Animals During Pregnancy – What You Need to ...

If you work with or live with animals, there are some precautions you should take when you are pregnant. This is because all animals have germs, and they can transmit illnesses to you and possibly to your unborn baby and young children.

No matter what kind of animal(s) you have, here are some tips to apply to any animal or pet, especially when you are pregnant:

* Follow good hand hygiene practices to reduce the chances of being infected.

* Do not allow your pet to be in contact with any food surfaces, or where you wash or store your dishes.

* Also, avoid kissing your pets or allowing them to “kiss” you on the face.

* Avoid cleaning pet supplies and cages in your kitchen sink. If you use the tub to clean anything, disinfect afterwards.

In what follows, you will learn about the risks posed by specific animals or pets, and what precautions you should take with each of them.

1. Dogs

* Ensure that your dog’s vaccinations are current.

* Make sure that your dog has been dewormed.

* Ensure that your dog does not jump on your abdomen when you are pregnant.

* Do not touch your dog’s feces.

2. Cats

* Toxoplasmosis is the most common infection that can occur. You get it from coming in contact with a parasite in your cat’s feces.

* Cats can contract it after eating infected rodents, hence a good reason to have only indoor cats. They can also contract it before they are born, if the mother cat is exposed to it.

* You can have your cat tested by your veterinarian to determine if he has been exposed to the bacteria.

* Infection with toxoplasmosis can result in miscarriages, and birth defects such as blindness.

* You do not need to get rid of your cat. You can still pet and enjoy your cat. Just make sure that someone else in your household cleans the cat’s litter box.

* If you do have to clean the litter box, make sure that you wear gloves to avoid contact with the feces. Then wash the gloves (or use disposables) and your hands thoroughly afterwards.

* Toxoplasmosis can also be transmitted through soil, so be sure to wear gloves if you are gardening. Also, be sure to wash your hands well after you are done gardening.

* You may want to cover your other children’s outdoor sandbox to ensure outdoor cats cannot use it as a litter box.

3. Birds

* Birds can transmit infections such as salmonella and other germs.

* Ask someone else to clean your bird’s cage.

4. Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Other Rodents

* These pets can become infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), when they are at breeding facilities or at the pet store. The common house mouse carries this same virus.

* It is a threat to pregnant mothers, as it can result in miscarriages and various birth defects.
In order to reduce the risk, it is best to stay away from rodents of any kind � domestic pets or wild. This is because the virus can be transmitted via the feces, urine, saliva, and nesting materials of these animals.

* If you have a pet rodent, be sure that you do not change its cage. In addition, keep it in an entirely separate section of your home where you do not spend time.

5. Amphibians and Reptiles

* These include salamanders, frogs, snakes, lizards, turtles, etc. Unfortunately, these are not safe pets to have during pregnancy or the first five years of your child’s life when your child’s immune system is still developing.

* They carry risk of infection from salmonella, which they carry on their skin and can be passed in their feces.

* In the past, pet constrictor snakes have killed unattended babies and young children.

6. Cattle

* If you own cattle, you likely own a ranch or a hobby farm. Cattle can carry the E.coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria, which is passed through their feces.

* Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after being in contact with cattle. Also, be sure to wash fruits and vegetables well, as they may have been exposed to contaminated soil. During pregnancy, you may want to avoid drinking well water, if there is any risk that runoff from your farm animals has contaminated your well.

In summary, you must use common sense when handling any animals during your pregnancy. Some animals such as amphibians and reptiles pose more risk. By making wise decisions now, you can ensure that you increase the chances of having a healthy baby.

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Green Coffee Bean Extract 2-Pack

Studies have shown that green coffee bean extract, containing the key ingredient chlorogenic acid, can aid fat and weight loss in a safe and natural way. If you have been looking for a safe and convenient way to help you boost weight loss, then look no further! This 2-pack green coffee bean extract is exactly what you need to kick start your diet!

Get your two-pack at outstanding savings starting Monday, 5-6-, 7am!
$80.00 JUST $9.99, NO SHIPPING FEE

2-Pack Green Coffee Bean Extract 800mg with GCA and 50% Chlorogenic Acid All-Natural Weight Loss Supplement – 120 Double Strength Capsules – click here! Remember, sale is not active until 7am PST 5/6/13.

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What to Expect from a Life of High Cholesterol

If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, what does that actually mean? Chances are you’ve heard a lot about high cholesterol. You might be feeling nervous about the lifestyle changes that invariably need to come from having high cholesterol.

What can you really expect from this kind of diagnosis?

==> Dietary Changes

One of the first things you’ll probably have to change in your life is your diet.

You’ll want to start lowering the amount of cholesterol you take in, as well as reduce the amount of chemicals you take in which can cause your liver to produce extra cholesterol.

