Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 12

Being pregnant is weird. Expectant mothers never know what to expect. There are some symptoms that most women have heard of and won’t be surprised to encounter. Achy boobs, weird cravings, swollen ankles, and having to pee every twenty minutes are just a few common side affects of having a baby on board.

But what about the weird symptoms you don’t expect? If baby-growing can result in a whole array of bodily responses, how can a mother know what bodily responses are cause for concern?

Fear not. There are lots of weird symptoms that are actually perfectly normal. Here are just a few funky side-effects you might notice while pregnant. Though perhaps alarming, these conditions are no reason to raise the alarm:

1. Hair Growth

Though you might have heard that pregnant women often grow luscious, thick locks of hair on their head, the scalp isn’t the only place where hair flourishes while pregnant. Arm hair, pubic hair, and even a mother’s eyebrows can become bushy thanks to fluctuating hormones, according to Parents . Some women even grow hair where they normally wouldn’t, like on their face or chest. This growth is totally normal, and extra hairs often fall out around six months after the baby arrives.

2. Loss of Your Sense of Smell

Another odd thing that can happen to pregnant women is alteration or loss of their sense of smell. Anosmia may seem odd, but according to Good Housekeeping, it can lower a pregnant person’s chance of nausea and vomiting while pregnant.

3. Forgetfulness

Thanks to the hormones, the stress, and the sleeplessness that often come with pregnancy, a pregnant person might have trouble staying focused, or might lose their keys a bit more often. In fact, up to 80% of pregnant women experience memory impairment.

4. Chadwick’s Sign

Increased blood flow has some interesting effects on a woman’s genitalia. Though it may seem unusual, a bluish or purple vagina is totally normal during pregnancy. Called Chadwick’s Sign, this symptom used to be the way doctors tested a woman for pregnancy.

5. Teeth Problems

In 2017, approximately 127.6 million U.S. adults visited a dentist. If you’re a pregnant woman, you might want to join the crowd and head to a dental clinic ASAP. According to Better Health, pregnancy hormones and unusual food cravings can lead to increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Vomiting while pregnant can also weaken tooth enamel, so be sure to talk to your dentist about how to protect your teeth from morning sickness.

Mothers’ bodies do some incredible things while pregnant. In fact, the average woman’s 17 square feet of skin stretches to an unbelievable 18.5 square feet by the ninth month of pregnancy. In other words, growing a baby requires crazy changes. If you notice any of the changes on this list, don’t panic, and consider the symptom a sign of a job well done.

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Published on May 28, 2022 23:08

How To Prepare For The Onslaught Of Halloween Candy Coming Your Way

Halloween is here. Soon enough, you’ll have an army of costume-clad children at your door begging for candy you’ve probably already eaten.

After all, Halloween has become a staple in American households and retail stores in more ways than one.

Even wine bars in Missouri have offered to pair your favorite candies with a delectable selection of wines this holiday season. Ever tried to pair wine with candy corn? It’s not easy. But guests are able to sample around six pairings of wine and candy to celebrate the holiday.

Candy, dressing up, partying the night away; it’s no surprise that Halloween has persisted throughout the decades. In fact, humans have been adorning their appearance for over a millennium. The first nail polish even dates back to 3,000 BC where early cosmetics were used in China.

But candy is the highlight of the season and it can wreak havoc on your health in more ways than one.

If you’ve already begun to eat your second bag of candy before Halloween, dentists are telling adults and children alike to slow down.

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Published on May 28, 2022 21:55

The Flu Shot Won’t Make You Sick — But Not Getting One Could Be Deadly!

flu shot won't make you sick

Last year’s flu season was one for the books. While around 200,000 Americans are hospitalized for flu-related complications during an average year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that hospitalization rates during the 2017 to 2018 flu season were higher than ever. There were anywhere from 700,000 to 900,000 flu-related hospitalizations in total. Even scarier, as many as 56,000 flu-related deaths have occurred since 2010, with 180 of the deaths occurring during last year’s season among children.

But despite those scary flu season statistics, research shows that Americans are skeptical about the best preventative method currently available — the flu shot. Not only do many of us suspect the shot isn’t as effective as medical professionals would have us believe, but we’re also convinced that the vaccination will actually make us sick. Contrary to popular belief, the flu shot won’t make you sick.

What parents should know about the flu shot

According to a new national survey conducted by the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, more than half of the parents surveyed (who have children under the age of 18) believe their child can contract the flu from the flu shot itself. Around one-third of parents don’t believe the shot actually protects against the virus.

