How To Deal With Temper Tantrums

When some young children become frustrated, they throw temper tantrums.

To help a child learn to deal with his or her emotions in a healthier way, follow these suggestions from the Nemours Foundation:

*Help your child express what he's feeling and why. Have a conversation with him, instead of an argument. Praise your child for talking calmly about what's making him angry.
*Encourage your child to walk away from a situation when he is angry, and allow him to spend some time alone to calm down.
*Give your child other methods of expressing his anger -- let him write or draw what he is feeling.
*Have your child perform another activity that can help take his mind off of what's made him angry. Have him run around outside, dance around the bedroom, or do a few cartwheels.

Understanding Sun Protection Factor

Sun protection factor (SPF) is a rating given to sunscreens to help gauge the amount of protection they provide against the sun's damaging UV rays.

An SPF of 15 means you'll have 15 times the amount of protection from the sun that you normally would without any sunscreen, the Nemours Foundation says. That means spending 15 minutes in the sun with SPF 15 applied is the equivalent of spending roughly 1 minute in the sun without any sunscreen.

Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended for anyone, especially children. Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays offer the most benefit, the foundation says.

Vitamin A Compound Could Fight Rheumatoid Arthritis

Research in mice suggests that a vitamin A derivative, retinoic acid, may fight autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as colitis or rheumatoid arthritis, U.S. scientists say.

A team at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology in California found that manipulating the amount of retinoic acid (a substance derived when vitamin A is broken down in the body) in the mice affected levels of pro-inflammatory T-cells.

These T-cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

"We found that you can control inflammation in a living animal with retinoic acid or you can treat cells with retinoic acid in a test tube and transfer them to the organism to suppress inflammation," research leader Hilde Cheroutre said in a prepared statement.

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What Causes Nightmares?

Nightmares can cause poor sleep and anxiety, triggering health problems.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following factors can contribute to nightmares:

*Eating just before bed, which can increase brain activity.
*Any anxiety or stress.
*Any major life event, including the death of a loved one.
*Illness, including fever.
*An adverse reaction, side effect or withdrawal from a drug.
*Alcohol withdrawal, or excessive alcohol consumption.
*Breathing disorders, including sleep apnea.
*Sleep disorders, including narcolepsy.

Suggestions for Stretching

Stretching before exercise is a great way to warm up your muscles and prevent injury. But stretching the wrong way can cause problems, too.

Here are guidelines on how to stretch safely, courtesy of the Women's Heart Foundation:

*Stretch for at least five to seven minutes before exercising.
*Keep muscles relaxed, and stretch slowly. Never bounce your muscles while stretching.
*Stretch until you feel some tension in your muscles, but never until it hurts.
*Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds, and breathe slowly and deeply.
*Relax, then stretch again for a few seconds longer at each stretch. Repeat each stretch several times.

Drink Responsibly

Provided you don't have a drinking problem, are of legal age, and are not pregnant, the U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions for drinking alcohol responsibly:

*Never drive a car if you've been drinking.
*Drink alcohol with food -- never on an empty stomach.
*Drink slowly and in moderation to avoid severe impairment.
*If you are taking any medications, don't drink alcohol without checking first with your doctor.
*Alcohol is not safe -- even in moderation -- if you have a history of alcohol abuse.

Ward Off Jet Lag

Jet lag occurs when the body has trouble adjusting to travel across time zones.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these recommendations to minimize symptoms:

*Get plenty of sleep before you leave.
*Avoid alcohol consumption right before, during, and right after your flight.
*Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and healthy portion sizes.
*Get plenty of exercise during your trip.
*If you take sleep medication, use it only for a few days.
*Follow the local schedule of your new time zone, not the old one.

Asthmatics Can Still Play Sports

Kids with asthma don't need to stay on the bench. Under a doctor's care, they can still exercise and play sports, as long as their asthma is under control, the Nemours Foundation says.

