Avoid Abortion by Prevention

In dealing with health problems, it is said that prevention is better than cure. While it is certainly not an illness to be cured, the difficult situation of having an unwanted pregnancy can only be avoided in two ways: abstinence or prevention.

In 1999, the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health released a fact sheet about unwanted pregnancy. One fact listed there is that yearly, at least eight percent of Canadian women have an unwanted pregnancy. Unwanted pregnancy is a usually a result of ignorance, irresponsibility, or failure to use contraceptives. There are also cases where the contraceptive itself failed. The incidence of unwanted pregnancy has increased and, as a result, caused a rise in the number of reported abortions.

Nowadays, sexual activities are already widely discussed in the media and in public. Sex is no longer a taboo or forbidden topic. From movies to t.v. programs, from magazines to music --- sex is already a well-worn topic or subject. The open discussions about sexuality had also exposed women to sex.

Not everyone, however, are aware of the risks or danger in doing it. This ignorance then results to incidents such as unwanted pregnancy. Its victims are mostly young girls who, because of their curiosity, decided to engage in sexual activities. Nowadays, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy has increased to 90% every year, especially in developing countries.

It is not only those who are ignorant who experience unwanted pregnancy, however. A lot of women, though aware of the possible dangers, still engage in unprotected sex. They are those who are embarrassed, restricted by their religious beliefs and have a wrong understanding of the use of contraceptions. Some women choose to be at risk of pregnancy rather than ask and obtain available contraceptives. Others deliberately avoid using protection after being made to believe that using contraceptives is against the right to life. The rest, not knowing enough information about contraceptives and its side effects, fear that using those techniques, medications or devices can be harmful to their health. They fail to understand, however, that a greater risk is involved when women continue having sex unprotected.

Aside from unwanted pregnancy, other dangerous conditions can also result from not using contraceptives and engaging in unprotected sex. For the past couple of years, World Health Organization and the United Nations are concerned with a certain disease or infection that has already killed approximately 25 million people or more. It has infected an estimated amount of 38 million people worldwide that it is considered as one of the most destructive pandemics in history of mankind. This condition famously known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus resulting to an infection of the immune system. This virus is transferred from person to person through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, contamination of hypodermic needles, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because of this widespread concern, various organizations all-over the world are already promoting the practice of safe sex and use of contraceptives such as condoms. Aside from AIDS, other infections that can be obtained from practicing unprotected sex are sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

The use of contraceptives, however, does not ensure complete protection from unwanted pregnancy. In 1994, sources such as Globe Watch and Birth Control Handbook indicated that various contraceptives such as condoms, diaphragm, intrauterine devices, fertility awareness, etc., have a failure rate ranging from .04% to 20%. Several studies, as mentioned in Wikipedia, also indicate a perfect-use failure rate of birth control methods or contraceptives from .4% to 6% every year. This does not disprove that fact that majority of those who use contraceptives also benefit from being protected against unwanted pregnancy and other dangerous diseases.

As a result, unwanted pregnancies caused by various factors sometimes lead to abortion. A lot of pro-life groups and organizations are recently increasing their efforts in discouraging this practice and educating people, especially women, to engage in safe sex. Not all organizations, though, promote the use of contraceptives because of its ethical issues. Moral and legal aspects of abortion are still debated until now, however, some countries like the United States already allow its practice. Abortion, despited having positive effects, can still be detrimental to a person's health. It is said to cause breast-cancer and other mental health problems such as Post Abortion Syndrome. Rather than risk the dangers of having an abortion, it is better to just avoid getting pregnant when it is unwanted. Again, prevention is better than cure.