What many Americans aren’t aware of is that the vaccine takes about two weeks to build up the protective antibodies needed to fight the flu. If someone gets the shot but contracts the virus before those antibodies develop, they can still get sick. And since the flu doesn’t always appear right away, you could even be sick before you get the shot.

It certainly is possible to experience certain symptoms of illness after you have your yearly flu shot. These may include arm swelling and tenderness, body aches, and even low-grade fever. But don’t get it twisted: this is not actually the flu. This is simply your body stimulating its immune response. It’s actually a good thing, though it may not feel that way.

Simply put, it’s impossible for you to come down with the flu from the flu shot. As experts have to explain again and again to misinformed patients, the vaccine does not contain the live flu virus. The virus is inactivated, which means you literally cannot contract the flu from it. Subdued flu-like symptoms are possible, but they’re nothing like the real thing. This will prevent you from getting sick later on in the season (or if you do still contract the flu, it’ll be much less severe). But it also protects people around you from getting the virus — particularly those with depressed immune systems or who are physically unable to get the shot.

Why do some parents opt out of the flu shot?

Some people think there’s no point in getting the shot at all. In fact, 30% of parents surveyed in the aforementioned study feel the flu shot is actually a conspiracy (not to mention the staggering 28% of parents who believe this and other vaccines cause autism). And while the flu shot is not 100% effective, data shows that the vaccine from the 2016-2017 flu season prevented more than 5 million flu illnesses, 2 million medical visits, and around 85,000 hospitalizations. Considering the average cost of one day in a U.S. hospital was $4,293 in 2013, that should be enough to convince you to take action and go get your shot before winter hits. Now is the time to get it, as flu season can start as early as October and carry on through March.

If you simply can’t do needles, you should be able to opt for the nasal spray version of the vaccine, as the CDC has confirmed it’ll be available for this year’s flu season. However, pregnant mothers should opt for the shot instead. The American Academy of Family Physicians has recommended that everyone over the age of six months who does not have a health condition that prohibits them from getting the vaccine should get the shot. Since children under the age of five, pregnant women, seniors over the age of 65, and people with special medical conditions are most susceptible to the flu, your decision to get immunized may impact more than just you and your immediate family; you could also be providing protection for anyone with whom you come into contact.

Need even more incentive? Most insurance plans (including medicare) will cover your flu shot at no out-of-pocket cost to you. These shots are also more accessible than ever, available at grocery stores, doctors’ offices, community events, and pharmacies like CVS, Rite Aid, and ShopRite. You’d actually have to work hard to not go somewhere that offers free flu shots. But please don’t. No matter how much hand-washing you do or home remedies you try, nothing will boost your immunity more than getting the shot. Even though the flu shot won’t make you sick, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, after all.

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The article The Flu Shot Won’t Make You Sick — But Not Getting One Could Be Deadly! by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

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Published on May 28, 2022 19:41

3 Fun Dry Ice Experiments For Your Young Scientists

There’s no two ways about it; dry ice is just plain cool. When it’s not being used for cold packaging or other purposes, dry ice can be incredibly fun to watch and play with, especially for young kids. Dry ice is rare in that it’s one of the few substances that changes directly from a solid to a gas, skipping the liquid state altogether.

This strange quality makes it perfect for some simple home science projects. Next time you find yourself with some dry ice, get the family together for a few fun, bizarre experiments that are perfect for scientists of any age.

Fun with fire: Make sure a parent or responsible adult sets up this neat trick. Place a candle in a shallow dish, and fill the dish with small dry ice chips. Give the dry ice a chance to evaporate. Have your kids watch as you try to light the candle with a match. The match will magically blow out every time you get close to the dish. They’re sure to be shocked!Haunted quarter: This one is perfect for the little ones who love to listen to new sounds. Set dry ice in a dish so that there’s a flat side facing up. From there, have your child gently drop a quarter onto the surface. The metal will react to the intense cold and create a “shrieking” sound.Balloon blow-up: Use this one to show your kids how dry ice changes from solid to a gas. Carefully place a small chip of dry ice in an uninflated balloon, and tie it off. The dry ice will evaporate gradually into gas form, causing the balloon to inflate. Be careful though, as using too big of a piece of dry ice will cause the balloon to over-inflate and pop.

With all of these experiments, make sure you use gloves and protection when handling the dry ice. Dry ice is extremely cold at -109 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be dangerous if touched directly. Use standard safety precautions, though, and a simple block of dry ice can turn into a fun family experiment and science project for everyone.

