blood flow to your stomach muscles to help with digestion. The larger the meal you scarf down, the more oxygenated blood your stomach needs for digestion. But this means less oxygen available for your arms and legs, which require an increased amount during exercise (whether you’re swimming, running, or cycling). Depriving your muscles of vital oxygen can lead to cramps, conceivably increasing your risk of drowning.
[What Causes a Charlie Horse?]
For recreational swimmers, the risk of getting cramps after eating is actually very low; your body has more than enough oxygen to share between your stomach and limbs. The real danger lies with those who eat huge meals before vigorous, triathlon-level exercise. Such cases can indeed lead to cramps and even vomiting. But even then, the medical consensus has long been that it’s unlikely to result in drowning; that is, unless the swimmer all-out panics and forgets how to float.
This story was provided by Life's Little Mysteries, a sister site to LiveScience. Follow Life's Little Mysteries @llmysteries. We're also on Facebook & Google+.
Source: http://www.livescience.com/22444-is-it-dangerous-to-swim-within-an-hour-of-eating.html?cmpid=514626
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Ten surprising facts about premature babies and breastmilk
Written on March 15, 2013 by Nancy Holtzman RN IBCLC CPN in Breastfeeding Your Way, Caring for Your Newborn, Featured, In The News, Newborn Care, Postpartum Issues and Concerns
Multiple studies reinforce the importance of exclusive human milk for premature infants. Even partial use of breastmilk has significant benefit.
Please note that almost all these studies support the benefit of “Dose-Dependent” human milk response. This means that the best outcomes were found with the use of exclusive mother’s milk feeding, or the “highest doses” of human milk feeding, but in most studies, even partial use of mother’s milk showed benefits. Full data, more info and references
1. More colostrum for early preemies: Mothers who deliver a very preterm baby actually have colostrum longer than women who deliver at or closer to term. Colostrum is so critical for preterm babies to receive that NICUs may swab the baby’s mouth with colostrum if the baby is too young or small to begin milk feedings by breast, bottle or feeding tube.
2. It’s “Super-Colostrum”! Preterm colostrum has the absolute highest concentration of antibodies found in breastmilk than at any other time. Preterm colostrum also has very high concentrations of human growth factors, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective components which provide a “coating” to help mature the premature baby’s intestinal lining. This allows the premature GI tract to be able to begin digesting milk earlier.
3. Good bacteria: Mother’s milk contains over 130 oligosaccharides and pre- and probiotics not found in any other mammal’s milk (or formula) which colonize the premature baby’s gut with healthy bacteria, prevent growth of pathogens and help prevent severe intestinal infections and intestinal inflammation common to preterm babies.
4. Skin to Skin helps mother, baby and milk supply: In addition to many other benefits including better heart-rate and breathing regulation and promoting infant weight gain, providing skin to skin “kangaroo care” also helps to increase a mother’s milk production when she is expressing milk for her preterm or critically ill baby.
5. You can’t fool mother nature: Despite decades of trying, researchers have been unable to create any human milk substitute that mimics the antibody activity, reduces the inflammatory response and improves the premature infant’s health and development better than his mother’s own milk.
6. Mother’s Milk… or another mother’s milk: When a mother’s own milk is not available, the official recommendation for premature infants is Donor Human Milk from a certified milk bank. Some new mothers have medical or surgical complications or may have delivered their baby so early in pregnancy that they are unable to provide the milk that their baby requires. When a mother’s own milk is not available, the next best option is Donor Human Milk from a certified milk bank rather than infant formula. Learn more about Donor Human Milk
7. Gut Feeling: Premature babies fed with their mother’s milk or Banked Human Donor Milk rather than formula have lower rates of a severe and potentially fatal complication called NEC – Necrotizing Enterocolitis – a devastating digestive tract infection that destroys portions of the premature infant’s bowels, requiring dangerous and costly surgery and prolonged hospital stays.
8. Multi-system miracles: In addition to a lower incidence of severe inflammatory illnesses of the intestines, feeding human milk also helps reduce many other serious preterm complications including Retinopathy of Prematurity- which causes vision impairment or blindness, sepsis – a severe blood infection, and chronic lung disease of prematurity.
9. Discharged sooner: Very low birth weight preemies who received exclusive or higher doses of breast milk throughout their NICU stay were discharged on average one to two weeks sooner than those who received little or no mother’s milk. The babies were also able to be discharged at a lower weight than their formula-fed peers. Mother’s Milk fed infants also had a lower rate of re-hospitalization after discharge.
10. Long term health benefits: There is a dose-response correlation (some is good, more is better) between the volume of mother’s milk received during NICU stay and better health outcomes during the first three years of life including higher scores on tests of neurological, cognitive and developmental milestones.
Learn more about these topics and view references:
Improving the Use of Human Milk During & After the NICU Stay
Paula Meier et al. Clin Perinatol. 2010 March; 37(1): 217–245.
For more information, view our free webinar, Preemies, Breastfeeding and Human Milk.
Support is needed!
Every drop of breastmilk is packed with benefit. When a mother is pumping for a premature baby, it’s a stressful and time consuming commitment. Provide support, encouragement, and a hands-free pumping bra! If you know a family with a baby in the NICU or recently discharged to home, offer to help by providing activities for other siblings, rides to the hospital, drop off meals or assist with errands.
View the recording of our weekly Breastfeeding Webinar & Chat to learn more about Premature Babies, Breastfeeding & Human Milk.
About Nancy Holtzman RN IBCLC CPN
Nancy is a Vice President at Isis Parenting and leads Clinical Content. As one of the original co-founders, she was instrumental in the creation of many prenatal and new parent programs at Isis Parenting, helping to develop the Isis vision in its earliest stages. Nancy has over 25 years of clinical nursing experience including ten years at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital, and is a mother/baby nurse educator, a board certified lactation consultant and board certified pediatric nurse. She is the founder of the Great Beginnings New Mothers Group series which has now reached over 10,000 Boston-area mothers. She speaks and writes for a national audience about breastfeeding and infant development, and has served on the board of MLCA, the Massachusetts Lactation Consultants Association. She received a BS from Northeastern University College of Nursing, and a Certificate in Advanced Pediatric Assessment from Boston College. Nancy lives in Boston with her husband, two teens and a rescued Bichon. Find her tweeting about all about babies at @nancyholtzman
Source: http://www.parentingstartshere.com/index.php/2013/03/15/ten-surprising-facts-about-premature-babies-and-breastmilk/
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Multiple studies reinforce the importance of exclusive human milk for premature infants. Even partial use of breastmilk has significant benefit.
Please note that almost all these studies support the benefit of “Dose-Dependent” human milk response. This means that the best outcomes were found with the use of exclusive mother’s milk feeding, or the “highest doses” of human milk feeding, but in most studies, even partial use of mother’s milk showed benefits. Full data, more info and references
1. More colostrum for early preemies: Mothers who deliver a very preterm baby actually have colostrum longer than women who deliver at or closer to term. Colostrum is so critical for preterm babies to receive that NICUs may swab the baby’s mouth with colostrum if the baby is too young or small to begin milk feedings by breast, bottle or feeding tube.
2. It’s “Super-Colostrum”! Preterm colostrum has the absolute highest concentration of antibodies found in breastmilk than at any other time. Preterm colostrum also has very high concentrations of human growth factors, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective components which provide a “coating” to help mature the premature baby’s intestinal lining. This allows the premature GI tract to be able to begin digesting milk earlier.
3. Good bacteria: Mother’s milk contains over 130 oligosaccharides and pre- and probiotics not found in any other mammal’s milk (or formula) which colonize the premature baby’s gut with healthy bacteria, prevent growth of pathogens and help prevent severe intestinal infections and intestinal inflammation common to preterm babies.
4. Skin to Skin helps mother, baby and milk supply: In addition to many other benefits including better heart-rate and breathing regulation and promoting infant weight gain, providing skin to skin “kangaroo care” also helps to increase a mother’s milk production when she is expressing milk for her preterm or critically ill baby.
5. You can’t fool mother nature: Despite decades of trying, researchers have been unable to create any human milk substitute that mimics the antibody activity, reduces the inflammatory response and improves the premature infant’s health and development better than his mother’s own milk.
6. Mother’s Milk… or another mother’s milk: When a mother’s own milk is not available, the official recommendation for premature infants is Donor Human Milk from a certified milk bank. Some new mothers have medical or surgical complications or may have delivered their baby so early in pregnancy that they are unable to provide the milk that their baby requires. When a mother’s own milk is not available, the next best option is Donor Human Milk from a certified milk bank rather than infant formula. Learn more about Donor Human Milk
7. Gut Feeling: Premature babies fed with their mother’s milk or Banked Human Donor Milk rather than formula have lower rates of a severe and potentially fatal complication called NEC – Necrotizing Enterocolitis – a devastating digestive tract infection that destroys portions of the premature infant’s bowels, requiring dangerous and costly surgery and prolonged hospital stays.
8. Multi-system miracles: In addition to a lower incidence of severe inflammatory illnesses of the intestines, feeding human milk also helps reduce many other serious preterm complications including Retinopathy of Prematurity- which causes vision impairment or blindness, sepsis – a severe blood infection, and chronic lung disease of prematurity.
9. Discharged sooner: Very low birth weight preemies who received exclusive or higher doses of breast milk throughout their NICU stay were discharged on average one to two weeks sooner than those who received little or no mother’s milk. The babies were also able to be discharged at a lower weight than their formula-fed peers. Mother’s Milk fed infants also had a lower rate of re-hospitalization after discharge.
10. Long term health benefits: There is a dose-response correlation (some is good, more is better) between the volume of mother’s milk received during NICU stay and better health outcomes during the first three years of life including higher scores on tests of neurological, cognitive and developmental milestones.
