Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 19

Poison Ivy Rash – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

by Cascia Talbert

In this article we will discuss what poison ivy is, how to identify the plant and how to treat the rash.

Summer is here and families are spending more time outdoors.  The following scenario can happen to anyone. You return home from camping in the woods. Suddenly your child develops a mysterious rash on his leg. You have no idea what it is or how he got it.  How do you determine if the rash was caused by the poison ivy plant?  What can you do about it? We will answer all those questions.

What is Poison Ivy?

Poison ivy or toxicodendron radicans, is a poisonous Asian and Eastern North American flowering plant.  This plant is known to cause an itchy, irritating and sometimes painful rash called urushiol- induced contact dermatitis.  The rash is caused by urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all), a clear liquid compound found in the plant’s sap.  Toxicodendron radicans varies in appearance and habit.   It is not a true ivy, but rather a member of the cashew and pistachio family.

How do you identify poison ivy?

Poison ivy has four main characteristics.

clusters of three leafletsalternate leaf arrangementlack of thornseach group of three leaflets grows on its own stem

Toxicodendron radicans can be found throughout much of the US and parts of Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. It usually grows in wooded areas, especially along the edge of forests where the tree line breaks and sunshine filters through.  You can also find it in exposed rocky areas, open fields, and disturbed areas.

Poison ivy can grow into a shrub up to about four feet tall, as a ground cover, 3-9 inches high or as a climbing vine.

What does poison ivy look like on the skin?

When urushiol from the toxicodendron radicans plant comes in contact with the skin it can cause severe itching. After that red bumps appear on the skin. These bumps then turn into large painful blisters.

Urushiol induced contact dermatitis from toxicodendron radicans.What are the early signs of poison ivy?

The rash often does not appear until 12-72 hours after you come in contact with urushiol.  The first sign is itchy skin.  After that, you develop redness or red streaks.  The red streaks then turns into hives and swelling.  After the swelling you will experience an outbreak of small or large blisters, often forming streaks or lines.  Once the blisters burst your skin will begin to crust.

How do you treat poison ivy?

Blisters from the poison ivy rash may be treated with calamine lotion, Burrow’s solution compresses, dedicated commercial poison ivy creams, itch creams or baths. Over the counter products can help ease the itching.  Dermatologists are now recommending oatmeal baths and baking soda.

There is a new plant based remedy used to treat urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.  This remedy is called jewelweed. Mash made from the living plant is effective in reducing urushiol dermatitis.

How long does it take for poison ivy to go away?

The rash should go away in a few weeks.  If it takes longer or you or your child experiences severe swelling go and see a doctor right away. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room immediately.

Is poison ivy contagious?

The poison ivy rash is not contagious and it does not spread.

Conclusion

If you or your child comes in contact with toxicodendron radicans don’t panic.  The rash is treatable and will go away in a few weeks. There are several different creams on the market that you can use on the blisters.  Most urushiol-induced contact dermatitis cases do not require a doctor’s visit.

 

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article Poison Ivy Rash – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment by Cascia Talbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Having Fun in the Sun

by Brandpoint

(BPT) – Spending time outside is what makes summer so enjoyable. Whether you plan to spend a day at the pool, mill about a music festival or relax at a family barbecue, everyone looks forward to a beautiful, sunny day.

Before you head out, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen! Leading dermatologists everywhere recommend that people of all skin types wear sunscreen as part of their plan to protect themselves from exposure to the sun’s UV radiation, which can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma. Unfortunately, it seems most Americans are not heeding this advice. According to a recent Harris Omnibus poll, only 19% of Americans wear sunscreen on a daily basis.

But the verdict among experts is loud and clear: wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective, accessible ways to combat the risk of skin cancer. Melanoma cancer is a form of skin cancer, which can be treated by undergoing melanoma cancer treatment. Along with other sun safety measures — including seeking shade and covering up where possible — you can enjoy warm weather and protect your health at the same time. Now that you know why it’s important to protect yourself while enjoying fun in the sun, here are five common sun-protection missteps to be aware of before you head out.

