By Iris Farrou
31 May, 2023
Lifestyle Tips, Prevention, Women's Health
Any My Doctor about Arthritis, Arthritis, Autoimmune, exercise, Genetic Disorder, Gout, Home Remedies for Arthritis, Joint Pain, Pain, Protect My Joints, Reactive Arthritis, Redness, Risk Factors, Stiffness, Swelling, When should I see my OBGYN for Arthritis
Among the many ailments that affect more women than men is none other than arthritis. There are several types of arthritis, with the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Arthritis is known to get worse with age, and some of the prevalent symptoms can include pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion– specifically targeting the joints. If you have a family history of arthritis, then it is never too soon to start taking precautions. There may not be a way to fully prevent arthritis yet, but there are several preventative measures and ways to minimize its impact on your day to day life.
What are the risk factors?
As with many conditions, if you have a family history of arthritis–mainly your parents and siblings–you are more likely to develop it yourself. For other types of arthritis, age can be a significant risk factor; the older you get, the more your chances of developing it are. Additionally, women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis while men are at a higher risk of developing gout.
If you have previously injured a joint, the likelihood of getting arthritis at that particular joint increases. Similarly, if you carry extra weight you are at a higher arthritis risk as you put stress on your joints.
How do I manage arthritis?
Your doctor may have already prescribed you medication to help with the effects of arthritis, or suggested other techniques of dealing with it. The CDC has a list of 5 steps to help you manage arthritis–they call it the “Strive for Five.”
- New Self-Management Skills: learning strategies to help manage your arthritis can help you feel more in control of your own health, better equip you to manage pain and other symptoms, reduce stress and improve your mood, as well as plan and complete activities you value.
- Be Active: regular exercise and physical activity can help you manage the pain that comes with arthritis, as well as improve your overall quality of life and health. You should strive for about 150 minutes of exercise per week if you have arthritis, specifically of moderate-intensity. Of course, change your activity plan based on what your health allows and on your arthritis symptoms.
- Talk to Your Doctor: as is the case with any condition, general advice only goes so far. You should be openly communicating with your doctor about your symptoms, and be in regular contact with your healthcare provider with regards to your arthritis treatment plan.
- Manage your Weight: removing excess weight from your body will lessen the stress that you put on your joints, thus helping the joint pain associated with arthritis. It will also help you improve physical function.
Protect your Joints: joint injuries can cause or worsen arthritis. Try to engage in joint-safe activities that don’t put too much stress on your joints and are relatively injury-safe.
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By Iris Farrou
26 May, 2023
Diet & Exercise, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Pregnancy, Prevention
Body While Pregnant, Healthy Body during Pregnancy, Healthy Skin During Pregnancy, How to Prevent Stretch Marks, Physical Changes During Pregnancy, Pregnancy, pregnant, Prevention, Skin Elasticity, Stop Stretch Marks, Stretch Marks, Vitamins for Pregnant Women
We often associate stretch marks with pregnancy, and for many women they are an extra cause for concern; our bodies change a lot during pregnancy, and new mothers are in a quest to re-discover themselves after giving birth. Visible changes on the body can be an aspect of pregnancy that many women want to prevent or treat, and stretch marks are on the front lines of self-esteem.
Though pregnancy and stretch marks may go together, these lines can appear on our skin due to weight fluctuations or bodybuilding as well–especially if our skin rapidly stretches or shrinks. They are most often seen on the stomach, thighs and hips, breasts and upper arms, as well as lower back and buttocks. Stretch marks are very common, especially among pregnant people to a 50-90%.
How do they happen?
We know that weight fluctuations can lead to stretch marks, and you may be familiar with their red or pink hues. Lots of people also experience irritation or itchiness where stretch marks are forming, and do notice they appear as sunken lines on the skin. If our skin rapidly stretches or shrinks, the elastin and collagen in it breaks. Elastin has the role of allowing our skin to stretch, and collagen’s role is to provide structure and support for our skin. As our skin heals after weight or muscle changes, stretch marks usually appear where elastin breaks.
