How To Stop Hair Loss In Women Naturally - This Is How To Treat Female Alopecia The Natural Way!

In women, hair loss is commonly connected to stress, hormonal imbalances, intake of oral contraceptives and psychosomatic disorders. More specifically, women usually suffer from:

• Postpartum alopecia: it generally appears 1-6 months after childbirth and may last for 3-6 months or more.


• Alopecia from oral contraceptives: oral contraceptives used continuously for long periods, often causes a progressive loss of hair. This form of alopecia affects the frontal and temporal region and is usually associated with excessive sebum secretion. Hair loss occurs due to the transformation of progesterone compounds into androgens.


• Hormonal alopecia: it is the most frequent cause of hair loss in women and occurs due to hormonal imbalances that may develop into a state of hyperandrogenism. It affects the frontal area and is often associated with acne, increased hair growth on the face and body, disorders of menstruation and increased sexual desire. Hormonal alopecia can also be hereditary: in this case it typically appears between the ages of 15 and 45 years. If it appears after menopause it may progress slowly and it usually affects the top of the head.


• Telogen effluvium: it is usually caused by prolonged stress, dieting, psychosomatic disorders, iron deficiency, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes and thyroid malfunction.


• Iatrogenic alopecia or externally traumatic alopecia may occur after taking antidepressants, anticoagulants and can also be the result of chemotherapy.

How to stop hair loss in women naturally:

To prevent baldness you must eat healthy and fresh foods. For example, raw vegetables can be very helpful. The absence or the low intake of protein, reduces the diameter of the bulb of the hair, so try to eat high quality protein every day.

Foods that can fight the problem include red or white meat and fish, which are excellent sources of protein. Obviously it is not advisable to eat red meat every day, so try to eat a lot of chicken, fish or even legumes. Beans, peas and lentils are indeed very rich in vegetable proteins and can replace red meat and provide your body with all the necessary nutrients. Fish is also rich in fatty acids, called omega-3, which are antioxidants that slow down the aging of the cells and promote the health of the scalp. It has also been scientifically proven that zinc and iron are very important for healthy hair, but a balanced diet is not always enough to provide your body with the right amount of these substances. In this case you can take supplements in the form of tablets.

Health Insurance - Maternity Benefits For Pregnant Ladies

The most beautiful gift given by God to a woman is the ability to deliver life which comes as the most joyous occasion for a family. However, unfortunately this beautiful feeling is hindered and overshadowed by the dark clouds of financial insecurity. A large percentage of women are clueless as to how to cover their maternity costs efficiently so as not to burn a hole in their pockets. This situation incurs the pregnant women with high stress and tension during her pregnancy which results in the complications at the point of delivery of the child.

Now, the question is how you can save yourself from the stressful situation during the pregnancy period and avoid any sort of unexpected complications. Nowadays, the high- end hospitals along with the health insurance companies have come up with excellent health coverage policies and plans including, maternity health coverage which are incredibly beneficial in making pregnancy a more economic process. These health insurance plans act as a supplement health plan which covers the high overrated costs that comes up with the nine-month pregnancy period and some of them even cover the expenses of post- pregnancy period. There is one plan which has come up newly in the market which has been covering maternity for individuals inculcating Pre & Post hospitalization Medical Expenses: Medical expenses incurred due to Illness up to 30 days period immediately before an insured person's admission to a hospital and 60 days immediately after the Person's discharge from the hospital.

Pregnancies can costs up to a lac of rupees involving all the medical costs and X- rays and sometimes, even more if that is a high-risk pregnancy. However, with a health insurance package you can have coverage for hospital visits, doctor visits, reasonable and customary charges for hospital accommodation, health check-ups. Moreover this newly introduced plan also covers the new born baby from day zero at no immediate extra cost. It will also cover vaccination expenses of the new born baby until the new born baby completes one year. So, end the worries and enjoy a stress free pregnancy.

Ovarian Cyst and Pregnancy - Help Me Cure My Cyst Now!

Ovarian Cyst and Pregnancy

A lot of women wonder what they can do to get rid of the pain that they suffer from having ovarian cyst and pregnancy. The truth of the matter is that ovarian cyst are pretty common and any woman can get them at different times in their life. The treatment options available during pregnancy are very limited. Many women are left to deal with the pain because they don't know that there is something they can do to treat it.

Most doctors will have you come in so they can do an ultrasound of the ovaries to know if there is a cyst, and to make sure it is not cancerous. Most of the time it is very unusual for a cyst to be cancerous. These cyst can be very painful and large, your family doctor will give you some advice on what your options are.

It is important that you are as healthy as possible for you and your baby. Your doctor might tell you that surgery is the only option, because they cannot give you any hormonal pills or birth control during pregnancy. There can be a lot of risks that having surgery while you are pregnant could bring. You definitely don't want to risk having a miscarriage, and surgery will not prevent future cysts. Even if you do decide to have surgery to take care of your Cysts while you are pregnant, you could still develop them before your baby is born.

There are natural cures that comes with ovarian cyst and pregnancy, and these techniques are very safe for you and the baby.

I had my own trouble with ovarian cyst, I was really desperate to find a natural, safe cure and get rid of the awful pain. You can free yourself from the pain and get a safe, natural cure to help you feel better right now.

Birth Control and Health Insurance - Why it Won't Pay

Why do insurance policies pay for men to buy Viagra but won't pay for birth control for women?

This is a very common question that touches on what seems to be  sexual discrimination on the part of health insurance companies.

It helps to understand that not all policies follow the same rules. Mostly, it's a matter of the kind of coverage you have.

Group health insurance plans, the kind a business buys as a benefit for employees, are likely to pay for the birth control. Individual plans, that people buy directly from the insurance company, are not.

Group plans will cover maternity, so preventing pregnancy is helpful in keeping costs down.

Individual plans only offer maternity coverage if you choose the maternity rider and pay extra. If you don't pay the extra premium, the delivery costs won't be paid by the insurance company anyway, so they don't save money by paying for birth control.

In addition, individual plans are medically underwritten, meaning that not all applicants are accepted and the pricing for those who are accepted varies from one person to the next.

Rates for underwritten policies are affected by an applicant's status regarding factors such as age, weight and whether the applicant takes medication. The insurance company charges more for people who take medications because the costs of paying for that person's medical expenses will obviously be higher than for someone who does not take medication.

So, even if the individual plan did cover birth control pills, the policyholder would probably end up paying more than the birth control pills are worth.

It is also true that insurance companies commonly will only pay for services that are "medically necessary". While some may argue about whether Viagra or Cialis are medically necessary, erectile dysfunction is, by definition, a condition where a normal biological function is not working properly. Ovulation, on the other hand, is totally natural. Not a dysfunction at all.

So, while gender discrimination is still all too common in the world, it is not the real the reason for this  apparent unfairness in health insurance.

Natural Skin Care Treatment For Pregnant Women

Now that you are pregnant, you must take care of your body, including your skin, more than ever before.

One of the things you have to watch out for during pregnancy is acne. Acne can be due to several things, but stress is a major contributor. This disease can make you feel very uncomfortable; therefore, it is important that you know how to deal with it. Since stress may cause or worsen acne breakouts, one treatment of choice should focus on reducing stress. Like, for instance, you may want to engage in natural stress-reducing activities such as yoga, breathing exercises, or anything else that enables you to relax.

You may also be worried of stretch marks on the stomach. These usually appear during the latter stage of your pregnancy when your tummy begins to grow.

Other skin problems you are likely to deal with during pregnancy dryness and peeling. It's good to know that these problems may be resolved by eating right and by using the appropriate skin care products. Remember, though, that you cannot just apply any medication to treat acne or any skin problem for that matter. You see, pregnancy is a very delicate stage for you and your baby; anything you put in your body eventually gets transmitted to your baby, and you know that skin care products that are chemically formulated contain harsh ingredients that can result to birth problems.

It is therefore very important that you choose carefully the kinds of skin care products to use. As much as possible, go natural in your choice of creams, lotions and anything else. Natural products do not contain harmful chemicals that can affect your baby, so they are safe to use.

To help you deal with skin care problems during pregnancy, drink lots of water. Drinking water keeps you hydrated and your skin well moisturized so you get to have healthy, beautiful skin all throughout your pregnancy.

Caring For Babies of Diabetic Mothers - With Tender Loving Care

Caring for babies of diabetic mothers could be easier if preventive measures are undertaken during prenatal care. This is an essential part to achieve a healthy pregnancy and delivery. It includes careful management of the diet, checking the blood sugar level and the proper use of insulin. Maintaining the blood sugar at normal level will lower the risk to the baby.

The babies need special treatment. The kind of treatment will depend upon how controlled the diabetes is during the latter part of the pregnancy. It will also depend on the condition during the delivery process while the mother is in labor. The baby's doctor will base the specific treatment on the following:

• baby's medical history and health status as a whole
• extent of the diabetes
• baby's tolerance of the type of treatment
• prognosis on the condition's course
• mother's preference and opinion

The baby's blood sugar level will be closely monitored. How do they do this in one so young? They actually have three options. They may draw blood from a heel stick. Or they may draw blood with a needle in the arm of the baby or they may do so through an umbilical catheter.

They may have to administer glucose to the baby as a first feeding in the form of a mixture of water and glucose. Some may need to be given glucose intravenously. With the baby's blood sugar being closely monitored, they will be able to watch for hypoglycemia to happen again.

If the baby is under respiratory distress, a breathing machine may be used to give oxygen. Also if there is any injury sustained during the delivery, they will be attended to and taken cared of. The same will be done with any problems occurring with birth defect. At the same time the caretakers will watch for low calcium level.

