Invasion Of The Blogger Mums

I am a grown-up with young children and a business. I can't possibly have time to 'socialise' or network online. So why is it I find myself interacting with people I have never met from all round the world, into the early hours, 'poking' on Facebook and 'nudging' on Twitter? God, I've even started my own blog and am in danger of transforming from a reasonably normal mother of three into a full-on geek!

We have all at least heard of internet dating sites and online chat rooms, and Which? reports tell us that 75% of UK internet shoppers who are women prefer buying online to going to the shops. Many of us use the internet for research and education, and for business networking. But what value can it possibly have for mothers of young children as a way to network socially?

US artist and avid social networker Susan Reynolds likens interacting on sites such as Facebook and Twitter to "an updated way of chatting over the fence while hanging clothes and getting personal insights which are better than search engine research".

In order to research this article, I myself dived into my online social networks and put out a call for information and suggestions. Within hours I had some quality links from @Rosevibe, @Cbensen and @Loudmouthman ('Twitter' names) and, more importantly, a group of peers interested in seeing and enjoying the final result. When you are working from home with young children, finding other people online who share your interests and help you to develop your own ideas and knowledge is a resource that I never dreamed of discovering a year ago.

Sharing knowledge and experience is important for parents who can so often feel isolated. I popped onto EveryClick (it's like Google, only they give money to charity every time you use them as your search engine) and typed in 'Mothers Blogs'. The first two natural listings were motherblogs and bloggingmommies. Both sites are guiding and encouraging mothers to share experiences and advice; but in the UK, Netmums works on a more community level, with 130 local sites and growing. Netmums was started by three mothers and has won a technology award for the most promising voluntary sector internet project. Co-founder Sally Russell says their success is down to a balance between hard facts and being a community of support. Netmums provides not just information, but the opportunity to find local like-minded women and to connect up physically as well as online. The site has been a godsend to some mothers suffering with postnatal depression who needed help and to feel supported.

For the growing number of men who are becoming house-parents, online networking can help them to access and even create their own local support groups. It is this 'community' element that has created my current addiction with online networking and taken me past the 'fear' threshold of working with technology previously unfamiliar to me. To begin your own blog is simple enough to tempt even the most ardent technophobe, and if you go onto Ning, you can create an entire personal social network, with blogs and forums and groups, for free. It's a fantastic way to extend the reach and increase the interactions within parenting support groups or just your own local school or community. No technical expertise required!

One of my Facebook friends, Ann Handley, posted: "The real value of social networking for women is that they can seek and find like-minded individuals at all stages of their lives. When I was a young mother - a breastfeeding, cloth-diaper-using, attachment-parenting mom who was working (freelance writing) from home - I often felt pretty isolated, without a 'network', wondering if I was outright loony some days... I would have loved a blog like dooce.com or a mother's group on Facebook, to connect with other mothers like me."

If I have an idea about something, need feedback, or just want to see what someone else is thinking about, I can go online and, through a selective build-up of Twitter buddies and Facebook friends, I can research information and get moral support from people who do not live in my locality, and I don't need to hire a babysitter first.

Wanting to share my own experiences of becoming involved with social networking and blogging and have some fun at the same time, I recently created Blogging for Blondes; but the key thing about a blog is not just what you write, it is the comments made by your readers which turn a solitary posting into a discussion within a community.

Deborah Fallows (How Women and Men Use the Internet) found that in the US "Men value the internet for the breadth of experience it offers; women value it for enriching their relationships, but are more concerned about its risks." Irrespective of the safety of online banking, online communication on a social level has many checks and measures. If someone wants to be my 'Friend' on Facebook, for example, it is entirely up to me whether I accept that offer, or even let them see my full profile online.

Ann Hadley believes that "women like to connect - not debate. So they may not comment on blogs, but they are nonetheless embracing social networks." However, women are increasingly finding their voice, and expressing it, via social networking online.

The Pew Internet & American Life Project found that blog creators in the US were more likely to be relatively well off financially and well educated, and 43% of all bloggers were women. Advertisers are taking note of the rise in educated and high-income women using social networking to take part in discussions and dialogues. The women's blogging site blogher.com publishes that 70% of the women subscribers are married, and 50% have children still living at home. 53% of BlogHer Parenting Network readers have their own blogs with which to publish and amplify their recommendations and referrals.

Glenda Stone, CEO at Aurora business networking group for women, says that many women entrepreneurs begin as mothers, working from home in a spare room, and the discussion forums on Aurora can provide "value added answers which they can trust - not only a quick answer to a question, but evaluations and recommendations into the bargain".

Access to information is key to advancing in the workplace, and having direct access to that information creates great opportunities for women in large corporations, especially if they are working part time from home or are on maternity leave. Tom Crawford, head of employer brand and diversity at professional services firm Deloitte, encourages the use of Facebook whilst providing advice and guidelines on its use, rather than just banning it from the workplace like many other employers have done.

Using a diverse range of networking resources, Deloitte employees can access mentors and buddies within their online women's, working parents' and carers' networks. It is the women employees who have tapped into this big time, and who have benefited the most from the sharing of information and networking with colleagues online. Why do Deloitte do this? Tom explains that they "want the broadest range of talent to fix the broadest range of client challenges", and to do that, you need to "talk to people in different ways and in different places, using a variety of online and offline tools".

My favourite recent example of social networking being used creatively is by the artist Susan Reynolds, who blogged in Case-Notes from the Artsy Asylum about her recent mild stroke. I had 'followed' her messages via Twitter during her hospital stay (at the same time as someone else had a kitten being taken to the vet and another was reporting on his wife being in labour), but Susan actively used her social networking as part of her rehabilitation: "through it all, a stream of social media has kept me connected and now it's helping me not just recover but document and test. Putting myself thorough my own battery of tests, Second Life and Facebook Scrabble have reassured me and helped test spatial, visual and language skills. Twitter, tumblr & Facebook mobile photos have allowed me to document and track activities and developments. Who said Social Media serves no useful purpose? Working for me so far."

Written by Suzy Miller, 1st published in Juno Winter Issue 13 2007

Health Insurance Companies in North Carolina

There are several licensed, reliable health insurance companies in North Carolina. You will find several broker sites that manage a large portfolio of insurance products from leading insurance companies licensed to do business in the state of North Carolina.

These companies offer a number of health insurance plans like individual health insurance (for people who do not enjoy the benefits of group insurance); group health insurance [(insurance written for businesses of one or more employees. Small groups (1-49 employees)] are guaranteed issue; Medicare supplement (aims to fill in the gaps that Medicare doesn't cover; individual and group life insurance (individual written as permanent or term coverage with medical approval. Group is term coverage for 2 or more employees); short and long term disability (replaces 60% of income in the event of a disability. Short term replaces income for up to 6 months, long term up to age 65); dental insurance (individual coverage or for groups of 3 or more); foreign national medical insurance (coverage for people with foreign citizenship while in the US); health savings accounts or HSAs (newest tax favored federal plan which is 100% deductible); short term individual health insurance (coverage for up to 12 months mostly used by people between jobs, less stringent health requirements).

Among the leading North Carolina health insurance companies are Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (group and individual), John Alden (group and individual), American Republic Insurance Company (individual), Wellpath (group), UnitedHealthcare (group), Humana (group), Cigna (group), Aetna, Affordable Alternatives, Alternative Healthcare Options (AHO), Carolina Coverage, D&J Insurance, Hartsfield and Nash Agency, Inc, Health Quotes, Hill Chesson & Associates, LTC Planner, Medical Mutual Group, Partners National Health Plans of North Carolina, Inc, Pharmacy Network National Corporation, Premier Health Systems, Inc, Roper Insurance Agency, Seaway Insurance Agency, Inc, Tar Heel Insurance Agency, and Walker Insurance.

How to Get Cheap Major Medical Insurance in Florida

What is major medical insurance?

Major medical insurance, also known as catastrophic health insurance, is insurance that pays for major emergency medical and hospital expenses. It does pay for routine medical care such as doctor visits, maternity care, or prescription drugs.

What does major medical insurance cover?

Basic major medical insurance plans cover surgical costs, hospital expenses, intensive care fees, diagnostic procedures, MRIs, CAT scans, and X-rays. If you have a pre-existing condition like heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, multiple sclerosis, or AIDS, you probably won't qualify for major medical insurance.

These plans usually have a maximum benefit amount of between $1 million and $3 million, after which your insurance company will not pay for your medical expenses and your policy becomes void. Deductibles - the amount of money you pay toward claims before your insurance company will pay - are between $500 and $5,000.

Who buys major medical insurance?

Floridians who buy major medical insurance tend to be relatively healthy, take few prescription drugs, and want to save money on their health insurance. Older Floridians who are concerned about not being able to pay huge medical bills caused by cancer, heart attacks, strokes, or other major illnesses also purchase major medical insurance.

Where can I get cheap major medical insurance in Florida?

Though major medical insurance is the cheapest of all the medical insurance plans, you don't want to pay more than you have to. In order to get the best rate on Florida major medical insurance, visit a health insurance comparison website. There you can get quotes from multiple insurance companies so you can compare them and choose the cheapest one.

At the better comparison sites you can get answers and advice from insurance experts online or by phone, and get money-saving tips in their "Articles" section. (see link below).

Before you purchase a major medical plan be sure you know what you're getting. Read it over carefully, and if your not sure about something have the insurance company representative explain it to you.

How Does Supplemental Maternity Insurance Work?