Can they be prevented?
Especially during pregnancy, you want to ensure that your skin maintains its maximum elasticity in order to prevent stretch marks; you need to keep it supple and well hydrated.
- Enrich your “skin food” by supplementing elastin and collagen. Eat foods rich in Vitamins E, C, B2, B3, as well as rich in zinc and silica. Consume at least 2 liters of water a day to keep your skin strong and help it renew.
- Use topically applied products to help your skin’s elasticity. Bio-oil is a great first step from the first trimester to help your skin remain well-hydrated.
- You can also exercise, if your health allows it, to improve circulation that will keep your skin elastic and more able to stretch as it grows. Improved circulation will also help lessen the possibility of varicose veins and swollen ankles during pregnancy.
Other methods
During pregnancy you should be careful to use products that will not harm your baby, and focus on natural means of improving your skin’s elasticity. Beyond pregnancy, or if you are interested in diminishing stretch marks caused by other reasons, you can turn to some of the following treatment options: use of retinol creams, microneedling, dermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing.
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/prevent-pregnancy-stretchmarks/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10785-stretch-marks
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By Iris Farrou
21 May, 2023
Fatherhood, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, New Moms, Parenting, Toddler Health, Young adults & teens, Your baby's health
Bedtime Routine, Bonding, Children's Bedtime, Emotional Regulation, Healthy Amount of Sleep, Healthy Family Dynamic, Healthy Sleep Habits, How to Create Bedtime Routine, Kid Bedtime, Nap, Regulation, Routine, Sleep, Sleep Schedules, Teenager, Teens, Toddler, Toddler Mental Health, Well-being
Whether it comes to you as an adult, or to you as a parent, or even to your family as a whole–regardless of your kids’ ages–sleep is a topic of discussion in all households. When you are a new parent, it’s almost certain that you will not sleep through the night unless your baby does; when you are parenting a toddler, you may find that bedtime is a point of contention. Like most things when it comes to parenting, the caregivers are role models: if we don’t have good sleep habits, and are not properly informed, how can we teach our children to follow a bedtime routine?
Importance of Healthy Sleep
Establishing a bedtime routine is helpful for not only our physical health, but also for our mental health, energy levels and ability to focus. When it comes to school-age children, receiving a good night’s sleep consistently improves their working memory, concentration and other cognitive skills, as well as attention. In the long run, this translates to better academic performance, readiness for school and other activities that require focus throughout the day, as well as sharp social skills.
Of course, this applies to teenagers and adults as well: the better your sleep routine is, the better equipped you are to face each day and/or help your body regulate your nervous system. Sleep habits are also an element of self-care that is often overlooked, and when implemented into a family routine can have a lot of positive effects on the family dynamic.
Bedtime Routine
To start building a healthy bedtime routine for your children, the first thing you should remember is that you are an active participant in it–it is a family activity. The second piece of advice is to keep the routine simple and repeat it at the same time every evening, with the same order. For example, when it’s close to bedtime you can start dimming the lights down and turning off screens. Then, you can start a 4-step bedtime routine of having a snack, brushing your teeth, putting on pajamas, and reading a book.
Some other activities that have shown positive effects when it comes to bedtime include a bath or diaper change, going to the bathroom, singing a song together or a lullaby, talking with your kid about their day, and of course cuddling/rocking. For both children and adults, the bedtime routine should consist of stress-free, non-stimulating, and soothing activities. Remember that physically and psychologically stressful activities can increase alertness, thus damaging the body’s ability to wind down.
