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Add Constipation to Postpartum List of Problems

ChadJohnson — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:59:26 +0000

New moms are often surprised when they experience a bout of constipation after giving birth, unaware that this is actually a very common postpartum complaint.

Many women may experience constipation following childbirth, due to the slowdown of the digestive system and temporary loss of muscle tone in the abdomen. But there are other explanations. Factors that may contribute to constipation include: medications administered for postpartum pain, prenatal vitamins continued while breast feeding and anesthesia administered during labor.

A fear of pushing can also cause a cycle of constipation. New moms may be hesitant to strain themselves because of post-childbirth tenderness, fear of tearing a stitch or pain from hemorrhoids. C-sections can also contribute.

Mothers should know that this situation is very common. In one survey of about 1,000 new moms conducted by Russell Research in collaboration with Purdue Products, the makers of Colace Capsules, it was found that 47 percent of new moms experienced constipation or other digestive issues after giving birth, and 89 percent of those mothers experienced problems with bowel movements in the days immediately after childbirth.

There are many ways to combat this issue. While it may be hard to get back into gear after the ordeal your body has just been through, it may help to exercise a little each day once you have been told by your doctor that it’s okay. Adequate daily fiber is also key to keeping away constipation. Eating bran muffins, high fiber cereal and lots of fruits and vegetables is a great way to make sure you’re getting your daily intake. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.

According to the survey, 77 percent of new mothers with constipation took a stool softener, such as Colace Capsules. Since the active ingredient is docusate sodium, Colace Capsules help avoid the painful straining associated with occasional constipation. Colace Capsules is the leading product recommended by doctors and pharmacists to provide reliable relief. Of course, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult with your doctor before use, and remember to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.

The survey also revealed that a startling 67 percent of new moms were not warned about postpartum constipation. For more info, check out www.colacecapsules.com. Read through the “prevention” section to get tips on natural ways to combat postpartum constipation.

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Insider Secrets to an Affordable Road Trip

NewsUSA — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – Whether traveling for business or pleasure, most people will take at least one road trip this year, and when they do, they’ll be looking for value.
To help get the most out of your next trip, here are five insider secrets from travel expert and life-long hotelier, Rajiv Bhatia, head of roadside hotel chain Knights Inn.
1. Book Your Hotel Direct. Shopping around is always a good idea, and it seems like new websites pop up every day to help travelers do just that. That’s great for comparing offerings, but when you’ve made your choice, book directly with the hotel or brand. More often than not, you’ll be offered a lower price as well as a best-rate guarantee.
2. Pass on Car Rental Insurance. Rather than paying the insurance that car rental companies provide for a fee, check your personal policy. Often, your plan will include a travel clause that you may not be aware of, saving you as much as $30 a day. To save even more, don’t worry about the size of the rental car you are reserving and go with the smallest size offered. The most compact cars usually get overbooked and sell out fast, often leading to a free upgrade.
3. Don’t Pay for What’s Free. Spend your money on fun, not on hotel Internet fees and expensive breakfasts. Stick with hotels that offer these amenities at no cost.
4. Slow Down on the Highway. Savor the journey to your destination; it doesn’t pay to rush. Driving in excess of 60 miles per hour will waste gas and money. For every five miles over, you car can lose as much as 23 percent fuel efficiency.
5. Brand Loyalty Pays. Hotel loyalty programs let travelers earn points for their stays, points that can be redeemed for gift cards, free nights and more. When you stay with competing brands, it’s likely you won’t earn enough points for rewards. Stay with only one brand or its affiliates and watch your point balance grow. Like having choices when you travel? Try Wyndham Rewards, it’s the largest hotel loyalty program in the world, with 14 brands and over 6,500 hotels.