Every woman that plans to give birth at some point of her life has to get supplemental maternity insurance. Unless the insurance company pays for part or for all the medical expenses that incur in pregnancy, it is terribly difficult to afford them. Those costs are very high and can discourage a woman from procreating. There is an imminent risk of financial disaster for those women who don't have a proper health plan with maternity coverage included.

The costs of medical care are constantly increasing. During pregnancy a woman requires more medical services than before and she has to receive regular check-ups very often. There are also laboratory tests that need to be made and the delivery itself is very expensive. Without supplemental maternity insurance, a woman needs to dispose of a huge sum of money. Many women believe that if they have a health insurance plan this will automatically cover for the expenses with pregnancy and child birth. This is not true and there are also health plans without maternity coverage included.

This does not mean that you should give up your current health plan and get another one. Maternity coverage can be bought additionally. There are health insurance plans with a supplemental maternity insurance and those will cover for your needs. You must pay attention to buy the rider several moths before getting pregnant. Most insurance companies have a waiting period which varies between a couple of months and a year. Before this waiting period passes, insurance companies only pay limited benefits, if they pay at all. If you don't have a health insurance plan at this moment you should get one that also covers maternity from one of the insurance providers in your area. Once you add the supplemental maternity insurance your premiums will increase. Nevertheless, make sure you have it in your plan because otherwise you might end up covering yourself for all the expenses.

Once you add the rider to your policy all you have to do is to allow the waiting period to pass and then you can get pregnant and you'll have your benefits paid by the company. Take this waiting period into account when you make your plans for enlarging the family and check its length with your insurance company.

Even so, there are many women who get pregnant and remain uninsured. In such an unfortunate case, you can try to negotiate directly with the hospitals or the health care providers to get discounts during pregnancy and delivery.

What is Catastrophic Health Insurance?

So your employer in Dallas, Houston or any place in Texas doesn't offer health insurance. Perhaps you can't afford to pay for a health plan. Or maybe you just don't want pay for health coverage because you're healthy enough that you feel "you don't need it." If you fall into any of these categories, you may be a candidate for a "catastrophic" health insurance plan, or what is sometimes called a "high deductible" health plan (HDHP).

Catastrophic health insurance is usually characterized by its high deductibles and low monthly premiums. These plans typically cover major hospital and medical expenses only above a certain deductible. This means you are likely to pay out-of-pocket for most everything else, like routine doctor visits and many, if not all, prescription drugs.

The many catastrophic health insurance plans offered these days cover expenses for hospital stays, surgery, intensive care, diagnostic X-ray and lab tests.

When choosing this kind of plan, your deductible may start at $1,000 a month or higher. Along with the high deductibles, many catastrophic health plans have high lifetime maximum benefit payments, or caps, which can be between $1 million and $5 million. Once you reach your cap, the insurance company won't pay for any additional medical expenses and your coverage is terminated.

By selecting a high-deductible plan, it's expected you'll pay for your medical needs until your expenses exceed your deductible. For example, with a $15,000 deductible and surgery that costs $5,000, you would pay for the surgery entirely. You should also be aware that the deductible limit for a high-deductible health plan, which is qualified as a Health Savings Account (HSA) is $5,000 in 2007 (unless you are age 55 or older).

If you decide to pursue a catastrophic health insurance plan, you should also know that most of them do not cover most of the costs of pregnancy care. So if pregnancy is a possibility, make sure to check if pregnancy coverage is available with your plan. Some catastrophic plans don't cover maternity care for a full year after your effective date.

People who buy catastrophic health insurance tend to fall into two groups: young adults in their 20's and older adults ages 50 to 65. Young adults who buy catastrophic coverage are usually self-employed or have no coverage through their employers.

Older adults who buy this kind of policy are concerned with financial losses associated with heart attacks, cancer or other serious illnesses. They're generally healthy, have very few or no prescriptions, and would prefer to pay out of pocket for office visits to save on premiums.

Catastrophic health plans can be purchased as an individual health insurance plan, as well as through employer group plans. Companies with 1,000 or more employees typically offer higher deductible plan options. Retirees, who aren't yet eligible for Medicare, also often choose catastrophic plans to reduce their premiums.

Certain pre-existing conditions will make you ineligible for a catastrophic health plan in the individual health plan market. Health conditions such as AIDS, diabetes, emphysema, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia, as well as some other serious illness, are red flags to insurances companies and can prevent you from being underwritten for a catastrophic plan. While serious impairments like these will disqualify someone from a high- deductible plan, that it is much easier for someone with mild impairments to get a high deductible plan – particularly the very high deductible plans – than a low deductible plan.

Like many other health insurance plans, you can purchase different levels of catastrophic coverage depending on what type of high-deductible plan is chosen.

Before purchasing a catastrophic health plan, you need to consider:

· How much is the premium, and do you pay monthly, quarterly, annually?

· How much is the deductible?

· How much of a deductible can you afford?

· How extensive is the coverage?

· Do you need prescription medications?

· Are your own doctor's office visits affordable?

· Do you have any pre-existing conditions?

· Do you get sick often?

· What's the annual and lifetime coverage limit?

If you're uninsured, concerned about the high deductible on your current individual health plan's catastrophic coverage, or simply tired of paying an arm and a leg for major medical health insurance, you should take a look at the revolutionary comprehensive individual health insurance solutions created by Precedent specifically for young, healthy individuals. For more information, visit us at our website, [http://www.precedent.com]. We offer a unique and innovative suite of individual health insurance solutions, including highly competitive HSA-eligible plans, and an unparalleled "real time" application and acceptance experience.

IUI - A Simple Explanation

IUI is a form of artificial insemination and there are a few factors that play into the IUI cost procedure. The fertility of both partners can have a large part as well as the overall health of the mother and the father. Another aspect is the needs of the partners and in many cases pure luck. The cost of this procedure can be hard to estimate especially when there are various factors that play into the cost. Your doctor is going to have you undergo a physical or medical exam to ensure you are in good health.

Number of Cycles

One of the biggest factors is the number of attempts you try before you actually become pregnant. Based on you and your partner's health as well as fertility of parents, the rate of success can range between 10% and 20%. This means you may need anywhere from 5 to 10 different cycles before your procedure results in pregnancy. Based on the clinic you choose to go to, you can expect to pay about $300 to $500 per cycle. Therefore, you can expect to spend about $1500 to as high as $5000 to become pregnant.

IUI

Intrauterine insemination is what many couples turn to when infertility gets the best of them. This method can be chosen over IVF. This procedure is going to consist of taking a man's sperm and inserting it into a woman's fallopian tubes. This procedure involves doctor "sperm washing" which is how they separate the sperm from the semen. This method is something that is a little more costly and can run you an extra $100 per cycle. However, one good thing about this procedure is that your rate of success can be better and greater, and there are not going to be as many cycles needed.

Insurance

If you have health insurance, you may want to look into what they cover as some companies will cover the cost or partial amounts of an IUI or artificial insemination. You need to have a case of being infertile or insurance may not cover it. If your insurance is not going to pay, they will tell a reason and if there are any ways to get some of the cost covered.

Decreasing Your IUI Cost

For those who do not have insurance coverage, you may be looking for ways to make this process a little cheaper and affordable, and some of the ways to do just that can include:

• The IRS may help pay for up to 1/3 of the total cost
• Having some type of supplemental insurance that is going to refund your money once a baby is born

The IRS

Any cost that you pay or charges that are incurred by this procedure are going to be tax-deductible. If you offset the amount you saved, you can help decrease your cost. A flexible spending account can help people get access to savings on taxes and therefore using it for their IUI procedure.

Supplemental Insurance

With this type of procedure, your chance of getting pregnant is often times very good. Before you begin undergoing this type of procedure, you should check into getting supplemental insurance. This insurance is going to help protect you from any complications you may have during or after your pregnancy such as premature birth and any labor or delivery complications.

Motherhood: How To Fight Baby Blues?

There are hundreds of thousands women give birth each year. Some of them have tried for a long time before finally conceiving a baby, some got pregnant by accident, some decided to have a baby and got pregnant the same month. Some babies are wanted, some unfortunately not. But as statistics shows, major part of babies are definitely wanted and their parents are ready for them.

Or they think they are?

Most first-time parents-to-be are getting prepared to their baby arrival as soon as they find out that they are expecting one...They read lots of books about pregnancy and babies, they always talk about it between themselves, to their friends, colleagues and relatives. They seem to be over the moon about the fact that soon in their live there will be a little cute creature. And they are getting ready to the big change in their lives.

That's not as easy as it seems to be. After labour and a few days spent in hospital new parents and their little bundle of joy are coming back home. That's the time when reality strikes for them.

There are women who are getting along with a new routine just fine. Unfortunately, not all of us are the same. About 70 percent of all mothers suffer from baby blues. They become very emotional, they start crying a lot over even an insignificant stuff. It can last few hours, but can take a few days, or a week or two.

If you one of the sufferers, then please do not worry, the whole motherhood is not going to be like that, even if you might think this way right now. Baby blues is just a reaction of your body to all the changes happened to it. There is a big change in the level of hormones in your body. Also it is meant to be an emotional roller-coaster. Everything is going to be different from now. You might start feeling a bit anxious or even trapped. But that's definitely not going to last forever.

There are a few things you can do to pass through this period as smoothly as possible.

• First of all, you do need to take as much rest as possible. You have gone through a major process in your life - you were carrying your baby for nine whooping months, had a few hour(or even days in some cases) labour and gave birth to a beautiful boy, girl or multiples. Labour alone is a massive shock for the body. So you need a rest.


