Lose Pregnancy Weight Fast - Things to Help You Reach Your Goals

Gaining weight is a normal part of pregnancy. A lot of women take pregnancy as an opportunity to eat what they want and not worry so much about their weight. However, once baby is out and into the world, women start to panic and desire losing pregnancy weight fast!

This can be difficult. We have gotten so used to eating a lot more during pregnancy and going back to normal amounts of food can be difficult. It doesn't help when you see celebrity moms back into shape a week after giving birth; making you feel like you should be able to lose your extra pounds just as fast and just as easily.

You don't feel like you can exercise either - you have been so used to waddling along slowly and feeling exhausted, that now with the sudden weight loss of baby you feel lighter but not really up to the challenge. So how can one tackle this? What are the best ways to lose pregnancy weight fast?

Well of course you need to look at what you are eating. Your diet is a crucial part in losing pregnancy weight fast and can be the one thing that prevents you from doing so. Unlike celebrities who have lots of money to pay nutritionists and cooks to make up their daily meals, we have to tackle this relatively on our own. The good news is there are some great diet programs out there that offer meal plans so you don't have to think too much about what you are eating. I used a diet program and this is the number one thing that helped me lose my weight quickly. The plan I used had simple meal ideas and was just easy to add to my life. I think this is extremely important when making healthy diet choices. You need a plan that is simple and easy to follow, so you don't have to worry about it while you are looking after your new bundle of joy. Sorting your diet out and looking after a baby would be too much of a challenge for me, so a diet program worked wonders.

Exercise is also an important factor in losing pregnancy weight fast. You should take this slow though. Start with going for walks everyday - fresh air is good for you and your new baby. You could even use a sling to carry your baby for resistance. You should do what you feel up to and not push yourself too hard. You have just had a baby and your body can take a good while to properly recover. So take it slowly and then incorporate new things as you go along. Make sure what you add in will be enjoyable so it is easier to stick to. I love running and this is what I stuck to as a result. I also enjoy bike rides too, with my son and husband. For toning you could do some Pilates or yoga or have free weights at home. I wouldn't recommend joining a gym, unless you think you will enjoy it. To me the gym is very boring - when I run I get to be surrounded by beautiful scenery not four walls and TVs.

Enjoying the process of losing your weight is also important. It essentially can make or break your ability to lose weight and keep it off. If you don't enjoy the food you are eating or the exercise you are doing, you are more likely to quit or give up. You may end up doing the 2, not enjoying it and reaching your weight loss goal, but as soon as that goal hits you are very likely to quit and end up putting back on the weight you lost. All your hard work and motivation sticking to a boring diet and exercise program wasted!

Lastly, we all slip up. Try not to be too hard on yourself. Embrace your slip up and learn from it. If you beat yourself up you will only make matters worse, and slipping up isn't really that big of a deal - so try to think of it that way and you will be less likely to completely fall of the band wagon so to speak!

Dubai Medical Insurance

Are you headed on a trip to Dubai? Whether it is for a short or an extended period of time, you might want to get medical insurance to keep you covered. If you believe that getting international medical insurance would be expensive, you need not worry. There are companies who can give you a customized medical plan, free consultation, and a quotation before you commit to anything. You can take advantage of insurance policies that include inpatient and outpatient coverage, maternity, dental, chronic conditions, emergency evacuation, emergency reunion, repatriation, and so much more. Prices can vary but they can also be pegged at a price that is affordable to you. These policies can be renewed at your convenience.

You can purchase an individual plan, just for yourself. These plans are customized specifically for your medical needs. They are very flexible and annually renewable. If you are traveling with your family, there are also policies that can cover every member. Policies can be customized individually according to your needs.

If you were sent by your company to Dubai and you are not the only one going on a trip, it would be best that the company provide the group plan that would have a general policy covering everyone in the trip. You can look at the level of coverage you can might need and whether or not it would cost less than getting individual insurance. There is coverage that would protect you on trips outside of Dubai as well.

International health insurance companies have a wide connection of associates and partners with the best medical organizations worldwide. By taking advantage of international medical insurance, you gain access to these facilities as well. And you are guaranteed world-class service wherever you may go. For more information, you can check out specialized sites on the web.

Right Diet During Pregnancy

It is very essential to eat the right food at the right time. One needs to eat nutritious food too at this time. Everything you eat should have some good food value. One should eat for two but not twice as much. The body takes the nutrients it requires, regardless of whether you have enough or not.

The food you need to take should be rich in iron, calcium and proteins. Body needs iron for the formation of baby's blood. Then it takes calcium from mother's body to form baby's bones and teeth. Iron is present in green leafy vegetables. You may keep pudhina and dhania chutney handy, just make small quantity and store in a bottle in refrigerator. Two spoon of chutney meet a good part of your daily iron requirement. Iron is present in kishmish or raisins. It is present in gur or jiggery, powdered brown sugar, soyabean, kabuli channa, kala channa, whole Bengal gram, horse gram, rajma, green gram and sprouted moong are rich in both iron and calcium.

If you don't sieve the atta or flour before making chapattis you will get iron from it. Calcium is there in milk and milk products. You must drink three glasses of milk in a day. You can have milk in whichever form you like - curry made curd, cheese, paneer, custard, lassi etc. Eggs and lemons are good source of calcium. Lack of calcium will make you weak. It can also cause severe backache. It is a good idea to take a cup of hot milk before you sleep.

Protein is the body's building material. You need protein to build baby's body and it is also needed for the maintenance of your body too. If you eat pulses, dals and an egg a day you get enough proteins. If you are a pure vegetarian and do not eat eggs, you can have dals which is a very good source of protein. For non vegetarian who eat meat at least thrice a week the protein intake is adequate. Nuts like peanuts or moong phalli, almonds or badams, cashewnuts or kaju are also good source of protein. Channa, channa dal or roasted channa is also very good source of protein. You can keep channas mixed with jiggery to eat when hungry. Channa will provide you protein and jaggery will provide you iron. In this period of time you must take a good care of yourself.

How to Easily Get Pregnant - The Secret of Green Tea

For women looking up ways on how to easily get pregnant, green tea often gets a bad rap. The culprit for most of green tea's bad publicity, of course, is the caffeine contained within; caffeine has long been known as a deterrent to healthy pregnancies. However, recent studies show that you might want to think twice about tossing those tea bags in the trash can - green tea might actually help you improve your chances at conceiving.

Why Green Tea Got a Bad Rap for Pregnancy

No doubt, you've gotten or found a lot of advice about avoiding all sources of caffeine - coffee, cola, and tea are among the most common diet no-nos. Stimulants like caffeine tend to send the body into a sort of hyped-up state, decreasing your chances of conceiving. Caffeine is also a major diuretic, a substance that promotes urination. The more you urinate, the less chances your body has to absorb any nutrients floating in the body.

Another reason why tea used to be something to stay away from is the high amount of polyphenols it contains. Polyphenols are antioxidants, which would normally make them a good thing. Unfortunately, these same substances may reduce the body's ability to absorb iron and calcium, both of which are needed in greater quantities than normal during pregnancy.

Last but not the least, green tea's main active ingredient may block the enzyme your body needs to process folic acid. Folic acid is an essential part of early pregnancies, as the substance is a major factor in cell division. Without much activity from folic acid, cell division will slow down, and so will the development of the fetus. With all these reasons, it seems like green tea really isn't the best choice for those of you who are trying to conceive. What you might not know, however, is that green tea's got a little secret: despite all this, it might actually help you conceive easier.

Why Green Tea is Good for Conception

Several studies have recently shown that despite the caffeine, polyphenols, and the folic acid risks, women who consumed this tea have actually had an easier time conceiving than women who didn't. A study conducted by the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program found that women who drank green tea daily doubled their chances of conceiving. Another study published in the April 2004 edition of the Journal of Reproductive Medicine found that among women who took green tea pills, a stunning 33 percent got pregnant within six months of the program. Those who didn't take the pills didn't conceive at all.

So why is this particular tea helping all these women get pregnant more easily despite all of its warning signs? Unfortunately, there's no conclusive answer for that. The research, though encouraging, is still too young to be extremely significant. There are, however, bits of information that can help quell a few concerns about tea.

Won't Caffeine Cost Me?

Although green tea may contain nasty old Mr. Caffeine, it contains significantly less amounts of the stuff than caffeinated coffee or other teas. In fact, this type of tea has anywhere from about one-third to one-half of the amount of caffeine found in black tea. If taken in moderation, the relatively low amounts of caffeine in green type tea shouldn't be enough to do your chances of conceiving any harm.

The Problem with Polyphenols?

In spite of the possibility that polyphenols might block the absorption of iron and calcium, a study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles found that polyphenols might actually help result in healthier births. Using the polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice as a means of research, scientists discovered that polyphenols may help prevent brain damage in developing fetuses and premature birth. Take note, though, that the study was conducted on mice, and so these results should be taken with a grain of salt. As the research continues, however, things are looking more and more promising for polyphenols to be beneficial for expectant mothers.

But Didn't You Say Green Tea Was the Enemy?

It was mentioned earlier that green tea's active ingredient might slow down the processing of folic acid in your system. You'll be glad to know, then, that the Kaiser Permanente study also found that the success rate of conception among women who took green tea wasn't due to the caffeine they were testing. It was something unique to the tea - something that wasn't present in the other substances they tested. What this means is that contrary to earlier beliefs about folic acid blockage, green type tea itself might be what helped the women get pregnant more easily.

