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5 things to keep in mind to ensure a healthy pregnancy

5 things to keep in mind to ensure a healthy pregnancy

The thought of welcoming a new member can be ecstatic. Health care during pregnancy is referred to as prenatal care and is of great importance, as it helps to deliver a healthy child and lowers the risk of premature birth. During pregnancy especially, support from your family can help more than one can imagine. Here are some things to watch out for and the top tips to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy:

Morning sickness
Morning sickness usually sets in the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy. Some pregnant women may develop vomiting sensations all day and night. This period can be emotionally challenging, with fatigue setting in. Here are some ways in which the family can help:

  • Paying close attention
    Certain types of meals could trigger nausea and the urge to vomit. As a family member, it is important to closely watch which foods trigger such flare-ups and try to avoid them during pregnancy. Generally, it is recommended that pregnant women stay away from fat and greasy food, as it becomes difficult to digest them. In addition, certain kinds of smells could also trigger nausea. Paying close attention to these triggers is also important to keep morning sickness at bay.
  • Hydration
    Constant nausea would undoubtedly lead to dehydration and loss of electrolytes in the body. Ensuring the intake of enough liquids could go a long way toward a healthy pregnancy.

Emotional support
The American Pregnancy Association has stated that pregnant women will feel a considerable shift in their emotions due to changes in hormones. The progesterone and estrogen levels soar to accommodate the growth of the fetus, and this is the period where the irritation levels soar high. Negative emotions like fear and anxiety also set in, specifically in the first trimester and the last two months of pregnancy. Here’s how you can help:

  • Be available to talk
    Asking the pregnant woman how she feels and intently listening to her can help. It is also in such conversations that the concerns and fear that were buried inside emerge.
  • Staying patient
    Most family members could land up directly in the middle of mood swings. Escalation could lead to arguments or fights, which is a complete no during pregnancy. The key here is to be calm and patient. It is also important not to escalate any issue and let it pass.
  • Share the chores
    Family members should ensure that the going-to-be mother gets enough rest and exhibit their responsibility by taking up chores.

Pregnancy brain
People often use this term to refer to forgetfulness during pregnancy. But in all honesty, pregnant women go through this phase due to the spike of certain hormones, which affects the neurons in the brain, leading to poor memory. Recent research has also unveiled that pregnant women tend to have a reduced ability to retain or learn new information. As a family member, one could draft a schedule using simple hacks. Just drawing up a schedule on a wall or checking in with going-to-be mother could ensure that she does not miss anything important. Although this might seem simple, maintaining consistency is important and would also help women feel taken care of.

Pregnancy and physical health
The body goes through tremendous transformations during pregnancy. A growing belly and a substantial increase in weight could cause discomfort. In addition, there could also be swelling of the feet, bleeding of the gums, and extra growth of hair or extreme loss of hair. Towards the third trimester, women may notice that their breast size goes up, and stretch marks become all the more visible. With all these changes, women tend to feel anxious and overwhelmed.

  • Taking walks
    Going for a walk with her or doing some physical activity ensures that the body stays fit, which is essential during childbirth.
  • Cooking
    Adding pregnancy-friendly recipes that are nutritious to meal plans can help.

Getting ready
Pregnancy is a whole new experience, so knowing how to prepare for it can be challenging. Usually, pregnant women can start to predict their fetal movements from the third trimester. More so, towards the end of the 8th month, there is a tendency for the mothers to develop a “nesting” tendency where they mentally and physically manifest the idea of getting ready for delivery and their journey thereon. You can start by:

  • Buy baby friendly thing
    Shopping for things like maternity clothing and baby equipment to embrace the growing life within her can boost her confidence.
  • Packing the hospital bag
    Every woman tends to prepare a checklist much before the delivery date. Being available with her to draw up a schedule and pack her bags for hospitalization is a great gesture to show emotional bonding.
  • Being there for appointments
    Most importantly, it would be advisable to be available for all or most hospital visits and scans so that the family members understand how the pregnancy is going first-hand.

