Mary Jean Wall

Texas Being Sued Over Women’s Health Legislation

Health care has been a hot topic for debate in the last couple years, especially with the passage of Obamacare . While most of the debate has been at a national level, individual states are dealing with their own healthcare issues. Today Planned Parenthood announced that they have filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas because of legislation passed in the 2011 session barring Planned Parenthood from receiving funding through the Women’s Health Program.

The Women’s Health program, which does get money from the federal government, provides birth control and other health services for women on Medicaid. The program does not however provide funds for abortions or abortion referrals. Because the program does receive funding from the federal government, the Department of Health and Human Services is involved as well. For more information you can read the full article here .

New Study Shows Effects of Pesticides During Pregnancy

Living in the US it’s easy to take for granted the medical care that is available, especially during pregnancy . With prenatal care, eating a healthy diet, and taking a daily vitamin supplement you can greatly increase the likelihood of having a healthy baby. Unless you have a high risk pregnancy you are free to travel to Seattle or anywhere else your heart desires, stay physically active, and continue many of your regular activities. And with government agencies like the FDA and EPA we generally don’t worry about the safety of the food that we eat when pregnant, or so we thought.

A recent article by USNews.com details a new study conducted for the Children and Family Research Institute in British Columbia on the presence of pesticides in foods that we eat here in the US and the effect that it has on pregnancy. Those in the sample group with the higher level of exposure had babies that were on average 1/3 of pound less in weight and the pregnancies were 3-4 days shorter. Although the research is significant, there are ethical as well as legal restrictions on more extensive testing.

Keys to a Successful Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting, joyous, emotionally charged time for new parents-to-be. It can also be a bit intimidating knowing that the health of your baby depends so much on how you take care of your own health. Most of the time, pregnancy goes smoothly for both mom and baby. To maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy, however, there are a few tips you should follow:

• Early Medical Care. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you should schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN. Studies have shown that women who obtain early pregnancy care have healthier babies.
• Get Your Rest. Your body goes through an unbelievable amount of changes during pregnancy. Fluctuating hormones can cause you to feel easily fatigued, especially in the first and third trimesters. Make it a point to get in bed on time at night, and go ahead a nap during the day if you need it.
• Eat Healthy. As your baby grows and develops, extra nutrients and minerals from your body are redirected to assist with this development. It is most important that you are eating healthy, nutritious foods throughout your pregnancy to maintain both yours and your baby’s health.
• Take Your Vitamins. Sometimes, getting adequate nutrition during pregnancy can be challenging, especially if you are suffering from morning sickness. Prenatal vitamins are designed to make sure your body is getting everything it needs to sustain a successful pregnancy. Vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and folic acid for pregnancy is important.
• Get Some Exercise. Exercise during pregnancy is healthy for both you and your baby. You will, however, need to discuss any exercise program with you OB/GYN before beginning, especially if the program features abdominal exercises. Daily walking is an excellent exercise you can do safely while pregnant.
• Plan Ahead. Most women naturally experience a phenomenon known as “nesting” when they approach their due date. This is an almost uncontrollable urge to prepare the nursery, purchase and put away baby clothes, and generally make sure everything is ready for baby’s arrival. It is easy to over exert yourself when nesting strikes, however. Try to do little things throughout your pregnancy so that when the nesting impulse does hit you, you will be less likely to overdo things; there won’t be much to do.

It should go without saying, also, that if you experience any abnormal symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately. Things such as preterm labor can be stopped if they are treated promptly.

Alternative Remedies for Arthritis Pain

As you age, it is natural for your activity level to decrease and for aches and pains to develop. Some pain is normal, but stiffness and pain felt around one or more joints can be a sign that inflammation has settled in and symptoms of arthritis have begun. If you are one of the estimated 50 million Americans with arthritis, try one of these alternative remedies for pain before taking a prescription medicine.

Supplements      

• Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acid, which reduces inflammation and morning stiffness. These acids are found in fish such as mackerel and salmon.

• Glucosamine relieves pain, increases joint mobility and reduces deterioration of cartilage. A study by the National Institute of Health showed glucosamine relieved pain more effectively when combined with chondroitin.

• Chondroitin strengthens joints by helping cartilage absorb water to keep joints lubricated and reduce pain.

Herbs and Spices

• Turmeric is a spice used in many Asian dishes to give the food color and flavor. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric help relieve pain.

• Ginger relieves soreness in joints and reduces inflammation. It is available in capsules, extracts or you can add dried ginger to your food.

• Olive leaf extract is popular in the Mediterranean to ease pain and inflammation from arthritis.

• Willow bark tea reduces pain and inflammation but it may take a few days of use to show results.