To see if appropriate care is given, CEMACH which is acronym for the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Child Health checked on this. Their findings showed that a lot of diabetic mothers in Wales, England and Northern Ireland have their babies admitted to a special care unit. Apparently, this is due to hospital practice policies.

They found that over 50% of the babies admitted were preventable because there was no medical indication for the admission. In some cases they said the reason was because the babies were not kept adequately warm. This only leads to the separation of babies and parents.

The Diabetes in Pregnancy released its findings on the care for baby after birth. The findings of a national enquiry also indicated there were obstacles to breastfeeding although this has been proven to be best in caring for babies of diabetic mothers as well as for those of non-diabetic mothers. These were:

• Early feeding in the labor ward was not given to 25% of the newborn.
• The first feed given to 2/3 of the babies was infant formula.
• The reason to use infant formula feeding was the mother's choice not to breast feed.

The recommendations are as follows:

• Diabetic mothers should be advised about the advantages of breastfeeding.
• Babies should stay with the mothers right after birth as long as there are no postnatal complications. This helps set up breastfeeding and control the babies temperature.
• Breastfeeding should be encouraged during the first hour of birth although support should be given to the all mothers in the their feeding choice.
• Health care teams should be trained better with improved guidelines on how to manage the caring for babies of diabetic mothers.

The Chief executive of CEMACH, Richard Congdon, said that although they were able to identify problems in their national inquiry, most babies of diabetic mothers receive high quality care. But breastfeeding should be encouraged and the same is true for the babies to stay with their mothers. This will be better in caring for babies of diabetic mothers.

The Benefits of Fish Oil For Depression Treatment

There have been numerous multi-vitamin supplements manufactured but using Omega 3 oil supplements from fish has been around much longer. The use of fish oil for depression seems to be beneficial in the relief of symptoms. The right oil must be used to get the most benefit. Studies have shown that a decline in fish consumption is related to an increase in depression.

High quality ethyl EPA oil from fish can aid in the improvement of both mood and depression symptoms. There have been several studies done to support the evidence that fish supplement oil depression treatments are effective.

Dr. Andrew Stoll did a study at Harvard University in 1999 and reported that the symptoms of manic depression, otherwise known as Bipolar disorder improved with firsh oil. This is a type of depression characterized by reoccurring periods of mania and depression or both. The study took thirty patents with bipolar disorder and a history of relapse and gave them either fish supplement oil or olive oil. The study was cut down to four months from nine when the patients that were given fish supplement oil showed a dramatic reduction in depression symptoms and a longer remission time than those that were given the olive oil.

Fish oil for depression underwent another study in 2002 by Peet and Horrobin. Ethyl EPA's antidepressant effects were tested, and it was determined that a gram a day was effective in treating symptoms. A dose of fish oil for depression was given every day for twelve weeks to some participants, others were given a placebo. Those that got the fish supplement oil showed improvement in their condition.

Fish oil depression benefits were proven once again when the supplement was given in addition to regular medication to a suicidal depression patient. The symptoms of the depression and the suicidal tendencies both showed improvement. The EPA performed structural changes to the brain and there was an indication that the efficiency of depression medication was enhanced with fish oil depression treatments.

Postnatal depression is higher in countries where there is a lower fish intake in the diet. The omega 3's in fish supplement oil are very important both to the developing fetus and the newborn baby; when the mother does not get enough fatty acid the supply becomes depleted because all available fatty acids are given to the baby. This depletion is what contributes to the postnatal depression. A fish oil supplement depression can aid in reducing the risk of postnatal depression.

EPA and DHA are the main ingredients in fish supplement oil. The purer the EPA contained in the fish oil depression treatment the more the symptoms of depression are reduced. There is more DHA in the brain, and EPA is more important to nerve stimulation and function; while DHA is required for structure.

The benefits of fish oil for depression have been shown in numerous studies, and people all over the world continue to benefit. With a reduction in suicidal tendencies, postnatal depression and the reduction of required medication, fish oil depression treatments seems to be a natural way to battle the challenges of depression.

Midwifery Vacancies - Enduring Career Opportunities

The recessionary pressures recently experienced have the potential to create a long tail effect on unemployment. While most western economies are returning to some sense of normality, the outlook for unemployment takes some time to react positively. The gradual ascent from the effects of the recession means that many industries are struggling to retain the employment levels to pre-recession levels. However, medicine and healthcare is an exception to the rule, the demand for healthcare services can actually increase as a result of reduced incomes and increased levels of stress. As a result, the demand for medical staff is consistent through the various economic cycles, providing a stable platform for career stability and growth. One such position that is consistently in high demand is midwifery.

Medical policy throughout the United Kingdom is committed to the delivery of high quality and accessible maternity care, which is focused around the needs of the woman and the family. Demographic changes and structural changes in the population have resulted in a different profile of women accessing maternity services. Divergent family structures and increasing population growth through active immigration policies has resulted in increasing demand for maternity services and a resultant increase in the number of midwifery vacancies. Furthermore, a notable increase in teenage pregnancies and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds has resulted in those from disadvantaged backgrounds experiencing inferior pregnancy outcomes. The dedication for positive outcomes for all pregnant woman by the United Kingdom agencies charged with the responsibility of social and medical healthcare has again, resulted in an increased demand by both public and private healthcare institutions, for qualified, experienced and trainee midwives.

As in all countries, the demand for health care services relates to trends in growth and proportion of the population. When assessing the current and future requirements for midwifery vacancies, it is important to balance the needs of the population with the age and skill profile of the current stock of qualified and experienced midwives. One critical issue to consider is how the population projections and demographic profile will affect the numbers of midwives available. Furthermore, it is vital to assess the demands of midwives based on these population projections.

As in all modern societies, the United Kingdom is experiencing rapid population change which will result in a continued demand for midwifery vacancies. To secure a rewarding career which provides job satisfaction and security, consider a move to fulfil one of the many midwifery vacancies available throughout the UK.

How Breastfeeding Benefits Mothers

With numerous guidelines being written on the importance and benefits of breastfeeding, more and more mothers are becoming aware of how beneficial it is to nurse their babies. However, it seems that the benefits of breastfeeding to a mother isn't as well publicised, for many mothers still view breastfeeding as a sacrificial practice almost akin to martyrdom.

Far from it, mothers stand to gain just as much from breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers as it reduces their risk factors for developing certain medical conditions and diseases later in life. It is beneficial for helping mothers regain their pre-pregnant figure more quickly - something that is bound to attract the attention of many post-partum mothers. Breastfeeding also has psychological and financial benefits.

Here are the 17 benefits that breastfeeding offers to nursing mothers:

1. The baby's suckling action triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin which produces the letdown reflex (a process whereby the breast releases its stored milk to the baby). Oxytocin also causes contraction of the uterus which is important during postpartum healing as it reduces the risk of bleeding and promotes the return of the uterus to its original shape and size.
2. Breastfeeding delays the return of menstruation. Mothers who formula feed their babies usually observe a return of their periods within 6-8 weeks postpartum. A breastfeeding mother can expect to delay the return of her period for months up to a year and beyond. This helps a mother maintain her stores of iron and helps to reduce her risk of developing iron deficient anaemia.
3. Breastfeeding reduces a mother's fertility by preventing ovulation. This can help delay further pregnancies and allow her body to recover before being taxed again with another pregnancy. It is important to note, however, that the period of reduced fertility depends on the mother, her baby and their nursing patterns.
4. There is evidence that breastfeeding may provide a mother protection against breast, uterine and ovarian cancers.
5. A common misconception is that breastfeeding increases a mother's risk of osteoporosis, however, studies have found the converse to be true. While a mother's stores of calcium are reduced during breastfeeding, it was found that bone density return to normal levels and even increased after weaning, thus providing extra protection against osteoporosis.
6. Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce a mother's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Some studies also show that breastfeeding helps to reduce a mother's risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.
8. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
9. Breastfeeding releases the prolactin - a hormone responsible for milk production. Prolactin also has a calming and sedating effect on a nursing mother. This relaxes the mother, helps her get back to sleep quickly after a night-time feed and may be helpful in combating the baby blues and potential postnatal depression. Studies show that mothers who breastfeed are less likely to suffer from postpartum anxiety and depression.
10. It has been shown that breastfeeding strengthens the bond between a mother and her baby. This can help first time mothers adapt to the role of motherhood more easily. Studies have also shown that mothers with a history of abandonment are less likely to leave their babies if they breastfeed them.
11. Breastfed babies are less likely to fall ill which offers mothers greater peace of mind. Something must be said about the benefit of not having to deal with the added stress of living with a child with recurrent illness.
12. Breastfeeding can consume an extra 200-500 calories a day (the equivalent of swimming 30 laps or riding a bicycle up a hill for an hour). This helps a mother return to her pre-pregnant weight more quickly and easily.
13. During pregnancy, fat is stored around the waist and hip areas to protect the baby and womb. This fat is utilised in the production of breast milk after birth, which helps a mother return to her pre-pregnant size more quickly than a mother who formula feeds her baby.
14. It has been estimated that breastfeeding can save parents an average of US$400-800 a year since there is no need to purchase expensive infant formulas.
15. Breastfeeding directly also means there is no need for baby bottles, sterilizers and other fancy equipment required with bottle feeding.
16. Breastfeeding is a lot more convenient, especially for night feeds as Mum does not have to get up to prepare formula.
17. A nursing mother can also rest while she is nursing the baby (utilising the lying down position). She doesn't have to stay awake to hold the bottle which allows her to get more rest.