To make a long story short, you’ll have to start eating healthier. You’ll need to cut back on fatty foods, processed foods and preserved foods, and increase your intake of greens, fruits and whole grains.

==> Medication & Treatments

You’ll likely also need to start taking one or more medications regularly.

These medications can range from very mild with no side effects to extreme kinds of medications for drastic changes to your cholesterol.

Taking medications works a lot faster than dietary changes or lifestyle changes. However, it doesn’t actually affect your overall health and other health complications can come up.

==> Regular Check-Ups

Another change in your lifestyle is regular visits to your doctor.

If you’re at a moderate to high risk level, you’ll need to see your doctor regularly for tests, for prescriptions and for check-ups.

You’ll also want to see your doctor regularly just so you can discuss your options and measure your progress.

==> Exercise and Activity Recommended

Your doctor will probably tell you that you should start exercising if you don’t already.

The American Heart Association recommends working out 30 minutes a day, four days a week. Of course, in the beginning, it might make sense to only work out twice a week for a few minutes at a time to get your body used to exercise again.

If you haven’t worked out for a while, starting to work out again can be quite a change in lifestyle. Though it’ll be tough at first, getting exercise is good for your overall health, in addition to your cholesterol.

==> Can High Cholesterol Actually Be a Good Thing?

Having high cholesterol can be treated as a kind of a wake-up call. It’s not as serious as cancer or other kinds of health conditions and is more or less curable.

The main cure is to live a healthier lifestyle, as well as to take the necessary medications.

In other words, though having high cholesterol can be very dangerous for your health, it can also be treated as a wake-up call to get healthier overall.

Lowering your cholesterol helps prevent all kinds of other health diseases. Researchers have estimated that a 1% reduction in cholesterol results in a 2% to 3% reduction in your likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.

Being diagnosed with high cholesterol definitely means some lifestyle changes. It might mean several months or even a couple years of paying a lot of attention to your health. But in time, even this will fade into the background.

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Using resistance training bands

I found this book so helpful when wanting to work certain areas of my body, increase muscle and tone.

Resistance Band Workbook: Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide to Stretching, Strengthening and Rehabilitative Techniques

Bands were first used in therapy to introduce low-intensity resistance to rehabilitating patients. Today bands come in all shapes and resistances and can be used by people of all ages and fitness levels. Resistance Band Workbook features almost every conceivable exercise ever done with an exercise band. Whether you’re looking to enhance your physique, elevate your sports performance or simply improve functional fitness, this book will add a new dimension to your workout - regardless of your experience level with resistance training.

Exercises are clearly described and illustrated, step by step and something I was pleasantly surprised to see was an area of the book dedicated to resolving certain issues in the body. Wrist issues, for example – something becoming more common with so much computer and txting use these days (I’ve had my share of wrist issues!) – gives the user specific exercises to do to decrease or relieve the pain. There are specific exercises for diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, shoulder pain and more.

These exercises are very doable too. No  expensive equipment purchases needed. I like that! They work and they work based on the resistance you provide. Regardless of your size, age or beginner status, you will quickly see how these exercises can increase flexibility, build strength, and help you recover from injury.  The author - Karl Knopf – states: “Every exercise that can be done on a piece of exercise equipment or with weights can be done with an exercise band. And a total-body resistance band workout should take less than 15 minutes—we can all make time for that.”

Mew users will begin with Level 1, then gradually move onto level 2, then level 3. From there, there are some more advanced routines the resistance band user can progress to – including “advanced” and “super fit”, but also routines that support specific sports and activities, such as baseball, cycling, golf, tennis, walking/jogging, swimming, skiing and more.

This is a great fitness resource I’m glad I own and can reflect back to for general exercise, increased muscle/tone and even relief to keep trouble areas of the body that arise now and then.

Book info:

• Title: Resistance Band Workbook: Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide to Stretching, Strengthening and Rehabilitative Techniques
• Author: Karl Knopf
• $14.95, Trade Paper
• March 2013 from Ulysses Press
• ISBN: 978-1-61243-171-0

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Abes Market Natural Favs 4-10

I’ve talked before about one of my favorite natural/organic stores online – Abes Market. It’s one of the first places I shop of shopping  for my organic foods, bath and beauty products. They offer such a large variety!

I saw recently that they added a rewards program on their site. Once you make a free account at Ab’es Market, you can “Share & Earn”.  I’m so there! Share and Earn 5 points for every share on email or Twitter. Earn 2 points for each friend who visits from your Facebook share. If your friends end up making a purchase you get an additional 200 points! These points can be redeemed to earn Gift Certificates. Check out Natural Rewards with Abe’s at http://www.abesmarket.com/natural-rewards.