Learn more about these topics and view references:
Improving the Use of Human Milk During & After the NICU Stay
Paula Meier et al. Clin Perinatol. 2010 March; 37(1): 217–245.
For more information, view our free webinar, Preemies, Breastfeeding and Human Milk.
Support is needed!
Every drop of breastmilk is packed with benefit. When a mother is pumping for a premature baby, it’s a stressful and time consuming commitment. Provide support, encouragement, and a hands-free pumping bra! If you know a family with a baby in the NICU or recently discharged to home, offer to help by providing activities for other siblings, rides to the hospital, drop off meals or assist with errands.
View the recording of our weekly Breastfeeding Webinar & Chat to learn more about Premature Babies, Breastfeeding & Human Milk.
About Nancy Holtzman RN IBCLC CPN
Nancy is a Vice President at Isis Parenting and leads Clinical Content. As one of the original co-founders, she was instrumental in the creation of many prenatal and new parent programs at Isis Parenting, helping to develop the Isis vision in its earliest stages. Nancy has over 25 years of clinical nursing experience including ten years at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital, and is a mother/baby nurse educator, a board certified lactation consultant and board certified pediatric nurse. She is the founder of the Great Beginnings New Mothers Group series which has now reached over 10,000 Boston-area mothers. She speaks and writes for a national audience about breastfeeding and infant development, and has served on the board of MLCA, the Massachusetts Lactation Consultants Association. She received a BS from Northeastern University College of Nursing, and a Certificate in Advanced Pediatric Assessment from Boston College. Nancy lives in Boston with her husband, two teens and a rescued Bichon. Find her tweeting about all about babies at @nancyholtzman
Source: http://www.parentingstartshere.com/index.php/2013/03/15/ten-surprising-facts-about-premature-babies-and-breastmilk/
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Monday, 27 May 2013
Optimise your child’s immune system before the winter months
Kids love to share germs, so you may ask, how do you keep them healthy and their immune systems on high alert? Regular hand washing, adequate rest and a healthy dose of activity is a good place to start, but to put up a good fight their immune systems may need more.
The common cold is the most prevalent and widespread illness known to man.
“Germs generally only lead to illness when the body is out of balance and immunity is weakened,” says PharmaChoice spokesperson, pharmacist, Liezl van Tonder.“Simply put, supplementing your child’s diet with additional natural nutrients play a crucial role in supporting the immune system and are needed as the basis for avoiding nasty flu bugs.”
Van Tonder says, “The fact is that schools are ‘danger zones’ for potentially infectious bacteria and viruses, causing more than 20-million school days lost due to the common cold.”
“We like to think our children have a nutrient rich diet but the truth is they are probably not getting their optimal requirement just from their daily food intake,” she adds. “Research shows that poor nutrition can weaken the ability of the immune system to fight off infections with this in mind the easiest way to boost their immune system is by giving them a supplement containing immune boosters...”
Containing some of the most highly-rated ingredients provided by nature such us; Echinacea extract, green tea, rosehip, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D and E, folic acid, Biotin, Pantothenic acid and Selenium, to help reduce the susceptibility to cold and flu infection, helping recovery and reducing the duration and severity of colds and flu.
van Tonder provides you with 4 preventative measures to help keep those bugs at bay and aid in building a stronger immune system:
For more information read :
Optimise your child’s immune system before the winter months
Bona Magazine
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
The common cold is the most prevalent and widespread illness known to man.
“Germs generally only lead to illness when the body is out of balance and immunity is weakened,” says PharmaChoice spokesperson, pharmacist, Liezl van Tonder.“Simply put, supplementing your child’s diet with additional natural nutrients play a crucial role in supporting the immune system and are needed as the basis for avoiding nasty flu bugs.”
Van Tonder says, “The fact is that schools are ‘danger zones’ for potentially infectious bacteria and viruses, causing more than 20-million school days lost due to the common cold.”
“We like to think our children have a nutrient rich diet but the truth is they are probably not getting their optimal requirement just from their daily food intake,” she adds. “Research shows that poor nutrition can weaken the ability of the immune system to fight off infections with this in mind the easiest way to boost their immune system is by giving them a supplement containing immune boosters...”
Containing some of the most highly-rated ingredients provided by nature such us; Echinacea extract, green tea, rosehip, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D and E, folic acid, Biotin, Pantothenic acid and Selenium, to help reduce the susceptibility to cold and flu infection, helping recovery and reducing the duration and severity of colds and flu.
van Tonder provides you with 4 preventative measures to help keep those bugs at bay and aid in building a stronger immune system:
- Make them germ aware: Teach them to wash their hands properly (20-seconds in warm soapy water) before and after eating, after using the bathroom, after touching animals and when they are in public spaces. A good idea is to send your child to school with a waterless hand sanitizer and show them how to apply it and when they should use it.
- Early to bed, early to rise: Children are always busy and fatigue increases their susceptiibility to illness, which means they are more likely to catch a cold if they do not get enough sleep. Although researchers aren’t exactly sure how sleep boosts the immune system, it is clear that getting adequate amounts (usually 8-10 hours for little one’s is essential part of health.
- Eating right: Reduce your children’s intake of ‘foods’ that are high in sugar, like soft drinks. Also reduce trans fats and any foods that are significantly processed and contain artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners and preservatives. Try to increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and the amount of whole foods in their diet. The best snacking foods are fresh fruits second to this is giving them dried fruits, nuts and seeds.
- Keep them active: Kids spend most of their day sitting at a desk in school. It is extremely detrimental if they then spend the rest of the day doing sedentary activities like homework, watching television or playing video games. It is your responsibility to make sure that they get a minimum of one hour (preferably two) of moderate physical activity per day. Playing sports is great, but not all kids are interested in sports or enjoy competitive activities. So get outside with them, kick a ball or have their friends over.
For more information read :
Optimise your child’s immune system before the winter months
Bona Magazine
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Pregnancy & Childbirth : Caesarean (C-section)
Gynaecologist Dr T. Mokaya explains the two cuts you might get while bringing your newborn into this world.
Caesarean (C-section)
WHAT IS A C-SECTION?
A C-section is the delivery of a baby through a surgical cut that your doctor makes on your stomach and womb. In some cases, a C’section is planned in advance, while with others it's done because of an unexpected problem.
CASES OF A PLANNED C-SECTION
CASES OF UNPLANNED C-SECTION DELIVERY
Doctors perform a C’section because of problems that you might have during labour.
These include:
HOW IS A C-SECTION DONE?
After local anaesthetic the doctor will make a small cut above your pubic bone (near your hipbone). She will cut through the underlying tissue, working her way down to your uterus. When she reaches your stomach muscles, she'll separate and spread them to expose the baby.
The doctor will then reach in and pull out your baby. Once the cord is cut, you'll have a chance to see the baby brieny before he's handed to a paediatrician or nurse. While the staff is examining your newborn, the doctor will begin the process of closing you up.
After the surgery is complete, you'll be taken to a recovery room, where you'll be monitored for a few hours.
You can expect to stay in the hospital for about three days.
WHEN CAN I HAVE SEX AGAIN?
After having a C’section, you still need to wait about six weeks before having sex. Your doctor or nurse should give you the go ahead as they will want to ensure that your cut is healing and that your bleeding has stopped.
Episiotomy
WHAT IS AN EPISIOTOMY?
An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the area between the vagina and the anus. It is made just before delivery to widen your vaginal opening, allowing the baby to be delivered more easily.
Read more about the Episiotomy here.
Both these cuts are manageable and will heal as long as you take care of the wounds. Contact your doctor if you think there might be a problem while you are still healing.
Cuts of life: C-Section
By Amanda Ndlangisa
Bona Magazine
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease, infertility and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic infertility treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/infertility_homeopathy.html
Caesarean (C-section)
WHAT IS A C-SECTION?
A C-section is the delivery of a baby through a surgical cut that your doctor makes on your stomach and womb. In some cases, a C’section is planned in advance, while with others it's done because of an unexpected problem.
CASES OF A PLANNED C-SECTION
- Sometimes it's clear that you will need a C’section even before you go into labour.
- This happens if:
- You've had some kind of surgery, including a C’section. Having more than one C’section increases the risk that your uterus will tear if you choose a vaginal delivery.
- You're carrying more than one baby. Some twins can be delivered vaginally, but more often multiple babies during birth require a C’section.
- Your baby is expected to be very big.
- Your baby is in a breech (bottom mrst) or transverse (sideways) position.
- You have placenta previa (when the placenta is so low in the uterus that it covers the cervix).
- You're HIV’positive and blood tests done near the end of pregnancy show that you have a high viral load.
CASES OF UNPLANNED C-SECTION DELIVERY
Doctors perform a C’section because of problems that you might have during labour.
These include:
- Your cervix stops dilating (expanding) or your baby stops moving down the birth canal.
- The umbilical cord slips through your cervix. If this happens, your baby needs to be delivered immediately because the cord can cut off his oxygen supply.
- Your placenta starts to separate from your uterine wall, which means your baby won't get enough oxygen.
- You have a genital herpes outbreak when you go into labour. Delivering your baby by C’section will help him avoid infection.
HOW IS A C-SECTION DONE?
After local anaesthetic the doctor will make a small cut above your pubic bone (near your hipbone). She will cut through the underlying tissue, working her way down to your uterus. When she reaches your stomach muscles, she'll separate and spread them to expose the baby.
The doctor will then reach in and pull out your baby. Once the cord is cut, you'll have a chance to see the baby brieny before he's handed to a paediatrician or nurse. While the staff is examining your newborn, the doctor will begin the process of closing you up.
After the surgery is complete, you'll be taken to a recovery room, where you'll be monitored for a few hours.
