Family Info Corner

Natural, Herbal and Traditional Contraception in Indonesia

2011-02-14T12:29:00.005+07:00

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The tendency of people looking for natural products or non-chemical currently making herbal products and traditional choice is no exception for the purpose of contraception. For centuries, traditional herbal ingredients and a mainstay for preventing and delaying pregnancy.

Actually, how the contraceptive effectiveness of herbal / traditional can be scientifically justified today? Many researchers have conducted research on anti-fertility substances of this nature and so far several studies have shown encouraging results and promising. So far only China and India are doing a lot of research about this herbal contraceptive reliability. In Indonesia alone the use of herbs or medicinal plants as contraceptives has long been known to the public in some areas.

When will use herbs and traditional contraceptives, you should consider how much risk is your current pregnancy? This means that if the current couples for any reason and in any condition really do not want the pregnancy, the contraceptive use of herbal / traditional is not the best choice. Why? Since contraception is more intended as an experimental contraceptive or contraceptive trials, which do not yet have sufficient scientific evidence such as modern contraceptives available today. Precisely best herbal contraception / contraceptive traditionally used as a backup only.

If you are aged under 20 years of contraceptive herbal / traditional is not a wise choice because:
1. Does not protect couples from sexual disease transmission.
2. This contraceptive method has not proven to be absolute and measurable.
3. Some herbal products contain hormones and compounds that can affect the endocrine system work (without a channel control system of the body glands release the hormone) is young and still growing.

M Wien Winarno and Dian Sundari in 1997 in the Mirror World Medicine magazine once wrote that no fewer than 74 types of plants that are empirically used as a traditional contraceptive in several regions in Indonesia. Based on the results of the study recorded 18 plants collected may be used as a female contraceptive and 13 plants for male contraception.

Furthermore Wien Winarno and Dian Sundari explained that the use of contraceptives from plants to consider the nature of damage or effects on the reproductive system in both men or women, should be used in plants that affect the reproductive system that is temporary (reversible), ie when the drug is not used anymore, reproductive system is normal again, so it does not happen sterility.

So that it can be concluded that if the voluntary and conscious couples with contraceptive use herbal / traditional as the primary means of contraception choices they have volunteered to do the experiment yourself with the risks of pregnancy, as many contraceptive herbal / traditional is VERY dependent on the correct treatment and times of use appropriate.

Baby Hiccups

2010-10-08T09:42:00.004+07:00

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Infants/Baby and hiccups are one thing. Hiccups are basically not a bad for baby, it's just that often make parents worried. Hiccups are a normal thing, no need to worry about and usually goes away by itself. Very rarely do baby hiccups also be a sign or symptom of a serious illness.

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs spasm (contraction of the diaphragm muscle that occur suddenly). Spasm that causes the vocal cords to close quickly so that the air is about to go into the lungs are blocked, and there came a loud voice, hiccups.

For parents who have children for the first time most concerned if their babies aged 0-3 months who are still hiccups, but hiccups in babies, especially after drinking milk or milk bottles actual banality and experienced by almost all infants.

According to Prof. Mark Widome, MD, an expert in child health at Penn State Children's Hospital, hiccups sometimes expected and a sign that your baby has been fed and the meal perfectly.

Check the baby's pacifier drink. Baby may swallow too much air and hiccup if the hole is not exactly the pacifier. Massage the back of the palate with a cotton wool soaked in water. Move the cotton was to the front and back for 1 minute or more.
There was no medicine to overcome the hiccups, but usually to deal with hiccups baby while nursing, you can lay her, and bend both legs down to the stomach. Give him warm water can also help. It is much easier when using the dot, because pacifiers will open the pharyngeal or other tenggorokan.Cara to fix this, parents also can help the baby to burp, or pat baby's back so happens burp

Marking Fertile Window

2010-08-08T19:57:00.004+07:00

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For couples who want to become pregnant, fertile period is very important. Every month, a healthy couple will have 20 percent possibility to become pregnant. And the important issue is that the fertile corridor that allows the fertilization of egg by sperm, once separated from the ovary (ovulation) and stay in the uterus is only about 12 to 24 hours. While sperm can live longer between three to six days. This means that even if couples have sex a few days before ovulation occurs, the sperm will remain alive and ready for fertilization when the egg comes. Ideally intercourse is performed when ovulation occurs. After ovulation occurs, then the window of fertility will soon be closed until the next cycle. This is why knowing when the fertile time it becomes very important.

1. Mark the calendar: In general, ovulation can be estimated at half of the menstrual cycle. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days (from the first day of menstruation until the day following the first menstruation). But the cycle length varies between 23 to 35 days. By keeping records on a calendar the first day of menstruation for several months, then it can be estimated at once when the ovulation cycle stops and signs already visible will be able to contain the estimated age of pregnancy. If cycles occur irregularly, it should be cautious and consult a doctor.

2. Observe and listen to the rhythm of the body: If you are including women in 20 percent of those, it usually will give a signal when the body where ovulation occurs, such as the occurrence of pain or soreness in the lower abdomen (usually occurs on one side - the side where ovulation).

3. Temperature graph: Basal Body Temperature, taken with a special thermometer (basal body thermometer) conducted in the morning when woman wake up, or three to five hours before sleep. Changes in basal body temperature shows fluctuations of hormone levels. During the first half of the cycle coming months, will be dominated by the presence of the estrogen hormone. While the second half (after ovulation) there was an increase of progesterone. Progesterone increases body temperature and uterus in fertile conditions for the egg patch. Still confused? The explanation is when the basal temperature will reach its lowest point during ovulation and increased dramatically immediately after ovulation. Graphs that you create will not allow you to read the prediction if only made one month, but continues to do after a few months time to predict when the lowest temperature occurred.

4. Identify cervix: Ovulation is not a process that could not be detected. Body of woman will usually feel a change hormone levels that indicate that the egg is released from the ovary to be ready to be fertilized. One of the approaches and detection can be done is to position the cervix itself. At the beginning of the cycle, the neck (the area between the vagina and uterus) will be stretched and softened like a birth process will happen that will give the opportunity for sperm to travel toward their target is the egg. Some women may feel this clearly, while some others have noticed these changes more thoroughly. Other signs include a change in consistency of cervical mucus of the cervix (usually making clothes in the sticky).

5. Ovulation Prediction Tool: If you do not want to mess around with mucus, look at the body or other symptoms, there is nothing wrong with using ovulation predictors. This tool can be purchased and used to determine when ovulation occurs in 12 to 24 hours in advance by looking at levels of lutenizing hormone (LH). The increase in LH levels are high just before ovulation can be used as an indicator to determine the days before ovulation occurs. LH levels can be detected through blood and urine. LH levels in the blood can be checked through lab tests, whereas LH levels in urine can be checked through a fertility test kits in the form of strips.

So no matter the device or method you choose, the important key is patience and persistence. Whatever makes you comfortable and your spouse do earnestly without feeling burdened pregnancy targets.

Fight Cancer, Donate Your Unused Car Now

2010-06-08T10:08:00.008+07:00

Cancer is set to overtake cardiovascular disease to become the leading cause of death worldwide by 2010, according to a new report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO).Cancer also remains the number one disease killer for children. On the average, 12,500 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year. On the average, 1 in every 4 elementary school has a child with cancer. The average high school has two students who are a current or former cancer patient.

No disputes, amazing and frightening data. There for carsfightingcancer invites all citizens to donate your unwanted or unused car to help fight, educate, advocacy and serve the public to care more about the dangers of cancer.

Carsfightingcancer accepts all types of cars in all conditions even a motorcycle. And for each donor will get a chance to get Apple Ipod Shuffle or a $ 30 Visa Gift Card. Donors will also be given a lot of convenience when performing vehicle donation, free towing and 100% tax deductible.

This is a better way to help us fight cancer, eligible to do by everyone throughout the country in 50 states, online in easy process. You can call 1.888.950.CURE (2873) or email info@CarsFightingCancer.org. Your car donation will effectively received after 10-15 days.

Your car might be useless for you but useful for us. By donating your car, you have saved ones life and that maybe your relatives. Donate car now and join the fight, and help us find a cure for cancer today.

"Breast engorgement", Advantages and Disadvantages

2010-05-05T08:55:00.006+07:00

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Abundant milk production was the hope of many breastfeeding mothers. But mothers know that the abundant milk production must be balanced with the habit of feeding the baby more often. If the mother does not work then it is not a problem, but what if the mother is an employee or a worker who must return to work after the expiry of maternity leave? This is what mothers need to know.

Breast engorgement is a condition in which postpartum breast feels very full by the ASI, tense and painful. The cause is an imbalance between milk supply and baby's needs. This condition generally occurs when the mother suddenly stopped giving her milk before their time.

Engorgement can occur:
• When you first ran in breast milk, during the first few days after birth.
• When mothers breastfeeding normal and routine, but it can not pump their milk according to milk production.
• When the mother and the baby suddenly stopped breast-feeding and breast milk consumption.
• When babies begin to reduce the breast, usually occurs when babies start eating solid food enhancement, or when the baby's illness is marked by decreasing the desire / passion to feed.

Begins producing breast milk after two to five days after giving birth. At that time your breasts will feel warm and heavy. Some mothers feel the swelling and discomfort because of it.

Breast milk is filled with excessive swelling and pain will be felt, it can stimulate the occurrence of acute engorgement, it is usually because:
• Waiting too long to nurse a newborn baby (without early initiation).
• Mother does not want to breastfeed, although the production of enough milk.
• Breastfeeding a bit so as not to evacuate and drain the breast of milk.

This acute engorgement will cause the baby to suck hard on mothers and suckle properly, so that:
• Babies do not consume enough milk.
• Breast is not quite empty and depleted.
• Putting the pain will be felt because of the broken. This is because the baby tries to suck the breast that is fully charged. If you then reduce breast-feeding mothers, the lessons will be re-inflamed and engorgement will deteriorate.

Symptom

This occurs when engorgement breast milk when breastfeeding or pumping out is not as much production is going so full of breast milk. Mothers who experience this will feel:
• Breast feels enlarged, tense and sore. When acute engorgement, the breasts will be swollen, hard, look shiny, warm and supple to the touch.
• Mom will feel the lessons were flattened, and the area around the nipple will seem darker, called the areola and very hard.
• Babies will be difficult to find the nipple, and when I found the baby will be working hard to suck the breast so the nipple can be injured due to the baby business.
• Low maternal fever (body temperature around 37.8 degrees Celsius). If body temperature continues to rise immediately to a doctor.
• Lymph nodes around the armpit to swell the mother and the sick.

Complications and consequences

Without treatment, acute engorgement will cause blockage of channels in the breast milk and cause infection of the breast known as mastitis (breast inflammation).

Care and Treatment

Swelling of the breast is no need to worry excessively and mother can treat and conduct their own treatment at home unless a symptom of infection or mastitis, which may require the mother to consume antibiotics.

These steps can be taken to treat their own mothers to reduce swelling include:
• If the nursing mother, treatment is focused on improving the flow of breast milk with more frequent feeding. Make sure baby is nursing properly and fairly. Usually with this step within 12 to 24 hours later the discomfort is felt will disappear.
• If the mothers do not breastfeed, breast enlargement will cause the breasts to stop producing milk. This discomfort usually disappears after the first variable to 5 days.

Prevention

If the mother plans to breastfeed the baby, then:
• Begin feeding the baby as soon as possible after birth and continue onwards with more often, every 1 to 2 hours while the mother was awake.
• Breastfeeding every one to two hours on the first few days this will reduce the likelihood of engorgemen.
• Make sure the breast soft enough so the baby can breastfeed correctly. If the production of extra milk, so breastfeeding mothers should be pumping out up to breast feels empty after each feeding.
• Try to breastfeed your baby no less than 15 minutes each time breastfeeding, although this may change over time of infant growth.
When the baby is already full or reduced desire to feed, then:
• If the milk production remains high, wipe or guyur breasts with warm water with a shower. Let the warm water flowed across the surface of the breast that would accelerate softening the nipple and breast milk will come out with its own excess.
• If milk flow does not feel perfect, a towel soaked in warm water can be used to mebungkus breasts before breast-feeding mothers. Stimulation of warm milk will help the flow is maintained.
• If the mother works and the difficulty to breastfeeding mothers on a regular basis so make sure to regularly manually pumping breast milk at least every three to four hours.
If engorgement had occurred and the mother still wants to breastfeed, then:
• soften the nipple and areola before breast-feeding to prevent luga start of the nipple.
• If the milk exiting the overflow by itself, it first compresses the breast with warm water before feeding.
• Breast Pump in soft tissues and membranes that contained in the breast does not hurt. Make sure the breasts sucked and drained after each feeding and the mother can save them in the refrigerator.
• To prevent swelling, tense, hard and pain caused by the mother can do:

• Taking anti-inflammatory drugs non-steroidal such as ibuproven, certainly with a doctor's prescription.
• cold compresses every 15 minutes to prevent tissue damage in the breast. Cold compresses should not put ice directly on the breast that would be harmful to tissue in the breast.
• The mother may try to use sheets to cover the breast cabbage in her bra and replace every two hours. This mode can be quite helpful, only this way could allow the production of breast milk decreases.
• Wear loose-fitting bra that does not reduce breast. Bras that are too tight can push the breast which in turn will reduce the flow of breast milk that can lead to blockage in the flow of breast milk.

If mothers do not breastfeed and experience engorgement, then the mother can do one or more of the following steps to reduce the discomfort:
• If the engorgement has happened, do not pump all the milk directly. This would likely spur increased milk production and makes engorgement worse. Breast pump to taste until the mother felt comfortable enough alone.
• Ibuproven for additional medication.
• Cold Compress
• Bra that suit their needs and not pressing.
How the choice of breastfeeding or not to remain in the mother. Remember, the quality of breast milk is not replaceable by any milk production. Then what are mothers waiting for?

Baby Burping

2010-04-06T12:11:00.005+07:00

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Breastfeeding is a new experience for every mother who gave birth. Exciting and always interesting because of ignorance of what is to be faced after feeding. An important note is worth a try and burp the baby.

Burp your baby helps remove swallowed air tends during lactation. If the air does not come out and tend to be much ingested when feeding can cause infant vomiting after feeding. Suspected infant colic and discomfort during sleep, among others, also caused by the accumulation of this gas.

Burping the baby, among others, can be cultivated in a way

• Sit up straight and put the baby on your chest. Put your chin on your shoulder baby (baby facing backwards) when you carry her with one hand while the other one hand patting your baby's back gently. With the help of a little wobble can also be done so that baby can be finished feeding burp.
• baby lap (in the upper thigh) with a sitting position facing forward, hold the baby in the chest like hanging with one hand while your other hand gently patted his back to help baby burp.
• Lay the baby on your lap with the prone position. Make sure the baby's head propped up by strong and its position is slightly higher than his chest. Do this while gently patting the baby's back.

Burping techniques can be performed and selected in accordance with the developing baby. When your baby is getting bigger, you need not worry if your child does not burp during or after each meal. That means that your baby has learned to eat without swallowing excess air.

Circumcision, is it necessary?

2010-03-30T09:16:00.004+07:00

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At birth the boy has a skin covering the tip of the penis is commonly called the foreskin. Circumcision or circumcision, or also called circumcision (circumcision) is a mild surgery and surgery to open and remove part or all of the preputium (prepuce, foreskin, foreskin, the skin surrounding the glans penis/penis head).

Circumcision has a long history, even before BC was found in Egypt practice notes. This practice continued until now, but a hot topic of controversy since some 20 of the year. Is it true that circumcision useful or even useless?

