Feminine Hygiene

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Cleanliness is key to feeling carefree and looking your most beautiful. All women need to know the best ways to take care of their bodies, and yet issues of feminine hygiene are very rarely discussed. Here are some tips to help you feel fresh and confident enough to shine all day – even in your most private moments.

Materials Matter

Because your intimate health is delicate, it’s important to select cleansing materials that contain ingredients that harmonize with the female body’s exact needs. Soaps with strong fragrances can provoke irritation, and some specific cleaning agents have been linked to allergies as well as more serious health issues. Triclosan, for example, is found in a vast range of products in the US; but its use is restricted throughout Europe and it has been found by the US Food and Drug Administration to be linked to long-term health problems such as a reduced resistance to bacteria. Knowing what you wish to avoid will make shopping for cleansing products much easier.

Of course, the best way to be sure that a product is right for you is to choose one that is tailored for the purpose you will be using it for. Just as using a body scrub on your face might dry out your skin, using facial soap on your intimate areas can have detrimental effects. The pH level of these areas is more acidic than the rest of your skin, and it changes as your hormones shift throughout your monthly cycle. High quality intimate washes are created with this in mind, but remember: if a new product doesn’t seem to agree with you, don’t persevere – your body knows what’s best for it.

A Way That’s Right For Your Body

Using a variety of methods will give you the most effective clean. Scrubbing dead cells away with a loofah keeps your skin looking bright, but rough approaches like this are only suitable for your arms, legs and torso. The spongy texture of wash cloths and loofahs can cause them to retain bacteria and even to house mold, so be careful to keep yours clean and to replace them frequently. For extremely sensitive areas like the face and your intimate regions the safest way to keep clean is simply by lathering gently with your hands.

All Things In Moderation

There really is such a thing as being too clean! Whether or not you realize it, your body is engaged in a constant balancing act to keep itself in sync, responding to even the smallest changes in your routine. Moderation is therefore a necessary part of good hygiene. Excessive exposure to soap products – including bubble bath – could lead to infections, dryness and discomfort. Experts including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also warn against douching or internal cleansing. If everything is running smoothly, you should be able to keep clean on the outside and let the inside look after itself.

Look After Your Intimate Objects

Taking good care of your Kegel exercisers, personal massagers and other intimate objects is a huge part of having positive experiences with them. STDS and other harmful bacteria can breed on these items, but by using proper cleaning methods you can eliminate this risk and keep them in the best condition for you to enjoy them for as long as possible. Investing in a cleansing product that is specifically designed for the purpose means you can be sure that it is compatible with the female body. You can then enjoy peace of mind, knowing that you are getting the most out of your intimate objects in the safest way.

How to avoid unnecessary weight gain before and after pregnancy

How to avoid unnecessary weight gain before and after pregnancy

Image and Article Credit : Rhythma Kaul / Hindustan Times, New Delhi

Like most new mothers, Kate Middleton does not need to work very hard to get back to pre-pregnancy fitness level. Here is why. Online tools and maternity clinics now offer exhaustive pre-natal and post-natal tips on pregnancy, nutrition, exercises, baby care and weight loss. In fact, hospitals and maternity centres these days have a dedicated team that helps plan a woman's lifestyle, before, during and after pregnancy to ensure she avoids unnecessary weight gain.

According to gynaecologists, more than 70% women who want to have a baby or have conceived are troubled by the thought of gaining weight. "I have witnessed this trend over the past two-three years; women are very aware and do not want to put on unnecessary weight," says Dr Anuradha Kapur, senior consultant, department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Max Super-Speciality Hospital in Saket. According to Dr Kapur, it is normal to gain 10-12kgs during the entire nine months of pregnancy if a woman is thin to begin with. For overweight or obese women, the weight gain should not be more than eight kilograms.

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"It is usually normal to gain a kilogram every 15-20 days," she says.

Eating right, exercise in the form of yoga, aerobics and an active lifestyle are the key factors responsible for maintaining healthy weight during and after pregnancy.

To begin with, it is advisable to maintain a healthy weight before planning for a baby. Experts say, some women are under the impression that almost all the kilos will be gone soon after birth although it is natural to lose about 4kg to 5 kg quickly post-delivery.

"The baby weighs about 3kgs and the placenta is about half-a-kg and the fluid in abdomen also has about same weight. Losing rest of the weight should be a gradual process," says Dr Kapur. Among all the women who come to her with plans to have a baby, 5% to 10% worry Anika Parashar, chief operating officer, Fortis Healthcare. "These are women who are obsessed with weight gain and are fit cases to undergo professional counselling. You have to make then understand it is no big deal," she says.

Parashar cannot fathom the fuss surrounding the weight gain.

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"It is not so much there in the west as it is seen in India that women are so conscious about their image post pregnancy. I feel the society here is largely to be blamed as we are so worried about what people would say," she says. Parashar adds, "It takes about nine months to have a baby, we must at least give ourselves that much time to lose those kilos that have been piled on."