Insider Secrets to an Affordable Road Trip was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Women See Greater Risk of DVT

NewsUSA — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – In Beaverton, Ore., Stephanie Glyzewski’s first blood clot went unnoticed for three weeks after routine knee surgery. Following days of excruciating pain and swelling, Glyzewski’s doctor discovered the clot lodged in her leg, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The blood clot in Glyzewski’s leg broke loose from her leg and made a beeline for her lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), a complication of DVT that nearly killed her. Years later, Glyzewski’s second DVT emerged a month after her daughter was born. A complicated labor led to a fever and a DVT more agonizing than the last.
“DVT has changed my life forever. I can’t have any more children, I’ll be on clotting medication for the rest of my life and I have to watch my diet religiously and avoid any strenuous activity,” says Glyzewski. “However, I feel extremely grateful to be alive.”
Glyzewski, a young, athletic woman, almost lost her life to DVT, and thousands like her aren’t so lucky.
According to the Vascular Disease Foundation, 600,000 Americans are affected by DVT and PE each year with more than 100,000 fatalities. Shockingly, DVT and PE cause more deaths a year than breast cancer, car accidents and AIDs combined.
“For women, the risk of getting DVT is even higher. Pregnancy, birth control products and hormone therapies are risk factors, plus extended hospitalization, recent surgery, family history of DVT and obesity,” says Suman Rathbun, MD with the Vascular Disease Foundation. “Anyone can develop DVT. Young, old, athletic — it doesn’t discriminate. But the more risk factors you have, the greater the likelihood of developing DVT.”
To raise awareness about DVT and its related issues, health organizations partnered to create a national health campaign, “This is Serious.” Developed by the Vascular Disease Foundation in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the multi-media campaign seeks to educate women about their gender-specific risks for DVT and PE and motivate preventative action.
Physicians recommend getting checked if you have symptoms or more than one risk factor. Common symptoms are redness of skin, recent swelling in limb, unexplained pain and hot or warm skin.
Since these symptoms can mirror other minor aches and pains, there’s often a delay in diagnosis, which opens the door for a potentially fatal PE. Whether it’s a small piece or the entire blood clot that travels to the lungs, it can be deadly. PE causes shortness of breath, sharp chest pains and coughing up blood, all of which signal an immediate need for medical attention.
Get more details and support at www.ThisIsSerious.org.

Women See Greater Risk of DVT was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

A Straining Issue for Postpartum Moms

NewsUSA — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – New moms are often surprised when they experience a bout of constipation after giving birth, unaware that this is actually a very common postpartum complaint.
Many women may experience constipation following childbirth, due to the slowdown of the digestive system and temporary loss of muscle tone in the abdomen. But there are other explanations. Factors that may contribute to constipation include: medications administered for postpartum pain, prenatal vitamins continued while breast feeding and anesthesia administered during labor.
A fear of pushing can also cause a cycle of constipation. New moms may be hesitant to strain themselves because of post-childbirth tenderness, fear of tearing a stitch or pain from hemorrhoids. C-sections can also contribute.
Mothers should know that this situation is very common. In one survey of about 1,000 new moms conducted by Russell Research in collaboration with Purdue Products, the makers of Colace Capsules, it was found that 47 percent of new moms experienced constipation or other digestive issues after giving birth, and 89 percent of those mothers experienced problems with bowel movements in the days immediately after childbirth.
There are many ways to combat this issue. While it may be hard to get back into gear after the ordeal your body has just been through, it may help to exercise a little each day once you have been told by your doctor that it’s okay. Adequate daily fiber is also key to keeping away constipation. Eating bran muffins, high-fiber cereal and lots of fruits and vegetables is a great way to make sure you’re getting your daily intake. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
According to the survey, 77 percent of new mothers with constipation took a stool softener, such as Colace Capsules. Since the active ingredient is docusate sodium, Colace Capsules help avoid the painful straining associated with occasional constipation. Colace Capsules is the leading product recommended by doctors and pharmacists to provide reliable relief. Of course, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult with your doctor before use, and remember to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
The survey also revealed that a startling 67 percent of new moms were not warned about postpartum constipation. For more info, check out www.colacecapsules.com. Read through the “prevention” section to get tips on natural ways to combat postpartum constipation.