Some Parting Advice

Before you get too excited, make sure you keep in mind that all this fascinating new research is still just a little too new to be completely reliable. You shouldn't treat green tea as the miracle drug you've been waiting for. However, with favorable results in several studies, green tea seems to have a few secrets worth looking into. In the meantime, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have a cup (or half a cup) of green type tea a day to boost your chances of conceiving. You can probably take decaffeinated green tea, or even green tea pills if you're concerned about any possible side effects, and as always, remember to check with your doctor before trying it. Good luck!

Getting Pregnant Fast - Could The Law Of Attraction Help You Have A Baby If You Are Having Problems?

If you are a woman who has tried to get pregnant and is having problems, you know how frustrating and heartbreaking it can be. Especially when you hear about how other women "accidentally" got pregnant, or when you see beautiful babies at the mall, at stores, and everywhere else.

But don't give up! Getting pregnant with a beautiful child could be just around the corner!

If you believe in the Law Of Attraction (as stated in THE SECRET), then you know that if you focus on something, you tend to bring it to you. You tend to create circumstances in your life that mirror what you are focusing on.

If you focus on how little you have and money problems, guess what? Money problems tend to keep haunting you.

If you are having problems getting pregnant, are you focusing on getting pregnant, and on how wonderful it will be to have a baby, and on preparing your body to carry a new life?

Or are you focusing on "It's not happening for me!" Do you think "I can't get pregnant!" most of the time? Are you continually stressed out about how difficult it is to get pregnant?

I am not suggesting that women having problems getting pregnant can all suddenly "attract" their way to pregnancy. Every woman having difficulties should seek out a doctor to make sure there are not physical or chemical reasons.

But if there is no hard and fast reason you're not getting pregnant, which is the case for millions of women whom doctors tell "We don't know why" - could it be that you are focusing on how difficult it is, and attracting more difficulty? Could you be creating a negative mindset that tells your body, "It is hard to get pregnant," and therefore end up attracting that reality?

This is a question you must answer for yourself. But if you find that you are stressed out and overwhelmingly negative about your past attempts to get pregnant, maybe a shift in attitude and focus could help in the future.

Can Essential Oils Help Pregnant Women With Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness occurs in 50 to 80% of pregnant women. Most cases of pregnancy morning sickness occur between the 4th and 6th week of pregnancy and lasts until the 14th to 16th week. Even though it is called "morning sickness," this problem can actually occur any time of the day or night. Unfortunately, some women will experience morning sickness all throughout their pregnancy.

No one knows for sure what causes this ailment but the theories that currently exist say that a combination of rapid changes occurring in the pregnant woman's body plays a big part in the queasiness. It would appear that the rapid increase in hCG (the pregnancy hormone) and estrogen play a part in the appearance of morning sickness. Once hCG raises to a certain level the symptoms begin. Many women then start feeling relief around the time that the levels of hCG start to decline in their system.

Another change that occurs during pregnancy is a heightened sense of taste and smell. Smells and tastes that once were appealing take on a whole new effect and may become very unappealing and may lead to an untimely run for the bathroom to throw up. It is thought that the increase of estrogen is responsible for this change.

It is also thought that women who have a weak stomach or are prone to throwing up (due to stress, illness, birth control pills, etc) can experience pregnancy morning sickness more often and severely than women who have an "iron stomach".

Can Essential Oils Help Reduce the Effects of Morning Sickness?

There is really no reason why pregnant women cannot use essential oils for common problems like morning sickness. Essential oils do not act like pharmaceutical drugs. Physicians in the past have prescribed pharmaceutical drugs with disastrous results. One only has to remember in the 1960's when over 10,000 babies were born primarily in Europe and Africa with severe birth defects because their mothers took the drug thalidimide to treat morning sickness. Drugs of any kind can be dangerous to the developing fetus especially in the first trimester. Essential oils however are nature's medicines and do not have the same effects as these drugs. With that said, even nature's medicines taken in excess can be harmful both to the developing fetus and to the mother.

Suggested Essential Oils for Morning Sickness

Ginger, peppermint, spearmint

Dilute 50-50 and massage 1-3 drops behind each ear and over the navel 2-3 times hourly

Inhale the oil directly 4-6 times hourly as needed

Or place one drop on the tongue.

Another option is to have the oil beside the bed and before moving the head, reach for the oil and begin inhaling. Movement is often the trigger for morning sickness.

Must Read If You Have a Colic Baby - How To Handle The Stress Of Colic

This is not about your baby, this is about You. How you will "survive" the colic period. I am sure that you are exhausted, frustrated and sad to say but a lot of parents feel guilty for their colicky baby. So how do you deal with all that, all the stress.

First of all there is no need to feel guilty; your baby`s colic is NOT your fault. I will say it again it is not your fault. I know that colic and your baby`s crying can be very hard to handle for you and your family. If your baby cries for hours, I know you love your baby but that is frustrating. Colic can also make you feel depressed, stressed and give you low self-esteem. There for it is very important to take care of yourself during this period, so you have the strength to deal with your colicky baby.

So if you are tired and frustrated, you need a break. You need somebody else to watch your baby for you. Take turns with your partner, ask family and friends for help. If you feel like you are the only one that can comfort your baby and can not get any rest when you hear the baby. You need to get out of your house, go to your parent`s house or to a friend`s house and take a nap. Rent a hotel room. Go see a movie. Do not feel guilty, I guarantee that you will feel much better and be more patient after a break. If it is 1 hour or 1 night, that is up to you, but you will feel better getting that break.

See if there is a Colic Support Group where you live. If not there are support groups online. Just to vent and here other parents in the same situation can really help.

So remember take care of yourself - it is not your fault, take a break and find a support group.

Mind the Gap - Constructing a Professional Resume After a Career Break

Thinking of returning to work after a career break? Before you start looking for a job, you will need to update or create a new resume.This can seem a daunting task if it has been a while since you were in paid employment and life has been more about diapers than database management. However, don't despair, follow these straightforward tips to constructing a professional resume.

• Your resume is designed to give a recruiter a snapshot of your life and work experience to date. As such, it should be a living document that you are always updating and/or tailoring to the role to which you are applying.


• The length of a resume may vary from anywhere between 1 and 10 pages (consultants may need length to detail their projects) but for most people, 2 or 3 pages is plenty.


• Make sure your resume is concise and easy to read, recruiters view hundreds weekly, your most relevant information has got to POP!


• Most importantly remember to put your name and contact details. Sounds obvious but you would be surprised how many people painstakingly put together the perfect resume but forget to include their telephone number.


• You don't need to put your age and don't include a photo unless the application requires it or you really think it is to your advantage. It might make you stand out but might influence the recruiter's decision-making. If you do include a photo, make sure it's good quality and reflects your corporate persona. No glamour shots here!


• Include all relevant qualifications with most recent or most relevant first. As your work experience grows, high school qualifications become less relevant so don't feel you have to continue to list every grade unless a school leaver or recent graduate.


• List your work experience with most recent experience first and include the company name and dates of employment.


• Include a quick overview of the company - e.g. "mid-sized financial services firm", "family run bakery".


• Bullet point your duties. Concise bullet points are much more effective than lengthy paragraphs.


• List your most relevant duties first. This might need to be adapted if you are applying for roles in different fields or you may need to have a number of differently focused resumes.


• Where possible, list your reason for leaving a company (e.g. maternity leave, redundancy, looking for new challenge etc).


• You might also like to list your most outstanding achievements. You can do this under a separate heading or under each work experience entry. E.g. "Voted employee of the month five times in a year", "I was instrumental in gaining a preferred supplier agreement with a large insurance company" etc.


• Include references if possible as they strengthen your application.


• Think carefully about whom you ask to be referee. You need to ensure they will give you a positive or at least a fair review. At the same time, if they are actually your best friend, a recruiter will soon suss that out too.


• Make sure you prepare a referee by asking for their permission before putting their name and contact details down. If possible tell them the kind of job you are looking for and the kind of details you think are relevant.


• It is not always necessary to include interests and hobbies. If you don't have much work experience, it can help to fill out the CV and maybe can add a bit more context.


• Be aware that interests may be judged either positively or negatively by a recruiter based on their own likes and dislikes (consciously or unconsciously). If you want to include this section, make sure it adds value.


• Spell check and ask some-one to read your resume over before sending it out. No point saying you have "excellent attention to detail" if your resume is littered with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors!


• A good resume can mean the difference between getting the interview or not...if you are not confident in your writing skills, get professional help...it is worth the investment.

Gaps and Maternity Leave

This can be a tricky one if you have not worked for a few years. However, you need to ensure you resume explains your life up to the present and try to explain any gaps in employment because if you don't, the recruiter might see this as a red flag.

It is OK to indicate that you were engaged in home duties, on maternity leave or made redundant. Don't lie about this either because this becomes very obvious at interview. If you have held any unpaid positions of responsibility during this time (e.g. PTA chairperson) you might like to include these. Likewise if you have run any small businesses from home, carried out volunteer work or managed investments. Think about the relevance for the role you are applying for - helping out at the tuck shop might not be relevant for a role as financial adviser but might help a retail or customer service application. Writing a blog might not help your chances as a call center manager but could aid you to secure a copy-writing position.

Generally, keep this section brief, the intention is to explain the valid reasons for your apparent "gap" in employment without pigeon-holing yourself as a "cuddly Mommy"!

An In Depth Look at Alopecia Areata

Alopecia is the term given for the condition of losing hair in one or more areas of the scalp and body. It affects both male and female, having a preference towards children, teenagers and young adults more than the older generation.