Assuming all sunscreens are alike: Sunscreen isn’t one size fits all. Everyone needs a different sunscreen that’s tailored to their lifestyle and favorite activities, skin type and aesthetic preferences. Before you buy, read the label and factor your planned activities and likely time in the sun into your choice of sunscreen. One option that meets a wide range of outdoor needs is Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® Dry-Touch SPF 100+ sunscreen. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula goes on easily, and the 100+ SPF ensures maximum broad spectrum protection from those sunburn-inducing UVB rays and harmful UVA rays.

Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days: Don’t be fooled! If you’re spending time outdoors, there’s no question about taking along your favorite sunscreen, even when the sun’s not shining brightly. If you’re prone to forgetting, try storing your sunscreen next to your tube of toothpaste. This small adjustment leads to a 20 percent increase in sunscreen use, according to a study published in 2017.

Missed spots: It happens to just about everyone from time to time. After a day of fun in the sun, that telltale redness on the shoulder or tricep reveals you missed a spot while applying sunscreen. Take care to apply and reapply sunscreen to all exposed areas. Enlist a friend’s help to ensure all the hard-to-reach areas get covered. Don’t ignore commonly forgotten areas like ears and the tops of feet. And if you’re using a spray sunscreen, always rub it into your skin after spraying!

Thinking you’re one-and-done: If you have plans to spend any length of time outdoors, that first application of sunscreen will not protect your skin for the entire day — even when using the highest SPF sunscreens. The best way to stay sun safe is to reapply according to the directions on the package. To keep you on track, set an alarm so you always remember when to apply a fresh layer.

Forgetting your hat: Equally as important as wearing sunscreen is seeking cover from the sun’s UV rays. To limit your skin’s direct exposure to the sun, accessorize with a brimmed hat and protect your eyes with sunglasses. Take advantage of opportunities to seek shade under a tree, umbrella or wherever it’s available. But remember, sunscreen isn’t optional in shade — studies have shown that beach umbrellas do not thoroughly block UV rays.

To learn more about the importance of having a full array of sunscreen options, visit ProtectMySunscreen.com. Find the perfect sunscreens for you and your family at Neutrogena.com/Sun.

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Having Fun in the Sun by Brandpoint appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

If Trump Wins Reelection in 2020 Will These Celebrities Finally Move to Canada?

by Cascia Talbert

Before the 2016 presidential election several celebrities vowed to leave the country if Donald Trump won. He has been our president for three years now.  Yet they remained in the United States. Canada was the most popular place for celebrities to relocate to. If President Trump wins reelection in 2020 will these celebrities finally move to Canada?

The election is seventeen months away and we don’t know who the Democrat nominee is going to be.  It may be too early to tell but things are looking good for President Trump. According to Fox News, A USA Today Suffolk University survey showed 49 percent of Americans approving of the job Trump’s doing as president with 48 percent giving him a thumbs down. Based on his job approval rate and the fact that his campaign raised $24.8 million in the 24 hours surrounding the President’s campaign kick-off we are predicting that he will win in 2020. Maybe the elites in Hollywood will move to Canada this time.

Celebrities that Said they Would Move to Canada if Donald Trump Became President

1. Lena Dunham

“I know a lot of people have been threatening to do this, but I really will,” Girls’ Lena Dunham told a New York audience in 2016. “I know a lovely place in Vancouver and I can get my work done from there.”

2. Chloe Sevigny

In 2016 she posted on Instagram that she was planning on moving to Nova Scotia if Donald Trump became president.

3. Raven-Symoné

The young actress said she had her ticket already and was prepared to “move to Canada with my entire family” if any Republican candidate became president.

4. Neve Campbell

During the 2016 election, actress Neve Campbell – who was born and raised in southern Ontario – said she found the thought of a Trump presidency terrifying. When asked by the Huffington Post what she would do if he won, she stated “Move back to Canada.”

5. Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand said on Australia’s “60 Minutes” of a possible Trump victory in 2016 “I’m either coming to your country — if you’ll let me in — or Canada.” During the 2018 midterm elections she made that threat again if the Republicans kept control of Congress.

6. Bryan Cranston

Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston said he will leave the U.S. and move to Canada if Donald Trump became  president in 2016.

“Absolutely. I would definitely move. It’s not real to me that that would happen. I hope to God it won’t,” Cranston  told The Bestseller Experiment podcast when asked if he would take an extended holiday to Vancouver if the Republican candidate prevails over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

None of these celebrities kept their promise.  They probably learned the hard truth that moving to Canada is not easy.

What You will Need to Know Before Moving to Canada

Canadian immigration policies are strict.

In Canada there are only four categories of immigrants: family-class (closely related persons of Canadian residents living in Canada), economic immigrants (skilled workers and business people), refugees (people who are escaping persecution, torture or cruel and unusual punishment), and the humanitarian and other category (people accepted as immigrants for humanitarian or compassionate reasons). Most of the celebrities that were planning on moving to Canada do not fall under any of those categories.

If you are planning on building a home you need to follow Canadian building codes.

Canada has a colder climate than the United States. The building codes are written with that in mind. For example, when you are installing plumbing in your new home you need to protect pipes from freezing today.

It might be easier to just purchase a home in Canada instead of building a new one. Click here now to search for properties for sale.

Maybe these celebrities will be better prepared to move to Canada in 2020 when Trump is reelected for a second term. Most Americans could care less if they move or stay.

ad: 3ds 2.0 Network level payment authentication for an omni channel world.

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article If Trump Wins Reelection in 2020 Will These Celebrities Finally Move to Canada? by Cascia Talbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Sun-protective Clothing has Gone High-tech

by Dr. Karl Neumann

Sun-protective clothing has replaced sunscreens as the first line of defense for protecting your children (and yourself) from the harmful rays of the sun. However, rarely, excessive sun protection can itself lead to health issues.

1. The UV rays of the sun are as damaging to children’s skin as tobacco smoke is damaging to adult’s lungs.

Estimates are that we get 50 to 75% of our lifetime sun exposure before we are 18 years old. Children’s skin is thinner and contains less melanin to block UV rays. Infants less than 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun entirely. Damage is cumulative for life. About 3.7 million skin cancers are diagnosed in the US annually, the vast majority sun-related.

2. Sunscreens have numerous shortcomings.

Most parents apply too little and too infrequently for optimal protection. The degree and duration of protection is reduced by wind, water, towel drying, and excessive perspiration, to mention just a few. A recent report suggests that more sunscreen is absorbed into the body than previously thought, a finding that is under further study.

3. Sun-protective clothing has gone high-tech.

Such garments consist of recently-developed, lightweight fabrics that absorb or reflect UV radiation. Fabrics are woven tightly, leaving practically no space for sun penetration. Many garments are dyed in colors, usually red or black, which also absorb or reflect UV rays. Garments should cover as much skin as possible (the back of the neck, for example) and fit loosely to allow air to circulate. Overly tight fits stretch fibers, allowing some sun through.

4. Familiarize yourself with the rating system for protective clothing.

It’s called UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) and is somewhat similar to SPF (sun protection factor) for rating sunscreens. A UPF rating of 25 means that only 1/25th (4%) of UV radiation penetrates the fabric. The higher the UPF, the greater the protection. Fabrics rated below UPF 15 are not considered protective. UPFs of more than 50 add little additional protection.

5. Some sun protective clothing is pre-treated with solutions containing UV-inhibiting ingredients, further enhancing their effectiveness.

See “UV blocking additives” on the Internet and check labels. These additives can also be purchased at stores or online and used at home on any garment, increasing the garment’s UPF. Protection withstands numerous washings. After using additives, light may shine through garment when held up to the light. This does not mean that the fabric has lost its protective ability.