The group has a facility specifically dedicated to maternity care called MammaMia.

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"We have designed postnatal weight loss massages for which we use special oils that increase body's metabolic rate significantly. The kind of strokes for the tummy, thighs, bums etc. lead to inch-loss. The only condition is that it needs to be done every day for two weeks for 40 minutes," says Parashar.

Those who have had a normal delivery can start exercising after two weeks and in caesarean cases, six weeks onwards. "It is not safe to crash diet as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It has to be a lifestyle change," says Dr Kapur. Agrees Monika Kapoor Singh, 31, who delivered a baby in October last year.

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"I was also jittery about gaining weight and told my doctor so. I joined aerobics classes and also would do stretching exercises regularly. It's been seven months and I am losing weight gradually," she says.

Bone Health

Building Bone Health

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Skeletal health is hardly at the top of anyone’s list of big health concerns. We worry about heart health, cancer, diabetes, and other health problems—but what about osteoporosis?

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that is characterized by reduced bone mass and bone quality—or in layman’s terms: weaker, or deteriorating, bones. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, notably at the hip, spine, and wrist—and this becomes a big concern as we age. In fact, one out of every two women over the age of 50 will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is more common in women, especially after menopause when hormonal changes can contribute to bone loss. But osteoporosis doesn’t have to be inevitable—a few healthy habits can help you protect your skeleton and increase your chances of maintaining strong bones.

Healthy Habits

You may think that a daily glass of milk is your ticket to strong bones, but there are several ways to maintain strong bones—and milk is not necessarily one of them. Try these healthy habits:

Do’s

Eat calcium-rich foods: Dark leafy greens such as kale and chard are loaded with calcium. What’s more, they’re alkaline rather than acidic—and this is important because bones release calcium when the body needs to lower acidity levels. By eating more alkaline foods, you prevent the spike in acidity that leaches calcium from your bones.

Take vitamins C and D: Although calcium usually gets all of the credit for bone health, vitamins C and D are essential for strong bones. Vitamin C helps build the collagen in bone. Vitamin D helps transport the calcium from our food into the blood so it can be deposited into the bones. Experts recommend 500 milligrams of vitamin C and 800 to 2,000 international units of vitamin D daily.

Get moving: The best way to build strong bones? Use them! Weight-bearing exercise—exercise we perform while on our feet and legs that works the muscles and bones against gravity—has been shown to increase bone density and improve bone health. If you want strong bones, get moving and stay moving for life. Walk, run, dance, do yoga, lift weights, play tennis—just find something you enjoy and keep doing it.

Don’ts

Lay off the milk: Milk sounds like a good idea because of its calcium content, but here’s the problem: it spikes the acidity levels in your bloodstream so the bones end up releasing calcium in order to mitigate the acidity. In other words, milk may actually speed up bone loss. You’re better off getting your calcium from dark leafy greens.

Reduce sodium: Not all salt is bad. In fact, sea salt can be a healthy component of any diet. However, when you have too much sodium in your bloodstream, the kidneys have to work extra hard to clear it out. Part of that process involves calcium, which is—you guessed it—leached from your bones. Aim for no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day if you are healthy and 1,500 milligrams per day if you suffer from high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes.

Go easy on the medications: Of course, sometimes medication is necessary—and the best judge of that is your doctor. However, some medications can negatively affect bone health either by inhibiting the growth of bone cells or preventing calcium absorption. Discuss the bone effects of any medications you are taking with your doctor—and ask if there are any natural alternatives that won’t affect your bones.

Don’t rely on calcium supplements: It’s tempting to pop a pill to meet our calcium needs, but some research has shown that calcium supplements are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. What’s more—they aren’t as effective as food anyway. You’ll absorb twice as much calcium from kale as you will from a supplement.

Article Credit : http://awomanshealth.com/

Divorce Women

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So it turns out women who are divorced are at more risk of having heart attacks, even if they remarry, than those who are continuously married.

According to the new study by Duke Medicine, a woman who has been through two or more divorces is nearly twice as likely to have a heart attack when compared to their stably-married female peers.

Study's lead author and associate professor Matthew Dupre, Ph.D., said that the study was one of the first to look at the cumulative effect of divorce over a long period, and they found that it could have a lasting imprint on people's health.

The findings were based on the responses of a nationally representative group of 15,827 people ages 45 to 80 who had been married at least once. Participants were interviewed every two years from 1992 to 2010 about their marital status and health. About one-third of participants had been divorced at least once during the 18-year study.

Although men are generally at higher risk for heart attack, it appears women fared worse than men after divorce, although the differences were not statistically significant. Men who had been divorced had about the same risk as those who stayed married. It was only after two or more divorces that the risk for men went up, the study found.

The study also found that men who remarried also fared better than women. These men experienced the same risk of heart attack as men who had been married continuously to one partner.

The study is published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. 