Meanwhile, I wanted to share with you some of the most favorite products of all at Abe’s Market.

Enjoy!!

• South Of The Border Tortilla Soup – Best sellers
• Morning Sunshine Breakfast Cookie
• Balmers Monkey Balm – Best sellers
• Colorado Campfire Chicken Stew – Best sellers
• Miracle Noodle: Spinach Angel Hair Shirataki Pasta – Best sellers
• Health Warrior Premium Black Chia Seeds – Best sellers

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Understanding BMI And How To Calculate Yours

If you’ve ever wondered whether your weight is healthy, then you may have stumbled upon the term BMI. You may have heard about it from your doctor or colleague, and that it could be an indicator that you need to lose or gain weight. If you want to know what it is all about and how to calculate your own BMI, then read on.

What Is BMI?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, which is a number that you calculate from your height and weight. This number takes into consideration the ratio of your weight to your height, to roughly calculate the percentage of body fat that you have. A high BMI suggests that you have a higher percentage of fat in your body. Experts have come up with a method of calculating one’s BMI together with a BMI chart that represents one’s body fat content. However, it’s far easier to use an online calculator such as this one: http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Men and women generally carry different amounts of body fat and therefore cannot refer to the same chart when calculating their BMI. Women naturally tend to have more subcutaneous fat than men do, so they may have a higher BMI than men. To obtain the best results when calculating your BMI, you should refer to a chart designed for your gender.

Calculating Your BMI

Calculating your BMI is quite a simple process. To calculate it by yourself, you first need to measure your height and weight (both in inches and pounds). You then calculate the square of your height (multiply your height with itself). Now divide your weight by your this number, and multiply that value by 703. The number you have now is your BMI. Alternatively, you can also use meters and kilograms to calculate your BMI. The method is exactly the same but you do not need to multiply the number by 703 in the end.

A BMI of below 18.5 suggests that you are underweight; whereas a value of 25 and above suggests that you are overweight. You should try to adjust your weight so your BMI is always within the normal range which is 18.5 to 24.9. If your BMI is above 30, you are then considered obese. If this is the case, then you may need to work at losing weight.

Remember, however, that the BMI measure is just a starting point. If you’re muscly, you may have a higher than average BMI but actually still be healthy. And, those with a good BMI are not always healthy. To get a better measure of body fat, you can use tools such as calipers. However, as an easy to calculate starting point, your BMI is a good place to begin.

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Foods that make you gain weight

Dieting is difficult, because we are often mislead by our own cravings and food manufacturers lying about the health benefits of their products. Did you know that the foods below are not as healthy as claimed?

Juice 

Drinking juice will keep you from needing your Aviva health insurance, right? Well actually, did you know that a 16 ounce bottle of apple juice has 55 grams of carbohydrates? That’s around 5 slices of bread. And the worst part is, most of it is sugar. You’re basically consuming 12 spoonfuls of sugar.

Sushi rolls 

On a surface level, it seems weird to consider a sushi role unhealthy. Being made of veggies wrapped up in seaweed, they are low in calories. However, so many of them are covered in mayonnaise (often found in the sauces), and cream cheeses. Plus soy sauce contains sodium which will make you retain water, and therefore appear bigger.

Dried fruit 

Did you know that the dried fruits you are snacking on between meals to help cravings, have five to eight times more calories than fresh fruit? Fresh fruits tend to have under 100 calories, whereas dried raisins have 460. This is because companies often add more sugar, increasing the calories.

Rice cakes

Rice cakes are quite healthy. They are fat-free and low in calories making them a good snack… for anyone without an appetite. Rice cakes lack fiber and protein, and considering these two things are hunger curers, eating a rice cake will not make you any less hungry. You might as well eat an apple instead. It’s more likely to fill you up.

Microwave meals

You know the microwave meals which are branded as low-fat options perfect for those of you on diets? Well, the lean dishes served are high in sodium, because they can’t use fat to make the meal taste good. As such the sodium, as explained earlier, will make you retain water. You’re better off making your own version at home, and substituting healthier ingredients.

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Vitamin B12 And Omega 3 Supplements

You are what you eat.; and never has there been a truer phrase. If you’re serious about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, there is no reason why you should start not only by watching your food intake but also to gauge the nutritional value of what you and your family are eating. Healthy foods such as vegetables, lean meat and wholegrains are not only packed with vitamins and all things good, they’re also great to help you maintain a fit and healthy body image. Unfortunately, not everyone of us has the luxury and time to sit down to a good home cooked meal every day. The demands of a modern lifestyle could be debilitating to one’s health. In instances such as these, supplements are a great way to ensure that you get a balance between your career and health.

