These mums-to-be who are having back pain usually have the following symptoms:-

• the pain is chronic
• happens on their lower back
• their tummies are usually pretty large

The very first advise we often give is always for them to approach their obstetricians in order to investigate for any other reason for the pain. Normally, the reply is just a matter-of-factly that their baby is a very healthy one and the mum will need to exercise a little bit more just so that they can be stronger for the extra weight.

P…l..e..a..s..e….. how to exercise when you are in pain, especially back pain when your limbs will be affected and lots of discomfort are felt throughout your whole body!

Now, any woman who has experienced pregnancy will agree (with both hands up high) that it is a very tough job to carry a baby within your body 24/7, especially when the baby grows, you’ll lose control of your bladder, varicose veins will appear, and worst, the chronic back pain which we are talking about here.

It’s therefore very common to see pregnant women walking with their hands holding their stomach, or some with one hand holding their back and another hand on any wall or support they can find. Lots of them just wish they can bring along a wheelbarrow with them so that they can rest their tummy on it

Actually you don’t have to.

There’s maternity belt that’s made just for this purpose: to support your stomach so that it’ll reduce the strain on your back.

The basic maternity belt is usually made of elastic material and is adjustable for different tummy sizes, however, some may need to be bought in terms of dress sizes or weight/height sizes. This basic belts are worn around the back and below the tummy. These support will help to increase the blood flow to the pelvis and reduce the pressure on the bladder, allowing more control over it. Lower back pain is also alleviated as the pressure seizes.

There are other maternity belts that provide more support and cover more areas of the lower back, and of course, their price is higher. Some others have a strap that goes under the tummy and another strap that fits above it. You may have even seen those that fits like camisoles over the whole body, and even with straps that go over the shoulders for greater support. Well, normally, if you are not carrying triplets or more, or that your baby is not of gigantic size, these maternity belts might not be that useful to you then.

Maternity belts can be worn like bras in the sense that you can wear it the whole day if necessary, or only wear it when you know that you need to stand or walk for a longer period of time. If you exercise, maternity belt will be useful also as it’ll support you better and allows you to enjoy the exercise more.

Maternity belts are usually conveniently not proposed by obstetricians because they may feel not necessary for you, but if you are carrying multiple babies or that you are experiencing chronic back pains, they’ll duly recommend you to purchase one for your support.

It is definitely not an necessity, but if you experience chronic lower back pain during your pregnancy, maternity belt is definitely a lifesaver. Look for those that are comfortable for you, able to absorb perspiration and comes with good ventilation.

Recommended Products

• Farlin BF-601 Maternity Belt

The Significance Of Breast Milk To The Baby includes:-

• it is the easiest and the healthiest way to feed a newborn, as the milk is rich in nutrients.
• Breastfeeding reduces the chances of infection and increases the immunity of the baby
• Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which aid the baby’s digestion.
• Amino acids – the building blocks of proteins – present in breast milk are well balanced for the baby. These proteins aid the proper functioning of the baby’s intestinal tract. It’s suggested also that the amino acid present in breast milk helps the baby to acquire sound sleep during the night time.
• Breast milk is rich in lymphocytes and macrophages, which protect the newborn against intestinal inflammation.
• Breast milk is a rich source of iron, which can be easily absorbed by the infant better than any other source of the mineral.
• Breast milk promotes the overall health of the baby
• Since mother’s milk is available at the optimum temperature that is most suitable for the infant, it is free from all possible sources of contamination.
• The immunoglobulins (antibodies) present in the breast milk protect the baby from upper respiratory infections and gastro intestinal infections. This is the reason why breast fed babies stay healthier than their formula fed counterparts.
• The hormone prolactin, responsible for the production of breast milk, functions as a natural tranquilizer for the mother and baby alike.
• Formula-fed children are likely to become obese, when they reach the stage of adolescence. On the other hand, those fed with breast milk are less likely to be obese at their teenage.
• Breast feeding plays a pivotal role in preventing various kinds of digestive diseases in the infant, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Childhood cancers such as leukemia are also prevented by breast feeding.
• Breast milk lowered the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), increased intelligence, decreased likelihood of contracting middle ear infections, cold, and flu bugs, lower risk of childhood onset diabetes, decreased risk of asthma and eczema, decreased dental problems, and decreased risk of obesity later in life, decreased risk of developing psychological disorders.