You can expect to stay in the hospital for about three days.
WHEN CAN I HAVE SEX AGAIN?
After having a C’section, you still need to wait about six weeks before having sex. Your doctor or nurse should give you the go ahead as they will want to ensure that your cut is healing and that your bleeding has stopped.
Episiotomy
WHAT IS AN EPISIOTOMY?
An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the area between the vagina and the anus. It is made just before delivery to widen your vaginal opening, allowing the baby to be delivered more easily.
Read more about the Episiotomy here.
Both these cuts are manageable and will heal as long as you take care of the wounds. Contact your doctor if you think there might be a problem while you are still healing.
Cuts of life: C-Section
By Amanda Ndlangisa
Bona Magazine
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease, infertility and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic infertility treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/infertility_homeopathy.html
Pregnancy & Childbirth: Episiotomy
Gynaecologist Dr T. Mokaya explains the two cuts you might get while bringing your newborn into this world.
Episiotomy
WHAT IS AN EPISIOTOMY?
An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the area between the vagina and the anus. It is made just before delivery to widen your vaginal opening, allowing the baby to be delivered more easily.
IS IT BETTER TO TEAR NATURALLY OR HAVE AN EPISIOTOMY?
Women who tear naturally generally recover quicker with fewer complications. Women who have an episiotomy tend to lose more blood at the time of delivery, have more pain during recovery, and have to wait longer before they can have sex without discomfort.
WHY I MAY NEED AN EPISIOTOMY?
If your baby is very big and your doctor needs extra room to work.
If your baby’s heart rate is high and he isn’t handling the last minutes of labour well, your doctor may decide that an episiotomy will help speed up the delivery.
HOW CAN I AVOID AN UNNECESSARY EPISIOTOMY?
Five to six weeks before delivery try doing a perineal massage (massaging a pregnant woman’s perineum – the area between your vaginal opening and the rectum). This may help in making it less likely that you’ll tear or need an episiotomy.
HOW IS AN EPISIOTOMY DONE?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area around the vagina so you will not feel any pain when the cut is made. After you’ve given birth, you’ll get another shot of anaesthetic to ensure you’re completely numb before the cut is stitched up.
RECOVERING FROM AN EPISIOTOMY
If you’ve had an episiotomy (or a tear), you’ll have stitches and you’ll need time to heal. Your stitches won’t have to be removed though; they’ll dissolve on their own seven to 10 days after delivery.
WHEN CAN I HAVE SEX AGAIN?
Your perineum should be completely healed four to six weeks after delivery. If your doctor gives the okay and you’re up to it, you can try having sex. At first you might feel some tenderness and tightness. Try taking a warm bath and leaving plenty of time for foreplay. Using a good water-soluble lubricant will help make sex more comfortable.
NB: If you try these methods and find that sex is still too uncomfortable, wait a while longer. If the pain continues months after you’ve given birth, be sure to talk to your doctor about treatment.
Caesarean (C-section)
WHAT IS A C-SECTION?
A C-section is the delivery of a baby through a surgical cut that your doctor makes on your stomach and womb. In some cases, a C’section is planned in advance, while with others it's done because of an unexpected problem.
Read more about a C-section here.
Both these cuts are manageable and will heal as long as you take care of the wounds. Contact your doctor if you think there might be a problem while you are still healing.
Cuts of life:Episiotomy
By Amanda Ndlangisa
Bona Magazine
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease, infertility and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic infertility treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/infertility_homeopathy.html
Episiotomy
WHAT IS AN EPISIOTOMY?
An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the area between the vagina and the anus. It is made just before delivery to widen your vaginal opening, allowing the baby to be delivered more easily.
IS IT BETTER TO TEAR NATURALLY OR HAVE AN EPISIOTOMY?
Women who tear naturally generally recover quicker with fewer complications. Women who have an episiotomy tend to lose more blood at the time of delivery, have more pain during recovery, and have to wait longer before they can have sex without discomfort.
WHY I MAY NEED AN EPISIOTOMY?
If your baby is very big and your doctor needs extra room to work.
If your baby’s heart rate is high and he isn’t handling the last minutes of labour well, your doctor may decide that an episiotomy will help speed up the delivery.
HOW CAN I AVOID AN UNNECESSARY EPISIOTOMY?
Five to six weeks before delivery try doing a perineal massage (massaging a pregnant woman’s perineum – the area between your vaginal opening and the rectum). This may help in making it less likely that you’ll tear or need an episiotomy.
HOW IS AN EPISIOTOMY DONE?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area around the vagina so you will not feel any pain when the cut is made. After you’ve given birth, you’ll get another shot of anaesthetic to ensure you’re completely numb before the cut is stitched up.
RECOVERING FROM AN EPISIOTOMY
If you’ve had an episiotomy (or a tear), you’ll have stitches and you’ll need time to heal. Your stitches won’t have to be removed though; they’ll dissolve on their own seven to 10 days after delivery.
WHEN CAN I HAVE SEX AGAIN?
Your perineum should be completely healed four to six weeks after delivery. If your doctor gives the okay and you’re up to it, you can try having sex. At first you might feel some tenderness and tightness. Try taking a warm bath and leaving plenty of time for foreplay. Using a good water-soluble lubricant will help make sex more comfortable.
NB: If you try these methods and find that sex is still too uncomfortable, wait a while longer. If the pain continues months after you’ve given birth, be sure to talk to your doctor about treatment.
Caesarean (C-section)
WHAT IS A C-SECTION?
A C-section is the delivery of a baby through a surgical cut that your doctor makes on your stomach and womb. In some cases, a C’section is planned in advance, while with others it's done because of an unexpected problem.
Read more about a C-section here.
Both these cuts are manageable and will heal as long as you take care of the wounds. Contact your doctor if you think there might be a problem while you are still healing.
Cuts of life:Episiotomy
By Amanda Ndlangisa
Bona Magazine
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease, infertility and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic infertility treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/infertility_homeopathy.html
Pregnancy : Myths vs Facts
MYTH: YOU CAN’T EAT CHEESE
FACT: The concern with eating cheese is the presence of bacteria called listeria found in soft, mould-ripened cheeses (such as brie and camembert). Listeria can cause an illness called listeriosis, which can lead to miscarriage or loss of a baby at birth. You don’t have to get rid of all cheese – just stick to hard cheeses like cheddar, feta and Gouda. Soft, processed cheeses like cottage and cream cheese are also fine.
MYTH: YOU CAN’T CONTINUE TO EXERCISE
FACT: Exercise is good for your health and for your growing baby so keep at it. Activities like walking, swimming, Pilates (a form of exercise focused on core strength and flexibility) and low-impact aerobics are good options. However, if you’re generally not active, pregnancy isn’t the time to start. And even if you’re a seasoned gym-goer, you should avoid exercises where you could slip and fall.
MYTH: YOU’RE EATING FOR TWO
FACT: Yes, you’re eating for two, but that doesn’t mean two adult-sized portions are necessary. The average woman with a normal weight before pregnancy needs only about 300 extra calories per day to promote her baby’s growth. That’s about the number of calories found in a glass of skim milk and half a sandwich.
MYTH: YOU CAN’T HAVE CAFFEINE
FACT: There doesn’t seem to be any relationship between having caffeine and preterm birth (a baby born before 37 weeks). If a pregnant woman drinks less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, there’s no clear evidence she faces any increased risk of miscarriage or low birth weight. So enjoy your coffee, but stay within the recommended limit per day.
MYTH: EATING ORANGES GIVES YOUR BABY JAUNDICE
FACT: Jaundice (a yellowish staining of the skin and whites of the eyes) is actually caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that’s produced when original red blood cells are destroyed. This often happens after birth, and not when you’re pregnant. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and are not bad for you to eat when pregnant. They certainly won’t give your baby jaundice either.
MYTH: YOU CAN’T EAT FISH
FACT: Eating two servings of fish per week can be healthy for mom and baby. Coldwater fish (like tuna, salmon and sardines) contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids which help with your baby’s brain development. But you should try to avoid raw fish (like sushi) as they contain parasites and bacteria.
MYTH: DON’T HOLD YOUR HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEAD OR THE BABY WILL GET WRAPPED IN THE CORD
FACT: Baby’s cords being wrapped around their neck happens in about one third of all births. It has to do with the twists and turns that your baby makes while in the womb. About 25% of all babies are born with the cord wrapped around the neck, and many are born with cords around their legs. Some cords are tied into knots. There is nothing that you can do or not do to cause this.
MYTH: BATHS ARE BAD FOR BABY
FACT: Baths are very good for you and is often the most comfortable place to be towards the end of your pregnancy. It’s the temperature of the bath that you need to worry about. Very hot baths are not a good idea as they can cause your body temperature to rise, and this can cause problems for a developing baby, particularly in the first trimester.
MYTH: HEARTBURN DURING PREGNANCY IS A SIGN THAT THE INFANT WILL BE BORN WITH A FULL HEAD OF HAIR
FACT: Heartburn is common in pregnancy and is caused by the hormone that is produced by the placenta. This hormone is meant to cause the muscles of the womb to relax yet it sometimes affects the valve separating the esophagus (tube that carries food, liquids and saliva from the mouth to the stomach) from the stomach and this causes the stomach acids to go back into the esophagus which results in heartburn. This has no effect on your baby’s hair growth.
MYTH: YOU CAN’T COLOUR OR CHEMICALLY TREAT YOUR HAIR
FACT: It’s important that you look and feel good about yourself, but if you’re in doubt, consider whether chemically-treating your hair will make you feel your best, or simply make you worry. If you do decide to continue, it’s best to avoid home hair processing and rather go to a professional. Some moms prefer to avoid the chemicals altogether, while others avoid them during the first trimester and then keep it to a minimum.
