Taking Drugs While Pregnant

How much weight gain is appropriate during pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). For a pre-pregnancy BMI of 18.5 to 25, the ideal weight gain should be somewhere between 25 and 35 pounds. An initial weight gain of 2 to 5 pounds is usually followed by a weekly gain of 1 pound in a normal pregnancy. If you have twins the gain usually falls between 35 and 45 pounds. Women who were overweight at the time of conception usually gain around 15 pounds and those who were underweight gain between 30 to 40 pounds. In case of obesity, your gain should not exceed fifteen pounds.

The most obvious impact of the weight gain can be seen in the form of pains and aches that you will have as your pregnancy progresses. A back ache is the most common complaint, followed by an awkward walk (thanks to your new found tummy). Another complain is of swollen legs, but that has nothing to with weight. It is a result of increased blood flow.

If you’ve had weight problems in the past or are generally finicky about your weight, you might find the gain hard to accept. But there is absolutely no reason to get agitated about the extra weight. In fact it is a sign of a healthy child growing inside you. You just need to pay attention to what you’re eating in terms of nutritional value. Also, you can track your weekly weight gain, and if you have any doubts in mind, you can consult your doctor. Tracking will also help adjust your diet according to the gain in order to get the best for your child. A stop on junk food and a start on some exercise will also help you along the way. Understand that eventually, all those extra pounds will wear off once you’ve delivered your little one. Read the rest of this entry »

As everyone knows exercise is reaps hug benefits no matter what your age. But, sometimes just the word makes you want to hide. Exercise doesn’t have to seem like work if you do it with someone else. Here are five fitness ideas for families who want to be healthier and need a little boost in the right direction.

A family workout has many benefits. First of all, you have each other for accountability. When one person wants to slack off, their loving family members can help them see the light. Secondly, you have a buddy to push you to do your best. It is a friendly competition that can help you achieve fitness goals you never thought possible.

1. Backyard sports – it’s probably been a long time since you played a game of dodge ball or kick ball. Now’s your chance. Get the family together and start a game on the weekends. This type of stop and start movement gets the heart rate up and works the muscles. Other ideas include basketball game, softball game or volleyball.
2. Take a class together – for example, martial arts centers have programs from youth to adult. Each person can learn skills and then practise them together. Aerobics classes are another idea for a family exercise session. The guys in the family may not feel co-ordinated enough to do a step aerobics class but there’s always spinning, swimming or kickboxing classes to choose from at your local YMCA or the gym.
3. Enjoy nature – families feed off of each other. If one person can do it, the others want to try to do it also. Go for a family hike. Parks have some beautiful trails that range from easy to more challenging. Outfit your family with the proper gear and learn about nature together. Along the same lines as hiking is mountain climbing. There are trails here too. Help each other climb the rocks and take in some breathtaking views. Both activities work your heart, lungs and lower body. Even on a cool fall day you will feel the burn and the cleansing sweat of a good workout.
4. Do yard work – no one wants to choose outside work but if you do it together it can be fun and heart pumping. Take turns mowing a section of the yard. Pushing a lawnmower works the upper and lower body. Rake leaves in the fall. For more fun, jump into the big pile and then let everyone help rake them up again.
5. Play a video game – video games have become more athletic and virtual these days. The big talk is about the Wii game console. Using the Fit board or the regular games, your family will have plenty of laughs and even more exercise as they move to make the characters move in the games.

Who says family workouts have to be boring? Get together as a family and do something that you love to stay healthy.

According to a study, breastfeeding may offer broad protection against breast cancer that extends to women who delay having children.
Previous studies have shown that giving birth before age twenty five and having many children protects against certain types of breast cancer , while delayed child birth is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.
The most important finding of the new study is that breastfeeding seems to lower the risk of developing breast cancer that comes from having children later in life according to an associate professor of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California and the study’s lead author.
Results of the study were announced at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Los Angeles.
“As more women may chose to delay pregnancy until after age twenty five, it is important to note that breastfeeding provides protection against both estrogen and progesterone receptor positive and negative tumors”, the associate professor said.
Women who develop breast cancer that is hormone receptor negative have a much poorer prognosis than women with other type of breast cancer.
The researchers analyzed data for women age fifty five and older, including 995 invasive breast cancer patients, and found that breastfeeding appears to have a protective effect regardless of when they started giving birth.
This is important since having many children was only protective among women who began having children at an early age. Evidence suggests that women who have children after age twenty five can reduce their risk of breast cancer by choosing to breastfeed, the associate professor concluded.
According to US Census data, twenty five is the average age that women in the US first give birth.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and by the National Cancer Institute.

