A Pregnancy Diet

Every woman should have a healthy diet during her pregnancy. You may be thinking or wondering “Why do I need a diet during pregnancy if need to gain weight?”

Well, this is not like all the other diets where you need to cut down on your calories to try and lose weight. However, this is more of a healthy diet to keep you and your baby healthy.

You must remember that whatever you eat, will also affect your baby’s health. Please Do not try to lose weight on a diet while you are pregnant as it is not healthy at all. Your baby and you will need a lot of minerals, folic acid, important vitamins, and iron. Most weight losing diets restrict those things that you and your baby will need.

Diets that should be avoided is South Beach, Raw Food Diet, The Zone and Atkins. The kind of diet that we are talking about is one that fine-tunes you’re eating habits to make sure that you get enough of everything you need. Your baby’s development and growth is very important. Thus, when it comes to eating, healthy is the only option.

To get all the nutrients that you and your baby will need, you will have to get in food from all the different food groups. The different food groups are bread and grains, dairy products, protein sources, fruits, and vegetables. You need to get an extra 300 calories in a day.

The Food Groups

In general, a person should eat healthy, it is very important that you try to get something in of all the food groups. Yet, you and your baby will need a lot of nutrients throughout your pregnancy. So, here are the different food groups and suggestions of how to have a healthy pregnancy diet.

Fruit and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of the nutrients that you will need during your pregnancy. For example, they contain Folic Acid and Vitamin C. If you are pregnant you need about 70 mg of vitamin C daily, at the least.

There are a few different fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C such as honeydew, grapefruit, and oranges in the fruits group, plus, Tomatoes. You also need to eat brussel sprouts, spinach, cauliflower and broccoli in the vegetable group.

You also want to prevent tube defects, so, you will only need about 0.4 mg of Folic Acid per day. Vegetables that have dark green leaves have Folic Acid inside them. These are vegetables like veal, lima beans/black beans, legumes, and black-eyed peas. A pregnant woman should have 4 or more servings of vegetables and 2 to 4 servings fruit a day.

Bread and Grains

A pregnant woman needs essential carbohydrates for her main energy source, this can be found in bread and grains. Grain products and grain enriched products will provide the important nutrients like Fiber, Vitamin B, Iron and a little bit of protein.

Additionally, you will also be able to get Folic Acid in from fortified cereal and bread. Your servings will all depend on your dietary needs and your weight. You will need to get in at least 6 to 11 servings of grain/bread daily. Serving should be in OZ.

Protein

There are a couple of food types that contain protein. Beans, fish, eggs, poultry and all meats contain protein. Most of these will also contain the vitamin B and iron that you will need.

Your baby requires a lot of protein to develop, he or she will need a lot more protein through the second and third trimesters. The iron that you take in will help carry oxygen to your baby and iron helps to give your muscles oxygen.

These are also known to in avoiding symptoms such as weakness, irritability, depression, and fatigue. You will need about 27 mg of protein a day. Eating liver, turkey, lamb, beef, veal or chicken are all good options.

Fish has a lot of good nutrition in them for pregnant woman, but you should try and avoid fish that has a lot of mercury in them. You must have at least 3 servings of protein daily.

Dairy Products

You will at least need about a 1000 mg of calcium daily if you are pregnant. Calcium is required for a lot of things in a person’s body. Calcium assists with normal blood clotting, muscle and nerve functions, plus, building strong bones and teeth. Your baby is constantly growing inside you and he or she will need a lot of calcium to help with their growth.

What happens in your body when pregnant? The body uses the calcium out of your bones to give to your baby while growing. So, you will need to replace the calcium that is taken away. There are many different issues that can be caused if you do not consume enough calcium. Issues such as osteoporosis can occur.

There are many different foods that can supply you with calcium. Foods like yogurt, cream soups, puddings, cheese, and milk provides good calcium. There is some other food that also contains calcium and they are beans, dried peas, seafood and some green vegetables. Will need to consume at least 4 servings daily of dairy or calcium-rich products.