MYTH: SLEEPING ON YOUR BACK CAN HURT THE BABY
FACT: For years, pregnant women have been told to place a pillow under one side of the back, because if you sleep on your back the pressure from the baby can cut off your blood flow and possibly kill you. This is not true: A pregnant woman can sleep in any position which makes her feel comfortable. However, in the case of a high-risk pregnancy (if your baby has an increased chance of health problems) sleeping on the left side is sometimes recommended.
MYTH: IF YOU EXPERIENCE ACNE WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT, THAT IS A SIGN YOU ARE HAVING A GIRL
FACT: No research has proved this. Pregnancy acne has nothing to do with gender and is only a sign of natural hormonal changes in the mother.
MYTH: PREGNANT WOMEN WHO CARRY LOW ARE HAVING A BOY
FACT: How a woman carries the baby depends on her body type and whether she has been pregnant before. It does not show gender. Taller, thinner women appear to carry higher, while shorter and fuller women appear to carry lower. Also, in a second pregnancy, since abdominal muscles may be looser, the pregnancy may appear to be lower.
By Amanda Ndlangisa
Bona Magazine
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease, infertility and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic infertility treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/infertility_homeopathy.html
FACT: The concern with eating cheese is the presence of bacteria called listeria found in soft, mould-ripened cheeses (such as brie and camembert). Listeria can cause an illness called listeriosis, which can lead to miscarriage or loss of a baby at birth. You don’t have to get rid of all cheese – just stick to hard cheeses like cheddar, feta and Gouda. Soft, processed cheeses like cottage and cream cheese are also fine.
MYTH: YOU CAN’T CONTINUE TO EXERCISE
FACT: Exercise is good for your health and for your growing baby so keep at it. Activities like walking, swimming, Pilates (a form of exercise focused on core strength and flexibility) and low-impact aerobics are good options. However, if you’re generally not active, pregnancy isn’t the time to start. And even if you’re a seasoned gym-goer, you should avoid exercises where you could slip and fall.
MYTH: YOU’RE EATING FOR TWO
FACT: Yes, you’re eating for two, but that doesn’t mean two adult-sized portions are necessary. The average woman with a normal weight before pregnancy needs only about 300 extra calories per day to promote her baby’s growth. That’s about the number of calories found in a glass of skim milk and half a sandwich.
MYTH: YOU CAN’T HAVE CAFFEINE
FACT: There doesn’t seem to be any relationship between having caffeine and preterm birth (a baby born before 37 weeks). If a pregnant woman drinks less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, there’s no clear evidence she faces any increased risk of miscarriage or low birth weight. So enjoy your coffee, but stay within the recommended limit per day.
MYTH: EATING ORANGES GIVES YOUR BABY JAUNDICE
FACT: Jaundice (a yellowish staining of the skin and whites of the eyes) is actually caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that’s produced when original red blood cells are destroyed. This often happens after birth, and not when you’re pregnant. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and are not bad for you to eat when pregnant. They certainly won’t give your baby jaundice either.
MYTH: YOU CAN’T EAT FISH
FACT: Eating two servings of fish per week can be healthy for mom and baby. Coldwater fish (like tuna, salmon and sardines) contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids which help with your baby’s brain development. But you should try to avoid raw fish (like sushi) as they contain parasites and bacteria.
MYTH: DON’T HOLD YOUR HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEAD OR THE BABY WILL GET WRAPPED IN THE CORD
FACT: Baby’s cords being wrapped around their neck happens in about one third of all births. It has to do with the twists and turns that your baby makes while in the womb. About 25% of all babies are born with the cord wrapped around the neck, and many are born with cords around their legs. Some cords are tied into knots. There is nothing that you can do or not do to cause this.
MYTH: BATHS ARE BAD FOR BABY
FACT: Baths are very good for you and is often the most comfortable place to be towards the end of your pregnancy. It’s the temperature of the bath that you need to worry about. Very hot baths are not a good idea as they can cause your body temperature to rise, and this can cause problems for a developing baby, particularly in the first trimester.
MYTH: HEARTBURN DURING PREGNANCY IS A SIGN THAT THE INFANT WILL BE BORN WITH A FULL HEAD OF HAIR
FACT: Heartburn is common in pregnancy and is caused by the hormone that is produced by the placenta. This hormone is meant to cause the muscles of the womb to relax yet it sometimes affects the valve separating the esophagus (tube that carries food, liquids and saliva from the mouth to the stomach) from the stomach and this causes the stomach acids to go back into the esophagus which results in heartburn. This has no effect on your baby’s hair growth.
MYTH: YOU CAN’T COLOUR OR CHEMICALLY TREAT YOUR HAIR
FACT: It’s important that you look and feel good about yourself, but if you’re in doubt, consider whether chemically-treating your hair will make you feel your best, or simply make you worry. If you do decide to continue, it’s best to avoid home hair processing and rather go to a professional. Some moms prefer to avoid the chemicals altogether, while others avoid them during the first trimester and then keep it to a minimum.
MYTH: SLEEPING ON YOUR BACK CAN HURT THE BABY
FACT: For years, pregnant women have been told to place a pillow under one side of the back, because if you sleep on your back the pressure from the baby can cut off your blood flow and possibly kill you. This is not true: A pregnant woman can sleep in any position which makes her feel comfortable. However, in the case of a high-risk pregnancy (if your baby has an increased chance of health problems) sleeping on the left side is sometimes recommended.
MYTH: IF YOU EXPERIENCE ACNE WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT, THAT IS A SIGN YOU ARE HAVING A GIRL
FACT: No research has proved this. Pregnancy acne has nothing to do with gender and is only a sign of natural hormonal changes in the mother.
MYTH: PREGNANT WOMEN WHO CARRY LOW ARE HAVING A BOY
FACT: How a woman carries the baby depends on her body type and whether she has been pregnant before. It does not show gender. Taller, thinner women appear to carry higher, while shorter and fuller women appear to carry lower. Also, in a second pregnancy, since abdominal muscles may be looser, the pregnancy may appear to be lower.
By Amanda Ndlangisa
Bona Magazine
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease, infertility and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic infertility treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/infertility_homeopathy.html
Pregnancy at various ages
Pregnancy In Your 20s
THE GOOD NEWS
If you’re healthy at this age group, you’re more likely to experience an easy pregnancy. For starters, you ovulate (release eggs from your ovaries) more often which means you may fall pregnant quickly. There are also less chances of miscarriage as well as less risk of medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
The other advantage of the 20s being the best age for pregnancy is that you’re still physically active and less likely to be overweight. Being overweight at any age is a serious pregnancy risk as it’s linked with the risk of infertility (inability to have a baby), and if you do fall pregnant the risk of abnormalities, diabetes and high blood pressure is increased.
THE BAD NEWS
However, younger is not always better. At ages 20 to 24 and as a first-time mother, you have a slightly higher risk of preeclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy condition that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine). Doctors are unsure why some women get preeclampsia. The condition is a serious one, it can slow down the baby’s growth and lead to early delivery. Bad lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking, not getting prenatal care (regular medical care for pregnant women) and a poor diet can be associated with women in their early 20s. This increases the chance of having a baby with a low birth weight (less than 2.5kg). Low birth weight babies also have a greater chance of health problems and disabilities. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk by cutting out smoking and drinking, eating well, taking a multivitamin and getting good prenatal care.
Pregnancy In Your 30s
THE GOOD NEWS
One of the advantages of pregnancy in the 30s is that you tend to be more financially, emotionally and socially stable, all of which are important for a good pregnancy. The 30s can be divided into early 30s and late 30s (35+). There are similar advantages and results of pregnancy in your 30s as in your 20s. However, at this age you may take longer to conceive as you ovulate less regularly.
THE BAD NEWS
Fertility tends to start slowing down in your early 30s. Although many women give birth to healthy babies at 35+, complications for both baby and mother increase. At this age, fertility begins to decrease even faster, and more women in this age group take longer to conceive and suffer miscarriages. If you’re 35+ and struggle to conceive after trying for six months, it’s best to consult your doctor. Many fertility problems can be treated.
Another concern in your 30s is a higher risk of abnormalities (like Down Syndrome and Turner Syndrome). The risk of Down Syndrome is three to four times higher after age 35. Babies tend to be bigger too (often influenced by the mother’s weight), and may have birth complications that call for a Caesarean section (C-section). Early prenatal care and good medical treatment can fix most health issues at this age.
Pregnancy In Your 40s
THE NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS
Although you may still have a healthy baby, pregnancy in your 40s can come with challenges. Similar to the late 30s, you may take longer or even struggle to fall pregnant. After the age of 40, all the problems mentioned in the 35+ age group, such as pregnancyrelated diabetes, increase. Research shows that women over 35 also have an increased chance of having twins, which may further complicate pregnancy, making it even more risky.
You may also have more problems during delivery, such as failure to progress (cervix not dilating or baby not descending) and foetal distress (baby not coping well during birth), which may help explain why first-time moms older than 40 have the highest risk of C-section (43%, according to a recent Harvard Medical School study). Special medical care and treatment is advised for a healthy pregnancy.
When Not To Fall Pregnant?
IN YOUR TEENS: Although physically the body is ready to carry a baby after the start of periods, teenage pregnancy is not a good idea. Pregnancy can have negative effects on the growing teenage body and teens tend to experience many complications, ranging from increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) caused by pregnancy, and an increased rate of C-sections. There is also the lack of emotional readiness that may affect the teen mom and baby negatively.
TIP: It’s a good idea to plan your pregnancy. A full physical check-up is recommended in order to make sure you do not have anaemia, high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Also, you should know your HIV status, as there is a risk of infecting the baby. HIV is also the leading cause of maternal deaths in SA. If you are HIV+, you may need to take antiretroviral treatment in the course of your pregnancy.