The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers are many and should not be overlooked. They are also equally valid factors that mothers should take into consideration when deciding whether or not to breastfeed their babies. Even if some mothers might not want to breastfeed their babies for the benefits that it offers to the baby, I'm sure knowing a little more about "what's in it for me" might change their perspectives.

Maternity Pillows - The Solution for Pregnant Moms Having Trouble Sleeping

While pregnant moms often have trouble sleeping due to the aches and pains associated with pregnancy, using a maternity pillow can alleviate those pains and help moms get a good night's sleep. Pregnant moms' changing bodies often make it hard to find a comfortable position to sleep and they often resort to piling regular pillows around themselves, behind their backs, between their knees, and everywhere imaginable to support their bodies.

Maternity pillows are designed to support the mom's body while allowing her to sleep in the most comfortable position for her whether on either side or her back. There are a variety of different shaped maternity pillows which moms can use that support the body and ease sleep. The U, C, and J-shaped pillows are designed for pregnant moms with different preferences for sleeping positions to still get the rest they need during pregnancy.

U-Shaped

The U-shaped maternity pillow, like the Leachco Back N Belly Body Pillow, is designed with two long sides which completely encircle the sleeping mom, providing support on both sides at the same time. With support on both sides, pregnant moms don't have to adjust the pillow when switching sides and the pillow provides back support as well as support for the legs, tummy, arms, and neck. The U-shaped pillow is the best option for moms who tend to switch sides often at night because they don't have to move and readjust the pillow.

The Leachco Back N Belly Body Pillow and the Comfort-U Body Pillow both provide the U-shape with long arms which provide support no matter which way mom is sleeping, left, right, or on her back.

C-Shaped

C-shaped maternity pillows wrap around the back and provide neck, back, leg, and hip support in a much more open feeling way than the U-shaped pillow does. Where the U-shaped pillow entirely encircles the mom, the C-shaped one, like the Leachco Snoggle Total Body Pillow, curls around her back providing support while also giving a loose natural feel to sleeping. The C-shape fits snugly to the mom's back while leaving the mom openness on the front.

The Leachco Snoggle Total Body Pillow is a C-shaped pillow that provides back and neck support while also allowing for temperature control as it doesn't block the front of the body, and the Boppy Total Body Pillow is slightly shorter than other body pillows to make it easy to switch sides during the night without struggling with the pillow.

J-Shaped

The J-shaped maternity pillow has a long arm like the U-shaped pillow with a short hook. The J-shaped pillow, like the Leachco All Nighter Total Body Pillow, is designed to support the neck and back just like the U- and C-shaped pillows, but provide much more flexibility in the positioning of the pillow. Many J-shaped pillows can be bent into the U- and C-shapes to best meet mom's needs while still being smaller than the traditional U-shaped pillow.

The Leachco All Nighter Total Body Pillow can bend and provide all the flexibility mom's need while providing neck and back support as well as help to alleviate heartburn and indigestion.

Pregnancy Need to Knows - Pre-Natal Vitamins

To most people, pregnancy is one of the happiest things that could happen in a lifetime. Although not everyone has a child, a lot of parents agree that nothing can be as thrilling and as fulfilling as finding out that you are about to bring a baby into the world. Of course, that being said, a lot of couples really only end up feeling that sense of true responsibility when they are about to become parents. Although pregnancy is a marvelous thing, there is no denying that it is a lot of work for the mother of the child as well as the father. Among the responsibilities of being pregnant is the responsibility of taking care of your child and this responsibility doesn't begin from birth but rather the moment that the child is conceived.

Once you are pregnant there are plenty of things that you should be looking into. You have to look into exercises, food, medical care for delivery and a host of other things. One thing that is especially important before birth is the type of pre-natal vitamins that you take. Pre-natal vitamins provide nourishment for both you and your baby and are essential in ensuring that both of you get the nutrients that you need.

Essential Vitamins for Pregnant Women
Although there are plenty of vitamins available over the counter there are some which are regarded to be the building blocks. These vitamins are the most essential and most recommended. Here is a list of them:

• Folic acid - Folic acid is great for the baby that you are carrying. It is a nutrient that plays a major role in helping your baby's spin develop. There is a particular condition called spina bifida which is essentially a gap in the spinal cord. Folic acid helps to reduce the likelihood that your child will end up with this condition. Although you can take pills, there are also some foods which are high in folic acid. If you find it difficult to drink pills then try leafy veggies or citrus fruits.

• Iron - Although iron is great when you are pregnant, it is also an important vitamin for everyday life. Iron acts as a binder for oxygen which is why hemoglobin in the blood contains iron.

• Calcium - Calcium is something that is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It is a vitamin that helps the neurons in the body function properly and at the same time is essential for bone growth and development. This is especially important in pregnancy because as a baby grows in its mother's womb it absorbs the calcium from its mother. Taking vitamins can help the baby while at the same time helping the mother maintain a healthy calcium level for her own bone density.

Vitamins provide nutrients and a means for you as a mother to take care of your child while you are preparing for birth. It is important for you to make sure that you talk to your doctor about the vitamins that you need to take and at the same time ensure that you are taking the recommended dosage. With the right vitamins you lessen the risk of birth defects and problems later on in your child's life.

What Supplements to Avoid During Pregnancy

Vitamins and supplements for pregnant women are essential to get extra amount of folate and other necessary nutrients for the healthy development of the fetus during the entire term. Due to the growing acceptance of herbal products, a lot of pregnant women are inclined to select these types of supplements. For one, they might have already been taking one type of herbal supplement for an existing condition while others might be taking it to alleviate the physical discomforts that come with pregnancy. However, not all herbal supplements should be taken as they might cause possible side effects on the baby.

Quinine. Quinine is present in a lot of drinks such as tonic water. This is commonly utilized because of its somewhat tart taste. It was discovered that a woman who took over a liter of water everyday when she was pregnant caused the baby to suffer from withdrawal symptoms upon birth. The baby demonstrated nervous quivers a day right after it was born which slowly dissipated after two months. For this reason Germany's BFR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) cautioned women against taking quinine drinks while pregnant and that quinine drink should be classified as a medicinal item.

Ginseng. In a recent study at the Chinese University of the Hong Kong Prince of Wales Hospital, over 20 active ingredients of the ginseng plant was discovered to be present in a number of supplements. On an experiment conducted on rats, they have confirmed that pregnant rats that were given the active ingredient had abnormal embryo growth and consequently caused some abnormalities on the development of the fetus.

Of course, the effect on rat embryo and human embryo may not be exactly the same. However, this study shows that ginseng has an active ingredient known as ginsenoside named Rb1. Ginseng contains more than 20 ginsenosides each of which causes dissimilar effects.

There are some encountered complexities when researching on active components of herbal medicines because the herbal extract as a whole may not have the same total effect compared to a single component. The main explanation for this is that the active ingredients simultaneously work with and against each other. This is also one of the reasons why the procedure was not tested on women and thus will not have a definitive conclusion on the real effect of ginseng on the development of a human embryo. Just for safety precaution ginseng should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy or as the proponents of the study recommends, at best for the entire period of pregnancy. We are not saying that ginseng is a hazardous substance as the findings were very based only on initial studies and more research and studies has to be conducted to get a solid conclusion.

Ginkgo Biloba. This is another supplement that is recommended not to be taken by pregnant women. Studies done at Wayne State University in Detroit discovered that one of the components of ginkgo biloba which is an alkaloid called colchicines in the placenta of a woman who has been taking the supplement. While Colchicines has medical value as an anti-inflammatory, taken in large doses can cause death. Still other studies found out that colchicines can negatively affect fetal development. The complication that can happen when taking ginkgo biloba is that colchicines is not expelled out of the body but rather stays and builds up in the womb just like taking in coffee excessively. The researchers made it clear that the study did not solidly established that ginkgo causes problems in the pregnancy; rather, they only observed the concentration of colchicines in the womb.

Infertility Treatment & IVF Loans - Interest Free From Your Employer

Many couples considering infertility or IVF treatments are often faced with a tough question: how are we going to pay for this? Most health insurance policies do not cover these treatments - unless you live in a state with mandated coverage, and work for a large employer. Many couples don't have that kind of cash, so they borrow money to fund the treatments - sometimes paying high fees. A common employee benefit program not only provides an interest free loan, it also cuts the cost of infertility treatments by 1/3 or more.

Most health insurance policies do not cover the cost of infertility treatments such as IVF and others. Fifteen states mandate varying degrees of coverage, and these mandates apply only to companies employing fifty or more employees. That leaves couples living in the thirty five other states, and those working for small employers with no coverage for these treatments.

IVF and other infertility treatments can cost $20,000 and upwards depending upon the procedure and the number of cycles they need to undergo. Many couples don't have the savings set aside to pay these fees upfront, so they seek out loans that allow them to pay over time - with interest.

A Healthcare Flexible Spending Account allows you to get an interest free loan from their employer, and cut your infertility costs by one third or more. For example, you could elect to contribute $10,000 into a flex account. The full amount of the election is available to be spent on qualifying expenses on the first day of the new plan year. Infertility treatments such as IVF are qualifying expenses. Schedule your infertility procedure for the beginning of your employer's flex plan year. Your employer funds the full $10,000 election, and you now have fifty two weeks to pay back your interest free loan!