A Balance of Nutrition

There are times that you will not be able to get in all the things that you need as a pregnant woman. Thus, you will need to take Prenatal Vitamins daily to fill in the gaps you may miss. If possible, or when planning a baby, it is best to start with prenatal vitamins three months before conceiving.

It is best to see your doctor before just taking any medication, he or she will give you the right ones if you need any. Another thing that you will need to remember it that prenatal vitamins can only help complement your pregnancy diet. 

Reasons to Use a Cosmetic Dentist

Except for restoring the functionality of your tooth/teeth, a cosmetic dentist makes use of different techniques to enhance your smile. Even in the case where your tooth/teeth are in an excellent condition, it’s still possible to add tooth whitening for that extra touch to highlight your existing beautiful smile.

Some patient’s confidence increases dramatically when a cosmetic dentist repairs their missing or broken teeth. To invest in a smile that is beautiful is not only all about appearances, but it’s an investment that is important for career and social opportunities.

Why should you visit a cosmetic dentist?

In the past ten years, technology and techniques used in cosmetic dentistry changed intensely, and improvements today is able to provide you with a beautiful smile. With all these new modern technologies, it’s possible for cosmetic dentists to transform your smile within only one visit. You will have the advantage of receiving a beautiful smile in no time and boost your confidence.

Different reasons why you should use a cosmetic dentist

Problems with stained teeth

You might be a big fan of drinking soda, wine, or coffee. Yet, do you understand the negative effect and stains caused by these drinks? How they can affect your teeth and how troublesome it may be.

Yes, it’s easy to find over-the-counter treatments such as strips, whitening toothpaste, and mouthwashes. However, they can’t provide you with results that are very reliable. Cosmetic dentistry will offer you a better solution as what home treatments can. Some of the procedures may take about an hour and produce results of nearly 8 shades brighter.

Self-consciousness with the spotlight on you

When your job requires face-to-face meetings with new clients and you are always in the spotlight, it’s important to have a first impression that counts. Especially your physical appearance.

This will include your smile and teeth which can build-up your confidence. Your cosmetic dentist would be able to help you achieve the look you need. Thus, allowing you to step out with confidence and proudly into the spotlight.

Problems with missing teeth

If some of your teeth or a tooth is missing, whether you lost it through a disease, accident or injury, a dental implant is an alternative that is more comfortable than traditional dentures. Depending on your bone and gum health, the dentist can determine whether dentures, tooth implants, or bridge prosthesis can be a suitable option for you.

Reshaping of your teeth

In the case where you have problems with your teeth which includes teeth that are oddly shaped, too pointy, or worn down, cosmetic dentistry will be your answer to ensure a pleasing appearance. Most of the time, they may use porcelain veneers, because it’s possible to shape it exactly the same as your original teeth.

Restoring teeth that are damaged

With years passing, your teeth may reveal deterioration through discoloration, cracks or chips. Cosmetic dentistry procedures like porcelain veneers or bonding can cover up all the damage to enhance the appearance of your tooth/teeth.

In some cases, where damage is very severe like broken or badly decayed teeth, your dentist will provide dental crowns that look natural to restore them, which can offer important support and structure.

To straighten misaligned or crooked teeth

Some patients that have crooked or misaligned teeth might want to fix them while avoiding the pain and humiliation of wearing metal traditional braces.

However, cosmetic dentists may offer alternative options such as clear braces for straightening your teeth, which were widely proven successful.

It consists of some plastic aligners that are close to invisible. These shift all the teeth in place without using metal braces. Another procedure that is effective to straighten your teeth is porcelain veneers.

Lengthening teeth that are too small

With teeth that are too small, you might feel very self-conscious. Your dentist may be able to bond dental veneers onto the tooth surface and alter their shape and length. Your dentist and you can then decide together on the color, size, and shape of the veneers to provide a beautiful smile which will look perfect.

You receive results that are good

Cosmetic dentists can fix broken, chipped, cracked or gapped teeth, as well as repair gum lines that are jagged and whiten your teeth if it is discolored. They will be able to correct all dental defects which might affect your overall appearance.