Pregnancy through the ages
By Sbu Mpungose
Bona Magazine
Additional sources: How Stuff Works (www.howstuffworks.com), Discovery Fit & Health (health.discovery.com).
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease, infertility and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic infertility treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/infertility_homeopathy.html
THE GOOD NEWS
If you’re healthy at this age group, you’re more likely to experience an easy pregnancy. For starters, you ovulate (release eggs from your ovaries) more often which means you may fall pregnant quickly. There are also less chances of miscarriage as well as less risk of medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
The other advantage of the 20s being the best age for pregnancy is that you’re still physically active and less likely to be overweight. Being overweight at any age is a serious pregnancy risk as it’s linked with the risk of infertility (inability to have a baby), and if you do fall pregnant the risk of abnormalities, diabetes and high blood pressure is increased.
THE BAD NEWS
However, younger is not always better. At ages 20 to 24 and as a first-time mother, you have a slightly higher risk of preeclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy condition that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine). Doctors are unsure why some women get preeclampsia. The condition is a serious one, it can slow down the baby’s growth and lead to early delivery. Bad lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking, not getting prenatal care (regular medical care for pregnant women) and a poor diet can be associated with women in their early 20s. This increases the chance of having a baby with a low birth weight (less than 2.5kg). Low birth weight babies also have a greater chance of health problems and disabilities. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk by cutting out smoking and drinking, eating well, taking a multivitamin and getting good prenatal care.
Pregnancy In Your 30s
THE GOOD NEWS
One of the advantages of pregnancy in the 30s is that you tend to be more financially, emotionally and socially stable, all of which are important for a good pregnancy. The 30s can be divided into early 30s and late 30s (35+). There are similar advantages and results of pregnancy in your 30s as in your 20s. However, at this age you may take longer to conceive as you ovulate less regularly.
THE BAD NEWS
Fertility tends to start slowing down in your early 30s. Although many women give birth to healthy babies at 35+, complications for both baby and mother increase. At this age, fertility begins to decrease even faster, and more women in this age group take longer to conceive and suffer miscarriages. If you’re 35+ and struggle to conceive after trying for six months, it’s best to consult your doctor. Many fertility problems can be treated.
Another concern in your 30s is a higher risk of abnormalities (like Down Syndrome and Turner Syndrome). The risk of Down Syndrome is three to four times higher after age 35. Babies tend to be bigger too (often influenced by the mother’s weight), and may have birth complications that call for a Caesarean section (C-section). Early prenatal care and good medical treatment can fix most health issues at this age.
Pregnancy In Your 40s
THE NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS
Although you may still have a healthy baby, pregnancy in your 40s can come with challenges. Similar to the late 30s, you may take longer or even struggle to fall pregnant. After the age of 40, all the problems mentioned in the 35+ age group, such as pregnancyrelated diabetes, increase. Research shows that women over 35 also have an increased chance of having twins, which may further complicate pregnancy, making it even more risky.
You may also have more problems during delivery, such as failure to progress (cervix not dilating or baby not descending) and foetal distress (baby not coping well during birth), which may help explain why first-time moms older than 40 have the highest risk of C-section (43%, according to a recent Harvard Medical School study). Special medical care and treatment is advised for a healthy pregnancy.
When Not To Fall Pregnant?
IN YOUR TEENS: Although physically the body is ready to carry a baby after the start of periods, teenage pregnancy is not a good idea. Pregnancy can have negative effects on the growing teenage body and teens tend to experience many complications, ranging from increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) caused by pregnancy, and an increased rate of C-sections. There is also the lack of emotional readiness that may affect the teen mom and baby negatively.
TIP: It’s a good idea to plan your pregnancy. A full physical check-up is recommended in order to make sure you do not have anaemia, high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Also, you should know your HIV status, as there is a risk of infecting the baby. HIV is also the leading cause of maternal deaths in SA. If you are HIV+, you may need to take antiretroviral treatment in the course of your pregnancy.
Pregnancy through the ages
By Sbu Mpungose
Bona Magazine
Additional sources: How Stuff Works (www.howstuffworks.com), Discovery Fit & Health (health.discovery.com).
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease, infertility and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic infertility treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/infertility_homeopathy.html
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Processed Meats Declared Too Dangerous for Human Consumption
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has just completed a detailed review of more than 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer. Its conclusion is rocking the health world with startling bluntness: Processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption. Consumers should stop buying and eating all processed meat products for the rest of their lives.
Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, sandwich meat, packaged ham, pepperoni, salami and virtually all red meat used in frozen prepared meals. They are usually manufactured with a carcinogenic ingredient known as sodium nitrite. This is used as a colour fixer by meat companies to turn packaged meats a bright red colour so they look fresh. Unfortunately, sodium nitrite also results in the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body. And this leads to a sharp increase in cancer risk for those who eat them.
A 2005 University of Hawaii study found that processed meats increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67 percent. Another study revealed that every 50 grams of processed meat consumed daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 21 percent. These are alarming numbers. Note that these cancer risks do not come from eating fresh, non-processed meats. They only appear in people who regularly consume processed meat products containing sodium nitrite.
Sodium nitrite appears predominantly in red meat products (you won’t find it in chicken or fish products). Here’s a short list of food items to check carefully for sodium nitrite and monosodium glutamate (MSG), another dangerous additive:
If sodium nitrite is so dangerous to humans, why do the FDA and USDA continue to allow this cancer-causing chemical to be used? The answer, of course, is that food industry interests now dominate the actions by U.S. government regulators. The USDA, for example, tried to ban sodium nitrite in the late 1970′s but was overridden by the meat industry.5 It insisted the chemical was safe and accused the USDA of trying to “ban bacon.”
Today, the corporations that dominate American food and agricultural interests hold tremendous influence over the FDA and USDA. Consumers are offered no real protection from dangerous chemicals intentionally added to foods, medicines and personal care products.
You can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of processed meats by following a few simple rules:
And finally, eat more fresh produce with every meal. There is evidence that natural vitamin C found in citrus fruits and exotic berries (like camu camu) helps prevent the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, protecting you from the devastating health effects of sodium nitrite in processed meats. The best defense, of course, is to avoid eating processed meats altogether.
Source: http://dreamhealer.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/processed-meats-declared-too-dangerous-for-human-consumption/
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, sandwich meat, packaged ham, pepperoni, salami and virtually all red meat used in frozen prepared meals. They are usually manufactured with a carcinogenic ingredient known as sodium nitrite. This is used as a colour fixer by meat companies to turn packaged meats a bright red colour so they look fresh. Unfortunately, sodium nitrite also results in the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body. And this leads to a sharp increase in cancer risk for those who eat them.
A 2005 University of Hawaii study found that processed meats increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67 percent. Another study revealed that every 50 grams of processed meat consumed daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 21 percent. These are alarming numbers. Note that these cancer risks do not come from eating fresh, non-processed meats. They only appear in people who regularly consume processed meat products containing sodium nitrite.
Sodium nitrite appears predominantly in red meat products (you won’t find it in chicken or fish products). Here’s a short list of food items to check carefully for sodium nitrite and monosodium glutamate (MSG), another dangerous additive:
- Beef jerky (Biltong)
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Hot dogs
- Sandwich meat
- Frozen pizza with meat
- Canned soups with meat
- Frozen meals with meat
- Ravioli and meat pasta foods
- Kid’s meals containing red meat
- Sandwich meat used at popular restaurants
- Nearly all red meats sold at public schools, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and theme parks
If sodium nitrite is so dangerous to humans, why do the FDA and USDA continue to allow this cancer-causing chemical to be used? The answer, of course, is that food industry interests now dominate the actions by U.S. government regulators. The USDA, for example, tried to ban sodium nitrite in the late 1970′s but was overridden by the meat industry.5 It insisted the chemical was safe and accused the USDA of trying to “ban bacon.”
Today, the corporations that dominate American food and agricultural interests hold tremendous influence over the FDA and USDA. Consumers are offered no real protection from dangerous chemicals intentionally added to foods, medicines and personal care products.
You can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of processed meats by following a few simple rules:
- Always read ingredient labels.
- Don’t buy anything made with sodium nitrite or monosodium glutamate.
- Don’t eat red meats served by restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels or other institutions.
And finally, eat more fresh produce with every meal. There is evidence that natural vitamin C found in citrus fruits and exotic berries (like camu camu) helps prevent the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, protecting you from the devastating health effects of sodium nitrite in processed meats. The best defense, of course, is to avoid eating processed meats altogether.
Source: http://dreamhealer.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/processed-meats-declared-too-dangerous-for-human-consumption/
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
List Of That Antidepressants Cause Sudden Death Growing
The list of antidepressants that can cause sudden death is growing exponentially, with citalopram – under the brand names Celexa and Cipramil – the latest such drug to be added, according to a new study.
The research, published recently in the British Medical Journal, revealed that the drug tends to cause a lengthening of the Q-T interval, a part of the cycle of heart beat measured by an electrocardiogram, or what is more commonly known as an EKG or ECG. Indeed, a number of drugs are known for creating this phenomenon, the most notable among them being methadone, which has been documented as causing sudden death in some patients, especially when dosages are increased too rapidly.
“There are no symptoms indicating a risk. A perfectly normal person will literally drop dead,” writes Heidi Stevenson at GaiaHealth.com.
A silent killer
The heartbeat is regulated by a series of electrical pulses, and key points of the pattern printed on an EKG are labeled P, Q, R, S, T. If the time between the Q and T waves is lengthened, it is referred to as “Q-T elongation,” or a prolonged Q-T segment; the only way to know if it is occurring; however, is with an EKG.