• Leave all the house work for now. Don't rush to do all the cleaning and cooking. Yes, your beloved husband might not been the tidiest person, while you were in hospital. And yes, he could have cleaned the house better and prepare everything for your arrival. But, all this is very emotional for him as well. Don't forget, he became a parent too. And he was to busy visiting you in hospital. Leave all the house work...it really can wait. And nobody will blame you if there are a few dirty cups in the sink.


• It is better to limit the amount of visitors. Everyone wants to see your cute baby, but it is wise to limit all the visitors to the closest relatives, such as babies grandparents. Your little angel is here not for a week, but for the rest of your life. So all those visitors can wait a week or so to see this cute angel of yours. And they will understand that you might feel emotionally exhausted.


• Get someone else's help. Would be great if you could get help from someone experienced in this field. You mother is the best choice. She will show you how everything is done, how to deal with a baby, how to calm your baby down. Remember, she is the one who was doing the same with you. So she knows, what she's doing.


• Ask help from your partner too. While he is busy with a baby, take a relaxing bath, light some candles...Just relax,there are very busy times ahead. Gets busier when they start crawling and walking. Just enjoy this time!


• And the last thing: if you feel that you want to cry, just cry. Cry it out, don't keep it in yourself. It is all natural.

Remember, baby blues is not a permanent factor. And most women experience baby blues. You need a time to get used to your new responsible and hard role of being a mother. But if you continue feeling the same after a month time, it's advised to see a doctor,as you might have developed a postnatal depression. They will give you a required advice, treatment and support.

The Health Benefits of Alfalfa

Alfalfa health benefits are numerous and it has a plethora of nutrients. Its taproot extends down as deep as 20 feet, seeking out nutrients and minerals deep in the soil while its leaves collect large amounts of chlorophyll through the process of photosynthesis. Alfalfa is high in protein and contains eight digestive enzymes.

Nutrients found in alfalfa include calcium and phosphorus, as well as chlorophyll, bioflavonoids, trace minerals, and vitamins A, C, E, & K. Alfalfa is one of the most nutritious foods known. Reputable suppliers will use special harvesting equipment to insure the greatest concentration of nutrients and also use no fungicides, bacteriocides, growth regulators, special hormones, or chemicals. Be sure the alfalfa you use is pure and toxin-free.

What kinds of health issues can be helped by alfalfa? Lots! Here are a few: pain & stiff joints, arthritis, ulcers, stomach ailments, colon problems, gas pains, hiatal hernia, water retention, swollen ankles/feet, sinus problems, allergies, hayfever, gout, body odor, smelly feet, and bad breath, to name a few.

Some of the benefits of taking alfalfa are: helps body detoxify, natural antihistamine, natural diuretic, digestive aid, provides fiber & chlorophyll, rich source of trace minerals, aids diabetics, lowers cholesterol, anti-tumor activity, and anti-bacterial activity.

Here are some testimonials about using alfalfa:

"My midwife recommended alfalfa as an alternative to vitamin K shots. Many pregnancy discomforts are alleviated by alfalfa, including morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, and anemia. Alfalfa raises the vitamin K level of pregnant women, reducing postpartum bleeding." LP

"Alfalfa is my favorite nutritional supplement. The deep root system provides many trace minerals that are not available in our foods today. My allergies and headaches are a thing of the past. It is also a great detoxifier." JO

"When my wife was pregnant with our first child, she got a sunburn that triggered a lot of edema in her legs. Alfalfa took care of it." BF

"I couldn't live without alfalfa! I had chronic sinus problems but thanks to alfalfa, no more headaches or infections. I stopped for a week and the headaches returned. I faithfully take 15 a day." BK

I absolutely love alfalfa too. You can swallow them as whole tablets or crush them for a natural and refreshing tea. I faithfully take alfalfa every day.

Iron Rich Foods For Pregnancy

During the last trimester of pregnancy, you need to eat more foods high in iron than you normally would. This is because your body is busy making more red blood cells so as to supply enough for you and your baby. Each blood cell uses iron as a core. Iron can't be manufactured by your body; it must be absorbed from the food you eat.

Iron is found in lots of different foods, but it is difficult to absorb. This makes it hard for your body to take in enough iron to meet its needs when you are pregnant. If you don't provide your body with enough iron in your diet, your body makes fewer red blood cells. This is known as anemia. Anemia from iron deficiency is very common, and, fortunately, is fairly easy to remedy, as well.

Your body also needs a nutrient known as folate to make healthy red blood cells. Folate is easy to absorb and you can find it in most green vegetables.

What causes anemia? It's usually brought on by a poor intake of folate- and iron-rich foods. It can also be caused by the destruction of red blood cells that occurs occasionally when you're sick.

What are the symptoms and signs of anemia? Sometimes you won't experience any symptoms. But if your anemia is severe, you may feel fatigued and weak.

Can you prevent anemia? Yes, you can eat foods high in iron. These include fortified grains, dried beans, eggs, fish, chicken and meat. The type of iron that is found in meats is called heme and it is easier to absorb than the iron that's found in vegetables. If you're suffering from anemia and you already eat meat, increasing the meat that you consume will readily increase the iron that your body receives from it.

Also, it's a good idea to eat foods that are high in folic acid, like orange juice, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables and dried beans. Always eat foods that are high in vitamin C, too. This includes fresh raw vegetables, and citrus fruits.

Another way to get iron, and something people don't think of very often, is cooking with iron pots. This can add up to 80% more iron to your diet that food cooked in aluminum. Be sure to always remember to take your prenatal vitamins, and your mineral pills that contain extra folate.

You can also take vitamin and iron tablets. Since it's hard to get enough iron in your diet, you may need to take a supplement, in addition to eating foods high in iron. There is usually enough iron in your prenatal vitamin to avert anemia, but your health care provider may prescribe an extra iron supplement if you're anemic. Take it in small amounts if it upsets your stomach. You may want to take a stool softener as well. Don't take your iron supplement with calcium supplements or dairy products.

Ardyss Maternity Garments

Dr Abdull-Al, an OB/GYN and contributor to the Ardyss Doctor Showcase collaborative reveals how he uses the Ardyss maternity garments for his patients throughout their pregnancies. According to Dr Abdull-Al, Ardyss maternity girdles give women the additional support they need throughout their pregnancies in the lower stomach and abdomen region, which reduces the risk of swelling to the lower extremities. Ardyss promotes these garments as useful to both mom and baby because they provide a unique therapeutic benefit that helps alleviate lower back and abdominal pain that can present problems during their pregnancy.

During pregnancy many women complain and are plagued with hip, back, bone and overall physical discomfort. Unfortunately, there have been very few products on the market that can alleviate the symptoms throughout pregnancy. These garments are particularly helpful because they were designed by an orthopedic surgeon who understands the specificity of the body and how women's bodies change throughout pregnancy. They can provide comfort from the first trimester to childbirth and will also help support and remove the additional weight from the spinal column and help balance the overall weight of the body.

The March of Dimes website reports that 67% of babies born in the United States every year are low-birth or about 1 out of every 12 babies born weigh less than 5 pounds. There is not a clear correlation between low-birth weight and prematurely born children. However, there may be many reasons for why some babies do not make it to term or what the risk factors are for delivering prematurely. There are many reasons including ethnicity (African American women are more likely to have low-birth babies than any other race), infections in uterus, placental problems, maternal weight gain, and so on.

For these reasons alone it is vital to understand when it might be appropriate to use a maternity garment. The maternity and post-partum girdle featured by Ardyss has simple benefits for women in pregnancy and can be a useful support garment for the growing and changing physiology of the body. In addition, as many physicians are aware and patients know it can take quite some time to return to pre-pregnancy weight and form. Dr. Abdul-All has used these garments for both women who have delivered normally and those who have had c-section because they will allow the body to reposition the organs and apply pressure on the lower extremities which will prevent bleeding post-surgery.

The garments are available through physicians and you have to be able to bill through your insurance. Most patients can pay for them out of pocket and then have your doctor provide a form to bill your insurance. It is important to ask your doctor before use of any medical device or product during pregnancy.

If you are interested in finding out more about the billing codes for the Ardyss garments contact me via my website for more instructions. Ardyss International is a retailer they don't specific have guidelines on medical use of garments.

Skin Care Secrets - How to Treat Melasma and Pregnancy Mask

One of the most bothersome facial pigment problems is called melasma - otherwise known as "pregnancy mask. Melasma is a brownish pigmentation that affects adult women. It often develops during pregnancy - hence the name "pregnancy mask". Some women only have a few small brown spots here and there, but many have big patches of brown pigment that cover entire cheeks or foreheads or around the mouth. It can often be difficult to cover completely with makeup, and many women have spent a fortune on lightening creams and various laser therapies trying to get rid of it. Melasma is exacerbated by sun and UV radiation exposure (including tanning beds), but hormonal factors play a role as well, since it often comes on during pregnancy, while on birth control pills, or while on hormone replacement therapy. Certain unknown genetic factors will also predispose certain women to get it. Melasma can be very difficult but not impossible to control. Here are some tips:

1. Use daily sunscreen. The best method of treatment is prevention. Starting at a young age with daily sun block, avoiding intense sun exposure, and avoiding tanning beds all can help prevent younger women and teenagers from developing this condition in their middle adult years. In women that have melasma already, sun protection can keep it from worsening. This means daily sun block year round.

