All Mothers: Pregnancy & Childcare Pregnancy & Childcare Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:08:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Symptoms of Hernia in Infants /symptoms-of-hernia-in-infants.html /symptoms-of-hernia-in-infants.html#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:08:23 +0000 admin /?p=2649 Hernia is a condition marked by protrusion of internal tissues or an organ through a weakened region of muscle wall or a hole. In case development of muscles is not [...]]]> Hernia is a condition marked by protrusion of internal tissues or an organ through a weakened region of muscle wall or a hole. In case development of muscles is not completed within the mother’s womb, infants might also develop hernia. This means, the premature babies are more likely to suffer from hernia as often the muscles in their body are not fully developed at the time of birth. In this article, we will be discussing about the signs of hernia in infants:

Groin bulge:

Hernia in infantsAppearance of a bump or bulge in the baby’s groin region is the most common sign of inguinal hernia. The baby boys mostly get the bulge in their scrotum; on the other hand, girls and some boys get the bulge in any other part of their groin. The bulge can be seen always or can be intermittently visible.

Abdominal bulge:

Umbilical hernia is marked by formation of a bump or bulge in the baby’s abdomen, in the surrounding area of belly button. A baby develops umbilical hernia due to incomplete growth of his abdominal muscles. Abdominal bulge caused by hernia usually becomes apparent when babies cough, cry, strain or scream. However, in some babies, the bulge always stays apparent.

Symptoms of hernia in infantsIrritability and pain:

Generally, the hernias in babies are painless. However, if you find that your baby is experiencing pain when the bulge is touched, it might indicate occurrence of incarcerated hernia. Incarcerated hernias are more serious compared to other forms of hernia occurring in infants. This hernia type involves trapping of a part of the baby’s intestines within the bulged region. If the baby is too small, he might not be able to express the ongoing pain; in such situation they tend to cry continuously or become extremely irritable. The bulge in a baby with incarcerated hernia might not disappear or reduce in size even when the baby rests.

]]>
/symptoms-of-hernia-in-infants.html/feed 0
Managing Infections from Trichomonas Vaginalis Naturally /managing-infections-from-trichomonas-vaginalis-naturally.html /managing-infections-from-trichomonas-vaginalis-naturally.html#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:24:17 +0000 admin /?p=2643 Trichomonas vaginalis is basically a flagellated protozoan which leads to severe vaginal infections among women. In extreme cases, the infection due to this organism may result into permanent infertility. As [...]]]> Trichomonas vaginalis is basically a flagellated protozoan which leads to severe vaginal infections among women. In extreme cases, the infection due to this organism may result into permanent infertility. As per the experts, the organism affects the sperm by altering its viability and motility. This organism may affect both men and women. Among women, the onset of the infection is well signalled by the release of unusual grey, green or yellow colored discharge. Moreover, apart from the unusual color, the discharge may appear foamy or sticky in substance with a strong odor. In addition, women may also develop slight irritation, soreness especially around the sensitive genital areas.

Trichomonas vaginalisA lot of women reeling under the attack of the discussed organism complain of pain during intercourse. They also experience persistent lower abdomen pain. This sign of pain may worsen during the onset of the menstrual cycle. On the other hand, men also excrete genital discharge in unusual colors. They may particularly experience acute irritation or burning sensation at the time of urination or and ejaculation. This infection should be immediately brought to the notice of a specialist. In case the symptoms are ignored and left unattended for long, both men and women can face the problem of infertility.

Thankfully, apart from several medical treatments there are uncountable herbal medicines for the natural and effective treatment of the same. As per the herbalists, garlic is one of the strongest natural agents that bear tremendous potential to naturally eliminate the infection. This herb is basically a potent antibacterial agent. It has been used since centuries for eliminating bacterial or parasitic infections in the body. This herb can be consumed in its raw form, or cooked in the food. However, those who are averse to its strong smell take to the consumption of its pill forms.

EchinaceaEchinacea is yet another powerful herb known to relieve the symptoms of this infection. This natural agent is a strong immune booster and has amazing antibacterial properties as well. Goldenseal, on the other hand, is another natural agent which bears strong antiseptic properties to kill the infestation of harmful organisms responsible for this infection. A lot of people also opt for the consumption of tea tree oil to combat this infection. The oil is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be used be essentially consumed by using it in cooking the food.