A Straining Issue for Postpartum Moms was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

DJs Bring Rise to Electronic Revolution

NewsUSA — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – The French DJ kings Daft Punk took the club scene over one single at a time, with electronic dance hits like “One More Time” and “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” reaching the top of the charts in the U.K. and U.S. Their commercial success opened the door for other popular DJs, like Tiesto, Diplo, Swedish House Mafia and up-and-coming artist DJ Ladé. “Many of these acclaimed DJs start out in the underground club scene, getting a feel for what people want to hear and jive to. Then, if they have the potential and marketability, they get signed and start laying beats for big-name artists. From the clubs in Philly, Diplo moved on to work with acts like Missy Elliot and Lil’ Jon,” explains Jake Shapiro from Big Jake Music, a record label based in the Big Apple. “DJ Ladé is on a similar track. He’s built a solid fan base at some of New York City’s hottest clubs. Like many great DJs, when he is in the Zone, he is amazing to watch, let alone listen anddance to,” Shapiro added. Ladé remixed “Little Lion Man” from the British indie-folk band Mumford & Sons, infusing their vocals with his electronic edge. Although his enthusiasm for electronic dance music is prominent now, Ladé’s career originated with his love for rock. Like many musicians, he started young — very young. Ladé performed alongside talented artists and carved a musical niche for himself before he even hit puberty. By the time he was a sophomore in high school, Ladé could play the violin, piano and drums and write his own music. He soon mastered the technical side of the creative process as he engineered and produced tracks using synthesizers and other electronic aspects. Once he began producing dance music, DJing just fell into place. Ladé says it fulfills his passion for performance, and being a DJ is just a “natural extension of playing the drums.” But Ladé’s style is certainly unique. “He’s recognized as one of the few DJ’s in New York City who spins in a more traditional and musical style, without the use of a computer or software,” says Shapiro. To listen to Ladé’s remix of “Little Lion Man,” or any of his other music, go to www.iTunes.com or check out his YouTube channel. Learn more at www.bigjakemusic.com.

DJs Bring Rise to Electronic Revolution was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate — Get Your Flu Vaccine Today

NewsUSA — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – When you see “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here” signs and banners after November outside pharmacies and in doctor’s offices, you might think, “Isn’t it too late for that?”
The answer is “No!”
“Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as May,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “We are encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”
For millions of people each year, the flu can bring a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue and miserable days spent in bed instead of at work or school. However, you may not realize that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States from flu complications each year. The flu also can be deadly. Between 1976 and 2007, CDC estimates that annual flu-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of about 3,000 people to a high of about 49,000 people.
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. It’s available in two forms: shots and a nasal spray. The flu shot options include the regular flu shot, the new intradermal flu shot and a high-dose flu shot. While the regular flu shot can be given to just about everyone, the intradermal flu shot is approved for use in adults 18 through 64 years of age, and the high-dose flu shot is for people aged 65 years and older. The nasal spray vaccine is approved only for use in healthy people ages 2 to 49 years who aren’t pregnant.
Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. For those at greater risk for complications, getting the flu vaccine is especially important. People at greater risk include:
* Children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old
* Pregnant women
* People with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2) or heart and lung disease
* People 65 years and older
It’s also important to get the vaccine if you’re a caretaker for anyone in one or more of these high-risk groups, or for babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the vaccine.
Children 6 months through 8 years of age getting vaccinated for the first time need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected. If a child has not received his/her first dose, get them vaccinated now. For children who are 6 months through 8 years of age and have been vaccinated with one dose, parents should check with the child’s doctor to see if a second dose is needed.
“Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” says Schuchat.
Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers. They’re offered by many employers and are even available in some schools. So next time you see a sign that says, “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here,” stop in. Or, make an appointment with your doctor. Visit www.flu.gov and use the Flu Vaccine Finder to find the nearest location.
For more information about influenza or the flu vaccine, visit www.cdc.gov/flu, www.flu.gov or call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate — Get Your Flu Vaccine Today was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Sealing Homes After Winter’s Wrath