2. Stop your birth control pills if you no longer need them for birth control. If you are finished having kids, consider your surgical options for birth control. If you are taking birth control for help with menstrual symptoms, consider bioidentical hormone management instead. If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, try to minimize your estrogen (take the smallest amount you need to control your symptoms)

3. Avoid soy. Many people don't know that 20% of the calories in the typical American diet come from soy derivatives. Much of our processed food contains significant amounts of soy. And soy can mimic estrogen in your body and may exacerbate melasma. Read your food labels, and try to cut back on your soy intake.

4. Lightening creams. This is a very popular form of treatment but not effective for many and usually will only lighten the melasma some. Hydroquinone is the most effective topical lightening agent and can be found in low doses over the counter or at higher more effective doses with a prescription. But long term use of hydroquinone can sometimes exacerbate the melasma, especially in Asian and Hispanic skin. Therefore, short-term intermittent use is best. Triluma (which contains hydroquinone), Retin A, and Kojic Acid are other topical lighteners that may help.

5. Chemical Peels. A series of medical grade chemical peels with glycolic acid or TCA can help some people with melasma.

6. Laser therapy can be especially effective at treating melasma, but you need to chose the correct type of laser. Traditional photofacials or micro laser peels typically do not go deep enough to remove melasma pigment in most people. The more aggressive fractionated laser therapy (such as the Active FX laser) offer more consistent melasma-removing results.

Overcome Infertility - How Folic Acid Effects Fertility

As we mentioned in previous articles, infertility is defined as inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. It effects over 5 millions couple alone in the U. S. and many times more in the world. Because of unawareness of treatments, only 10% seeks help from professional specialist. Nutritional supplements play an important and vital role in fertility, in this article we will discuss how folic acid effects fertility.

1. Red blood cell
Folic acid is vital for red blood cell production. Deficiency decreases the function of blood in transporting nutrients and oxygen to the body cells, resulting in increasing the risk of abnormal brain cells in transmitting information between themselves and glands, leading to over and under production of certain hormone that interferes with normal menstrual cycle and fertility.

2. Norepinephrine
it plays a dual role as a hormone and a neurotransmitter, it affects the brain in response to actions and control. Deficiency of folic acid causes imbalance of levels of norepinephrine hormone, leading to interrupting the information transmitting resulting in depression and emotional and physical stress.

3. Serotonin
Serotonin is a hormone secreted when our body under stress. Folic acid deficiency causes over production of serotonin hormone, leading to imbalance of hormone progesterone that interferes with normal menstrual cycle and disrupts ovulation.

4. Nervous system
it also helps to synthesize genetic material in every cell of the body. Deficiency causes abnormal cell growth and DNA duplication abnormality that disrupts the sperm in egg fertilization and increases the chance of birth defects.

5. Neural tube defects
Researcher found that deficiency of folic acid before and during pregnancy causes neural tube defects as resulting of abnormal genetic synthesizing.

Private Health Insurance and Hospital Cash Plan

These days, some form of health insurance is really important for every individual. Health insurance plans protects against unexpected medical bills and losses that a person would have to pay out of pocket if he was struck with illnesses or an accident. Moreover, it gives the peace of mind that health care costs will be taken care of by the insurance company and not the individual in case of emergency. In this article, I will highlight two types of insurance that is increasingly popular today. These are private health insurance and hospital cash plan.

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance offers coverage for short term illnesses and injuries that are curable. One of the major benefits of having a private medical insurance is that you receive treatment faster in the hospital of your choice. Moreover you also have a lot of choices when it comes to when, where and by whom you will be receiving treatment.

Another benefit is that you can get coverage for pre-existing conditions as well. But your coverage may only start after a specified waiting period. You may also be required to pay a higher premium if you wish to get covered for any pre-existing conditions. Private health care is expensive and so is private health insurance. Although you will be getting the privacy, comfort, convenience and speed in treatment, you will be paying a higher premium than those who are on standard insurance plans. Choosing private medical treatment is about how much you care about your privacy and convenience and whether or not you can afford this type of insurance. Private medical insurance is the best type of insurance you can get if you have found a suitable policy for yourself that is within your budget.

Hospital Cash Plan

Is an increasingly popular type of health insurance, but is less comprehensive than private health insurance. Although it is a relatively new form of health insurance, the market is already diverse. There are a large number of companies which provide hospital cash plans today. The limitations and benefits of the plan will in fact depend on the provider you choose and the cost you pay.

The purpose of hospital cash plans is to provider the holder of the policy a lump sum for each day that he has received treatment as an in-patient in a private hospital or an NHS. This sum is tax free and certain types of plans can also provide coverage for dental care.

Hospital cash plans do not cost a lot and are suitable for most families. However, the policy holder does have to know what the benefits of the policy and the exclusions are. The amount that a person has to pay depends on the level of cover he gets. If a person chooses a higher level, he must understand that in such a case, a private medical insurance policy will be much better as it offers a greater level of cover and fewer restrictions. If the person needs minimal cover, then hospital cash plans are one of the best choices.

BPO Industry in India - A Report

Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a broad term referring to outsourcing in all fields. A BPO differentiates itself by either putting in new technology or applying existing technology in a new way to improve a process.

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is the delegation of one or more IT-intensive business processes to an external provider that in turn owns, administers and manages the selected process based on defined and measurable performance criteria. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is one of the fastest growing segments of the Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) industry.

Few of the motivation factors as to why BPO is gaining ground are:

Factor Cost Advantage

Economy of Scale

Business Risk Mitigation

Superior Competency

Utilization Improvement

Generally outsourcing can be defined as - An organization entering into a contract with another organization to operate and manage one or more of its business processes.

Different Types of Services Being Offered By BPO's

Customer Support Services

Our customer service offerings create a virtual customer service center to manage customer concerns and queries through multiple channels including voice, e-mail and chat on a 24/7 and 365 days basis.

Service Example: Customers calling to check on their order status, customers calling to check for information on products and services, customers calling to verify their account status, customers calling to check their reservation status etc.

Technical Support Services

Our technical support offerings include round-the-clock technical support and problem resolution for OEM customers and computer hardware, software, peripherals and Internet infrastructure manufacturing companies. These include installation and product support, up & running support, troubleshooting and Usage support.

Service Example: Customers calling to resolve a problem with their home PC, customers calling to understand how to dial up to their ISP, customers calling with a problem with their software or hardware.

Telemarketing Services

Our telesales and telemarketing outsourcing services target interaction with potential customers for 'prospecting' like either for generating interest in products and services, or to up-sell / promte and cross sell to an existing customer base or to complete the sales process online.

Service Example: Outbound calling to sell wireless services for a telecom provider, outbound calling to retail households to sell leisure holidays, outbound calling to existing customers to sell a new rate card for a mobile service provider or outbound calling to sell credit or debit cards etc.

Employee IT Help-desk Services

Our employee IT help-desk services provide technical problem resolution and support for corporate employees.

Service Example: of this service include level 1 and 2 multi-channel support across a wide range of shrink wrapped and LOB applications, system problem resolutions related to desktop, notebooks, OS, connectivity etc., office productivity tools support including browsers and mail, new service requests, IT operational issues, product usage queries, routing specific requests to designated contacts and remote diagnostics etc.

Insurance Processing

Our insurance processing services provide specialized solutions to the insurance sector and support critical business processes applicable to the industry right from new business acquisition to policy maintenance to claims processing.

Service Example:

New Business / Promotion:

Inbound/outbound sales, Initial Setup, Case Management, Underwriting, Risk assessment, Policy issuance etc.

Policy Maintenance / Management:

Record Changes like Name, Beneficiary, Nominee, Address; Collateral verification, Surrender Audits Accounts Receivable, Accounting, Claim Overpayment, Customer care service via voice/email etc.

Data Entry Services / Data Processing Services
Service Example:

Data entry from Paper/Books with highest accuracy and fast turn around time (TAT)

Data entry from Image file in any format

Business Transaction Data entry like sales / purchase / payroll.

Data entry of E-Books / Electronic Books

Data Entry : Yellow Pages / White Pages Keying

Data Entry and compilation from Web site

Data Capture / Collection

Business Card Data Entry into any Format

Data Entry from hardcopy/Printed Material into text or required format

Data Entry into Software Program and application

Receipt and Bill Data Entry

Catalog Data Entry.

Data Entry for Mailing List/Mailing Label.

Manuscripting typing in to word

Taped Transcription in to word.

Copy, Paste, Editing, Sorting, Indexing Data into required format etc.

Data Conversion Services
Service Example:

Conversion of data across various databases on different platforms

Data Conversion via Input / Output for various media.

Data Conversion for databases, word processors, spreadsheets, and many other standard and custom-made software packages as per requirement.

Conversion from Page maker to PDF format.

Conversion from Ms-Word to HTML format

Conversion from Text to Word Perfect.

Conversion from Text to Word to HTML and Acrobat

Convert Raw Data into required MS Office formats.

Text to PDF and PDF to Word / Text / Doc

Data Compilation in PDF from Several Sources.

E-Book Conversion etc.

Scanning, OCR with Editing & Indexing Services
Service Example:

High speed Image-Scanning and Data capture services

High speed large volume scanning

OCR Data From Scanned page / image

Scan & OCR paper Book in to CD.

ADOBE PDF Conversion Services.

Conversion from paper or e-file to various formats

Book Keeping and Accounting Services
Service Example:

General Ledger

Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payable

Financial Statements

Bank Reconciliation

Assets / Equipment Ledgers etc.

Form Processing Services:

Service Example:

Insurance claim form

Medical Form / Medical billing

Online Form Processing

Payrol Processing etc.