]]>
/managing-infections-from-trichomonas-vaginalis-naturally.html/feed 0
Some Tips for Preventing Gum Diseases in Children /some-tips-for-preventing-gum-diseases-in-children.html /some-tips-for-preventing-gum-diseases-in-children.html#comments Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:05:09 +0000 admin /?p=2638 Gum diseases are caused by the accumulation of bacteria on your gums. It can lead to serious health disasters apart from tooth loss. This is the reason why it is [...]]]> Gum diseases are caused by the accumulation of bacteria on your gums. It can lead to serious health disasters apart from tooth loss. This is the reason why it is often referred to as a silent disease. Serious gum diseases can lead to dangerous cardiovascular diseases like strokes, artery blockage etc. You can easily prevent gum diseases by following a strict health regimen for your gums. In this article, we have offered a few tips that will help in preventing gum diseases in children.

Gum diseases in childrenIt is extremely important to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing your teething thoroughly removes the plaque and bacteria accumulated on the surface of your gums. These harmful agents enter our mouth through our food and water intake. It is important to brush your teeth immediately after your meal. This will help you to reduce the formation of plaques.

Next, remember to use a toothpaste rich in fluoride. Fluoride is an important agent to prevent tooth decay. Then keep your body hydrated throughout the day. A hydrated body triggers the release of saliva. This saliva neutralizes the effects of harmful bacteria that stimulate gum infections. Remember to floss your teeth properly. Flossing your teeth daily will help you remove bacteria from the minute spaces in between your teeth.

Children gum diseases preventionFurther, eating a well balanced diet is also critical to your oral health. Avoid taking harmful products like tobacco and cigarette smoke. These two agents increase your chances of decaying your teeth. They increase the risk of inflicting gum ailments. Last, but, definitely not the least, to ensure that you have perfect oral health, get yourself checked by a dentist once in every six months. Visiting a specialist regularly helps you maintain the health of both your gums and teeth.

]]>
/some-tips-for-preventing-gum-diseases-in-children.html/feed 0
Raising an Only Child: Some Parenting Tips /raising-an-only-child-some-parenting-tips.html /raising-an-only-child-some-parenting-tips.html#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:09:06 +0000 admin /?p=2633 These days, majority of the family you’ll come across have only one child. The parents decide to adher to the single child norm due to several factors. Some of the [...]]]> These days, majority of the family you’ll come across have only one child. The parents decide to adher to the single child norm due to several factors. Some of the most common ones among them are: secondary infertility, growing cost of living etc. Raising a single child is often described to be more difficult than raising 2 or 3 children. Below, we have offered some parenting tips for raising an only child.

  1. As parents, you must give your child the opportunity of socializing right from the time they start crawling. One of the biggest concerns of parent of a single child is that tRaising an Only Childheir child might not learn the art of compromising. If you allow your child to mingle with peers right from the time when he starts moving, he is unlikely to develop into a person with uncompromising nature. If you don’t have kids of similar ages in your locality, get your kid admitted to a preschool.
  2. Visiting with your extended family is a must if you are parents of a single child. A child might not have siblings, but he will surely have cousins. Having frequent family get-togethers will allow the child to known his relatives and he will also be aware of the art of building relationships.
  3. ncourage your child to make more and more friends once he starts going to school. Every child needs friends; the need of friends is even more for children without siblings. MakingParenting tips for raising an only child friends and spending time with them also teach the child the art of building relationships. If possible, try to take some of your child’s friends along with you while going for family outings.
  4. Spoiling an only child is extremely easy as the parents don’t need to split their finances and attention. As parents of a single child, you must ensure that you are not over-pampering your little one. Don’t buy him every single thing that he demands. Don’t buy items like clothes and toys unnecessarily. If a child gets too much of everything, he will not be able to understand the true value of those items. As parents you are the ones who will have to decide how much is enough.

Follow the above mentioned tips while raising an only child and you will surely be able to bring him up with the right moral values.

]]>
/raising-an-only-child-some-parenting-tips.html/feed 0
Tips of Improving a Child’s Verbal IQ /tips-of-improving-a-childs-verbal-iq.html /tips-of-improving-a-childs-verbal-iq.html#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:59:04 +0000 admin /?p=2627 The IQ tests help in determining an individual’s intelligence levels and cognitive functioning. Often schools organize IQ test for indentifying whether any child requires special education or is suffering from [...]]]> The IQ tests help in determining an individual’s intelligence levels and cognitive functioning. Often schools organize IQ test for indentifying whether any child requires special education or is suffering from learning disability. Several school psychologists use verbal IQ tests for measuring the ability of a child in understanding and using language. If your child is not scoring impressively in the verbal IQ tests, you can help him in improving his scores. Let us find out how.