To avoid an asthma attack and a possible trip to the emergency room, all medications must be taken as prescribed, the foundation says.

If your child isn't having regular asthma attacks, he should be able to play any sport, although endurance sports like running, biking, basketball and soccer may be more difficult.

Your child should always carry emergency medication and make the coach aware of the child's condition, the foundation says.

Sensible Ways to Shed Pounds

osing weight can a daunting task. But there are sensible ways to go about it, AARP says.

Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, the group offers these suggestions:
*Don't skip meals -- eat three a day, especially breakfast. Skipping meals can cause you to overeat later in the day.
*Drink a lot of water, and drink a glass or two before a meal to help you feel more full and eat less.
*To fill you up without extra calories, eat foods that are rich in fiber and water, such as fruits and vegetables.
*Track what and how much you eat by keeping a food journal.
Don't give up, and remember that every little bit you do helps.

Flaxseed, ginseng show benefit in cancer treatment

Flaxseed slowed the growth of prostate tumors in men, while ginseng helped relieve the fatigue that cancer patients often feel, U.S. researchers reported on Saturday in two of the first scientifically rigorous looks at alternative medicine.

The studies reflect doctors' efforts to explore the risks and benefits of foods and supplements that are routinely taken by their patients with little scientific proof they help.

Americans spend between $36 billion and $47 billion a year on complementary and alternative therapies, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

"Patients are taking these compounds but we need to know if they are doing any good or any harm,"; said Dr. Bruce Cheson of Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, who led a panel on alternative therapies at a meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

In the flaxseed study, researchers at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina and colleagues evaluated the seed's role as a food supplement in 161 men who were scheduled to undergo surgery for prostate cancer.

Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, a fiber found on the seed coat.

"We were looking at flaxseed because of its unique nutrient profile,"; said Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, a researcher in Duke's School of Nursing, who led the study.

Half of the men in the study added 30 grams of flaxseed daily to their diets for about 30 days. Half of the flaxseed group also went on a low-fat diet.

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Playground Safety

Before your child visits a new playground, parents should inspect the facility to be sure it's safe.

To help protect your child from injury, the National Program for Playground Safety offers these guidelines:

*Make sure that you or another trusted adult is always supervising your child's play.
*To prevent possible strangulation, don't allow your child to play while he's wearing clothing with drawstrings.
*The playground should have age-appropriate equipment in separate sections, so that younger children can avoid injury from older children's play and equipment.
*Playground surfaces should provide cushion in the event of a fall -- surfaces that are concrete, grass, asphalt, gravel or packed dirt can contribute to injuries. *Acceptable surfaces include hardwood fiber/mulch, pea gravel, sand, or rubber mats.
*All equipment should be properly rooted to the ground, with no loose, rusting, or missing parts.

Prevent a 'Charley Horse'

A 'charley horse' is a painful muscle spasm that occurs most often in the legs. It begins suddenly and may cause severe pain when the muscle won't relax.

Proper preparation before exercise can help prevent charley horses. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:
Stretch properly and thoroughly before any exercise.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids before and after exercise.
Include plenty of potassium in your diet. Orange juice and bananas are excellent sources.
Don't overexert yourself and strain your muscles, which could cause spasms.

Safe Toys For Your Child

All toys, no matter how safe, may not be appropriate for children of all ages. Other toys may have moving parts or sharp edges that make them inappropriate for children of any age.

Here are suggestions on how to choose safe toys for your child, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
Don't give your child toys with small parts that can be easily removed or broken.
Follow safety information and age guidelines listed on toys.
Look for toys that say "non-toxic," or "washable/hygienic materials" on stuffed animals that can be washed.
Make sure your child only has access to toys that are appropriate for her age.
To prevent choking, don't allow young children to play with marbles, or other small toys less than 1 3/4 inches diameter or 2 inches long.