Internet / Online / Web Research

Service Example:

Internet Search, Product Research, Market Research, Survey, Analysis.
Web and Mailing list research etc.

Challenges for a HR Professional in BPO

Brand equity: People still consider BPO to be "low brow", thus making it difficult to attract the best talent.

Standard pre-job training: Again, due to the wide variety of the jobs, lack of general clarity on skill sets, etc, there is no standard curriculum, which could be designed and followed.

Benchmarks: There are hardly any benchmarks for compensation and benefits, performance or HR policies. Everyone is charting their own course.

Customer-companies tend to demand better results from outsourcing partners than what they could actually expect from their own departments. "When the job is being done 10,000 miles away, demands on parameters such as quality, turn around timeliness, information security, business continuity and disaster recovery, etc, are far higher than at home. So, how to be more efficient than the original?

Lack of focused training and certifications
Given this background, the recruiting and compensation challenges of HR departments are only understandable.

Key To success

The key to success in ramping up talent in a BPO environment is a rapid training module. The training component has to be seen as an important sub-process, requiring constant re-engineering.
Business Process Outsourcing: The Top Rankers
WNS has emerged as the top BPO in India, pushing Wipro Spectramind to the second position, according to a survey done by NASSCOM. The basis of ranking is the revenues generated by the BPO companies in 2003-04, as per US GAAP. A list of top fifteen BPO companies in India is given below.

WNS Group

Wipro Spectramind

Daksh e-Services

Convergys

HCL Technologies

Zenta

ICICI Onesource

MphasiS

EXL

Tracmail

GTL Ltd.

vCustomer

HTMT

24/7 Customer

Sutherland Technologies

The parameters for the survey was: Employee Size (Operation level executives), Percentage of last salary hike, Cost to company , Overall Satisfaction Score, Composite Satisfaction, Company Culture, Job Content / Growth, Training , Salary and Compensation , Appraisal System, People, Preferred Company: (Percentage of respondents of a company who named their own company as the preferred one), Dream Company: (Percentage of respondents in the total sample who preferred a particular company).

Employee Benefits Provided By Majoriy Of the BPO Companies
Provident Fund: As per the statutory guidelines, the employee is required to contribute a percentage of his basic salary and DA to a common fund. The employer for this fund contributes as well. The employee can use the amount deposited in this fund for various personal purposes such as purchase of a new house, marriage etc.

Gratuity: Gratuity is one of the retrial benefits given to the employee in which the employer every year contributes a particular amount. The fund created can be used by the employee for the purpose of long-term investment in various things such as a house etc.

Group Mediclaim Insurance Scheme: This insurance scheme is to provide adequate insurance coverage of employees for expenses related to hospitalization due to illness, disease or injury or pregnancy in case of female employees or spouse of male employees. All employees and their dependent family members are eligible. Dependent family members include spouse, non-earning parents and children above three months

Personal Accident Insurance Scheme: This scheme is to provide adequate insurance coverage for Hospitalization expenses arising out of injuries sustained in an accident.

Subsidized Food and Transportation: The organizations provides transportation facility to all the employees from home till office at subsidized rates. The lunch provided is also subsidized.

Company Leased Accommodation: Some of the companies provides shared accommodation for all the out station employees, in fact some of the BPO companies also undertakes to pay electricity/water bills as well as the Society charges for the shared accommodation. The purpose is to provide to the employees to lead a more comfortable work life balance.

Recreation, Cafeteria, ATM and Concierge facilities: The recreation facilities include pool tables, chess tables and coffee bars. Companies also have well equipped gyms, personal trainers and showers at facilities.

Corporate Credit Card: The main purpose of the corporate credit card is enable the timely and efficient payment of official expenses which the employees undertake for purposes such as travel related expenses like Hotel bills, Air tickets etc

Cellular Phone / Laptop: Cellular phone and / or Laptop is provided to the employees on the basis of business need. The employee is responsible for the maintenance and safeguarding of the asset.

Personal Health Care (Regular medical check-ups): Some of the BPO'S provides the facility for extensive health check-up. For employees with above 40 years of age, the medical check-up can be done once a year.

Loans: Many BPO companies provides loan facility on three different occasions: Employees are provided with financial assistance in case of a medical emergency. Employees are also provided with financial assistance at the time of their wedding. And, The new recruits are provided with interest free loans to assist them in their initial settlement at the work location.

Educational Benefits: Many BPO companies have this policy to develop the personality and knowledge level of their employees and hence reimburses the expenses incurred towards tuition fees, examination fees, and purchase of books subject, for pursuing MBA, and/or other management qualification at India's top most Business Schools.

Performance based incentives: In many BPO companies they have plans for , performance based incentive scheme. The parameters for calculation are process performance i.e. speed, accuracy and productivity of each process. The Pay for Performance can be as much as 22% of the salary.

Flexi-time: The main objective of the flextime policy is to provide opportunity to employees to work with flexible work schedules and set out conditions for availing this provision. Flexible work schedules are initiated by employees and approved by management to meet business commitments while supporting employee personal life needs .The factors on which Flexi time is allowed to an employee include: Child or Parent care, Health situation, Maternity, Formal education program

Flexible Salary Benefits: Its main objective is to provide flexibility to the employees to plan a tax-effective compensation structure by balancing the monthly net income, yearly benefits and income tax payable. It is applicable of all the employees of the organization. The Salary consists of Basic, DA and Conveyance Allowance. The Flexible Benefit Plan consists of: House Rent Allowance, Leave Travel Assistance, Medical Reimbursement, Special Allowance

Regular Get together and other cultural programs: The companies organizes cultural program as and when possible but most of the times, once in a quarter, in which all the employees are given an opportunity to display their talents in dramatics, singing, acting, dancing etc. Apart from that the organizations also conduct various sports programs such as Cricket, football, etc and regularly play matches with the teams of other organizations and colleges.

Wedding Day Gift: Employee is given a gift voucher of Rs. 2000/- to Rs. 7000/- based on their level in the organization.

Employee Referral Scheme: In several companies employee referral scheme is implemented to encourage employees to refer friends and relatives for employment in the organization.

Paid Days Off

Maternity Leave

Employee Stock Option Plan

Inspite of all these benefits, the attrition rate in BPO industry is very high, why?. What is the reason for an employee to leave? These and many more are the questions that need immediate attention from the industrial gurus.

Why people prefer to join BPO's?

In general a person with any graduation can join any of the BPO. Some BPO's like to take people with MBA but then again the specialization are of an individual hardly makes any difference. Again, this is the industry, where there is no reference checks and very often people don't even specify there exact age. Lets me share with you some of the reasons as why people prefer to join a BPO:

Did not get a better job.

Find nothing better to do.

Education level doesn't matter

Good work environment

Good Benefits

Flexibility of time

Attractive life style

Transport facility

Why people leave the BPO's?

When there are so many benefits associated with BPO industry....when there are so many privileges for the BPO employees than what makes them to change the company/industry?? Is it only MONEY that matters or anything else as well?? Here are some of the reasons for a BPO professional to change his/her job.

No growth opportunity/lack of promotion

For higher Salary

For Higher education

Misguidance by the company

Policies and procedures are not conducive

No personal life

Physical strains

Uneasy relationship with peers or managers

What they have to say?

With so much of uncertainty in the market.....people are trying their best to stop or to at least have a control on the attrition rate...let me share with you the opinion of the real gurus of the industry.

"Training is a very important aspect of the ITES-BPO industry"- Mr. Arjun Vaznaik, COO, Tracmail

" Career growth in the industry is robust and there is a long-term opportunity. The great growth momentum that the industry is witnessing is creating both vertical and lateral career opportunities. There also exists enough growth opportunities in the middle-management and supervisory level within the industry". - Aadesh Goyal, Executive Vice President & GM, Hughes BPO Services

"It will not be possible for the industry to arrive at a blanket agreement on poaching but bilateral agreements between companies are being signed. Basic norms are being put in place and code of ethics is being stressed upon by industry players within the sector with respect to HR practices. We are encouraging companies to adopt responsible behavior in order to ensure that the industry does not become a victim of its own actions. Industry needs to go aggressive but not cannibalistic." - Mr. Suren Singh Rasaily, Senior Vice President, NIIT Ltd. and Head Plantworkz,

Conclusion:

This is a descriptive report on BPO industry. I have tried to cover almost everything related to the industry. I like to have your opinion about the same. Even at the end of this comprehensive report, my concerns are related to development of employees in BPO, controlling attrition rate in BPO, can we have some standard industrial compensation package/ break-ups?

Fertility In South Carolina - The Cost Of Surrogate Mother

If you live in South Carolina and would like to be come a parent, the cost of surrogate mother may be something you have wondered about. The gift of life is certainly precious and of course valuable. It is important to consider the cost of surrogate mother early so that you can prepare for financial changes and plan for the arrival of your little one. South Carolina offers fertility clinics that are ready and willing to help make your desire for a child become a reality.

The cost of surrogate mother is one which requires thought and planning. When concerning insurance and coverage, it is important to keep in mind that most insurance plans do not cover infertility. However, fertility offices in South Carolina may offer coverage for various diagnostic procedures that are part of your treatment. The cost of surrogate mother may not be something you thought of, but if you are infertile or cannot conceive for some other reason, the cost of surrogate mother may be something you should look into.