  1. Child verbal IQCheck the material covered by the IQ tests of your child. Majority of the verbal IQ tests get designed for testing kids between the ages of 6 and 16 years. These tests materials cover the basic knowledge and skills that a child of this age group should possess. Traditionally, verbal IQ tests consist of 6 sub-sections, general knowledge, vocabulary, arithmetic, digit span, similarities and language comprehension.
  2. After familiarising yourself with the material covered by these tests, start practicing these skills with your little one. These tests will test how much general knowledge a child has about literature and geography. Read out stories to your child and sit with him with a world map locating well known countries and cities of the world.
  3. Tips to improve child IQThe comprehension sections check a child’s basic problem solving abilities; explaining causes and effects of different types will make your child perform better in this section. In the arithmetic section, counting and mathematical skill of a child in judged. Ask your child to count the objects around him. The digit span section will require your child to repeat a series of digits mentioned by the examiner verbally. This skill can be practiced easily at home. The similarities section of a verbal IQ test, on the other hand, requires children to explain relationships between any 2 object. Playing matching games can help in improving a child’s score in similarities test.
]]>
/tips-of-improving-a-childs-verbal-iq.html/feed 0
Beneficial Finger Foods for the Toddlers /beneficial-finger-foods-for-the-toddlers.html /beneficial-finger-foods-for-the-toddlers.html#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:13:44 +0000 admin /?p=2617 Parents are advised to offer finger foods to their toddlers as doing so helps in developing coordination and motor skills in the kids. The practice of having finger foods automatically [...]]]> Finger foods for toddlersParents are advised to offer finger foods to their toddlers as doing so helps in developing coordination and motor skills in the kids. The practice of having finger foods automatically teaches a child how to eat on his own. Initially you might find that your little one is playing with the foods offered to them; do not interfere in what they are doing. Soon you will find your kid putting some of the finger food into their mouth. Below, we have discussed some beneficial finger food options that you can offer to your toddler.

Fruits:

You can offer all kinds of fruits to your toddler; however, the presentation of the fruits will vary. If you are offering hard fruits like pears and apples, you should cook them, especially if your little one is too young. Softer fruits like grapes can be cut into quarters of halves and then offered to the baby. The safest options for the toddlers however are bananas and ripe peaches.

Vegetables:

The hard and raw vegetables leaves your toddler at risk of experiencing choking; so, offer such vegetables to your baby only after coBest finger foods for toddlersoking them well. Cook the cauliflower, carrots, and broccolis well and then present them to the toddler. The risk of choking is much lower for vegetables like summer squash, zucchini and cucumber. Serve the vegetables as strips or sticks along with dips like salsa, guacamole or hummus.

Grains:

The grain products that can be used most effectively as finger foods are graham crackers, animal crackers and whole-grain crackers. You can serve these grin based food items alone or by adding a layer of peanut butter on them; you can also offer tasty yogurt dips along with the crackers.

]]>
/beneficial-finger-foods-for-the-toddlers.html/feed 0
Remedies for Dry Skin in Children /remedies-for-dry-skin-in-children.html /remedies-for-dry-skin-in-children.html#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:40:15 +0000 admin /?p=2606 Although often we associate dry skin with aging individuals, it can occur in people of any age group. Even a child can develop extremely dry skin. This [...]]]> Although often we associate dry skin with aging individuals, it can occur in people of any age group. Even a child can develop extremely dry skin. This might happen due to a number of factors; for instance low humidity during the winter months, using harsh soaps for prolonged period of time, misusing the moisturizers etc. Dry skin in children can trigger severe conditions like eczema, a condition marked by appearance of dry and flaky patches on the skin. To avoid onset of such conditions, use some simple remedies for treating your child’s dry skin.

