Archive for February, 2008

Pregnancy and Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen veins that may bulge near the surface of the skin. Approximately 25 percent of women and 15 percent of men in the United States have varicose veins. Many women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. In fact, it has been estimated that as many as 40 percent of all pregnant women suffer from varicose veins. There are three main causes for the development of varicose veins during pregnancy premary cause is hormonal changes. ncreased levels of the hormone progesterone cause blood vessels to relax. This may allow the two halves of the valves in the vein to separate slightly.

This affects even the muscles in the walls of your veins - which is why during pregnancy you are more prone to the problem. Varicose veins can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Second cause of varicose veins during pregnancy. The enlarged uterus (the organ that holds a developing fetus), pressing against the major veins in the pelvic region, tends to add to the overall problem. There are many symptoms of varicose vein during pregnancy include leg pain accompanied by feelings of fullness or heaviness; aching , discolored skin at the ankles that is brown in color, skin ulcers on your ankles, visibly enlarged veins and itchy, throbbing.

The result is an increase in the pressure in the leg veins that are subject to becoming varicose. Varicose veins during pregnancy are more likely to affect women who have an inherited tendency of varicose veins in their family. Varicose veins that develop during pregnancy usually disappear after delivery. Unfortunately, varicose veins are likely to recur in each succeeding pregnancy, often sooner than during the previous pregnancy. Women who develop varicose veins while they are pregnant are likely to develop them when they get older. Troublesome cases of varicose veins that do not clear up after delivery of the baby.

Exercise regularly to help promote your circulation and decrease the risk of blood pooling in your veins. Even a short walk around the block can help keep your cardiovascular system functioning well. Wear support hose also helpful this condition. Don’t cross your legs at the knee. Don’t stand for long periods. Avoid wearing tight girdles or panty leg girdles. When you ride in the car, stop and walk frequently. Sleep on your left side at night to take the pressure off of the veins that service your legs. Maintain an appropriate weight for your stage in pregnancy. Monitor sodium intake and eat plenty of fiber.

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Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

Aromatherapy is a natural, healing modality employing essential oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is wonderfully suited to helping alleviate many ailments in pregnancy through gentle massage and the use of essential oils. Pregnancy can be truly amazing time, filled with wonder as your baby begins to grow miraculously inside you and joy at the anticipated arrival. During pregnancy, there are many instances when aromatherapy can be an extremely beneficial and helpful option, while also being very easy to employ. It’s often noted that women tend to stop or avoid aromatherapy during pregnancy.

Aromatherapy is certainly not prohibited for pregnant women. Instead, it helps in nourishing their body cells. Aromatherapy gives relaxation to the outer as well as inner environment of the body and if you are pregnant, make aromatherapy sessions a part of your health care. There are many essential oils which are safe for pregnant women to use whilst pregnantSome essential oils include jasmine, lavender Cypress and many others. Jasmine is noted for its properties in preparing the uterine muscles for labour. Avoid using jasmine during the first eight months of pregnancy then use daily as a massage oil on the abdomen and lower back.

Lavender has been shown to strengthen contractions during labor. It too helps to loosen the expectant mother, and offer her a sense of peace. Chamomile is a fantastic vital oil, which is really efficient at soothing anxieties. This is a better vital oil for an expectant mother who is anxious or stressed. Neroli has long been known for it’s benefits as an anti-depressant. It can too assist to alleviate insomnia, which many pregnant women sustain from. Sandalwood is believed to assist forbid and cut stint marks. The consumption of spearmint may assist to cut any sickness or dawn illness that is suffered by many women in the best trimester.

Cypress is another excellent essential oil that is often used during pregnancy. It is most safe to use this particular one after the fifth month of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the right kind of massage becomes necessary, especially of the limbs, the back and the scalp since these are areas that are prone to pain. Essential oils of mild concentration are used during pregnancy. The therapist prescribes the oils that are to be used and gives instructions as to which ones are to be avoided. Oils that are to be avoided include: Basil, Cinnamon, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley, Clove, Cypress , Cedar Wood, and Clary Sage.

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Weight Loss Medication

Obesity often requires long-term treatment to promote and sustain weight loss.  Weight-loss drugs may sound like a dieter’s dream. Weight reduction medications are not designed for trivial or cosmetic weight loss. They are designed to help obese patients, as part of an overall weight management program. Some safe diet pills can be modestly effective, and enhance weight loss by 8%-10%, but medication does not work for everyone. Weight-loss medications are a tool to help combat these physiologic and behavioral pressures over the long term.  Most available weight-loss medications approved by the FDA are for short-term use. Most available weight-loss medications are “appetite-suppressant” medications. These include: Didrex, Tenuate, Sanorex, Mazanor, Adipex-P, Ionamin, Bontril and Meridia.

These medications generally come in the form of tablets or extended-release capsules. Phentermine remains available, but is approved only for short-term use. Sibutramine (Meridia) is approved for longer-term use. Orlistat (Xenical) is a medication that blocks the absorption of dietary fat and is also approved for longer-term use. Prescription strength is 120 milligrams; over-the-counter Alli is the same drug at half strength, or 60 milligrams. Meridia (sibutramine)  increases the levels of certain brain chemicals that help reduce appetite. The effects of diet pills treatment on obesity-related health risks have found that some agents lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and triglycerides (fats) and decrease insulin resistance over the short term.

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