Heredity does play a role in its development. Having a relative with Alopecia increases a person's risk of having it as well. It is also caused by an over active immune system where the body develops cells that act on the hair follicles making them stop hair production. The cause of this autoimmune dysfunction is still unknown. Association with other autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies and vitiligo have been noted. It has also been linked to emotional stress.

According to surveys, 2% of the general population have Alopecia. However, it is not a disease that causes deterioration to the system. In fact most of those who have Alopecia are healthy individuals who can perform their daily activities just like everyone else. When Alopecia occurred at an early age that person may also become bald early. There are cases where one or more bald spots would appeared and then the hair re-grew normally again for sometime only to go bold again later causing more hair loss. For them, it is an on and off condition. For others, the bald spots remain and eventually progress to make them bald all over.

There are many types of Alopecia. By consulting a specialist for hair loss, they can determine the type by a close inspection of the scalp looking for exclamation point hairs. Sometimes a scalp biopsy is needed for diagnosis.

The most common type is Alopecia Areata. It is characterized by a round or an oval bald spot or spots on the scalp varying in sizes. Alopecia Areata usually occurring on one side of the head and may resolve itself within a year even without treatment. However, some people worry about their Alopecia Areata spots because the, spots to some, can look unsightly and stay for long periods of time. Alopecia Diffusa is when the round, bald spots are distributed evenly all over the scalp and not just on one side as occurs with Alopecia Areata.

It is called Alopecia Areata Monocularis if only one single bald spot is seen and Alopecia Areata Multicularis if there is more than one bald spots seen on the scalp.

Another common type of Alopecia is Alopecia Totalis. This is the loss of all hair on the scalp and face causing complete baldness. And then there is, Alopecia Universalis where there is loss of hair on all parts of the body including hairs in the axilla, groin and nose area.

Other types of Alopecia include Alopecia Barbae this is when the bald spot or spots appear on the beard. Alopecia Postpartum temporarily happens after a woman has given birth.

It is thought the same disease mechanism applies to all of these types of Alopecia. Most people affected with Alopecia have tried different treatments. Many of the treatments don't work and almost always have some kind of adverse side effects to the body.

The Importance of Ultrasound's During Pregnancy

Ultrasound's during pregnancy are a very important tool for many different reasons. You will see in reading this information that you should not hesitate to have an ultrasound, or a few ultrasound's, done during the course of your pregnancy.

Some people believe that ultrasound imaging can be harmful to your unborn baby. This has never been more wrong. There are actually several dangers that go along with not having ultrasound's done while you are pregnant. You will want to make sure that you are taking the best care of your body and your unborn baby while you are pregnant. Ultrasound is one of the best ways to ensure that you are doing just that. You will see that there are a lot of different things that can be prevented if you will just take the time to have a few ultrasound's done.

Not only can ultrasound's during pregnancy be vital to the development of your unborn baby, but they can also be very fun, exciting and rewarding. Your baby is only inside of your for a short while before they make their grand entrance into the world. This is why it is so important to cherish the memories that can be made during this special time of their gestation. You will be able to find that you bond better with your baby if you take the time to see them through the use of sonograms and ultrasound imaging.

When you are first finding out that you are pregnant, an ultrasound can be very useful in determining just how far along you are in your pregnancy. This will help the doctors have a better idea of when your baby should be born. This is very important when it comes to having things done on a timely manner when you are pregnant. The ultrasound's will also keep track of the weight of your baby. It is a good idea to have them regularly to make sure that your baby is growing and developing the way that they should be.

On a more serious note, it is also a great tool to be able to rule out certain birth defects and genetic disorders such as down syndrome. This can help the doctors be more able to prepare for the birth of a baby who may need additional care after birth. There are other things that can go wrong during a pregnancy as well, such as placenta ruptures and abnormalities. The ultrasound's during pregnancy will also help to rule out things such as this during your pregnancy.

If you ever feel that you may have had a miscarriage, it is a great idea to have an ultrasound done to be able to rule that out as well. It can be a very scary time, and being able to see your child's heartbeat beating away is one of the greatest things that will help to ease your mind if you are worried about this. Please take the time to have ultrasound's during pregnancy.

Functions of Pregnancy Support Band and Belt

You walk into a maternity boutique and see pieces of garments hanging on mannequins. They are neither lingerie nor undergarment. You see a brassiere, albeit its size is beyond the normal 36D cup. There are elastic belts and colored bands. You wonder what kind of inner wear they are, so you ask the sales assistant. She promptly answers that they are undergarments for pregnant women.

Pregnancy support bands and belts are functional innerwear for pregnant women. They are used to support the chest, abdomen, and back. During pregnancy, women experience pain on the pelvic area and groin. This is because the body excretes relaxin, a hormone the calms down ligaments and muscles on the pelvis and causes the pelvic muscles to move about freely during body movement, causing pain. In most cases, the pelvic area finds it difficult to carry the heavy weight on the abdomen. When this happens, the muscles swell, resulting in body pain.

Studies show that 50% of women experience body pain during pregnancy, 8% of whom feel severe body pain. There are even instances when maternity body pain results in incapacity. Pregnancy support bands and belts prevent incapacitation and lessen body pain. They provide support to the entire body structure. When can you use maternity belts and bands?

Ideally, pregnancy support bands are worn in the beginning of the first trimester of pregnancy. At this point, the belly begins to expand. Your clothes start to fit more snugly on your body. Likewise, your protruding belly starts to show between your blouse and skirt or pants. A pregnancy support band covers your belly, allowing you to wear pre-maternity clothes. It looks like tube tops layered underneath cardigans and shirts.

Moreover, a pregnancy support band enables you to wear pre-maternity jeans. Sometimes, jeans fit the thighs and legs, but it cannot be buttoned or zipped up anymore because of big belly size. Support bands hold the jeans snugly on your waist without you having to button or zip them up. They hold up the jeans like ordinary belts.

A pregnancy support belt can be used not only during pregnancy but also during postpartum recovery. You can use it to cover the belly when nursing your newborn baby. By wearing support bands, you can discreetly nurse your infant at home.

Safe Abdominal Exercises During Pregnancy to Help You Stay Toned and Sexy While Pregnant

Being a pregnant mom to be is filled with all kinds of joys and excitement, especially if it is your first pregnancy. From picking baby names to getting the nursery ready pregnancy is one of the most special times in a woman's life. But it also comes with its own set of unique challenges and surprises. One of the least desirable aspects of pregnancy is weight gain. But weight gain during pregnancy does not have to be excessive. You can keep yourself fit and trim while pregnant with a combination of aerobic exercise and abdominal exercises during pregnancy.

Let's first clear up a common myth that it is not safe to do abdominal work whole pregnant. This simply is not true. As a matter of fact many experts recommend that your abdominals and your entire core should be exercised and strengthened when you are pregnant.

Why is this? Strengthening your abdominals does not only help to keep you fit it also will aid in labor and delivery. An added benefit is that toning your abdominals will help your tummy to "snap back" much more quickly after your baby is born. If you combine abdominal exercise with aerobic exercise you will be looking fantastic in no time after your baby is born.

So just how can an expecting mother exercise her abdominals during pregnancy in a way that is safe for both her and her baby?

A great place to start is with Kegel exercises. These exercises are excellent to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and you can do them just about anywhere. A simple Kegel exercise is to simply tighten your pelvic floor muscles as if you are trying to stop your urine flow. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times.

Through your first trimester you can do just about any kind of abdominal exercises. This includes crunches, leg lifts, etc. At this point in your pregnancy you will not do any harm to yourself or your baby by doing traditional ab exercises. But you will reap the benefits of a toned tummy and preparing yourself for delivery.

As you progress past your first trimester you will want to avoid exercises that require you to lie flat on your back. At this point you can continue to exercise your abdominals using gentle standing pelvis tilts, seated belly breathing, or by tightening, holding, and releasing your abdominals counting to five at each step. Tighten (one, two, three, for five), Hold (one, two, three, four five), Release (one, two, three, four five).

When you combine aerobic exercise with abdominal exercises during pregnancy you help to ensure that you will; look great during pregnancy, have an easier labor and delivery, and get your body back to pre-pregnancy shape much more quickly. Now that is a set of triplets that any expecting mother can love.

Masshealth - Finding a Health Insurance Company That is Right for You

With health insurance now mandatory in Massachusetts, people across the state are eager to find affordable Masshealth plans that offer quality coverage. Masshealth plans vary in the coverage they offer. As a consumer, it is important to understand the difference in Masshealth plans to know which is best for you.

Fortunately, Massachusetts law restricts health insurance companies from denying Masshealth coverage to someone due to health conditions or terminating them from a Mass health program for illness. This provides a safeguard for consumers of Masshealth programs that health insurance consumers in other parts of the country do not have.

Masshealth plans can differ significantly from plans offered elsewhere. Many of the larger companies do not offer Masshealth plans. Those that do offer Masshealth plans strive to provide a superior product.

What to Consider When Choosing a Masshealth plan

Most Masshealth plans do not include dental benefits. If you feel that you will need dental coverage, it will be an additional charge to factor into your health insurance budget. Vision benefits are covered by many Masshealth programs. For example, the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Mass health program offers 80% coverage on one eye exam every two years.

Coverage of women's health issues are something to be critical of when choosing health insurance. Masshealth programs often treat gynecological examinations in the same way as vision examinations by defining them by a number of examinations within a period of time. Many Masshealth programs have very specific rules and increased rates for maternity care.