Having a child and starting a family are wonderful experiences and if a couple cannot conceive for some reason, the cost of surrogate mother becomes even more important if they are committed to having children. Once a woman has agreed to carry a child to full term on behalf of a couple, there are various things to consider. A woman who is either related to the would be mother or one who simply agrees to carry the egg and sperm of the couple can help bring a new life into the world. The cost of surrogate mother in South Carolina can vary greatly depending on the situation and other factors. Often, the price range is somewhere between $85,000-$140,000.

The cost of surrogate mother may seem lofty, but for couples unable to conceive and yet highly desirous of having children, surrogacy may be the only option. After trying various other options, a couple may find that the cost of surrogate mother is less daunting in South Carolina. Also, some clinics and fertility experts will offer various financing programs to help make parenthood easier and more feasible. It is important to remember that you must keep your options open and look for the best when you consider the cost of surrogate mother in South Carolina.

Many families have been brought about through the use of surrogacy and having a child is a gift beyond all others. The gift of life shouldn't have a price and for those in need, many women offer their time, energy, and vitality to the start of a new life. This is why the cost of surrogate mother is within the said range as it does take a considerable amount of energy and time to produce a living, breathing baby in South Carolina. Having said this, explore your options and find a plan that suits you. If you are unable to conceive and the cost of surrogate mother is something you can handle, shop around for different opportunities and find the woman and the conditions, the costs, that suit your budget and lifestyle. Don't let infertility prevent you from starting a family.

Learn How to Treat Hernias With the Belt

Hernias are a few of the several medical troubles that can come about when we least expect it. They do not always pose a risk and in certain cases they are nothing but an infliction to people. They are induced when items in the stomach are being pressed out through a weakened region in the abdominal wall.

It can create an uncomfortable feeling and through out time a bulge will might come out when the individual is sitting or standing in a certain position for long periods of time. But it ordinarily causes almost no pain - which makes it simple for the person to treat. There are operations that have the ability to be utilized - which will serve to remove them or you will be able to use something that is easier and more low-priced.

The hernia belt is a unique garment that was made to put on force to the abdominal hernia. For various people it can aid to reduce pain and to force the bulge back where it belongs. When put on every day it can assist to trim the risk that it might become complicated. Remember that only surgery is able to care for it. This is only fashioned to control it.

The belt has been constructed to push the tissue that is falling out and push it back iin the belly. Physicians can urge the patient to put it on in order to control it till they have the surgery repair or even to avoid a surgery. It will allow the individual to feel more comfy and to do regular things.

You will have the ability to purchase a few of these hernia belts at a drug store or you may acquire one through your doctor's office. They will assist to recommend a brand and the type that you should be utilizing. There are a few that come available with removable padding that will increase or decrease the pressure utilized to force it back inside.

Effortless Baby Soft Skin Management in 3 Easy Steps!

Everyone wants to have beautiful, resilient, soft, and supple skin. Unfortunately, when many of us look in the mirror, we are quite dismayed to see that our skin is actually rather dry, grayish and pale. Some of us are even suffering from severe skin conditions like eczema, flaky, itchy skin, or rosacea, which make our skin feel and look even worse. Skin that is healthy usually functions properly, which means that it feels moist, resilient, soft, and supple. However, our health is also reflected by our skin, and if we are not healthy, it becomes apparent by the feel and look of our skin. Our skin even shows when we are not eating properly, are feeling under the weather or are stressed. We can actually improve both our emotional state and our overall healthy by ensuring that our skin is in the best possible condition and healthy. By following the 3 steps mentioned below, we can improve both our general health and our physical appearance, and get baby soft skin effortlessly.

Step 1: Eating moisturizing foods

Fats are capable of moisturizing our skin from the inside out, and that is why it is necessary for us to include fats in our diet if we want to have glowing and supple, baby soft skin. While there are both good and bad fats, but if you want to improve the health of your skin, you should focus on eating good fats. These fats belong to a subcategory of polyunsaturated fats and are known as EFAs or Essential-Fatty Acids. Flax seeds, freshwater fish, green vegetables, nuts, and oily fish are rich in Omega 3, which especially ideal for healthy skin. An oil blend containing Omega 3s like linseed/flax seed or fish oils are also good if you are suffering from skin disorders or if your skin is dry. You can also improve the condition of skin, nails and hair by consuming Omega-6 fatty acids because they are impressive acid neutralizers. They improve skin moisture and decrease inflammations. Fish, flax seeds, nuts like walnuts and leafy greens are rich in Omega 6s.

Step 2: Keeping your body hydrated

If you want to become healthy and stay that way for the rest of your life, then you must drink plenty of water every day. One of the key things to have a healthy, moist and soft skin is to keep the body hydrated properly. If you drink far too less water every day, then your body and skin will get easily dehydrated. Once your body gets dehydrated, you will start noticing that your skin will become dry, flaky and itchy. You are generally recommended to drink at least 2 to 4 liters of water every day. In fact, you should be drinking pure, alkaline water with a pH level of about 9.5 if your skin to be healthy and baby soft. You can add "pH alkalizing drops" to the water you drink to achieve this easily. "pH alkalizing drops" make the water more alkaline by restructuring it and drinking it will hydrate your skin quite effectively. Acids will be gently removed from your body if drink moderate amounts of alkaline water along with a proper diet.

Step 3: Alkalizing and shower baths

Alkalizing baths: An alkalizing bath will prove to be quite rewarding for you and your skin, and is especially ideal if you do not have the money or time to spend an entire day at the spa. Your skin's natural oils will be stimulated, and your skin will be cleansed by the alkaline concentrated bath, and your skin will become baby soft. You should take an alkaline bath for at least 20 minutes.

Shower baths: Taking shower baths will fantastically revitalize your body, softening your skin and making it firmer. Taking a warm shower first thing in the morning can is excellent for the skin. Take a shower in cold water at the end. Wrap yourself in a towel and rest for about 10 minutes. Your immune system will become awakened and strengthened by such a shower bath.

If you consistently follow these steps for a few months, you start to notice that your skin is becoming softer, until it becomes perfectly baby soft. There are other ways you can get baby soft skin effortlessly, such as removing excess hair, exfoliating, applying oil and lotion regularly.

Maternity Health Insurance for the Pregnant: Is It Possible?

The short answer is perhaps, because there are three insurance options you could qualify for, and two state provided assistance programs. The reason it's hard to get health insurance when you are pregnant is that the insurance companies view being pregnant as a "Pre-existing Condition," and the costs associated with normal pre-natal and delivery care are much higher than the combined monthly premiums for a maternity health insurance plan. Plus, if there are any complications then the costs quickly climb at an exponential rate (a premature baby can have over $30,000 - $85,000 in medical costs in the first few weeks, and premature birth affects more than 1 in 10 California babies). Health insurance companies therefore will decline an application from a woman that is pregnant at the time of the application. So the mother to be needs to explore other alternative strategies to get maternity coverage.

The first alternative is to join a group health insurance plan at the company you work for or your spouse's company. Almost all group health insurance plans offer maternity coverage. This is not an a slam-dunk however, because group health insurance plans have open enrollment periods during which employees and dependents can be added to the company health insurance plan. If your pregnancy occurs within a few months of the open enrollment period, then you can use this option and simply pay for the cost of the early prenatal visits out of pocket, until you are on the group plan.

The second alternative is for women that have a private or individual health insurance plan that does not offer maternity care. In this situation you should ask the insurance company if they will allow you to transfer to a plan that offers maternity coverage. In California, Blue Shield will allow this type of transfer, but the other medical insurance companies will not.

The third alternative is to apply for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) that was created by Health Care Reform. To qualify for this plan you must have been un-insured for at least 6 months, and have been declined by a health insurance company. This plan will provide coverage for pre-natal care and delivery costs, and the overall benefits and cost of the plan make this one of the best options compared to the regular maternity insurance plans, if you can qualify for it..

If the above options don't help you, there are a couple of non-insurance options. Depending upon what state you live in, there are government programs to provide assistance and care for pregnant mothers to be, so check with your State Department of Insurance to determine what your local options are. In California, there is the state Medi-cal program (Medi-cal is the California version of Medicaid), and the Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) program.

If you are pregnant and don't have health insurance, then you should start with Medi-cal first to see if you qualify for coverage through their program. Medi-cal provides a zero-cost health plan for pregnant women that meet specific income limits. Medi-cal is intended to cover families and women that are below the federal poverty level. If you don't qualify for Medi-cal then apply to the AIM program.

The AIM Program is low-cost health care coverage for pregnant women, and is provided for middle-income families who don't have health insurance and whose income is too high for no-cost Medi-cal. AIM is also available to women who have private health insurance plans with a maternity-only deductible or co-payment greater than $500. To be eligible for AIM a single mother's monthly household income must be between $2,453 to $3,679 (there is a table with income ranges for families with other children at ( www.aim.ca.gov/Costs/Income_Guidelines.aspx ). The AIM program is funded by the State of California, and although funding is usually available, if the program is filled up, then no additional mothers will be enrolled.

Although maternity health insurance is not usually available after you become pregnant, there are options that can provide insurance coverage and non-insurance assistance. Joining a group health insurance plan through your company or your spouse's company, transferring to a plan that offers maternity coverage, or applying for the PCIP plan are your insurance options. The Medi-cal and AIM programs are non-insurance assistance options that are designed to provide maternity care to the uninsured mother. With these five choices there should be a solution for all mothers to be.