6. Hats should have brims at least three inches (7.5 centimeters) wide and extend around the head to shade the face, neck, and ears.

Baseball-type and straw hats offer little protection. Brims of 6 or more inches (15 cm) are becoming popular. Every additional inch of brim reduces the lifetime skin-cancer risk by about 10 percent. Consider hats with attached drapes that hang over the back of the neck.

7. Sunscreens remain essential for uncovered skin.

Ears are a common location for skin cancer in later life. The more clothing-covered skin, the less need for applying sunscreen. Follow the instructions that come with the sunscreen. For more information on applying sunscreen to children, see http://kidstraveldoc.com/protecting-infants-and-young-children-from-the-sun/ and https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Sun-Safety-and-Protection.aspx

8. Sunglasses protect the skin around the eyes.

Five to 10 percent of skin cancers occur on the eyelids. Sunglasses should block 99 to 100% of UV radiation and consist of large lenses that wrap around the face and have UV-protective side shields.

9. Rarely, children who receive maximum sun protection may need vitamin D supplements.

The reasons: children require calcium to develop and maintain healthy bones. Simplistically, UV radiation activates vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D then helps the intestines to absorb calcium from food. Maximum sun protection results in less sun radiation reaching the skin, and in turn, less vitamin D to absorb calcium. One solution: continue maximum sun protection to prevent skin cancer and supplement diets with vitamin D and calcium. Discuss the need for supplements with your pediatrician.

10. Miscellaneous:

Sun-protective clothing is especially important for children with fair skin, for those spending much time at beaches and pools, and for children with sun-related medical conditions or who are taking medication that increases sun sensitivity. Sun-protective shades and umbrellas with high UPF numbers are available for strollers and for large umbrellas that create shade at the beach. Some high-tech fabrics may lose half their sun protection ability when wet. Check with manufacturers regarding how many washings protective clothing can undergo before losing its protective abilities.

Questions
Protecting children from the sun:
Why is sun-protective clothing replacing sunscreens?
What do UPF (not SPF) numbers tell you?
Why may some children need calcium and vitamin D supplements?

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article Sun-protective Clothing has Gone High-tech by Dr. Karl Neumann appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Helping Your Senior Parent Stay Safe at Home

by Joseph Jones

As our parents get older, we may have to make a decision about their living situation. Maybe you’ve suggested that your parent move in with you, or maybe you are considering something like an assisted living facility. While some people make the decision to leave their homes as they get older, many others have decided to age in place, which means they choose to remain in their own home as they age.

They have worked hard their whole life for what they have, and if they are comfortable in their home, why shouldn’t you do everything you can to help them stay there? Here are some suggestions for helping you aid your parent in staying safe and independent at home.

Address Mobility Issues

Many people begin to have mobility challenges as they get older. If you want your senior parent to remain in their own home, you should consider options for meeting these challenges.

Stairlifts

If they have a two-story home or a basement, you may find them having challenges while navigating the stairs. Instead of avoiding those stairs, consider installing a stairlift, which will allow them to fully enjoy their home by providing them with the freedom they need to move around in it. There’s nothing wrong with protecting them from falling if stairs are becoming increasingly difficult for them to climb. Besides, they can fold the stair lift and cover it up with something if they really don’t want guests to know that they have one.

Other Mobility Aid Devices

If your parent has mobility issues, such as bad knees or hips, you may want to purchase a mobility aid device to help eliminate some of those issues. No, I’m not talking about using the stereotypical “senior aids.” I’m talking about getting a device that will help them move around and still feel independent (unless they like asking their kids or friends for help). Using a cane might not be “cool” but it can greatly improve mobility for some people. There are tons of cane designs that are really fun and don’t make seniors feel like they’re just there for support, but also for style.

If canes aren’t their cup of tea and you feel like they need more assistance, then you could also try purchasing a 3-wheel walker, but that’s up to them to decide what they’re most comfortable with.