Age is an important factor in deciding on a Masshealth program. How does health insurance coverage for children vary from that of adults under different Masshealth plans? Often, Masshealth plans have restrictions and price differences in relation to age. This can greatly impact coverage under a Mass health program for an older person.

All of these issues should be taken into consideration when choosing a Masshealth program. The more coverage offered by a Mass health insurance program for various medical issues will increase the overall price of the plan. At times the initial coverage of the Masshealth plan will require supplemental health insurance for problems that may not be covered, such as dental, or are minimally covered, such as vision. Choosing an appropriate Masshealth plan requires balancing the benefits of a plan against the cost of coverage, including the deductible.

Pregnancy for Dad, Help and Tips

One of the things that happens when you find out you are expecting is that you jump ahead and think about when the baby is born. The cries, the poop, the feeding and the expenses. It's natural and normal to think about what will happen when the baby arrives. What people don't realize at first is there is quite a while until that day comes and it's going to be just as challenging, stressful, and exciting and rewarding if you are able to enjoy it.

You never appreciate a woman until you have a baby with them and that is the truth. Pregnancy is hard and that's me speaking as a man. It's unbelievable what women go through and though some women love being pregnant, while others may not be too fond in all cases is definitely exhausting and wearisome. These are some helpful things to not only pass the time until that fateful day, but allows you to enjoy what you have now before it is changed forever.

You are going to constantly hear people joking to get your rest but in reality a nap now isn't going to affect you in months or even weeks when the baby arrives. It's important to do the things you want to do now because once that baby comes it may be a while before you are able, or even want to do it again.

Be practical and take mom's health and feelings into consideration but go to a concert or sports event. Go out for a nice relaxing dinner, or a movie. So instead of snoozing now before the baby comes, do the things you won't be able to with the new addition.

Months 4, 5, 6 are the best time to do everything. It's also the most recommended time to fly if you want to take a vacation. Plan ahead and try to keep things on the calendar to look forward to that takes the focus off just counting til the baby comes which may make time drag.

I know the baby shower is her thing, we're supposed to get lost until the end to pick up the gifts. A suggestion to make is to try to do it early because sometimes mom is on bed rest, sometimes babies come early. She doesn't want to have the baby before the shower and you want to have enough time to sort it all out and put it all together. She may wonder why you care when the shower is, but suggest it early and you may be her hero later on.

Try to take the classes that are offered. Whether it be Lamaze, a breast feeding class, or a general pregnancy class they are helpful and informative. It's not the answers to the questions you have going into the class, but the questions that you have when you leave and never thought of that make the class worth while. These classes are great because they get you and your partner talking about things you may have never even thought of. Be excited about the birth, take interest, ask questions and show her that what she is going through is important to you.

Again the best time to do this is months 4, 5, and 6 because they can be very uncomfortable for her as pregnancy goes on. Also try to visit the place you will deliver. It's helpful to take away some of the anxiety when you can picture where it's going to happen.

Inevitably you will be part of the daddy club when the baby arrives. What I mean is to start reading about being a dad, getting past the pregnancy and hear the first hand accounts of what's in store. Though some of the stories may be scary it's also unbelievably exciting about the things to come. Write down or talk about some of the things you did as a kid that you want to share with the new addition when the time is right.

Pregnancy can be taxing both on you and her. It's important that you know how she feels, and what she is going through. It's also crucial that she know you appreciate everything she is doing and that you are excited about the baby and will do whatever you can to help her.

Some of the ways to do this are to be creative and get her gifts. It doesn't have to be too luxurious or expensive because you do have a baby on the way, but rather special and sentimental.

For instance, at the 20 week date buy her a birthday cake, cut it in half and give it to her signifying she's half way there. Write a special note like "Thanks Mom" or "I'll see you soon". Maybe save the other half for when the baby is born.

Buy a ribbon and measure her belly every week so after the baby is here you can recall how big she was. She may not be too excited about it at the time but it's important that you embrace her look and weight gain. She may be self conscious about her increased weight but she needs to know you find her sexy, welcome her growth because it's good for the baby and that you don't see her any differently. If you're like me you may even grow a bigger belly yourself just so she isn't so self conscious.

Get cards every now and then, both from you as well as the baby thanking her for everything she is doing. It's just a few bucks but it will definitely show her you realize what she is going through. Give her a massage, do the extra work around the house so she can rest and feel better.

It's very important to be flexible and understanding because she may be all excited to go to dinner one minute and feeling sick as you pull into the restaurant. Arguing with a pregnant woman isn't a good idea because you won't win but by being understanding you will both be happier going home with takeout or something delivered.

Try to be knowledgeable and read about what's happening and also about what's next. Be prepared for what's to come in the next few weeks and starts to develop symptoms that she didn't have before. It will make both of you feel better if you can explain to her what's going on, why and how to deal with it. She will feel more secure and you will feel better about being active and having a clue.

Do things as soon as you can because you never know what the future holds or what you may be doing in a week. Get the carseat in, pack the hospital bag, hers and yours and prep the nursery. All these things are like having your generator ready during a storm. It's better to have it ready and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Wholesale Maternity Clothing - How to Buy Wholesale Maternity Clothes

A wholesale clothing business will be highly profitable if you concentrate on trading maternity clothing. You could make more money as the wholesale maternity clothing can be purchased at a low price and resold with a high margin.

The purchase of wholesale maternity clothing is made simple and easy these days. You need to check the following information before buying maternity clothes at wholesale. You have to look into online sales sites like eBay, Amazon and Overstock.com for wholesale maternity clothes as they are irresistible places to find products for unbelievable discounts. You can approach your local maternity shop and inquire whether you can buy maternity clothing directly from them at wholesale. You may get the link of their providers from them in some way or other.

If you are lucky enough to find a maternity store which is going to be closed soon, you can buy the products for a fantastic discount. You can also search for a nearby outlet shop, which sell branded products in a very low price than a retail store. They will also have business with other shops and personal contacts. You may get a chance to win a deal to buy wholesale maternity garments from such outlet. You should hunt for the customer care numbers of certain brands you need in the internet and locate them.

You can call the wholesale store houses that are specialized in maternity clothing by getting their contact numbers from websites. You can also search for factory seconds which are the articles of garments with minor flaws in them. Factory seconds are available in a diminished rate due to their hardly noticeable defects. Many shops sell factory seconds at wholesale rates to the customers. You can get great business from local maternity clothing manufacturers, when they expose their ground to buyers during their open days. Getting a sales tax ID number is very important. The sales tax Id number will permit you to buy directly from wholesalers who deny dealing with individuals.

Most of the pregnant women like to wear clothes which are specially designed for maternity period as they make them very comfortable and feel at ease. Their love towards maternity dresses will never go down even when they are no longer pregnant. The increased affinity of women towards maternity dresses has made the business people to set up many maternity garment stores of their own. The wholesale maternity clothing business enables even a small business man to save and earn more.

Prevention of Stretch Marks During Pregnancy - 5 Ways to Prevent Stretch Marks

Women who have undergone childbirth usually have stretch marks. It is expected in a pregnant woman that along with nausea, morning sickness, mood swings, and other pregnancy discomforts, development of stretch marks is of great possibility. These red lines usually appear in your belly during the latter part of your pregnancy usually during the 7th or 8th months. But, do not stop there, for there is also great chance that the marks will develop in areas that tend to get larger during pregnancy, such areas are the thighs, buttocks, breasts and even arms. Try to check these areas and you will see! But, it also depends on your weight gain and genetic history and whether or not you make efforts to prevent such.

Beating the odds against stretch marks and preventing them from developing is not difficult nowadays. There are a lot of stretch mark removal products that can effectively remove them. But as scientist argue as to the prevention, it is contended that one thing is absolutely certain- that is, genetics do play a role in determining whether or not you are prompt to getting such. Meaning, you are more likely to get them yourself when your mother had stretch marks during her pregnancy. However, there are ways that you can limit the possibility of getting them. Here are some guidelines that could help you:

1. Eat a healthy and balance diet that keeps your weight gain within the recommended range. The healthy foods that you are eating are vital for the development of the baby, and it also contributes to the health and strength of your skin.

2. Massage the areas where there are stretch marks and to areas that you feel they are likely to appear because this will help increase the circulation of blood in those areas.

3. Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin. It is also important to the baby and it is critical to the health of the skin.

4. Take your vitamins. Vitamins are helpful to the development of your baby and to your skin!

5. Apply moisturizer to your skin, before and after giving birth, because this serves as the supplement (or you may say "food") of your skin. There are products created out of natural vitamins and oils which will help enhance collagen production in the dermis, and will repair the damage of the extreme stretching. You can buy these products in the internet.

Remember that you must take care of yourself in the postnatal period as well because weight loss can make your skin susceptible to stretch marks again. Also, you must keep yourself strong to cope with stresses from childbirth and the duties of motherhood.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and best wishes for a healthy baby!

Give Me The Scoop On Medical Tax Deduction Benefits

A lot of people incur medical costs during the year, but do they know they can receive medical tax deduction benefits from this? If they did they would be able to save huge amounts of money when it comes to medical expenses. As long as the cost is more than 7.5 percent of their gross income they can begin to qualify for tax reduction.

Of course as with other deductions there are a few rules and such in regard to the medical tax reductions that can be used. One was already mentioned in regards to 7.5 percent of the gross income. To fully take advantage of this you should count every medical expense of those listed on your tax return. This includes any dependents such as children. This even allows you to calculate and include amounts spent on anyone who may have died during that year, to get the full advantage of the tax reduction. Even dental bills are included under the header of medical tax deduction benefits.