Circumcision or no circumcision should be performed when the baby but it can be done later when the child begins to grow up and usually different growth rates associated with emotional and mental development of each child. Indications circumcision performed during the early years/infant/neonatal generally is due to phimosis, where preputium/foreskin can not be pulled back to open all parts of the head of the penis. Preputium layers inherent part of the glans penis, so that when preputium withdrawn, the glans penis can not fully open. As long as there is not interference in the urinary or signs of inflammation and can still be observed. Expected, the attachment will gradually disappear as the development of the age.

Please note that at birth only 4% of infants could preputiumnya fully withdrawn so that the head of the penis looks intact. Furthermore attachment was gradually reduced. Until the age of 1 year, still 50% who can not fully withdrawn. Respectively 30% at age 2 years, 10% at age 4-5 years, 5% at the age of 10 years, and there is still 1% that lasted up to 16-17 years. Of this last group, there are few who survived to adulthood persistent if not treated.

Phimosis can occur innate, can also occur later. Common causes are infection of the area and preputium glans penis (balanitis), which left scar tissue. Next preputium attached to the glans penis in the scar tissue.

In addition to having a special meaning recara spiritual and religious reasons, scientifically and medically, circumcision has many benefits, including:
• Medical Benefits
o Directly to reduce the risk of children exposed to UTIs (Urinary Tract Infection / urinary tract infection). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if in the first year infants circumcised only 1 will have the possibility to 1,000 urinary tract infections than circumcised not the 1 in 100.
o Reduce the risk of penile cancer, although it happened very rarely.
o The risk is lower sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (adults of course).
o Preventing the foreskin infections.
o Preventing fimosis.
o For the purpose of genital health of children and as adults later.
• social reasons. Often children who are not circumcised will feel different from other friends as adults and that children do not feel inferior because of these differences.
• Religious reasons. Although not required for a particular religion (compulsory in Islam and Judaism), but has become a general agreement that circumcision is closely related to one's religion.

Age when undergoing circumcision or circumcision is, in fact there is no certain rules. Now even many of neonatal circumcision performed 1-2 days of age. The reason, earlier is better to prevent UTIs at an early age. Once, at the age of the patients are also more cooperative.

Zenni Optical Fashioneyeglass

2010-03-24T09:28:00.002+07:00

Eyeglass is very personal and a style supportive item. How much did you buy for your former eyeglasses? I bet more than 100 bucks. Do you believe that you can get the same at only 8 bucks. Here, in Zenni Optical you will find one the most for you.

Eric has reviewed Zenni Optical in very honest way in the examiner. His last eyeglass has been eight years and he never complain. It show how Zenni Optical keep the quality in the number one notch.

I can’t say anything, no more comments, just visit Zenni Optical right now and see what you can get.

Cholelitiasis Information

2010-02-01T11:49:00.006+07:00

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Cholelitiasis a.k.a. gall stones are crystalline deposits that occur in the gall bladder. If gallstones are found in the bile ducts called choledocolitiasis.

"Early detection of Cholelitiasis disorders is very important in order not to interfere with quality of life of patients, and this can be done through the liver function tests, ultrasound and CT scans. Even with a more sophisticated device, the most accurate diagnosis for gallbladder inflammation (acute cholecystitis) may be obtained from the examination skintigrafi hepatobilier, which gives a picture of the liver, bile duct, gall bladder and the upper small intestine ", expressed by Dr. Tjahyono Sigit, who is also as Chief of Medical Committee, Puri Indah Hospital, Jakarta.

Generally there are 3 kinds of rocks that may occur, namely:
1. Cholesterol stones, which occurs when bile contains large amounts of cholesterol that usually remains as a liquid. When bile becomes saturated cholesterol, the cholesterol becomes insoluble and forms deposits. This case reaches 80 percent of cases of gallstone disease.
2. Bilirubin stone, occurs when unconjugated bilirubin consentration increased. Bilirubin has a tendency to bind with calcium, forming insoluble precipitates. With increasing concentration of bilirubin, calcium bilirubinate can crystallize and form stones. Over time, various types of oxidation that occurs resulting precipitate bilirubin. Because of its color, this stone is known as a black stone.
3. Mix Stone, a mixture of both types of stone above tesebut.

To be aware of this disease can be used benchmark 4F:
• Women (Female) although men also was not susceptible to this disorder, because the pattern of unhealthy eating can also be a cholelitiasis trigger factor.
• Age 40 years (Forty)
• High-fat diet (Fatty)
• Still active in the reproductive (Fertile)

Basically, this disease does not need to worry and unnecessary medical treatment for does not cause pain or discomfort such as a particular pain. But to know the early symptoms of deterioration are usually cholelitiasis will feel the symptoms:
• Pain in the upper right abdomen, sometimes like being blackmailed and intermittent, spread to the back right shoulder. May occur several minutes to several hours.
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Yellow (ikterik)

To determine whether a person has to be done cholelitiasis medical examination, because sometimes patients feel just like ulcer symptoms alone. Supporting examination to detect gallstones done by inspection:
1. Heart function tests
2. In gallbladder stones, generally Gamma GT and Alkaline Phosphatase increased.
3. USG Abdomen
4. Visible image of the gall-bladder stones, and sometimes can be seen in the bile ducts.
5. Other tests such as CT scans if the Abdomen ultrasound can not describe it clearly.

If you have entered a stage of acute (Acute cholecystitis) there will be inflammation of the gallbladder wall, usually the result of gallstones in cystic duct, which causes sudden attacks of great pain.

Approximately 95% of those with acute gallbladder inflammation, have gallstones. Sometimes, the inflammation that occurs is caused by bacterial infection. Before you feel the incredible pain in the upper abdomen of a sudden, the patient usually does not show signs of gallbladder disease.

While acute cholecystitis without stones (5%) is a serious illness and tends to occur after the occurrence:
• Injuries resulting from a hematoma, etc..
• Infections caused by burns
• Sepsis (infection that spreads throughout the body)

The influence of infection from diseases severe (especially people who receive food intravenously in a long time). Acute gallstone symptoms include:
• Pain in upper right abdomen, intensified when the patient take a deep breath and often spread to the right shoulder.
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Low-grade fever, the longer it tends to rise.
• Usually less pain attacks within 2-3 days and then disappeared within 1 week.

In the event of complications, it will happen
• High fever, chills, increased number of leukocytes and the cessation of bowel movements (ileus) may indicate the occurrence of abscesses, gangrenous or perforated gallbladder.
• The attack is accompanied by jaundice (yellow fever), or backflow of bile into the liver suggests that bile duct has been blocked in part by gallstones or by inflammation.
• If blood tests show elevated levels of amylase enzyme, may have occurred inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) caused by gallstone obstruction of pancreatic duct (pancreatic duct)

For the treatment of the patient will be required to be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids and electrolytes and is not allowed to eat or drink.
Likely the doctor will put the pipe to keep nasogastric remained empty stomach so that the stimulation of the gall bladder can be reduced. If suspected acute cholecystitis, the patient will be given antibiotics as soon as possible.

If the diagnosis is certain and the stakes are small, usually surgery to remove the gall bladder will be done on the first day or two since the patients treated. If patients suffering from other diseases that can increase the risk of surgery, the surgery will be postponed until the treatment of these illnesses are going well. If the attack subsided, gall bladder can be removed at least 6 weeks later. But if there are complications (eg abscesses, gangrene or perforation of the gall bladder), surgery should be done immediately.

If not found symptoms, it usually does not require treatment, only require dietary changes. But when gallstones are causing recurrent pain attacks despite a diet is set up properly, patients are encouraged to undergo gall bladder removal (cholesystektomi).

Cholesistektomi can be done in a conventional or laparoscopic. Since laparoscopic dipekenalkan in 1990, then laparoscopic cholecystectomy began much done and now about 90% done in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is raised gallbladder surgery through the tube inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall. This type of surgery has the following advantages:
• reduces discomfort after surgery
• shorten the period of hospitalization.

Samurai Champloo Comedy Anime Series From Animax

2010-01-26T07:52:00.004+07:00

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Animax anime series will bring a unique and nuanced comedy: Samurai Champloo to the screen viewers in Asia. Premier January 27, 2010 and aired every Wednesday at 19:00 pm (Jakarta time) on Animax, Samurai Champloo fighting presents a la Samurai swords are fun and slapstick comedy in Japan in the reign of Edo, with a mix of modern hip-hop culture, such as rap, breakdance, DJ music, slang, graffiti and hip hop music that makes this series exciting and unique but is the first anime series to merge them.

Samurai Champloo tells the story of Mugen, tengil fighter who lived a nomadic and fighting style a la breakdance who met with a samurai who has a calm but deadly moves, Jin. They fought in a tea-stall and arrested by local authorities for allegedly has lit a fire in the store and cause a death. Fortunately, fuu, a young waitress who worked at the tea shop to save them from execution. To repay kindness fuu, the combatants agreed to put aside animosity between them and forced to join in the adventure fuu to find a samurai who issued smell like sunflower. Various action and comedy happens and growing friendship between the trio in their adventures.

26 episode serial was a tense but shuffled the stomach was created and directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop and the Animatrix), designed by Kazut Nakazawa (Kill Bill Vol. 1) and Mahiro Maeda (Last Exile), produced by the studio Manglobe and reinforced by the background noise created by Tsutchie, Fat Jon, Nujabes and Force of Nature is nuanced rap and hip hop.

Watch the action and the humor that made this trio of combatants on Animax every Wednesday from 19:00-19:30 (Jakarta time) at January 27, 2010.

The Characters

Samurai Champloo tells the story of three individuals who originally did not know each other which then unite for an adventure in Japan.

Fuu - a 15-year-olds who do not have parents. Her mother had died and his father was long gone. Although posture looks small and funny show himself as weak and helpless, fuu are firm and do not want to be disturbed. He is courageous and has a high and consistent willingness to achieve its goals. He insisted on his personal mission: to find a mysterious samurai that smells like sunflowers. Although he was not able to describe in detail who and how the figure of the samurai, and what the relationship with the samurai fuu and why he had to find it. He managed to convince and recruit fuu Mugen and to help achieve its mission.

Mugen - a traveler who likes aggressive and very frank, he impressed as a person who knowingly with annoying behavior. He became an orphan since the very small, he raised himself in a tough environment. Very unique fighting style with elements of breakdance and he named it as "champuru kendo", which is partly drawn from all types of martial arts and some he created when he fought with his enemies. Mugen is wearing metal earrings and always carry Japanese sword on his back, was recruited by fuu with Jin to find a samurai who smells like flowers have matarahari.

Jin - the figure of a disciplined and full of charisma, he was the most mature than the other two colleagues. He is a trained fighter and has the ability to fight a deadly sword. Jin is a descendant of a samurai family who then followed the discipline and philosophy of life, samurai very obedient. He was always dressed a la samurai. Jin has two different personalities, in everyday life, Jin was a solitary and passive on-demand to do something and let his friends take it anywhere and have a sense of a very high respect to someone more senior, and on the other side is a fighter Jin which has the speed like lightning when he uses his sword. He was seen as someone who lives as he fought.

Babies Base, Sites For Family

2010-01-22T07:54:00.003+07:00

Families have seemed incomplete without the presence of children. Children are the pride and ornament for the family. So it is not surprising that the presence of children is a must, if necessary should be sought in any way.

Family information, and the pregnancy was much in cyberspace, and almost all appear with the design and content are varied. For new families, Babies Base may be an option. This site also provides information for family health and reproductive health are fairly complete. Starting from therapy and how to become pregnant, pregnancy care, birth to baby care and education of children of all available in one site.

Navigation is easy to find news and articles with the tabs at the top of the site and the categories on the left side much easier for readers to find news and articles of interest. On the right side there is news and related articles are very informative which may be a reference reader.

Babies base looks like a simple site, but very complete. The reader will not be bothered with all the ads and the sites that interfere with our search. Interesting and very specific of this site is that there is a related video or news article and the reader is able to perform queries on the video and the article in question.

Forums and blogs related to pregnancy and family are also presented and given a space in this site. It's a site worth a consideration for a new family quite informative and complete. Why not be read from now ... Time passed and the biological clock continues to chime. Do not wait anymore ...

Dark Chocolate, Keep Stress At Bay

2009-12-17T10:56:00.004+07:00

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A small bar of dark chocolate a day can keep stress at bay, according to a small study by international researchers. German and Swiss researchers have found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced the levels of stress hormones in highly stressed people.

Dark chocolate, which is rich in a variety of bioactive compounds, also partially corrected other imbalances in the body related to stress, making it a natural way to ease stress.

"The study provides strong evidence that a daily consumption of 40 grams (1.4 ounces) during a period of two weeks is sufficient to modify the metabolism of healthy human volunteers," wrote the researchers led by Sunil Kochhar, from the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The study, published online in ASC's Journal of Proteome Research, comes amid growing scientific evidence that antioxidants and other beneficial substances in dark chocolate may reduce risk factors for heart disease and other illnesses.
The trial was performed on 30 people who were classified as having low or high anxiety. Researchers measured levels of stress hormones in blood and urine samples collected several times a day from the participants in the trial to measure metabolic changes.

The participants snacked on 20 grams of dark chocolate mid-morning and again as an afternoon snack.

The researchers said people with high anxiety traits had a distinct metabolic profile, and changes that occurred from eating dark chocolate showed up clearly after two weeks with reduced stress hormones and other stress-related biochemical markers.

But they said the study was small and further research was necessary -- while nutrition experts were quick to add that chocolate is high in fat and too much can lead to weight issues.

Gum Chewing May Speed Healing Cesarean

2009-12-08T09:34:00.004+07:00

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Chewing low-sugar gum, can help the healing mother's abdomen after a cesarean delivery. Egyptian researchers found that giving them chewing gum to help restore normal bowel function and shorten the time to stay in the hospital.

Like any other surgery, cesarean section also makes the intestines and digestive functions become sluggish for some time that cause gas and constipation.
Chewing gum will help trigger the nervous system response and the release of gastrointestinal hormones that stimulate the activity of the stomach to work, according to Dr. Abd El-Karim Maeboud and colleagues at the Ain Shams University of Cairo.

Research results published in the journal BJOG obstetrics, which involved 200 women who had cesarean section and anesthesia. At random, half of the respondents were given sugarless gum to chew for 15 minutes every two hours after surgery Caesar, while half of the respondents applied the standard treatment that includes getting out of bed and practice walking to encourage bowel moving again.

In general, they found that respondents who chew gum more quickly get back to normal bowel activity. On average they will experience shitting first 21 hours after cesarean section compared to 30 hours on respondents through standard care. They are also faster to leave the hospital only 41 hours after childbirth than 50 hours in women with standard treatment.

Furthermore Abd El Maeboud explained that this research is still premature and needs further research, especially regarding the effects due to differences in anesthesia / or local anesthesia during the Caesarean section. Local anesthesia including epidural blocks and spinal expected to be influenced by the nervous system activation with chewing gum.

Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause Solution

2009-11-11T11:58:00.004+07:00

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Menopause is a natural event that would be faced by women/mothers. While this is very aware of women and mothers, there was always a worry and fear. Menopause usually come at the age of women/mothers reached of 50 or when ovary lifting that cause menstruation stops permanently. From the threat of bone loss until the decline of sexual desire, and the more serious is the decline in quality of life for women/mothers menopause because of psychological concerns due to the many physical effects that must be endured.