Swim, Swim, Swim

Exercise should be part of everyone's healthy lifestyle, but some people may have difficulty with high-impact exercise like running.

Swimming is a low-impact activity that offers a great workout for all muscles of the body.

According to Epigee Women's Health, swimming may be a good option for people who need to be extra careful during exercise, including those who are:
Pregnant.
Extremely overweight.
Elderly.
Disabled.
Recovering from an injury.

Signs of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid overproduces hormones that control the body's metabolism.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common warning signs of hyperthyroidism:

*Sudden, unexplained weight loss.
*Weakened muscles and fatigue.
*Feelings of nervousness and anxiousness.
*Excessive sweating.
*Rapid heartbeat.
*Tremors.
*Eyes that are red, wide, or swollen

The academy says other diseases and conditions can mimic these symptoms, so your doctor may run some tests to confirm a suspected diagnosis.

What Causes Seizures?

A seizure occurs when electrical activity in the brain is abnormally high. Seizures often are characterized by shaking or twitching of the body, and possible loss of consciousness.

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers this list of potential causes:

Epilepsy.
A head injury or other trauma to the brain.
An infection that affects the brain, including an abscess or meningitis.
Brain tumor.
Stroke.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Illicit drug use (especially cocaine or stimulants).
Alcohol withdrawal.

Protect Against Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in bed linens, carpets, pillows and other warm areas where dust may gather. The waste from dust mites can cause allergy and asthma symptoms to flare.

To help rid your home of dust mites, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions:
*Cover your mattress and pillows with an airtight cover made of plastic or polyurethane.
*Wash sheets and pillows each week in very hot water.
If possible, bedroom floors should be hardwood or linoleum, rather than carpet.
*Vacuum carpets and furniture every week.
*Spray carpets with a 3 percent tannic acid spray every two months. But this solution, itself, can cause problems in allergic or asthmatic people, so check with your doctor first.
*Use a dehumidifier, and keep your air conditioning running when possible.
*Use special filters to trap dust mites in your air conditioner and vacuum.

The Benefits of a Multivitamin

While many people get enough vitamins from a healthy and balanced diet, others should take a multivitamin supplement to help maintain a healthy body.

Children and pregnant women need more vitamins than the average person, and may be prescribed a multivitamin by their doctors, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Other candidates for a multivitamin include people whose illness prevents them from absorbing enough vitamins from food, or people who don't or can't eat enough vitamin-rich foods.

Multivitamins are available in chewable tablets, capsules, tablets you swallow, and in liquid form. It's important to follow the package or doctor's instructions when taking a multivitamin, the NLM says.

'Light' Cigarettes Aren't Safer

"Light," "mild" or "low-tar" cigarettes are sometimes billed as healthier for people who don't quit.

But these cigarettes do nothing for a smoker's health, the U.S. National Cancer Institute says. The NCI offers the following information:

People who smoke light cigarettes are still at risk for serious health problems, including lung cancer.
Nicotine-craving smokers of light cigarettes actually may inhale more deeply, take larger or more rapid puffs, or smoke extra cigarettes to get enough nicotine.
Smoking machines that measure tar and nicotine intake often do not accurately emulate a person who smokes.
There is no evidence that switching to light cigarettes helps smokers quit.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infections occur when the yeast that is found naturally in and around the vagina grow in large numbers.

The normal acidic environment of the vagina should keep yeast growth in check. But if this environment becomes less acidic, too many yeast can trigger an infection.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these common symptoms of yeast infections:
Itching or burning.
Vaginal discharge that is white and thick.
Painful intercourse.
Swollen vulva.

Taking Care of Problem Skin

Acne is caused by factors including hormonal changes, certain medications, and the use of certain products.