15 US States That Mandate Insurance Covers Fertility Treatments, AND IVF?

There are only fifteen states in the US that have laws in place to include fertility treatments in their insurance coverage. However, it seems that 3 out of those states do not cover the cost of IVF. In fact, everything to do with IVF is specifically excluded. Possible motivations for not covering IVF could be:

• it is risky, in that it often takes several cycles to "take" and even then there's no guarantee the baby will be carried to term


• extremely expensive


• those states simply don't need more people; their infrastructure can only just keep up with the constant influx of folks as it is.

Which are these states that refuse to contribute to the cost of IVF?

California, Louisiana and New York

The remaining 12 states that do have laws in place to cover fertility treatments, including all currently understood methods of assisted reproduction technology (ART) are

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Arkansas, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Texas, Montana and Hawaii

In a recent survey, (August 2010) currently in process via a Facebook page for IVF support, California came in as the most expensive state, with one set of would-be parents found their cost of IVF as much as $34,000 and weren't done yet! Another California hopeful reported a deal she had found that was $22,900 for 6 cycles with a 100% money back guarantee if she did not "bring a baby home from the hospital." This seems some consolation, at least.

An Iowa patient reported in at $18,000; in Northern Colorado there is someone who is now pregnant at a cost of $20,000 and a Pennsylvania mom facing $12,000 per cycle if she commits to doing 3 of them. These and other numbers will be tabulated, and eventually made available in one convenient place, as yet to be determined.

With these kinds of huge dollar figures, and so few states requiring insurance companies to cover fertility treatment, it is not wonder that the whole concept of Medical Tourism has become mainstream. A round of IVF in India can cost as little as $3,000. Is that what we want in America? To force our people to go abroad to get what should be their birthright - the chance to have a family of their own. It's like we're embarrassed for these people and want them to go get it all organized in private... the way people used to go "take the waters" in Switzerland to dry out! Surely this is not the way for a 21st century super power to behave?

Coping With an Unplanned Pregnancy

After you discover that you are pregnant, you may be frightened and worried about having an unexpected baby. Depending on your situation, you may be unhappy to have a child because of age, finance, social, or emotionally reasons. You may be single and scared to face motherhood alone or at such a young age. You may be married, but do not want any more children. Whatever your situation, an unplanned pregnancy can occur when a condom breaks or birth control pills fail, or for a number of other reasons.

After you discover you are pregnant, try not to panic. Initially it will be quite a shock. Allow yourself to feel these emotions at first. Slowly, the shock will fade and you will be able to think about the decisions that lay ahead. After collecting your thoughts, research your options so you can make an informed decision. You have the options of abortion, keeping the baby, or giving the baby up for adoption. Decide what is best for you and the baby. Although you may have a decision in mind, remember that the male involved also has a role in the decision-making process and has rights and responsibilities to the child as well.

After you have had some time to think and collect your thoughts, you may want to confide in a family member, close friend, or religious clergy member. Find someone that can be supportive of your decision or who can offer you advice without unneeded pressure. Although your boyfriend, husband, or other male involved may be the first you tell, this doesn't always have to be the case.

Ultimately, it is your decision. If you decide to carry the baby to term, but would like to give it up for adoption, you have many resources available to you. Pregnancy clinics and adoption centers can offer support and information to help you make an informed decision. You can also receive pre- and post-natal care, legal assistance, housing, and maternity clothes through pregnancy and adoption services.

Unlike the horror stories of adoptions in the past, today adoptions use a very open process that offer you complete confidentiality. You can choose from a list of hopeful parents. If you desire an open adoption, you can meet with the couple and remain in contact with them after you give up the baby. This gives you the peace of mind that your baby is receiving the best care and love possible. A closed adoption gives you anonymity so you have no contact with the adoptive parents or your child after the adoptive process has been finalized.

Although an unplanned pregnancy may be an unhappy occurrence at first, it can turn into a happy experience for you. If you decide to keep the child, you will be blessed with the baby's happy smile, along with the memories that will last forever. If you give your baby up for adoption, you will be able to give the greatest gift to a hopeful couple who can give your baby the love and attention that every child deserves. Whatever you decide, make an informed decision so you can feel secure and happy about it in the years that follow.

Very Early Symptoms of Pregnancy Help to Detect Conception Before Missed Periods and Pregnancy Test

Are there any very early symptoms of pregnancy that can help the women to detect the conception before pregnancy test and missed period? Certainly YES; as there are some women who are able to detect it the moment conception takes place. These women are able to do so as they have a fair knowledge of signs of pregnancy.

Below are mentioned 3 very early symptoms of pregnancy. These signs enable the women to detect her conception before missing the periods.

Basal Body Temperature: Women are generally aware that basal body temperature rises during ovulation. However, only few know that if this temperature stays elevated after ovulation then this is a sure indicator of pregnancy. The woman only needs a basal thermometer for monitoring changes in the body temperature.

Enlarged and Tender Breasts: Hormonal level rises drastically in early pregnancy. These increased levels of hormone give different signals. In the early days the body is not prepared for these hormonal changes. The obvious reaction of these hormonal levels is the change in the size and shape of the breasts. The breasts start giving a fuller feeling soon after conception. Though some women feel tenderness in their breasts just before menstrual periods; however in pregnancy the tenderness in breasts is an exaggerated version of PMS.

Tiredness: Another earliest sign of being pregnant is tiredness. At times it becomes difficult to distinguish between general exhaustion and pregnancy fatigue. Doctors believe that tiredness is also linked to the changed hormonal level. This feeling fades away when the body gets familiar to new levels of hormones.

Don't Let Maternity Leave Ruin Your Credit Score

Don't let maternity leave ruin your credit score and ability to finance the many things growing families need. In the U.S. credit scores are the primary yardstick lenders use to qualify applicants for mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. Many couples in the family formation life-stage need credit to finance their first home, the new mommy minivan, new baby furniture, and many other items. But the U.S. lacks paid maternity leave, leaving two income families in a pinch, and setting them up for a life-time of financial struggle.

Credit Scores An Important Asset

Credit scores are an important asset for any family, but more so for growing families: those beginning to have children. Your credit profile provides a history of credit use that lenders use to determine if you qualify for loans, and if so how much you must pay to use their money.

Many factors impact your score, but the two most relevant to growing families are credit utilization, and on-time payment. The first, high credit utilization, usually proceeds the second, poor payment performance. High revolving credit utilization - the ratio of outstanding credit card debt to the credit limit - is an indicator that you might be tight on funds and heading for trouble. A poor payment history shows that in the past you had difficulties handling your money, and this history stays on your report for seven years.

Importance to Growing Families

Young couples planning to start or grow their families are often at the early portion of their work careers, and may not be earning as much as in future years. At the same time they may be spending more than they will in future years of items such as houses, cars, furniture, and food and clothing for the expanding family.

It is common for a growing family to spend more than it earns. And that is where credit comes in. The need for spending and credit is often quite acute during the months that mom is pregnant. You might have recently purchased a new home, and stretched to qualify for that dream house. Now comes the time to get ready for the new baby: paint the room, buy a crib, purchase maternity outfits, etc. The list goes on.

All these purchases have to be financed somehow. For many it means buying now, and paying later using credit cards. Which in turn swells your balances, your debt to credit ratio, and puts you in a tight spot if any disruptions occur.

Maternity Leave Risk

An unpaid maternity leave presents a disruption in income for many U.S. families. Most companies do not provide maternity pay benefits. For a normal delivery most women miss six to eight weeks before feeling well enough to return to work, and resume earning an income. And when they do, child care expenses may eat up much of her take-home-pay.

Remember all those credit card balance run up before delivery? Paying down those balances just became quite a bit harder.

Now imagine what happens during a high-risk pregnancy. Mom may miss several months of income prior to delivery to take bed rest to protect her infant's health. This equates to more missed income. Plus, there may be left-over medical expenses to throw in the mix. And, if baby requires care in the NICU expenses could really pile up.

Now just making the minimum payment could become difficult. And once you are late on a payment, that history sticks around for seven years - limiting your access for credit, and costing more if you do qualify.

Buying short term disability insurance before getting pregnant is the best way to create maternity income, keep your credit score high, and ensure future access to credit when needed, at affordable rates.

Child Development - Infant Stage

Child development psychology classifies child development in the infancy stage into three sub stages. From birth to fifteen to twenty seconds it's the pertinent period. Until the time the baby emerges from its mother's womb separated by cutting and tying of the umbilical cord, the child is a parasite and makes no adjustments to the postnatal environment. From thirty minutes to the end of two weeks the infant is now separate, independent and individual-no longer a parasite.

Physical development:

The physical growth development is fast with a faster rate in function of nervous system.

Child development behaviors:

All child development theories hint out that infancy stage of child development is the shortest of all developmental periods. Infancy begins with birth and ends when it is two weeks old. It is the time that the fetus must adjust to life outside the uterine walls of the mother after approximately nine months.

i) It requires approximately two weeks to adjusting to the new environment.

ii) Infancy is a plateau in development. The rapid growth and development which took place during the prenatal period suddenly comes to stop with birth. There is a slight regression such as loss of weight, less strong and healthy than it was at the time of birth. This characteristic of plateau is due to the necessity for radical adjustments to the postnatal environment. Once the adjustments are made the infant resumes its growth and development, so no fear is needed about this characteristic.

iii) Infancy is a preview of the later growth development. It is not possible to predict exactly what the future development of the individual ll be on the basis of the development at birth. We notice only a clue of what to expect later on.

iv) The child development period in infancy stage is hazardous both physically and psychologically. Physically the infant finds it difficult in making adjustments to the new environment. Psychologically the infant suffers a little when the attitudes of significant people towards the infant radically changes.