A younger appearance

Perfect dentistry can boost you psychologically and also provide you with a younger look by simply improving your smile. In social surroundings, you won’t experience any embarrassment about your look and you can socialize comfortably.

Long lasting effects

Most procedures will last for about ten years, this means that you can spend less money and time to fix your smile. The benefits of using cosmetic dentistry definitively outweighs all expenses.

Measures of prevention

Bonding procedures can strengthen your teeth. Worn and fractured edges also are covered by this procedure, which may prevent any further wear on your teeth.

So, if you have any problems with your teeth, make sure to contact your cosmetic dentist to help you with a better appearance and life.

Grave's Disease- Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is Grave’s disease?

Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in overproduction of the hormones of the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism. It usually affects woman under the age of 40.

However, Grave’s disease can affect anyone. The reason why the immune system works against the thyroid gland is unknown, or why the body produces an antibody to one part of the cells in the thyroid gland.

The thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) acts like the regulatory pituitary hormone. TRAb causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Although anyone can be affected by this disease, some are at a greater risk of being affected by the Grave’s disease.

Risk factors include:

•    Age – this disease usually affects younger people, under the age of 40

•    Autoimmune disorders – people with other autoimmune disorders have a greater risk of suffering from Grave’s disease

•    Gender – women are at a greater risk of suffering from Grave’s disease when compared to men

•    Family history – this disease is more common among women of the same family. There is likely a gene or more than one gene that can increase the risk of suffering from Grave’s disease

•    Smoking – people who smoke are at a greater risk of suffering from Grave’s disease

•    Pregnancy – among women who are genetically predisposed to suffer from Grave’s disease, pregnancy or recent childbirth is a risk factor.

Signs and Symptoms of Grave’s disease

Thyroid hormones play a great role in a human’s body, affecting almost every organ. That is the reason why signs and symptoms associated with Grave’s disease can be wide ranging. The most common signs and symptoms include:

•    Enlargement of the thyroid gland – goiter

•    Grave’s ophthalmopathy – bulging eyes

•    A fine tremor of the fingers and hands

•    Anxiety

•    Irritability

•    Irregular heartbeats

•    Grave’s dermopathy – thick and red skin that shines

•    Frequent bowel movements

•    Erectile dysfunction

•    Reduced sexual libido

•    Change of the menstrual cycle

•    Heat sensitivity and moist skin

•    Weight loss, despite normal eating habits

How is Grave’s disease diagnosed?

When the disease is suspected, a wide range of examinations is available in order to diagnose it. Your health care provider will order you to do the following examinations:

•    Physical examination – a detailed physical examination is necessary, which includes also the examination of the eyes for Grave’s ophthalmopathy.

•    A blood sample – with the help of blood samples, levels of thyroid stimulating hormone TSH, pituitary hormones and the levels of the thyroid hormones, T3, T4, freeT3 are determined.

•    Ultrasound of the thyroid gland – with the help of the ultrasound, your health care provider will see if the thyroid gland is enlarged or not.

•    Imaging tests – CT-scan, MRI are used in cases when from the clinical assessment the diagnosis is not very clear.

•    Radioactive iodine uptake – a small amount of radioactive iodine is given to you, followed by the measuring of the iodine amount in your thyroid gland. The amount of the radioactive iodine taken up by the thyroid gland will help determine the real cause of hyperthyroidism.

Treatment for Grave’s disease

The goal of the treatment in Grave’s disease is to stop the thyroid gland from overproducing the hormones. But also to stop these already produced hormones affect the organs of the human body. One of the treatment options includes per - oral intake of radioactive iodine. The radioactive iodine taken, by mouth, goes into the thyroid gland and destroys the overactive thyroid cells.

Gradually, the thyroid gland will shrink and will produce less thyroid hormone. The time from taking the radioactive iodine until lessening of the symptoms is from several weeks until several months.

•    Anti - thyroid medication includes Propylthiouracil and Methimazole. These medications interfere with the thyroid’s use of iodine to produce the thyroid hormones.

•    Beta – blockers are used in order to control the cardiac signs that Grave’s disease causes.