Here are skin-care suggestions to help reduce acne, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

Wash your face once or twice a day with a gentle, mild soap or cleanser that won't dry the skin. Always wash your face after sweating or exercising, but don't wash excessively or more than a few times a day.
Wash your hair with shampoo each day, particularly if you have oily hair.
Keep oily hair pulled back and away from your face.
Don't touch your face with your hands or fingers.
Don't pick at, scratch or pop any blemishes, as this can cause infection and scarring.
Avoid any makeup or face creams that are greasy or oily.

Harnessing Tai Chi's Quiet Strength for Health

Is your chi not flowing right?

Whether or not you subscribe to the theory that the mind and body contain this mysterious, potentially healing force, the ancient martial art known as Tai Chi can still help bring health and fitness into line, experts say.

What's more, unlike more strenuous physical activities, Tai Chi's slow, balanced movements "are very accessible to older adults or patient populations that may have some physical limitations," said Dr. Michael Irwin, a professor of psychiatry and a researcher at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, part of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine. He's conducted much research on the health benefits of the practice.

He defined Tai Chi, which originated centuries ago in China, as "a series of slow-moving movements that have a meditative quality, incorporating both physical movement as well as meditation."

Practitioners, who swear by Tai Chi's ability to calm body and soul, often talk about chi and the discipline's ability to restore a yin-yang physiological balance to this "life energy." Irwin said there's currently no way to scientifically validate these theories, "but I'm not bothered by that, because there are lots of things in the world that we do not understand because we do not yet have a way to measure them."

He and other researchers have been able to compare the health of Tai Chi devotees against that of more sedentary types, however. Using a standard "Medical Outcomes Scale," researchers have shown "that there are robust improvements in physical function -- simple things like being able to carry groceries, walk, go up stairs," Irwin said.

That's because Tai Chi, while seemingly slow, is surprisingly good exercise. "There are a number of studies on Tai Chi and its aerobic effects that show that metabolism increases, and there's physical conditioning over time," Irwin said.

Benefits extend to other areas, as well. A much-publicized study this year from Emory University in Atlanta found that Tai Chi helped elderly practitioners reduce their risk for potentially lethal falls. Irwin's own work at UCLA found that Tai Chi reduced older people's risk for the immune disorder shingles. Another UCLA study, to be published soon in the journal Gerontology, showed that it boosted the function of the sympathetic nervous system, which has long been tied to good cardiovascular health.

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AOL co-founder Case launches health Web site

Internet entrepreneur Steve Case launched a health Web site on Thursday, hoping to draw millions of consumers with free services such as online medical records, doctor ratings and disease information.

The America Online co-founder and one of the architects of that company's troubled merger with Time Warner, named the venture Revolution Health and has invested $100 million of his own money.

Revolution Health aims to shake up a fragmented and bureaucratic health-care system that Case said leaves patients and caregivers frustrated.

Consumers, for example, can easily find ratings on movies and restaurants but not on doctors, he said.

"Our mission is to revolutionize the health-care system," Case said in an interview. The key, he added, is "empowering consumers to take more control of their health and their families' health."

A test site started running at Revolutionhealth.com in January and drew more than 1 million visitors, Case said.

The site officially launched on Thursday and includes calculators for people to assess their chances of developing a heart attack, stroke or diabetes, a symptom checker to figure out what a pain or dizziness might mean, and an option to create a customized page of health topics.

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Fruits and Vegetables Fight Off Cancer

If you want to reduce your risk of several common types of cancer, help may be no farther away than your kitchen.

A trio of new studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research on Sunday found that vegetables and fruits help lower your chances of getting head and neck, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.

One of the studies even found that just one additional serving of vegetables or fruits could help lower the risk of head and neck cancer. Still, the more fruits and vegetables you can consume, the better.

"Those who ate six servings of fruit and vegetables per 1,000 calories had a 29 percent decreased risk relative to those who had 1.5 servings," said Neal Freedman, a Cancer Prevention Fellow in the division of Cancer Prevention at the National Cancer Institute and author of one of the studies.