“There are generally no external clues, so outside of testing, you would have no way of knowing that you’ve been affected,” Stevenson writes.
Researchers, in their report, were specific about the risk of sudden death associated with Celexa; the larger the dose, the greater the risk. Also, they noted that the Food and Drug Administration has said, “Citalopram causes dose-dependent QT interval prolongation. Citalopram should no longer be prescribed at doses greater than 40 mg per day.”
That claim is supported in Medscape’s drug reference for citalopram. “Doses above 40 mg/day are not recommended because of risk for QT prolongation without additional benefit for treating depression,” says the reference.
In performing their study, researchers examined 38,397 adults who were either taking an antidepressant or methadone at some time between February 1990 and August 2011, a period of more than two decades. Antidepressants taken during that period by the patients involved in the study include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), amitriptyline, bupropion (Zyban), duloxetine (Cymbalta), mirtazapine (Remeron), nortriptyline, and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Each participant received an EKG 14-90 days after they had taken their prescribed medication. Researchers found that all antidepressants affect the A-T interval in some manner, though methadone affected it more significantly by a great amount.
In one drug, however – bupropion (Zyban) – had the opposite effect. The Q-T interval was shortened. But a shorter Q-T interval, by comparison, can also cause heart arrhythmias and fainting, conditions which can also lead to sudden death.
Source: http://www.undergroundhealth.com/list-of-that-antidepressants-cause-sudden-death-growing/
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
The research, published recently in the British Medical Journal, revealed that the drug tends to cause a lengthening of the Q-T interval, a part of the cycle of heart beat measured by an electrocardiogram, or what is more commonly known as an EKG or ECG. Indeed, a number of drugs are known for creating this phenomenon, the most notable among them being methadone, which has been documented as causing sudden death in some patients, especially when dosages are increased too rapidly.
“There are no symptoms indicating a risk. A perfectly normal person will literally drop dead,” writes Heidi Stevenson at GaiaHealth.com.
A silent killer
The heartbeat is regulated by a series of electrical pulses, and key points of the pattern printed on an EKG are labeled P, Q, R, S, T. If the time between the Q and T waves is lengthened, it is referred to as “Q-T elongation,” or a prolonged Q-T segment; the only way to know if it is occurring; however, is with an EKG.
“There are generally no external clues, so outside of testing, you would have no way of knowing that you’ve been affected,” Stevenson writes.
Researchers, in their report, were specific about the risk of sudden death associated with Celexa; the larger the dose, the greater the risk. Also, they noted that the Food and Drug Administration has said, “Citalopram causes dose-dependent QT interval prolongation. Citalopram should no longer be prescribed at doses greater than 40 mg per day.”
That claim is supported in Medscape’s drug reference for citalopram. “Doses above 40 mg/day are not recommended because of risk for QT prolongation without additional benefit for treating depression,” says the reference.
In performing their study, researchers examined 38,397 adults who were either taking an antidepressant or methadone at some time between February 1990 and August 2011, a period of more than two decades. Antidepressants taken during that period by the patients involved in the study include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), amitriptyline, bupropion (Zyban), duloxetine (Cymbalta), mirtazapine (Remeron), nortriptyline, and venlafaxine (Effexor).
Each participant received an EKG 14-90 days after they had taken their prescribed medication. Researchers found that all antidepressants affect the A-T interval in some manner, though methadone affected it more significantly by a great amount.
In one drug, however – bupropion (Zyban) – had the opposite effect. The Q-T interval was shortened. But a shorter Q-T interval, by comparison, can also cause heart arrhythmias and fainting, conditions which can also lead to sudden death.
Source: http://www.undergroundhealth.com/list-of-that-antidepressants-cause-sudden-death-growing/
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Friday, 24 May 2013
Baby Breastfed By Vegan Mother Dies
by SARAH, THE HEALTHY HOME ECONOMIST on MARCH 30, 2011
An 11 month old baby exclusively breastfed by a vegan mother has died and the parents are charged with neglect after an autopsy indicated the baby suffered from deficiencies in vitamin B12 and Vitamin A – both known to be critical to a child’s development.
Vegans have long been advised to take B12 supplements as long term veganism runs the huge risk of serious B12 deficiency as well as other nutrients only found in animal foods such as true Vitamin A. Beta carotene is not true vitamin A nor does it easily convert to adequate amounts of Vitamin A in the body.
While I’m not sure I favor charging the parents in this tragedy as it smacks of Big Brother far too much for my comfort level, it does communicate a clear message to other vegans: abstinence from all animal foods is a danger to one’s health and most particularly, your baby!
It also sends a clear message that what a breastfeeding Mother eats definitely DOES affect the quality of her breastmilk. Many breastfeeding advocates insist that breastmilk will include all a baby needs despite what the Mother eats, but clearly this is not the case.
Traditional cultures took great care to ensure that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers consumed ample amounts of animal foods rich in vitamins A, D, E, K and of course B12. These foods included grassfed butter, pastured eggs, liver, seafood, and fish eggs. Notice that none – NOT ONE of these traditionally sacred foods is plant based!
If you are pregnant and breastfeeding and would like to learn what foods will maximally support the health of your baby while nursing, please check this link for the complete listing of traditionally sacred foods for optimal fetal and baby development. These foods will also ensure the preservation of your own health during pregnancy and lactation which can easily deplete a Mother’s nutritional stores leaving her vulnerable to exhaustion.
*Update: The vegan parents whose baby died as described in this article were convicted by a French court to 5 years in prison due to the imbalanced vegan diet the mother ate which led to nutrient poor breastmilk and a failure to thrive child who eventually fell ill from severe nutrient deficiency and died without the parents ever seeking proper medical attention.
For more information on how a vegan diet devastates the health of children, read about how a 12 year old vegan was diagnosed with the degenerating bones of an 80 year old. Dr. Faisal Ahmed MD, a pediatrician treating the child, said that the dangers of forcing children to follow a strict vegan diet need to be publicized.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist, author of Get Your Fats Straight
Sources:
Vitamin A Vagary
Vitamin B12: Vital Nutrient for Good Health
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
An 11 month old baby exclusively breastfed by a vegan mother has died and the parents are charged with neglect after an autopsy indicated the baby suffered from deficiencies in vitamin B12 and Vitamin A – both known to be critical to a child’s development.
Vegans have long been advised to take B12 supplements as long term veganism runs the huge risk of serious B12 deficiency as well as other nutrients only found in animal foods such as true Vitamin A. Beta carotene is not true vitamin A nor does it easily convert to adequate amounts of Vitamin A in the body.
While I’m not sure I favor charging the parents in this tragedy as it smacks of Big Brother far too much for my comfort level, it does communicate a clear message to other vegans: abstinence from all animal foods is a danger to one’s health and most particularly, your baby!
It also sends a clear message that what a breastfeeding Mother eats definitely DOES affect the quality of her breastmilk. Many breastfeeding advocates insist that breastmilk will include all a baby needs despite what the Mother eats, but clearly this is not the case.
Traditional cultures took great care to ensure that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers consumed ample amounts of animal foods rich in vitamins A, D, E, K and of course B12. These foods included grassfed butter, pastured eggs, liver, seafood, and fish eggs. Notice that none – NOT ONE of these traditionally sacred foods is plant based!
If you are pregnant and breastfeeding and would like to learn what foods will maximally support the health of your baby while nursing, please check this link for the complete listing of traditionally sacred foods for optimal fetal and baby development. These foods will also ensure the preservation of your own health during pregnancy and lactation which can easily deplete a Mother’s nutritional stores leaving her vulnerable to exhaustion.
*Update: The vegan parents whose baby died as described in this article were convicted by a French court to 5 years in prison due to the imbalanced vegan diet the mother ate which led to nutrient poor breastmilk and a failure to thrive child who eventually fell ill from severe nutrient deficiency and died without the parents ever seeking proper medical attention.
For more information on how a vegan diet devastates the health of children, read about how a 12 year old vegan was diagnosed with the degenerating bones of an 80 year old. Dr. Faisal Ahmed MD, a pediatrician treating the child, said that the dangers of forcing children to follow a strict vegan diet need to be publicized.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist, author of Get Your Fats Straight
Sources:
Vitamin A Vagary
Vitamin B12: Vital Nutrient for Good Health
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Thursday, 23 May 2013
Why Drinking Too Much Water Can Be Harmful To Your Health
By Dr. Ben Kim
On January 12, 2007, a 28-year old Californian wife and mother of three children died from drinking too much water. Her body was found in her home shortly after she took part in a water-drinking contest that was sponsored by a local radio show. Entitled "Hold Your Wee For A Wii," the contest promoters promised a free Wii video game machine to the contestant who drank the most water without urinating.
It is estimated that the woman who died drank approximately 2 gallons of water during the contest. When she and other contestants complained of discomfort and showed visible signs of distress, they were laughed at by the promoters and even heckled.
This tragic news story highlights the importance of understanding why drinking too much water can be dangerous to your health.
Whenever you disregard your sense of thirst and strive to ingest several glasses of water a day just because you have been told that doing so is good for your health, you actually put unnecessary strain on your body in two major ways:
Putting unnecessary burden on your cardiovascular system and your kidneys by ingesting unnecessary water is a subtle process. For the average person, it is virtually impossible to know that this burden exists, as there are usually no obvious symptoms on a moment-to-moment basis. But make no mistake about it: this burden is real and can hurt your health over the long term.
Forcing your body to accept a large amount of water within a short period of time - say, an hour or two - as several contestants did during the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest can be fatally dangerous to your health. Here's why:
This information is particularly important for parents to pass on to their children. Foolish drinking contests are not uncommon among high school and university students, especially while playing cards.
So how much water should you drink to best support your health?
The answer depends on your unique circumstances, including your diet, exercise habits, and environment.