Surgery is often recommended and a total or partial thyroidectomy is performed. Thyroidectomy like any other surgery has its own risks and possible complications. In this case, there is the risk of damage to the parathyroid glands but also damage to the vocal cords. One of the major signs of Grave’s disease, the Grave’s ophthalmopathy can be managed by using artificial tears and lubricant gels.

If the signs and symptoms are more severe the use of corticosteroids, prisms, orbital radiotherapy, and even orbital decompression surgery are necessary.

What to Know About Pregnancy and What Is a Pregnancy Calculator

Congratulations are in order if you just found out that you are pregnant. You now have a little bundle of joy growing inside of you. Figure out how far along you exactly are might be very confusing. Especially if it is your first and you could be wondering what is coming next. Listed below are some important facts you need to know and understand.

The reason why pregnancy is counted by starting from your last period

Midwives and doctors always use the 1st day from your last period to calculate your due date, even if they know you were not pregnant yet. That day is usually close to 2 weeks prior to your ovulation and conceiving. Doctors use the 1st day because women won’t know when they exactly ovulate, though, generally, all women know the date when they started their last period.

How doctors calculate your due date?

Normally, the doctor counts two hundred and eighty days from your 1st day of the last period to determine when your baby might be due. It’s exactly forty weeks, however, this date will just be an estimate. Just five percent of all babies may be born on the estimated due date.

You should immediately start with the basics of pregnancy

Calculate the due date of your baby

Once you more or less know when your baby will be due, you can concentrate on the weeks that lay ahead while your baby grows inside of you. Thus, you may estimate when it might be possible to hear his/her heartbeat when you can find out the sex of your baby and much more.

Choosing your midwife or doctor

In the beginning, you might see your doctor, a midwife or a gynecologist, and it’s very important to choose one that you feel comfortable with. If you decided who you want to assist you with your pregnancy, make sure to schedule your 1st prenatal appointment when you are about eight weeks into your pregnancy.

Make a decision when you would like to announce the pregnancy

Sometimes women might choose to announce it immediately, while others prefer to wait till after their 1st trimester, to avoid the risk of having a miscarriage. Choose who you want to notify first and how you would like to do it.

How to take the utmost care of your baby and your own body

Pay proper attention to your own health

It’s very important to always live a lifestyle that is healthy, but once there is a baby on board, it will be more vital. Ensure that you get enough folic acids, and start using prenatal vitamins which your doctor may recommend. Get sufficient sleep, do exercise routines that are pregnancy friendly and follow a healthy diet for pregnancy.

Avoid any pregnancy no-no’s

Pregnancy doesn’t mean you must exist in a sterilized bubble, although, there are things that can be dangerous when you are pregnant. Things to avoid can include caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, certain medications, and foods. Anything that contains toxins or drugs, such as marijuana, and also certain behaviors and activities should be stopped. Consult your doctor about what will be right for you and what not.

Prepare yourself for any symptoms of early pregnancy

All women won’t experience the same symptoms of pregnancy, but you should know what to expect and make sure you are not blindsided. Most women may experience sore breasts, funny food cravings, and jaw-dropping fatigue, vomiting, nausea, as well as some a frequent need to use the bathroom. These are the most common symptoms, so, if you experience anything that doesn’t feel right consult your doctor.

Be prepared for changes in your body

During pregnancy it won’t only be a big belly and breasts, there are many changes your body can go through. Although, it may never be the same for every woman. You can expect any of the following, such as varicose veins, stretch marks, swollen ankles, acne breakouts, darkened skin, and thicker or thinner hair. This can all happen over the forty weeks of pregnancy and you should be prepared for it.

Follow the development of your baby

Babies grow and change very fast and it’s important to know what you should expect over your pregnancy term to enjoy every moment.

What to expect during your three trimesters

First trimester

After implantation and fertilization, your baby will only be an embryo. It’s known as two cell layers which develop into body parts and organs. Your baby can grow quickly from a microscopic egg into a kidney bean size. The baby’s intestines start forming and the little heart beats fast. Then your baby’s nose, mouth, eyelids, and earlobes also take shape.