Like most parenting activities, even a bedtime routine is an opportunity to not only bond with your child and create memories, but also help them grow into independent adults. A simple act such as leaving the room when your child is sleepy but not fully sleeping can teach them how to fall asleep on their own.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/children-and-sleep/bedtime-routine
https://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/getting/overcoming/tips
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By Iris Farrou
09 May, 2023
Early Childhood Education, Fatherhood, Parenting, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Toddler Health, Women's Health, Young adults & teens
Adolescents, body positivity, Hormone Changes in Children, How to explain sex, How to teach children about sex, Parenting Preteens, Preteen, Safe Sex for Teens, Self-Stimulation, Sex Ed, Sexual Education for Toddlers, Teaching Boundaries, Tween, When should I explain sex, Where do babies come from
If you are parenting a teenager, you are probably thinking of when would be the right time to have “the talk.” Well, the time starts when curiosity strikes in their toddler years! You don’t have to turn back time, but if you are a new parent you may want to start taking notes: it is never too early to start talking to your children about sex education, their bodies, and relationships. Consider sex education a broad subject, and not just an awkward talk about hormone-driven intimate moments.
Sex education includes talking with your children about anatomy, teaching them the proper names for their body parts as soon as they start making associations between items and words, educating them on how to take care of themselves and their bodily functions, and being by their side when they start being able to express their feelings and/or they start to understand themselves in relation to others; relationships and boundaries are also part of sex education.
Early Exploration
It is best to let your toddler set the time for questions regarding anatomy and sex, but you should also be aware of what questions may be opportunities for further discussions. For example, during bath time you can take the opportunity to talk with your child about their anatomy, and which parts of the body are private. Keep your answers short and simple, and age appropriate– if your child seems confused about something, don’t be embarrassed to explain further. You are, after all, the role model: the more maturely you approach the conversation, the more secure your child will feel about your knowledge.
Curiosity
It is not uncommon for toddlers to express their natural curiosity through self-stimulation. If you notice your child engaging with their genitals, it is advised to encourage their curiosity while also reminding them that some acts and areas of the body are private. This self exploration may coincide with curiosity about others, which can lead to uncomfortable social interactions. If your child asks about pregnancy or “where do babies come from” in front of others, it’s ok to take a moment in a social setting to explain some things to them. Should the question have made someone else uncomfortable, take the opportunity to apologize on behalf of your child, and model boundary-respectful behavior for them. It is also normal during this time for children to want to play doctor with their friends, and many families choose to monitor their children’s play time at this stage of their development, or set limits.
New Knowledge
As much as you may try to be open with your child and monitor their knowledge of sex education matters, you should be aware that new knowledge always finds its way to young children. Unfortunately, new knowledge may not always come from reputable sources or be truthful and accurate. If your child asks you a question that seems off, or hasn’t been discussed in your household, the best course of action would be to ask them where they heard that, or try to locate the source of the information. Then, you could ask them to share what they already know about the topic and begin a conversation with them. It is important to let your child know you are comfortable with those questions, knowledgeable on the topics, and that they can trust you with their curiosity.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/sex-education/art-20044104
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/parents/tips-talking
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By Iris Farrou
29 Apr, 2023
Breastfeeding support, Fatherhood, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Nutrition, Parenting, Prevention, Your baby's health
Appetite, Baby Stomach Issues, Bloating, Breastfeeding, Common Baby Ailments, Diaper Rash, Ear Discharge, Fatigue, Fever, Newborn Sleep Patterns, Newborn Stomach Issues, Oversleeping, Overtired, Rash, Sensitive Eyes, Umbilical Cord
As the parent of a newborn, you may be worried sick if they get sick; sicknesses are common in babies, especially as they are developing their immune system. There are some minor ailments that are quite common in newborns, and though they should definitely be monitored, they are not usually cause for concern or a reason to visit the doctor.
Common Problems:
- Stomach bugs that can cause vomiting and diarrhea are relatively common in babies and young children. They usually last only a couple of days, and you should make sure to keep your baby hydrated while they are experiencing those symptoms.
- Coughs, colds, and earache also often occur in babies– they normally lessen as they build their immune system. Your child may experience a runny nose, sore throat, headaches, sneezing and a raised temperature.