Freedman looked at how the fruit and vegetable intake compared to the incidence of head and neck cancer is 490,802 adults. During the five-year study period, 787 people were diagnosed with head and neck cancers.

After adjusting the data to account for smoking and alcohol use -- known head and neck cancer risk factors -- the researchers found that those who consumed the most fruits and vegetables had the lowest risk for head and neck cancers. Vegetables appeared to offer more cancer prevention than fruits alone did.

Adding just one serving of fruit or vegetables per each 1,000 calories consumed daily resulted in a 6 percent reduction of risk, Freedman said.

"Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol use protects against head and neck cancer. Our results suggest that increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables may also contribute to reduced head and neck cancer risk, and add support to current dietary recommendations to increase fruit and vegetable consumption," Freedman noted.

"I think Americans fall pretty short of the recommendations [for fruit and vegetable consumption]," said Tara Miller, program manager for the Center for Corporate Wellness at New York University Medical Center in New York City. "So, it's good news that only an extra serving a day could make a difference."

In the second study, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, conducted lab experiments to see if broccoli and soy protein offered any protection against more aggressive breast and ovarian cancers.

When consumed together, digesting broccoli and soy forms a compound called diindolylmethane (DIM). In the lab experiments, the researchers found that DIM could affect the motility of breast and ovarian cancer cells, which could help keep cancers from spreading.

Miller said one concern about soy is that it may be a problem for people with estrogen-fueled cancers, because soy acts like estrogen in the body. She said soy is a nutritious, healthy food, but she recommends eating it in moderation.

How to Reduce Snoring

Snoring, in addition to being a nuisance, can significantly affect the emotional and physical health of snorers and those around them.

If you're a chronic snorer, try these suggestions from the National Sleep Foundation:

Lose weight -- dropping pounds should reduce the amount of fat deposits in the throat that can obstruct the airway and cause snoring.

Sleep on your side rather than your back.

Avoid alcohol before bed, and stop smoking, as both can contribute to snoring.

Try a nasal breathing strip, designed to help keep your nostrils open during sleep.

Ask your doctor or dentist about appliances that can help reduce snoring.

How to treat psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin.

While there is no cure, psoriasis can be controlled with these common treatments, listed by the National Psoriasis Foundation:

Topical ointments and creams, including salicylic acid and topical steroids.
Lotions, bath solutions and other nonprescription topical preparations to help soothe symptoms and reduce scaliness.
Light therapy, including UVB and lasers.
Prescription systemic medications, a term used to describe drugs that affect the entire body. These drugs are usually reserved for people with moderate-to-severe cases.

Brain Health

Maintaining a healthy brain is as important as maintaining a healthy body, especially as you age.

Here are some suggestions to help keep your mind sharp, courtesy of AARP:

Don't drink excessive amounts of alcohol, smoke, or use illegal drugs.
Get regular exercise and enough sleep.
Learn how to reduce stress.
If you notice significant changes in your memory or brain function, speak with your doctor.
Prescription medications -- especially when taken in combination -- may affect your mental and physical performance, so let your doctor know about all medications that you take.
Stay physically and socially active, and avoid staying at home by yourself.

Constipation in Children

Children are considered constipated if they have fewer than three bowel movements a week, or their stools are large, hard, and difficult to pass.

Here are suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians on how to help a child's constipation:

Increase the amount of fluids and high-fiber fruits and vegetables in your child's daily diet.
Teach your child not to wait to use the toilet. Have the child try to use the toilet for at least 10 minutes each day after a meal.
Talk to your doctor about whether laxatives or similar medications may be appropriate in your child's case.
Reward your child for sitting on the toilet and trying to have a bowel movement.

Toilet Training Your Child

Toilet training should begin only when the child is able to recognize and communicate when a diaper is soiled.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, this most often occurs between 18 and 24 months of age. But some children may remain in diapers as late as 2 1/2 to 3 years old, the academy says.