Including the cost of transportation can even be considered part of tax deduction entitlement. This means if you calculate your cents-per-mile according to the Internal Revenue Service website in regards to your transportation for any medical treatments you can save money. Other things that can be included in tax reduction include long term care insurance (depending on your age), uninsured treatments (eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.) and even some weight loss programs can all be included in the reduction benefits.

Special needs can also be included under these benefits. This includes wheelchairs, crutches, and the like. If your doctor tells you, you need to add a ramp or widen doors on your house to accommodate a wheelchair the cost of this can be included in your tax benefits. These may only be partially deductible.

There are several other things that can be deducted as well. These can include anything from drug rehabilitation to nursing homes to prescriptions to ambulance service. If you keep careful records you can deduct anything related to medical use and save money. That is except for a few exceptions that include, cosmetic surgery, gymnasium payments, hair transplants and electrolysis, bottled water, dancing lessons, teeth whitening, maternity clothes and diaper services which cannot be included in the benefits.

Once again if you keep careful records of your bills and receipts you can take the most advantage from this tax deduction. With the high cost of most medical treatment, who wouldn't benefit from the tax deduction benefits that are available?

Sibour's Homemade Incubator - How Safe Is This Medical Equipment for Newborn Babies?

Babies apparently need to stay inside the mother's womb for an average of 9 months or about 37 weeks. But due to some reasons, expected mothers especially pregnant teenagers would give birth before time. Based on studies, infants who were born prior to 37 weeks pregnancy or premature babies are usually at risk to variety of medical problems at the same time has greater possibility to the die in the initial year of life. It is because many of their organs are still in the developing stage and not yet ready for the environment outside the womb. This is also the reason why incubators are very essential to preterm birth babies.

The said medical equipment has the capacity to maintain the same warmth, humidity as with the atmosphere inside the mother's womb. It also helps in maintaining the right amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen content at the same time allows enter of food and administration of medicines, which are all essential in the growth of newborn babies' organs until they become mature enough to adapt the environment outside the womb or the postnatal survival. Lastly, neonatal incubator is designed to limit the exposure of premature babies to germs that might cause infection. But recently, a traditional birth attendant and herbalist from Kenya named Alice Sibour was featured in CNN because of its invented ways of caring newborn babies. One thing in her clinic that caught attention to many people her own version of incubator, which is based on report helps premature babies of Mathare slum. The neonatal medical equipment that Sibour did basically needs pillows to serve as mattress, blankets to wrap the baby, two small containers of hot water to be placed underneath the bed, a mosquito net to cover the entire bed.

Sibour's home-produced medical equipment for neonatal incubation is probably the best solution in order for preterm birth children survive especially if they are living in countries wherein access to healthcare service is very limited, just like in Kenya. But if this medical equipment for incubation will be carefully inspected, many health specialists for sure will have doubt about its capability to control contamination. In the first place, mosquito net is not enough to trap all airborne particles that would cause infection. The said device also lacks the ability to maintain oxygenation that is par with the mother's womb. Moreover, it is already stated that the purpose of incubating a premature baby is to provide the same amount of heat that they acquire while inside the mother's womb. The said warmth is very essential for the development of their organs. With that two small containers of hot water placed underneath the bed, its capacity to provide heat greater than the core body temperature (37.5 degrees Celsius) is obviously questionable.

Pregnancy Complications In Women Over Thirty

Pregnancy complications in women over thirty are several as age plays an important role in pregnancy. There has been a growing tendency to have children well over the age of thirty as nowadays in many families both partners are busy with their professional lives. This is also because many couples are unaware that the risks during pregnancy are higher in a women aged 30 and above. In fact these days it is not unusual for women above 40 and even 50 planning a pregnancy! It is a fact that many older women have successfully given birth to healthy babies and have had no complications, but there are a few risk factors associated with the advancing age of the expectant mother.

Factors That Affect Pregnancy In Older Women

The foremost pregnancy problem in women above 30 is getting pregnant itself! This is because fertility of women starts to decrease with age and in cases where women are over 30 they may even need fertility treatment which has the increased risk of inducing multiple pregnancies in some cases.

A few of the most common pregnancy complications in women over thirty are hypertension, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental abruption or placental pervia and bleeding or spotting. Women older than 35 years also have a greater risk of carrying pre-term babies, low birth weight babies and in many cases the babies may be in need of neonatal care. Older expectant women also have an increased chance of having multiple pregnancies. The incidence of fetal death during the last trimester is also high in women older than 35.

Other pregnancy complications in women over thirty include the risks of giving birth to a baby with Down's syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. Medical tests such as amniocentesis are done to determine risks to the unborn child.

One other risk during pregnancy in older women is the effect that disease conditions of the heart, kidney, or diabetes and hypertension have on the health of the pregnant women. The chances of still birth also increase with age as does the need for a C-section.

These are just a few of the pregnancy complications in women over thirty. It gives you a general idea of some of the risk factors associated with the advancing age of the expectant mother. Remember that women from all age brackets do have their set of pregnancy complications and that despite the high risk and complications involved, many of them have ensured that they have a safe and healthy pregnancy by following the advice of their consultants and by adopting proper pregnancy planning techniques.

Most pregnancy complications in women over thirty can be prevented and the chances of a health pregnancy and birth increased by following a regime of regular nutritious meals, recommended exercise, prescribed increased intake of folic acid and other supplements and by having a positive outlook and attitude.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Insurance Company Review

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has a number of top notch health care solutions for Arizona residents. Perhaps one of the most famous health insurance companies in the United States is Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The company itself was found in the year 1929 in the state of Texas. Nowadays it is estimated that 99 million Americans are members of a Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

This means that one out of three Americans s covered by perhaps the biggest insurance company in the entire country. Today the company has access to all 50 states of the nation with its well developed plans and services. Since Blue Cross and Blue Shield is comprised of 39 independent, community-based and local Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies they each operate individually within their own state. It is known that the 39 independent entities represent the oldest and largest family of health benefit companies.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona is no different than all the other states independent agencies. The entity on this state was founded on 1939, just ten years after the first independent BCBS was founded in the state of Texas. The company has main offices in the cities of Phoenix (headquarters), Tucson, Tempe and Flagstaff and is the place of work of an estimated 1500 employers. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona is given the A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent) because it provides great quality health care at an accessible price for their members and because it provides different plans that will perfectly meet the diverse population within the state. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona is one of the first options for the residents of the state because not only does it do business, but it volunteers with about 200 organizations through out the state.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona as said before offers excellent plans that can be purchased by anyone. From high deductibles with low monthly premiums to no deductible and low out-of-pocket expenses which can guarantee you a little higher premiums BCBS has it all. Because they are independent health insurance agencies they make up their own health insurance plans that they think will be liked by the consumer.

Below you will find a detailed description of the six plans offered within the state with the rates you should expect to pay when using the services. It is also worth mentioning that the plans offer different deductible and different copays for each deductible so you can basically choose whichever deductible option you wish from within the plan itself.

1. BluePreferred Copay: This plan works within the Arizona Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network with a choice of you to visit providers of different networks. If you choose to follow the out of network path however, you will end up paying much higher than if you stick with the large PPO network. This plan offers deductibles of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 for an individual per calendar year with the family deductible being double those prices. The co-insurance for this plan is 20%, which means you will have to pay 20% of what the bill is in case you use a service which requires co-insurance.

The doctor visits are different for each deductible category, but they range from $15 if you choose the plan with a $500 deductible; to $35 if you choose the $5,000 deductible. Pharmacy coverage is a little different within this state because instead of dividing the drugs into three tiers, BCBS of Arizona divides them into four levels. Level one drugs will cost you $15, level two will be $34, level three $65 and the with a level four drug you will have to pay $120.

Inpatient and outpatient hospital care is subject to the deductible first and then to the 20% co-insurance and the emergency room fee if you happen to go and are not admitted in is $150. Other inpatient care such as maternity care, behavioral and mental health, rehabilitation and home care would be 20% co-insurance after you pay the deductible and it's important to mention that preventive eye exams are covered by the plan and range from $15 to $35 depending on your deductible choice.

2. BluePreferred Saver: This plan also is part of the Arizona Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network and gives you the choice to go out-of-network for a higher rate. With these plan you will have the choice of three deductible options that will double if you have a family coverage; those options are $1.500, $2,600, and $5,000. The co-insurance of this plan once you meet your deductible is of 0%, which means that you will be able to go use the services for no cost at all. BCBS of Arizona will pay 100% of the bill in selected services if you meet your deductible.

This plan is pretty much self explanatory because for doctor visits, preventive care, lab services, prescription coverage, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, inpatient mental health, inpatient rehabilitation services, ambulance services and urgent care you won't have to pay a single dollar once you meet your deductible. You will pay $150 if you happen to go to the emergency room and are not admitted in before you pay your deductible, after you meet the deductible dollar amount however, this too is covered 100%. It is also worth mentioning that this plan is one of the two that BCBS of Arizona offers that is compatible with Health Savings Accounts.

3. BluePreferred Basic: This is another plan that operates within the Arizona PPO network but will give the member a chance to go out-of-network for a higher price. They have choices of $1,500, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 deductibles for individuals with family deductibles doubling those costs. For most covered services you will have to pay a 20% co-insurance after you meet the deductible option you selected, although a few services give you copay prices. For doctor visits they you will pay based on the deductible you selected, this means that if you selected a $1,500 dollar deductible you will pay $25, if you picked a $2,500 deductible your cost will be $30, for a $5000 deductible your rate will be $35 and for a person selecting the $10,000 deductible their doctor visits cost would be $40. Preventive services will not be counted towards the deductible so you will be allowed to pay 20% co-insurance from the start.