But that's not all. You will be paying back your loan with pre-tax dollars, which may cut your costs by one third or more. If you are in the 25% federal income tax bracket, and paying FICA taxes of 7.65% your total savings is 32.65%. Savings may be higher for people in higher tax brackets, or those living in states with an income tax.

Natural Treatment - The Best Permanent Hemorrhoid Cure

Hemorrhoids can cause uncomfortable situations and painful problems even to the extent of making day to day life difficult. Though considered as a consequence of pregnancy and obesity, bearing excessive weight incorrectly, moving heavy objects, acute and prolonged constipation and physical strain can also lead to hemorrhoids. The chemicals and synthetics formulated to cure Hemorrhoids in most cases do more harm than good in the long run and offer only a temporary solution. As an effective alternative, trying out Natural Hemorrhoids Treatment is a wise decision to relieve the problem of hemorrhoids.

Though being very common, many people struggle to get well from hemorrhoids but eventually develop severe cases of chronic hemorrhoids. To go by definition hemorrhoid is "an itching or painful mass of dilated veins in swollen anal tissue." There are quite a few ways to tackle the physical discomfort of hemorrhoids. While looking for a Permanent Hemorrhoid Cure it is important to note that the solution is natural and address the root cause. There are vitamins, minerals, herbs, and natural compounds that can be effectively used to treat hemorrhoids. All that is needed is to find the right hemorrhoid remedy according to the severity of the problem. By practicing the following, pain and uneasiness caused by Hemorrhoids can be greatly reduced. Ingredients in a Natural Hemorrhoids Treatment include:

• Vitamin E - The antioxidant property of this vitamin prevents further free radical to damage and helps to control inflammation internally
• L-Arginine - Helps in relaxation of muscles and check muscle spasms
• Horse Chestnut - This herbal constituent helps to strengthen and tone veins and lessen swelling
• Oat Straw - Lifts up energy levels, supports an overly stressed digestive system by promoting regularity and acts as a mild antidepressant
• Plantain - Reduces itching and burning
• Red Sage -. The Chinese drug helps in the stimulation of circulation
• Being active is important
• Sitting in a warm bath or a sitz bath
• Sitting on a soft or inflatable pillow or ring
• Wearing loose clothing
• Kegel exercises

Most importantly a diet rich in fiber helps to reduce stress over bowel movement. Intake of fluid helps to break down the consumed food easily.

There are few online portals on the internet that bring forth customized programs that work wonder in the treatment of hemorrhoids irrespective of age, gender, and hemorrhoids condition. Some programs are also suited for pregnant women and women who have postpartum hemorrhoids. One such program that deserves special mention in this regard is the one offered by permanenthemorrhoidscure.com. The program guides and gives natural methods and knowledge that heal Hemorrhoids.

Why Pregnancy Diet and Weight Gain Matter

Have you been told you don't need to eat for two during pregnancy? Maybe you've heard that your baby will just take what it needs from your body. Has someone shared a story of how she hardly gained any weight and still had a healthy baby? Perhaps your doctor warns you to watch your weight at every prenatal appointment. There's a lot of conflicting information out there about pregnancy nutrition. Who do you believe?

Old Wive's Tales Hurt Your Baby

There are so many "old wive's tales" about pregnancy -- most of them are just silly or harmless. But some old rumors about pregnancy are actually dangerous. The belief that your baby can "steal" what he or she needs from your body is false -- not to mention dangerous to you and your baby.

Your baby can't take what he or she needs from your body. And even if your baby could, it would leave your body depleted, giving you a greater chance of pregnancy complications, a dangerous childbirth experience, and a hard postpartum recovery. There's no reason for any of that -- and there's no reason for you to have a premature or low-birthweight baby because your baby couldn't get the nutrients he or she needs.

Your pregnancy diet matters because your body has to build your baby completely over the nine months of pregnancy. It also has to prepare your uterus, muscles, and blood supply to handle the intense demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding!

You do need to eat for two during pregnancy. You may not be literally doubling your intake of food every day, but you should pay close attention to what you eat. You want meals packed with nutrition, especially with protein and good fats. Protein builds your baby's body and helps your body stay in good shape. Healthy fats help build your baby's brain and help you handle the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy (plus good fats help keep your skin looking nice).

You Need to Gain Weight

You might hear about moms who gained close to nothing and still had healthy babies. Your nurse may scold you for putting on weight and tell you that you only have a few more pounds before you're at your "limit"! But the truth is, weight gain during pregnancy is important.

Low-birth weight babies are at higher risk of almost every health problem possible. They're much more likely to suffer from slow growth during childhood. As they grow, they've more likely to have diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Low-birth weight babies are harder to give birth to than babies of average birth weight. They're also much more likely to have to spend time in the NICU, or neonatal intensive care unit.

A mother who gains very little weight during pregnancy is far more likely to have a low-birth weight baby.

Mothers who are not gaining weight are generally not eating enough. This makes pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, pre-term labor, and pre-eclampsia (toxemia, HELLP) much more likely.

Controlled studies on weight gain during pregnancy show that weight gain is variable between moms -- some moms gain less, some gain more. But the studies all agree that mothers who gain too little are at far more risk for pregnancy complications and newborn health problems than mothers who gain more weight. In fact, it's important to weigh yourself during pregnancy to make sure you're gaining enough, rather than too much!

Eat nourishing, homemade foods that you've prepared from fresh ingredients. Get plenty of protein, good fats, and moderate carbohydrates (from green vegetables, starchy vegetables, and fruits) and your baby and your own body will be healthy and strong.

Become an Effective Communicator in 3 Simple Steps

Communication is the cornerstone of our lives. It is how we are able to express our needs and desires to ourselves and others. It is the foundation of relationships. Relationships exist in many forms between people. Communication is key to the doctor-patient relationship, which is the focus of this article. It is the art of medicine. The extremely low birthweight premature baby in the NICU is able to use nonverbal signs to communicate his or her needs to the medical team and to his or her parents. For that premature baby, not one word is spoken, yet volumes are heard, understood, and acted upon. This demonstrates the power of effective communication when the listener is able to understand the message clearly.

Using these 3 steps allows you to connect and influence others in an effective way.

1. Know your audience.
Knowing your audience is not new information. The problem is that we seldom take the time to know to whom we are speaking. In medicine this is vital because the emotions, the perceptions, and the knowledge that a patient and his or her family have, greatly affects what they are willing to hear from the healthcare provider. Sharing test results to a family anxiously awaiting better news from the doctor becomes challenging when the news is not good. Everyone listens through filters. Awareness of the listener's filters and possible objections will allow you to address them in the conversation. Acknowledging and validating the listener's experience allows you to meet them where they are and provide the listener with what he or she really needs.

2. Know your yourself.
What is your agenda? What is the outcome you are hoping for when speaking to another? Again, this is not new information, yet it is seldom applied. When we do not take the time to become detached from the outcome, our own agenda shines through in the conversation. A truly effective communicator is able to provide the necessary information the listener needs in order to make the best decision for himself, herself, or the family member. In the medical setting, this preserves the patient's autonomy. Before engaging in a sensitive conversation with a patient, ask yourself: How are your previous experiences influencing your message? How is your agenda and the patient's agenda similar or different? What emotional response are you having toward the information to be delivered? How can you detach from the outcome to yield the best result for the listener? How can you be even more objective?

3. Know the content of the conversation.
Be prepared. This may seem like a simple step, but people often come to conversations unprepared. Do you need a few minutes to gather information to communicate effectively with your colleagues, patients, parents, and even to have more clarity for yourself? A great listener listens for what is being said and what is not being said. They are 'reading between the lines'. The effective communicator knows this and is able to fill in the lines for the listener. Mastering the content and delivering it in a confident manner builds trust and a foundation for understanding. This allows for the listener to truly hear what is being said, rather than focus on what they are not being told. When a listener is focusing more on what is not being said, doubt creeps in. When this occurs, the lines of communication are broken.

These 3 steps are the foundation to enhancing your communication skills. The steps shift the focus away from the speaker and towards the listener who is hungry for vital information and support on their medical journey. Be an effective communicator. You empower others with knowledge.

Weight Gain In Pregnancy - Some Ways To Help You Deal With It

For women that experience weight gain in pregnancy, many wonder what they can do to help them feel better about themselves. Women are under immense pressure by society to look a certain way. When pregnant, the way a woman looks gets out of their control as the pregnancy naturally makes a woman's body gain weight. So what are some ways to help you deal with weight gain in pregnancy?

The first thing is to remember what the extra weight is for. That extra weight is for the little baby growing inside of you. If a little extra weight means a healthy baby, then bring it on! Most women gain between 20-50 pounds during pregnancy. This is completely normal as weight gain is essential to keeping mother and baby healthy.

One thing you can do to help you feel better about yourself is to do some light exercising. Exercising helps to release endorphins which will help you to feel better about yourself. Exercise will help you to feel like you are doing all you can to stay in shape, which will help you to deal with the natural weight gain in pregnancy.

The last thing to do is to stop worrying about it and checking your weight too often. Don't obsess about your weight as you will gain weight in pregnancy. One trick is to only step on the scale once a week, or better yet, once every two weeks. It's important to remember that its inevitable you will put on weight and vital to give your baby the best start in life.

Fertility - Cost of Gender Selection

When parents-to-be work with a fertility clinic, it is important to know the financial impact of fertility measures. After all, if a couple wishes to decide the gender of their future child, it is obviously necessary to get an idea of the financial cost of the procedure. What may be more interesting to examine though, aside from the cost of gender selection, are the benefits and the how the selection is handled.