Adapted from The Essential Oils Book, by Colleen K. Dodt (Storey Books, 1996). http://www.care2.com/

Stressed? Craving peace or a good night’s sleep? This quiz can help you choose the right scent. There is even an essential oil that can help you avoid overeating!

Take this fun and easy quiz to discover which essential oils you need in your life right now!

We also include a great, easy formula for a simple cologne base that you can start making now to customize later for yourself, or as a gift for family or friends in the season of gift-giving.

1. Do you feel tired a lot?

2. Are you sometimes sad and moody?

3. Do you feel as if you could really use a lift?

4. Do you need to feel more energized?

5. Do you sometimes overeat?

6. Have you been having some pretty big mood swings lately?

7. Do you sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, unable to get back to sleep?

8. Do you feel anxious?

9. Do you feel stressed and pressured?

10. Are you sleeping poorly?

11. Could your sex life use a little more sparkle?

If you answered yes to questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, or 10 try these anti-depressant oils:

Bergamot, Clary sage, jasmine absolute, lavender, lemon, sweet orange, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rose geranium, rosemary, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang-ylang.

If you answered yes to number 5, try this oil to avoid overeating:

Grapefruit oil.

If you answered yes to 2 or 6, these oils help to balance mood swings:

Bergamot, Grapefruit, Jasmine absolute, juniper, sweet orange, rose, rosewood.

If you answered yes to 11, these oils are considered to be aphrodisiac:

Clary sage, jasmine absolute, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

If you answered yes to number 1, 7, or 10, try these oils to aid in deeper sleep:

Clary sage, lavender, rose, rose geranium, ylang ylang.

If you answered yes to 5, 7, 9, or 10, try these oils to reduce stress and tension:

Grapefruit, lavender, rose, rose geranium, rosewood, sandalwood, vanilla, ylang ylang.

If you answered yes to 7 or 10, try these oils to reduce anxiety:

Jasmine absolute, lavender, lemon, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

If you answered yes to number 1, 3, or 4, these oils are considered rejuvenating:

Lemon, peppermint.

This month’s newsletter is chock full of great info!!

Read all of these here: http://www.naturalhealtharchive.com/

In This Issue:

* The Top 3 ::Herbs:: for ::Cholesterol:: Management
* ::Yoga:: for Mind and Body Improvements
* ::Herbal Medicine:: for Children
* Using ::Essential Oils:: with Children
* Is Taking Prescription Medication for ::Anxiety:: the Best Option?
* Natural Treatment for ::Anxiety::
* ::Stress:: Management Tip – Progressive Relaxation
* Natural Beauty Recipe & Beauty Tips Collection
* Herbal Preparation Methods
* Overview of ::Carrier Oils::
* ::Herbs:: for Your Dog
* Introducing a Kitten to Your Older Cat
* The Many Uses of ::Eucalyptus:: Oil
* Special Bath Recipes
* Herbal Tea Collection
* Natural Care of ::Burns:: and Scalds
* Free Colds & Flu Ebook
* Free Pet Health Ebook

Read all of these here: http://www.naturalhealtharchive.com/

Don’t forget – you can subscribe to this monthly newsletter here:

Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference!

Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years. However, in most places of the world, natural medicine is the first line of defense against sickness and disease. Even the most technically advanced countries such as China and Japan, appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity of natural medicine. In

fact, we could stand to take some of their knowledge to heart these days. In our society today, one that relies heavily on chemically laden prescription drugs, psychotherapy and surgical procedures to “heal” the sick, there has never been a better time to look into such alternatives. Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference.