  1. Remedies for dry skin in childrenWash all the clothes of your child carefully; it is advisable to use unscented detergents for the purpose. Never forget to rinse your child’s clothes twice; this will ensure that no trace of detergent is left in them. If your child has dry skin, you can also opt for detergents specially made for people with sensitive skin.
  2. To ensure that you child’s skin does not get dry any further, limit his bathing time. A child should be bathed for a maximum of 10 minutes.
  3. The child should be taught the methods of skin cleansing. Teach him how to scrub the skTreating children dry skinin gently using a sponge or washcloth. Children with dry skin must use unscented soaps and cleansers. If your child is below the age of 1 year, clean his body using only water.
  4. Applying moisturizer on the child’s skin is extremely important for preventing occurrence of skin disorders like eczema. However, you must make sure that the moisturizer is applied at the right time for enjoying its benefits. Apply the moisturizer when you child’s skin is damp i.e. immediately after bath. The moisturizing lotions and creams you choose for your child should not contain alcohol and perfumes like Lubriderm, Cetaphil or Eucerin.
]]>
/remedies-for-dry-skin-in-children.html/feed 0
Teaching Nutrition to Kids /teaching-nutrition-to-kids.html /teaching-nutrition-to-kids.html#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:20:49 +0000 admin /?p=2600 It is extremely important for every parent to inform their kids about the important of nutrients. Below we have presented some tips for teaching nutrition to kids.

To teach your child [...]]]>
It is extremely important for every parent to inform their kids about the important of nutrients. Below we have presented some tips for teaching nutrition to kids.

  1. To teach your child the importance of nutrients, you must stand as an example. Children learn more from examples than any other method. If your little one sees that you are having a healthy balanced diet containing plenty of nutritious foods, he will try to follow it at some point of time.
  2. When preparing your child’s meal, involve him in the act. Carry him with you while going to the grocery shop and ask him to pick the produce items; and when you serve him those items remind him that this was the ‘cauliflower’ or ‘broccoli’ he picked. This will attract him more towards these nutritious foods.
  3. Teaching nutrition to kidsYou can play some games with your kid for teaching him nutrition. For instance: draw food pyramids and pain them together. While painting the different steps of the pyramid, explain their significance to your child. Inform them about the quantity of different food types we need to have for leading a healthy life.
  4. If you find that you child is not linking a certain food item, reintroduce it in a different way after some days. For instance, suppose you child is not ready to have the pieces of papaya on his place. Never force him to have those. Instead after a gap of 2 to 3 days prepare a tasty papaya smoothie for him. He will most likely eat it without causing any trouble.
  5. Make your child understand that nutrition is important for all living beings. For instance if you have a pet, inform your child about the kinds of food the pet needs to take for staying active.
  6. Cooking with the child is another interesting way of increasing his interest in food and nutrition.
]]>
/teaching-nutrition-to-kids.html/feed 0
Natural Pain Relief for Kids /natural-pain-relief-for-kids.html /natural-pain-relief-for-kids.html#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:05:28 +0000 admin /?p=2593 Kids often get injured and require gentle pain relievers for getting active again. There are several home remedies that can offer instant pain relief naturally; pain in children should always [...]]]> Kids often get injured and require gentle pain relievers for getting active again. There are several home remedies that can offer instant pain relief naturally; pain in children should always be managed with such home remedies. However, parents must consult the physician if these natural cures fail to offer pain relief to the child. Below we have discussed some of the most effective natural pain reliefs for kids.

  1. Natural pain relief for kidsThe cold soaks: If your child suffers from swelling, bruises, jammed fingers and toe stubs, a cold water bath can help in reducing their pain. You can also make your child soak their painful toes or fingers in cold water for 20 minutes to relieve them from the pain.
  2. Rest: If your child has incurred a more serious injury i.e. an injury that will take him off his fit for instance sprained ankles or knees, the doctor will suggest him to rest. According to the pediatricians, the more will your child rest after being injured seriously, the more quickly his hurt muscles and joints will recover. The pain and inflammation reduce significantly only by resting. Besides that, taking proper rest also prevents aggravation of the damages caused by the injury. After the child recovers from the injury, the pediatrician might ask him to avoid taking part in certain activities for some weeks or months. Such suggestions are offered to ensure that the recovering muscles or joints of the child are not overused.
  3. Natural pain relief for childrenElevation: A throbbing pain occurring due to sprains in the ankles, knees, wrists and elbows can be reduced successfully through elevation. Elevation involves raising the injured body part above the level of the heart. This should be done even while your child is sleeping. Use pillows for elevating your child’s body parts.
  4. Cold pack: Joint sprains and muscle pulls can lead to severe pain. Application of cold packs on the affected body part can reduce the pain up to a great extent. The cold pack must be placed in the aching body part for a minimum of 15 minutes.
]]>
/natural-pain-relief-for-kids.html/feed 0
Causes of Urinary Incontinence in Women and Exercises to Cure the Condition /causes-of-urinary-incontinence-in-women-and-exercises-to-cure-the-condition.html /causes-of-urinary-incontinence-in-women-and-exercises-to-cure-the-condition.html#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:21:19 +0000 admin /?p=2577 Urinary incontinence or UI is a condition marked by involuntary urine leakage. The symptoms of UI can range from a mild leakage of urine to inability of holding the urine [...]]]> Urinary incontinence or UI is a condition marked by involuntary urine leakage. The symptoms of UI can range from a mild leakage of urine to inability of holding the urine at all. Urinary incontinence is observed more frequently among elderly individuals and women. Current statistics suggest that millions of US residents are victims of this disorder. Let us first get acquainted with the factors that6 can be responsible for causing IU.