Firstly, the cost of gender selection can range from $3,000-$5,000 dollars depending on the clinic, the situation, etc. yet is often very little compared to the ability to determine something as personal as gender. Likewise, there is the option of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which allows parents to determine the likelihood of a disorder or disease in their child to be. Thus the cost of gender selection and PGD is by no means unreasonable when you consider the ability to prevent diseases that may mar the life of the child or family in some fashion. It is all a matter of personal choice after all, and with modern technology offering such breakthroughs in the way fertility is handled, the cost of gender selection is actually quite minor.

When considering the cost of gender selection though, it is important to think of financial budgeting and whether the cost fits into your personal lifestyle. If you are already having to undergo various other treatments just to conceive or bring a new life into the world then it is important to consider the expense of those treatments and procedures. Gender selection is not for every couple or family. Sometimes it is fun to anticipate the gender of a new addition to the family and gender selection can remove that spontaneity. However, regardless of this aspect, the cost of gender selection remains feasible for various income types due to financing options at some fertility clinics.

The cost of gender selection is sometimes a cost that can be financed and taken care of with the help of the fertility clinic of your choosing. Since most fertility matters are not covered by major insurance carriers, and it is important to verify that with your own insurance, some costs may be covered by some form of financing. Furthermore, gender selection is such an interesting technological breakthrough that many families find it very appealing to have the ability to choose to have a girl when their family already consists of boys. With this in mind, the cost of gender selection need not be burdensome and if you have already considered its viability and have questioned the costs, you can rest assured that it is usually possible to fit the cost of gender selection into your budget.

It is always vital to be realistic about your personal financial life and health before making decisions. Be fully aware of costs before you make any choices for your family. You want to make sure you can provide the best care to your family and new child regardless of gender, so be sure to discuss the extra cost and your motives to decide if it is right for you.

Sciatica Treatment During Pregnancy

If you have experienced sciatica during pregnancy then you're well aware of the extreme shooting pain to the point where you would give anything for relief and treatment. Sciatica during pregnancy typically occurs when the baby's head presses against the sciatic nerve of the mother. Sciatica and back pain can occur at any point during pregnancy, but mostly occurs during the second and third trimester. This is because the baby is usually in a lower position in the abdomen.

Sciatica during pregnancy involves sharp and shooting pains that occur when the sciatic nerve which runs down the spine and through the pelvis and all the way down the back of the thigh, gets pinched and or becomes inflamed. In addition to the sharp pain, it can also cause numbness and tingling in the buttocks and down one or both legs. This can leave the expectant mother immobile, miserable and helpless. Needless to say, with the other typical pains and discomforts pregnancy brings on, treatment and relief from sciatica can't come too quick!

It may seem like little or anything can be done to relieve the pain until the baby is born, but who wants to wait several months for relief from sciatica when there very well may be techniques available to relieve the pain? Many will say that sciatica during pregnancy should be treated with regular chiropractic adjustments. While some pregnant women may find this beneficial, others have turned to alternate techniques to relieve the pain of sciatica during pregnancy.

The pain can get worse as the pregnancy goes on. This is due to the expectant mother's ligaments and tendons loosening which is part of the body's way to prepare for childbirth. Many women suffering from sciatica during pregnancy may be tempted to treat the pain with prescription pain killers, but most doctors advise staying away from prescription painkillers whenever possible during pregnancy. Instead, temporary sciatica relief can come from bed rest, and also heat pads to help calm muscle spasms, and/or ice packs to reduce inflammation.

Although little can be done to prevent the onset of sciatica while pregnant, exercise can bring some relief, and possibly make the pain less severe or more manageable. This is because women with good muscle tone find it easier to support their body and can have greater control over their range of movement while experiencing the pain of sciatica. But what if there existed a proven technique to relieve the pain of sciatica that DIDN'T involve tedious or strenuous exercise or chiropractor visits? Don't you wish there was something you could easily do to relieve and treat sciatica during pregnancy and make you much more comfortable?

Well there is! Recently a doctor discovered and developed a technique that involves what's referred to as gentle therapy or "gentle moves". It is non-invasive and so gentle that it is not even considered massage or chiropractic manipulation. I cannot even begin to fully explain this technique here, so I've created a link to the doctor's site which can provide more detailed information on this fascinating technique.

Pregnancy And Diabetes - What You Should Expect From Conception To Birth

Pregnancy is a very special experience in any woman's life. It's normally believed that pregnancy is risky for women with diabetes. In this article, we will discuss a preconception planning for the woman with diabetes and we will refer to some best quality resources on managing gestational diabetes.

If you have diabetes, how you should plan for your pregnancy

a. You should first discuss with your family physician, dietician and obstetrician who is familiar with the special challenges of a diabetic pregnancy.

b. You need to manage excellent blood glucose control before conception because hyperglycemia increases the risk of a miscarriage or of birth defects in the baby.

c. Do a thorough medical check up because high and prolonged blood sugar might have impacted your eyes, kidneys and possibly other body parts. This thorough physical examination will help medical professionals to assess your body's readiness to take on the demands of pregnancy.

You have to be particular for followings:

o Diabetic retinopathy may get worsen during pregnancy for a diabetic patient. You should have a dilated eye examination before you become pregnant, and have regular check up with an ophthalmologist during the course of your pregnancy.

o Pregnant Women with hypertension need to avoid ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics as anti-hypertensive drugs and hence need to follow her doctor's advice, dietary and exercise plan to keep her healthy.

o Kidney disease of would be mother can negatively impact the baby's growth and development. This might be critical for a pregnant lady.

o Autonomic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy damage the internal organs, which can complicate the management of diabetes during pregnancy.

You need to aim for near-normal glucose levels

Bring down blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible -- ideally for three months before you become pregnant. Maintain this level for 1st three months because baby is rapidly developing this time. If you able to manage HbA1c level within 1% of normal, the rates of congenital deformities and spontaneous abortion are no different from those in women without diabetes.

What should be your blood glucose level?

Test your blood glucose level before meal and 70-100 mg/dl (3.9 - 5.6 mmol/l) should be your whole blood glucose reading.

Test your blood glucose level 2 hours after meals and whole blood glucose reading should be under 140 mg/dl (

Fighting Depression With Nutrition

Did you know that over 120 million people around the world are affected by depression? I find this to be a very depressing statistic. Fortunately depression can be combated with proper dietary habits. So what is depression? Depression is one of the most common mental disorders presenting a depressed mood, loss in pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-esteem, disrupted appetite or sleep, poor concentration, and low energy levels. Depression can become either a chronic or recurrent condition leading to substantial impairments in one's ability to care for his or her everyday tasks. Unfortunately, about 850,000 people die every year due to depression related circumstances.There are five major types of depression:

Major depression.

Major depression is all around us. When one has major depression they experience symptoms such as sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in particular activities that one may have once enjoyed, weight gain/loss, under/over sleeping, low self-esteem, and thoughts of death or possibly suicide.

Dysthymia.

People who are mildly depressed during most days of the week typically have dysthymia. This condition is closely related to major depression but more mild and not as severe.

Seasonal affective disorder.

Some individuals experience a less severe type of depression during certain seasons of the year. Most occurrences of this type of depression occur during the wintertime possibly do to the lack of sunlight, causing a vitamin D deficiency and other related issues.

Postpartum depression.

Many women experience this form of depression within the first few months of giving birth. The symptoms are eerily similar to those of major depression and often interfere with the mothers desire to take care of herself and the new child.

Bipolar disorder.

This type of depression is commonly used in films depicting someone who is happy one second and angry the next second. Such a view of bipolar is taken to it's furthest extreme. Having this condition may have subtle symptoms such as feeling depressed every other day.

So what causes depression? It is generally caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. These imbalances are caused by a number of underlying factors.

Fortunately, by providing one's body with proper nutrition, the symptoms of depression can be minimized. Any individual who wants to combat depression should include foods rich in tryptophan, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can also be obtained through dietary supplements from the local supplement store, pharmacy, or online. Here are the following nutrients needed to fight depression:

Vitamin D.

Vitamin D can be obtained from fish oil, cows milk, soy milk, orange juice, and mushrooms. These foods may also have anti-inflammatory properties increasing the flexibility of the cell membranes, and helping the brain's neurotransmitters work properly.

Tryptophan rich foods.

Sources of tryptophan include turkey, chicken, lamb, beef, dairy, spelt, nuts, soy, tuna, beans, and salmon. Tryptophan is an amino acid that can help produce good feelings and promote better sleep.

Omega-3 rich foods.

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, flaxseed, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil. Studies have shown that when people's diets are lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, they tend to have higher occurrences of mood disorders and schizophrenia.

Folate rich foods.

Sources of folate include beans, orange juice, hazelnuts, spinach, avocados, and wheat germ. Low levels of folate have also been associated with poor brain performance and depression.

Foods rich in zinc.

Sources of zinc include oysters, chicken, cheddar cheese, yogurt, beans, basil, beef, pumpkin seeds, and fortified grains. Research has shown depressive behavioral patterns associated with low zinc intake.

While the above are important to include in one's diet to prevent depression one must also avoid consuming trans fats, saturated fats, high glycemic foods, and alcohol. Also, one should avoid low-carb and high-protein diets, and skipping meals.

By following these nutritional suggestions you will be multiple steps closer to being depression free. Remember, nutrition is not the only method for fighting depression. You must use any and all methods at available to fight this sometimes chronic condition. Always tell your doctor before making significant changes to your diet.

Affordable Individual Health Insurance Plans - How to Get Cheap Quotes Online

While costs for medical care continues to rise, there's still a way to get affordable individual health insurance. Here's how to find the lowest cost health insurance plan.

