WHY ANKLES AND FEET SWELL UP DURING PREGNANCY

Why are my ankles and feet so swollen?

What you're experiencing is edema – that's when excess fluid collects in your tissue. It's normal to have a certain amount of swelling during pregnancy because you're retaining more water. Changes in your blood chemistry also cause some fluid to shift into your tissue.

In addition, your growing uterus puts pressure on your pelvic veins and your vena cava (the large vein on the right side of the body that carries blood from your lower limbs back to the heart). The pressure slows the return of blood from your legs, causing it to pool, which forces fluid from your veins into the tissues of your feet and ankles.

For this reason, edema is most likely to trouble you during the third trimester. It may be particularly severe for women with excessive amniotic fluid or those carrying multiples. Edema also tends to be worse at the end of the day and during the summer.

After you deliver your baby, the swelling will disappear fairly rapidly as your body eliminates the excess fluid. You may find yourself urinating frequently and sweating a lot in the first days after childbirth..
When should I be concerned about swelling?

A certain amount of edema is normal in the ankles and feet during pregnancy. You may also have some mild swelling in your hands.

Call your midwife or doctor if you notice swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, or excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles. This could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition.

Also call your caregiver promptly if you notice that one leg is significantly more swollen than the other, especially if you have any pain or tenderness in your calf or thigh. This could signal a blood clot, another serious condition.

AJU GETS REAL SHOW ON REAL STARS ON STARTIMES TELEVISION

AJU GETS REAL SHOW
The concept of television is to visibly entertain, to create an atmosphere of viewing pleasure for the viewer through a medium that is appealing, informative and cohesively entertaining. However, television in recent times has become rather too fictional even in the concept of reality for it to be functional.
Mary-Jane AJU Elumelu-James, international artist simply known as AJU has since her arrival in Nigeria, put her music career on hold to pursue other lucrative ventures..  This workaholic lady who is highly versatile has now delved into television where she truly plans to make a difference in the lives of many youths. Her show ‘AJU Gets Real will feature on Real Stars on Star time television.

AJU

AJU GETS REAL is a functional program that puts a woman’s personal experience into the framework of television. The show’s basic intent is to bring to fore all aspects of Nigerian life into a true television contents programming that share and participate in the lives of every Nigerian involved, either on the streets, in the club, working a blue collar job or sweating it out in the brisk sunlight, AJU GETS REAL offers the television audience a chance to experience and embrace the fun, the joy, the pains and gains of everyday Nigerians in first hand practical manner.
In other words, we may say television has become personal again with AJU GETS REAL. Not restrictive in any way, AJU GETS REAL breaks the bonds of restrictive television programming with its focus based on shared societal experiences projected to entertain, educate and inform.
Welcome to AJU GETS REAL.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: READ AND BE EDUCATED ON THIS

Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system, i.e. the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. In severe cases the patient becomes paralyzed and/or blind, while in milder cases there may be numbness in the limbs.
Over 350,000 people have MS in the USA. The Cleveland Clinic says that MS-related health care costs are thought to be over $10 billion per year in the United States.
According to the National Health Service, UK, approximately 100,000 people live with multiple sclerosis in Great Britain. Symptoms usually appear initially between 15 and 45 years of age. Women are twice as likely to get MS than men.
With MS the central nervous system (CNS) is attacked by the person's own immune system. That is why MS is known as an auto-immune disease.
Nerve fibers are surrounded by myelin, which protects them. Myelin also helps conduct electrical signals (impulses) - i.e. myelin facilitates a good flow of electricity along the nervous system from the brain. Myelin regulates a key protein involved in sending long-distant signals.
The myelin of a patient with MS disappears in multiple areas. This leaves a scar (sclerosis). Multiple Sclerosis means "Scar Tissue in Multiple Areas". The areas where there is either not enough or no myelin are called plaques or lesions. As the lesions get worse the nerve fiber can break or become damaged.
When a nerve fiber has less myelin the electrical impulses received from the braSYin do not flow smoothly to the target nerve - when there is no myelin the nerve fibers cannot conduct the electrical impulses at all. The electrical impulses are instructions from the brain to carry out actions, such as to move a muscle. With MS, you cannot get your body to do what your brain wants it to do.