"A lot of menopause women/mothers live with drugs because of the large variety of physical complaints experienced by the menopause. And if the woman/mother menopause will notice and open, in fact the main cause of the decline in physical condition is largely due to reduced estrogen hormone itself as the impact of cessation of menstruation, "says Prof. Dr. Ali Baziad, SpOG (K).

Hormone replacement is needed to make the needs of estrogen/menopausal women remain the same as being met when they were menstruating. It's just that there is still resistance and fear of women/mothers would menopausal negative effects of hormonal drugs such as obesity and concerns about breast cancer or high blood pressure.
Now we have solutions hormone replacement estrogen/menopausal women have entered a new phase with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with drospirenone 2mg besides additional 1mg estradiol 17β or commonly known as the estrogen. Drospirenone is expected to be able to counteract the weight gain, high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels experienced by women / mothers who consume only menopause estradiol HRT alone.

TSH Ideally should do for 5 to 6 years when a woman/mother is no longer menstruating for one to two years. This is done so that the body condition woman/mother to fit and do therapy when everything is still possible physical condition for granting such TSH.

Current management of medication in women with HRT/menopausal women is raw and can be given by any physician who has been through the certification. This self certification by PERMI (Indonesia Menopause Society) which is the association of practitioners and observers in the medical field, especially regarding this menopausal problem.

This certificate will give flexibility to the doctor to determine the physical condition of the woman/mother menopause before prescribing HRT to prevent contra indications. Contra indication for patients TSH itself include patients with breast cancer, acute liver, brain cancer and cervical cancer. Women/mothers who have complete menopause with a thorough examination will be given HRT with one-month trial. If the TSH is suitable, it will be given later for TSH for 6 months and if possible be given HRT for 5 to 6 years without the need to control prescription.

For the woman / mother with a premature menopause as he lifted the ovaries, radiation or other reasons there is no choice of hormone replacement therapy is an urgent need, according to Prof. emphasis. Dr. Ali Baziad, SpOG (K).

Evaluate Your Own Erection

2009-10-28T11:21:00.007+07:00

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Survey in 2008 of 328 men and 250 women in Indonesia showed that no less than 57 percent of men and 64 percent of women experience dissatisfaction with their sexual lives. The survey is part of the research titled APSHOW ((Asia Pacific Sexual Health and Overall Wellness).

Professor of Faculty of Medicine Udayana University Bali,. Dr.dr. Wimpie Pangkahila, Sp.And, FAACS said, "The inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual relationship, known as erectile dysfunction. Only a very few cases of erectile dysfunction is revealed and received proper medical treatment. Approximately 13% of patients who have responsive information and to find the right treatment, whereas most of the others shut down for not understanding, embarrassed, not the disease and considers also the possibility that the treating doctor is not ready. "

Furthermore Wimpie said that the level of violence in the male erectile determines the quality of sexual relationships. If the maximum hardness level of the couple can get optimum level of satisfaction.

While Pfizer pharmaceutical company has developed an evaluation technique erection hardness level of personal and couples who packed in the form of five short questions. This technique produces a number called the Erection Hardness Score 8(EHS). The higher EHS rates of violence the maximum level resulting from the erection. To conduct their own evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction, readers can visit the site www.vi-lounge.com.

Contraception Services Dilemma For Teens And UnMarriages

2009-10-19T09:43:00.003+07:00

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Family planning programs have been implemented in Indonesia today which require attention more seriously by the parties concerned. The approach must be done through the individual rights approach (right-based approach) that guarantee human rights of all individuals, especially women to obtain family planning services and reproductive health

Unfortunately for the group of teenagers and unmarried women there is no body or institution appointed by and responsible to serve the needs of family planning services and reproductive health information dissemination. This was revealed during the exposure by the head of BKKBN Dr. Sugiri Syarief, MPA at a press conference in the framework of the World Contraception Day, held in Jakarta last week (8 / 10).

We have as many as 64 million adolescents (aged 10-24 years), or about 28.6 million percent of the total population in Indonesia. From the results of Adolescent Reproductive Health Survey Indonesia 2007 shows that there is one percent of women and 5 percent of teenage boys who agreed to when making pre-marital sex. If this behavior continues, and knowledge of adolescents about reproductive health is less, there will be a possibility of pregnancy is not expected that the end will trigger an unsafe abortion.

"In this case the BKKBN can not serve the needs of teenagers and unmarried woman is the absence of mandates and laws that legalize the services for them," said Sugiri further. This inimenjadi challenge for the makers eputusan legislative level and all elements of society including religious leaders in seeking appropriate solutions to the national family planning program can be successful.

Take the Load Off Your Child's Back

2009-09-07T09:53:00.005+07:00

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A backpack can be a great help to school children, but it needs to fit properly to avoid a lifetime of hurt, health-care professionals say.

"If too heavy or worn incorrectly, backpacks can strain muscles and joints and cause serious back pain," Paula Kramer, who chairs the occupational therapy department at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, warned in a news release from the university.

Backpack-related injuries resulted in 7,300 emergency room visits in 2006, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Kramer offered tips for buying and using backpacks:
• The backpack size should correlate with the child's size and age -- smaller, younger children should have smaller backpacks. Look for reflective material on the backpack to improve visibility and padded shoulder straps for added comfort.
• Consider buying a backpack that can be wheeled or a triangular sling-style bag, which is worn over one shoulder and across the body, which better balances the load.
• When loading the backpack, put heaviest items closest to the back. This helps distribute weight more evenly. When loaded, the backpack should weigh less than 10 to 15 percent of the child's body weight.
• Adjust shoulder straps so the backpack fits snugly against the back. The child should always use both should straps and clip the waist belt, if the backpack has one, for added support and even weight distribution.

Healthday

Mosquitoes Attracted to The Pregnant Women

2009-08-11T11:32:00.005+07:00

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Do you know that pregnant women are more interested and more attracted for mosquitoes? This is because when the mother's body will produce more carbon dioxide. Plus movement and body heat that produced more interested in making the mosquitoes to bite.

John Colon, PhD, Technical Advisor Mosquitoes Control Association of America said that any type of carbon dioxide will make the mosquitoes attracted to approach, even in the relatively far distance up to 50 meters. Include obesity in adults and children suspected also cause excess production of carbon dioxide that makes mosquitoes are more interested in people with excess body weight.
Anti-mosquito cream for the skin that are common in the market usually contain the concentration of 30 to 50 percent DEET, the actual chemical used as a mosquito repellent. Concentration 30-50 percent DEET can protect the body from the spread of pathogenic by mosquitoes. DEET with a concentration of up to 100 percent able to protect the body from mosquito bites up to 12 hours.
Meanwhile, for children, it's better for anti-mosquito cream contain only 10 to 30 percent DEET. While for children aged less than 2 months are strongly advised not to use anti-mosquito cream.
Just remember in the use of anti-mosquito cream is not used on the skin area that closed or under clothes and do not be smeared on the skin that injured or damaged. Is the iritatif (easily react with the skin) causing a public-use must also be careful. Wash the skin after the protection and reduce a constant use is a quite effective way to reduce the possibility of irritation.
Some studies indicate that the Eucalyptus trees to produce oil which is very effective as an alternative for DEET. There are also oil citronela (usually smelled in the orange peel) has been known that more than 60 years as a mosquito repellent.
Although found some cases due to the use of DEET on pregnant women and children, but the amount is not significant enough to be a reason to avoid anti-mosquito cream. The only consideration that is required for mature anti-mosquito cream for pregnant women, breastfeeding and children.

Are You Pregnant Ready, Mother?

2009-07-28T10:43:00.004+07:00

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Ideally pregnancy is planned before, even when it was planned a year before conception. For the couple it's good to prepare the emotional side each to become parents. Then have your body to pregnant?

To prepare for pregnancy is a good idea to visit a doctor where a couple later guided ginecologycally to be pregnant as soon as possible.

Contraceptives you use
If couple use pills, doctors will recommend to stop the consumption of these pills. This will enable the system to improve reproductive cycle menstruasi normal before conception - so the ovulation time where the condition of women in a very fertile will easily determined. When cessationof pill initercourse should not occured on the fertile period is only until the normal cycle menstruasi on the mother so that conception occurs only at the most appropriate period.

Whether the mother has been vaccinated?
Smallpox infection, rubella and hepatitis type B is very harmful to the fetus in the womb. If mothers do not complete the immunization list, you should immediately do so, at least a month or more before conception plan.

Whether the mother has a special medical condition?
If the mother has a chronic disease that must be considered specifically as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, then this chronic condition can be controlled before and during conception. Doctors recommend that mothers can do to a certain therapy treatment before pregnancy occurs. Doctors will also immediately explain special conditions that must be awared in pregnant period later.

Whether mothers are consuming any medications or supplements?
Tell the doctor about your medication therapy if you are in the middle of therapy series or your herbal supplements. So the doctor can recommend a change dose or stop treatment or supplements that you are consumed before. Usually copule recommended to consume vitamin. Why you should as soon as this? Tuba neuralis (humans tube) fetus - which later becomes the brain and spinal nerve fetus-form since the first month of pregnancy, perhaps even before the mother realized that her pregnancy. For the pre-pregnancy vitamin is an ultimate way to protect the growth of tuba neuralis.

Are you vulnerable to sexually transmitted disease?
Sexually transmitted diseases increase the risk of miscarriage, such as the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy/pregnancy outside the uterus where the egg mother cell that has been fertilized will embedded outside the womb or other pregnancy complications. If couple includes or vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, will usually be advisable to do thorough inspections and special therapy.

Is there a family history of certain medical conditions?
Sometimes the family health history is important information to detect possible harm that can be derived on the genetic fetus. Uterus so that doctors can perform genetic testing before conception occurs.

How old are you, mother?
Above the age of 35 years will increase the risk of pregnancy. Risk of pregnancy can include miscarriage, chromosome aberration and premature birth. Some of the specific disease such as diabetes that normally experienced women aged above 35 years must also be awared. Usually doctor will give the actual solutions that are specific so that pregnancy can also occur in the best condition.

Whether maternal lifestyle support health pregnancy?
Discuss with your doctor the actual condition of health as the most optimal choice Feed food, sports and keep the stress low. If the mother has excess body weight doctor would recommend to immediately reduce the weight before conception. Also important to avoid alcohol and drugs abuse. Similarly, if the mother is an active smoker.

How do I pair with lifestyle?
Try to consult to obstetricians physician together as a couple. Health of each pair is very important including health history of each pair so that all risk factors that may later be faced can be minimalized.

Facts About Pregnancy and Thyroid

2009-06-19T13:48:00.005+07:00

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Thyroid gland is located in the middle bottom of the neck. Although small, this produces thyroid hormones which affect every cell, organ and network throughout the body. This hormone will set throbbing body metabolism that will generate energy for the body from oxygen and nutrients and affects the function of the body such as the critical level of energy and tap the heart. Pregnancy is one of the results.

• During pregnancy, thyroid hormone would produce 50 percent more than that of the woman who is not pregnant
• During pregnancy thyroid will raise 10 to 15 percent (normal weight ranges between 15 to 20 grams)
• Hypothyroid probability (lack of hormones tiroid) increased during pregnancy compared to women not pregnant

Goitre, the mother and fetus

In the 10 to 12 the first week of pregnancy, the needs of tiroid hormones tor fetus depends entirely on the mother.

• At the end of the first trimester, fetus thyroid hormone is able to produce for themselves.
• Even though the fetus is still depending on the mother to meet the needs iodine fetus as an important element for making hormones tiroid.
• During pregnancy, the needs of iodine is very important for the establishment and development of the fetus brain.
• During pregnancy the mother must continue to increase the supply of iodine to produce hormones tiroid and ensure adequate iodine is available for the fetus
• During pregnancy, mothers are advised to consume a daily vitamin that contains 150 μg (read: microgram) iodine in the form of potasium iodine (thyroid recommendations from the American Association).

Statisics indicate that not less than 2.2 billion population of the world experiencing iodine deficiency, and this is one of the causes of mental retardation.

Hypothyroid

Hypotiroidisme/hypothyroid is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones and symptoms that arise, among others, fatigue, depression, often forget, is not tolerant of cold, constipation and dry out the skin.

• Handling hypotyroid in pregnant women with the same woman who is not pregnant, such as the consumption of thyroid synthetic hormones, Synthetic levothyroxine (T4) is usually obtained from the dried thyroid gland from animal-gland thyroid
• Due to the nature of the treatment hypothyroid throughout the ages, before the pregnancy, the mother should consult a doctor to get the dose of the right T4
• Mother with T4 therapy is pregnant should increase the dose of general consumption, especially the first trimester on until at least 50 percent.
• Hypothyroid on pregnant women who do not enough medication can lead to miscarriage, premature birth and a decrease in IQ in the fetus.
• Children / babies born with congenital hypothyroid (without thyroid gland on birth) usually will not develop normal, if not identified and handled immediately.
• In the United States, all infants born through the need to review thyroid to see if he has a congenital aberration thyroid so that therapy can be determined earlier to prevent the occurrence of retardasi / decrease in metal children.
• Eight to ten percent of mothers suffering from postpartum suspected thyoriditis that occurred in the first 12 months after the birth which occurred hyperthyroid followed by a hypothyroid 2-3 days later and then gradually to normal.

Hyperthyroidisme

Hyperthyroidisme/hyperthyroid is a condition in which the gland produces too much hormone. Symptoms are caused, among others, trembling, eye irritation, tired muscles, a decrease in body weight that is not controlled, and sleep disturbances of vision problem.

• Hyperthyroid will be difficult to detect in pregnant women because the symptoms and be difficult with the normal pregnancy
• Graves disease is one hyperthyroid type, is a disease estimated autoimun/a kind of allergy. This disease including the genetic disease or a derived/inherited. Clinical symptoms of the disease is grave sweat a lot, like the cold, often pulsatile, both hands often tremble, rapid pulse is a consequence of hyperthyroidisme.
• Mother pregnant with Graves disease will usually be required to reduce the therapy received during pregnancy.
• Handling the missing top hyperthyroid before birth can cause serious complications and the time as "preclampsia".

Examination of Thyroid disease during pregnancy

American thyroid Association recommends inspections at the women with high risk as below before or during pregnancy:

• Mother / woman with a history of disease thyroid / mumps or never perform surgery tiroid
• Mother / woman with a family history had suffered from mumps
• Mother's / women who carry antibody thyroid
• Mother / women with symptoms of clinical hyperthyroid or hypothyroid
• Mother / women with type 1 diabetes
• Mother / female difference with mumps
• Mother / woman with a deviation autoimun
• Mother / woman who is not fertile / infertile
• Mother's / women who have to do radiation therapy on the head or neck
• Mother / woman with a history of miscarriage or premature birth

A simple blood test is the first step in diagnosis. From there, the doctor can suggest what should be the next step. Remember that thyroid disease is very common, and in the experienced paramedics, a disease that causes the excess/lack of hormones thyroid can be easily treated and diagnosed.

Baby Movement Count

2009-06-09T11:04:00.006+07:00

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Many pregnant women feel out of the birth of the patient himself forward on the last weeks of third trimester. Even mothers often feel the movement of the baby in the womb. Movements can be perceived start week 18 to 25 pregnancies. For the first pregnancy, the movement is felt when pregnancy enter 25 weeks, and for the second or third pregnancy may at the age of 18 weeks a small movement can be felt.

For several weeks it may be difficult to distinguish between the movement of the baby or not (indirection), but then you will find the pattern of movement. Then the mother will learn to distinguish itself in the womb if the baby is asleep or are moving, when it was most active and triggered the activity.