How To Deal With Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a medical condition that refers to a lateral or rotational curve and deformities in the spine. There are different types and causes of scoliosis. A congenital scoliosis is a condition that has developed after birth while an idiopathic scoliosis develops as a secondary symptom of another condition. Scoliosis can affect anyone and serious cases can be physically debilitating. Scoliosis causes the spine to develop or curve into a C-shape or into other directions. It is often painful but some conditions during adolescence not cause too much discomfort except for the obvious physical or skeletal imbalance. Celebrities who have been diagnosed with scoliosis include Isabella Rosellini, Renee Russo, Liza Minelli, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

To get proper diagnosis, a person must consult an orthopedist who specializes in spine diseases and bone abnormalities. The orthopedist will usually ask the patient to undergo the following examinations:

Physical Examination – Your doctor will check your back, chest, hips, legs, and even the skin. The doctor will look for imbalances or structural abnormalities in your shoulders, legs, and chest. Specifically, the doctor will look to see of your head is centered over your shoulders, and whether opposite sides of your body look even. Another easy way to detect scoliosis is to examine whether your pant legs drop at equal length.

X-ray – If you have unusual, persistent low back pain or a large spinal curve, the doctor will ask you to take an x-ray examination. The x-ray of your back will give a more detailed picture of the spine and the curvatures.

Curve Measurement - Using the X-ray image, the doctor will measure the curve and determine what kind of therapy or treatment is needed based on the degree of curvature. Curves that are greater than 20 degrees need immediate medical treatment, which may include surgery.

Kinds of Treatment for Scoliosis

There are different approaches in the treatment and management of scoliosis, as shown below:

Bracing - This is recommended for children or adolescents whose curves progress to 30 degrees and beyond. Bracing allows the spine to be held in a straighter position and prevents the progression of the curve.

A brace will not make your spine straight but it will help improve the posture and reduce the curvature. The commonly prescribed brace is called the Milwaukee Brace which consists of metal uprights attached to pads and positioned on the hips, rib cage, and neck; and the Underarm Brace which is made of plastic and is placed around the rib cage, abdomen, and hips. Bracing is also prescribed for other types of neuromuscular disease such as spinal muscular atrophy.

Surgery – When bracing fails to give the desired results, surgery is often seen as the next option. Bracing might not work for everyone. The main purpose for surgery is to join together the bones of your curve and realign the vertebrae. The surgical procedure is called spinal fusion.

Coping with Scoliosis

To cope with scoliosis, some patients get a massage or a similar therapy session that helps improve body alignment, flexibility, and posture. Aquatic exercise can also improve a scoliosis patient's posture and balance. Acupuncture is also used as an alternative method for reducing pain and discomfort brought about by scoliosis.

Your world need not stop from spinning just because you have a spine problem. Scoliosis patients can still lead happy, active lives. People with scoliosis can still participate in sports and other physical activities. Remember, physical fitness is important for people with back and spine problems.

Women's Crown of Glory

Hair is often referred to as a woman's crowning glory. Aside from a woman's face, her hair is the most visible part of her body. No wonder, most women make such a big fuss over their hair. While going completely bald is already socially accepted even among women, there was once a time when women had to grow long hair. Almost like their very own “pet,” women take care of their hair with great care. They spend enormous amounts of money and time just to retain the smoothness and shine of their hair, which can be straight, wavy, long, or short.

As part of the hair care regimen, most women place considerable attention to choosing their shampoo and conditioner. There are now different shampoo formulas and conditioners for all hair types. There are products that were specifically prepared for oily hair, dry hair, damaged hair, and normal hair. There are also anti-dandruff shampoos, baby shampoos, and a host of other hair products that are used to moisturize, smoothen, and strengthen hair.

Surely, there is more to hair that just the shiny images that we see in t.v. commercials. Hair is defined as a filamentous outgrowth of protein. The hair follicles grow out from the epidermis but the roots are planted deep in the dermis. Hair comes in different colors, contour, and diameter.

In society, hair is very important because it somehow denotes a person's health, age, virility, and social status. Throughout the ages, it has played an important role in the lives of people --- from the lowly peasant, to the middle class, to the men and women of royalty. During the pre-modern era, each social class had its own particular hairstyle. One's hairstyle can lead to rejection or acceptance in certain groups or social classes. It can enhance a person's appearance, self-confidence, and even contribute to career advancement.