Symptom Of Multiple Sclerosis:

Dizziness/vertigo
constipation
sexual dysfunction
spasticity/muscle spasm
tremor
vision problem
gait
environment
genetics

BRAIN LIQUID LEAKING THROUGH THE NOSE

 A man's runny nose was found to in fact be leaking brain fluid, in a shocking story coming out of Arizona this week.
For many years, Joe Nagy, from Arizona, thought he had a constant runny nose because of a bad case of allergies. However, after finally getting it checked out, he realized that his condition was actually far worse than he originally thought, according to Fox 10.
The condition first started years ago when he sat up in bed.
"Brooop! This clear liquid dribbled out of my nose like tears out of your eyes. I go what is this?" he told Fox 10.
Nagy said the condition got worse over time and he needed to use tissues all the time as his nose was constantly running.
He also described embarrassing moments when the fluid dripped out so fast that he couldn't get to a tissue on time.

After finally going to a specialist, who tested the fluid from his nose, he found out that it was in fact brain fluid leaking out of his nose.
He described the harrowing moment he found out: "I was scared to death if you want to know the truth."
The brain fluid started to leak after a hole appeared in the membrane surrounding Nagy's brain.
"You don't really think about it, but our brains are really just above our noses all of the time," said Dr. Peter Nakaji, a neurosurgeon at Barrow Neurological Institute.
Even worse for the man, just before the scheduled surgery to fix the leak, Nagy developed a dangerous case of meningitis which led to the brain fluid getting infected. Nagy eventually recovered from the infection was able to have the surgery to repair the membrane.
The procedure involved inserting a needle through his nose and a bit of glue to patch up the hole, according to Nagy.

By Jon Campbell , Christian Post Contributor

May 7, 2013|1:59 pm

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/nose-leaking-brain-fluid-mans-constantly-runny-nose-due-to-brain-fluid-leaking-out-video-photo-95435/#cdCa8TOuyxkI2f7A.99

HOW TO GET RID OF THE STOMACH POOCH

A lot of the moms I asked said they used creams or oils on their belly skin during and after pregnancy to help moisturize and condition the skin, reduce stretch marks, and keep the skin elastic (to hopefully aid its return to non-pregnant tummy shape.) I consulted a skincare expert at a large cosmetic company on this topic, to see if it’s actually helpful. Her expert advice:
Use a good skin cream to keep your belly skin in a well-hydrated, healthy state.  Hydration is a huge factor for skin health.  You’d be surprised the simple visual effects you can get just by using a quality hydrating cream, which is any cream that effectively reduces water loss w/out clogging pores or giving you other ill effects.  You don’t need to spend $150 on an antiaging cream, but you’re also not going to get as good of results from a $5 bottle. Retinol or retinyl palmitate may be used in cosmetics, but they are not nearly as effective as retinoic acid (which is only available by prescription).  Retinoic acid has measureable wrinkle reducing and firming effects…however it’s mostly used for the face.

Other women I spoke to said they used cocoa butter. No one really could say whether it helped or not (and you’d have to have multiple pregnancies and try it both ways to know, wouldn’t you?) But it certainly can’t hurt, and as one woman pointed out “Having my husband rub lotion on my belly was very sweet bonding for all three of us.” Whether is helps with skin appearance or not, using moisturizer is a good idea to decrease the itchiness commonly reported late in pregnancy, when stretched skin is very susceptible to dryness.
Connective tissue

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause increased laxity in connective and muscle tissue. After all, there’s a lot of stretching that needs to go on, and increased laxity in pelvic joints and ligaments help with delivery. You can’t do too much other than let your body’s hormones do what they will during and after pregnancy. But following delivery, levels will return to normal, and so will your connective tissue.