Individual Health Insurance

If you're self employed or your employer does not offer health insurance, you may have to purchase your own health insurance. Although individual insurance plans cost more than group plans, there are still some ways to find affordable individual health care.

Individuals and groups alike need to select the most affordable health plans they can find. That's what makes a managed health care plan the plan of choice. Managed care plans work by providing medical health care through a network of doctors and hospitals. An HMO is the least expensive of the managed health insurance plans.

As a member of an (HMO) health maintenance organization, you are provided with medical coverage including doctors' visits, hospital stays, surgery, emergency care, x-rays, lab tests, and therapy. Usually, the doctors and hospitals you use must be in the network.

Depending on your needs you may want to include coverage for items such as maternity care, prescriptions, and vision care. Managed care plans can vary quite a bit from insurance company to insurance company so look at each plan carefully before deciding on which one to purchase.

Affordable Individual Health Insurance Quotes

One of the best ways to get affordable health insurance quotes is to go to a free insurance quote website. There you can get competitive quotes from up to 5 health insurance providers so you can compare plans and prices. After you have your quotes, you need to look closely at the policies and decide which one is the best for you.

Things You Should Know About Pregnancy and Antenatal Care

Early Signs of Pregnancy

Apart from a missed or light period, you will notice a few other early symptoms of pregnancy. If you know what to expect, you will be better prepared to handle them.

• Breast tenderness: Your breasts may feel tender and heavy. By six weeks, your breasts would have increased in size.


• Morning sickness: Although termed as morning sickness, you can actually feel queasy at any time of the day. About 50% of women feel nauseous or vomit during the 6-12 weeks of pregnancy.


• Bladder discomfort: You may urinate more frequently both during the day and night as your bladder fills up quickly during these early weeks.


• Change in tastes: You develop a strange metallic taste in your mouth and you may dislike certain foods and drinks including coffee, tea, alcohol, liver and meat.

Choosing Doctor

Appointments with your doctor start out on monthly basis, slowly moving on to fortnightly and then weekly in the later part of pregnancy. So, when selecting a doctor, distance becomes a consideration. It is wise to choose a doctor near your home or workplace. Besides reducing the hassle of travelling, you will feel more confident nearing birth if you hospital is within easy reach.

Your doctor should also be someone you feel comfortable with, as he or she will become an important figure during your pregnancy - caring for your health, monitoring your baby's progress, answering your questions and allaying your fears. Some mothers prefer female doctors. Friends and relatives would gladly give you recommendations.

Antenatal Classes

Antenatal classes are especially helpful for first time parents. They generally cover pregnancy, birth and how to look after your newborn. Breathing and relaxation technique which help to reduce pain during labour will also be taught. Fathers are encouraged to attend in order to be more supportive during birth. These short courses enable you to share your experience and feelings with other mothers, often fostering warm friendship in the process. If you are interested in theses classes, check with your hospital or maternity clinic.

To give your baby a healthy start in life, begin your antenatal visits as early as possible. This enables your doctor to detect any problems and treat them early. During your first visit, your doctor will gather some information from you pertaining to:

Previous pregnancies and deliveries
Illness and allergies that you are suffering from
Medication that you are taking
Family history of genetic diseases, high blood pressure or diabetes
Your first visit will also be longer. Your urine and blood pressure will be checked. You will be weighed and measured and a blood sample will be taken to determine

• Your blood group


• whether you are Rhesus positive or negative


• immunity to rubella


• anaemia


• syphilis


• HIV

In addition, your doctor will conduct a general examination of your heart, breasts and abdomen. During subsequent visits, your weight, urine, blood pressure and size of uterus will continue to be monitored. Your doctor would also like to know when you first feel your baby moving.

Ultrasound scan

Besides the above routine tests, your doctor may carry out an ultrasound scan on you. This scan reveals the baby's position, growth rate, any adnormalities, presence of twins, position of the placenta. You will thrilled to see your baby on the screen for the first time. If you wish, you may request for a print of the scan.

Other antenatal tests

Depending on individual needs, other test may be necessary. For older mother ( 35 years and above), an amniocentesis may be recommended to detect chromosomal abnormalities, especially Down's syndrome. However, this test carries a risk of miscarriage. For more details, talk to your doctor.

Being 22 Weeks Pregnant - The Lucky Way

You must be wondering how twenty one weeks have passed, and you are now 22 weeks pregnant. It seems that time just slipped away with a wink. But it is not actually so. Let me tell you that the entire pregnancy time of yours is scientifically split into three complete trimesters. You have just ended the first and stepped into the second. Happy going indeed!

You are fortunate enough to have reached the stage of being 22 weeks pregnant without facing much discomfort. If this time has been comfortable one, then yours has been an easy sail through. But for many women sailing in the same boat, the first trimester brings in a lot of anxiety, sickness, and unexplainable changes in the behavior and body. For a majority of them, the morning begins with feeling puckish, which lasts the entire day. In such a situation, the volley of advices thrown by the near and dear ones to be more wary of the pregnancy diet sounds hollow. There is much pain and you can't explain - where? Your physical and mental inabilities overshadow the happiness of becoming a mother very soon. But not to worry, once the baby is in your hands and smiles at you, you will forget all that happened in the various pregnancy stages. The calm expression on the child's face will make you forget the trouble and turmoil involved in bearing it.

Now, for a 22 weeks pregnant lady, it's the beginning of the second trimester. You must be feeling that both you and your child have adapted to the bodily changes. But then comes the time for the expansion in body. The belly will become slightly visible as you and the child has begun to grown at a relatively steady rate. This stage is particularly crucial for the expectant mother. The expert's opinion on this will make her proceed on the path of pregnancy in a more intelligent manner. For this much required information, she can either consult her gynecologist or log on to some website having pregnancy information posted by field expert medical practitioners. In the absence of such knowledge, the expectant mother may find herself in a difficult situation, combating the changes occurring within and outside his body.

When you get 22 weeks pregnant, the baby within will start gaining weight. It is, in fact, the trimester of growth. Week after week, you will witness sizable increase in your belly size. This happens because your baby is now over a pound in weight and almost a foot in length. In addition, the baby in the womb will start picking up features that will be reflected finally at the time of delivery. Moreover, it is not only the stage of the child's pancreatic growth but also its hormonal production.

Being 22 weeks pregnant, the uterus will stretch far more what it was like in the previous trimester. Moving of the child near naval and increased appetite are the symptoms experienced in this week. However, it is a generalized opinion that the trimester about to come is more eventful compared to first; so wait and watch!

How to Lose Pregnancy Weight - Practical Tips to Help You Shed Those Pounds

During your pregnancy, I know you probably cringed a little every time the Doctor weighed you, but it was OK because the extra weight was necessary for your little angel growing inside you. Now that your baby is here, that extra weight isn't as necessary (although it still is a little is if you are breastfeeding) and if you are like 99% of the Moms out there, you really want to lose that weight and get your body back to the way it was before you became pregnant. In this article, I'm going to give you some easy ways to lose your pregnancy weight and start getting your body back to normal.

One big difference between losing weight after pregnancy and just losing weight in general is you really need to take baby steps (no pun intended). Dropping weight too fast too soon after birth can be harmful to your body. Remember, your body is trying to balance out your hormones, so rapid weight loss can actually be a shock to your system and make it more difficult to lose weight.

Here are some easy ways you can get your body back on track and start losing all the baby weight that you gained.

1) Breast Feed Your Baby - Aside from the obvious benefits of breastfeeding for your baby, you actually will burn about 500 calories a day from breastfeeding alone. Be diligent about reducing your food intake (from when you were eating for two) to about 2200 to 2500 calories a day. Don't reduce too much, as your body's calorie priority is to make milk for your baby (just like during pregnancy,) so too much of a calorie drop can be seriously detrimental to your health.

2) Drink Plenty of Water - Right after birth, your body will expel as much at 3 liters of extra fluid that you were carrying around (If you notice that you are running to the bathroom a lot, it is completely normal.) It is vital that you keep your water intake up, like 8-12 glasses a day. Keeping well hydrated increases your metabolism, helps keep you less bloated (better known as water weight) and will help your body function much better overall.

3) Moderate Exercise is the Best Right Now - Exercise is still very important in the weight loss equation, but low impact exercises are vital to your healing body. Walking or swimming are great low impact, calorie burning exercises. Even just walking 30 minutes a day will help you lose weight. The key is consistency. Get in the habit of going out at least 4-5 times a week. Swimming will burn more calories, but can be more difficult to keep up since you then have child care issues and the potential of having to join a club.

Can Fish Oil Help Postpartum Depression?

Fish oil supplements are now highly recommended for pregnant mothers, for all but good reasons. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which all contribute to the normal development of the baby in the womb. These omega-3 fats are actually building blocks that lead to the formation of brain cells and a sound nervous system. Omega 3 fish oil EPA specifically aids in the proper development of the respiratory and cardiac systems and promotes a healthy heart. Furthermore, many research studies also confirm that increased intake of omega-3 can reduce the risk of premature delivery and enhance the visual system of the developing fetus.

The benefits of this supplement do not end when the mother gives birth to the child. As a matter of fact, even if you have not taken this supplements early on, it is not too late to enjoy the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fats do not only promote good prenatal nutrition, it may even be more important to take for women who have already given birth and/or is breastfeeding.