Given the weight of importance on hair, many people have developed a fear of losing hair. Unfortunately, losing hair is but a natural human process much like the falling of tree leaves. Hair loss that involves the shedding of at least 100 strands a day may be considered a serious hair problem. Losing about 50 hair strands a day, however, is quite normal. Thinning of hair may lead a patch or bald spot on the scalp. Normal hair grows in cycles and consists of three stages: growing, resting, and falling.

Hair loss, as a physical problem, has three general types, as indicated below,

Alopecia Areata – This refers to a loss of hair that results in a patch or bald spot.

Androgenetic Alopecia – It is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is caused by a combination of four factors: age, testosterone, hormone levels, and heredity.

Chronic Illness – Iron deficiencies, thyroid diseases, connective tissue disease, and syphilis may cause hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium – This type of hair loss is caused by high fever, crash dieting, acute illness including physical and emotional stress.

Scalp Diseases – Fungal and bacterial infections also cause hair loss.

Drugs – Certain anti-cancer and anti-coagulant drugs can also cause hair loss.

Excessive hairstyling – Hairstyling like the pony tail or braiding can stretch the hair and pull them out from the follicles.

Loss of hair should not be seen as simply an aesthetic issue. It could be the sign of a more serious illness. It is wise to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

You are already losing hair rapidly even if you are only in your early twenties or in your teenage years.

You are experiencing pain or intense itching.

The skin on your scalp appears to be red or scaly.

You are experiencing weight gain, fatigue, and intolerance for cold temperature.

The good news is that there are several hair loss treatments available in the market. The key is to try to control your stress and anxiety over your hair loss. With the variety of hair loss treatments and hair care products, no one should feel down about losing the “crowning glory.”

Go on Diet Naturally With Fruits

There have been recent statistical reports about the increase in the number of men, women and children with problems with obesity and being overweight. This sharp rise in weight-related health problem may be attributed to factors such as heredity. Some people really have a tendency to become overweight especially if being “full-bodied” is a family trait. Genetics play a major role is literally shaping our bodies.

Another reason why many people struggle with weight gain is due to the consumption of high-calorie foods. Most of processed food are high in calories and are not actually nutritious. These foods are also high in sugar content and other chemicals that are not good for the body.

High-calorie diets are made much worse by the relatively sedentary lifestyle of many urbanites and individuals who have no time to workout. By not burning calories, people store fat in their bodies. Fat, which can only be burned through cardiovascular exercise, are packed in a person's body. This situation goes on and one until a person just finds himself overweight. Others become so obese that it is already considered a serious health risk. Lack of exercise is, indeed, one of the major causes why people gain those extra, unwanted pounds.

What can a person do to shed the fat and get back to being healthy?

The first easy step is to recognize the fallacy that being “full-bodied” does not necessarily mean one is healthy. People often associate having a good appetite as a sign of good health. Far from it, the question that must be asked is just how much should we eat and what food should we consume. It is best for serious weight watchers to consult a doctor or a nutritionist-dietitian in order to get the right nutritional information and proper eating plan. These professionals can provide good advice regarding eating habits and food choices based on a person's body structure, metabolism, and daily activities.

Many overweight and obese persons also struggle with the psychological and social impact of being “too big.” Negative reactions from people and the usual association of being fat to ugliness confront overweight and obese people almost all the time. Moreover, excessive weight gain can limit a person's physical activities and, in the process, cause further isolation from other people. Obesity and being overweight are often linked to poor self-esteem and anti-social behavior.

Aside from the psychological and social effects of being overweight and obese, they need to be forewarned about these serious health problems that could come as a consequence of having too many excess pounds: heart ailments, diabetes, joint problems, respiratory problems, cancer, and high blood pressure. Overweight and obese individuals should really start to pay attention to their eating habits and lifestyle.