Belly binding is a popular trend in other cultures that is becoming popular in the U.S. Essentially, the idea is that wearing a supportive garment (something like a girdle) for a month or more after delivery helps reshape the abdomen. There are a million anecdotes from the companies selling these thingees that women “got back in their pre-pregnancy jeans in 2 weeks!” but actual research on these is nowhere to be found. However, I haven’t found any reports of them being risky in any way, so the biggest risk you run is wasted money and discomfort. I say: Can’t hurt, might help, I’d try it.
Muscle

All the moisturizer and belly binding in the world won’t help as much as some hard work to rebuild strength in your core. Firming up muscles can do a lot, not only for the appearance of your tummy, but to lessen back pain, improve your posture, and decrease skin sagging. Not to mention a strong core helps in all sorts of everyday ways like carrying groceries and toddlers. Some of the best activities for improving core strength include pilates and using several different exercises to work all the muscles in the core, not just the rectus abdominis (6 pack muscle).  Make sure to get clearance from you doctor for when it’s okay to exercise, but as soon as you get the green light, get moving!
This site has a list of well-described exercises to target the transverse abdominals.
This site will help you figure out if you’ve experienced diastasis recti, which is a separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during pregnancy. Don’t panic if you think you have. Most cases can be fixed with corrective exercises and avoiding regular crunches, which can actually worsen the separation.
Fat
Okay, this is one we don’t want to think about – but some of the leftover belly squish is likely to be stored fat.  Reducing your body’s fat stores comes down to healthy eating, creating a calorie deficit, and exercise. Breastfeeding is also great to help you expend some calories (and stimulate hormones which help return your uterus to its normal size.) Don’t go on a crash diet, but think about the less-nutritious foods you eat and try to consume fewer of them. It’s a great time to start practicing setting an example for your new family member by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and less chips, soda and candy. Don’t put a harsh expectation on yourself to drop weight like a Hollywood actress, just aim to lose weight gradually and healthfully until you are close to your non-pregnant weight.  If it’s been years since you delivered and you still have some belly fat to lose, it’s never to late to try eating better!
One safe and effective strategy is to try and cut 250 calories a day from food, and expend 250 calories more in physical activity. This net deficit of 500 calories a day is enough to shed one pound of fat a week. If you choose high volume, filling foods (think air-popped popcorn, broth-based soups, raw veggies and fresh fruit) you may not even notice that you’re eating less calories.  You can use this handy calculator to find out how much exercise you need to do to burn 250 calories. Consider consulting a Registered Dietitian if you’d like help determining how to best meet your nutritional needs with a personalized diet.
o there you have it. In summary, pregnant women can take several steps which may help (and can’t hurt) such moisturizing and belly binding after delivery to help prevent postbaby pooch. All women (moms or not) can help firm their midsections through strengthening exercises and shedding excess fat with smart diet modifications.