Evaluate and Upgrade Your Home

Evaluate their home to determine if there are any upgrades or modifications you could do to make their life easier as they get older.

Safety Modifications

As our parents get older, bathing may become difficult. Installing handrails and walk in bathtubs can help make it a little easier. Using non-slip bathmats in the bathroom can help prevent falls, which are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in those of us age 65 and over.

Technology Upgrades

Advances in smart home technology can greatly improve a senior’s overall quality of life. IoT (Internet of Things) devices and appliances are connected through a network that uses the home’s Wi-Fi to allow elderly parents to control them with voice commands. These IoT devices and appliances will allow your parent to do things such as control the thermostat, play music, turn the television on and off, manage the home security system, and control the kitchen appliances all with the simple act of using their voice.

With new technologies continuously coming to the market (Amazon, gotta love it!), keep your eyes peeled for anything that you think could help your senior parent stay safe and independent at home.

Use Outside Resources

Even if your parent is used to doing things on their own like cooking and cleaning, it may become difficult to continue doing so as they age. You may want to have someone come in to help them with these basic household activities. Your local Area Agency on Aging may be able to provide you with information about other community resources as well, such as home-delivered meals and transportation assistance.

Getting older is a part of life that you should embrace for your parents and celebrate for the wonderful gift that it is. Aging doesn’t always have to result in changing the living situation or need to be thought of as embarrassing – everyone ages. Keeping these tips in mind can help you to maintain your elderly parent’s independence as they remain in their own home. These tips will also help you feel better about their safety as you can connect with your parents via the aforementioned technology upgrades.

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article Helping Your Senior Parent Stay Safe at Home by Joseph Jones appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Herbs to Avoid When Trying to Conceive

by Guest Author

Herbs to Avoid When Trying to Conceive

When women are trying to conceive, many reach for herbal supplements to increase their chances of conception. While some herbs may be effective to this end, there are several herbs that can lower the chances of conception. Here is some more information on why it is best to stay away from certain herbs when trying to conceive.

 Herbs to Avoid

Experts have found that certain herbs contain estrogenic substances which have on impact on sex hormone concentration and fertility in males and females. Birth control pills also contain estrogen, and they work to stop ovulation and prevent conception.

Herbs that have been called out as being detrimental to fertility include bitter melon, St. John’s wort, echinacea, and ginkgo biloba. Echinacea and ginkgo biloba, in particular, have been shown to hurt sperm production and fertilizing capability. Although these herbs can provide certain health benefits, both men and women should stay away from them when they are trying to conceive.

In some cases, herbs can contain substances that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, uterine contraction, or injury to the baby.

In general, herbal supplements do not undergo the same kind of scrutiny as compared to other medications. They are not FDA approved. Therefore, it is difficult to tell what kind of effects they will have, especially when taken by a pregnant woman or one that is trying to conceive.

 Some herbal companies use their own rigorous standards of testing and many of them will indicate whether they are approved for pregnant women on their label. However, it is always best to talk to a medical professional before using them while trying to conceive.

 Herbs Considered Safe

 That being the case, there are still quite a few herbs that are recommended as being beneficial to women that are trying to conceive. These include red raspberry leaf, peppermint leaf, ginger root, and more.

 To further increase fertility, women should do their best to keep their weight low and refrain from cigarette smoking. Advanced age can also lower fertility rates, as can using lubricants. In addition, men should avoid wearing underwear that can be restrictive of sperm flow.

 If you are trying to have a baby, it may be tempting to use herbs as they are inexpensive and seem like a safe option. However, many contain substances that can lower your fertility and even cause a difficult pregnancy. Check with a medical professional before using herbs to ensure optimal chances of a healthy pregnancy. 

 

Sponsored Advertisement

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article Herbs to Avoid When Trying to Conceive by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Guidelines in Becoming a Support Group for an HIV Positive Teen

by Guest Author

According to a 2017 survey, approximately 36.9 million of the population around the world were HIV positive. Take note that this survey has been taken over two years ago already. The aforementioned number has most likely grown to more than we could ever imagine as now there are free hiv test sites.