Before training begins, introduce your child to her potty chair by keeping it in her play area, the physician's group advises. Let her sit in the chair any time she wants to -- fully clothed -- but never force her to sit in it.

Finally, encourage her to sit on her potty chair without a diaper on. Show her how you place waste from her diaper into the potty chair, then transfer to the toilet. Allow her to flush the toilet and watch the waste disappear.

Male sweat can boost arousal in women

A chemical in male sweat can boost mood, brain activity and sexual arousal in heterosexual women, according to a new study released just in time for Valentine's Day.

The study offers the first direct evidence that humans secrete a scent that can affect the physiology of the opposite sex, said researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. Their findings were published this week in The Journal of Neuroscience.

"This is the first time anyone has demonstrated that a change in women's hormonal levels is induced by sniffing an identified compound of male sweat," said study leader Claire Wyart, a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley. "There is much more going on than we think when we are smelling body odor."

The study conducted last year involved 48 undergraduate women who took 20 sniffs from a bottle containing androstadienone, a compound found in male perspiration and other bodily secretions.

The researchers measured the women's levels of the stress hormone cortisol and compared them to the women's responses to a control odor. Cortisol levels in the women rose within about 15 minutes of inhaling the androstadienone scent and remained elevated for more than an hour, UC Berkeley researchers found.

They also discovered that blood pressure, heart rate and breathing increased, mood improved and sexual arousal was boosted.

While the compound can make women feel more positive and sexually aroused, it's still unclear how it affects their behavior, Wyart said.

"Humans are more complex," she said. "You cannot expect them to have stereotypical responses like rodents."

Gastric bypass surgery

It may seem like an extreme measure, but gastric bypass surgery is becoming more widely accepted ever year as a weight loss method.

Gastric bypass surgery is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the stomach is closed off. Therefore, after gastric bypass surgery food bypass a part of the stomach. You eat less because your stomach gets fuller quicker. You eat less and consume less weight producing calories.

If the surgery also includes bypassing a part of the intestine, you can lose even more weight because the body does not absorb the food you do eat. Again, you get fewer calories.

Gastric bypass surgery usually requires a four or five day hospital stay and a person is usually fully recovered with in a month or so. There are some after effects to gastric bypass surgery. It is generally called dumping. That occurs when the food passes too quickly through the stomach. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and possibly diarrhea soon after eating. This procedure is usually done on people that meet the following conditions if you have been obese for five years or more, you may qualify. If you do not have a history of alcohol abuse and are between 18 and 65 years old, the doctor may consider gastric bypass surgery. In addition, you must not have an untreated depression or another major psychiatric disorder.

Gastric bypass surgery does have some risks though. There are the normal risks associated with any surgery. These might include a blood clot that could lead to a stroke. A person might experience an infection. Some studies have shown that about one-third of all people having surgery for obesity develop gallstones or a nutritional deficiency condition such as anemia or osteoporosis.

The benefits of gastric bypass surgery are almost immediate weight loss. People who have gastric bypass surgery tend to continue to lose weight for the first 12 months. Long-term weight loss benefits look like this. One study found that most people lost one-third of their excess weight in one to four years after the surgery procedure. There are some other thinks to be concerned with a gastric bypass surgery. Doctors tell us that the part of the intestine where many minerals and vitamins are most easily absorbed is bypassed.

Because of this, you may have a deficiency in iron, calcium, magnesium, or vitamins. As with other elective surgery, you have to balance the weight loss benefits of gastric bypass surgery with the potential risks.

Genital Skin Cancer More Deadly for Women

Women are three times more likely than men to die of genital nonmelanoma skin cancer, new U.S. research shows.

Genital nonmelanoma skin cancer can be caused by sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), which is also associated with cervical cancer.

In this study, researchers found that almost 30,000 people -- 22,000 women and 8,000 men -- died of genital nonmelanoma skin cancers in the United States from 1969 to 2000.