Given the movement in the womb the baby may indeed help the mother when there is a marked change significantly with the baby. Try to take time each day while the baby is active when engaged in the womb with his kick, tumble or hand movement. This activity will be able to help mothers to identify potential problems that may occur and can help the birth at the right time. Therefore, it is highly recommended for mothers with high risk pregnancy to monitor the movement and the baby starts to 28 days.

Make this event a moment that you wait for

Generally the mother will feel the baby move very active after eating or swallow sweet, drink a cold or after physical activity. Sometimes active period occurred between the hours of 9 pm and 1 am as a result of sugar in the blood are low. Take a moment to calculate the movement of the baby will help you rileks and also strengthens the relationship between emotions and the baby's mother. Some pregnant women prefer to sit, rest and hold the back and stomach. Sometimes mothers are also more comfortable lie to the left that are important to effectively monitor the movement of the baby. Lie to the left also allows the best circulation that will make the baby move more actively.

Calculate the movement

There are many ways the movement of the baby in the womb, and there are a number of opinions of how much the amount of movement your baby at a time. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) recommend that the mother of to calculate the time required to do ten baby movement (backlash, friction, and the brunt of all the movement). Ideally the mother will feel 10 movements in two hours or less.

In making a recording, try to write the minutes during the first three movements, each movement mark that you feel movement until ten minutes and record the movement time to reach ten. Notes the movement will help the mother and baby's movement pattern, determine the time for the ten normal baby movements. Important note is that distortions of the normal pattern of movement is felt.

When looking for help / to see a doctor?

• If the mother does not feel the full backlash 10 for up to two hours after the first motion passed, wait a few minutes and do count again. After trying to calculate the second time the mother does not feel 10 movements in 2 hours, you should immediately consult a doctor.
• If the mother finds a significant detour from the pattern of movement for 3 to 4 days.

Example of calculating a movement baby
Week-28
Monday 9:00 xxxxxxxxxx 9:32 Total: 32 mins
Tuesday 12:00 Xxxxxxxxxx 12:45 Total: 45 minutes
Wednesday 9:00 xxxxxxxxxx 10:00 Total: 1 hour
Thursday 9:00 xxxxxxxxxx 11:15 Total: 2 hrs 15 mins
(Example change significantly the pattern of movement. If the mother noted this change, the alert and to immediately consult a doctor).

Diabetes Affecting Quality of Women's Sexual Life

2009-05-18T10:12:00.004+07:00

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Approximately one third of women who suffered from type 1 diabetes is estimated to have difficulty in intimate relations with a spouse, as the latest research. The research found that the depression became key factors in the woman who caused a problem in her life seksual. Although in men the same things happen but does not cause a significant result.

Research published in the journal Diabetes Care involving 652 women with diabetes type 1. After 10 years and the respondents fill out questionnaires and undergo physical examination, psychological evaluation and laboratory tests. "35 percent classified as suffering sexual dysfunction", said Dr. Paul Enzlin from the University of Leuven Belgium.

Problems that are reported include loss of appetite (57 percent), problems with orgasme 51 percent, lack of pelumasan 47 percent, 38 percent reduction in the stimulus and painful 21 percent.

In the initial analysis sexual dysfunction related to aging, not married, post-menopause, blood circulation problems and depression. After the research was only depression and marital status are related specifically to the occurrence of sexual dysfunction.

Enzlin and his team concludse, "women with type 1 diabetes should regularly seek solutions on the symptoms of depression, sexual dysfuction and her sexual satisfaction."

Daddy in Delivery Room

2009-05-11T09:16:00.004+07:00

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Previously the role of father at the baby birth is just hope and wait anxiously in the waiting room filled with cigarette smoke. But time passed and the tradition begin shifts. When this (potential) role of the father prosecuted actively assist the process of birth.

Some fathers, particularly those awaiting the birth of first child, will generally have a sense of worry and a more uncertain and does not see his wife when tega pain during childbirth. Please, please also worried prospective father often descend. There are also fears that the father if he does not hold in the maternity room and even cause a shameful incident, such as fainting in the maternity room.

In fact what the role of fathers in the maternity room indeed? According to many of the father, not a lot of active role that fathers can do. The main function of the father in the maternity room to give the main sense of calm in the capital and the labor process usually help set the rhythm of contraction experienced by the mother. Therefore if your father is a type of simple nervous, following some of the things you can do to help you overcome the problem.

Acknowledge yourself.
Fears and concerns you is because your ignorance. Try to be involved in the pregnancy with his wife partake actively seek informai about everything about pregnancy and the problem. Also follow if the wife take the prospective mother-class education. Andapun can ask the doctor about the pregnancy situation wife. The more you know you are, the more comfortable you accompany his wife giving birth.

Discuss with the other.
His wife is also entitled to know what you feel and why, this will reveal what actually desired by the wife during the birth process. To remember that this discussion has a critical point which do not arise until that ketidakinginan assist you in the room as maternity passivity on your wife or your baby.

Clarify the role.
If you do not have a problem in the maternity room, you need to clarify the role of space in your clothes later. Maybe you want to immortalize precious moments birth of your child? Talk with your wife, you make sure that he will accompany the birth, just may not be exactly as you hope his wife.

Be quiet.
No matter seberapapun inquietude awaiting the birth of you, your willingness to support his wife in a small tote soon will overcome everything. Therefore Be calm and stay focused.

Ask for assistance.
If you worry too alone in the room or the clothes you will only be felt with the birth of the future, please ask your brother's wife or friend to accompany you in the maternity room.

Exchange experiences with friends.
Take time to exchange experiences as well as draw on the knowledge that your friend never accompanies his wife giving birth. Perhaps they can give advice on your concerns and how to overcome the chaos when you see your wife giving birth. Perhaps they will recount their experiences of emotional, exhausting, incredible, boring, frightening that appear simultaneously. And that they usually will not recommend to spend the most precious moment of it.

Of course supportif attitude and support you, the wife akan akan more calm during the process of birth in the maternity room. But when the last time you really do not feel strong does not impose itself, still waiting on the outside will be better. Remember that your involvement in the process of birth akan add emotional ties in your family, and that it is very useful in the future.

Stay Healthy After Delivery

2009-05-05T10:39:00.004+07:00

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Post-birth, the mother usually busy activity by the baby. Some mothers also worried about the body condition (who gain weight) during pregnancy. Here ... there are a few tips from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist which can be practiced before you make a small exercise program after delivery.

• Start the sports low impact, especially when you didn’t have enough exercise during pregnancy.
• Sports always begins with the warming-up and end with cooling-down.
• Select adequate support bra for sport.
• Select walk as the beginning of the program. You also can bring your baby with you.
• Slowly increase your sports program from jast walk to the more.
• Consider joining a special sports classes for mothers after the birth (usually held in a hospital).
• Or join a fitness center nearby, which provides programs for young mothers.

However, post-birth mother still not recommended for sport too much, which usually the mother who wanted her body back to its original shape. There are some marks on the body of the mother suggests that too much exercise according to the American Council on Excercise.

• The difficulty in achieving normal level as before.
• Feeling does not focus
• Body recovery last longer than before pregnancy
• Faster heart rate (in the morning) but normal blood pressure
• Lack of appetite
• Headache and muscular pain
• stomach problems
• More frequent ill, bone or muscle injury
• Sleeping problems.

Understanding Swine Flu

2009-04-28T14:25:00.007+07:00

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The never mentioned disease has become a death-threat in Mexico and caused panic through the rest of the world. Some state governments are geographically close to Mexico has issued a statement to their residents should not panic while they take the necessary actions.

Dr. Richard Besser of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explains what needs to be known by the public about the swine flu.

Q: How can I protect myself and my family?
A: For now, better be alert. Close the mouth when coughing and sneezing with a handkerchief or tissue. Frequently washing hands, if soap and water if not available use a antiseptic gel. But stay at home if you are sick and keep children home from school if they if they are sick too.
Q: How easy way to infected by this virus?
A: Scientists can not yet explain how this vicious swine flu. But generally infection occur through coughing or sneezing - to the important wash your hand which is used to close coughing or sneezing. The virus itself can live a few hours in the environmental temperature conditions.
Q: In Mexico, officials use masker. Do I need to use them also?
A: The CDC says there is no evidence that the mask can help reduce the spread. The most important is to avoid close contact with someone sick, and avoid the crowd in the swine flu which is known to be spreading. But if you need to be forced in the situation, the CDC recommends to use face masks
Q: What is the swine flu can be cured?
A: Yes, use Tamiflu or Relenza, but not with two older flu medications.
Q: Can I use Tamiflu as a precaution if I have not contagious?
A: No. Use when you have just contagious. Dr. Marc Siegel of New York University Langone Medical Center said, "that is not controlled use of antiviral drugs may help the bacteria become resistant to the medicine itself.
Q: How much risk I contagious?
A: For most people, is very low, except when you are in Mexico some time ago.
Q: Do I have to cancel travel plans to Mexico?
A: The Indonesian government has already issued a travel warning as the United States did, better postpone and delay your trip first.
Q: What are the symptoms of swine flu?
A: Basically similar to the regular flu - fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting.
Q: Is there a vaccine to prevent infection of this new?
A: No. Temporarily not available
Q: How long will it take to produce the vaccine?
A: In a few months. CDC United States has created what is called " seed stock " so that vaccine can be produced massly.
Q: Does it safe to eat pork?
A: For now Yes, Swine virus does not spread through the food.

Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, Which One?

2009-04-21T11:04:00.007+07:00

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Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common disease which so disturbing for some men. But to note that at this time there are only three drugs recommended by the FDA, namely Viagra (sildenafil Citrate), Cialis (tadalafil) and levitra (Vardenafil Hydrochloride). What consumers need to determine whether differences in and similarities?

For newbies (people new ED), on the third drug is quite effective to prevent the PDE-5 (PDE-5 inhibitor). Whether PDE-5 is? PDE-5 is the enzyme that will neutralize cGMP (cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate) which functions in the form erection of male vital organ. Let us compare those three.

Manufacturer:
Viagra manufactured by Pfizer
Cialis manufactured by Eli Lilly and ICOS
Levitra manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer

Its generic name
Viagra - sildenafil Citrate (in Indonesia known as "blue pill")
Cialis - tadalafil
Levitra - vardenafil hydrochloride

Consumption of the recommended dose
Viagra. Tablet that has a size of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. most patients using 50 mg where decrease or increased doses are based by tolerance and effectiveness. Viagra should usually consumed at least 1 hour before sexual activities. However, some research recommends a range within 30 minutes to 4 hours before the intimate relationship be done.
Cialis. Sized tablet 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. For a start usually recommended to consume 10 tablets. And a decrease / increase dose is determined and then based on the results obtained. Cialis is generally consumed about 30 minutes to 12 hours before the "activity".
Levitra. Tablet-sized 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. As well as Cialis, DE recommended people consume 10 pills before and the increase or decrease the dose after the results are visible. Levitra themselves can be consumed 25 minutes to 1 hour before the sexual activities, even according to some experts can be consumed 15 minutes prior to intimate relationships.

Duration of effects
Viagra. Approximately 4 hours.
Cialis. Approximately 17 to 36 hours (so-called ordinary pill "last week").
Levitra. Approximately 5 hours.

Price
More or less the same though Cialis tends to be a bit cheaper.

Level success
They have the average success of the same at around 70 percent. How the 30 percent? They will be recommended to use vacuum pump or even penile implants

Side effects
Third DE medicine has side effects that are similar. Ranging from headache, back pain, runny nose, sore eyes and stomache or even changes in vision. The three drugs are not recommended consumed with drugs to increase blood pressure, which will result in heart attack. People with high blood pressure, also should be consult with doctor first.

Note
Although they effective enough to use for people with DE, levitra claimed to work more quickly after consumption. Viagra has been famous for long enough, proven track record and has been trusted by over 30 million men, while Cialis is known as durable.

Now depending on you, the coice is up to you ...

Sleep for New Parents

2009-04-17T14:59:00.005+07:00

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A Baby is a dream for a new couple who have been married. But whether they realize that with the introduction of the new home means that the consequences will arise. For the couple who just had a baby first, perhaps enough sleep is a dream. Wake up in the middle of the night when everyone asleep, not to mention the need to wake up tomorrow morning to leave for work. Here are some ways to get enough sleep time for new parents.

In the initial 3 months of age, babies will sleep at least 5 hours in the night. After reaching the age of 6 months, the baby will sleep better tonight, ranged from 9 to 12 hours. Here's the tricks for parents to find time to increasee quality of sleep in the lack of time.

There is no formula for getting good quality sleep, but some tips and tricks may be useful:
Sleep when baby sleeps. Turn off the mobile phone / telephone or at least activate the silent mode. Remove laundry basket and forget dirty dishes that have not yet had time to wash, you can delay it.
First get rid off other activities. If you or your friends you intend visiting, do not you become a master house. Let your friends to host in your home with their own self-serving. Tell them if they can pretend as they are in their own home. So you can use your time to have a baby and your rest time.
Organize your bed. Initially may feel strange to share the bed with your baby, especially if you are breastfeeding mother. If you are the baby's activities, the crib can be a possible option.
Sharing the night's activities. You and your partner can share the baby during the night, changing nappies or making a bottle of milk.
Do not be surprised and panic when the baby suddenly cry. Sometimes midnight your baby crying as a sign of just inconvenience, it is still small akan itself. Wait some time, the long run you will understand when you cry baby is only a sign of hungry or not.
When necessary, ask for assistance. Find a trusted person who can help you keep the small, such as parents or relatives. Assistance they may be very valuable to keep you stay fit with the rest of time limitations. When you are forced, hire a baby-sitter, but realize that her present is not able to replace the warmth of own parents.

Taking care of baby is easy and difficult, fatigue can make you easily fall asleep anytime, anywhere. If you have difficulty sleeping, make sure that the situation around to fit your bed. Select a mattress and pillow are you most comfortable, turn off the television. Rooms are cool and dark is easier to make your bed. Keep nicotine, caffeine and alcohol.

30 minutes if you can not fall asleep, find another activity. If fatigue and drowsiness came back to try and sleep. Difficulty sleeping if this happens more than a week, consult your doctor, you may need assistance therapeutist to help improve the quality of your sleep.

If you pair and expect the presence of the very small before, then wake up the night is not something that heavy. Happiness overcome your fatigue.

Masturbation, Normal and Safe?

2009-04-13T12:09:00.006+07:00

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Masturbation is stimulation (excitation) genital organs to achieve the personal satisfaction of sexual abuse, usually end with orgasm. Action stimulation was done with the, rub or squeeze the penis (in men) or klitoris (in women) to achieve orgasm. Some women stimulation can be done with the help of tools such as the vibrator.

Who?

Each person can do. Masturbation are many activities that are done by people who have reached sexual maturity both physically and mentally. Masturbation usually be the first experience of many men and women when young and according to medical science this is normal as part of a curiosity at children growing up. Some people still do this even though masturbation have grown and married.

Why?

Masturbation be to remove the option to increase sexual desire over time, especially for those who do not have a pair or pairs lack at that time. This is also often used as an alternative to avoid pregnancy and sexual disease transmission. On examination male fertility, the semen sample is also obtained in a way masturbation. In the case of sexual disfunction, masturbation sometimes used as a method of treatment by therapeutist to reach the orgasm (in women) or to delay orgasm (in men).

Is it normal?