Possessing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) inside your body is indeed terrifying. But it is even more horrible if you find out you have them at a tender age of teens. Something you don’t know is inside you and can most probably contribute to your suffering and death, later on. That is why having a support group that can definitely understand and even get out of the way to provide aid is  a huge help.

Besides the usual uttering of encouraging words and providing attention and understanding, a support group for a teen with HIV can do a lot more.

1. Never Prescribe

One of the biggest mistakes of people who try to support an HIV-diagnosed teen is to give unsolicited medical prescriptions. The intention is good. However, this condition is sensitive enough to only listen to a professional physician. You may end up giving the wrong medication that may worsen his condition with sensitive, or worse, fatal side effects – just like what happened with the infamous and grueling Truvada Lawsuits. Truvada was said to be an HIV medication. However, intake of such drug developed aftereffects to people who were able to use it.

2. Learn the Basics and the Language

If you want to further assist a teen with HIV, knowing even just the basic terms with regards this condition is necessary. The language is important to aid on the avoidance of stigma on the patients. Example would be “HIV infected” – proper term for that would be “diagnosed with HIV”. Another would be “AIDS virus” – where the word AIDS is actually a diagnosis and not the name of the virus itself.

3. Act Normal

What would give ease to patients with HIV is basically for your to act normal. Let them to do the same routines and household chores. It will absolutely help to keep them mentally and emotionally well. You just need to help them remember the medicines and assist them on developing new habits significant for their welfare.

4. Be Mindful of the Meds

Write down the schedules for taking the meds on calendars, refrigerator doors, boards, and other easy access parts of the house. This way, you will not forget, neither will your teen patient. It is so much better to make lots and lots of reminders, than to totally forget about.

5. Keep Up with the Healthy Lifestyle

A teen with HIV, although still healthy, desperately needs to keep it that way. So in order to encourage the teen to eat balanced diet, engage in outdoor sports and exercise, avoid unhealthy food intake and a whole lot more, you personally need to do everything as well. It’s always so much easier to journey with good support. Acting as part of a support group for teens with HIV is not an easy task. But try to go the extra mile in order to better encourage and protect them.

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article Guidelines in Becoming a Support Group for an HIV Positive Teen by Guest Author appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Connecting the Dots Between Your IBS and SIBO

by Dr. Chad Larson

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not something you need to suffer with alone. Let’s not be bashful or afraid of these three little letters that so many people share. You may think of it as a solitary strife you must face alone, but IBS, a disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits (constipation and diarrhea) affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States alone. Not hundred, not thousand—MILLION. This is a staggering number!

Now, I’m not saying you need to join a support group or declare your IBS on social media, but I’d certainly recommend opening yourself up to learning a bit more about the condition and its connection to SIBO (more on that in a bit). For years, many have blamed their IBS on stress, but it has been determined that while stress can worsen or trigger symptoms due to the connection between the brain and the gut, it is not a cause of IBS.

Studies show that over 50 percent of patients diagnosed with IBS actually have an underlying imbalance called SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In fact, the connection between SIBO and IBS has become a hot topic in the medical community over the last couple of years, as we continue to discover links between the two conditions. Here’s why: the small and large intestines are full of bacteria, which we need to stay healthy. But when there is too much of the wrong kind of bacteria in the wrong place, symptoms such as those of IBS often arise.