Prescription medications in this plan are divided only into generic drugs which you will pay $30 and brand name which you will pay $125. Other than those services all the other coverage which includes inpatient and inpatient care such as mental health services, rehabilitation services, skilled nursing facility and home care you will have to pay 20% co-insurance after meeting your deductible. The emergency room fee in this plan is $150 if you are not admitted and after meeting your deductible you will only have to pay 20% co-insurance.

4. BlueClassic: This type of coverage doesn't follow any network because it is an indemnity plan. This means that the plan gives the member more freedom to go use services under any other network, but the plan is a little bit more expensive. It gives choices of $250, $500, $750, $1;250, $2;500 and $5;000 for individuals, with family deductibles being double the individual levels. The co-insurance for most services is 20% after you meet the deductible of choice if the service involves a co-insurance. For doctor visits and preventive care you will have to pay full price until you meet your deductible and then the company will pay 80% while you pay 20%.

Prescription medications once again are divided into four levels with level one being $15, level two being $35, level three $65 and the most expensive is level four which will require you to pay $120. Lab services, inpatient care, outpatient care and urgent services are all subject to deductible and co-insurance, as well as maternity care, behavioral and mental services, rehab services, skilled nursing facility services and home health services. For an emergency room fee you will have to pay $150 at first and then its subject to deductible and co-insurance.

5. BlueClassic Saver: This is another indemnity plan that gives the customer more freedom when deciding to use the services. With these plan you will only have the choice of a $5,000 deductible for an individual, $10,000 for a family. This plan is also easy to describe because the co-insurance that BCBS of Arizona pays is 100% after you meet the deductible. This means that after you pay the $5,000 your services such as doctor visits, preventive care, lab services, inpatient care, outpatient care, urgent care, maternity care, behavioral and mental care, home health care, rehabilitation care and skilled nursing facility care will all be covered 100%. It is important to mention that this is the other plan that BCBS of Arizona has for people that want a plan compatible with their Health Savings Account.

6. BlueSelect: The BlueSelect plan is an Arizona Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) network plan in which the person will be asked to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and will need referrals in case they want to go ask for a second opinion or see a specialist. With Plan 2 you will not have a deductible and you will pay $25 to go see your PCP and $40 for other doctors. Pharmacy coverage is divided once again into four levels for which you will pay $15, $35, $65 and $120 respectively. You will pay $750 for admission to inpatient surgery and $200 for outpatient. The only difference with Plan 3 is that you are required to have a deductible of $1,000, doctor visits will be $30 for a PCP and $40 for specialist and inpatient care would be subject to deductible while outpatient would be $300.

Where To Find Medical Secretary Jobs In Canada

The best place to look for Medical Secretary or Medical Office Administration jobs would be the internet. Most employers that you would be working for, be it hospitals or small offices, are computerized and now post all available jobs online.

Some websites to browse for Medical Secretary job listings and to post your resume would be:

workopolis.com
monster.ca
jobbank.ca
jobboom.com

You should Google your job search and check as many websites and job listings as you feel necessary. Be sure to also check your local online classifieds such as kijiji.ca and craigslist.ca for job postings. It is not recommended to post you resume with your personal information on these sites but you could certainly post a listing giving some basic information about the job you are looking for and your skills without using identifying information.

You can often find Medical Office Administration career listings on hospital specific websites such as uhn.ca (Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, ON), hhsc.ca (made up of six hospitals including McMaster University Hospital and the Children's Hospital, a renowned Cancer Centre, and an Urgent Care Centre all located in Hamilton, ON), stjosham.on.ca (St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, ON), and niagarahealth.on.ca (comprised of seven acute care sites in the Niagara Region of Ontario including the Greater Niagara General Site in Niagara Falls, ON and the Hotel Dieu Hospital in St. Catharines, ON). There are all sorts of listings on sites specific to your province or state so use the web search tool of your choice to hopefully increase the number of jobs available to you.

Do not overlook the classified ads in your local newspapers as well. There are still a few offices that are seriously old school and are not computerized so they do not advertise online. They will only submit a job listing to their local newspaper. These can provide very good leads that you would not find anywhere else and sometimes they are a little less "crowded" for interviews since they are not advertised online and not all applicants take the time or opportunity to further broaden their career options.

Many jobs may be listed as part-time or as a one-year contract or temporary full-time. These are often positions that are available because that office's receptionist is off for a maternity leave. Jobs like this are great for building up your experience that will land you those jobs in the hospitals that will potentially pay you more and have better benefits.

Remember to apply for jobs at local retirement homes and long-term care facilities. With your Medical Secretary training you would also be able to apply for jobs with your local government healthcare office, alternative health offices such as chiropractic or massage or physiotherapy clinics, and insurance companies to name a few examples for you. You have quite a few options available to you if you are looking for something other than a hospital or doctor's office specifically. Although some of these options do not utilize all the skills that you acquired during your Medical Office Administration training, they can certainly be fulfilling careers or just the thing you need to gain some experience to get that next level position in your new career.

If you are ever having difficulties finding employment you could always offer your services on a volunteer basis mostly to gain experience. This also looks appealing to an employer since it shows you are dedicated, ambitious and diligent.

The Fine Print of Health Care in Greece

The Hellenic Republic consists of over eleven million residents with a little over five percent are immigrants. With a low population growth and death rates also low, this makes the median age quite high among the European countries. There are many health related issues with immigrants and tourists. These include diarrhea, cholera, E.Coli diarrhea, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever and a whole host of issues from bacteria, parasites and other viruses. With temperatures that reach the forties in the Celsius scale, the system of health care in Greece thus becomes an issue when in the country.

There have been many moves designed to improve the system of health care in Greece. This despite the fact that the country has been chosen as among the best systems in the world by the World Health Organization. The system of health care in Greece is a mix of both social insurance working with the Greek National Health System. This homogeny makes the overall cost of health care in Greece amongst the lowest in the European Union. The allocation of the government for health care is also low, with general focus of the disbursement of the funds in public hospitals in the highly urbanized areas of the country. The disparity of health care in the urban and rural areas create the perception of low quality, despite the modernity of the public hospital facilities in the cities.

The European Union has made inroads in upgrading the current system in Greece, through aid programs for the establishment of hospitals, creation of mobile medical facilities, improvement of emergency care systems and the use of cutting edge medical equipment not only in the urban hospitals but also in the rural hospitals. The National Health System also provides health care services at free or low cost for those individuals contributing to the social security system. The free services include free laboratory services, maternity care, installation of life saving devices and transportation for the sick and infirm. For European Union citizens visiting the country, they can also avail of these menu of services with their registration using a E111 form.

Specialists in the system of health care in Greece can be consulted directly but many experience long lines to avail of their expertise in public hospitals. Patients can go instead to private specialists and reimburse 85% of the cost from the Idrima Kinonikon Asfalisseon, the Greek National Health Care System oversight body. As for dental and eye procedures, these are free under the system. Non-essential medication and health accessories though are charged for their full cost.

Emergencies are provided free regardless of nationality or coverage. Many public hospitals have smaller outpatient clinics to assuage the congestion in the main hospitals. These also provide specific and quicker medical care than the larger facilities. As for European Union citizens, the E106 can be the lifeline for an individual while in the Greek isles. As for retirees, the Greek system allows for full benefit of state health benefits while receiving their pensions from their home country social security system.

The system of health care in Greece receives high marks for its quality while the quantity of services leaves much room for improvement. As advised in the Expat Forum, you need to understand that "expatriates who are working in Greece and pay regular contribution to social security may be entitled to full or subsidized health care benefits. In such cases, private health insurance can cover the portion of the bill that cannot be covered by the government."

The Differences Between Men and Women in Their Expression of Depressed Feelings

Depression is a serious condition that impacts every aspect of a person's life. Depression is individualistic and is not the same for men and women. There are many factors that contribute to depression from sexual hormones to social pressures to how one responds to stress. Overall, depression is twice as common in women as compared to men. According to the National Mental Health Association one in eight women will experience clinical depression during their lifetime.
 
Common complaints of major depression include: feeling depressed; loss of interest or pleasure in activities they use to enjoy; feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness; suicidal thoughts or recurrent thoughts of death; sleep disturbances (sleep more or less); appetite and weight changes; difficulty concentrating; and, lack of energy and fatigue. Women, also, have a higher incidence of thyroid problems, and hypothyroidism can cause depression.
 
Women and men tend to cope with depression differently. Women ruminate. This includes crying to relieve emotional tension, trying to figure out why they are depressed, and talking to their friends about their depression. However rumination has been found to maintain depression and even make it worse. Women tend to talk and talk about their feelings to others until the anger and depression is drained off or they seek out professional help.
 
Men tend to bottle up their feelings. They distract themselves from their feelings of depression by keeping busy. They are raised with such social myths as , "big boys do not cry" or "do not show your feelings as the other kids will think you are a sissy."   

Men tend to let the angry and depressed feelings build over a long period of time until they either explode like Mt. Vesuvius or take some dramatic action to get rid of their feelings of anger/depression. Male depression is far more likely to be deadly, as seen in the recent headlines that sadly demonstrate this point in the recent case of the man in Virginia who killed his wife and one son before killing himself.
 