Article Credit : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/

Pad Vs Tampons

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Which Is Right for You?

Once you get your period, you'll need to use something to soak up the menstrual blood. Your choices are a pad or a tampon. If you've ever seen them on the store shelves, you know there are many varieties to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you?

Let's start by explaining exactly what each one is.

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Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. Some have extra material on the sides (called "wings") that fold over the edges of your underwear to better hold the pad in place and prevent leakage. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins.

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Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. A tampon is also made of absorbent material, but it's pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. The question all girls wonder is — how do you put them in? Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. Other tampons can be inserted using your fingers.

Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. You'll want to talk to your mom or another woman you trust when you are trying to decide which is right for you.

Article Credit : http://kidshealth.org/

video Credit : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc_BnK1cKpw

Tampons

UbyKotex: Buy Me Tampons - Social Experiment

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Common Health Problems

5 Common Health Problems Women Face Post 30

They say 30 is the new 20. And while we have to admit that 30-year-olds are raring to go, it's not all rosy. With the fancy corporate jobs and the expert balancing act, women barely have time for themselves. Add to that, there are certain changes that occur in a woman's body post 30. As a result, believe it or not, women are more prone to certain disease and illness. That's why it's important to pay attention to your health early. Here are five common health problems you should watch out for after 30.

1. Breast Cancer: Post 30, a woman could develop lumps in her breast. Some lumps are not harmful while others may be cancerous leading to a fatal condition called breast cancer. Do a breast self exam regularly and keep track of any bodily changes. After all, timely detection can save your life.

Breast cancer treatments vary from chemotherapy to breast extraction, which can be quite scary. A medical insurance will be extremely helpful in paying all the bills that follow.

2. Osteoporosis: As we grow older, our bones begin to deteriorate and absorb old bone tissue faster without creating new tissue, which makes our bones weak. This happens due to calcium deficiency and fragile bones that can be painful. Make sure to have a steady calcium intake through appropriate food or supplements.

There are no sure-shot symptoms for osteoporosis, but a bone test can give accurate results. But fret not, these expensive tests will be covered under your medical insurance. Choose a reliable insurance plan like Bharti AXA Smart Health Insurance for example, which not only covers your expenses for the medical treatment but also gives you the liberty to use the compensation amount as per your own discretion. Also the premium that you pay towards your health insurance is eligible for tax deductions.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a common condition that results in severe joint pain and usually affects women in the age group of 30 to 60 years. It is an auto-immune disorder that leads to stiffness in the body, pain, inflation and so on. The cause of this disease is unknown and it could happen to anyone. Physical therapy, diet and medication are the only solutions.

4. High Blood Pressure: This is a medical condition where the blood pushes against the lining of the arteries. This can be harmful leading to damage of the blood vessels, heart, brain and other organs. Hypertension, stress and wrong diet can cause this disease in women, especially post 30. So avoid long hours at work and slip some exercise into your routine. A balanced diet will also go a long way in keeping your healthy.

5. Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are a problem that occur in women whose veins swell and become extremely painful. Older women are likely to suffer from this problem, which makes it difficult for them to walk comfortably, sit on the floor for long or even stand continuously.

So take your health seriously and invest in adequate health cover to avail of the best medical treatment available.

Article Credit : Idiva.com

How to care Vagina

Use Condoms

You know that rubbers are great at protecting against STDs and pregnancy, but one study found that using condoms helps keep your vagina’s pH level at the status quo so good bacteria, like lactobacilli, can survive in there. And this is super important since those little bacteria help prevent yeast infections, UTIs, and bacterial vaginosis. Just in case you needed another reason to wrap things up.

Wear Cotton Underwear or Go Commando

When it comes to your underwear selection, your vagina has a preference: cotton. That's why most underwear comes with a thin strip of cotton fabric in the crotch. Since it breathes and absorbs moisture, it's the ideal way to clothe your lady parts, says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale University. And when you're laying around the house, feel free to go commando so you can let things air out, says Minkin. Just don’t go to the gym sans undies, because you'll want that extra layer between you and germy gym equipment.

Work it Out

Doing kegels is crucial for strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, which are key in producing stronger, mind-blowing orgasms—not to mention bladder control. Note to self: Include kegels in every workout.

Embrace Greek Yogurt

Snacking on yogurt with live cultures helps boost the good bacteria in your hoo-ha, which, as you know, is all around fantastic for preventing annoying vaginal problems like yeast infections, says Minkin. Just be careful that you’re not noshing on the super-sugary kind, because that could make you more susceptible to those infections.

Always Go To Your Annual Exam

Although new guidelines advise against annual pelvic exams if you're symptom-free and not pregnant, a visit to your doctor isn't just about poking around your lady parts, says Minkin. "I think an annual exam is important for talking about health problems," she says. Using this time to chat about using condoms, fertility, and any random sex questions you might have is just as important as checking for STDs. So before you switch up your doctor visits, have a conversation about it with him or her first.