SIBO occurs when the bacteria from the large intestine migrate and overgrow in the small intestine. When there is too much of these bacteria in the small bowel, they can damage and compete with your own body’s small intestinal cells to absorb the nutrients from the food you are eating. When this happens, the bacteria end up producing large amounts of methane and hydrogen gas. If that’s a bit too much doctor mumbo jumbo for you, here’s the bottom line. If your body produces too much gas as a result of increased bacteria in the small bowel, this can cause symptoms conducive to IBS, including:

Irritable bowel movementsFrequent bouts of diarrhea, constipation, passing excess gas, heartburn, bloating and abdominal painSymptoms of malabsorption, including weight loss, anemia or fatty stoolsAssociated conditions such as fatigue, reflux, skin disorders, obesity or specific food intolerances or sensitivities

Traditionally, breath tests have been used as the standard method of diagnosing SIBO. This method calls for exhaustive dietary restriction and cumbersome collection protocols for patients, often making the accuracy of this test questionable. Because SIBO is a notoriously challenging disorder to diagnose, due in part to the fact that its signs and symptoms can be confused with many other conditions, a simple confirmatory blood test would be optimal. Fortunately, Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmunity, recently unveiled their new Array 22 – Irritable Bowel/SIBO Screen, paving the way for a more accurate test of these disorders by assessing IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies to bacterial cytotoxins and cytoskeletal proteins. Array 22 features key lab markers related to IBS/SIBO and the specific intestinal barrier damage they cause.

If you have any of the above-mentioned signs or symptoms and suspect that you could be suffering from SIBO connected to IBS, testing is highly recommended as it may help you identify triggers. Talk to your health care professional about the symptoms you are experiencing and the option of being tested. There are antibiotic and herbal remedies along with diet protocols for the treatment of SIBO. But the first step to recovery of a health issue is diagnosing the underlying condition. In good health!

 

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article Connecting the Dots Between Your IBS and SIBO by Dr. Chad Larson appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Healthy Hydration Hacks

by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition Susan

In the case of most adults, water makes up 60-70% of our body weight. Drinking water is vital for the proper function of virtually every cell, tissue and organ in our bodies is needed for proper digestion and delivery of nutrients to our cells and it also helps regulate body temperature. In addition, water acts as a “shock absorber” for the brain and spinal cord, and it lubricates joints, organs, and tissues.

With the temperatures rising, summertime is an important time to keep track of how much water you put in your body. According to the Institutes of Medicine, the recommended daily intake of water is about 11 cups for adult women and 15 cups for men. That sounds like a lot, but not all of it needs to come from beverages alone. About 70-80% should be provided by beverages (and at least half of that from water, with lesser contributions from tea, coffee, milk, and other beverages); the remaining 20-30% should come from watery foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Here are some tips to keep yourself hydrated this summer:

Create the habit of starting your day with a glass of water before your coffee or tea.Add some flavor to your water–  a slice of fresh lemon or lime, some cucumber, a few berries, some fresh mint or a slice of fresh ginger can make your water taste amazing.When you feel like eating something, have a glass of water first – because you might be thirsty rather than hungry. And even if you are hungry, having a glass of water before you start is an easy way to help encourage the water-drinking habit.Finally, it might help you to track your progress.  That’s why starting the day with a full pitcher works – you know how much you’ve had and how much you need to drink before the day is over.  If you want to go high tech, there are apps for your phone that can send you reminders, keep track of your intake and even give you a virtual pat on the back for meeting your goals.

For more tips from Susan, visit www.IAMHerbalifeNutrition.com

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article Healthy Hydration Hacks by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition Susan appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Trying to Conceive: 9 Fertility Tips for Women

by LouAnn Moss

For couples that are trying to conceive, it is essential that every possible chance is taken advantage of to make this wish a reality.

This process, however, can be hectic for some couples and the agony that comes with that can be hard to live with. The following are tips on how a woman can increase her chances of getting pregnant.

1. Visiting a Doctor

If you have been having challenges trying to get pregnant, the first step that is recommended is that you visit a doctor or a fertility nutritionist.

The doctor will do a full exam to establish what the problem is and how best they can help you. When you visit the doctor, it is necessary that you carry with you any medical documents that may be required.

This is especially important if you have had any problems with past pregnancies or have had a miscarriage before. In case of any illness related to your reproductive system such as ovarian cancer, it is necessary that your doctor is furnished with this information as well.