A major factor in the differences between how men and women express their depression is the way they are socialized in their roles. Most women in our country have been raised to be other-oriented. Throughout life, women advise their daughters to be good children, good wives, and good mothers. Such value-laden advice essentially says, "Your worth comes from what you do in relation to other people, and not from whom you are as a unique individual." This value is very different from one that says, "Create and pursue your own independent dreams, even if it means not marrying or having children."   

The cultural value for women is "Be-other-oriented and conform to expectations of others" in the traditional female acculturation, is it any wonder that women are diagnosed as depressed nearly twice as often as men. The typical man in this culture is raised to achievement-oriented, having been taught from childhood that worth is determined by accomplishment. It should be no surprise that men have high professional expectations and strives to achieve them, even at the risk of his family relationships. 

For as long as circumstances permit him to achieve, he can earn great rewards in the form of approval, financial success, professional status and so forth.   If this man is somehow blocked from achieving, the central focus of his life is lost. The significant point here is: our values can create rigidities in people that make them a candidate for depression if those values are challenged in some way.
 
Another impediment to men seeking help for depression is the strong stigma that men attach to professional care of any kind. Again, our roles in society are, also, a factor. Women are responsible for caring for a sick child or spouse more often than men. When they take time off from work, co-workers tend to understand, and forgive the imposition.  On the other hand, one study found that "male workers who took some time off were rated as less performing than those who did not."
 
Women tend to internalize emotional pain, saying to themselves that they must have done something to cause the problem, while men, tend to externalize emotional pain. They are more inclined to see others as obstacles that prevent them from reaching their goals and feel victimized. Men discharge their distress through action.   Hence the statistics, which show that women attempt suicide more often than men, yet males, actually kill themselves at a rate three to four times higher than females.
 
Women process their experiences with their friends, and are much more likely to tell a physician how they feel and cooperate in the prescribed treatment. As a result, women get better treatment for their depression. Admitting to being depressed is the ultimate shame for many men because depression carries, to many, a double stain--the stigma of mental illness and also the stigma of 'feminine' emotionality. Many men treat their depression with alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant. For someone who is all ready depressed, alcohol greatly enhances the depth of the depression. Several studies have shown that alcohol impairs the senses and clouds judgment, predisposing a person to impulsive suicide. Impairment from alcohol also masks inhibitions and allows people who have planned suicide the opportunity to initiate the act.
 
In conclusion, as a society, we must admit and accept the reality, and the normality of male depression.  We need to work harder to give men the same helping hand that many women get simply because women are more willing to acknowledge their depression and seek out professional help.

10 Top Tips To Get Rid Of Tummy Fat Fast

Ever wondered why it is so hard to lose weight, shape up and get rid of that unwanted tummy fat? Do you feel self-conscious, frustrated and unsure how to get back in shape? Then check out my 10 helpful tips to get rid of tummy fat fast.

1. Correct Nutrition - This may sound all too familiar, but a balanced diet, with enough fresh fruit, vegetables, carbohydrate and protein is critical for good health and weight management. Yet so often, when fat-fighting with fad diets it's all too easy to lose sight of the nutrition basics that really work. You can lose stomach fat healthily - just by eating the right foods more often.

2. Body Shape - Women's bodies vary enormously and come in every size and shape. What's important, however, is recognising and accepting your inherent shape, then toning to target problem areas. You can't alter your fundamental body shape, but you can get rid of tummy fat and hone the wobbly bits, feeling better about your body all round - you can make significant improvements to your silhouette. Consider these three archetypal shapes: apple, pear and runner bean. One way to ascertain which you are, if you're not already aware, is to ask yourself which areas of your body are most difficult to spot-reduce - tell-tale areas include the backs of the arms, cellulite on the thighs and bottom (pear), chubby tummy fat and waist (apple) or, for the runner bean, a lack of curves.

3. Power Walking - Get rid of tummy fat through power walking - this helps to melt away unwanted fat as it raises your metabolic rate, boosting your body's calorie-burning potential. Start by power walking for 20 minutes at a time, three times a week. And remember, the more you walk, the more energy you'll have. All you need to do is plan your route then get started - and believe me, once you get going, you'll love the stimulus to your mind and body.

4. Age - The reason you may find it harder to get rid of tummy fat as you get older is down to changes in your basal metabolic rate (bmr). This drops by 2 per cent for every decade of your life. Also, you lose 3.2kg (7lb) of lean body mass with every decade, which is replaced by fat. Therefore, as you get older you need to change what you do to stay fit, slim and toned - you need to do more exercise to turn back the clock.

5. Surgery - Abdominoplasty, or simply, a tummy tuck, is getting popular nowadays. A lot of people want to get that perfect abs without the effort. If you want to undergo such a procedure, it is important that you consult and discuss with a medical expert what you can expect during and after the procedure.

6. Exercises - Apart from doing cardio for 20 to 30 minutes a day to burn calories, tummy exercises will increase the number of calories you burn away. When you are in better shape, you will feel stronger, and are able to exercise more intensely for longer periods of time, thus increasing your tummy fat-burning capabilities. Incorporating tummy exercises, such as sit-ups and crunches, to your basic cardio regimen will help strengthen your core. A stronger core, or midsection, will help you to build lean muscle mass. It is this lean muscle that helps you losing tummy fat faster.

7. Sleep - Recent studies have shown that if you're sleep deprived, you're less likely to reduce weight. Lack of sleep affects the hormones that control appetite, making you hungry. Studies have shown that, on average, people who are overweight are those who tend to get the least amount of sleep. Health professionals recommend around 8 hours a night.

8. Attitude - In the willpower culture of sport and fitness, the influence of our emotional patterns can often be neglected. We can be guilty of sabotaging our own efforts because it is easier to put other people first or because we lack confidence in ourselves. It's therefore vital to care for your emotions as you would care for your body - allow yourself time for goal-setting and make sure you reward your efforts.

9. Postnatal - Getting rid of tummy fat and into shape after having a baby need not be a struggle, even when time for yourself and sleep are limited. Postnatal exercises benefit your mind and body, promoting better posture, less muscle tension, more relaxation and, above all, abdominal muscle tone. There are a lot of people who have been keeping a flat tummy all their life and enjoy a slim profile. But in times of pregnancy, your body figure can drastically change, making it harder to lose stomach fat. How can you prevent the pregnant tummy look and lose tummy fat after giving birth? Pregnancy is a very sensitive stage in a woman's life, therefore it is important to consult your doctor frequently and ask them if you can do a certain exercise and until what stage of your pregnancy you can do so. If you would like to know more, I have also reviewed The Fit Yummy Mummy system for losing tummy fat after having kids, which you may find interesting and helpful.

10. Equipment - Plan for working out and losing tummy fat by gathering the clothes and gear you need to help you feel motivated and look good. Getting organised in advance helps to reconfirm your commitment to yourself and increases the chances that you will get rid of tummy fat and to keep it off.

Postnatal Depression - 5 Causes and 5 Ways to Overcome It

Many women experience a "high" after giving birth, which carries on through簫out the postnatal period. In about 40 per cent of these women, this "high" leads on to varying degrees of postnatal depression or "blues". In most cases, this is manifested through one or two crying episodes, for no apparent reason, within the first three to seven days. This then clears up rapidly without further problems.

For some women, however, this could lead on to more severe and deeper depression, lasting two weeks or more. Should this happen, it is advisable to seek professional help. Below are some pointers that may help you:

What can cause postnatal depression:

1. Physical, social and psychological changes fol簫lowing the birth.

2. Dramatic hormonal changes.

3. Physical discomforts following the birth, for example, episiotomy, "afterbirth" pains caused by uterine contractions, breast engorgement, lack of sleep.

4. Failure to bond with the baby, due to separation for medical reasons, in the early days.

5. Difficulty in coping with a demanding and irrita簫ble baby.

Overcoming postnatal depression

Though the "blues" cannot be prevented, its inten簫sity and duration can be reduced.

1. Get help with the housework, cooking and care of the baby. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

2. Make time for leisure. Plan an evening out at a restaurant.

3. Get as much rest as possible. Take a nap when the baby sleeps.

4. Be realistic about how much you can achieve each day. Caring for a newborn takes up a lot of time.

5. Discuss your feelings openly with your spouse. It is through the process of communication that the problems and depression of the early post簫natal days can be corrected.

Lastly, make sure that you have enough nutrition in your diet. Check that you are eating sufficient protein, natural carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, trace elements and about 6 to 8 glasses of water. Of the minerals required at this time of your life, calcium is the most important. Are you having calcium deficiency? You may be surprised that increasing your calcium intake may help you calm down and reduce your postnatal depression. New mothers often get so caught up with the welfare of the baby that they forget to take of of themselves. Remember, just like in the safety instruction of the airplane, where they ask you to put on your safety mask first before attending to the child, you need to attend to your physical needs first in order for you to have the strength and sanity to take care of your child.

Understanding Pregnancy Week by Week - Third Trimester

Are you pregnant? Then you should know the various steps of the pregnancy. There are different trimesters like first, second and third trimesters. We will discuss here about third trimester of pregnancy. Pregnancy Week by Week: Third Trimester is the final stage of child delivery. The third trimester covers the whole period of 29-40 weeks of pregnancy.

At this stage, baby will grow fast in the womb of mother. His body will be weighty at high speed. At the third trimester, the most important and vital parts of the body will grow into maturity. The whole respiratory mechanism inclusive of lungs will take the proper shapes. Within 37 and 42 weeks, your neonate will be fully matured and ready for seeing the daylight coming out of the womb. At the time of the delivery, you will face Braxton Hicks and pain. After the child birth, you will see that your baby is healthy with 18-21 lengthy body.