The fact that it helps counter depression has already been established. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to boost the levels of serotonin in the brain - those so-called happy hormones, and regulate production of chemicals that lessens anxiety and ill feelings. A new study conducted in England revealed that women who consume more seafood and thus more omega-3 during the third trimester are less likely to show major signs of postpartum depression.

There are a sheer number of research studies that provide sufficient evidence that links feelings of depression with decreased reserves of DHA and EPA omega 3 fats. The same is true in the case of postpartum anxiety. To make matters worse, a breastfeeding mother is bound to have depleting reserves of these fatty acids, which might worsen post-partum depression in already deficient mothers.

What all these reveal is that it is indeed important for the proper prevention and treatment of postpartum depression. New or expectant mothers must always prioritize their own and their baby's health so if you are interested in taking fish oil supplement to get sufficient amounts of omega-3, you must choose a supplement that does not put you at risk for mercury contamination. It is important to choose an omega-3 fish oil brand that contains pure, molecularly distilled and ultra-refined fish oil. It is also important to consult a health care provider should you find yourself having postpartum depression that is far from manageable. While there is enough evidence that links fish oil for postpartum depression, it must not be considered as a sole treatment for serious cases.

Depression and Self-Harm

About Depression

Moments of depression or sadness are quite common and part of living. Depression becomes clinical, and a problem to varying degrees, when it continues for many months or even years, becomes crippling and makes it difficult or impossible to work/go to school, or occurs for no reason at all.

When a family member dies, a pet is lost, you lose your job or your marriage falls apart, it's natural to be depressed. These things happen, and recovering from the depression is part of becoming a stronger person.

But depression can be crippling. Some of the symptoms are constant sadness, bouts of crying for no reason, inability to sleep oversleeping, losing interest in activities that you've always loved, not wanting to do anything at all, hating everyone and everything, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, et cetera. These things can all be symptoms of something else, but if you've got more than four of these symptoms you should do some research of your own and take some psychiatric testing.

I personally am BiPolar and have actively struggled with depression for four and a half years. I may have shown symptoms of depression before that, but I am not aware of them as symptoms of depression. The depression became serious when my Dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer and was going through his treatments. I was always Daddy's little girl, and it hurt to see him crippled by the pain of his cancer, and slowly wasting away.

Depression runs in my family as well. It is not completely a genetic disorder, and can be triggered by circumstances and a variety of other things, but having family members who have struggled with depression does increase the risk of getting it yourself.

Depression can be painful. It can be fatal, or near-fatal, as is my case. It can manifest in any number of behaviours. I was lucky in that I never lost a passion for my writing when depressed-in fact, when struggling with depression I have written more poetry than at any 'stable' or 'manic' time in my life.

There are many ways to help a family member or friend who is depressed, and to identify depression in yourself and others, but these are not the focus of this article.

Cutting/Self-Harm

Self-harm is the general term, and the politically correct one, for a variety of behaviors, including cutting, burning, anorexia and bulimia, hair-pulling, scab-picking and other such things. Some of these we do not commonly recognize as self harm, and are not as dangerous as others (scab-picking mostly), with the most infamous forms of self-harm being anorexia and cutting.

Self-harm and cutting may or may not be related to a depressed state. Anyone you know may be someone who self-harms in any one of a number of ways. People who self-harm are not usually suicidal, using the self-harm as a method of releasing their pain. There are many misconceptions about self-harm and I hope to eliminate some of these with my work.

People who self-harm are not usually doing so for attention. They usually go out of their way to hide the scars, wearing long sleeves even in the summer or self-harming in ways that are easy to hide, such as cutting the stomach area or upper thighs and pulling small amounts of hair. Even scab picking can be easy to hide to an extent. There are some who do this for attention, as it has, sadly, become somewhat of a trend, called 'emo'. This is a very small percentage of those who self-harm and mostly applies to cutters.

Many self-harmers have been abused at some point in their lives, and some self-harm internalizing the idea that they are bad and need to be punished. In this way self-harm can stem from insecurity and self-hatred, which can lead to depression or come from depression.

More self-harmers are female than male, possibly relating to a higher number of abused women than men. The average self-harmer is a woman between the ages of 13-30, although it could be anyone, male, female, young, old, with or without a family. Some who are happily married and have children continue to cut, as it helps them alleviate the stresses of their life.

The Relationship Between Depression And Self-Harm

Depression can commonly lead to self-harm, as it did in my case. I was clinically depressed for most of three years before I began cutting, and while the original incident was not out of depression but out of curiosity, I soon discovered that cutting distracted me from the mental pain, blocking it out while I took care of the physical pain.

You will find this to be a common thread amongst many cutters. It distracts them from their daily struggle with life and perhaps depression, and gives them a rushy feeling. Some like the sight and even the taste of their own blood. There are many different reasons people self-harm that I cannot describe all in one place.

Not everyone who is depressed self-harms, and not everyone who self-harms is depressed. Many people who are depressed, who often can't quite understand why, are either afraid of pain both mental and physical, or love their bodies and do not want to hurt themselves. Many who self-harm do so as a way to escape every day life and prove that they are brave, having the bravery to hurt themselves.

Many who self-harm are ashamed of the fact that they self-harm, and so they hide it from their friends and family. The same stands for many who are depressed. Depression and self-harm are both things more likely to occur when someone has been abused in their past, in any way, shape or form.

Depression and self-harm are related, though one thing does not always signify the other. Many of the same people who are likely to experience depression are likely to self-harm.

A person struggling with depression could be anyone, even the person you think of as being the happiest person you know. A person who self-harms could be anyone, even that same person you think of as being the happiest person you know.

This is not a fully comprehensive article, but the beginning of a series of articles about depression and self-harm from the point of view of someone who is BiPolar and has struggled with both depression and self-harm in the past.

Profiles of the Powerful: Advertising Exec Mary Austen

When you spend time with Mary Stengel Austen, you come away with one feeling. "That woman is affable." After thinking it over, you might find other words which describe her: smart, realistic, enthusiastic, tough minded, determined, articulate, strategic, focused. But you'll always include affable in your memory of her because that's what she is.

Perhaps she has to be that way because of the two most significant challenges in her life: managing five small children and managing one of the largest ad agencies in this part of the country, Tierney Communications. Affable is good, perhaps necessary.

Having grown up in this area, she then graduated from Lafayette College and was directed to a job in sales for age copier company. Quickly convinced that she was not made for a direct sales role, she found her way into the former Spiro agency and found the career that challenged her, enthused her and excited her. Obviously, she loved what she did and, after a few other steps forward, she still loves what she does as president and CEO of Tierney and its 135 employees.

Mary sees great opportunity for the advertising business but she insists that success will come to those who understand that it's a "time for new reality." That's her way to acknowledge and respect change which is happening faster and faster. She believes that
agencies must adapt more quickly to market changes, technology changes and even to the changing expectations of employees. More than ever before, she hopes that Tierney is understanding and respecting clients' perceptions of their own needs which often change with the speed of light.

Her concerns for the overall health of the agency business are partially based on the pressures clients feel in these changing times. It's not a new thought that solid relationships with clients are vital for ad agencies. However, those relationships are harder and harder to develop because of the pressures of time and the pressures of the bottom line. However, she says the key to a superb client relationship is no different today than it was ten years ago. Just remember that "It's not about you, it's about your client." Good advice.

When pressed, she has some advice for clients, too. Directed to clients in just a few words, the "wisdom" of Mary Stengel Austen is simple to state. She would ask them to be careful about articulating the business plan and the marketing objectives to the agency. She would urge them to have realistic expectations about their marketing/advertising efforts. She would hope for an open, honest working relationship with the agency and a consistent viewpoint about image, brand and sales. She also fully understands that clients have their own pressures and sometimes are forced to abandon well thought out plans.

A consistent lesson has guided her in her home life, in college and in her career. She has learned the importance of being able to multi-task. She says that learning to "juggle" has helped her in her career and in her role as a Mother. According to her, "Kids and clients have helped me to learn how to prioritize and have forced me to remain focused." She further explains, "Both clients and children need to feel as if they are the most important thing in your world." In these two separate situations, they are, so it's working out quite well for Mary, for Tierney and for her family.

Predictably, her hopes for her own career cover a broad spectrum of topics. When she thinks about her life in ten years, she first mentions her family and its importance. Then she talks about continuing to enjoy her work, about continuing to learn and grow and continuing to do the things she does best. She is quite comfortable and enjoys managing good people and hopes to continue that function. She also wants as much strategic involvement as possible, both in her own operation and in the operations of clients.

She gives an interesting example. When a client crisis occurs, she hopes to contribute to the strategy/solution and to "Slow things down when others are compelled to speed things up." She seems calm and, apparently, is convinced that calm and smart is better than frenzied and active without a good plan.

Mary Stengel Austen is even more than a busy, successful executive at Tierney and a busy, effective family woman. She is also a committed supporter of the community, serving on many boards including the Please Touch Museum, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, Maternity Care Coalition, Philadelphia Ad Club, Lafayette College Advisory Council and as Chairperson of the Pennsylvania Economy League.

She lives in Radnor with her husband, Peter, who is an Insurance Broker and her five children: Thomas(8), Andrew (7), Christopher (6), John (4) and Sally (2).

Affable? Yes. Successful? Yes. A nice combination!

Disability Insurance - How it Works

If you work in a sedentary occupation and are young and healthy, insurance and especially disability insurance is probably not at the top of your list of things to investigate. Would you be able to pay your bills should you be out of work for 90 days? Most people look at the odds of something happening to them and discount themselves as part of the statistics but at least 30% of people 35-65 suffer a disability lasting 90 days. It could be broken bones from any number of accidents or a problem pregnancy or any of many possibilities.