NewsUSA — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – The winter weather trifecta of ice, snow and wind can leave a house full of new cracks and openings, rendering it defenseless when spring brings rain and unexpected pests. Unfortunately, the total damage left by winter’s wrath may not be known until after pests have already invaded your home.
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), more than half of homeowners are concerned about pest damage to their homes and property — and rightfully so.
“Increased moisture from melting ice and snow can create cracks and holes in roofs and foundations, allowing pests easy access,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. “Ice dams, which form on roofs and prevent snow from melting, are especially problematic as they can damage walls, ceilings, insulation and drywall, with resulting moisture attracting pests such as termites and carpenter ants.”
If pests have already found their way indoors, immediate action is recommended. “Homeowners should deal with a pest problem right away since household pests breed relatively quickly. A small pest problem can result in a full-blown infestation in a matter of weeks, posing serious health risks to homeowners and their families,” advised Henriksen.
The first step toward keeping spring pests outdoors is to repair any obvious damage. The NPMA recommends the following advice:
* Look for missing roof shingles, ripped window screens and clogged gutters, all of which are as inviting as a “Pests welcome” vacancy sign.
* Seal cracks and holes, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
* Replace weather-stripping, and repair loose mortar around basement foundations and windows.
* Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
* Vacuum around doors and windows, as these are key entry points for eager pests. Frequent vacuuming can catch invaders like spiders, silverfish, earwigs and beetles.
* Inspect garages and outbuildings for rodent tenants. Organize cluttered debris, boxes and random items along the walls where mice may hide or nest. Does spring cleaning call for a new shelving unit?
* Partner with a local pest professional to treat existing infestations, and consider a quarterly maintenance plan to keep pests out for good.
For more information about pest maintenance, tips on identifying an infestation and locating a qualified and licensed pest professional, visit www.pestworld.org.

Sealing Homes After Winter’s Wrath was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Do You Take Drinking Water for Granted?

ChadJohnson — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:34:05 +0000

You turn on the tap, and water comes out. Period. Safe, plentiful and affordable drinking water is one of our nation’s most precious resources and something most of us take for granted.

But what if you turned on the tap and nothing happened, or if the water you drank made you sick?

While pouring a glass of water may seem simple, before it arrives at your tap there is a complex process of collecting, storing, treating and distributing the water that helps ensure its availability and quality. In fact, water utilities implement comprehensive water management plans to ensure that adequate amounts of drinking water are available. These include conservation and reuse, reclamation and sourcing strategies.

Drinking water supplied by utilities is always treated to remove contaminants and harmful micro-organisms. That treatment process typically consists of clarification (to remove dirt and other particles), filtration (to remove even smaller particles) and disinfection (to kill bacteria and most viruses). The water is then delivered to residential and commercial customers via an extensive pipe network.

Drinking water utilities are committed to protecting public health and constantly monitoring and reassessing their methods for treating water to ensure its quality. In part, this is due to changing government regulations, which periodically alter water quality standards. In addition, they may undertake other forms of treatment not expressly required to comply with regulations in order to ensure that drinking water meets and often exceeds the standards and needs of local communities.

For example, they may seek to remove trace compounds that are not currently regulated, and to enhance the aesthetic quality of the water.

Drinking water utilities carry out these services while also managing costs and minimizing environmental impacts of their processes; they are committed to keeping drinking water affordable. Water utilities and other stakeholders invest more than $12 million each year in the Water Research Foundation to sponsor research that enables water utilities, public health agencies and other professionals to provide safe and affordable drinking water to the public.

So the next time you pour a glass of water from the tap, take a moment to honor the commitment and significant investment made to ensure the quality of that water. Learn more at www.waterrf.org.

Do You Take Drinking Water for Granted? was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Engineering Technology Fields See Continued Job Growth

ChadJohnson — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:48:34 +0000

Technology has become a seamless part of our everyday lives, from the time we wake up until we go to bed. Both at work and at home, we use technology to some extent in completing the majority of personal and professional tasks – from downloading music and playing games to communicating with clients and personal banking.

In this fast-paced world, relevance is fleeting, and new product launches make existing technologies obsolete seemingly overnight. The constant evolution of the industry means new job opportunities will continue to rise for professionals with relevant skills. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of computer software engineers is expected to increase by 32 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations, particularly for those with bachelor’s degrees.