The average weight of the neonate will be approximately 7.5 pounds. So far as the Pregnancy Week by Week: Third Trimester is concerned, at this final trimester, you will experience similar episode of uneasiness, fatigue and physical discomfiture as you experienced at the first trimester. At the third trimester, a matured pregnant woman will feel loneliness and she will find it difficult to sleep properly. If you want to go to sound sleep, you must collect body pillow which should be placed between your legs.

Now collect another pillow for supporting your back. It will provide you pleasure and comfort. If you check properly the Pregnancy Week by Week: Third Trimester, you will find that the pregnant mom will face a number of problems which must be tackled very carefully so that the unborn baby in the womb must not be injured. This is the final stage of the child delivery and you must take care of your body so that you will be out of the risk of being injured or wounded. The heartburn is the common physical discomfiture which a pregnant woman experiences at Pregnancy Week by Week: Third Trimester.

Heartburn mainly occurs when your baby tries to create pressure by hitting upward in your womb with his limbs or head. Your stomach will be pressurized by your baby as it will rotate in your womb. Therefore you should take the small amount of meal at short intervals. It will be better for you to sit on your bed for the first couple of hours after taking lunch and dinner. It will help you to overtake the severity of heartburn. If you closely follow the Pregnancy Week by Week: Third Trimester, you will see that within the 30 weeks of pregnancy, the approximate weight of your baby will be 2.9 pounds with 15.7 inches in length. During this period you will feel dejected and tired. You need to revitalize yourself to spend time in carefree attitude.

Jasmine Green Tea Protects, Fights Infection, and Decreases Body Fat

Though most teas are made from only the leaves of herbs, jasmine green tea is different. It is made by adding the jasmine flower to the tea Cultivated widely for its beautiful flowers, jasmine is any of more than 200 species with fragrant white, yellow or red flowers.

The jasmine plant was brought to China from Persia sometime in the third century AD but never became popular there until about 1000 years ago. Yin Hao is considered the finest jasmine tea Other popular versions are Xiang Pian, Dragon Phoenix Pearl, and Mo Li Hua Cha, the latter being possibly the most popular scented tea worldwide.

Jasmine green tea is made by starting with a Chinese green tea for a base. Some will use pouchong/oolong or black tea but green is more common. The tea leaves are plucked and processed in April and May and then kept dry until the jasmine flowers bloom in August and September.

The flowers are gathered when they are fully open, either at midnight or early in the morning. Then they are placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed over the next four hours. The flowers are then removed. This will be repeated from two to seven times over a month's processing before the tea is ready for sale. Grading of the tea is determined by how many scentings the tea has gotten over a month. Low grade is 2-3 scentings. Higher grades will use seven scentings over the month.

Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols, plant-based substances that have proven to have anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. This helps prevent certain cancers and slows aging by eliminating free radicals. Jasmine is good for diabetes prevention and reducing high blood pressure. It is believed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.

Other jasmine tea health benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of blood clot, prevent allergy and flu, reduce blood sugar, keep fluid balance, boost the immune system and provide oral care and fluoride that helps protect against cavities and prevent tooth decay. One of the jasmine tea health benefits is to improve intestine conditions by blocking development and growth of bad bacteria and strengthening good bacteria.

In addition, jasmine tea fights food poisoning, including cholera, dysentery, and piccoli causing gastric ulcers. Gargling with jasmine green tea is believed to be one of the most effective ways to protect oneself from influenza, as the tea performs anti-viral functions.

Today, jasmine is known in alternative health care as an effective anti-depressant, including post-natal depression, and menopause problems. Along with raspberry leaf tea it has been used to help childbirth and milk production. It can help relieve muscle and joint pain, including chronic back pain and is considered a romantic enhancer.

Recent studies show that drinking jasmine tea may fight fat. People who consumed tea with jasmine tea extract during the period of three months lost more fat than those who consumed regular oolong tea It seems substances found in jasmine tea known as catechins, trigger weight loss by decreasing body fat and stimulating the body to burn calories.

To prepare a cup of tea simply steep about one half teaspoon of tea in water from 170ºF to 190ºF for two minutes. You can repeat the steeping up to two times. You should consume at least four cups a day. This tea is served with strongly flavored foods or served alone. It is good with curries, chicken and fish, and vegetarian dishes. A good quality jasmine green tea will work beautifully with fruit and flower salads, or desserts made with flowers, or soft cheeses with pressed flowers.

10 RV Tips - Save Money While Enjoying RV Living

Great American humorist, Kin Hubbard once said, "The safest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket."  But when RV living is your way of life, saving every penny may not be as easy as you might expect. The following RV tips are sure to help you save, and even earn, money while enjoying the RV way of life.

Ways to save money

1. Get more bank for your tank. Enjoy better gas mileage by practicing these simple driving tips:

• Slow down - The faster you drive, the lower your fuel economy will be


• Inflate - Proper tire inflation is a sure way to improve your gas mileage


• Lighten your load - Eliminating excess RV weight increases your fuel efficiency

2. Stop and shop. Forget about stocking up on everything you need for your entire trip by buying in bulk beforehand. Instead, shop often and locally. You'll not only reduce the weight of your RV and get better fuel economy, but also save money by skipping the national chains and shopping for produce, meat, dairy and other items at local discount and dollar stores.

3. Eating in is in. Skip the restaurants and eat in. Your meals not only will be more affordable, but also they will be healthier than those bought at the fast food restaurants and old-fashioned diners along the highway.

4. Go green. Use plastic, not paper. Although paper products are easy to use, and even easier to throw away, why not go green while on the road? While the initial investment of purchasing a set of washable and reusable dishes may cost more upfront, not having to continually purchase paper plates, cups and utensils will save in the long run.

5. Try "boondocking." According to Jack and Julee Meltzer, authors of The Smart RVers Guide to Saving Money: Have More Fun RVing For Less Money, boondocking, or "dry-camping," usually entails staying somewhere that offers no hook-ups (water and sewer) at little or no cost. Whether it's a parking lot or in the desert on public land, some RVers only boondock. Most RVers, however, stay at a campground every few days in order to empty their tanks, do laundry and fill up on fresh water.

6. Make house calls. If boondocking isn't your style, why not turn your RV road trip into an opportunity to visit with family and friends? Be sure to be respectful and always ask before showing up; however, most close friends and family would be delighted for an impromptu visit that doesn't involve clean sheets and extra towels. Parking your RV in the driveway shouldn't be a problem; just make sure to ask if there are any city ordinances requiring parking permits in the neighborhood.

7. Join the club. RV membership clubs like The Good Sam Club, KOA, Passport America, Camp Club USA, Happy Camper and Escapees offer a wide range of benefits to their members, including substantial discounts on campground fees. Do your research before embarking on your journey to see what deals and discounts you can find for the road.

8. Get online. RV forums can be found on numerous websites. And while you're surfing, try finding online coupons, codes and discounts for all of your other necessary RV purchases.

9. Save money on storage by selling your stuff. Save that monthly storage unit fee and make some money at the same time. Before embarking on your road trip, hold a sale and eliminate all of your unused belongings, then donate whatever is left to the local Goodwill or Salvation Army. In addition to a little extra income, you'll receive a deduction on your taxes.

10. Investigate your policies. Research your insurance policies to ensure you are getting what you need at a price you can afford. Whether you're looking at your RV insurance options or trying to find discount RV insurance coverage for your vehicle, sometimes changing your provider or premiums can save you money.

The RV lifestyle is one of the most affordable ways to travel and experience all that the country has to offer. Utilize these helpful tips for RVing on a budget, and make every dollar stretch for miles.

Does Metabolism Slow Down After Pregnancy? - Get the Details!

Does your metabolism slow down after pregnancy? Most women know that their body experience hormonal surges that affect the body's processes, including nutrient delivery, storage of fat, and energy processing. Typically, the metabolism also increases which is why most pregnant women always feel hungry almost all of the time.

After giving birth, these hormones fall drastically and would continue to do so in 4 to 5 months after childbirth. Different women have various reactions to the decline of hormone. Some enter a state of depression or postnatal depression while some adapt to their hormonal changes easily. Mood swings are linked to the decline of thyroid hormones, which also regulate the body's metabolism.

Reduced thyroid hormones affect how the body regulates energy from food. As it takes several months before the normal production of hormone returns, burning of calories while at rest will most probably slow down during this time. Symptoms of depression, onset by the decreased thyroid hormones, also have a huge effect on weight gain. Your body is also drained of stored nutrients after childbirth, which slows down the metabolism and prevents mothers from losing weight.

Losing weight after pregnancy

With hormonal changes, lost nutrients, and other physical changes that occur after pregnancy, it is not recommended to try to shed pounds immediately after pregnancy. At least not in the way to go on some extreme diet! The most important thing is to get sufficient nutrition and gain more healthy calories needed for breastfeeding. On a lighter note, breastfeeding can help you lose a little weight. You can start with light exercise and increase it as you go further. Take out the junk food out of your snacking and all these little steps will help you lose the weight. However, as mentioned above, women respond to changes differently so be observant of your body's reaction to such changes.

If you do not want to gain more pounds, it is best to consult a dietician for a weight loss program after childbirth. Reduce intake of empty calories but do not cut off healthy calories as it would only slow down your metabolism more. As much as possible, increase your daily activity. Start by taking your baby for morning walks, dancing him carefully to music, or stroll him or her to the park. You may always be worried and ask does your metabolism slow down after pregnancy. Whether it does or not, the main concern is to keep you and your baby healthy before, during, and after childbirth.