For instance, you can easily supplement Omega 3 fish oil in your diet in various forms. There are an abundance of Omega 3 supplement capsules in the market and these are so easy to pop right before a meal. Vitamin B12 is also an integral part of what you body needs daily. Not to be underestimated, this vitamin ensures that your brain, blood and nervous systems function normally. In foods, this vitamin can be found in animal produced food, such as milk, egg, fish, and shellfish. However, if you can’t eat these on a daily basis, there are multivitamins that you could implement in your daily diet. These are easily obtained from your local pharmacist, or even online.

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7 Surprising Ways to Boost Your Memory

Guest post by Paula Spencer Scott, Senior Editor at Caring.com

Worried about your memory? Or just interested in boosting your brainpower? Scientists point to exercise, heart health, and a healthy weight as some of the very best ways you can support your brain. But research also turns up some quirky (and more fun) ways to optimize your brain.

Here are a few:

Eat dark chocolate.

Researchers credit a substance called epicatechin. Don’t like chocolate? Epicatechin is also found in blueberries, grapes, and tea.

Paint your living room.

The brain likes change. So mix things up. Rearrange the furniture. Drive home a different route. Don’t feel up to the hassle of changing your kitchen wallpaper? Change the wallpaper on your computer, so you have new things to look at.

Make a date with friends.

An active social life is strongly associated with better cognitive health. Being around people also lessens your risk of depression, which is a risk factor for dementia.

Take regular tea or coffee breaks.

You might not associate doing something relaxing with revving up your brain, but the caffeine and antioxidant compounds in coffee and tea are linked to a reduced risk of dementia in the long term. In the short term, breaks also boost concentration.

Quit multitasking.

It’s better for your brain to focus on just one thing at a time. In fact, even when you think you’re doing two different tasks at once, the brain can only focus on one. You wind up losing time and efficiency as the brainmicro-switches back and forth from one task to the other.

Study Japanese. Or computer programming.

The point is to learn something new that’s a complete stretch and departure for you. Doing Sudoku over and over or advancing your established French skills is good, but it’s even better to create completely new neural pathways, with knowledge that’s entirely fresh.

Quit smoking.

Smokers may develop Alzheimer’s earlier than nonsmokers. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why — the reason may be related to hypertension and heart health — but if you’re looking for reasons to kick the habit, the brain is one worth counting.

About the Author

Paula Spencer Scott is senior editor at Caring.com, the leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. Paula is a 2011 MetLife Foundation Journalists in Aging fellow and writes extensively about health and caregiving. If you’re caring for someone with memory impairment, be sure to read reviews of memory care providers in our Memory Care Directory.

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Getting Started with Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an alternative form of medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat everything from life threatening illnesses to the common cold. While many people used to modern medicine may find it suspicious, it is still one of the most used types of medical treatment worldwide and is steadily gaining popularity in the western world.

Homeopathic medicine is based on three basic principles. The biggest principle of homeopathy is that like treats like. Instead of treating based on the disease doctors think you have, treatment is done based on the symptoms you know you have. The second principle is that there is only one treatment, not two or even ten like a traditional doctor might give you. The third principle is that everything is given in extremely small doses.

To treat yourself homeopathically, you must figure out all the symptoms. Once you know your symptoms, you find a substance that causes the exact same set of symptoms and take a small amount of it. Because you are only taking a very small amount, the substance not only doesn’t harm you, it’s said to cure you, generally long term or even permanently.

When most people hear about homeopathy, their initial reaction is “no way!” Treating symptoms with something that causes your symptoms seems totally counter-intuitive, but it’s a concept that’s used in modern medicine as well as more ancient cures. Shots commonly used to treat allergies contain a small amount of whatever you’re allergic to. Many vaccines contain a small amount of the disease they’re designed to protect against.

While homeopathic medicine is not only considered effective, it has many benefits over modern medicine. Like many other natural medical treatments, most homeopathic remedies are totally natural. While this doesn’t necessarily make them safe, these remedies tend to cause fewer side effects, have little drug interactions, and are generally better for your overall health.

Homeopathic medications are also considered better for your body because they work with it. Many modern medicines work to suppress symptoms like fever or coughing. These symptoms are the body’s natural ways to get rid of disease. Instead of suppressing symptoms, homeopathic medicine works to cure the problem itself while addressing the specific symptoms.

When the right treatment is found, homeopathy is considered very effective. The big problem is that just like there are thousands of prescriptions and over the counter drugs, there are also thousands of homeopathic remedies as well. And if you don’t pick exactly the right one, it won’t work.

While you can buy homeopathic remedies over the counter, just like herbal and other alternative medicines, that doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe to treat yourself. If you’re serious about this treatment you should speak to a doctor who has experience in alternative medicine or even see a specialist in the area.

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