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Published on May 28, 2022 18:24

5 Tests To Perform In Your Home To Keep Everyone Healthy

Your home is where your family members spend the bulk of their lives as they sleep, eat, relax, play, and make memories there. Something as simple as the water in your home, which every American uses approximately 88 gallons of every day, could pose a threat if contaminated. Whether you’re moving into a new house or you’ve lived in your home for a decade, make sure you’ve performed these tests that can help your family members have long and happy lives.

Test For Radon
Radon gas comes from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in the soil underneath a home. Radon enters the home through cracks in the foundation, crawl spaces, and basements and is only detected by doing the proper radon testing. It is a radioactive gas that the Surgeon General has warned is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country. You can hire a professional to perform radon testing in your home, or buy a DIY test kit at a local hardware store.Test For Lead
Lead-based sources that can lead to lead poisoning include lead paint, lead fumes during construction, and lead in a contaminated water supply. Lead exposure is especially dangerous for children, as it can damage their organs, put them at a higher risk of developing a learning disability, or lead to death in extreme cases. You can buy DIY kits to test for lead on painted surfaces and contact water authorities to test for lead.Test Water Supplies
Outside of lead, there is an entire collection of other contaminants that can be lurking in your water supply. These contaminants can be either biological or chemical and can include bacteria and pesticides. As about 70% of our bodies and 85% of our brains are made up of water, you should have the water that your family uses to drink, cook, and bathe tested. To test for bacteria in your water, you can use a DIY test and get results within 48 hours. As with lead testing, you can contact local water authorities to test for other contaminants.Test For Asbestos
Although asbestos is not used for insulation in homes now, it was very common in construction projects up until about 1980. Crews used it in all areas of a home, from interior heating pipes to exterior shingles. Asbestos is very hazardous to human health if its particles are inhaled. For anyone with a home that was built before 1980, you should have an inspector check for asbestos hiding in your house.Test Your HVAC System
Maintaining the integrity of your home’s HVAC system through an air conditioner repair service is crucial. This one system controls your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. If it is dysfunctional or if it is circulating dangerous pollutants through your home’s air ducts, your family’s health could be compromised. Have your HVAC system inspected regularly by a heating and ac service professional and ensure that the air ducts in your home are clean as well.

Your home needs to be in the best shape possible from top to bottom. Performing any necessary tests will be well worth the effort if it means that you can protect your family’s health.

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Published on May 28, 2022 17:52

Strength Training vs. Cardio: Which Form Of Exercise Is Better?

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or you’re focusing on keeping a regular fitness regimen, one of the biggest hurdles is determining what method of exercise is going to do the most for you once you get yourself into a fitness training program. Each has its own merits, and any form of exercise will be beneficial for your overall health. Learn the key differences in these areas and you may be able to come to a decision on what is best for you.

Calorie Burning

According to various scientific studies about how many calories certain activities burn, you typically burn more if you weigh more no matter what activity you’re doing. For someone who weighs 160 pounds, they will burn about 250 calories for every 30 minutes of jogging at a moderate speed. If the same person weight trained for a 30-minute session, they would burn between 130 and 220 calories.

Research has shown that a weight training session can burn more calories in the hours following the session when compared to a cardio session. This is because weight training builds muscle, and muscle burns more calories at rest. To generate a high post-calorie burn from a cardio session, you would have to do an activity for a longer duration or a more intense activity like sprinting. If you’re doing more intense activities like that during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., you will want to take precautions like wearing proper sunglasses and staying hydrated so that your overall health doesn’t suffer.

Weight Loss

For many, the goal of exercise is to lose weight and the choice between different methods will be highly dependent on which method is more effective for that. According to a study at Duke University that compared the effects of cardio and weight training on people who were overweight, the cardio group lost about four pounds while the weight training group gained two pounds. The latter group gained weight because of added muscle mass.

While cardio’s help in losing fat and muscle can give you a smaller body, weight training is more effective at reshaping your body. For those looking to enhance their body’s natural curves or achieve a more toned look, weight training is more effective. Lifting weights will also raise your metabolic rate, which promotes more fat burning and greater definition as the fat disappears.

Other Health Benefits

Exercise isn’t just for those looking to shed some pounds but also for anyone looking to live a longer and healthier life. Compared to strength training, cardio has a bigger influence on cardiovascular health as your heart and lungs are more engaged throughout the workout. You can also decrease the risk of chronic illnesses with just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as bicycling, running, and swimming.

According to the co-author of the Duke University study, Cris Slentz, PhD, weight training is still important for maintaining your body’s strength and being functionally fit for daily life. It is also a great exercise for anyone who needs to strengthen certain muscle groups after an injury or trauma. In people who suffer from lower back pain, 80% reported alleviated pain after engaging in strength training.