To avoid these negative consequences, it is necessary for an overweight or obese person to gradually decrease or lose weight. Weight loss programs are widely promoted and advertised in television and in radio, in magazines, and in a number of books. The success or effectiveness of these weight loss programs depend on the commitment of the weight watcher. It is also very important to be careful about so called “miracle diets.” Some of the diets promoted these days are not backed up by scientific fact and could even be harmful. It is important to remember that the success of each weight loss method or treatment can vary from person to person.

One safe way to lose weight is to go natural --- that is, to eat only natural foods that are free from harmful chemicals, preservatives, calories, and other ingredients that cause or contribute to weight gain. A good alternative to consider is to go on a fruit-diet. It is said to be very beneficial since fruits are rich in vitamins and have a lot of components and substances that help fight against various illnesses and diseases. Fruits are also good for detoxification of harmful substances inside a person's body. Moreover, fruit-dieting does not cause a person to lose the necessary energy to perform daily activities unlike when a person chooses not to take any food because of a lack of appetite. A fruit diet, therefore, is one of the most healthy ways of losing weight which makes it a better option than taking medications.

For those that need medical assistance in losing weight, the use of safe and proven weight loss pills may also be considered. One of the most popular weight loss pills in the market today is Orlistat, which commonly marketed under the brand name Xenical.

Beware Of Sexually Transmitted Disease

Whether we admit or not, we are living in a sexually permissive society. We see it everyday. Take a look at the music videos of popular artists with provocative suggestions of sex, as well as films touted to be artistically produced and directed. Even advertising makes use of subliminal messages of seduction to promote their products. There is really nothing wrong with sex if it's done safely and responsibly.

Boys and girls will normally get curious and interested about sex as they go through physical and emotional changes during puberty. And due to media and internet access, our youth are easily exposed to a lot of possibilities about sex. The risks of acquiring Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STD are high in this age group. It is the responsibility of the parents to strike a balance between teaching their teens about responsible sexual health while, at the same time, making them understand that the knowledge about safe sex does not give them a license to engage in sex with every willing party and at every available opportunity.

What is Sexually Transmitted Disease?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STD are diseases caused by viral or bacterial infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact. STD can affect sexually active men and women of all ages and backgrounds. People who are aware of STD may experience social, emotional and psychological stress due to guilt or embarrassment. But there is more to STD than stress and shame. These diseases are serious sexual health problems that may cause permanent damage such as infertility. If not given proper attention, STDs may even lead to serious complications and even death, as morbidly shown in the thousands of AIDS cases around the world.

But the good news is, STD can be treated. The spread of STD is due to the common misconception that only people who engage in sexual intercourse get the infection. STD, like herpes or genital warts, can be acquired through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or sore. The myth that one cannot get infected through oral and anal sex is what it is --- a myth. Viruses or bacteria that cause STD can enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth and anus, as well as the genitals.

The fact that it is difficult to tell whether a person is infected or not makes STD spread easily. People who are infected may not even know that they have STD, thus, endangering their partners with the infection without even realizing it. Sometimes, it takes a long time before any signs or symptoms of STD appear.

The following are some of the most common STDs that affect sexually active individuals:

Chlamydia – is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacterial infection. Chlamydia often infects the cervix in women while the urethra, rectum and eyes can be infected in both sexes.

Gonorrhea - is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted and can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, anus and throat. It is possible to be infected with gonorrhea and have no obvious symptoms.

Crabs or Pubic Lice - are small, crab shaped blood-sucking parasites that live on pubic hair but can also be found wherever there is hair such as in the armpits, on the body, and even in facial hair such as the eyebrows. Crabs or pubic lice can also survive away from the body and may be found in clothes, bedding and towels.

Genital Herpes - is caused by the virus called herpes simplex and can affect the mouth, genital area, the skin around the anus, and the fingers.

Genital Warts – are small fleshy growths found anywhere on a man or woman's genital area, or on different parts of the body, such as the hands and anus. If a woman has warts on her cervix, this may cause slight bleeding or, very rarely, an unusual and colored vaginal discharge.

Syphilis - is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted and may also be passed from an infected mother to her unborn child. Syphilis has several stages. The primary and secondary stages are very infectious.