Environment of adjustments:

The infant begins to gain child development skills and make adjustments to the new environment after birth.

i) Change in temperature requires adjustment. There is a constant temperature of 100*F in the uterine sac and it is 60 to 70*F in the hospital or at home ii) Breathing by own starts. When the umbilical cord is cut the infant must begin to breathe on its own.

iii) Sucking and swallowing is a self learning development. When the umbilical cord is cut off, the child gets nourishment by the reflexes of sucking and swallowing instead of receiving it from the mother through umbilical cord.

iv) Elimination of waste products begins. Letting out urine and stools is not a matter of adjustment

v) But some infants are seen to have trouble shooting with elimination matters.

Emotional development:

Specific and identifiable emotional changes cannot be seen at birth. Anyhow some reactions may be there as facial expressions of pleasantness and unpleasantness. These are characterized by the relaxing and tensing of the body. Whatever may be the stimulus the resultant emotion is intense and instant.

Social development:

There is nothing to tell about this behavior as it's just the starting point.

It's best suggested that the mother maintains a child development chart of everything about the infant child and for achieving the child developmental milestones.

6 Tips to Achieve Beautiful Skin During Pregnancy

Glowing and beautiful skin is the most women expect during pregnant, but not all women lucky. Due to the hormonal changes, different reactions are to be expected. During the first trimester, some women may break out and some women may have acne while pregnant during the whole term.

When pregnancy is over, the skin will glow, though early in their pregnancy they have experienced skin dryness. It is essential that you have a great skin care routine of you are pregnant and want to maintain great throughout your term. To achieve that well-known pregnant glow, these tips will help you.

1. Exchange to moisturizing body washes.

During pregnant, the skin needs extra care, aside from your facial skin. Cause by your increasing bulk, your skin will itch and dry because stretching that can caused trauma and the stress.

To reduce its suppleness, you can choose natural oils soap that can strip your skin off. Beside of to prevent dryness and itching, change to moisturizing body washes can restore the moisturizer on your skin.

2. Change your skin products

Regarding to change of hormonal of pregnancy, your skin has different needs. You may need to adjust since hormonal can change your skin condition to become drier or oiler, so you should change the products you use.

As the research said that some skin care products are not suitable for pregnant women because they may contain some harmful ingredients for pregnant women. You can do some research for safe skin products for pregnant women or consult to dermatologist and doctor.

3. Treat your abdomen

During the pregnant, throughout the whole term, your abdomen is an experience continues stretching. That situation can give a result of unsightly stretch marks long after you have given birth. Moisturizer cream or gel for pregnancy can be massage regularly can give you some help to prevent stretch marks

4. Avoid the sun protection

During pregnant, your skin is more sensitive than usual. It means it will be easier to get damaged when you are exposed to the sun and also irritated. As part your daily your skin care habit, you can start to apply sunscreen to avoid dryness, discolorations and irritations.

5. Manipulated with makeup

During the pregnant, use makeup should be less is more. By the help of loose powder, concealer, and multipurpose color stick, you use them to polish your face. But always remember to choose hypoallergenic, moisturizer, and non comodogenic cosmetics since during pregnancy skin is become irritation and sensitive.

6. Do not forget to give you breast an attention.

During pregnant, the thing that enlarges is not your tummy only. To prepare for location, in size your breast also increase. Which can lead to dryness and itching, the skin breast and also your nipples will be particularly sensitive.

To reduce the dryness, apply some creams to your nipple and skin breast. For reduce the itching, you can wearing cotton maternity bras.

To achieve great skin follow these tips during pregnant. And also doing regular exercise and balanced diet is most basic things you can do for better skin and surely for a good pregnancy.

Bothersome Pregnancy Symptoms During the First Trimester and How to Avoid Them

The first trimester of pregnancy can be a confusing and difficult time for some women. Your body is experiencing so many changes, physical and hormonal which impact you in a way like nothing else. Though most women are not showing until well after the first trimester there are massive unseen changes going on inside your body. Some of these changes can cause extreme discomfort. You have to be careful about using over the counter medication to relieve symptoms like morning sickness, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. Normally these would be simple to cure, but now not only do you have to contend with the discomfort, they are more difficult to relieve because so many things can affect the growth of the fetus during the first trimester. Professional health care providers list the following guide lines for relief of bothersome and uncomfortable symptoms that are common during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Morning sickness: Everyone knows about the commonly experienced nausea and vomiting associated with the first trimester of pregnancy. To eliminate morning sickness don't let your stomach get completely empty. Try to eat small meals throughout the day. Ginger tea is recommended as a natural herbal remedy to relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting and is considered safe to use during the first trimester. Sucking on hard candy can also help relieve nausea because it keeps the saliva glands active in between meals and helps reduce acid build up in the stomach. Avoiding smells and foods that increase the feeling of nausea helps as well as eating a few non salted crackers or pieces of toasted bread which help keep something on your stomach and soak up excess stomach acid.

Heartburn: The evil twin of morning sickness, heartburn is a common symptom during the first trimester. First avoid any foods that you have previously experienced heartburn with before the pregnancy. Ginger tea and lemon tea are recommended for natural heartburn relief and are considered safe to use during the first trimester. Try to avoid eating anything about two hours before bedtime since this is when most patients report the worst time for heartburn due to the fact that they are lying down prone which increase heartburn. Avoid lying down immediately after eating. Eating yogurt or milk may help relieve symptoms of heartburn. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid heartburn inducing foods such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, fried foods, garlic and onions. Also try to avoid foods high in natural acids such as tomatoes and peppers. Try sleeping with your upper half of your body slightly raised to keep acid down in your stomach. Another commonly used remedy is a tablespoon of honey mixed with a glass of warm milk. Avoiding smoking as this increases stomach acid content.

Fatigue: Many women report increased fatigue during the first trimester of pregnancy. Try to get extra rest whenever possible by taking short naps or going to bed a few hours early. Cut back on strenuous physical activity and keep a steady short exercise routine. Cut back or eliminate extra responsibilities and unnecessary social commitments. Eating properly is also a great help to fight fatigue. Some fatigue is due to improper diet while pregnant. Eat foods high in iron and protein and avoid stimulants such as foods and drinks with caffeine in them. Severe fatigue may be due to anemia, a lack of iron in the blood and the health care provider may prescribe iron tablets. Also remember to take your prenatal vitamins, they help ensure you have the nutrients you need in your body to support the fetus in its growth and help you to avoid fatigue due to nutrition deprivation.

Tender breasts: Breast tenderness is due to your body preparing itself to care for the new baby. Wearing a supportive bra or sports bra may help to alleviate some of the tenderness.

Constipation: During the first trimester of pregnancy constipation is a commonly reported symptom by many women. To avoid constipation drink plenty of clear fluids especially early in the day. Try to eat on a regular schedule and eat balanced meals. Eat foods that are high in fiber such as high fiber fruits, leafy vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals. Also ask your doctor about fiber supplements. Mild over the counter medications and laxatives may be useful but should be discussed with your health care provider first.

Lower back pain: This is almost a given for women during any stage of pregnancy, but especially so during the first trimester. This is because the body is experiencing tremendous physical change in perpetration for pregnancy and delivery. The abdomen muscles are stretching and pulling and joints and muscles throughout the body are loosening to adjust for the additional stress of carrying the baby. Maintaining good posture is important towards avoiding lower back pain. Sitting straight, walking straight and avoiding slumping helps with preventing lower back pain. Sit with your feet slightly elevated off the floor, uncrossed legs and try to get up and stretch frequently. Avoid lying on your back when sleeping. Try laying on your side with a pillow between your legs for support. This will reduce pressure on your back. Wear low heeled or no heeled shoes to avoid stressing muscles in your lower back caused by your center of gravity shifting to adjust for the newly added weight. Do not lift heavy objects and if you must lift something use proper lifting techniques by bending the knees and keeping the back straight while lifting. Avoid lifting items over your head as this may strain back muscles. Some over the counter medications that contain acetaminophen are probably OK to use while pregnant, but before self medicating always check with your health care provider and discuss the medication. Severe back pain can be treated with a visit to a chiropractor or massages and the use of certain oils. Make sure to check with your health care provider before using oils or having massage therapy.

Nasal problems: many women report nasal problems during their first trimester, snoring, runny noses, congestion, sinus problems, coughing and sneezing. This is called pregnancy Rhinitis and occurs in about 20% of all pregnant women. The nasal passages become inflamed and irritated causing symptoms that are similar to an allergy though with no apparent environmental factors. To avoid or alleviate symptoms of pregnancy Rhinitis, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration which irritates the nasal lining and sinuses, increase the humidity of your home by using a humidifier, avoid environmental irritates like cigarette smoke, try sleeping with your head propped up and exercise moderately. Over the counter nasal sprays, antihistamines and oral decongestants can be used but always check with your health care provider first to make sure the product is considered safe for use during pregnancy.

Swollen feet and ankles: Often a comment ailment during the first trimester of pregnancy, alleviate swollen feet and ankles by sitting with your feet propped up for 10-15 minutes before resting, wear low heeled or no heeled shoes and try to limit long periods of time spent walking or standing. If problems with swollen feet and ankles continue this should be discussed with your health care provider because they can be symptoms of other serious health problems.

Increased Urination: Pregnancy comes with quite a few changes to the body. One of these changes is the expansion of the uterus which puts pressure on the bladder and can cause a need to urinate more frequently. Drink fewer fluids in the evening to avoid frequent late night trips to the bathroom and urinate whenever you feel the need to avoid urinary tract infections.