The Significance Of Breast Milk To The Mother includes:-

• Breast feeding helps to assists the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and reduces post-partum bleeding as well as assisting the mother to return to her pre-pregnancy weight.
• Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
• Breastfeeding saves times and money. You do not have to purchase, measure, and mix formula, and there are no bottles to warm in the middle of the night.
• Breastfeeding also helps a mother bond with her baby. Physical contact is important to newborns and can help them feel more secure, warm and comforted.

The importance of breast milk and breast feeding can just go on and on, however, there are real incidence of mothers passing germs and bacterias to their baby during their breastfeeding session and turn out making matters worst for both mother and baby.

Although breastmilk is free of contamination and disease, the breasts of the mother are not. Proper care of the breasts are very important and nipples are to be cleaned before and after each feed. Germs and bacterias do grow very quickly in milk residue and will cause risk of breast infection. The nipples are best to be cleaned with Sterilized Nipple Wipes from Nuk, which is made of 100% cotton with no chemical and preservatives and contains only purified water. They are individually sealed air-tight and very convenient to carry, so no matter you are at home, in office, even on an airplane, you can be assured that you are feeding the best to your baby and nothing else. For maximum comfort, you may even warm or cool Nuk Nipple Wipes by putting the unopened sachet into warm water or refrigerator.

For whatever it’s worth, breastfeeding is a special and rewarding time that is shared between you and your baby and should never be traded with anything else.

Men will develop stretch marks possibly due to extreme changes in weight and also through engaging in muscle and body building activities. On the other hand, women usually get stretch marks during pregnancy and through weight flux and hormonal changes as well.

Stretch marks develop when the dermis, which is the middle layer of our skin, gets stretched to the point that its elasticity starts to break down. This then causes some form of microscopic bleeding plus inflammation of the surrounding tissue. Thus, the affected part appears to have some raised lines, which are symptoms of newly formed stretch marks. Depending on your natural skin tone, stretch marks usually start out as reddish to dark brown or even pinkish in color. Later on, it turns into purple.

The epidermis, which is the outer layer of our skin, stretches as well. It thus becomes a bit translucent so we can see the formation of stretch marks with our naked eye. As our skin recovers, scarring takes place and causes the appearance of light-colored lines that we typically call stretch marks. The once raised marks flatten and fade into a hue that is several shades lighter than your natural skin tone.

The general affected parts are normally appearing at abdominal area, breast area, thighs, lower back and hips. The breast area of a woman during her pregnancy also experiences expansion, because the mammary glands are preparing itself for breastfeeding after a few months. The activation of the milk-producing glands within the breast is known to cause hormone changes. The hormone changes are often accountable also for the stretch marks, as fluid builds heavily inside the breasts, stretching the skin.

Around 75% to 90% of women develop stretch marks to some degree during pregnancy. The sustained hormonal levels as a result of pregnancy usually means stretch marks may appear during the sixth or seventh month, primarily during the 3rd trimester, as that is when skin tends to be subjected to higher levels of stretching forces. Often, of all the factors involved in stretch mark development, the only one over which an individual can retain control is that of diet.

For prevention or removal of stretch marks, various treatments are available, including laser treatments, prescription retinoid and natural techniques.

• Removal through laser is used in which the old stretched skin is removed and the new skin grows at its place.
• For prescription retinoid, one of the most popular product and insist upon by most mothers is the Pigeon Body and Stretch mark Cream.
• For natural methods, exercising regime and some diet plans will help you to get rid of the irritating reddish scars from your body.

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Do you see any link between them?

Don’t worry if you dont, cause this link has just been established by the staffs from the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, USA.

About 200 staffs including the doctors, nurses, lab techicians, administrators, kitchen and janitorial employees participated in a dance in which all of them donned pink latex gloves and dance to the beat of Jay Sean’s R&B song “Down”.

The purpose? To help raise money in the fight against breast cancer.

The media? Viral marketing via YouTube.

The audience? 2.7 million viewers and climbing up fast.

The commentors? 4,000 souls have been touched by their act and expressed their gratitude and support.

The video was shot at the hospital early last month to help raise money in the fight against breast cancer. A portion of sales from the pink gloves, made by Medline Industries in Illinois, will provide mammograms for uninsured women. The company also produced the video.