The older a person is, the greater their risk of genital nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The findings were scheduled for presentation Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, in Washington, D.C.

"As dermatologists, we expect to see skin cancers induced by ultraviolet light, because sunlight is one of the primary risk factors for the disease," researcher Dr. Martin A. Weinstock, professor of dermatology and community health at Brown University in Providence, R.I., said in a prepared statement.

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Exercising During Pregnancy

Assuming your doctor approves, exercise can help keep you healthy and feeling good during pregnancy.

While you should avoid strenuous activity, light exercise can offer many benefits during pregnancy.

The Nemours Foundation offers this partial list:
Feeling better, having more energy, and getting better sleep at night.
Reduced back pain and improved posture from stronger back, thigh and buttock muscles.
Reduced stress and anxiety.
Reduced risk of constipation.
Less weight gain during pregnancy, and a quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Your body should tell you if it's had enough. Stop exercising immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
Fatigue.
Dizziness.
Heart palpitations.
Shortness of breath.
Pain in your back or pelvis.

If You Decide to Breast-Feed

If you choose to breast-feed your newborn, here are tips from the University of California, San Francisco, on what to do:

Try to breast-feed as soon as possible after your baby is born. In the beginning, your baby may need to be fed every two to four hours.

Let your baby feed off of both breasts, and alternate which side she feeds on first.
Burp your baby when you switch her to the other breast, and at the end of feeding.

Continue taking your prenatal vitamins. Also, talk to your doctor about whether you should continue to take prescription and over-the-counter medications. Finally, don't diet while you are breast-feeding.

Benefits of antioxidants on your health

There are so many benefits to antioxidants. Not only do most antioxidant rich foods taste great, they are also fantastic for your insides and outside. Just a few of the benefit of antioxidants are their anti-aging properties, their skin clearing abilities and of course, the possibility they can help prevent and repair cancer damaged cells.

Antioxidants keep you looking younger for longer
Nobody wants to look old. I am adamant about staying young looking for as long as I can, and I believe that by soaking up the benefits of antioxidants, I won't be getting any wrinkles when I hit 40, or even 50! It is scientific fact that antioxidants will preserve your youth, and that in itself is reason enough to ensure you are eating the foods required to maintain the antioxidant levels required to keep you looking young.

Antioxidants clear your skin
This is one benefit of antioxidants I can personally vouch for - since I began consuming antioxidant rich foods on a regular basis, my horrible blotchy, acne prone skin has transformed into a glowing, clear complexion. And I put it down to just several foods which I have been consciously eating on a daily basis - berries, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes and wholemeal breads.

Since antioxidants fight free radicals (cell damaging agents), it is only natural that their benefits will show through on your skin. Try it; I will be amazed if after a few months of eating an antioxidant rich det that your skin appearance hasn't improved ten fold!

Antioxidants and cancer
There are continual tests and studies going on in the scientific world to see just what effect, if any, antioxidants have on preventing and fighting cancer.

There is no doubt that antioxidants have some effect on the cells in the body - and it is these cells which can become cancerous. So is there a link between antioxidants and cancer prevention?

Well, if you eat antioxidant rich foods regularly, these antioxidants will reduce the free radicals in your body. Free radicals damage cells and cell walls as well as the genetic material inside your cells! For this reason, nutritionists recommend an antioxidant rich diet - looking after your cells has to go some way in fighting cancer formation.

As you can see, there are so many benefits of antioxidants that every person on earth should be consuming at least ONE food per day that is antioxidant rich. Your body will thank you for it in years to come!

What Is BPH and What Are Its Symptoms?

Men over the age of 50 should be concerned about symptoms of enlarged prostate or BPH. BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is not understood what causes BPH and there are no real risk factors that you can change to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Prostate problems have been around for centuries and it was found that men who had their testicles removed before puberty did not develop prostate problems and cancer. Doctors believe that aging is the biggest cause of prostate problems. Rarely will a man under 40 be diagnosed with prostate problems.