Lube Up

Sometimes when you're about to hit the sheets, it seems like your vagina just didn't get the memo. But it's totally normal—vaginal dryness can impact you if you take certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, or hormonal birth control. It can also crop up after pregnancy or shortly before menopause. When this happens, make sure you’re communicating with your partner so they don't forge ahead before you're properly lubricated, which is obviously painful and can cause abrasions. Or just use lube to speed up the process and make sex even hotter, says Minkin.

Say No To Douching

Think you need some assistance keeping things all clear down there? You don't. The vagina actually cleans itself, says Dena Harris, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University. Plus, studies have shown that using intravaginal hygiene products can put you at increased risk of infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and STDs. Just don't do it.

Handle With Care While Cycling

An unexpected place you might be putting your vaginal health at risk is the cycling studio. If you're a frequent rider, you could be at risk for genital numbness, pain, and tingling (not in a good way) while cycling. In fact, a study of female cyclists in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that a majority experienced these symptoms. If you love to hit up cycling studios, try wearing padded shorts and following these form modifications to keep your vagina pain-free during your workout.

Approach Antibiotics with Caution

Another threat to your nether region's good bacteria are antibiotics. Those pills can kill off some of that wonderful lactobacilli that keep your vagina healthy, says Minkin. Obviously, if you have to take an antibiotic to fight infection, you shouldn't pass up the prescription, just load up on probiotic Greek yogurt to reduce the damage, she says.

Be Mindful of the Order of Sex Acts

Make sure not to go from anal to vaginal sex without changing the condom or properly cleaning off first, says Minkin. Going from backdoor to front exposes your vagina to a host of bacteria and can up your risk of infections, she says.

Be Careful With Soap

That scented body wash may be awesome, but it doesn't belong anywhere near your genitals, says Minkin. Soap can be really drying to the sensitive skin around your vulva, and you really only need to rinse with warm water to keep things clean down there. But if you just don't feel right about going soap-free, stick with a plain, gentle, unscented soap, she says.

Article credit : http://www.womenshealthmag.com/

Breast Implants

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Breast implants get safer, less likely to be rejected by the body

Is breast implant a good thing? The procedure may have its advocates the world over, but there enough people who are against it, given common complaints such as infection, pain and discomfort. But those in favour of it, may have something to cheer as scientists have developed implants that will not be rejected by the body.

Scientists have discovered a way to enhance the surface of silicone breast implants to make them less likely to be rejected by the body.

The research team, from the University of Manchester in the UK, says that one in five people with breast implants grow scar tissue that calls for more surgery due to pain and deformity.

"Some of the surfaces seen on implants today were designed originally in the 60s and 70s and therefore there is an unmet need for delivering the next generation of biomimetic breast implant surfaces," says lead author Dr Ardeshir Bayat, of M-U's Institute of Inflammation and Repair.

This condition is called capsular contracture and it occurs when the body rejects a foreign object.

Springboarding on previous research suggesting that scar tissue is less likely to result from implants with textured surfaces, the research team created a surface similar to what the body is used to, such as the basal layer of the skin.

This provides a better environment for cells to grow on, according to the study.

"Importantly, the micro environment created by the features of a breast implant is critical for breast tissue cells to adhere to that surface and grow on," says Dr Ardeshir Bayat.

He compared the surface of conventional implants to the face of a smooth cliff, noting that the cells need a terrain of their own dimension to properly interact with.

What's more, the enhanced surface could help reduce chances of inflammation, which can result in scarring.

The research team tested their new implants over the course of a week -- the period post-operation where patients are most likely to develop complications -- and concluded that cells reacted peacefully to the new surface.

The researchers acknowledge that more work remains to be done before they will be ready to appear on the market, although they predict that when they are they won't be short of demand.

Nearly 400,000 cosmetic breast augmentations and reconstructions occur in the US alone each year, and according to the researchers, the number is growing.

Their paper was published in the journal Biomaterials.

Options for breast enhancement using the body's own stem cells exist, yet a recent report published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery says the claims to that and other such cosmetic procedures using stem cells are unsubstiantiated.

News Credit : http://www.hindustantimes.com/wellness/

Periods

                A majority of women have the problem of getting irregular periods. This is the most common health problem of women who commence menstruation or are in their menopause stage. The normal periods last for 3-5 days whereas the menstrual cycle can vary from 28-30 days. A menstrual cycle is measured from the first date of periods in the last month till the next periods. However, unhealthy lifestyle, smoking, drinking, excessive exercise, medications and drugs lead to irregular periods. When you suffer from irregular periods, the date of the period delays or come before time. This also leads to less or more menstrual flow and severe menstrual cramps. Many women complain that due to irregular periods, they get periods once in 2-3 or more months. So, having the right diet and a healthy lifestyle can help induce periods. Protein, vitamin and omega-3 fatty acids rich foods can induce periods and help get rid of irregular periods. Check out the list of healthy foods that induce periods.