For some people, masturbation action is not considered normal or sexual misuse. But over the development of culture and a more advanced understanding of medical science, masturbation normal can be considered as an alternative solution for safe and sexual desire.

Masturbation not be normal if the lazy to be intimate with the pair. Not normal if done in ways that are not normal, which usually indicates a mental abnormality the way in public. Feeling guilty, guilty and ashamed also make masturbation not be normal. If so, then it is best to switch to the "energy" with the excessive exercise.

Is it harmful?

In general, medical science considers masturbation is normal and not harmful and does not cause physical damage or harm the body. Some experts even suggest that to improve the sexual ability of a person. By exploring the whole body, it is expected to be found erotic zones on the body the most inflammable.

Why Men Snore

2009-04-07T12:14:00.006+07:00

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O.k. women also snore, but men snore more than women, in fact four out of every ten men snore compared to roughly 3 out 10 women. At any one time around 25 per cent of people are habitual snorers.

Reasons why men snore are mainly related to differences in lifestyle although there may be clear physical reasons why snoring occurs. Snoring is noisy breathing that occurs as a result of partial obstruction of the air passages. It is usually due to the soft tissues of the palate, uvula, tongue and tonsils relaxing during sleep.

Snoring is a problem because it affects everyone in earshot, including the person who is snoring. Many a previously happy relationship has reached or gone beyond breaking point as a direct result of broken sleep patterns. For the snorer it can result in tiredness and irritability during the day which can increase the chances of accidents. Long-term it can cause circulatory problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems and strokes.

Snoring Facts

• Snoring is made worse by alcohol or sleeping tablets
• Overweight people are more prone to snoring
• Sleeping on your back increases the chances of snoring
• Colds, nasal polyps and allergies make snoring worse
• Older people often snore due to muscular weakness that occurs with age
• Medications may cause dryness or minor irritation of the nasal passageways and increase the incidence of snoring
• A larger than usual uvula can limit airflow
• Injuries to the nose that result in a deviation of the septum may result in snoring
• Smokers are twice as likely to snore

Sleep Apnea

Sometimes people who snore also suffer from sleep apnea. Apnea refers to periods of interrupted breathing which can last 10 seconds or longer. Essentially the same process as snoring occurs except that muscles relax so much they cause a complete rather than partial obstruction. When sleep apnea occurs a build up of carbon dioxide occurs in the blood stream. The brain detects the lack of oxygen and reacts by waking the person up in order that normal breathing can resume. Sleep apnea can occur several times a night and the effects of broken sleep are the same as with snoring. However, the chances of heart failure increase with sleep apnea as the heart has to work so much harder.

Self Help Ideas to prevent or minimize snoring

• If you're overweight try to lose some of it
• Avoid alcohol and rich foods like chocolates before bedtime and eat healthy foods generally
• Stop smoking
• Try raising your head by putting pillows under it
• Sleep on your side. Some people sew a tennis ball on the back of their night clothes to help them
• Blow your nose before going to bed
• If you are the partner of the snorer you may seriously need to consider options like changing bedrooms or going to bed earlier in order to get some sleep. Clearly these fall into the last resort category and unless your partner does something about their problem this could be the start of a slippery slope so far as the relationship is concerned

Medical help for snoring

If none of the self-help ideas work then you need medical advice. Advice may involve surgical intervention (e.g. removal of adenoids or tonsils) but in the first resort a mouthpiece could be recommended in order to keep the airways open. Other treatment options, such as nasal sprays or nasal plasters may also be considered.

menshealth

Can we choose the sex of our child?

2009-04-06T15:26:00.008+07:00

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Yes, choosing the sex of your child is technically possible thanks to advances in fertility treatments that allow doctors to create or identify embryos of a certain sex. But today's sex-selection options aren't equally effective, affordable, or available.

The most accurate sex-selection methods are usually the most expensive (tens of thousands of dollars), often involving invasive infertility treatments and fertility drugs with side effects. If you're serious about trying one of these techniques, you'll have to meet strict eligibility requirements, too. In some cases you won't be eligible unless you're married and already have at least one child of the sex opposite from the one you're trying for. Some clinics also have age limits or require you to take hormone tests to prove you're not approaching menopause.

And keep in mind that Mother Nature has already tipped the odds a bit in favor of boys in the sex-selection game. According to data released in 2004 from the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 1,050 boys are born for every 1,000 girls.

The following gender-selection methods draw from two existing infertility treatments: in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination (AI). IVF starts with a round of fertility drugs to stimulate your ovaries to produce several eggs for fertilization, instead of the single egg you normally release each month. Fertility drugs may also be used for AI. For AI, also known as intrauterine insemination (IUI), your doctor uses a catheter to insert a concentrated sperm sample directly into your uterus.

For IVF, fertilization occurs outside your body (in vitro means literally in glass). Your doctor gives you an anesthetic and removes your eggs from your ovaries by inserting a needle through your vaginal wall. Your eggs are then fertilized with sperm in a petri dish. Two to five days later your doctor places the fertilized eggs — now embryos — in your uterus by inserting a thin catheter through your cervix. The number of embryos inserted depends on your age, the quality of the embryos, and your reproductive history. As a general rule, if you're under 35 and the embryos look healthy, no more than two are transferred.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)

An in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique in which embryos are created outside the womb and then tested for genetic disorders and gender.

When PGD was introduced back in 1989, it was used solely to help couples or individuals with serious genetic disorders reduce their risk of having a child who suffered from the same condition. Today PGD is still used for this reason, but is also used commonly when women are 35 or older and/or have a history of recurrent miscarriage. Only a handful of clinics offer the technique for sex selection for nonmedical reasons.

Effectiveness
Almost 100 percent effective.

How it's done
During an IVF cycle, eggs are fertilized with sperm in a petri dish. A single cell or cells are later removed from each of the resulting 3- to 5-day-old embryos and tested for gender.

In a regular IVF cycle scientists try to determine which embryos are normal merely by looking at them under a microscope. But with PGD, the embryos are tested thoroughly for genetic abnormalities and sex. By transferring only healthy embryos to the uterus, you're less likely to miscarry or have a child with a genetic disorder. Prenatal tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are still recommended if you're 35 or older because more genetic abnormalities can be detected later in pregnancy.

In a regular IVF cycle, doctors usually transfer two or more embryos to your uterus — the number depends on your age, the quality of the embryos, and your reproductive history. (If you're 40 or older, typically four or five embryos may be transferred.) But in PGD, doctors transfer no more than two because they've already weeded out embryos that are unlikely to implant or to result in a healthy pregnancy.

Pros

• If you do get pregnant, PGD guarantees with almost 100 percent certainty that you'll have a baby of your desired gender.
• Following a PGD cycle, remaining embryos of the selected gender are automatically frozen. These can used in another attempt, if you miscarry or decide you want more children down the road. Frozen embryo transfers aren't as successful as fresh transfers, but the procedure is less invasive and significantly cheaper.

Cons

• A single round of PGD can cost nearly $20,000.
• The procedure is invasive and the removal of eggs from your ovaries can be painful.
• The fertility drugs you have to take can have uncomfortable side effects such as weight gain, bloating, swelling, and blurred vision.
• As with any IVF pregnancy, you're more likely to have multiple births. According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 38 percent of infants conceived as a result of IVF and related procedures were twins.
• About 43% of fresh IVF cycles result in a live birth, and that figure goes down as you get older. But some doctors claim higher success rates with PGD because defective embryos are excluded.
• You'll need to decide what to do with the embryos of the undesired gender: freeze, destroy, or donate for other couples or research.

Cost
IVF cycles cost an average of $12,400. PGD adds an additional $3,000 to $6,000-plus to the tab. Check with your medical insurance company — part of the expense may be covered.

Availability
Most fertility clinics that provide PGD don't allow it to be used solely for sex selection. You must have a medical reason such as a family history of genetic diseases or repeat miscarriages, or be over a certain age, usually about 38, to qualify for the procedure.

That said, a few centers allow you to use PGD to choose the sex of your baby even if you don't have a medical reason to do so:

• Genetics and IVF Institute, with facilities in Virginia and Maryland. (To qualify, couples must be married, have at least one child, and desire a child of the opposite gender.)
• The Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine, with seven branches nationwide. (Prospective patients are screened on a case-by-case basis, and couples with no children are not excluded from consideration.)
• Reproductive Specialty Center in Newport Beach, California (restricted to couples who have at least one child and desire a child of the opposite gender).

Ericsson
What it is
A technique that aims to separate faster-swimming boy-producing sperm from slower-swimming girl-producing sperm. Sperm of the desired gender are inserted directly into your uterus via artificial insemination (AI).

Effectiveness
Ericsson claims his technique is 78 to 85% effective when it comes to choosing boys and 73 to 75% effective for girl babies.

How it's done
This technique, which has been around since the '70s, attempts to separate boy and girl sperm by pouring a sperm sample on a gluey layer of fluid in a test tube. All the sperm naturally swim down, but the boys tend to swim faster and reach the bottom earlier. Once the fast and slow swimmers are separated, you're inseminated with the sperm that will enable you to conceive the gender you desire.

Pros

• Inexpensive compared to higher-tech methods.
• Noninvasive.
• Relatively safe.

Cons

• There's no guarantee of success. The technique's pioneer, Ronald Ericsson, has published extensively and claims a success rate of approximately 75 to 80 percent. But some fertility doctors dispute this figure and say that it's no higher than 50 percent.
• AI is not as effective as in vitro fertilization (IVF), and it may take many cycles to achieve a pregnancy, depending on your age and fertility.

Cost
Approximately $600 per insemination.

Shettles method
What it is
Timed intercourse on specific days of your cycle.

Effectiveness
Shettles proponents claim the technique is 75 percent effective, but other experts dispute this. Keep in mind that you always have about a 50 percent chance of conceiving the sex you want.

How it's done
The theory is that sperm bearing Y chromosomes (for boys) move faster but don't live as long as sperm that carry X chromosomes (for girls). So if you want a boy, the Shettles method argues, you should have sex as close as possible to ovulation. If you want a girl, you should have sex two to four days before you ovulate.

Pros

• Requires no drugs or invasive medical procedures.
• Free or low cost.
• Relatively safe.

Cons

• You must take your basal body temperature every day to figure out when you're ovulating, or use an ovulation prediction kit.
• There's no guarantee of success.

Availability
Anyone can try it.

Whelan method
Timed intercourse on specific days of your cycle.

Effectiveness
Whelan claims her technique is 68 percent effective for boys and 56 percent effective for girls, but many experts dispute this. Keep in mind that you always have a 50 percent chance of conceiving the sex you want.

How it's done
The Whelan method directly contradicts the Shettles method. The theory here is that biochemical changes that may favor boy-producing sperm occur earlier in a woman's cycle. So if you want a boy, you should have intercourse four to six days before your basal body temperature goes up. If you want a girl you should have sex two to three days before you ovulate.

Pros

• Requires no drugs or invasive medical procedures.
• Free or low cost.
• Safe.

Cons

• You must take your basal body temperature every day to figure out when you're ovulating, or use an ovulation prediction kit.
• There's no guarantee of success.

Availability
Anyone can try it at home.

Sex-selection kits
These at-home kits are based on the Shettles theory. Separate girl and boy kits include a thermometer, ovulation predictor test sticks, vitamins, herbal extracts, and douches that are supposedly gender specific.

Effectiveness
Kit makers claim a 96 percent success rate. But the American Society for Reproductive Medicine tells consumers not to bet on it. Some medical experts go a step further and say the kit maker's claims are without scientific merit.

How it's done
You track your cycle using the thermometer and ovulation predictor test sticks (which you urinate on). Following the Shettles method, you have intercourse two to four days before ovulation if you want a girl and as close as possible to ovulation if you want a boy. The douche is intended to change the vaginal environment to "influence the chances that either an X-carrying sperm or a Y-carrying sperm will be successful in fertilizing the egg." Vitamins and herbal extracts are also included to supposedly boost your odds of getting the gender of your choice.

Pros

• Requires no invasive medical procedures.
• Convenient.

Cons

• The success rate claimed by the makers is questionable.
• Expensive

Low-tech sex selection has not sparked the same controversy, probably because these methods are far from foolproof and the assumption is that couples practicing them are investing less — both financially and emotionally — in their success. But do they work?

These techniques range from Shettles and Whelan to folk wisdom such as making love standing up and eating more meat if you want a boy, and eating lots of chocolate and having sex in the missionary position if you want a girl.

babycenter

Top 10 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Having Twins

2009-03-24T12:04:00.003+07:00

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Many people wonder what it takes to have twins, triplets or more. While having multiples is a gift and a blessing, there are some common factors that increase the chances of conceiving twins.
Think you want to have twins or more? Here's how.

1. Have a History
Do twins run in your family? If you have a mother, brother, sister, uncle or long lost cousin with multiples, you may wonder if you'll have them too. Sometimes twinning is hereditary, it's true. However, only fraternal (dizygotic twins are influenced by heredity, and then only in some cases. If your mother or maternal grandmother was or had fraternal twins, you might have inherited a gene for hyperovulation, increasing your chances of conceiving twins also.

2. Grow or Gain Weight
A recent study published by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology correlates the rise in multiple birth rates with rising rates of obesity. Research found that mothers with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higer were significantly more likely to have twins. Again, this statistic only holds true for fraternal (dizygotic) twins. The research also showed that women of above-average height were also more likely to have multiples.

3. Grow Up: Wait Until You're Older
Older mothers are more likely to conceive twins than their younger counterparts. It's thought that the body accelerates ovulation as the biological clock starts ticking faster. Seventeen percent of mothers over age 45 have multiples. Wait five more years and the odds rise to one in nine! However, the risks also increase; older mothers have a higher rate of miscarriage and are more likely to experience problems such as gestational diabetes during their pregnancy; in addition, their babies are at higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities.

4. Have More Twins
Once you have had a multiple pregnancy, you are significantly more likely to conceive -- and deliver -- twins again! Some estimates suggest that mothers of twins are four times more likely to have twins again than a woman who has never been pregnant, or who only had a singleton.

5. Diet: Yams & Dairy
No one is quite sure why, but the Yoruba tribe in West Africa has the highest rate of twinning in the world. A study concluded that the mother's diet was the cause, being high in cassava, a type of yam or sweet potato. The peelings of this vegetable are thought to contain a chemical that causes hyperovulation. In addition, a 2006 study found that women who consume dairy are five times as likely to have twins.

6. Seek Fertility Assistance
Reproductive technology has dramatically increased the multiple birth rate. Drugs that stimualate ovulation can lead to a multiple pregnancy, but multiples can also result from invitro fertilization. It's not just that multiple embryos are implanted in the mother, but there is also an unexplained increase in the number of monozygotic twins among IVF patients. No ethical doctor would provide treatment if it wasn't warranted, so fertility assistance should only be sought out when necessary.

7. Have A Big Family
The more kids you have, the more likely you are to conceive twins in a subsequent pregnancy. No one knows the magic limit that triggers a multiple pregnancy, so you'll just have to keep trying until it happens.

8. Conceive While Breastfeeding
Most people think that you can't get pregnant while breastfeeding, that the process of lactating keeps a woman from ovulating. However, plenty of mothers of twins can disprove that theory. Some research has supported the theory that the chance of twins or multiples is increased if a woman conceives while breastfeeding.

9. Get Pregnant On the Pill
Birth control pills are usually thought to be 99.9 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. However, that .01 percent often results in a double whammy -- multiples. Sometimes pregnancy occurs when the pill isn't taken consistently; in other cases, the hormonal mix of a particular drug type simply doesn't provide enough coverage to completely prevent ovulation. In either case, playing around with hormones can lead to hyperovulation, increasing the chances of multiples.