- Ear infections are also very common, and often follow a cold. You may notice them if your baby’s ear looks a little red, there is general irritability and restlessness, your baby has difficulty feeding, and there may even be discharge from their ear.
- Excessive crying is something that every parent expects to deal with when they have a newborn: if you’ve made sure that your baby is fed, burped, warm, and in a clean diaper your next step is probably to hold them close and try to soothe them. You will learn your baby’s cries fast, and know when they sound abnormal or excessively distressed.
More Serious Issues:
- Umbilical cord problems may occur and you will likely notice them while you are caring for your baby’s umbilical cord. If the cord actively bleeds, you should call your doctor immediately. Similarly, contact your doctor if there is red skin around the base of the cord, foul-smelling discharge from the cord, and if your baby cries when you touch the cord or the skin next to it.
- Lethargy and sleepiness can indicate a more serious condition, especially if they appear to be completely different from your baby’s usual patterns. All babies spend a lot of time sleeping, but if your baby has trouble waking up and is disinterested in eating and their usual activities, you should call your pediatrician.
- Abdominal distension is a problem that can occur due to gas or constipation. After a large feeding, most babies’ bellies will stick out, but they should be soft between feedings. If your baby’s abdomen feels swollen, and they have not had a bowel movement for one or two days–especially if they are also vomiting–get in touch with your doctor.
- Babies tend to get rashes quite often, but if you are noticing a red/brown colored rash on your baby’s head or neck that is spreading across their body you may be dealing with early signs of measles. If your baby has a fever, sore eyes that are sensitive to light, and gray spots inside the cheeks, you should immediately seek treatment for measles.
https://healthforunder5s.co.uk/sections/baby/minor-ailments-and-illnesses/
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/pages/Common-Conditions-in-Newborns.aspx
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By Iris Farrou
26 Apr, 2023
Early Childhood Education, Fatherhood, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Parenting, Toddler Health, Your baby's health
Autism, Cognitive Abilities and Functions, Early Childhood Development, Genetic Disorder, Infant, Loss of Speech, Neurological Disorders, Overly Agitated, Rett Syndrome, Slow Development, Spectrum Disorder, Toddler
It is possible that you may not even have heard of Rett Syndrome, as it is a very rare disorder that almost exclusively affects females. According to Cleveland Clinic, 1 in every 10,000- 15,000 baby girls is born with Rett Syndrome–very rarely are males affected. In short, Rett syndrome is a genetic neurological disorder that affects the development of the brain and causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language over 4 stages: early onset; rapid deterioration; plateau and late motor deterioration. Most babies born with Rett Syndrome appear to develop normally until 6 months of age, when symptoms start to appear–most pronounced changes take place between 12 and 18 months of age.
What are the Symptoms?
As any new parent, you are likely very closely observing your child’s growth, and keeping a close eye on the development of their mental, linguistic, and motor skills. Know that before a diagnosis for Rett Syndrome is given, other conditions that may resemble its symptoms must be ruled out first.
- One of the first symptoms is being born with an abnormally small head–as the infant grows, there will be delayed growth in other parts of the body as well.
- Loss of movement and coordination abilities is another symptom. At the age when your baby should normally learn how to crawl, walk, or use their hands you may notice a rapid loss of these abilities.
- Loss of linguistic and communication abilities is often seen in children with Rett Syndrome as well. Children impacted by Rett may rapidly lose the ability to speak, or communicate in other ways; this can be accompanied by a loss of interest in their surroundings as well.
Some other symptoms closely resemble more common neurological disorders–like Autism Spectrum Disorder–since children may develop unusual eye and hand movements that are repetitive and seemingly purposeless, may become increasingly and easily irritable and agitated, display intellectual disabilities, or suffer from sleep disturbances.
How is it diagnosed?
As mentioned, since Rett Syndrome can resemble other neurological or genetic disorders, most professionals will approach it by process of elimination. Parents and caregivers play a big role in the diagnosis process as they can keep a detailed record of the child’s development and activities/responses.