Testosterone, the male hormone that is produced through the lifetime of a man, decreases in production of this hormone. This leaves a higher level of the female hormone estrogen. Studies show the higher amount of estrogen in the prostate gland increases the substances that promote cell growth. There are two main periods of growth of the prostate gland; at puberty and it starts growing again around the age of 25. In some men, the prostate continues to grow until it is restricting the urethra and causes problems with urination. Some believe the cells are given special "instructions" early in life that causes them to reawaken these cells later in life. These special cells then send signals to the other cells in the gland to grow or be more sensitive to hormones that influence its growth.

Symptoms of BPH often are not noticed until the patient begins having trouble passing urine. The patient may gradually lose control of bladder function. The bladder does not empty completely and could cause problems with infection. Other symptoms of an enlarged prostate are a weak or interrupted stream of urine, an urgency to urinate, leaking or dribbling, and more often needing to urinate during the night.

The prostate's size does not always find out how bad the barrier is or how severe the symptoms. A patient with an enlarged prostate may have only a little obstruction and others who have smaller prostate glands may have bigger blockages and problems. Occasionally a man will not realize he has a prostate problem or blockage until he is unable to urinate at all. The inability to urinate may be triggered by an over-the-counter cold or allergy medicine with a decongestant drug named sympathomimetic. The inability to urinate can also be caused by extreme cold, alcohol, and long periods of inactivity or immobility. It is important to note that eight out of 10 cases with these symptoms will point to BPH. They also can mean a more serious condition is present that might need immediate treatment.

Severe cases of BPH can cause more serious problems over time. The strain on the bladder caused by urine retention can lead to urinary tract infections and bladder and kidney damage. It may also lead to stones in the urinary tract and incontinence. If BPH is left untreated, the bladder may develop permanent damage. If you are having any of the listed symptoms, check with your doctor to have diagnostic testing.

Suggestions On How To Stop Heartburn

There are many suggestions on how to stop heartburn. The most affective are changes in diet, exercise, changing how you sleep, and medication are some proven ways to prevent heartburn.

How To Stop Heartburn With Changes In Diet

There are many foods you should avoid if you suffer from heartburn. A short list is: alcohol, chocolate, spearmint, peppermint, coffee, soda, citrus fruits, citrus juices, tomatoes, peppers, vinegar, catsup, mustard, spicy foods, fried foods, and fatty foods. Cutting all of these out of your diet will not completely stop heartburn, but these are some of the most common foods that are known to aggravate heartburn. For your personal list, you must keep a food journal and note which foods trigger your heartburn.

How To Stop Heartburn With Exercise

Exercise is one area that may trigger your heartburn, but is actually working to help alleviate it. Although there is no scientific proof that stress increases heartburn, many people do experience heartburn in stressful situations. Exercise reduces the stress you feel and can alleviate episodes during the day.

The second benefit of exercise is losing weight. Overweight or obese people have heartburn more frequently due to extra pressure pushing on their stomach. By exercising and losing weight, the episodes should decrease.

How To Stop Heartburn By Changing How You Sleep

The first suggestion is to sleep elevated. One way is to sleep with your head above your stomach using gravity to keep your stomach acid down. Putting blocks under the head of your bed raising it six to eight inches will help. Sleeping on a wedge type pillow that puts your head six to eight inches above your stomach will also help. The second way is to sleep on your left side. There is a nerve that runs on your left side that by not getting pinched can help reduce the number of episodes.

How To Stop Heartburn With Medication

Look for a good over the counter medication that lasts all day. Many prescription brands are now over the counter. Taking the medication regularly can alleviate symptoms as well as help heal the damage that may have started. Damage to the esophagus can lead to many other problems.

There is the short list on how to stop heartburn. Paying attention to diet, exercise, sleep practices and possibly adding a medication could get you back on good terms with your stomach.