“I did a variety of things. First of all I was probably a little obessive about weight gain and only put on 30lbs. I worked out 6/7days a week and worked until I delivered. My workouts included cardio, strength training, and core work. I did Kiegels at every traffic light every time I was driving. I felt great after I delivered and was ready to go home the next morning. After delivery: I did use a belly binder, I think that it helps because you definitely have abdominal latency after delivery. I also nursed which helpes the uterus contract down and decrease the amount of bleeding you have. Right after I delivered, in the hospital bed I started Keigels, pelvic tilts, and gentle bridges. Abdominal and perineum muscles are like any other, atrophy sets in fast!!!! Again I felt really good so when he was two weeks old I started walked 2-3 miles a day and gentle swiss ball exercises. At 4 weeks theraband and bike. At my postpardum check up (6weeks) the doctor cleared my and I started running. I got back to my prepreg weight in less than 6 months. HOwever… things are definitley relocated. The belly has no stretch marks, but not the same tonal appearance. I am not sure if that makes sense.”
“I had Christopher when I was 20 and snapped back pretty quickly with minimal stretch marks and such. Dylan came along when I was 24 and I gained over 60 lbs with him as I was in Alaska and I honeslty believe the cold weather and the water retention had something to do with it. Also the lack of fresh veggies and fruits that were available to me at that time. After Dylan was born (9 lbs 23 oz) ouch… My stomach looked like a deflated balloon. It took me months to get it back into shape. I used Vit E oil which worked great for lightening of the scarring. I still have scars 20 years later but I dont really worry about them much. My boys call them their personal tattos they gave me and I have no plan to ever have them removed. The one thing that I have a problem with is that I had my appendix taken out when I was in 8th grade back with they made a horizontal incision. That scar never recovered from my baby making days. It holds some fat and skin around it from the babies. Again, I dont stress over it.”
“Great topic! Yes my stomach looked different after having kids and it still does. No amount of sit-ups or other core exercises have given me 6-pack abs.”
“In my prenatal yoga class last night we did exercises to work on the transverse ab muscles to prevent diastasis or the spreading of the stomach muscles.  I’ll let you know in a few months if these exercises paid off…I must say, we also do tons of pelvic floor exercises so that we get back in shape quicker, too.  I know that Brook Burke (the model/spokeswoman) designed a belly band to help with this too.  Apparently in other cultures, they tie the stomach in or wrap it in cloth post partum, and in America we’re just now catching on….”
“I found that after my first child, my stomach returned to its previous flat status very quickly – 2 -3 months. After my next three deliveries, my stomach returned to its flat status within 4-5 months. I have always been physically active and blessed with a flat stomach. However when menopause arrived and I had a hysterectomy at age 55, I developed a pouch. At 61, I still have very strong stomach muscles, but my skin has become less elastic and there is a bit of excess adipose tissue. I am still very active and at my ideal weight, but the small pouch is there.”
“I definitely worry about what my stomach and what my body will look like after having a baby… I feel like I have worked hard over the years and was getting to a place where I was comfortable with how I look and it can be stressful at times thinking about how much the muscles and tissues will be stretched over the next few months and the thought, will my stomach ever look the same definitely is a concern!! We see all these celebrities who have six pack abs 6 weeks after delivery and I wonder if that is truly possible?!”

RISKS OF SELF MEDICATION

Risks of self-medication practices.
Ruiz ME.
Source

Department of Biological Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina. eruiz@biol.unlp.edu.ar
Abstract

Self-medication is defined as the selection and use of medicines by individuals (or a member of the individuals' family) to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms. Several benefits have been linked to appropriate self-medication, among them: increased access to medication and relief for the patient, the active role of the patient in his or her own health care, better use of physicians and pharmacists skills and reduced (or at least optimized) burden of governments due to health expenditure linked to the treatment of minor health
conditions However, self-medication is far from being a completely safe practice, in particular in the case of non-responsible self-medication. Potential risks of self-medication practices include: incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, infrequent but severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease and risk of dependence and abuse. In this short review the author analyzes recent literature on some of the most important dangers related to self-medication practices, particularly: polypharmacy and drug interactions, medications abuse or dependence, misdiagnosis and incorrect choice of treatment.

RISK OF SELF MEDICATION

Risks of self-medication practices.
Ruiz ME.
Source

Department of Biological Sciences, National University of La Plata, Argentina. eruiz@biol.unlp.edu.ar
Abstract

Self-medication is defined as the selection and use of medicines by individuals (or a member of the individuals' family) to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms. Several benefits have been linked to appropriate self-medication, among them: increased access to medication and relief for the patient, the active role of the patient in his or her own health care, better use of physicians and pharmacists skills and reduced (or at least optimized) burden of governments due to health expenditure linked to the treatment of minor health conditions However, self-medication is far from being a completely safe practice, in particular in the case of non-responsible self-medication. Potential risks of self-medication practices include: incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, infrequent but severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease and risk of dependence and abuse. In this short review the author analyzes recent literature on some of the most important dangers related to self-medication practices, particularly: polypharmacy and drug interactions, medications abuse or dependence, misdiagnosis and incorrect choice of treatment. The author also proposes measures that could be adopted in order to solve or improve these issues.