If healthcare providers deem it necessary, or parents request it, then a simple blood test is performed to look for the gene mutation MECP2 that has been known to confirm the diagnosis of Rett Syndrome. Unfortunately, this mutation is quite random (and rare) so pre-genetic testing will not show any results. In fact, the chance of passing down Rett Syndrome from a healthy parent to their child is less than 1%. If someone in your family has been diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, you would want to bring this up with your healthcare provider, but Rett is generally not an inherited condition.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rett-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377233
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6089-rett-syndrome#diagnosis-and-tests
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By Iris Farrou
22 Apr, 2023
Diet & Exercise, Lifestyle Tips, Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Pregnancy, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health
bladder control, Body Changes In Menopause, bowel function, Childbirth, core strengthening, Early menopause, ease the birthing process, estrogen loss, Frequent urination, Kegel, natural delivery, Pelvic Floor, pelvic floor dysfunction, pilates, Strengthen pelvic floor muscles, stress urinary incontinence, SUI, UTI, vaginal delivery, weak bladder
Maybe the first word that comes to mind when you hear about Pelvic Floor Exercises is “Kegel”! Yes, that’s correct– Kegel exercises are one way to exercise your pelvic floor muscles, but they are not the only ones. Kegel balls have lately become popular as an easier and faster way to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, increase sexual pleasure, and prevent incontinence (especially if you were Assigned Female at Birth–AFAB). However, there is much debate over them, so before we worry about that we will provide some information on the benefits of pelvic floor exercises in general.
What are the benefits for AFAB people?
- Pelvic floor exercises improve bladder and bowel function control, which can be extremely helpful after childbirth or in older years. It can help with constipation, and with incontinence.
- Strong muscles on your pelvic floor can also significantly reduce the risk of prolapse.
- If you are considering childbirth, they do support vaginal delivery, and strong pelvic muscles will also greatly improve your recovery from childbirth and other gynecological surgeries.
- They are reported to help with vaginal contractions and blood flow during sex, thus increasing sexual satisfaction and orgasmic potential.
Like any self-care routine, and especially an exercise routine that helps you strengthen your muscles, training your pelvic floor muscles can help you increase your social confidence and overall quality of life.
How do they help with pregnancy and delivery?
Your pelvic floor muscles are first in line to be affected if you become pregnant; the weight of your growing baby will undeniably put extra strain on the pelvic floor. In addition to the weight, hormonal changes in pregnancy cause your muscles to soften and stretch more easily. That can lead to bladder/ bowel problems while you are pregnant and after giving birth.
It is recommended to start strengthening your pelvic floor as soon as you learn that you are pregnant. Strong muscles in the area will reduce the risk of bowel or bladder problems during your pregnancy, you will learn how to control your muscles to assist with contractions during childbirth (in the case of vaginal delivery), and with a strong pelvic floor you will return to normal much easier after delivery.
What happens to the pelvic floor after menopause?
After menopause, the production of estrogen in our bodies significantly reduces. This can lead to weaker or stiffer muscles on the pelvic floor. Connective tissues may provide less support, and along with a lifetime of bad habits and lack of specific exercise, we may be in danger of experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction.
The pelvic floor muscles are part of your spine and pelvis. If they are struggling, you may experience pain in your lower back. Weak pelvic muscles can also lead to Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), which means you may not be able to control your bladder during seemingly simple activities, like laughing, coughing, or sneezing. More serious pelvic dysfunctions can be pelvic organ prolapse–which can be avoided with pelvic floor rehabilitation–and bowel and urinary urgency, where we may not be able to control the urge to urinate or defecate and incidents of leakage may occur.