Natural medicine and alternative treatments in general is a booming industry. Our society has become very interested in how to help cure us from common problems such as allergies, depression and anxiety. But with so many products claiming to be the next miracle cure, how do you really know which kind of alternative therapy to use? Maybe it is time to skip the pills and give reflexology a try.

If you are unfamiliar with reflexology, here are the basics. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to areas of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears. Reflexologists see the hands and feet as an open door to the bodies systems. Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.

Although reflexologists cannot diagnose or claim to cure a sickness or disease, the results speak for themselves, making it one of the most sought after treatments today. In fact, celebrities pay an arm and a leg for just a few minutes of reflexology. Not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

Quick Reflexology Fact

Many of the techniques are basic and can be learned quite easily. If you want to start out simple, try to get rid of a tension headache. This is the first technique I learned. And not only did it work, it reassured me that I can treat myself.

However, if you do not like the idea of others touching your feet, or you do not have the big bucks to shell out, you can opt to learn basic reflexology yourself. I prefer this method not only because it is free, but also because it is extremely convenient. If you want to dig in and learn the basics, there are many online reflexology courses you can take. (http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/ is the one we recommend)

Moreover, many adult education programs offer weekend reflexology programs. Check with your local school district to find a class near you. Although these weekend seminars will not authorize you to claim yourself as a reflexologist, you will learn enough to effectively treat yourself and your family.

The bottom line is that reflexology has proved to be a therapy that is beneficial for everyone. It is the perfect complimentary medicine whether or not you must take prescription drugs or not. Once you try it you will understand why reflexology has found a permanent place in the health industry.

To learn more about affordable home study courses in Reflexology, go to http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/

Stress is a silent killer. In fact, stress is so commonplace in our society today, that associated behaviors, such as road rage, are becoming just an acceptable part of everyday life. Research has shown that high stress levels not only increase negative hormone levels, the ones responsible for inhibiting sickness and disease, but it also suppresses the immune system. More than ever before in our history, we are in need of a way to unwind, and care for ourselves in an effective manner.

The vast majority of people today are on the go almost constantly. This is only one of the reasons that people are looking for an effective way to escape the stress of daily life. Yet most people simply cannot afford a getaway to a luxury spa every time they feel the need for a time out. Not all of us can be celebrities, and receive the royal treatment every time we need to unwind, that is just not reality for most people.

Reflexology provides an answer to this common problem. Not only is this form of self-help therapy relaxing and provides immediate relief in many cases; moreover it is free of charge and extremely convenient. If you are unfamiliar with reflexology, it is simply the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs.

Just like the teeth, the feet and hands are a map to the health of our entire body. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding areas of the body.

Quick Reflexology Fact

Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years and still do so today. Even the most technically advanced countries such as China and Japan, appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity of natural medicine. So why not try a form of therapy that is effective, yet has no side affects? However, with so many products on the market begging for a sale, where do you begin?

Reflexology is fairly simple to perform and even simpler to incorporate into your daily routine. There are many online guides and diagrams that you can use. Or, if you prefer to have the information at your fingertips, there are many great books you can even get at your local library that will walk you through the process of reflexology treatment.

If you are really serious about learning the techniques, there are numerous online reflexology schools where you can take classes and learn in-depth techniques for more specified sicknesses and diseases.

Try something simple for starters, such as relieving a headache, once you have witnessed the benefits, you may find yourself hooked. I started using reflexology therapy a few years ago just for the purpose of relieving the tension headaches I was experiencing due to stress. I can attest to the fact that it works, as I have been successful at curing my headaches without the use of drugs ever since.

In the fast paced society that we live in today, I highly recommend that you take a time out for yourself each day. Set aside a specific time early in the morning or before you go to bed and practice deep breathing and reflexology techniques. Before long you will notice a big difference in how you see life and that you are able to manage your day so much better.

To learn more about affordable home study courses in Reflexology, go to http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/

Reflexology, or zone therapy, is a complementary therapy, intended for use alongside conventional medical care and not as a replacement. It is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears, in order to encourage a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body, or to try to improve general health.

Reflexology is most commonly performed on the feet, moving on to the hands and/or ears where physical restraints (contraindications), such as veruccas or fractures, apply.