So what does all of this research and information really mean? You’ll see health benefits when you commit to any form of exercise and you’ll likely see the most when you do a combination of cardio and weight training. In the Duke University study, another group engaged in a combination of sessions and while they spent twice as long at the gym, they lost the most weight and added lean mass. Always have a bottle of Pure Canned Oxygen to increase your energy levels and stamina after a workout.

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The article Strength Training vs. Cardio: Which Form Of Exercise Is Better? by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

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Published on May 28, 2022 17:03

Share Your Family Photos With Photo Fun

by Cascia Talbert

I take lots of photos of my children . My parents and extended family lives thousands of miles away so I am always looking for different ways to share my photos with them.

When I was doing a web search on photo sharing I came across this great new website called Photofun.com. You can save and share your photos and order everything from wall decorations to calenders. If you love to have calendars hanging around your walls, then consider getting some Animal Calendars. They also have this product called a zapbook. A zapbook is your photos made into a bound book. Its great because you don’t have to purchase a separate photo album to hold your photos. All of your photos are bound together into this great book. Another great thing about zapbooks is that you can customize them and put as many photos on a page as you wish using their page layouts. Zapbooks are so cool because you don’t have to spend the extra time putting all of your photos into a photo album. Zapbooks also make great gifts.

I would love to get my parents a photo calender for Christmas this year. You can create your own photo calender at Photofun.com. They have two different types of calenders. They have photo-calenders which are printed on photo paper while their printed-calendars are printed on matte paper.

Another thing I like about photofun.com is their prices. They only charge five cents per print and a standard shipping charge of $1.25. For great photo gifts at the lowest prices check out photofun.com.

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The article Share Your Family Photos With Photo Fun by Cascia Talbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

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Published on May 28, 2022 14:41

Weekend Reflection

by Cascia Talbert

It’s Saturday morning again. Last night was terrible. My son who is nearly 6 months old refuses to sleep at night. When I put him in his crib he just screams. In fact that is what he is doing right now. He woke up every 20 minutes last night. All he wanted to do is nurse. Nursing burns a lot of calories and I am not a big woman. In fact I have a rather fast metabolisim so whenever I nurse him I get extremly hungry. So here I am at 5:30 in the morning on a Saturday (I should be sleeping in because it is Saturday) eating a bowl of fruit loops and typing on my blog. If I try to go back to sleep I won’t be able to becuase I can’t stand listening to him scream and I can’t sleep when my stomache is grumbling. My husband says that he wakes up at night because he knows that I will comfort him. He’s right. I think I am going to go and get the right now.

Are you having trouble getting your baby to sleep through the night? click here for a great resource to help you and your baby get a better night’s sleep.

The terror just started wearing training pants. I think she is starting to get this potty thing. I like cloth trainong pants because they help your child to feel when he or she is wet. Disposable diapers are so well designed now that they absorb all the moisture so it doesn’t touch your baby‘s skin. She hasn’t had an accident in her training pants yet. Last night all she wanted to do was watch “Go Diego, Go” and “Dora the Explorer” while running around naked. Even though it is 20 degrees F outside, I thought what the heck, she is still little. She decided to bring her potty chair into the bedroom where she was watching her shows. When we were not looking she must have sat on it and went pee pee. Because when I went to bed last night I found the potty in two pieces with pee pee all over it. She was probably playing with the potty afterwards. She didn’t get the “Yeah pee pee on the potty!” cheer from Mommy and Daddy. Maybe next time.

Read pee pee in the potty in A Place for us Girls for more on potty training
Click here to watch videos on potty training

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My oldest is starting to like school more and more because she says that she finally has friends. I have forgotton how important friendships are to 10 year olds. She used to keep to herself because she didn’t have a lot in common with the kids in her class. I think that is the problem with kids and friendships. I remember when I was a kid if you didn’t roll your jeans a certain way or you didn’t like Michael Jordan then you were not cool. Today you are not cool if you don’t like Hannah Montana, High School Musical and Webkinz. My daughter just so happens to like those three things so now she has lots of friends. She has to have something to talk about with the other girls at the lunch table.

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My baby finally fell back asleap and I think it is about time to end this post. Don’t forget to leave your comments and links. Visit the Healthy Moms store for potty training items, High School Musical and Hannah Montana items. Also visit this weeks sponsors.

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Published on May 28, 2022 14:36

Bipolar disorder

by Andrea Crawley

Overview

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any.

Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).

Bipolar disorder care at Mayo Clinic

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Symptoms

There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life.