Broccoli This green vegetable is very effective to induce periods. To maintain a regular menstrual cycle, include broccoli in your diet.

Fennel seeds Fennel seeds decoction if consumed empty stomach every morning can help get rid of irregular periods and have a healthy menstruation. Soak fennel seeds overnight and have the water in morning.

Salmon This food is a rich source of calcium and vitamin D. Apart from strengthening bones, salmon improves and stabilizes the hormones. This helps get rid of irregular menstruation problems.

Green vegetables You must have the healthy and nutritious green vegetables in your diet. Spinach, asparagus, broccoli, brinjal are few healthy vegetables that helps get periods on time.

Fish or fish oil Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and mercury that is good for your body. Omega-3 fatty acids protects the blood vessels in the ovaries from any damage that can delay periods. Eat fish or use fish oil to get regular periods.

Almonds The nuts are healthy and nutritious. Apart from helping you get regular periods on time, almonds are rich in fiber and proteins that helps in balancing hormones in the body.

Sesame seeds It is said that eating sesame seeds can help get periods on time. Have in moderate amounts as it increases body heat.

Yoghurt Dairy products are rich in calcium and proteins. You can have yoghurt every day to stay cool and also get periods on time.

Soy milk If you have milk intolerance, you can have soy milk. It is nutritious and filling too. Dieters can have skimmed soy milk.

Egg Hard boiled eggs are rich in proteins, calcium and vitamins. The protein rich eggs helps in getting over menstrual problems.

Red grapes A glass of red or green grape juice every day can help get rid of irregular periods naturally.

Tofu The healthy and low in fat alternative to paneer (cottage cheese), tofu is a calcium rich food that can be a great food to get periods on time.

Article credit : http://www.boldsky.com/

Menstrual Cramps

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Home Remedies

1. Exercise

This might sound a little crazy and you might be thinking to yourself, I can barely move, let alone exercise. However, brisk walking, or any type of physical activity, can help to ease your belly pain. When you're doing any type of aerobic exercise, your body is pumping more blood; this helps to release endorphins to counteract the prostaglandins and reduce your cramps. Exercising three to four times a week is good for the overall health of your body, but it is especially important if you're prone to painful menstrual cramps.

2. Ginger

Ginger is a wonder herb that can effectively ease menstrual cramps. This herb plays a key role in lowering the levels of the pain-causing prostaglandins. It also helps fight fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome and can make irregular periods regular.

Grate a small piece of ginger and boil it in a cup of water for five minutes. Strain it and add a little honey and lemon juice. Drink this tea three times a day during your menstrual cycle.

You can also add ginger in your food while cooking or suck on some ginger candies.

3. Apply heat

Heat helps to relax the contracting muscles in your uterus, which is the cause for your pain. There are many over-the-counter heating patches and pads, such as ThermaCare, Bengay, or electric, reusable ones. Or, even taking a regular plastic bottle with hot water and applying it to your abdomen is an alternative when you don't have access to a heating pad.

4. Basil

Basil is another very effective herb for reducing menstrual pain and cramps. The caffeic acid present in basil has analgesic, or pain-killing properties.

Add one tablespoon of basil leaves to one cup of boiling water. Cover tightly and allow it to cool. Drink this every few hours to ease cramps.

Alternatively, crush a handful of basil leaves to extract the juice. Add two teaspoons of the juice to one cup of warm water. Drink this three times daily while having pain.

You can also add fresh basil leaves to your food.

5. Drink chamomile tea

A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Chemistry found that there might be pain-relieving properties in this fragrant tea. "This is one of a growing number of studies that provide evidence that commonly used natural products really do contain chemicals that may be of medicinal value," said Elaine Holmes, Ph.D., a chemist with the Imperial College of London. The research found that when 14 participants were given urine samples, their urinary levels had a significant increase in hippurate, which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Anti-inflammatory drugs help to decrease the prostaglandin production, thus relieving menstrual cramps.

6. Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D

Prevention is always better than the cure, which is why making sure your body has enough vitamin D is important in preventing menstrual cramps. A study found that high doses of vitamin D3 led to a significant decrease in menstrual cramps. As reported by Health.com, "40 Italian women were split into two groups: one receiving a single oral dose of 300,000 IUs of vitamin D3 and the other getting a placebo five days before the expected start of their menstrual periods." Their pain scored dropped by 41 percent, while those in the placebo group saw no change in their pain scale.

7. Fennel

The antispasmodic, phytoestrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of fennel can help relax the muscles in the uterus, which in turn relieves cramping and discomfort.

Add one teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water.

Simmer the mixture on low heat for five minutes.

Remove from heat and strain the tea.

Add one teaspoon of honey and mix well.

Drink this herbal tea two times daily beginning three days before the expected start date of your cycle. Continue drinking it as needed for pain. Drink it hot for best results.