There is no one fixed theory to explain reflexology. All practitioners believe that areas on the foot correspond to areas of the body, and that reflexology assists the self-healing process. Some practitioners believe these zones to reflect the energy (Qi) body, and that blockages of energy in the body are reflected through “grit” or “lumps” on the foot. A therapist will apply pressure in the form of relaxing massage to these areas, in order to stimulate the corresponding area and thereby remove blockages in the energy body.

Contrary to some beliefs, reflexology does not seek to diagnose or cure medical conditions – merely imbalances in the life energy or Qi of the body. There are concerns over the efficacy of this treatment, and about the safety of using such a therapy instead of conventional medicine, which have resulted in some studies to investigate reflexology.

To learn more about affordable home study courses in Reflexology, go to http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster?

There are many natural approaches to combating one of the most common pregnancy complaints, morning sickness. Most people have heard of the age-old ginger remedy for upset stomachs and intestinal gas. It is an effective remedy that is cheap to use and has no side effects, which is very important to most expectant

mothers. However, there are many more natural remedies that you can use not only to ease the stomach, but also to ensure a smooth, faster labor. Yes, it is true, say hello to reflexology.

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster? Yes, it is true. Furthermore, women that undergo reflexology treatment during pregnancy also appear to have fewer complications during labor. These benefits are great, but what about the nine-months of uncomfortable, often painful symptoms?

If you are new to reflexology, here are the basics. Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. And it is not only limited to the feet and hands, although they are the most widely used areas. Reflexology can also be used on the face and the ears as well.

Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. Reflexology has been known to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, stress and anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles and digestive problems such as acid reflux.

Quick Reflexology Fact

The more feet you work on the more success stories you will receive from satisfied, paying customers. In a business like reflexology, this is key to success. The truth of the matter is, one person could be responsible for making or breaking your reputation, but more commonly, it takes many satisfied customers to get a foothold in your community.

Of all of the pregnancy complaints, nausea, or morning sickness is one of the most uncomfortable. Not only can it last all day and can onset in the blink of an eye, but also can lead to problems holding down food if it becomes severe. Here is what I would recommend if you are having trouble with nausea on a regular basis.

* Start a reflexology treatment schedule and stick to it. In a very short time you will feel like you are on top of the world.
* Eat frequent, small meals throughout the day. This is a common recommendation, but one worth mentioning at anytime.
* Do not eliminate your carbs but rather take in complex carbs instead of simple, sugar-laden carbs. They will only make matters worse.
* Because prenatal vitamin contain a lot of iron, that can be a cause for upset stomach. I always got in the habit of taking it later in the day or before bed versus in the morning.
* Another common recommendation, and a good one at that, is to have some saltine crackers on your bedside. When you wake up in the morning, wake up slowly and munch on some before you rise. One sure fire way to get nausea going is to jump up out of bed. Just don’t do it, I learned this the hard way! It is better to be late than to be sick all day!
* Avoid strong odors and smells. If you can’t hack a smell, go out and take a light walk in the fresh air. That will usually do the trick.

To learn more about affordable home study courses in Reflexology, go to http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/

Black cohosh – (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Most commonly prescribed as Remifemin; 40 mg/day is often recommended

Helps reduce effects of hot flashes, night sweats, and mild mood changes associated with menopause.

Calcium with vitamin D

600–1,200 mg calcium/day, depending on diet, with 400 IU vitamin D/day

Keeps bones and teeth strong; helps prevent fractures, osteoporosis, and osteopenia.

Turmeric – (Curcuma domestica)

1/8 teaspoon per serving; best added to foods

Anti-inflammatory; phytoestrogenic; lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol; neutralizes free radicals; and aids in digestion.

Vitamin C

500–1,000 mg/day (depending on the amount of produce you consume)

May boost immune system, promote healthy teeth and gums, help in the absorption of iron, and promote wound healing.

Vitamin E

400 IU/day

May boost immune system, keep eyes healthy by preventing cataracts, and help prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

Sources: Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD; www.eatright. org; MedLine Plus Medical Encyclopedia; Nancy Lonsdorf, MD; www.herbal-suppleme nts-guide. com; www.menopauserx. com.