No matter your age, it is never too soon or too late to start looking into pelvic floor exercises or rehabilitation that are best for you, your physical condition, and your abilities.
https://www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au/pages/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises-for-women.html
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pelvic-floor-exercises
https://provenancerehab.com/aging-and-the-pelvic-floor/
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By Iris Farrou
14 Apr, 2023
Health Conditions and Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Procedures, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Surrogate, Women's Health
Buffalo NY, Cryogenic, Egg Freezing, Embryo Banking, Embryo Freezing, Fertility, Fertility Assistance, Fertility Preservation, Freezing My Eggs, How to save my eggs, Infertility treatment Buffalo, Oocyte Cryopreservation, Pregnancy and Infertility
Many people consider the choice of freezing their eggs so they can retrieve them at a later time and start a family. This process is, nowadays, more common than it used to be; there is more information available for people to become aware of the pros and cons, there are more facilities that can store your eggs at an affordable price, and more professionals will suggest it if you want to have your own family later in life, or are undergoing treatments that may affect your fertility.
When Should I Consider it?
Most cis-women reach the peak of their fertility at age 30. While eggs continue to be produced and can be retrieved after that age, our egg production drops significantly around age 37, and completely stops when entering menopause–usually between 45-55 years of age. Patients who are experiencing severe health concerns that may affect their fertility– such as undergoing chemotherapy, having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or endometriosis– may want to consider undergoing fertility treatments and retrieve their eggs for freezing. Egg freezing is also common among individuals who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
What is the Process?
It is quite a straightforward process to freeze your eggs, so don’t be alarmed by the terminologies used or the clinical equipment needed. In fact, it is very similar to the process of in-vitro fertilization, with the difference being that the eggs are not fertilized immediately, but frozen. Most cycles are complete in about 2-3 weeks.
- The first step would be to meet with a fertility specialist to discuss your desire to freeze your eggs. Then, you will schedule an exam for complete medical history, bloodwork, and hormone testing. Your doctor may also recommend a transvaginal ultrasound to assess your ovarian reserve.
- You will need to monitor your menstrual cycle and determine the exact dates when you are ovulating. To get more accurate results, your doctor may recommend birth control. After that, you will start stimulating your egg production.
- Most commonly, you will start by injecting 2-3 hormone medications a day for about ten days. This will encourage a group of eggs to develop at the same time.
- To track the ovulation and development of the eggs, you will have frequent blood work done and 4-6 pelvic ultrasounds.
- Once your eggs have matured, they will be retrieved. This involves an ultrasound-guided surgical procedure that takes 20-30 minutes under anesthesia.
And you will have reached the final step! Once an embryologist confirms the eggs are mature, which means they will have the potential to be fertilized, your eggs will head to their deep freeze home: liquid nitrogen tanks in an embryology lab.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/freezing-eggs-preserving-fertility-for-the-future
https://www.healthline.com/health/egg-freezing-process#timeline
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By Iris Farrou
31 Mar, 2023
Fatherhood, Lifestyle Tips, New Moms, Parenting, Procedures, Your baby's health
Baby Healthcare, Infant Health, Infant Healthcare, Infant Vaccines, newborn expectations, Should I vaccinate my newborn, When should my newborn visit the doctor
If your baby is at the age when the first vaccinations are needed, it is understandable that there may be some stress surrounding the upcoming visit to the doctor. Of course, any doctor’s visit with a newborn is stressful, but it can be worse if you know there will be a needle poking your baby’s skin. Not a pretty image, but a necessary one! The first thing you can do to be adequately prepared for the situation is to educate yourself first. Read up on the first vaccines that your baby needs and the advantages that come with them; ease your mind by knowing how much safer your infant will be. You may find an easily accessible vaccine schedule from birth to 18 years at the Center for Disease Control.
Once you are more informed about the first vaccines your baby will be receiving, you can start preparing for the visit. A lot of nurses report that the number one factor that makes these first vaccinations difficult is the stress of the parents. It is important for your baby, and for the medical professionals, that you remain calm and as stress free as possible. If your baby feels you are calm, hears a soothing tone of voice from you, and picks up on reassuring messages, the calmer they will be and the easier the process will be.