Bipolar I disorder. You’ve had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).Bipolar II disorder. You’ve had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but you’ve never had a manic episode.Cyclothymic disorder. You’ve had at least two years — or one year in children and teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression).Other types. These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders induced by certain drugs or alcohol or due to a medical condition, such as Cushing’s disease, multiple sclerosis or stroke.

Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. While the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods, which can cause significant impairment.

Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, typically it’s diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms may vary over time.

Mania and hypomania

Mania and hypomania are two distinct types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more noticeable problems at work, school and social activities, as well as relationship difficulties. Mania may also trigger a break from reality (psychosis) and require hospitalization.

Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms:

Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wiredIncreased activity, energy or agitationExaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)Decreased need for sleepUnusual talkativenessRacing thoughtsDistractibilityPoor decision-making — for example, going on buying sprees, taking sexual risks or making foolish investmentsMajor depressive episode

A major depressive episode includes symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable difficulty in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships. An episode includes five or more of these symptoms:

Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, hopeless or tearful (in children and teens, depressed mood can appear as irritability)Marked loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in all — or almost all — activitiesSignificant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite (in children, failure to gain weight as expected can be a sign of depression)Either insomnia or sleeping too muchEither restlessness or slowed behaviorFatigue or loss of energyFeelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guiltDecreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisivenessThinking about, planning or attempting suicideOther features of bipolar disorder

Signs and symptoms of bipolar I and bipolar II disorders may include other features, such as anxious distress, melancholy, psychosis or others. The timing of symptoms may include diagnostic labels such as mixed or rapid cycling. In addition, bipolar symptoms may occur during pregnancy or change with the seasons.

Symptoms in children and teens

Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be difficult to identify in children and teens. It’s often hard to tell whether these are normal ups and downs, the results of stress or trauma, or signs of a mental health problem other than bipolar disorder.

Children and teens may have distinct major depressive or manic or hypomanic episodes, but the pattern can vary from that of adults with bipolar disorder. And moods can rapidly shift during episodes. Some children may have periods without mood symptoms between episodes.

The most prominent signs of bipolar disorder in children and teenagers may include severe mood swings that are different from their usual mood swings.

When to see a doctor

Despite the mood extremes, people with bipolar disorder often don’t recognize how much their emotional instability disrupts their lives and the lives of their loved ones and don’t get the treatment they need.

And if you’re like some people with bipolar disorder, you may enjoy the feelings of euphoria and cycles of being more productive. However, this euphoria is always followed by an emotional crash that can leave you depressed, worn out — and perhaps in financial, legal or relationship trouble.

If you have any symptoms of depression or mania, see your doctor or mental health professional. Bipolar disorder doesn’t get better on its own. Getting treatment from a mental health professional with experience in bipolar disorder can help you get your symptoms under control.

When to get emergency help

Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people with bipolar disorder. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, go to an emergency room, or confide in a trusted relative or friend. Or call a suicide hotline number — in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

If you have a loved one who is in danger of suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Causes

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but several factors may be involved, such as:

Biological differences. People with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes.Genetics. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative, such as a sibling or parent, with the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing bipolar disorder.Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include:

Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorderPeriods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic eventDrug or alcohol abuseComplications

Left untreated, bipolar disorder can result in serious problems that affect every area of your life, such as:

Problems related to drug and alcohol useSuicide or suicide attemptsLegal or financial problemsDamaged relationshipsPoor work or school performanceCo-occurring conditions

If you have bipolar disorder, you may also have another health condition that needs to be treated along with bipolar disorder. Some conditions can worsen bipolar disorder symptoms or make treatment less successful. Examples include:

Anxiety disordersEating disordersAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Alcohol or drug problemsPhysical health problems, such as heart disease, thyroid problems, headaches or obesityPrevention

There’s no sure way to prevent bipolar disorder. However, getting treatment at the earliest sign of a mental health disorder can help prevent bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions from worsening.

If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, some strategies can help prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown episodes of mania or depression:

Pay attention to warning signs. Addressing symptoms early on can prevent episodes from getting worse. You may have identified a pattern to your bipolar episodes and what triggers them. Call your doctor if you feel you’re falling into an episode of depression or mania. Involve family members or friends in watching for warning signs.Avoid drugs and alcohol. Using alcohol or recreational drugs can worsen your symptoms and make them more likely to come back.Take your medications exactly as directed. You may be tempted to stop treatment — but don’t. Stopping your medication or reducing your dose on your own may cause withdrawal effects or your symptoms may worsen or return.

Feb. 16, 2021

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