8. Have an orgasm         

Yes, that's right — orgasms help to relieve all kinds of pain, including menstrual cramps. Before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed, and at the moment of climax, blood flow increases, helping to relieve the cramps. Orgams relieve the pain through the release of endorphins, which help you to feel instantly better. They also help to relax your whole body and induce sleep so you won't feel any cramping at all.

9. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine, which involves sticking the skin with small needles to stimulate the body at certain points. Researchers from the Oriental Hospital at Kyung Hee University Medical Center in South Korea found that acupuncture might have positive effects on menstrual cramps. The study was based on 10 trials with 944 participants. "There was an improvement in pain relief from acupressure compared with a placebo control," according to the study.

10. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is great for reducing the intensity of menstrual cramps. The essential fatty acids in flaxseed help stabilize the production of progesterone. Plus, flaxseed can improve uterine function and help treat fertility problems.

When suffering from menstrual cramps, consume one to two tablespoons of flaxseed daily. You can sprinkle ground flaxseed over a salad, cereal and yogurt or put it in a smoothie.

Early Marriage

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Understanding the Sexual and Reproductive Health Risks of Early Marriage

Childhood and adolescence are usually the greatest years of one’s life. This period is cut short, however, when marriage and adult responsibilities come too early. Although most nations have declared 18 as the legal minimum age to enter into marriage, in many developing countries the practice of early marriage for girls is widespread. In 2002, the Population Council predicted that over the following decade more than 100 million girls worldwide would marry before their 18th birthday. Some of these girls will marry as young as eight or nine, and many will marry against their will.

There are many consequences of child marriage on young girls’ sexual and reproductive health, and many of the meaningful life experiences of adolescence are lost forever.

(Not so) Good Intentions

The decision for a young girl to marry is most often made by her parents or the community. Social and gender norms, cultural beliefs and economic situations all contribute to the pressure put on girls to marry at a young age. Some parents believe that, by marrying their daughter at an early age, they are helping her to fulfill her main societal function – that of wife and mother. They may also believe that they are providing her with protection by limiting sexual relations to only one partner (and therefore reducing the risk of STIs and HIV), and by ensuring some kind of financial stability for both the daughter and the family.

No matter how good their intentions may be, the reality is that an early marriage generally offers no protection at all – in fact, the opposite is generally true – and it strips many young girls of their childhood, their dreams, their basic human rights and their health.

Sacrificed health

Though parents may believe they are protecting their daughter from STI and HIV transmission, they are typically putting their child more at risk. Husbands are often considerably older and have more sexual experience, sometimes entering the marriage already infected with STIs or HIV. Studies in parts of Kenya and Zambia show that teenage brides are contracting HIV at a faster rate than sexually active single girls in the same location.

Child brides face much pressure to have children soon after marriage, which not only interrupts efforts to reduce STI transmission through use of condoms, but also puts the girl at an increased risk of maternal death. Girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including obstetric fistula. They are also more likely to have children with low birth weight, inadequate nutrition and anemia. The health of these young mothers is further compromised, as they are also more likely to develop cervical cancer later in life.

“Married adolescents have been largely ignored in development and health agendas because of the perception that their married status ensures them a safe passage to adulthood. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

          - Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director

Powerless

The lack of power associated with child marriage poses additional reproductive health risks. Young wives often have limited autonomy and freedom, and are unable to negotiate sexual relations, contraceptive use, childbearing, and other aspects of domestic life. The inability to negotiate condom use puts them in a vulnerable position for contracting STIs and HIV.

Unequal gender relations and the large age difference between husbands and young wives also increases the likelihood of domestic violence. Women who marry young are more likely to be beaten or threatened, and are most likely to believe that a husband’s violence is justified.

Isolated

Once married, young girls are typically forced to leave behind their family, friends and community and move to their new husband’s home. Their ability to attend school is disrupted, eliminating another source of social support and interrupting their education. With limited freedom to leave the home and converse with others, girls are left in isolation with little or no means of receiving information on reproductive health issues. They are often powerless to access health care services, as they may need permission to receive such services; if refused, they are typically unable to pay for health care services. Without health information or social services, married girls are unable to seek support. Their problems remain unknown or ignored by the community, and they becomes invisible victims.

Dream no more

Early marriage results in a loss of childhood. Girls are inhibited from realizing their dreams and aspirations. Their rights are violated and they lose the ability to choose how their life is fulfilled. Their right to choose when they become pregnant and how many children they will have is no longer theirs. Their sexual and reproductive health is sacrificed, sometimes to the point of causing death.

Change is difficult

Changing social and gender norms is never easy. Families and communities, including boys and men, need to understand the risks associated with child marriage and become engaged in the process of making change. Powerless and isolated, married girls are in need of our support. But what can be done?

Providing opportunities for girls to continue their education or earn money, while expanding their skills and available choices in life, is one effective strategy to delay marriage. In Bangladesh, the implementation of a secondary school scholarship program for girls resulted in a declined rate of early marriage. The expansion of schooling and provision of job training helps to increase the autonomy and freedom of girls.