10. Just Get Lucky!
Many parents of multiples don't meet any of the classic criteria, yet find themselves doubly blessed. Monozygotic twins are particularly mysterious; no one is exactly certain what causes an egg to split after conception, producing identical twins. The bottom line is that there truly isn't a whole lot an individual can do to influence their chances of having twins; sometimes you just get lucky!

Pamela Prindle Fierro, About.com

The Nutrients You Need

2009-03-18T09:47:00.004+07:00

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A recent government report found that Americans aren't getting enough calcium, fiber, magnesium, potassium, or vitamins A, C, and E. "You're not going to have a major health event as a result," says Alanna Moshfegh, an author of the USDA report What We Eat in America, "but the recommended amounts will help you maintain your health and decrease your risk of chronic diseases." Here are the figures (as they pertain to women) and a little help interpreting them.

Calcium
Recommendation: 1,000 milligrams a day.
Benefits: Bone health.
Sources: Dairy products; fish with bones; dark, leafy greens.
Fiber
Recommendation: 25 grams a day.
Benefits: Protects against coronary heart disease and reduces the risk of diabetes.
Sources: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains.
Magnesium
Recommendation: 310 to 320 milligrams a day.
Benefits: Helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function and develop and maintain bones.
Sources: Nuts, seeds, bran, halibut and other fish.
Potassium
Recommendation: 4,700 milligrams a day.
Benefits: Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce the effects of salt; may reduce the risk of recurrent kidney stones and possibly decrease bone loss.
Sources: Potatoes, tomato paste and puree, white beans, yogurt, soybeans, bananas.
Vitamin A
Recommendation: 2,310 international units a day.
Benefits: Important for vision, red blood cell production, embryonic development, and immune function.
Sources: Organ meats; orange vegetables; green, leafy vegetables.
Vitamin C
Recommendation: 75 milligrams a day.
Benefits: Acts as a disease-fighting antioxidant; may help to maintain a healthy immune system.
Sources: Fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, red and green peppers, kiwis, and guavas.
Vitamin E
Recommendation: 15 milligrams a day.
Benefits: Acts as a disease-fighting antioxidant; may support eye health.
Sources: Some ready-to-eat cereals, some oils, almonds, peanut butter.

yahoo

World Population to Reach 9.1 Billion in 2050, UN Projects

2009-03-11T11:13:00.004+07:00

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The world's population will reach 6.5 billion by July and, despite lower expected fertility rates, is likely to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, with most of the increase taking place in developing countries, the United Nations Population Division says in its revised report for 2004.

In 2002 the Division had estimated a population in 2050 of 8.9 billion and last week, in a report sent to the 47-member UN Commission on Population and Development, had calculated the figure at 9 billion, reaching the 7 billion mark by 2012.

"World Population Change 1950-2050, the 2004 Revision" is the first of three volumes by the Division on global population trends. "The world has added nearly 500 million people since 1999 – just six years," Hania Zlotnik, the new head of the Division, told a press briefing. "The good news is that new estimates show that it will take a little longer to add the next half billion, reaching the 7 billion mark probably by 2013."

A summary of the report says, "Future population growth is highly dependent on the path that future fertility takes."

Median fertility is expected decline from 2.6 children per woman today to slightly over 2 children per woman in 2050. If fertility were to remain about half a child above that level, world population would reach 10.6 billion by 2050, while fertility half a child below the median would lead to a population of 7.7 billion by mid-century.

"At the world level, continued population growth until 2050 is inevitable, even if the decline of fertility accelerates," according to the report.

Almost all of the increase will take place in the less developed countries, whose populations is expected to reach 7.8 billion in 2050 from 5.3 billion now, while the population of the more developed countries will remain around 1.2 billion, it says.

Between 2005 and 2050, eight countries – India, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Bangladesh, Uganda, the United States, Ethiopia and China – are likely to contribute half of the world's population increase, while the population would at least triple in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Congo, the DRC, Timor-Leste, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger and Uganda.
Fertility in the 44 developed countries remains generally low, with any increases being small, the report says.

In the 60 countries worst affected by HIV/AIDS, the impact of the disease is seen in increased morbidity and mortality and slower population growth, the report says.
"We must take more urgent action to promote access to reproductive health, including family planning, and fight HIV/AIDS to save millions from AIDS and maternal death, as well as to reduce poverty in developing countries," UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said after reading the figures.

"As the world reviews the Beijing women's conference next week, we must promote women's rights to protect their welfare and health, especially reproductive health. Too many of our sisters in developing countries are lost to their families and societies due to maternal death. We must do better to empower women to help eliminate poverty and promote prosperity."

UN News Center

Too much TV linked to higher asthma risk

2009-03-06T13:39:00.004+07:00

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Children who watch television for more than two hours a day have twice the risk of developing asthma, British researchers reported last February

Asthma affects more than 300 million people worldwide and is the most common children's chronic illness. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness.

A study published in the journal Thorax may help link asthma, estimated to account for one in 250 deaths globally each year, to obesity and lack of exercise, experts said.

"There has been a recent suggestion that breathing patterns associated with sedentary behavior could lead to developmental changes in the lungs and wheezing illnesses in children," Andrea Sherriff of the University of Glasgow and colleagues wrote.

Sherriff and colleagues studied more than 3,000 children from birth until nearly the age of 12.

The parents were questioned annually on wheezing symptoms among their children and whether a doctor had diagnosed asthma as they grew up. The researchers also analyzed how much television the children watched.

They did not consider video games or personal computers, which were not as common in the mid 1990s when the children were growing up, the researchers added.

The study found that 6 percent of children at around age 12 who had no symptoms of the disease growing up had asthma.

But children who watched television for more than two hours daily were almost twice as likely to have been diagnosed with the condition as those who watched less.

"The findings add to a wealth of evidence linking a lack of exercise and being overweight with an increased risk of asthma," Elaine Vickers of Asthma UK, who was not involved in the study, said in a statement.

"But this study is the first to directly link sedentary behavior at a very young age to a higher risk of asthma later in childhood."

In some countries as many as 30 percent of children develop the inflammatory disease, according to the World Health Association.

Yahoo,Reuters

Top 5 Reasons for Skipping Sex

2009-02-26T13:22:00.005+07:00

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Being tired or needing sleep are the top reasons for skipping sex, a new poll shows.
The national poll, conducted by phone in January by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, included 1,000 adults 18-75. Women made up 52% of the group. Most participants, 57%, were married or living with a partner, and 48% have kids younger than 18 living at home.

Most participants, 81%, said they sometimes avoided sex last year. Here are their top five reasons for not having sex, along with the percentage of participants who chose that reason (they could choose more than one reason for not having sex):
1. Too tired or need sleep: 53%
2. Not feeling well or health reasons: 49%
3. Not in the mood: 40%
4. Taking care of children and/or pets: 30%
5. Work: 29%

The flagging economy wasn't one of their reasons. Of the 595 participants who reported being sexually active in 2008, 78% said that the economy hadn't affected how often they have sex.

Other findings from the survey include:
• 45% of sexually active participants say they've ever planned a time to have sex with their partners, but only 7% schedule sex on their calendar or PDA.
• 56% of men said they think about sex daily, compared to 19% of women
• People who rate their health as "poor" are less likely to have sex, but they're not less likely to think about sex.
• Parents of kids younger than 18 were more likely to report having sex in 2008 than people not living with children.

Miranda Hitti/WebMD

Kissing Benefits

2009-02-16T14:00:00.005+07:00

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And while kissing may feel oh-so-good, it also has health benefits, too. It triggers a whole spectrum of physiological processes that boost your immunity and generally spruce up that body you work so hard to keep attractive.
Among the benefits of a good wet one: That extra saliva washes bacteria off your teeth, which can help break down oral plaque, says Mathew Messina, DDS, a private practice dentist in Fairview Park, Ohio, and consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. "Still, I would not go around advocating kissing after meals instead of brushing," he says.

A serious, tongue-tangling French kiss exercises all the underlying muscles of the face -- which some say could keep you looking younger, and certainly looking happier.

Kissing might even help you lose weight, says Bryant Stamford, PhD, professor and director of the health promotion center at the University of Louisville. "During a really, really passionate kiss, you might burn two calories a minute -- double your metabolic rate," he says. (This compares to 11.2 calories per minute you burn jogging on a treadmill). When you give sugar, you actually burn sugar. Sex sparks a good calorie burn, Stamford says, especially "if you're passionately involved, thrashing around. If things were really hot and heavy, you might be looking at a caloric expenditure similar to a brisk walk."

Sex, sensuality, and sensual touch have profound effects on well-being, says Joy Davidson, PhD, psychologist and clinical sexologist in Seattle, and former columnist for an online column called "Underwire." "Kissing is an exciting excursion into the sensual, If we happen to be connecting with someone we care about, it produces a sense of well-being and a kind of full-bodied pleasure." Kissing is also "a sensual meditation," she says. "It stops the buzz in your mind, it quells anxiety, and it heightens the experience of being present in the moment. It actually produces a lot of the physiological changes that meditation produces."

"All kinds of animals kiss," says Helen Fisher, PhD, professor of anthropology at Rutgers University in Newark, N.J., and author of several books, including The Sex Contract and Anatomy of Love. "Insects will stroke each other with a leg, or stroke another's abdomen. Even turtles, moles, and cats rub noses. Dogs lick each other's faces. Elephants put their trunks in another elephant's mouth." Kissing is a very investigatory process, Fisher explains.

In fact, Fisher explains that the smell can improve the resilience of the system body. "When you exchange and bacillus bacteria, it will increase the body's immune system."

Smooch fact is likely to continue in touch. Touch and massage will release oxytocin, a kind of hormone that are known to give effect quiet and comfort in the body. Because Oxytocin also released at the time the baby suck milk from his mother's breast. This is what causes the emergence of a strong emotional bond between a baby with his mother.

webmd

Bad Fat, Good Fat

2009-02-10T13:24:00.004+07:00

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Two fats are considered "bad": Trans fatty acids and saturated fat. Most trans fat is created when manufacturers turn liquid oils into more solid fats like shortening and margarine. Saturated fat occurs naturally in nearly all fatty foods, but mostly in meats, dairy products and tropical oils such as palm oil and coconut. The evidence against both fats is so strong that it is foolish to play one against the other. No longer is it a matter of choosing which fat to avoid. People should cut down on both saturated and trans fats.
Technically, trans fats is worse than saturated fat, because saturated fat raises both LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol, while trans fats only raise LDL cholesterol. If you must target one of the fats for modification, you have a greater potential for change by cutting saturated fat because only two-percent of our calories come from trans fat, while 13 percent comes from saturated fat. The trouble with this is that saturated fat is in so many of our popular foods: Pizza, hamburgers, steak, and tacos, ice cream, lasagna and cheese to name some.

Good fats - Omega-3's

Polyunsaturated fish oils have always had a stellar reputation but now, three new studies show the omega-3 fats in fish oil protected people from sudden death. (In "sudden cardiac death", which causes half of all heart disease deaths, the heartbeat goes awry and then stops. Most victims have clogged arteries). *Healthy men who had more omega-3 fats in their blood were less likely to die of sudden death.
• Healthy women who reported eating fish at least five times a week had a 45-percent lower risk of dying of heart disease.
• Men who survived a heart attack and were randomly assigned to take fish oil supplements (1 gram or 1,000mg a day) were 53-percent less likely to die of sudden death than survivors who were given a placebo.
• Due to these results and earlier studies, experts can now say that fish oils prevent arrythmias and sudden death. At higher doses, omega-3 fats may also protect the heart by lowering triglyceride levels and preventing blood clots, though that would not explain why the stave off sudden deaths.
In any case, the message is clear that eating more seafood is of great benefit to heart health. The American Heart Association now recommends at least two servings per week, preferably of fatty fish. (See list below). If you don't care for fish, there are other options. Among them: alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 that is largely found in flaxseed, canola and soy oils as well as flaxseeds, walnuts and soybeans. Other alternatives are as follows:

Fish oil pills

The best alternative to seafood is to get both DHA (docosahexaenoic acid - a key fish fat) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, another key fish fat) from fish oil pills or from fish oil that has been added to other foods - but be careful. Fish oil pills can cause side effects like belching and nausea. Getting more than a combined three grams of EPA and DHA a day from foods and supplements may raise the risk of hemorrhagic stroke says the Food and Drug Administration. Most fish oil pills contain only 0.18 grams of EPA and 0.12 grams of DHA, so it would take more than ten capsules a day to exceed three grams.

Designer Eggs

Some companies now feed fish oil, algae, or flaxseed to their hens to raise the omega-3's in their eggs. But most brands of "omega-3 eggs" have very little DHA. Eggland's Best eggs, for example, have only 0.05 grams a piece, while Gold Circle Farms eggs have just 0.15 grams each. Neither has EPA, which may be essential to protect against sudden cardiac death. And the eggs still contain cholesterol and saturated fat, both of which can raise your risk of heart disease.

DHA Supplements

You can take DHA supplements that are made from algae, though they are costly. Each capsule has 0.1 grams and a bottle of 30 capsules can cost $10.00 or more. Another problem: DHA supplements made from algae have no EPA. There is internal conversion between EPA and DHA, so eating one may mean you get both, but there is no evidence from studies on people that taking DHA is as good as taking both.

Alpha-Linoleic Acid

Alpha-linoleic acid (found in canola, soy and flaxseed oils) is an omega-3 fat that our bodies can convert into EPA and DHA. But it is difficult to measure how much gets converted. In some studies, people convert almost none. In others, they convert more (though not necessarily as much as they would get from eating fish). However, if you eat no fish or fish oil, getting alpha-linoleic acid by using an oil like canola is better than nothing. Your cardiovascular protection may go up, though not nearly as much as with fish oils or fish.

Fish sources (and amounts) of Omega-3's
(6 ounces unless otherwise noted):
• Salmon, Atlantic, farmed -3.7 grams
• Salmon, Atlantic, wild - 3.1 grams
• Sardines, in sardine oil (3-ounces) - 2.8 grams
• Salmon, coho, farmed - 2.2 grams
• Trout, rainbow farmed - 2.0 grams
• Salmon, coho, wild - 1.8 grams
• Herring, kippered (3 ounces) 1.8 grams
• Trout, rainbow, wild - 1.7 grams
• Swordfish - 1.4 grams
• Sardines, in tomato sauce (3 ounces) - 1.4 grams
• Herring, pickled - 1.2 grams
• Oysters (3 ounces) - 1.1 grams
• Mackerel, canned (3 ounces) - 1.0 grams
• Pollock - 0.9 grams
• Flounder or sole - 0.9 grams
• Whiting - 0.9 grams
• Rockfish - 0.8 grams
• Halibut - 0.8 grams
• Sardines, in vegetable oils (3 ounces) - 0.8 grams
• Tuna, white, canned (3 ounces) - 0.7 grams
• Scallops - 0.6 grams
• Perch, ocean - 0.6 grams
• Cod, Pacific - 0.5 grams
• Tuna, fresh - 0.5 grams
• Crab, blue (3 ounces) - 0.4 grams
• Haddock - 0.4 grams
• Catfish, wild - 0.4 grams
• Fish sticks (six) - 0.4 grams
• Cod, Atlantic - 0.3 grams
• Crab, Dungeness (3 ounces) - 0.3 grams
• Shrimp (3 ounces) - 0.3 grams
• Catfish, farmed - 0.3 grams
• Tuna, light, canned (3 ounces) - 0.2 grams
• Clams (3 ounces) - 0.2 grams
• Crayfish (3 ounces) - 0.2 grams
• Lobster (3 ounces) - 0.1 grams

Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men)

2009-01-28T11:15:00.005+07:00

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Gynecomastia is swelling of the breast tissue in boys or men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Newborns, boys going through puberty and older men often develop gynecomastia as a result of normal changes in hormone levels. There are other causes as well. Generally, gynecomastia isn't a serious problem, but it can be tough to cope with. Men and boys with gynecomastia sometimes have pain in their breasts and may feel embarrassed.
Gynecomastia may go away on its own. Gynecomastia can also be treated with medications that help balance hormone levels. In some cases, surgery to remove breast tissue also may be an option.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of gynecomastia include:
• Swollen breast gland tissue
• Breast tenderness

When to see a doctor: If you have swelling, pain, tenderness or nipple discharge in one or both breasts, see your doctor.