Second trimester

By now your baby’s length can be around three and a half inches and he/she may weigh close to one and a half ounces. The unique and tiny fingerprints will be in place on the fingers, with his/her heart pumping about twenty-five quarts of blood daily. With the weeks going on the skeleton of your baby starts to change from the rubbery cartilage to harden bones, and she/he begins to hear. At this time, you should feel flutters and kicks.

Third trimester

At the start of this trimester, your baby can weigh close to two and a quarter pounds. He/she can now blink with their eyes which already have lashes. Wrinkled skin starts to become smooth and he/she develops baby fat.

The hair, fingernails, and toenails also start to develop. Plus, billions of neurons get added to the brain. He/she is blossoming in your utero over the last weeks while still putting on some weight. By birth, an average baby can weigh about seven pounds and may be about nineteen inches long.

What Every Woman Should Know About Nexplanon Birth Control

Nexplanon is a small, flexible and thin arm implant, it looks like a match and is inserted into your arm. It allows a steady flow of low dosage hormones into the bloodstream for birth control. It can last for up to at least three years.

The hormones in Nexplanon birth control will stop your eggs from releasing through the ovaries, and prevent any sperm from reaching your eggs.

Thus, the reason why it’s considered as an option of long-acting birth control.

It will discreetly be placed under your skin of the upper, inner arm by your doctor. This procedure is reversible as well as your doctor can remove it during the period of three years at any time. Once removed, it’s possible to fall pregnant within one week after.

The effectiveness of Nexplanon birth control implants

This birth control procedure is your best option as it can assure over ninety-nine percent effectiveness. It means that less than one out of hundred women that use this procedure may fall pregnant every year.

The reason for its effectiveness is because you won’t have the risk of making any mistakes.

Since the implant is in the arm, there won’t be a chance to forget taking it like the pill or using it incorrectly. It can protect you every day, all day from falling pregnant for nearly four years.

Once you decide you are ready for children, it can easily be removed by your doctor and you may immediately fall pregnant.

However, this implant can’t protect you from any STDs, therefore, you need to use condoms as well, which will also give you double protection against pregnancy.

Is there a time frame for the implant to start working?

The best time to get the implant for protection against pregnancy immediately needs to be done within the first five days when your period starts. Having the implant done during any other time span of your cycle may require the use of something else as well. You’ll need extra protection such as a condom in your first week. Thereafter you will be safe.

Women that might not be able to use this procedure

There are a couple of reasons why a woman would not be able to use this method. These are as follow:

If you have any allergies to anything that Nexplanon contains.

When you suffered either in the past or are suffering now from breast or different cancer, that can be sensitive to your female hormone progestin.

Experiencing vaginal bleeding that can’t be explained.

With any disease or tumor, you may have in the liver.

If you suffered or suffer from any blood clots in your brain, heart, eyes, lungs, or legs.

When you suspect you might be pregnant or are pregnant.

Make sure to notify your doctor if you had or have any of these conditions that are listed above. He/she can recommend other procedures for birth control.

Additionally, you should ask your doctor if you can use Nexplanon when you have the following:

Any allergies to medicines that have a numbing effect like anesthetics, or antiseptic medicines used for cleaning the skin. This is because, during the procedure of placing or removing an implant, it will be used.

High blood pressure

A history of getting into depressed moods

Kidney or gallbladder problems

Headaches

Triglycerides or high cholesterol

Diabetes

Risks of having the procedure done

It’s rare to develop any problems that are serious by using Nexplanon. Although, you might experience pain in your arm for some days. If you notice infection in your arm you may need medicine. Additionally, there could be some scarring where they did the implant.

Make sure to contact the doctor when you experience the following:

When it seems that your implant has moved.

Experiencing longer or heavier bleeding than normal.

If your skin and eyes turn yellow.

Also, in the case where pain, redness, pus, or bleeding of the arm with the implant doesn’t go away.