Watch the video below and do support breast cancer patients in any way you can.

This news is extracted from FoxNews and on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, about two dozens of the ‘dancers’ will on Fox and Friends.

ABCnews has extensive reporting by john Mckenzie for this video and have even covered the making of the video, which took two days in the medical facility, in which most of the time was spend in the dance choreography for these ‘non-professionally trained dancers’. The dance was inspired and made possible by “great heart and great spirits”, claimed by one staff.

Watch the ABCnews video titled Pink Gloves Go Viral

“Laughter is the best medicine…. you got it!!” cheerfully claimed by one breast cancer victim,

“As a survivor … I smiled, I cried and I was deeply moved …”

Another wrote “… my aunt passed away last night due to cancer. This means the world to me.”

One hospital. One simple act. One heart. One dance. One reason. One world.

Lend your support in any means you can, begin by tweeting and forwarding this page to anybody you know.

According to CNN, researchers in Australia has tested the H1N1 vaccine on 240 people with ages in the range of 18 to 64, and by the end of 21 days, majority of these testees passed with flying colours. According to Dr. Raymond Strikas of the National Vaccine Program, testees who are able to exhibit an immune response of 1 to 40 titers for the vaccination test will at least passed another stringent criteria for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve for the flu vaccine. Dr. Raymond Strikas was not involved with the study and his comment was published in the New England Journal of Medicine yesterday.

These testees are separated into 2 groups, one group was administered with 15 micrograms of the vaccine and the other with 30 micrograms. Those with 15 microgram has mild to moderate vaccine-associated reactions, similar to what they see when the seasonal flu vaccine is given.

Watch the video below.

At the mean time, the National Institutes of Health scientists have been conducting their clinical trials on the H1N1 vaccine in several sites across the United States of America. “The NIH-sponsored clinical trial corroborates and confirms the exciting data by the Australians published in the New England Journal of Medicine” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the NIH. “In fact the NIH studies … show that a single dose of vaccine induces a robust immune response in healthy adults.” More details on the NIH studies will be released and we’ll keep you posted then.

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Your hands are usually in direct contact with surfaces and are exposed constantly to all types of germs, those of which can cause serious infections. Therefore, your hands can pose a danger to yourself and others and should be washed thoroughly and regularly with soap:

• Before and after meals
• Before handling food
• After using the toilet
• After blowing your nose
• After touching contaminated surfaces like tabletops, doorknobs, handrails, etc

Proper handwashing requires soap and water. By rubbing, soap breaks down the grease and dirt that carry most germs. Washing your hands for 30 seconds with soap and water does not just make your hands smell fresh but also reduces germs counts by up to 99.9%.

Follow diagram below for the correct method of washing your hands:-

Correct Method Of Washing Hands

In the event when there is no soap and/or water for your sanitary purpose, it is recommended that you use Dettol RC-104808 Instant Hand Sanitizer for your hand-washing purposes. The Dettol RC-104808 Instant Hand Sanitizer is able to kill 99.99% of germs without water and it’s rinse free and non-sticky. It comes with compact travelling size which is very suitable for your travelling use.

Alternatively, you can also use Angel Wet Wipes for normal wiping purposes. Use it before and after meals and maybe the table and/or chairs to ensure your environment is clean and hygiene. Angel Wet Wipes are comparatively cheaper than other wipes and it is unscented, therefore does not contain any harmful or irritating artificial addictives. It’s anti-bacterial formula provides the hygienic care for you during your travel or dine-out.

2) Covering your mouth and nose with tissue

When you cough or sneeze, the germs in the secretions can spread and infect others. Also, these germs can contaminate surfaces like tabletops, doorknobs, or handrails from which they are picked up by others who touch these surfaces. So when you cough or sneeze, remember to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Dispose your used tissue paper in the dustbin properly.

3) Wearing a surgical mask if unwell

If you have the flu, put on a surgical mask to protect others. Follow these simple steps to wear a mask:

• Check for a thin metallic strip along the edge of the mask to ensure you have the right side up. The folds of the mask should point downwards and face out.
• Loop the bands over your ears or tie it securely behind your head, if it requires tying.
• Press your nose bridge to check that you have a close fit.
• Check all areas around the mask to make sure there are no gaps. The mask should cover your mouth, your nose and your chin.
• Tighten the bands or adjust the mask if required.