Causes

Gynecomastia is triggered by a decrease in the amount of the hormone testosterone compared with estrogen. The cause of this decrease can be conditions that block the effects of or reduce testosterone or by a condition that increases your estrogen level. Several things can upset the hormone balance, including:
• Natural hormone changes
• Medications
• Certain health conditions
In about 25 percent of cases, the cause of gynecomastia is never found.

The testosterone-estrogen balance
The hormones testosterone and estrogen control the development and maintenance of sex characteristics in both men and women. Testosterone controls male traits such as muscle mass and body hair; estrogen controls female traits including the growth of breasts.

Most people think of estrogen as an exclusively female hormone, but men also produce it — though normally in small quantities. Estrogen helps regulate bone density, sperm production and mood. But male estrogen levels that are too high or are out of balance with testosterone levels can cause gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia in infants
More than half of male infants are born with enlarged breasts due to the effects of their mother's estrogen. Generally the swollen breast tissue goes away within two to three weeks after birth.

Gynecomastia during puberty
Gynecomastia caused by hormone changes during puberty is common. In most cases, the swollen breast tissue will go away without treatment within six months to two or three years.

Gynecomastia in men
The prevalence of gynecomastia peaks again between the ages of 50 and 80. At least one-quarter of men are affected during this time.

Medications
A number of medications can cause gynecomastia. These include certain:
• Anti-androgens used to treat prostate enlargement or cancer and some other conditions. Examples include cyproterone, flutamide, finasteride and spironolactone.
• AIDS medications. Gynecomastia can develop in HIV-positive men who are receiving a treatment regimen called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Efavirenz is more commonly associated with gynecomastia than are other HIV medications.
• Anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam (Valium).
• Tricyclic antidepressants.
• Antibiotics.
• Ulcer medications, such as cimetidine.
• Cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
• Heart medications, such as digitalis and calcium channel blockers.

Street drugs and alcohol
Substances that can cause gynecomastia include:
• Anabolic steroids and androgens
• Alcohol
• Amphetamines
• Marijuana
• Heroin

Health conditions
Several health conditions can cause gynecomastia by affecting the normal balance of hormones. These include:
• Hypogonadism. Any of the conditions that interfere with normal testosterone production, such as Klinefelter syndrome or pituitary insufficiency, can be associated with gynecomastia.
• Aging. Hormone changes that occur with normal aging can cause gynecomastia, especially in men who are overweight.
• Tumors. Some tumors, such as those involving the testes, adrenal glands or pituitary gland, can produce hormones that alter the male-female hormone balance.
• Hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine.
• Kidney failure.
• Liver failure and cirrhosis.
• Malnutrition and starvation.

Herbal products
Plant oils, such as tea tree or lavender, used in shampoos, soaps or lotions, have been associated with gynecomastia. This is probably due to their weak estrogenic activity.

Risk factors

Risk factors for gynecomastia include:
• Adolescence
• Older age
• Use of anabolic steroids or androgens to enhance athletic performance
• Certain health conditions, including liver and kidney disease, thyroid disease, hormonally active tumors, and Klinefelter syndrome

Complications

Although there are few physical complications associated with gynecomastia, having this condition can cause psychological or emotional trouble caused by appearance.

Tests and diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history, what medications you're taking and what health conditions run in your family. The doctor will also do a physical examination that may include careful evaluation of your breast tissue, abdomen and genitals.

Your doctor will want to be sure your breast swelling is actually gynecomastia and not another condition. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms include:
• Fatty breast tissue. Some men and boys have chest fat that resembles gynecomastia. This is called pseudogynecomastia or false gynecomastia, and it isn't the same as gynecomastia.
• Breast cancer. This is uncommon in men, but can occur. Enlargement of one breast or the presence of a firm nodule raises the concern for male breast cancer.
• A breast abscess (mastitis).

Initial tests to determine the cause of your gynecomastia may include:
• Blood tests
• Mammograms

You may need further testing depending on your initial test results, including:
• Chest X-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
• Testicular ultrasounds
• Tissue biopsies

Treatments and drugs

Most cases of gynecomastia regress over time without treatment. However, if gynecomastia is caused by an underlying condition, such as hypogonadism, malnutrition or cirrhosis, that condition may need treatment. If you're taking medications that can cause gynecomastia, your doctor may recommend stopping them or substituting another medication.

In adolescents with no apparent cause of gynecomastia, the doctor may recommend periodic re-evaluations every three to six months to see if the condition improves on its own. Gynecomastia often goes away without treatment in less than three years. However, treatment may be necessary if gynecomastia doesn't improve on its own, or if it causes significant pain, tenderness or embarrassment.

Medications
Medications used to treat breast cancer and other conditions, such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, may be helpful for some men with gynecomastia. Although these medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, they have not been approved specifically for this use.

Surgery to remove excess breast tissue
If you still have significant bothersome breast enlargement despite initial treatment or observation, your doctor may advise surgery. Two types of surgery are used to treat gynecomastia:
• Liposuction. This surgery removes breast fat, but not the breast gland tissue itself.
• Mastectomy. This type of surgery removes the breast gland tissue. The surgery is done on an endoscopic basis, meaning only small incisions are used. This less invasive type of surgery involves less recovery time.

Coping and support

For a man, enlarged breasts can be stressful and embarrassing. Gynecomastia can be difficult to hide and a challenge to romantic relationships. During puberty, gynecomastia can make boys a target for teasing from peers. It can make activities like swimming or changing for gym class traumatic.

Whatever your age, you may feel like your body has betrayed you and you may feel unhappy with yourself. These feelings are normal, but there are a few things you can do to help you cope:
• Get counseling. Talk therapy can help you avoid anxiety and depression caused by gynecomastia. It can also help you communicate with your partner or family members so that they understand what you're going through.
• Reach out to your family and friends. You may feel embarrassed to talk about gynecomastia with the people you care about. But explaining your situation and asking for help will likely strengthen your relationships and reduce stress.
• Connect with others who have gynecomastia. Talking with men who have had a similar experience can help you cope. Web sites such as Gynecomastia.org provide a forum for connecting with others who have the condition.

Prevention

There are a few factors you can control that may reduce the risk of gynecomastia, including:
• Don't use illicit drugs. Examples include steroids and androgens, amphetamines, heroin, and marijuana.
• Avoid alcohol. Don't drink, or drink very little.
• Review your medications. If you're taking medication known to cause gynecomastia, ask your doctor if there are other choices.

Mayoclinic

Diabetic Nephropathy

2009-01-23T08:48:00.007+07:00

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Nephropathy means kidney disease or damage. Diabetic nephropathy is damage to your kidneys caused by diabetes. In severe cases it can lead to kidney failure. But not everyone with diabetes has kidney damage.
What causes diabetic nephropathy?

The kidneys have many tiny blood vessels that filter waste from your blood. High blood sugar from diabetes can destroy these blood vessels. Over time, the kidney isn't able to do its job as well. Later it may stop working completely. This is called kidney failure.

For reasons doctors don't yet understand, only some people with diabetes get kidney damage. Out of 100 people with diabetes, as many as 40 will get kidney damage.1

Certain things make you more likely to get diabetic nephropathy. If you also have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or if you smoke, your risk is higher. Also, Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanics (especially Mexican Americans) have a higher risk.2

What are the symptoms?

There are no symptoms in the early stages. So it’s important to have regular urine tests to find kidney damage early. Sometimes early kidney damage can be reversed.

The first sign of kidney damage is a small amount of protein in the urine, which is found by a simple urine test.

As damage to the kidneys gets worse, your blood pressure rises. Your cholesterol and triglyceride levels rise too. As your kidneys are less able to do their job, you may notice swelling in your body, at first in your feet and legs.

How is diabetic nephropathy diagnosed?

The problem is diagnosed using simple tests that check for a protein called albumin in the urine. Urine does not usually contain protein. But in the early stages of kidney damage-before you have any symptoms-some protein may be found in your urine, because your kidneys aren't able to filter it out the way they should.

Finding kidney damage early can keep it from getting worse. So it’s important for people with diabetes to have regular testing.
• If you have type 1 diabetes, get a urine test every year after you have had diabetes for 5 years.
• If your child has diabetes, yearly testing should begin at puberty.
• If you have type 2 diabetes, start yearly testing at the time you are diagnosed with diabetes.

How is it treated?

The main treatment is medicine to lower your blood pressure and prevent or slow the damage to your kidneys. These medicines include:
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, also called ACE inhibitors.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers, also called ARBs.

You may need to take more than one medicine, especially if you also have high blood pressure.

And there are other steps you can take. For example:
• Work with your doctor to keep your blood pressure down, usually below 130/80.
• Work with your doctor to keep your cholesterol level as close to normal as you can. You may need to take medicines for this.
• Keep your heart healthy by eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly. Preventing heart disease is important, because people with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to die of heart and blood vessel diseases. And people with kidney disease are at an even higher risk for heart disease.
• Watch how much protein you eat. Eating too much is hard on your kidneys. Most doctors recommend that protein make up no more than 10% of your daily calories.
• Watch how much salt you eat. Eating less salt helps keep high blood pressure from getting worse.
• Don't smoke or use other tobacco products.

How can diabetic nephropathy be prevented?

The best way to prevent kidney damage is to keep your blood sugar under tight control. You do this by staying at a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and taking your medicines as directed.

At the first sign of protein in your urine, you can take high blood pressure medicines to keep kidney damage from getting worse.

webmd

Movie: The Duchess

2009-01-22T10:29:00.010+07:00

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Available at Blitz Megaplex Jakarta Indonesia: 11 February 2009
Casts: Kiera Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell, Charlotte Rampling
Director: Saul Dibb
Writers: Jeffry Hatcher, Anders Thomas Jensen
Genre: Drama, History

The movie explores the marriage, relationships, and passions of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. 17-year-old Georgiana (Kierra Knightly) is delighted to have excited the notice of the much older Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes), and marries him amid high personal and family expectations. Unfortunately for Georgiana, the Duke is an undemonstrative and tight-lipped man who is far more interested in his dogs than in getting to know his new wife. He does nothing to alleviate her wedding night fears, and does his husbandly duty with few words and a noticable lack of tenderness. He makes it clear at the outset to both Georgiana and her mother, Lady Spencer (Charlotte Rampling), that it is Georgiana's duty to bear him a male heir in short order.

Georgiana becomes the center of a glittering social circle, attended not only by the British noble elite but also by the political figures of the time. She uses her beauty, wit, charm, and social connections to advance the Whig party -- especially the policies and ambitions of a young nobleman, Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper), with whom she socialized, and to whom she was attracted, before her marriage. She indulges her love of parties and gambling, to the apparent delight of her peers, who joke that Georgiana is adored by all of England, except her husband.

Shortly after Georgiana marries the Duke, he has a young girl brought to live with him and Georgiana. Initially shocked by his admission that the child is his illigitimate daughter, Georgiana soon takes on the role of the child's mother. In the meantime, Georgiana gives birth to two daughters, but fails to provide the Duke with the expected male heir. The Duke continues to have affairs with other women.

While "taking the cure" at Bath in the hopes of being able to conceive a boy, Georgiana befriends Bess Foster (Hayley Atwell), whose husband, Georgiana is apalled to learn, beats and even tortures Bess. Because Bess has left the marital home, the husband refuses to allow her to see their three young boys. At Georgiana's suggestion, the Duke invites Bess to live with the Duke and Duchess in Devonshire. Some time later, Georgiana discovers that the Duke and Bess have begun sleeping together. When Georgiana confronts Bess, Bess begs Georgiana to understand that she is in the affair only in order to have the Duke pressure her husband to release her sons to her. When Georgiana demands that the Duke remove Bess from the house, he refuses. Bess remains in the house, and her sons come to live with them. While Georgiana adores her children and is obviously a devoted and loving mother, she chaffs at the presence of the Duke's lover and her sons. She explores her attraction to Charles Grey, and finds that the attraction is mutual. She brings the situation to a head by proposing a "deal" to the Duke: she will not object to his continuing to have Bess live with them, if he will not object to her engaging in an affair with Grey. The Duke, not surprisingly, rejects the proposal, pointing out that he does not make "deals," and that all of the power in the situation belongs to him. He upbraids Georgiana for failing in the two things that he demands of her: bearing him a male heir, and remaining loyal to him. She is outraged by his attitude and refusal to break off his affair, and flees from him. He chases her down and rapes her.

After the rape, Georgiana appears at her social gatherings in a fog -- alcohol induced? -- until it is learned that she is pregnant. She delivers a boy. Having done her "duty," Georgiana goes to Bath, where she finally consumates her passion for Grey. They live blissfully in Bath until the Duke arrives unexpectedly. He accuses of her of being indiscrete and demands that she drop Grey and return with him to Devonshire. He warns her that, if she does not, both she and Grey will be cut off entirely from their wealth and positions in society, Grey will lose his political position, and she will never see her children again. After the Duke leaves, Georgiana races back to Devonshire, realizing that she cannot live without her children.

Bess and her children are still at Devonshire. Georgiana informs Bess and the Duke that she is pregnant with Grey's child. At the Duke's command, she moves to the countryside to await the birth. She delivers another girl, Eliza, and immediately is forced to give the baby up to Grey's family. Heartbroken, she returns to Devonshire, where she continues her social circle, but with none of the vivacity and verve for which she was known before. She remains at Devonshire with the Duke and Bess and their children, until her death. After her death, the viewer is told, the Duke marries Bess.

imdb.com

Varicocele

2009-01-22T09:14:00.007+07:00

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A varicocele is the enlargement of the network of veins that drain the testicle in males. Blood flows from the scrotum and testicles through a complex of veins rather than a single vessel. These veins are prone to becoming enlarged or dilated. This frequently happens when the valves in the veins that keep the blood flowing in the direction of the heart become weakened. A varicocele is more common on the left because of the specific pattern of blood flow on that side. Varicoceles are linked to infertility in males 20 to 40% of the time. This is because the increased blood flow through the enlarged veins raises the temperature of the testicles and affects the development of sperm.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Approximately 15% of adult men have a small to moderate size left varicocele. Right-sided varicoceles are uncommon. Typically, the presence of a varicocele does not signal any type of serious disease. However, a large varicocele on the right side that appears suddenly may indicate a mass such as an enlarged lymph node or testicular cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Most varicoceles do not have symptoms. They are found by accident during a routine exam or an infertility evaluation. Very large varicoceles may produce a heavy or dragging feeling in the testicles. They rarely are painful.