SneezingStress incontinence:
UI occurring as a result of physical movements like laughing, coughing, sneezing, lifting something or exercising is referred to as stress incontinence. These movements increase pressure within our abdomen, which in turn presses down the bladder. If the pelvic muscles supporting our bladder are weak due to reasons like surgery, childbirth or age, we will be at risk of experiencing UI.

Overflow incontinence:
When urine leakage occurs from full, overflowing bladders, the condition is referred to as overflow incontinence. This UI type usually takes place when something blocks the flow of our urine; for instance a tumor. Overflow incontinence can also occur as a result of diabetes or as side effect of certain medications. Some medications used for treating coughs, anti-psychotics, antidepressants, beta blockers prescribed as treatment of hypertension and antihistamines are so9me medicines triggering overflow incontinence.

Urge incontinence:
This IU type occurs when urge of urinating appears suddenly and strongly, mostly within only a few minutes or seconds before urination. Urge incontinence usually affects elderly individuals; the main causes of the condition include urinary tract infections or overactive bladder. There are also instances where urge incontinence is triggered by bladder cancer, bladder stones, bladder inflammation or neurological disorders like spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis.

Functional incontinence:
When urinary incontinence is caused by the patient’s limitation in thinking, moving, communicating or other external factors that stop an individual from reaching the toilet in time, the condition is referred to as functional incontinence. This UI type is the most common variant of the disease found in the older people suffering from conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Anatomic incontinence:
FistulaUrinary incontinence can also be caused by anatomic problems. For instance, patients with fistula (a disease marked by formation of an abnormal connection or opening between our bladder and another body part like skin) often suffer from urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence caused by structural problems of the urethra or bladder neck is also categorized as anatomic incontinence.

Transient incontinence:
The other term used for this IU type is temporary incontinence; unlike the above mentioned incontinence types, this one is not a chronic condition. One may develop transient incontinence due to over consumption of alcohol, intake of medications for hypertension and heart problems or use of sedatives and muscle relaxants. Transient incontinence may also occur as a result of dehydration triggered by artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, tea, coffee and corn syrup. One may also develop this IU type due to excess consumption of food items high in spice or sugar.

Kegel exercisesMajority of the women experience urinary incontinence due to stress. They can be benefited immensely by performing Kegel exercises or exercises involving their pelvic floor muscles. However, for experiencing the difference, you will need to perform Kegels continuously on a regular basis for several weeks; some may also need to perform the exercises for months before experiencing any positive effect. For identifying your pelvic floor muscles, try to stop the urine flow midstream (don’t use the buttock, leg and abdominal muscles); the muscles you are requiring to contract for stopping the urine are your pelvic floor muscles.

Once, you have located the right muscles, start performing the Kegel exercises. The best thing about this exercises is that they can be performed anywhere without allowing anyone around you to know that you are exercising. Contract your pelvic muscles and count 10; relax the muscles and again count 10. Repeat performing the contraction and relaxation cycle for 10-20 times depending on your comfort level. Kegels should be done 3 times every day for enjoying maximum benefits of this exercising technique. If you find it difficult to perform Kegels in a standing position, you can also lie down and then perform the above mentioned steps. Also remember that you should not stop breathing while contracting your pelvic floor muscles. Continue breathing normally as you perform the Kegel exercises.

]]>
/causes-of-urinary-incontinence-in-women-and-exercises-to-cure-the-condition.html/feed 0