If you eat plenty of foods that are naturally rich in water, such as vegetables, fruits, and cooked legumes and whole grains, you may not need to drink much water at all. If you do not use much or any salt and other seasonings, your need for drinking water goes down even further.
Conversely, if you do not eat a lot of plant foods and/or you add substantial salt and spices to your meals, you may need to drink several glasses of water every day.
Regardless of what your diet looks like, if you sweat on a regular basis because of exercise or a warm climate, you will need to supply your body with more water (through food and/or liquids) than someone who does not sweat regularly.
Ultimately, the best guidance I can provide on this issue is to follow your sense of thirst. Some people believe that thirst is not a reliable indicator of how much water you need, since many people suffer with symptoms related to dehydration and don't seem to feel a need to drink water on a regular basis. My experience has been that most people who are chronically dehydrated have learned to ignore a parched mouth. If you ask such people if they are thirsty and would like a piece of fruit or a glass of water, they will almost always realize that they are indeed thirsty.
Some people suggest observing the color of your urine as a way of looking out for dehydration. The idea is that clear urine indicates that you are well hydrated, while yellow urine indicates that you need more water in your system. While this advice is somewhat useful, it's important to remember that some food additives (including some synthetic nutrients) and heavily pigmented foods (like red beets) can add substantial color to your urine. Thumbs down for synthetic nutrients, and thumbs up for red beets and other richly colored vegetables and fruits.
The main idea that I want to share through this article is to beware of mindlessly drinking several glasses of water per day without considering your diet, exercise habits, climate, and sense of thirst. And when you do find yourself in need of water, remember that you can get it from liquids and/or whole foods that are rich in water.
Please share this article with family and friends, as many people are regularly misinformed on this topic by mainstream media.
Source: http://drbenkim.com/drink-too-much-water-dangerous.html
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
On January 12, 2007, a 28-year old Californian wife and mother of three children died from drinking too much water. Her body was found in her home shortly after she took part in a water-drinking contest that was sponsored by a local radio show. Entitled "Hold Your Wee For A Wii," the contest promoters promised a free Wii video game machine to the contestant who drank the most water without urinating.
It is estimated that the woman who died drank approximately 2 gallons of water during the contest. When she and other contestants complained of discomfort and showed visible signs of distress, they were laughed at by the promoters and even heckled.
This tragic news story highlights the importance of understanding why drinking too much water can be dangerous to your health.
Whenever you disregard your sense of thirst and strive to ingest several glasses of water a day just because you have been told that doing so is good for your health, you actually put unnecessary strain on your body in two major ways:
1. Ingesting more water than you need can increase your total blood volume. And since your blood volume exists within a closed system (your circulatory system), needlessly increasing your blood volume on a regular basis puts unnecessary burden on your heart and blood vessels.
2. Your kidneys must work overtime to filter excess water out of your circulatory system. Your kidneys are not the equivalent of a pair of plumbing pipes whereby the more water you flush through your kidneys, the cleaner they become; rather, the filtration system that exists in your kidneys is composed in part by a series of specialized capillary beds called glomeruli. Your glomeruli can get damaged by unnecessary wear and tear over time, and drowning your system with large amounts of water is one of many potential causes of said damage.
Putting unnecessary burden on your cardiovascular system and your kidneys by ingesting unnecessary water is a subtle process. For the average person, it is virtually impossible to know that this burden exists, as there are usually no obvious symptoms on a moment-to-moment basis. But make no mistake about it: this burden is real and can hurt your health over the long term.
Forcing your body to accept a large amount of water within a short period of time - say, an hour or two - as several contestants did during the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest can be fatally dangerous to your health. Here's why:
If you force large amounts of water into your system over a short period of time, your kidneys will struggle to eliminate enough water from your system to keep the overall amount at a safe level.
As your circulatory system becomes diluted with excess water, the concentration of electrolytes in your blood will drop relative to the concentration of electrolytes in your cells. In an effort to maintain an equal balance of electrolytes between your blood and your cells, water will seep into your cells from your blood, causing your cells to swell.
If this swelling occurs in your brain, you'll experience increased intracranial pressure i.e. your brain will get squeezed because the flat bones that make up your skull don't provide much give. Depending on how much water your drink in a short period of time, you could experience a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from a mild headache to impaired breathing. As occurred in the tragic water-drinking contest, it's quite possible to die if you drink enough water in a short period of time.
This information is particularly important for parents to pass on to their children. Foolish drinking contests are not uncommon among high school and university students, especially while playing cards.
So how much water should you drink to best support your health?
The answer depends on your unique circumstances, including your diet, exercise habits, and environment.
If you eat plenty of foods that are naturally rich in water, such as vegetables, fruits, and cooked legumes and whole grains, you may not need to drink much water at all. If you do not use much or any salt and other seasonings, your need for drinking water goes down even further.
Conversely, if you do not eat a lot of plant foods and/or you add substantial salt and spices to your meals, you may need to drink several glasses of water every day.
Regardless of what your diet looks like, if you sweat on a regular basis because of exercise or a warm climate, you will need to supply your body with more water (through food and/or liquids) than someone who does not sweat regularly.
Ultimately, the best guidance I can provide on this issue is to follow your sense of thirst. Some people believe that thirst is not a reliable indicator of how much water you need, since many people suffer with symptoms related to dehydration and don't seem to feel a need to drink water on a regular basis. My experience has been that most people who are chronically dehydrated have learned to ignore a parched mouth. If you ask such people if they are thirsty and would like a piece of fruit or a glass of water, they will almost always realize that they are indeed thirsty.
Some people suggest observing the color of your urine as a way of looking out for dehydration. The idea is that clear urine indicates that you are well hydrated, while yellow urine indicates that you need more water in your system. While this advice is somewhat useful, it's important to remember that some food additives (including some synthetic nutrients) and heavily pigmented foods (like red beets) can add substantial color to your urine. Thumbs down for synthetic nutrients, and thumbs up for red beets and other richly colored vegetables and fruits.
The main idea that I want to share through this article is to beware of mindlessly drinking several glasses of water per day without considering your diet, exercise habits, climate, and sense of thirst. And when you do find yourself in need of water, remember that you can get it from liquids and/or whole foods that are rich in water.
Please share this article with family and friends, as many people are regularly misinformed on this topic by mainstream media.
Source: http://drbenkim.com/drink-too-much-water-dangerous.html
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Tuesday, 21 May 2013
Most Humans Are Dying From A Lack of This Vitamin, Says 2-Time Nobel Prize Winner
Linus Pauling discusses the vital importance of vitamin C in human health and disease, and why scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) is the most prevalent health problem of our time, underlying even heart disease as the #1 killer in the developed world.
Linus Carl Pauling (February 28, 1901 – August 19, 1994) was an American chemist, biochemist, peace activist, author, and educator. He was one of the most influential chemists in history and ranks among the most important scientists of the 20th century. Pauling was one of the founders of the fields of quantum chemistry and molecular biology.
For his scientific work, Pauling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954. In 1962, for his peace activism, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This makes him the only person to be awarded two unshared Nobel Prizes. He is one of only four individuals to have won more than one Nobel Prize (the others being Marie Curie, John Bardeen, and Frederick Sanger). Pauling is one of only two people to be awarded Nobel Prizes in different fields (Chemistry and Peace), the other being Marie Curie (Chemistry and Physics).
Linus Carl Pauling (February 28, 1901 – August 19, 1994) was an American chemist, biochemist, peace activist, author, and educator. He was one of the most influential chemists in history and ranks among the most important scientists of the 20th century. Pauling was one of the founders of the fields of quantum chemistry and molecular biology.
For his scientific work, Pauling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954. In 1962, for his peace activism, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This makes him the only person to be awarded two unshared Nobel Prizes. He is one of only four individuals to have won more than one Nobel Prize (the others being Marie Curie, John Bardeen, and Frederick Sanger). Pauling is one of only two people to be awarded Nobel Prizes in different fields (Chemistry and Peace), the other being Marie Curie (Chemistry and Physics).
Monday, 20 May 2013
Saturday, 18 May 2013
Inventor Of ADHD'S Deathbed Confession: "ADHD IS A FICTITIOUS DISEASE"
By Moritz Nestor, Current Concerns
Fortunately, the Swiss National Advisory Commission on Biomedical Ethics (NEK, President: Otfried Höffe) critically commented on the use of the ADHD drug Ritalin in its opinion of 22 November 2011 titled Human enhancement by means of pharmacological agents: The consumption of pharmacological agents altered the child’s behavior without any contribution on his or her part.
That amounted to interference in the child’s freedom and personal rights, because pharmacological agents induced behavioral changes but failed to educate the child on how to achieve these behavioral changes independently. The child was thus deprived of an essential learning experience to act autonomously and emphatically which “considerably curtails children’s freedom and impairs their personality development”, the NEK criticized.
The alarmed critics of the Ritalin disaster are now getting support from an entirely different side. The German weekly Der Spiegel quoted in its cover story on 2 February 2012 the US American psychiatrist Leon Eisenberg, born in 1922 as the son of Russian Jewish immigrants, who was the “scientific father of ADHD” and who said at the age of 87, seven months before his death in his last interview: “ADHD is a prime example of a fictitious disease”
Since 1968, however, some 40 years, Leon Eisenberg’s “disease” haunted the diagnostic and statistical manuals, first as “hyperkinetic reaction of childhood”, now called “ADHD”. The use of ADHD medications in Germany rose in only eighteen years from 34 kg (in 1993) to a record of no less than 1760 kg (in 2011) – which is a 51-fold increase in sales! In the United States every tenth boy among ten year-olds already swallows an ADHD medication on a daily basis. With an increasing tendency.