2. Keep Track of Your Ovulation

Ovulation is the prime ingredient of all possible pregnancies. This simply means that it is important that you focus on your menstrual cycle and when you start ovulating.

Many women fail to understand their menstrual cycle, especially in instances where they have been using emergency contraceptive pills. It is necessary to find out whether you have a typical 28-day cycle, a shorter 25-day cycle or a longer 35-day cycle.

Knowing this helps you plan for sex well with your partner to coincide with that period that you will be ovulating. This highly increases your chances of getting pregnant.

3. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins If You Are Trying to Conceive

Prenatal vitamins are highly recommended for anyone who is making an effort to become pregnant.

These vitamins will help your body to naturally adjust to the efforts that you are making to have a baby. Prenatal vitamins, however, need to be taken with the careful guidance of a credible physician.

Additionally, if one has been taking any other vitamins and steroids, it is advisable to seek medical advice on how safe that is. The use of multiple vitamins has been known to curtail the efforts one may be making at having a baby.

For prenatal vitamins that continue to be taken even after conceiving, they need to be followed through without any fail.

4. Cut down on Hormonal Birth Control

For many women, hormonal birth controls are a convenient method of preventing any unwanted pregnancies, and therefore, they will take this up until they are ready to have one.

One of the most recommended tips for getting pregnant, however, is to get off the pill, implant or injection.

When one gets off these birth control methods, the period between that time and when one can get pregnant is varied. Some of us women will do that a month or two after and for some, it may take up to a year. Either way, the body needs to be given to adjust to its normal cycle.

5. Quit Smoking

Immediately you decide that it is time to get a baby, it is necessary to give up on your smoking habit. Smoking is known to decrease your chances of conceiving and at the same time, it lowers your partner’s sperm count.

Moreover, smoking is known to contribute to miscarriages and other congenital disabilities and pregnancy complications.

The process of quitting smoking might be a long one, but if planned properly, you can leave the habit in time and be able to have a baby.

6. Try Some Yoga Practices

Having peace of mind is known to positively increase your chances of conceiving. Although we leave in a stressful world, you need to learn more about how to relax your mind once you decide it is time to have a baby. If you have been looking for advice on how to get pregnant, relaxing is one of them. Yoga is a very relaxing exercise that will help you in case you have a hormonal imbalance that is affecting your menstrual cycle. Doing yoga for a quarter an hour daily will help you to become more relaxed and hence have more control on your hormonal balance.

7. Give up the Bottle

Are you fond of drinking? Then you should know that this is not a habit convenient if you are looking to have a baby anytime soon.

Whether you think it is or it isn’t necessary, you will eventually need to give up the bottle once you conceive. However, by then, that might be a hard thing to do.

It is therefore recommended that you cut down on any drinking habit that you might have earlier on. This, again, will help with your body hormones and give you a better chance of becoming pregnant.

8. Eat Healthily

For many people who are having difficulties trying to get pregnant, their eating habits have a significant role to play.

This is because of the high cholesterol levels found in most of the foods that we consume.

The continued consumption of such foods, however, is not convenient for anyone that is looking to get pregnant.

Eating healthy should be a priority and the sooner one can do a major overhaul of their diet and have more nutritious food, the better.

9. Cut down on Caffeine Intake

Caffeine, whether it is present in coffee or a cup of tea, needs to be cut down on. Caffeine is known to be one of the leading causes of reduced fertility levels in women.

With your mind set on having a baby, it is necessary that you keep this stimulant off the list of things you consume regularly.

More Than Just Health

Having a baby is the dream for many people and all through life, a lot of people will be trying to conceive.

The disappointment comes when the wrong effort is directed into this endeavor.

Check out our blog to learn more tips on how you make simple lifestyle changes to take care of your whole self, mind, body, and spirit.

.fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article Trying to Conceive: 9 Fertility Tips for Women by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.