How To Put On Mask

Remember to wash your hands before putting on your mask and after disposing it in the dustbin. Change your mask every eight hours or when it becomes moist.

4) Taking your temperature correctly

A fever can be one of the first signs of an infection. A reading of 38 degrees Celsius or more could be an indication of a serious infection such as Influenza. Take your temperature if you feel unwell and see your doctor if you have a fever. Follow these simple steps to take your temperature correctly:

• When using a digital thermometer in the mouth:

1. Wash the thermometer with soap and water before and after every use.
2. Switch the thermometer on and place the tip under the tongue.
3. Hold in place for about one minute until you hear a beep that signals the measurement has been taken.
4. Read the temperature.

• When using an ear thermometer:

1. Put a disposable cap on the thermometer.
2. Switch the thermometer on and wait for the digital display to appear.
3. Gently pull the ear backwards and upwards to straighten the ear canal.
4. Gently insert the thermometer’s earpiece into the ear and press the activation button.
5. Hold in place until you hear a beep to signal that the measurement has been taken.
6. Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
7. Discard the disposable cap.

If you have a fever and develop flu symptoms (e.g. sore throat, runny nose, cough, muscle aches and tiredness), put on a mask and make your way to see a doctor. Stay home until you have recovered fully.

5) Leading a healthy lifestyle

Keep yourself and others safe by observing good personal hygiene habits and by being socially responsible (e.g. never spit in public places, using a serving spoon when sharing food from a common plate). Leading a healthy lifestyle helps to build up your immunity and protects you against infection. It is important that you:

• Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Do 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week.
• Learn to relax and have enough sleep and rest
• Do not smoke

Just remember, you can never be too careful when comes to Influenza A (H1N1).

Best Protection Against Influzenza

For a lighter side of this measures, and in case you forget to wash your hand, I think this video will help you to remember it better, in fact, I’m having trouble forgetting it now:-

For more information on Influenza A (H1N1), please visit the following website:

www.hpb.gov.sg

www.moh.gov.sg

www.flu.gov.sg

Recommended Products:-

• Dettol RC-104808 Instant Hand Sanitizer
• Angel Wet Wipes

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Influenza A (H1N1-2009), previously referred to as ‘swine flu’, is a new strain of Influenza virus that spreads from human to human. As this is a new strain of virus, most people will not have resistance, and it can potentially spread quickly and infect a large proportion of the population in a short period of time.

What is H1N1?

How does Influenza A (H1N1-2009) spread from human to human?

Influenza A (H1N1-2009) spreads from human to human in the same way as seasonal flu. Flu can be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. The flu viruses are transmitted into the air through droplets that can be inhaled by other people. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin to multiply, causing symptoms of the flu. The viruses can also be spread indirectly when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (e.g. a door knob) and then touches his/her nose or mouth.

What are the symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1-2009)?

The symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) are similar to that of seasonal influenza. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, runny nose, headaches and tiredness.

How serious is the Influenza A (H1N1-2009) infection?

Most cases of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) infection are mild and self-limiting. However, severe illness and death have been reported in a small proportion of cases (in particular those with other underlying medical conditions). A higher proportion of young adults are also affected compared to seasonal flu.

What medications are available to treat Influenza A (H1N1-2009) infection?

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza) are anti-viral drugs that can be used to treat Influenza A (H1N1-2009) infection. In most cases, laboratory testing to confirm Influenza A (H1N1-2009) infection is not needed before starting treatment. Doctors will exercise clinical judgment in prescribing anti-viral drugs on a case-by-case basis taking into account patients’ risk of developing influenza-related complications, prevalence of infection in the community and the risks and benefits of treatment. As with any other medication, there are potential side-effects related to the use of Tamiflu. Consult your doctor early if you are feeling unwell and do not self-medicate.

Who are at risk of developing complications from Influenza A (H1N1-2009)?

• Children below 5 years of age
• Pregnant women
• Patients undergoing cancer treatment
• Patients on immunosuppressants
• Patients on long-term aspirin therapy
• Patients on dialysis
• Anybody who has underlying medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease
• Persons aged 65 years and older

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