STD Risk Factors

After knowing the types of STDs that commonly infect sexually active individuals, it is best to be informed about the following risk factors associated with sex-related illnesses:

* Curiosity about sex among young people almost always lead them to sexual experimentation. The younger people start to have sex, the greater their risk becoming infected with an STD.

* Promiscuity or having lots of different sex partners increases the risk of getting STD infections than those who stay with the same partner.

* Lack of sexual responsibility or being unprotected during sex exposes individuals to possible risks of getting STD infections.

Prevention and Treatment

Just like with other medical conditions, preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases is much easier than treating them. Abstinence from all types of sexual contact may be the only way to prevent STD. But people do not have to deprive themselves of sex as long as they remain faithful to their partners or at least, try to use condoms and other birth control methods that also serve as sexual safety aids. Other birth control methods may help prevent pregnancy but only latex condoms can lessen the risk of getting an STD.

People who are sexually active should consider getting regular gynecological or male genital examinations to give doctors not just the opportunity to check for STD while they are still in their earliest and most treatable stage. Sexually active people should be well-formed about STDs and the various ways to protect themselves.

People should always be honest about their sexual history especially during consultations with doctors. The more you hold back, the more chances you allow STD to develop and cause more serious damage.

There is a delicate harmony that balances guilt-free sexual health awareness, self-worth, and social responsibility. Parents need to be more willing to hold open discussions with their children. It is the duty of the parents to prepare their children in the matters of physical, emotional and social dimensions of sexual health and its consequences. STD is a serious sexual disease. Remember: It could happen to you.

Look Good By Spending Less

Why do television shows like the Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Ambush Makeover, and Style Her Famous become big hits among viewers worldwide? One possible reason for this is that these shows amaze people with the remarkable transformation that happens to people who receive makeovers. These makeovers actually change people's lives, creating a positive impact on their relationships, career, and self-esteem. Loyal viewers of these shows also secretly dream about making dramatic changes in their own lives. Vicariously, they relish in the joys of transformation as they watch ordinary people like them step out to make changes in their physical appearance, emotions, and mindsets.

Still, viewers of these shows cannot help but notice how expensive a makeover can be. A change in hairstyle or wardrobe can cost thousands of dollars. An enormous amount of money is also needed to undergo extensive skin care treatment.

Self-transformation is a somewhat risky proposition. It is not east to get a new hairstyle or shop for a whole new set of wardrobe. But as far as skin care is concerned, most people (especially women) can go no-hold barred. Still, the cost of buying famous and expensive brands, spa treatments, and high-tech skin care treatement solutions can easily run into a couple of hundred, even thousands of dollars. People wishing for skin beauty treatments, however, should not feel hopeless. This is because skin care treatments can already be had in the comforts of one's home, even without spending too much.

Effective skin treatments for less money? Yes, it is possible. Below are some of the common and effective homemade skin care treatment recipes that are very useful for those with limited budgets:

Pimples are usually caused by excess oil and clogged pores. One way to prevent having pimples and getting rid of excess dead skin cells is through a fruit facial. Fruits such as grapes, strawberry and pineapple contain substances that work much like commercial salicylic acid formulas minus the side effects. Make a mixture of these fruits using a blender and apply on the face like a mask. Leave the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off using lukewarm water right after. In case pimples have already appeared, dabbing a small amount of pure white toothpaste will make it dry faster. Also, eye drops applied on pimples can remove its redness for some time.

Smoother and tighter looking facial skin with smaller pores can result from using toners or astringents. At home, one can use a mixture of two tablespoon pureed berries (strawberries, cherries, cranberries), one tablespoon honey and one tablespoon oatmeal combined in a bowl. Before putting the mixture on the face, wet it first with water then spread the paste evenly allover the forehead, cheeks, jaw and neck. Leave it on for approximately five minutes before rubbing it gently on the areas mentioned earlier. After these steps, wash the mixture off using tepid or lukewarm water. Another instant toner that can be used is ice cubes. Rub it all over the face to tighten pores and increase blood circulation.