Nutrition

• Juices, such as pineapple, pomegranate and cherry are used to relieve symptoms of swelling, pain and inflammation. Combinations of beets and berry wine, cranberry and blackstrap molasses or apple cider vinegar and honey have also been helpful in reducing pain and inflammation for some people.

• Studies recommend lowering the amount of fat in your diet and limiting dairy products, caffeine and sugar.

• Fresh vegetables, fruits with low acid content, fish, soybeans and avocados are helpful for treating symptoms of arthritis. In addition, you can eat cherries and pineapple frequently to ease inflammation.

Oils

• Some natural oils will sooth the pain of arthritis. Massage hot castor oil, arthcare oil, emu oil or camphor mixed with coconut oil on affected joints. You can also soak in a hot Epsom salt bath or massage hot vinegar on the sore joints for relief.

One or more of these natural remedies may be the right one for you and can help you to stop your arthritis pain without the need for potentially dangerous medications.

Eliminate Belly Fat

Excess belly fat is a problem for many women. Its the type of thing that can creep up on you – and suddenly its there… And you say to yourself – “where did that come from??” For some reason fat in this area seems to be harder to get rid of. Well the solution is to target belly fat with a combination of exercise and diet.

There are only two things you need to do to eliminate belly fat:

1. Undertake a regular cardiovascular exercise program
2. Eliminate all processed foods

Cardiovascular Exercise

Cardiovascular exercise also known as aerobic exercise or cardio is the type of exercise that increases your heart rate for an extended time period.  Be aware that abdominal exercise alone will not get rid of belly fat.  It may strengthen your muscles – but they will be hidden behind a layer of fat.  Cardio involves exercising to the point of being out of breath and keeping going.  Examples are running, bicycling, aerobics, swimming etc.  Before undertaking a cardio program always consult a doctor.

You should attempt to do this type of exercise on a regular basis – five days per week and for around 40 minutes.  If you do this you will burn off calories and strengthen your heart and major muscle groups.  It will also do wonders for your mind and help to relieve stress.

Eliminate Processed Foods

Processed foods start of as regular foods which are then treated and altered to give them a longer shelf life and to make them more palatable to consumers.  Vital nutrients such as fiber and vitamins are removed and often they are enriched with preservatives, trans fats, sugar and sodium.  All processed foods should be eliminated as it encourages belly fat and general ill health.

Replace processed foods with natural, organic, healthy foods including nuts, fruits and vegetables.  There are certain foods that are natural fat burners and these include citrus fruit, almonds, walnuts, oats, salmon and eggs.  Be wary of the amount of carbohydrates that you ingest and always stick to whole grains.  Drink lots of pure water as this is essential to your daily health and essential for a detox diet.

Make these changes and make it part of your new healthy lifestyle.  Shed that belly fat and enjoy health!!

Always check with a medical doctor before dieting or starting any type of exercise program. As a last resort if you have tried everything you can also consider cosmetic surgery / liposuction as a way to get rid of fat

Image via Creative Commons.

How to Raise a Daughter to Have Healthy Self Esteem

Women have come a long way in modern culture and society. With the right encouragement and a drive to succeed, your daughter can grow up to be anything she wants. Unfortunately, women and girls tend to be on the losing side of the self-esteem battle and this is something many attribute to not only our society but the media’s pressure on women as well.

Self-esteem is related to how we feel about our bodies, our minds, and our place in the larger world. Girls’ self-worth generally peaks around nine or ten years old, but then it sharply declines when they hit their preteen and teenage years. Media outlets such as television, music, and magazines can have a negative effect on girls’ self-image and sense of self-worth. Societal pressures to look, act, or be a certain way can stifle a girl’s view of herself. By giving our daughters encouragement, love, and the right perspective, we can arm them with the tools they need to grow up happy, healthy, and confident women.

God’s Help for Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is a state of mind in which one may feel down, sad, lonely and sometimes hopeless. There are millions of people in the world who suffer from depression on any given day. Everyone feels down from time to time, but sometimes feelings of depression can become so overwhelming they prevent you from living a normal and fulfilling life. If nothing is done to combat it, depression can go on for years totally destroying your spirit.

What Can be Done About Depression?

Common treatments for depression are therapy and medications. These can help but more often than not are just ways to cover up the depression but not truly heal. I’ve suffered from depression for many years. It was not until I came to realize that I was never alone that I started to truly heal. I’ve learned to count my blessings and be grateful to God for everything that I do have. Over time I found that I did not worry as much about the things that I have no control over. You can heal yourself with God’s help to change your way of thinking.

How God Can Help

When you are truly depressed you can feel like no one is there for you. God is always there for you. Once you accept and realize that you’ll always have God in your corner to protect you, you can indeed lift yourself out of a depressive state. Verses from the bible which show how God can help you in times when you are feeling depressed include:

? Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.
? Psalm 37:23-24 – The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
? Psalm 32:10 – Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in the LORD, loving kindness shall surround him.
? Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your path.
? Romans 8:28 – Realize that all things do work together for good to them that love the LORD.