Although laws forbidding early marriage exist in most countries, much effort is still needed to ensure enforcement of such laws. Further work needs to be done to reduce the barriers young women face in seeking out health services and information outside their marital households, including access to family planning programs. Youth programs are effective in educating and empowering young women (as well as young men) about reproductive health and rights. Such programs should be encouraged and available not only in schools, but in communities and rural areas as well. Public education and advocacy projects that target policy-makers could be useful in preventing early marriage and in making visible the problems and risks that young brides face.

No matter what efforts are used to instill change, one thing remains certain: young girls' health, education, and social and economic needs should be addressed holistically and simultaneously. In addressing change in attitudes amongst communities, cultural and religious traditions need to be considered and integrated into the solution.

Violations of Human Rights

Child marriage is a violation of a girl’s sexual and reproductive rights, which include the rights to:

• The highest attainable standard of sexual health
• Be free from coercion, discrimination, violence and abuse
• Consensual sexual relations
• Pursue a satisfyin, safe and pleasurable sexual life
• A choice of partner and consensual marriage
• Seek, receive, and impact information and education related to sexual health, including information on how to protect against unwanted pregnancy, STIs, and HIV/AIDS
• Decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing, and timing of her children, and to have the information and the means to do so
• Access sexual and reproductive health services (Married girls seeking sexual and reproductive health services are often turned away from health facilities because they require a husband's consent before care is provided)

Article Credit: http://iwhp.sogc.org/index.php?page=early-marriage

Birth Control

It’s easy to be confused by all the birth control options out there: Should you take a progestin-only pill or the mainstream combination pill? Can an IUD affect your chances of having children in the future? Is the female condom as effective as its male counterpart?

Combination pill

What it does: This birth control mainstay is still 99% effective against pregnancy when taken around the same time every day. It's also known for easing hot flashes and restoring regular periods.

Who should avoid it: Smokers and those 35 or older. The estrogen may cause dangerous blood clots. If you suffer from migraines, you should also pass because it may trigger the painful headaches.

Progestin-only pill

What it's called: Micronor, Nora-BE, Nor-QD, Ovrette

What it does: Known as the mini pill, progestin-only meds don't contain estrogen. They're safer for smokers, diabetics, and heart disease patients, as well as those at risk for blood clots. They also won't reduce the milk supply for women who are breast-feeding.

Who should avoid it: If you have trouble remembering to take your pill at the same time every day, progestin-only pills might not be your best bet. They need to be taken at exactly the same time every day; if you're more than three hours late, plan on using a backup method.

Extended-cycle pill

What it's called: Lybrel, Seasonale, Seasonique

What it does: These pills prevent pregnancy and allow you to have a period only every three months. (Note: Lybrel stops your period for a year, but you must take a pill every day, year-round.)

Who should avoid it: There's no evidence proving it's dangerous not to have periods, but there is still no long-term research to show that it is safe.

Vaginal ring

What it's called: NuvaRing

What it does: The ring is made of flexible plastic and delivers estrogen and progestin, just like the combination pill. You place the ring in your vagina for three weeks, and then remove it for one week so that you have a regular period.

Who should avoid it: Women who smoke, or have blood clots or certain cancers, should not use the NuvaRing.

Diaphragm

What it's called: Milex Wide Seal, Ortho All-Flex, Semina, SILCS

What it does: Made of rubber and shaped like a dome, a diaphragm prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. It covers the cervix and must always be used with a spermicide. Women must be fitted for a diaphragm in their doctor's office.

Who should avoid it: If your weight tends to fluctuate by more than 10 pounds at a time, the diaphragm may not work. If you gain or lose weight, you'll need to be refitted. Prone to bladder infections? You might want to consider another option. If you've had toxic shock syndrome, you shouldn't use a diaphragm.

IUD

What it's called: Mirena, ParaGard

What it does: ParaGard is a surgically implanted copper device that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. Mirena, also surgically implanted, works by releasing hormones. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are more than 99% effective and good for 10 years.

Who should avoid it: Some doctors recommend the device only for women who have given birth. When the device is implanted, your uterus is expanded, and this might cause pain in women who have not had children. If you're planning on having children in a year or two, look at other options. The IUD can be removed, but the high cost—up to $500—might not be worth it for short-term use.

Female condom

What it's called: Femy, Protectiv, Reality

What it does: The female condom is made of polyurethane, or soft plastic, and protects against STDs. It is inserted deep into the vagina, over the cervix, much like a diaphragm. Unlike the male condom, the female condom can be put into place up to eight hours before sex.

Who should avoid it: Male condoms offer more protection—both against STDs and pregnancy—than female condoms, so if you and your male partner aren't in a long-term, monogamous relationship, female condoms are not a perfect substitute.