Pregnancy has many ups and downs, both emotionally and physically. While each pregnancy is different, it would be an understatement to refer to pregnancy as an emotional rollercoaster ride. The strongest anchoring in the nine months would be family, and their support extended to the going-to-be mother.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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7 effective ways to deal with hair loss

Finding a few strands of hair on your brush is normal, however, persistent hair loss is a serious issue for a lot of people. It can be brought on by hormonal issues, aging, scalp infections, nutritional deficiencies, and even stress. This can keep people from maintaining their luscious locks, whether curly, straight, or wavy. One can manage the condition and even prevent further damage to their hair in the following ways:  Practice good hair care One of the most basic ways to handle hair loss is to keep your scalp and hair clean. Regularly washing your hair can help you maintain a dirt-free scalp and preserve a good volume of hair. However, more shampoo does not mean more cleanliness; excessive shampooing can eliminate natural oils and damage the hair by making it dry and brittle. Further, repetitive or daily shampooing can leave your hair looking thin rather than voluminous. Wet hair is more prone to breakage, so frequently washing your hair can aggravate shedding. Additionally, always opt for air drying hair since the heat from blow-dryers removes the moisture and makes it vulnerable to breakage.  Opt for gentle styling For most people dressing up involves washing and blowdrying their hair along with styling it using curling rods or straightening irons. Persistent use of heating tools can damage the hair and lead to breakage. Moreover, hairpins, hair clips, and elastic rubber bands can also cause hair breakage, especially when these tools hold the hair tightly in place for long periods. This is why tight ponytails and constant braiding can also affect your hair by creating tension and causing breakage. So, you should carefully choose accessories that cause the least damage. Ball-headed pins and fabric hair ties are less harmful than most other hair adornments.  Make better food choices The Mediterranean nutritional regimen is becoming popular due to its numerous health benefits. The Greeks are known not only to live longer because of their healthy food habits but also to have great hair even as they age. Many research studies reveal that this meal plan, rich in raw vegetables, healthy fish, and nutritious herbs, slows the onset of androgenic alopecia and may even promote hair growth. One can make better food choices like increasing their intake of parsley, basil, salmon, salad greens, and Greek yogurt. Adding protein to the food also helps prevent the loss of hair. Ideally, one needs between 40 and 60 grams of protein each day. It helps improves hair growth and increases luster and texture. Compared to most meal plans, the Mediterranean style is less restrictive and is easy to maintain in the long run.  Use essential oils Oiling hair can go a long way in managing hair loss. Coconut oil helps to groom and prevent hair damage caused by ultraviolet light exposure, and massaging it on the scalp improves blood flow and enables easy regrowth. Olive oil also slows genetic hair loss and protects the hair from dryness and associated breakage. Several essential oils—lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, and rosemary—can also help reduce hair damage. One should warm a carrier oil like coconut or almond and mix a few drops of essential oil before applying it and letting it stay for 15–20 minutes. This should be carefully rinsed off, and one shouldn’t use harsh shampoos in the process as it can negate the benefits of the oil. Practice relaxation techniques Scalp massages can be relaxing and may help manage hair loss; the warm oil and circular motion can stimulate hair follicles and increase hair growth. One can opt for electric scalp massagers to avoid going to spas. Further, yoga and meditation may also positively affect hair growth and prevent hair loss because they can keep stress at bay. Stress is one of the most common triggers for hair damage and conditions like androgenic alopecia. One can also try breathing techniques, journaling, and aroma therapy to manage stress.  Seek professional help Understanding one’s hair is crucial for determining treatment options for hair loss. Figuring out how to manage the condition is influenced by the precise cause of losing hair. A dermatologist may examine the hair and scalp and ask questions about the patient’s lifestyle, hair care habits, and treatment options for other illnesses that may cause hair loss as a side effect. They might need a sample of the hair or scalp biopsy to learn more about one’s hair. Once the cause is known, the doctor and patient can discuss and devise a workable plan to manage the condition. Causes or triggers like scalp infections, thyroid problems, or androgenic alopecia may require additional treatment options. Try supplements Vitamins are essential nutrients for the hair and are often available in small amounts in the food one consumes. However, they may not be effectively absorbed. Most doctors recommend supplements since these offer essential vitamins and minerals in a concentrated, absorbable form. Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, along with iron, selenium, zinc, and iron, are vital for managing hair damage. They are critical for cell turnover, hair growth, and retention, and deficiency of vitamins like biotin (vitamin B7) can be harmful to hair.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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