As you can see from these verses God wants to help all who believe. It takes faith and trust in God to rid your mind of the negative thoughts and feeling that led to depression, but it is possible. These verses also show that God is there to lift you up whenever you may fall, so you are never alone. You also must realize that life is going to be hard at times, and you will have some trying times, but with God’s help you can overcome any obstacle. He never gives us more than we can handle and these trying times will only make us stronger.

Organizing the Home for Medical Supplies and TLC

One of the most essential things that anyone can do when they are taking care of someone in the home is to organize. This doesn’t have to mean spending more time working to keep things together, but rather involves some initial set-up. This will ultimately help things down the road, and save so much work later on.

There is a lot of wisdom being circulated about the best ways for creating a healing environment , and some of the best advice comes from those who are in the health profession. Taking some of the same principles that hospitals use, one can make the home a place where care is part of the every day experience. Of course, hospitals don’t necessarily speak immediately of comfort and hospitality for most people, but the changes in the field are working toward mirroring the kinds of experiences one can have in their own home.

This means that having a houseful of medical supplies doesn’t have to create an environment that looks aesthetically sterile. Keeping the important things close at hand, and well-organized, is just one step. Making the home more amenable to caring for those in recovery also involves taking the same design principles that any home can benefit from. There’s a lot of room for spontaneity and improvisation, and when the impulse begins with warmth, this is communicated throughout the living space.

Hot Tub Skin Sponge

Having a hot tub in your own home can bring about some really fantastic changes.  Some of them never go away, and never really get old.  Things like stress relief, having something available to you at all hours of the day, that will lower your stress almost immediately, always makes life much better.  And of course, this is also a natural state of being, because life is supposed to be enjoyed.  There are other changes, too, that are extremely positive.  A hot tub means you have a party in your house, that can be opened and begun any time you feel like it. They make entertaining so much easier, and it’s a simple thing to call some friends over for a night in the hot tub, or even a barbecued meal and some social time together.  With a company like choosehottubsdirect.com, it makes the hard part of getting the spa easier, and they’re with you all the way from selection to installation and beyond.

One of the changes, however, that everyone notices, and it’s something that kids observe more quickly than adults, is that thing about the skin wrinkling.  When you spend a little bit of time in water, the fingerprints and the pads on the toes start to look like they’re caving in on themselves.  We all probably remember one of the first times we noticed this, and it’s always fun to watch kids noticing it for the first time, too.  It usually happens in swimming pools and hot tubs, because that’s usually the first time kids like being in water for any length of time.  The shock at seeing the fingers and toes do what they do is almost always outweighed by a sense of delight at seeing something interesting happening to your hands.

When you get into your spa, this will become something that plays a part in your life again, either something that you’ll notice a lot, or, if you have children, and they have friends, might be a source of conversation in the near future.  So it might be helpful to know why this is happening, so you can sound like the responsible adult in the situation.  It’s not that the skin is wrinkling, in fact, but the opposite.  The skin is actually absorbing water.  The areas of thicker skin on the body become more saturated than other areas, and are acting like sponges.  So when you say that someone who picks up on things very quickly is like a sponge, in fact, quite literally, they are!

Finding the Perfect Size, Shape and Design for Hottubs

One of the worst things about this modern and fast paced world is that many people now are feeling the effects of being just too stressed out. This is not only an uncomfortable experience but long term stress will cause a myriad of health problems.  There are ways though, that many people are gaining a handle on this through relaxation techniques.  These techniques are essential in one’s quest for overall optimal health is increasing the quality of life for many people.

Even when your stress is under control, finding ways to relax should still be a practice in everyday life.  Some of the health benefits will include a lowering of blood pressure, the reduction of chronic pain, concentration will increase as well as self confidence and overall happiness.  When one practices this, they will find that the things that used to get to them throughout the day, not longer affect them, the stress is prevented before it even happens.  Hottubs are a great way to relax.  The size and the shape of spas will affect the impact of one’s experience, however the size will affect this more than the shape.  Shape will determine how many people will fit in the tub, and the variety of benches and positions that one can sit in.

The shape will also enhance the entire design of one’s backyard.  But the size will greatly affect the satisfaction one has with their tub and the performance of that tub.  While larger hot tubs and spas will create the space for more people, they are more expensive than smaller tubs, but they will usually have many more jets and a variety of angles, so it may be worth the price for maximum performance and maximum stress relief.  It is amazing the effects that take place with just ten minutes spent in a hot tub.  Immediately one will feel the weight of the world just slip away.  Sleep will come quickly, and one will wake up rested, stress free and ready to take on what the day may bring.