Wrinkles are among the most common skin problem among older women. One good home-made skin care treatment for wrinkles is mashed banana. Simply mash or mix bananas in a bowl and apply it on the face. Leave the substance for 15 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. Other components that can be used to remove wrinkles are green Thompson seedless grapes and pineapples. Cut the Thompson grapes in half and gently squeeze it at wrinkle lines of the face. Leave the juice for 20 minutes and wash with lukewarm water right after. Also, the core of pineapples can be rubbed on the face as wrinkle treatment. Leave the pineapple fluid for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off.

Aside from skin care solutions that can be applied directly on the skin, it is also important to have the right substances inside the body that will help keep our skin healthy. We need to eat nutritious food, especially those that are rich in vitamins that have been proven to be good for the skin. Vitamin A helps stimulate skin repair and can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Vitamin E which helps in the maintenance of body tissues are usually found in whole grains such as wheat, oats, and oily fish such as sardines and mackerel. Leafy green vegetables and nuts are also rich in Vitamin E. Finally, Vitamin C which helps in making the skin firm and wrinkle-free can be obtained from eating citrus fruits such as oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage. Increasing the intake of foods rich in these vitamins will surely help protect and beautify the skin.

As cited earlier, effective skin care can be down even at a low cost. Resourcefulness is the key to have a n inexpensive yet real skin transformation. Aside from these fruit-based skin care recipes, it is also important to keep a positive attitude and practice stress relief techniques. For a lasting beautiful skin, a person should not only transform from the outside but also from the inside where real beauty is found.

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Communication Tips For A Healthy Married Life

Aside from financial trouble, infidelity, and problems with the in-laws, many marriages suffer from the simple lack of communication. Many couples fail to resolve their problems early on. As a result, couples grow further apart and are left to struggle with their respective anger and frustration. Instead of speaking with each other as adults, many couples resort to withdrawal or the “silent treatment.” In many cases, couples have already formed the way they communicate based on how their own parents communicated with each other. A person who grew up with parents who constantly fight has the tendency to be argumentative too. A person who was raised by parents who ignored each other whenever they had problems may have the tendency to ignore his partner and his own problems in marriage.

It is said that it takes two to tango and it takes two to argue. But many marriages end up in separation or divorce precisely because the couple even evades quarrels and just chooses to ignore their problem. With mutual “silent treatment,” a couple denies their own opportunity to discuss and hopefully resolve their problem. And when they do talk, the couples would often just exchange accusations and even hurl invectives at one another.

Many women complain that men are so cold, indifferent, and insensitive to their needs and to the issues that affect their relationship. They say that men spend too much time at the office and neglect their duties as husband and father. Women feel angry when men go home only to spend time in front of the t.v. or go out to have drinking sprees with their friends. Men, on the other hand, complain that women are so boisterous, jealous, and nag all the time.

So, how can men and women in marriage deal with their marital problems? The first step that couples should take is to improve the way how they communicate with each other. Shown below are some of the ways how couples can improve their communication:

1. No name calling and don't make any threats.
2. Don't interrupt when your spouse is still speaking.
3. Don't dominate the discussion and stay on the same topic or issue at hand.
4. Listen and pay attention to what the other is saying.
5. Respect each other and be prepared to make changes in the way you think, feel, and behave.
6. Avoid mentioning or bringing up past mistakes and old resentments.
7. Don't assume too much that you know what your spouse is thinking or feeling.
8. Don't presume that you're always “right” in any argument.
9. Try to meet half-way or compromise.
10. Be honest and acknowledge the validity and importance of each other feelings.

Many couples forget that simple affirmation or small acts of love and kindness can do wonders for their marriage. A warm hug or attentively listening to your spouse can bring back a semblance of peace, love, and respect in your relationship. Indeed, one of the keys to a lasting marriage is effective communication. Given enough time and lots of patience, any couple on the rocks can revive their marriage. It just takes a lot of listening and kind words to make your marriage a real match made in heaven.

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