Disability Insurance was created with the intention of replacing approximately 45-60% of your gross income tax free should you become sick or ill enough that it prevents you from working and earning a living in your occupation. Most Disability insurance is geared toward white collar occupations. Blue/Gray collar disability insurance is available through some insurance carriers. If you are a fireman, policeman or a roofer or any the other occupations considered blue collar you will need to do more research for basic information beyond this site.

Different insurance companies offer disability insurance policies but they are not the same. Do not assume they are and go for the lowest cost. Do not buy the cheapest disability insurance policy you find. Doing this would lower your odds of getting paid a monthly benefit and the benefits could be significantly lower than what you would receive from a better contract. If you are in the initial stages of investigation of such policies know that they are not easy to shop and just compare prices, you need to compare the following to truly get what you need.

Disability insurance policies have a definition of total disability written in the policy. You should understand this before you buy. There are three basic types of policies.

* Own Occupation - "Unable to perform duties of your regular occupation." If you are not severely disabled and you can do work in some other occupation you will still be considered totally disabled in your own occupation but you will not be penalized while on claim for working in another occupation.

* Modified own occupation (Income Replacement Insurance) - This is the most common definition in the industry today. "Unable to perform duties of your regular occupation, and are NOT engaged in any other occupation." In other words if you go back to work in some other capacity you will be penalized during a claim. The insurance company MAY offset your monthly benefit check.

* Gainful Occupation - This is the common definition for a policy written for an employer sponsored group.

"Unable to perform duties of your regular occupation, or any occupation for which you are deemed qualified." This definition leaves the determination of your disability up to the insurance company. It is not clear what would happen should you become disabled. Avoid this type of policy if you are buying disability insurance on your own. If you receive it through your employer look into supplementing it with a better policy.

Renewability is another aspect that you should understand when buying a disability policy. Review the following three types available.

* Non-Cancellable and Guaranteed Renewable - Guarantees that after purchasing this policy they will not change your premium schedule, your monthly benefits or your policy benefits to age 65 or whatever age you agreed to. Even if your income goes down later in life and you become totally disabled the insurance company will pay you the total disability benefit you originally placed in force. Even if you changed jobs from a white collar to a more risky occupation later on. As long as you kept your policy in force they can not change anything. This is the best and really only way to go. Make sure the exact words "Non-Cancellable and Guaranteed Renewable" are written into the policy.

* Guaranteed Renewable - This guarantees that they will probably not change anything about the policy, but they can. They can change the policy year, occupation class and the premium with approval from the state. Be very careful of this type of policy.

* Conditionally Renewable - You get no guarantees with this type of policy. Different companies may offer you different conditions for you to renew each year and these conditions may be very hard to meet. Avoid this completely.

Many disability claims involve a residual claim. This means a person can still perform the duties of their occupation but they have a loss of income of at least 20% or they have suffered what is called a loss of time and duties. On a loss of time and duties claim they normally stop paying a residual claim once you are back at work full time. But, your income may not be back to what it was before you were disabled. A residual provision based on loss of income would appear to protect you for an unlimited amount of recovery time. The loss of time and duties portion of a policy may have a recovery benefit portion but may only pay out for a limited time. A person may be residually disabled longer than totally disabled.

Presumptive disability protects against drastic disabilities that occur. Presumptive disability varies. This covers for loss of sight, hearing, speech, and limbs. This coverage is built into most contracts but not all. The wording maybe different and they use words like, Total, Irrecoverable and Permanent. An irrecoverable loss or disability is permanent and that is what they will pay on. Total loss means if you have a total loss and it is permanent it covers you. Total loss also covers broken bones and temporary loses of sight, hearing, and speech etc. Make sure you understand their meaning.

Recurrent disability is where you recover from one disability and then another one pops up. There is what the insurance industry calls an "elimination period". The time you wait between the onset of a disability and when you are eligible to collect benefits. Most policies are for 90 days. Recurrent disabilities should have no elimination period. Look for a policy that has at least a 12 month recurrent clause in case some new problem shows up. Make sure your elimination period can be satisfied with either a total disability or a residual. Policies that have an elimination period just for total disability or with just consecutive days of disability are not good.

Be sure to find out how long disability benefits will be paid. This benefit period is from the time you are eligible to collect benefits while on a claim and when you go back to work or if you are permanently disabled it would pay the claim until the "To Age 65" or whatever the age or time frame stated on your insurance policy. To age 65 is the most popular and most disabilities last a little over 3 years.

There are optional riders you can add to a base policy for additional protection. They may include a Cost of Living Adjustment, Automatic increase rider and other options. There are also exclusions that your insurance agent should discuss with you.

For more information and tips please visit www.WatchYourWealth.com

Pregnant and Driving For the First Time? Tips For Driving While Pregnant and Maximizing Your Safety

The precious time of pregnancy in a woman's life brings along tremendous excitement but some first time concerns. Suddenly, navigating daily life and common tasks that were once taken for granted can become a challenge. Especially while pregnant there are additional safety considerations that are crucial for the well-being of you and your unborn baby while on the road.

There's no reason not to drive as usual, but sensibility and simply taking it easy are essential. Here are a few considerations and precautions from Women-drivers.com to assist those driving during their first pregnancy:

• Wear your seatbelt lap belt across your hip bones or upper thighs; not across your belly. Adapt your sitting position so the belt crosses your shoulder without cutting into your neck and position the shoulder harness between your breasts.


• Ensure the car you drive has airbags, and it's recommended that expectant mothers keep at least 12 inches of clearance between the front airbag and their belly. Pillows or cushions should be not used to shorten this clearing distance.


• Adjust the steering wheel, or consider installing an adjustable one to extend the steering wheel out or push it further in as needed.


• For higher vehicles that are difficult to get in and out of, keep a wide step stool handy.


• When possible, drive at quieter times of day with less traffic on the roads. Because of the need for more bathroom breaks and the possible sudden onset of nausea, if you have the luxury of choice try to avoid higher congested times such as rush hour.


• Plan your route ahead of time. Avoid getting caught in construction zones with significant delays, or storm fronts sweeping in. Keep updated with local weather and traffic construction sites or satellite stations before venturing off on unfamiliar or longer routes.


• Avoid dehydration and low blood sugar while on the road. Take water or juice and keep high protein snacks or fruit in the car.


• Invest in a GPS navigation system. You'll be glad you did!


• It's a smart idea, pregnant or not, to keep a 'Survival Kit' and blankets in the car. Flares, a flashlight and a HELP sign are recommended.


• Always take your cell phone and battery charger, especially when driving alone.


• Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and back during longer trips.


• Avoid driving through places where medical care is not available, or where altitude could cause a problem.


• Play relaxing music to keep your nerves soothed and anxiety levels lower. There are even CD's made for expectant mothers with music by Mozart and Beethoven.


• Consult your physician if you do plan to travel during your third trimester, especially if you have a high risk pregnancy.

Driving should never be taken for granted, and while pregnant some simple precautions are recommended to be safe behind the wheel!

Lima, Peru's Best Hospitals

Lima is the capital of the South American country called Peru (which lies in the northwestern region of the continent). The city is located in a valley that had been created by several rivers on a desert coast, meanwhile overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Peru attracts a large amount of tourists with its tropical forests in the Amazon Basin, its arid plains, and tall mountains peaks in the Andes range. Lima has a number of private clinics that offer high quality services and treatment.

The Clinic Javier Prado has been serving the people of the city since February of 1965. The hospital is situated at Ave. Javier Prade Este 499, San Isidro and the phone number for the hospital is 211-4141. It has an ISO 9001 accreditation, so you can expect good and reliable services at the hospital. In addition to this, it has professionals from 45 medical specialties as well as it also has other facilities (such as emergency care, intensive care units, inpatient care, and operating rooms). Also, the infrastructure at the hospital is quite modern.

Hospital Nacional General Arzobispo Loayza was founded by the very first archbishop of Peru in the 16th Century. The hospital was set up to provide medical care to the underprivileged; in the case that one has limited resources, this hospital is a good option for recieving medical aid. The hospital was modernized in the early 1900s and is now the biggest hospital in the country. It receives patients from all over Peru for treatment and diagnoses. The hospital has nice surroundings, modern infrastructure and continues to carry out research in various medical fields.

The Stella Maris Clinic is run by a congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It started operations in the year 1938. The clinic provides facilities for child and maternal care as well as surgical procedures - like advanced surgery for the heart and brain, kidney transplants, and others. The hospital's medical and paramedical staffs are highly qualified, the infrastructure is contemporary and the hospital also has a 24-hour/day emergency room.

Clinica El Golf is a private-run hospital; this group runs a number of clinics across the country. You can find qualified doctors and nurses at this hospital, many of whom have conducted their training in the United States and the United Kingdom. The clinic is outfitted with diagnostic facilities, maternity care, the newest medical equipment, and it offers outpatient care in nearly 130 specialties. Additional amenities at the hospital are round-the-clock emergency services, an intensive care unit, and advanced cardiac care. The address for this clinic is Ave. Aurelio Miro Quesada 1030, San Isidro.

Led by Dr. Jos矇 ?lvarez Blas, a group of doctors set up the St. Paul Clinic in August of 1991. The hospital was initially set up with the objective to provide specialized cardiac care; however, the hospital also has facilities for other medical treatments. The hospital is reputed to be one of the best private hospitals in the country, with six centers across Lima. This hospital provides high-quality services at reasonable prices. The hospital may be contacted at this number: 610-3222.?