Benefits of Nexplanon birth control

It’s private and convenient

Once the procedure is done, you can forget about it until you want to take it out or the time expires. This means that you won’t have any worries like with other birth control measures. Typically, the implant won’t even be visible under the skin and nobody will know about it.

You can experience fewer period problems

This procedure may help to cut down on cramps during your period. It may also reduce period bleeding. In some cases, about one out of three patients that have the procedure might even stop having periods after one year.

With Nexplanon implants it only releases one hormone

Most birth control hormonal methods consist of two hormones like progestin and estrogen. Some patients that have certain problems with their health won’t be able to use anything which contains estrogen. However, Nexplanon is estrogen-free with a super efficiency to prevent pregnancy, therefore, more patients can use it.

For more about this birth control method or any other, talk you your doctor today.

How Is Warts Removed?

I am sure that at least 95% of you know about warts as they are a common occurrence.  This is a small knob or bump that grows on the skin. Warts do not hurt at all in most cases, yet, there are some cases that warts may itch and be sore. However, most of the time this is when the warts are on your feet.

There are five different kinds of warts.

Here is a look at these types.

•    Common warts – are mostly found on the hands.

•    Flat warts – they are found on the forehead or the face.

•    Plantar warts – these warts appear on the bottom of your feet.

•    Genital warts – this wart is also known as Condyloma and are found on the genitals. The private area between your thighs.

•    Periungual and Subungual wats – these are most common around the toenails and fingernails.

Causes of Warts

Warts are generally caused by an infection due to a variety of viruses. These viruses are part of the family of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are able to grow on any body part and are not limited to specific areas even though they are generally found only in certain areas.

They don’t just grow on your skin they can also grow inside your mouth, on your genitals and rectal area. There are more than 100 different types of HPV virus infections.

The more common types of HPV cause warts to grow on the fingernails, toenails and on the hands. Other types of HPV can cause warts to grow on other parts of the rectal area or genitals.

Some people get wart easier than other and some don’t get them at all. This is due to their body’s resistance as some people are more resistant to any of the HPV viruses.

Are warts contagious?

Oh yes, warts are surely contagious. Warts can transfer from one person to another person by touching warts on the skin. Additionally, it can be given to another person though using the same towel, clothing or objects that a person with warts used.

If a person has warts on their genitals, they can be given it to another person through any kind of contacts such as intercourse and even oral sex. If your partner has warts on his or her genitals it is very important that you guys have safe sex. In a woman’s case, she might not always know she has wart because warts can grow on the cervix, that is the inside of the vagina. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Do warts go away?

Yes, warts do eventually go away on their own but are can take months or even years to disappear without treatment. Nonetheless, there are certain warts that just don’t want to go away on their own. The doctor still can’t say why only some types go away and other do not.

Warts need to be treated.

Warts can get in the way of your everyday life, they can bleed or when bump it can cause them to be painful. Sometimes warts can also be embarrassing, for example, if you grow warts on your face. I’m sure you don’t want to walk around and have them on your face where people can see.

With proper treatment, it can also help decrease the risk of spreading to another part of your body or those you love.

How are warts removed?

Common warts like those on the fingernails and others such as on the genitals are removed in different ways. You must please not try any home remedies or drugs to try and remove warts on your own. Certain things might hurt more and do damage to your skin, especially on your genitals. Before treating any warts ask your doctor first and see what he/she thinks.

Here are some things that may help get rid of warts on your hands and feet:

•    Applying Salicylic Acid

•    Applying Cantharidin

•    Applying Liquid Nitrogen

Remember first find out from your doctor before using anything. He or she will tell you what will work the best for you.

Genital Area

Warts on the genital area must only be removed by your doctor. These warts can be removed but there is no cure. This means that warts will eventually come back.

Do common warts come back?

In most cases when warts are removed, they don’t come back at all, but there is a chance that they may come back. Usually, if they come back it is due to the virus that is causing them and it has no cure. If you are living in an environment or area that is mostly wet, then you will have difficulty in getting rid of them.

If your wart does come back after treatment, please talk to your doctor to see about using another treatment to get rid of them.