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in engineering technology will be positioned for career success, as these programs provide the educational framework for designing and implementing the software and hardware that make technological advancements possible. Many universities now offer degree programs tailored to this career path, giving students hands-on experience in fields poised to expand over the next decade.

“DeVry University partners with Fortune 100 leaders in business and technology to design programs that provide real-world knowledge,” explained John Giancola, dean of the College of Engineering and Information Sciences, DeVry University. “Our Computer Engineering Technology and Electronics Engineering Technology degree programs are designed to address the skills students need to succeed developing software or electronics for a variety of consumer product markets, including ‘green’ products that require renewable energy.”

While many fields have declining projections for growth, engineering technology continues to thrive. “Money” magazine recently listed software developer, software development engineer and database administrator among its top 20 jobs in fast growth fields, each of which is an attainable profession with a degree in electronics engineering technology or computer engineering technology.

From healthcare and government to telecommunications, the technologies that support growing industries are rapidly becoming more advanced and complex, creating new demand for professionals trained to manage updated systems and resolve new, unique problems.

Similarly, companies in all industries are becoming increasingly global and require engineering technology specialists to ensure that the systems they use to conduct business are compatible at international locations.

Find more information on engineering technology degree programs at www.devry.edu.

Engineering Technology Fields See Continued Job Growth was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Fresh Mussels Make 2012 Wellness Goals Taste Great

ChadJohnson — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:48:03 +0000

Every January, our focus turns to kicking off the year with a renewed commitment to healthy eating. We join gyms and invest in the latest protein powders and high-fiber shakes in pursuit of a healthier life. But did you know there’s a delicious powerhouse food that’s easy to make and won’t break your wallet just waiting to help us meet our goals?

“Fresh mussels are packed with important health benefits. They are rich in nutrients without adding significant calories or fat to meals,” says registered dietitian Lois Ferguson, as he explains the benefits of fresh PEI mussels compared to other proteins like meat and poultry. “This makes them the perfect food for people who aim to live a life of fitness and health.”

A 100 gram serving of fresh mussels delivers an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, zinc, manganese, folate, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine. In fact, mussels offer more iron and vitamin B12 than beef. And unlike beef or pork, blue cultured mussels are low in saturated fat but high in protein.

“This makes mussels a great choice for entrées as there’s an abundance of delicious ingredients to combine with them to make healthy meals for family and friends,” notes Ferguson. “Mussels are every bit as versatile as shrimp, for instance, and while they’re both low in saturated fat, mussels have only one-third the amount of cholesterol.”

It’s a common expression that seafood is “brain food” and research shows that long-chain omega-3 fats in our food helps the brain, eyes and nerves. Ferguson points out that “compared to the very popular and healthy choice of halibut, a 100 gram serving of fresh blue cultured mussels has 125 percent of the omega 3 fats found in the same serving of halibut. So you can really think of mussels as having similar health benefits to fish.”

Often thought to be solely in the realm of fruits and vegetables, mussels are also a rich source of selenium, a mineral and dietary antioxidant involved in the formation of a protein that defends against oxidative stress.

“In addition to providing antioxidants, mussels are a good source of vitamin C, which is rare among protein sources,” says Ferguson. “A 100 gram serving of mussels provides 14 milligrams of vitamin C, compared to the same size serving of watermelon which has only 9 milligrams.”

Enjoy a nutrient-rich meal with this Thai recipe:

SWEET THAI MUSSELS

Ingredients:

4 pounds fresh PEI mussels
4 ounces white wine
2 teaspoons red onions, finely chopped
6 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
4 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
1⁄2 lime squeezed

Instructions:

Rinse fresh PEI mussels in cold water. Tap any mussels that are still open. Discard any mussels that remain open.

In a sauté pan place mussels adding wine, red onions, sweet chili sauce, cilantro and lime. Cover pan and allow to steam until mussels start to open up. Sauté the pan occasionally to ensure the chili sauce coats all the mussels. Discard any mussels that do not open. Serve mussels a large oval bowl with your favorite bread for dipping.

Learn more about mussel health at discovermussels.com, and find more mussel recipes at discovermussels.com/recipes.

Fresh Mussels Make 2012 Wellness Goals Taste Great was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com