Male condom

What it's called: Durex, LifeStyles, Trojan

What it does: Male condoms protect against pregnancy and STDs, including HIV. Worn properly, condoms prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Go with latex or polyurethane condoms; lambskins do not shield you against all STDs.

Who should avoid it: If your mate is allergic to latex or polyurethane, you'll have to find another option. And if you tend to use a lubricant that contains oil, such as hand lotion or baby oil, you'll need to switch to an oil-free option like K-Y Jelly, which, unlike oil-based lubricants, doesn't degrade latex.

Patch

What it's called: Ortho Evra

What it does: You can place the hormone-releasing patch on your arm, buttock, or abdomen, and rest easy for one week.

Who should avoid it: If you're particularly at risk for blood clots, you might want to find a different method. The patch delivers 60% more estrogen than a low-dose pill, so you're at an increased risk for dangerous blood clots.

Implant

What it's called: Implanon, Norplant

What it does: About the size of a matchstick, the implant is placed under the skin on your upper arm. Implants last for three years and can cost up to $800. They are nearly 100% effective.

Who should avoid it: Implanon may not work as well for women taking St. John's wort, or women who are overweight.

Sterilization

What it's called: Essure, tubal ligation, vasectomy

What it does: Women can undergo either tubal ligation, a surgical procedure that blocks the fallopian tubes from carrying eggs to the uterus, or tubal implants (Essure), a nonsurgical technique in which a small coil is inserted into the fallopian tubes. The sterilization process is less risky for men: A vasectomy is a minor surgery in which the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles are cut.

Who should avoid it: If you plan to have children, sterilization is not an option—it's not designed to be reversible.

Emergency contraception

What it's called: Copper T IUD, Next Choice, Plan B, Plan B One-Step

What it does: Emergency contraception is a backup for regular birth control. Plan B contains a higher dose of the same synthetic hormones found in the combination pill. It works best if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but may work up to five days later. There's also the copper T IUD, which a doctor can insert into your uterus five to seven days after unprotected sex.

Who should avoid it: Plan B, known as the morning-after pill, is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies, but only to women 18 years and older. Minors need a prescription. Copper T IUDs can be very expensive—up to $500. Plus, they last for up to 10 years, so if you hope to get pregnant in the future, this isn't for you.

Article and Image Credit: http://www.health.com/

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Hunched backs, back pain, and frailty used to be things older women had to accept before doctors knew anything more about osteoporosis. Now, there are steps women and girls can take to avoid such problems.

Osteoporosis threatens 44 million Americans, of which 68% are women, reports the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

"Osteoporosis is largely preventable," says Mark. "The behaviors that women develop in their childhood, in their adolescence, and in their early adult years really play a significant role in the development of the disease."

That's because bodies build up most of bone mass until age 30. Then new bone stops forming and the focus is on maintenance of old bone.

It is never too late to keep bones strong and avoid fractures.

"Your body will do what it can to repair bone damage, but you have to provide the tools for it, such as adequate calcium consumption and weight-bearing physical activity," says Mark.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

Female sex

Increasing age

Small, thin-boned frame

Ethnicity. White and Asian women have the greatest risk.

Family history

Sex hormones. Infrequent menstrual cycles and estrogen loss due to menopause may increase risk.

Anorexia

Diet low in calcium and vitamin D

Medication use, particularly glucocorticoids or some anticonvulsants

Sedentary lifestyle

Smoking

Excessive alcohol

Article Credit: http://www.webmd.com/women/features/5-top-female-health-concern?page=2

Breast Cancer

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's important to understand some basics: What is breast cancer and how does it happen?

In this section, you can learn about how breast cancer develops, how many people get breast cancer, and what factors can increase risk for getting breast cancer. You also can learn more about signs and symptoms to watch for and how to manage any fears you may have about breast cancer.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop.

Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor.

A tumor can be benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant (has the potential to be dangerous). Benign tumors are not considered cancerous: their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Left unchecked, malignant cells eventually can spread beyond the original tumor to other parts of the body.

The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.

Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor (see the Stages of breast cancer table for more information).

Breast cancer is always caused by a genetic abnormality (a “mistake” in the genetic material). However, only 5-10% of cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from your mother or father. Instead, 85-90% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and the “wear and tear” of life in general.

There are steps every person can take to help the body stay as healthy as possible, such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly (learn what you can do to manage breast cancer risk factors). While these may have some impact on your risk of getting breast cancer, they cannot eliminate the risk.

Developing breast cancer is not your or anyone's fault. Feeling guilty, or telling yourself that breast cancer happened because of something you or anyone else did, is not productive.

Breast profile: 
A Ducts
B Lobules
C Dilated section of duct to hold milk
D Nipple
E Fat
F Pectoralis major muscle
G Chest wall/rib cage

Enlargement 
A Normal duct cells
B Basement membrane
C Lumen (center of duct)

Image and Article Credit: http://www.breastcancer.org/