To prepare for the visit, you can have a talk with your child about what will happen. You can use simple words, or imitate the motions that the doctor will perform to help them understand. Remain relaxed and upbeat while you are explaining this, and during the vaccination. Heading to the doctor’s office, you may want to bring your child’s favorite toys with you, or other items that give them comfort. That way, they will be able to focus on something pleasant.
If you are breastfeeding, it is a good idea to breastfeed right before your baby receives the vaccine. Breastfeeding is a great way to provide comforting close contact and help relax your child. You can also ask your doctor to give your baby something sweet two minutes before the shot: a small amount of sweetness can help reduce the pain of the shot. Another possibility is to ask for a pain relieving ointment or spray. This can be one your doctor provides you with and you apply before the visit, or a topical cooling spray that they will apply before the shot. Both options topically block the pain signals from the skin. Right before the shot, try to distract your child by pulling their attention away from the doctor; it can be as simple as calling their name, singing their favorite song, or telling a story. Keep the distraction going even after the vaccine is given.
After the shot is given, comfort your child by holding them close, or swaddling them. Close contact, whispers, and cuddles are all helping reduce the stress and distract from the pain. If your child has mild reactions from the shot, like topical swelling or a mild fever, don’t be alarmed as these are normal reactions. If something concerns you, however, always contact your doctor and seek further medical advice and help.
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By Iris Farrou
27 Mar, 2023
Lifestyle Tips, Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Peri-Menopause, Prevention, Queer Health, Reproductive health, Sexual health, Women's Health
Acute UTI, Aging and Painful Sex, Aging and UTIs, Am I going through menopause, Bladder Incontinence, Body Changes In Menopause, Easing the Symptoms of Menopause, Menopause, Pelvic Floor, Prevent urinary tract infection, Urinary Tract Infection, UTI
If you have a vagina, then you have possibly been warned about the dangers of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), and the ever-present danger that they may return and not leave you alone. Many women also report they get UTIs so often that they get used to the symptoms– so much so that they don’t realize they have an infection until it gets too bad. Because nobody likes more pain, or more health risks, let’s take a look at the three areas of the urinary tract that a UTI may affect, and the possible symptoms:
| Area |
Symptoms |
| Kidneys |
Nausea, vomiting, back/side pain, shaking and chills, high fever |
| Bladder |
Frequent and painful urination, blood in urine, pelvic pressure, lower belly discomfort |
| Urethra |
Unusual discharge, burning sensation during urination |
Did you know that UTIs are the most common bacterial infection in women over 65? Though young people certainly can suffer from a UTI, untreated UTIs in older women can lead to much more serious health issues, like kidney failure or sepsis. One reason for older women’s susceptibility to UTIs is the weakened muscles in the bladder and pelvic floor, causing incontinence or urinary retention. The longer the urine remains in the urinary tract, the higher the risk of bacterial multiplication.
Another reason why older women are at a higher risk for a UTI is because estrogen levels drop significantly after menopause. This can lead to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina, heightening the risk of an infection. It is suggested that post menopausal women use vaginal estrogen creams, which can help support the presence of good bacteria. Drinking plenty of water and fluids, especially cranberry juice, can also help prevent infections.
No matter your age, to lessen the risk of a UTI you should also make sure you are wearing loose clothing, emptying your bladder often, wiping front to back, and always keep an eye out for possible symptoms if you have reason to be concerned. UTIs are usually treated with narrow-spectrum antibiotics, as those are more likely to be accepted by the body. In more advanced cases, UTI patients are hospitalized and receive IV antibiotics.
If you or a loved one use pads or adult diapers, you should make sure to change them often and clean the area well, pat dry, between uses. UTIs can be especially problematic for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, as they often cannot communicate their needs or state their symptoms. In those cases, the UTI may escalate to the point where the affected person starts acting erratically, more confused than usual, and even more disoriented. If those symptoms worsen, it is definitely advisable to have elderly female patients be treated by a doctor immediately.
https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/the-risk-of-utis-as-you-age
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
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