When it comes to the proven repertoire of Edward Bernays, the father of propaganda, to sell the First World War to his people with the help of his uncle’s psychoanalysis and to distort science and the faith in science to increase profits of the industry – what about investigating on whose behalf the “scientific father of ADHD” conducted science? His career was remarkably steep, and his “fictitious disease” led to the best sales increases. And after all, he served in the “Committee for DSM V and ICD XII, American Psychiatric Association” from 2006 to 2009. After all, Leon Eisenberg received “the Ruane Prize for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research. He has been a leader in child psychiatry for more than 40 years through his work in pharmacological trials, research, teaching, and social policy and for his theories of autism and social medicine”.
And after all, Eisenberg was a member of the “Organizing Committee for Women and Medicine Conference, Bahamas, November 29 – December 3, 2006, Josiah Macy Foundation (2006)”. The Josiah Macy Foundation organized conferences with intelligence agents of the OSS, later CIA, such as Gregory Bateson and Heinz von Foerster during and long after World War II. Have such groups marketed the diagnosis of ADHD in the service of the pharmaceutical market and tailor-made for him with a lot of propaganda and public relations? It is this issue that the American psychologist Lisa Cosgrove and others investigated in their study Financial Ties between DSM-IV Panel Members and the Pharmaceutical Industry7. They found that “Of the 170 DSM panel members 95 (56%) had one or more financial associations with companies in the pharmaceutical industry. One hundred percent of the members of the panels on ‘Mood Disorders’ and ‘Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders’ had financial ties to drug companies. The connections are especially strong in those diagnostic areas where drugs are the first line of treatment for mental disorders.” In the next edition of the manual, the situation is unchanged. “Of the 137 DSM-V panel members who have posted disclosure statements, 56% have reported industry ties – no improvement over the percent of DSM-IV members.” “The very vocabulary of psychiatry is now defined at all levels by the pharmaceutical industry,” said Dr Irwin Savodnik, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California at Los Angeles.
This is well paid. Just one example: The Assistant Director of the Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School received “$1 million in earnings from drug companies between 2000 and 2007”. In any case, no one can easily get around the testimony of the father of ADHD: “ADHD is a prime example of a fictitious disease.”
The task of psychologists, educators and doctors is not to put children on the “chemical lead” because the entire society cannot handle the products of its misguided theories of man and raising children, and instead hands over our children to the free pharmaceutical market. Let us return to the basic matter of personal psychology and education: The child is to acquire personal responsibility and emphatic behavior under expert guidance – and that takes the family and the school: In these fields, the child should be able to lead off mentally. This constitutes the core of the human person.
1 Human enhancement by means of pharmacological agents, Opinion No 18/2011, Bern October 2011. http://www.bag.admin.ch/nek-cne/04229/04232/index.html?lang=en
2 Blech, Jörg: Schwermut ohne Scham. In: Der Spiegel, Nr. 6/6.2.12, p. 122–131, p. 128.
3 Blech, p. 127
4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Eisenberg (6.2.2012)
5 http://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/newsarticle.aspx?articleid=107051
6 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Eisenberg (6.2.2012 17:59:25)
7 Cosgrove, Lisa et al. Financial Ties between DSM-IV Panel Members and the Pharmaceutical Industry. In: Psychother Psychosom 2006; 75:154-160 (DOI: 10.1159/000091772)
8 Cosgrove, Lisa et al. Pp. 154
9 DSM Panel Members Still Getting pharma funds. URL: http://www.cchrint.org/tag/lisa-cosgrove/ (8.2.2012 23:21:29)
10 http://www.emaxhealth.com/1357/7/35563/experts-who-write-dsm-have-financial-ties-pharmaceutical-companies.html
11 Cf. http://www.cchrint.org/tag/lisa-cosgrove/
Source
http://www.worldpublicunion.org/2013-03-27-NEWS-inventor-of-adhd-says-adhd-is-a-fictitious-disease.html
http://www.currentconcerns.ch/index.php?id=1608
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
Fortunately, the Swiss National Advisory Commission on Biomedical Ethics (NEK, President: Otfried Höffe) critically commented on the use of the ADHD drug Ritalin in its opinion of 22 November 2011 titled Human enhancement by means of pharmacological agents: The consumption of pharmacological agents altered the child’s behavior without any contribution on his or her part.
That amounted to interference in the child’s freedom and personal rights, because pharmacological agents induced behavioral changes but failed to educate the child on how to achieve these behavioral changes independently. The child was thus deprived of an essential learning experience to act autonomously and emphatically which “considerably curtails children’s freedom and impairs their personality development”, the NEK criticized.
The alarmed critics of the Ritalin disaster are now getting support from an entirely different side. The German weekly Der Spiegel quoted in its cover story on 2 February 2012 the US American psychiatrist Leon Eisenberg, born in 1922 as the son of Russian Jewish immigrants, who was the “scientific father of ADHD” and who said at the age of 87, seven months before his death in his last interview: “ADHD is a prime example of a fictitious disease”
Since 1968, however, some 40 years, Leon Eisenberg’s “disease” haunted the diagnostic and statistical manuals, first as “hyperkinetic reaction of childhood”, now called “ADHD”. The use of ADHD medications in Germany rose in only eighteen years from 34 kg (in 1993) to a record of no less than 1760 kg (in 2011) – which is a 51-fold increase in sales! In the United States every tenth boy among ten year-olds already swallows an ADHD medication on a daily basis. With an increasing tendency.
When it comes to the proven repertoire of Edward Bernays, the father of propaganda, to sell the First World War to his people with the help of his uncle’s psychoanalysis and to distort science and the faith in science to increase profits of the industry – what about investigating on whose behalf the “scientific father of ADHD” conducted science? His career was remarkably steep, and his “fictitious disease” led to the best sales increases. And after all, he served in the “Committee for DSM V and ICD XII, American Psychiatric Association” from 2006 to 2009. After all, Leon Eisenberg received “the Ruane Prize for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research. He has been a leader in child psychiatry for more than 40 years through his work in pharmacological trials, research, teaching, and social policy and for his theories of autism and social medicine”.
And after all, Eisenberg was a member of the “Organizing Committee for Women and Medicine Conference, Bahamas, November 29 – December 3, 2006, Josiah Macy Foundation (2006)”. The Josiah Macy Foundation organized conferences with intelligence agents of the OSS, later CIA, such as Gregory Bateson and Heinz von Foerster during and long after World War II. Have such groups marketed the diagnosis of ADHD in the service of the pharmaceutical market and tailor-made for him with a lot of propaganda and public relations? It is this issue that the American psychologist Lisa Cosgrove and others investigated in their study Financial Ties between DSM-IV Panel Members and the Pharmaceutical Industry7. They found that “Of the 170 DSM panel members 95 (56%) had one or more financial associations with companies in the pharmaceutical industry. One hundred percent of the members of the panels on ‘Mood Disorders’ and ‘Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders’ had financial ties to drug companies. The connections are especially strong in those diagnostic areas where drugs are the first line of treatment for mental disorders.” In the next edition of the manual, the situation is unchanged. “Of the 137 DSM-V panel members who have posted disclosure statements, 56% have reported industry ties – no improvement over the percent of DSM-IV members.” “The very vocabulary of psychiatry is now defined at all levels by the pharmaceutical industry,” said Dr Irwin Savodnik, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California at Los Angeles.
This is well paid. Just one example: The Assistant Director of the Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School received “$1 million in earnings from drug companies between 2000 and 2007”. In any case, no one can easily get around the testimony of the father of ADHD: “ADHD is a prime example of a fictitious disease.”
The task of psychologists, educators and doctors is not to put children on the “chemical lead” because the entire society cannot handle the products of its misguided theories of man and raising children, and instead hands over our children to the free pharmaceutical market. Let us return to the basic matter of personal psychology and education: The child is to acquire personal responsibility and emphatic behavior under expert guidance – and that takes the family and the school: In these fields, the child should be able to lead off mentally. This constitutes the core of the human person.
1 Human enhancement by means of pharmacological agents, Opinion No 18/2011, Bern October 2011. http://www.bag.admin.ch/nek-cne/04229/04232/index.html?lang=en
2 Blech, Jörg: Schwermut ohne Scham. In: Der Spiegel, Nr. 6/6.2.12, p. 122–131, p. 128.
3 Blech, p. 127
4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Eisenberg (6.2.2012)
5 http://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/newsarticle.aspx?articleid=107051
6 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Eisenberg (6.2.2012 17:59:25)
7 Cosgrove, Lisa et al. Financial Ties between DSM-IV Panel Members and the Pharmaceutical Industry. In: Psychother Psychosom 2006; 75:154-160 (DOI: 10.1159/000091772)
8 Cosgrove, Lisa et al. Pp. 154
9 DSM Panel Members Still Getting pharma funds. URL: http://www.cchrint.org/tag/lisa-cosgrove/ (8.2.2012 23:21:29)
10 http://www.emaxhealth.com/1357/7/35563/experts-who-write-dsm-have-financial-ties-pharmaceutical-companies.html
11 Cf. http://www.cchrint.org/tag/lisa-cosgrove/
Source
http://www.worldpublicunion.org/2013-03-27-NEWS-inventor-of-adhd-says-adhd-is-a-fictitious-disease.html
http://www.currentconcerns.ch/index.php?id=1608
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical or health care advice or treatment for any medical or health conditions. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem or health issues, promptly consult your professional registered / licensed health care provider.
The information contained in this blog and related website should not be considered complete as it is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge of diet, health, fitness, nutrition, disease and treatment options.
Dr JPB Prinsloo is the oldest, most established homoeopathic practice in South Africa.
The practice, situated in Pretoria, was established in 1956.
To learn more about homeopathy, homeopathic treatment and the legal requirements for practising as a homeopath, visit:
http://www.biocura.co.za/
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