How is the condition diagnosed?

A varicocele is usually diagnosed with a physical exam. It appears as a full but soft mass above the testicle. The mass disappears completely when the man is lying down. The varicocele's appearance has been described as a "bag of worms." Ultrasound is sometimes used to confirm the diagnosis. This is more common during an evaluation for male infertility.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

There is no known way to prevent developing a varicocele. Routine testicular self examination may alert the man to any new masses, which should be evaluated by the healthcare provider.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Varicoceles can be linked to male infertility. If abnormalities show up in a semen analysis, removing the varicocele may improve sperm quality.

What are the risks to others?

There are no risks to others, as a varicocele is not contagious.

What are the treatments for the condition?

A varicocele is usually managed conservatively. A scrotal support may be worn to relieve the heavy sensation in the scrotum. However, if the pain continues or if infertility results from a backup of blood in the veins, surgery may be needed.

Removal of the varicocele is called varicocelectomy. This operation can be accomplished with a variety of incisions. The most common is a small cut in the groin or just below it. Several of the veins draining the contents of the scrotum can be tied off through this opening. An alternative procedure is to make a small incision higher up in the flank. Also, the enlarged veins can be blocked with material injected into them through a catheter, or narrow tube.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects may include bleeding, infection or the accumulation of fluid along the spermatic cord, known as a hydrocele.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

The man will feel some discomfort and a sense of congestion in the testicle for a few weeks following the procedure.

How is the condition monitored?

If the varicocele makes the scrotum feel uncomfortably full, or impairs fertility, the male should follow up with a healthcare provider. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Stuart Wolf, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Slon, Stephanie, BA
Edit Date:05/09/00
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:06/01/01
Sources
The Merck Manual of Medical Information, Home edition, 1997
Tierney, Lawrence, editor, "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 39th edition", 2000

Sexual Dysfunction in Women

2009-01-20T10:47:00.003+07:00

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When you have problems with sex, doctors call it “sexual dysfunction.” Both men and women can have it. There are 4 kinds of sexual problems in women.
• Desire disorders ¬- When you are not interested in having sex or have less desire for sex than you used to.
• Arousal disorders ¬- When you don't feel a sexual response in your body or you cannot stay sexually aroused.
• Orgasmic disorders ¬- When you can't have an orgasm or you have pain during orgasm.
• Sexual pain disorders ¬- When you have pain during or after sex.

What causes sexual dysfunction?

Many things can cause problems in your sex life. Certain medicines (such as oral contraceptives and chemotherapy drugs), diseases (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), excessive alcohol use or vaginal infections can cause sexual problems. Depression, relationship problems or abuse (current or past abuse) can also cause sexual dysfunction.

You may have less sexual desire during pregnancy, right after childbirth or when you are breastfeeding. After menopause many women feel less sexual desire, have vaginal dryness or have pain during sex due to a decrease in estrogen (a hormone in the body).

The stresses of everyday life can also affect your ability to have sex. Being tired from a busy job or caring for young children may affect your sexual desire. You may also be bored by a long-standing sexual routine.

How do I know if I have a problem?

Up to 70% of couples have a problem with sex at some time in their relationship. Most women will have sex that doesn't feel good at some point in her life. This doesn't necessarily mean you have a sexual problem.

If you don't want to have sex or it never feels good, you might have a sexual problem. Discuss your concerns with your doctor. Remember that anything you tell your doctor is private and that your doctor can help you find a reason and possible treatment for your sexual dysfunction.

What can I do?

If desire is the problem, try changing your usual routine. Try having sex at different times of the day, or try a different sexual position.

Arousal disorders can often be helped if you use a vaginal cream or sexual lubricant for dryness. If you have gone through menopause, talk to your doctor about taking estrogen or using an estrogen cream.
If you have a problem having an orgasm, you may not be getting enough foreplay or stimulation before actual intercourse begins. Extra stimulation (before you have sex with your partner) with a vibrator may be helpful. You might need rubbing or stimulation for up to an hour before having sex. Many women don't have an orgasm during intercourse. If you want an orgasm with intercourse, you or your partner may want to gently stroke your clitoris. Masturbation may also be helpful, as it can help you learn what techniques work best for you.

If you're having pain during sex, try different positions. When you are on top, you have more control over penetration and movement. Emptying your bladder before you have sex, using extra lubrication or taking a warm bath before sex all may help. If you still have pain during sex, talk to your doctor. There are a variety of causes of pain during sex, so talk with your doctor. He or she can help you find the cause of your pain and decide what treatment is best for you.

Can medicine help?

If you have gone through menopause or have had your uterus and/or ovaries removed, taking the hormone estrogen may help with sexual problems. If you're not already taking estrogen, ask your doctor if this is an option for you.

You may have heard that taking sildenafil (Viagra) or the male hormone testosterone can help women with sexual problems. There have not been many studies on the effects of Viagra or testosterone on women, so doctors do not know whether these things can help or not. Both Viagra and testosterone can have serious side effects, so using them is probably not worth the risk.

What else can I do?

Learn more about your body and how it works. Ask your doctor about how medicines, illnesses, surgery, age, pregnancy or menopause can affect sex.

Practice "sensate focus" exercises where one partner gives a massage, while the other partner says what feels good and requests changes (example: "lighter," "faster," etc.). Fantasizing may increase your desire. Squeezing the muscles of your vagina tightly (called Kegel exercises) and then relaxing them may also increase your arousal. Try sexual activity other than intercourse, such as massage, oral sex or masturbation.

What about my partner?

Talk with your partner about what each of you like and dislike, or what you might want to try. Ask for your partner's help. Remember that your partner may not want to do some things you want to try, and you may not want to try what your partner wants. You should respect each other's comforts and discomforts. This helps you and your partner have a good sexual relationship. If you feel you can't talk to your partner, your doctor or a counselor may be able to help you. If you feel like your partner is abusing you, tell your doctor.

How can my doctor help?

Your doctor can suggest ways to treat your sexual problems or can refer you to a sex therapist or counselor if needed.

Nazz/familydoctor.org

Surviving Bedrest

2009-01-20T10:09:00.007+07:00

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Until this point in your pregnancy, you've probably been going about your normal activities of work, chores at home, spending time with family and friends, and exercise. But one day, suddenly or perhaps planned in advance, your doctor tells you that for your health and the health of your baby, you'll be restricted to bed rest.

Even though your friends and family may envy you for what they see as a mini-vacation, don't be fooled - bed rest during pregnancy is no walk in the park. Fortunately, though, there are plenty of ways to make your time in bed more enjoyable and productive, so keep reading and find out how to make the best of bed rest.

There are several situations that might cause your doctor to recommend bed rest for some portion of your pregnancy. If your medical history, including previous pregnancies, contains information that might point to a medical complication, your doctor might recommend bed rest. Or, you might experience symptoms, such as bleeding or contractions, that require you to go on bed rest.

Even if your medical history is clear and you experience no symptoms, your doctor may require bed rest if the results of a test or procedure indicate a medical complication or if your baby's growth is determined to be poor.

So what are some common pregnancy complications that often result in bed rest? A few include: high blood pressure (including pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia), vaginal bleeding (including placenta previa), premature labor, and cervical changes (such as incompetent cervix and cervical effacement).

If you're having multiples, your pregnancy may be termed high risk and will require close monitoring by your doctor. If you develop any problems, your doctor might place you on bed rest. Bed rest might also be recommended if you've had previous pregnancies that ended in miscarriage, stillbirth, or a premature birth.

Just as every pregnancy is different, every woman's experience with bed rest is different. Some women may know early on that because of their medical histories, they will have to go on bed rest at some point in their pregnancies. Other women may be surprised to hear their doctors announce, after a routine appointment, that they'll be on bed rest for a few weeks.

Some women are on bed rest early in their pregnancies and then released, whereas others spend their entire pregnancies confined to their beds. Your doctor can give you specific information about the duration of your bed rest.

What Can - and Can't - You Do on Bed Rest?

Sometimes, doctors recommend modified bed rest or "house arrest," which generally allows women to stay on the couch, bed, or in a sitting position, but restricts them from sexual intercourse, exercise, or lifting. Other women may be told to remain in bed, only sitting up for meals or standing to take quick showers. Some women have to remain in bed in the hospital because their pregnancies require closer monitoring by a trained hospital staff.

Whatever kind of bed rest your doctor recommends, if it's long-term, you'll need to remember to exercise your legs to keep the blood circulating and prevent clots. Because every woman who experiences bed rest is different, be sure to get answers to the following questions from your doctor:
• Can I get up to use the bathroom?
• Can I get up to prepare quick meals or to do light chores?
• Can I take a bath or shower?
• What position should I be in while I'm resting?
• Can I go to work or work from home?
• Is driving OK?
• How much walking is safe?
• How much and what kind of sexual activity is OK?
• What activities can I do to increase blood circulation safely?

Tips for Surviving Bed Rest

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make your bed rest enjoyable without becoming addicted to daytime TV. Try these tips:
• Stick to a schedule. Even if you have to stay in bed all day, you'll feel better if you take care of yourself. After you wake up, change into comfortable clothes and plan what to do for the day. Having a plan will make you feel as if you're accomplishing something and will give you something to look forward to.
• Catch up while you can. Let's face it, after the baby arrives, you'll be too busy to think about catching up on correspondence or reading your favorite author's latest novel.
• Stock up. Just because you're on your back doesn't mean you have to be unprepared. You can fully stock your baby's nursery and layette by phone or the Internet. Order all the items you think you'll need for the first 3 months - including diapers! In addition to baby stores and centers, online drugstores often carry a wide variety of baby care items that they'll deliver right to your door.
• Don't be afraid to ask visitors for assistance. Your friends and family would probably love to help you with household chores, errands, or meal preparation. Create a task list so that when someone offers help, you can assign him or her a task. Visits from your friends and family can boost your spirits - just make sure you ask them to come at a time that's convenient and comfortable for you.
• Become a parenting expert. Plenty of parenting books and websites can help to answer many of your parenting and children's health questions. If you feel uncomfortable reading about high-risk pregnancy issues, learn about breastfeeding or how to encourage your child's development instead. You could also get subscriptions to local and national parenting magazines and start clipping out useful articles and tips. File your clippings in folders (i.e., new baby care, feeding, crying, sleeping, safety, development, etc.) for future reference when the baby comes. Also file away any articles you print out from the Internet.
• Seek out a support system. The Internet is a great place to find support from other moms on bed rest. Check out bed rest message boards and chat rooms, where you can share tips and get advice.
• Support your support person. You're probably relying heavily on your spouse or partner to tend to household chores, child care, and errands during your bed rest. Make sure you take the time to show your appreciation - you can always order a nice gift by phone or online!
• Let people help. It may be hard to ask for or accept help from friends and family, but you have no choice. Enlist those around you in your cause - whether it's going shopping at the grocery store or picking up shirts at the dry cleaners. Consider setting up a schedule so that your household continues to run.

Episiotomy

2009-01-16T13:34:00.006+07:00

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An episiotomy is a cut made to widen the opening of the vagina. It is done toward the end of labor to keep the vaginal tissues from tearing as the baby is born. Sometimes an episiotomy can also help the doctor to deliver the baby quickly if the baby is in distress.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?

Usually, the doctor or midwife attending the birth decides whether to do an episiotomy. An episiotomy may be done when:
• the vagina cannot stretch enough to allow the baby to pass through
• a baby is thought to be large, for example, more than 9 pounds
• a forceps or vacuum must be used to help in the birth
• monitors show that the baby is in distress or not getting enough oxygen and needs to be born quickly
• the vaginal opening starts to tear as the baby's head appears
• the baby's shoulder is blocking the birth canal

How is the procedure performed?

As the crown of the baby's head pushes through the vaginal opening, an anesthetic is injected in the mother's perineum to numb it. The perineum is the skin area between the vagina and anus. A cut 2 to 3 inches long is made there. After the baby is born and the placenta is delivered, the cut is stitched up.

What happens right after the procedure?

Most episiotomies are done to prevent large vaginal tears during childbirth. These tears heal slowly, often with poor results. Widening and tearing of the vagina may cause unneeded stretching. This may later lead to problems such as:
• urinary incontinence, which is being unable to hold urine in the bladder
• a prolapsed bladder, in which the bladder sags down into the wall of the vagina
• a prolapsed rectum, in which the rectum sags down into or through the vagina
An episiotomy may help to prevent these problems.

What happens later at home?

Keeping the area clean is the key to preventing infection and to helping speed healing. The stitches will dissolve after a period of time and do not need to be removed.
To help heal an episiotomy, a woman should:
• take sitz baths or sit in a tub of warm water a few times a day. Wash the area gently with a stream of water after using the bathroom.
• relieve pain and swelling with Tucks pads and ice packs. Sitting on an inflatable donut helps, too.
• avoid constipation to keep this tender tissue from stretching too much. Take stool softeners, such as docusate, and drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids each day.
• use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as needed.
• avoid sexual intercourse for 6 weeks after the birth.
A woman should see her doctor for follow-up visits to check on how the episiotomy is healing.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Very rarely, an episiotomy may extend into the rectum. More stitches than usual would be required to repair the cut. The increased risks of this problem are:
• infection
• bruising
• the forming of a hole between the vagina and rectum that is called a fistula

Author:Eva Martin, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:07/09/02
Reviewer:Kathleen A. MacNaughton, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:10/28/02

Postpartum Depression (Baby Blues)

2009-01-16T09:28:00.011+07:00

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Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs in some women within the first 6 weeks after childbirth. Depression is a medical condition that leads to intense feelings of sadness or despair. These feelings don't go away on their own.

What is going on in the body?

Depression is a disorder of the brain. Researchers believe that chemicals called neurotransmitters are involved in depression. Nerve impulses cause the release of neurotransmitters from one nerve cell, or neuron, to the next. This release allows cells to communicate with one another. Too little or too much of these important neurotransmitters may be released and cause or contribute to depression. Some of the neurotransmitters believed to be linked to depression are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by hormonal changes that can affect emotions. The round-the-clock job of caring for a new baby can seem overwhelming at times. Too little rest usually accompanies these physical and emotional stresses.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many theories about what causes depression. Depression may be caused by any of the following:
• certain illnesses
• certain medications, including antibiotics and medicines used to treat acne
• changes in brain chemicals
• heredity
• hormonal changes
• lack of sunlight
• major stresses
• negative thinking patterns

Risk factors for depression in general include:
• alcohol abuse
• drug abuse and addiction
• job strain
• personal history of a suicide attempt
• personal or family history of depression
• stress

The hormonal changes of pregnancy and childbirth contribute to a woman's risk for postpartum depression. Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Physical exhaustion, lack of sleep, unrealistic role expectations, and social isolation can all play a role in postpartum depression.

The following increase the risk for developing postpartum depression:
• early hospital discharge after childbirth
• history of severe premenstrual syndrome
• lack of support system
• marital problems
• previous history of depression
• traumatic birth experience

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
In general, symptoms of depression include:
• appetite problems
• decreased energy
• difficulty paying attention or making decisions
• feeling very sensitive emotionally
• feelings of irritability
• feelings of sadness, despair, and emptiness
• inability to feel pleasure
• loss of motivation and withdrawal from others
• low self-esteem
• pessimism and negativity
• sleeping problems
• thoughts about suicide and death

A woman with postpartum depression may also experience the following symptoms:
• excessive concern over the baby
• excessive, severe mood swings
• fear of harming the baby
• feelings of guilt
• frequent headaches and other physical discomforts