Women's Health - The Most Common Causes of Stress and How to Handle Them

By James S. Pendergraft

According to Oxford Dictionary, stress can be defined as "A state of affair involving demand on physical or mental energy". This refers to a condition where normal mental and physical health of an individual is affected. When this unpleasant condition continues without a pause and changes, then 'stress condition' occurs naturally.

When stress starts playing an integral role in your life, then it results in risky mind and body disorders. In today's world, you face stress at many places. Each and everyone are under stress at some point. Pressure at work place, relationship problems, meeting deadlines and having a tension-filled life may grow stress in your mind.

Common Causes of Stress in Woman

Nowadays, women are more prone to stress than men are. This is mostly because the former want to show their ability to wield a man's job while simultaneously playing the role of a wife, mother and a daughter. So, she is under immense pressure and struggles to cope up with all these roles in life.

When a woman faces a lot of workload, she falls in the hands of stress, which may break her. They mostly stressed when someone notices their weak points. For example, if she is overweight then, she may get stressed and feel shame of going out. Relationship demand is another reason, why women are easily stressed. However, the thing, which should be in mind, is that it is in your hand to convert the stress. Once you realize this, you are naturally going to experience a positive energy.

Art of handling stress

-Have confidence over yourself

Women can handle stress by very simple and easy techniques. You need to understand that you have the ability to handle multi-tasks. If you are incapable of handling the pressure, then you are a wonder of nature. If you are met with heavy workload, then you have to agree it as a challenge in your work and do it instead of becoming a victim of stress.

-Without stress, life is tedious

You need to understand that without stress, life would be tedious and dull. Face stress by first recognising it and then dealing with it. When you feel nervous, stressed or angry, just take a nice bath, do some breathing exercise or take a deep breath. Even, some simple relaxing exercise can work for you.

-Share your sorrows

Convert your anger into smiles. There is an old saying that "When we share happiness to others it gets doubled. When we share our sorrows it diminishes or vanishes from out heart". So, you can just phone your sister or friend for sharing your feelings or stress you face in your life. Prioritize the work. When you are in an overwhelming situations get out of the unwanted duties. Learn to say "no" to the work, which you can't do when you are overloaded with work.

-Spare sometime for fun

And don't forget to spare sometime for fun. If you sit alone during leisure time, it may increase unhappiness. So, you should volunteer in some social activities or visit your neighbour. Avoid using drugs to reduce your stress. Just try to be good to yourself.

One thing you have to remember is the word 'Relax'. Forget about winning always. Learn how to be patient and stress will never be a problem to you.

Tampa Abortion Clinic Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Ft Lauderdale abortion clinic, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services and sexually transmitted disease screening and counseling.

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Women's Health - Improving Your Metabolism

By Sue Smith

A lot of women are concerned about their metabolism. They fear that once they reach a certain age, their metabolism will slow down drastically and they will begin to gain a lot of extra weight. Although metabolism does slow down as we age, there are certain things we can do in order to improve its performance. In this article I will discuss several ways that guarantee an improvement in your metabolic activity.

One of the best ways to increase your metabolism is to exercise. Physical activity builds muscle and muscle is excellent at burning calories (even while at rest). This is why many of us experience sluggish metabolic activity as we age, due to the muscle loss. Being well hydrated at all times can also improve your metabolic action. Your body needs water in order to process calories. If you are dehydrated (even mildly) your metabolism may slow down. You should also consume more fruit and vegetables because they are also rich in water.

Another key factor in improving your metabolism is protein consumption. When we consume protein our bodies burn twice as many calories as digesting than it does when it breaks down fat or carbohydrates. That is why it is strongly encouraged to consume protein with every meal of the day. Some great food choices include: lean beef and pork, fish, white meat chicken, beans, low fat dairy, tofu, nuts, and eggs. Consuming protein and fiber with every meal has also proven beneficial for quick weight loss. Protein increases our fat burning capability and fiber helps us feel full longer. Suppressing one's appetite with fiber (just as with hoodia), can put a stop to mindless snacking in between meals. So if you want to lose weight or simply improve your metabolism, you should make follow these few easy tips.

Susan Smith writes health articles about fitness and nutrition. Some of her favorite passions include writing about how to lose weight safely and about good and bad diet pills.

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Women's Health Supplements

By Eddie Tobey

There is a huge variety of health supplements available on the market. Are there health supplements that are specifically formulated and intended for women? Yes, there are. Women have special health needs that must be addressed. Of course, good nutrition and regular exercise are two important pillars of good health. Sadly, many of today?s processed and chemically treated food products lack the necessary vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal women?s health. Also, a hectic and busy lifestyle and pollution can further worsen the nutritional deficiencies.

Health supplements are vital to strengthen a woman?s immune system and fill in the nutritional ?gaps? that are not met by regular food intake. Special attention must be given to various health issues that are more prevalent in women. These include breast cancer, obesity, premenstrual syndrome, osteoporosis, menopause, pregnancy and fertility, heart disease, hypertension, and skin care.

Fortunately, there are now health supplements available targeted specifically for women. Most of these health supplements are packed with vitamins and minerals that help boost a woman?s general health as well as fortify her body?s immune system. For instance, health supplements with amino acids and antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E) are good for preventing cancer.

Calcium and magnesium are effective in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Vitamin E is essential in keeping the skin healthy and vibrant as well as improving the body?s defense system. Calcium and vitamin D are vital in preventing the onset of osteoporosis. Folic acid is a good supplement that pregnant women can take to prevent defects in the baby?s neurological system. Needless to say, there is a huge variety of supplements that meet the health needs of women.

Most of these are readily available in drugstores as well as in specialty health supplement stores. Still, it is important to note that these supplements cannot take the place of good diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, these health supplements are vital in providing the necessary vitamins and minerals that women need.

Health Supplements provides detailed information on Health Supplements, Natural Health Supplements, Discount Health Supplements, Alternative Health Supplements and more. Health Supplements is affiliated with Discount Nutritional Supplements.

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The Cost of Baby Formula on Women's Health

By Alexis Rodrigo

Many women make the decision not to breastfeed without knowing the real cost of baby formula. They may add up the price of baby formula, feeding bottles, and artificial nipples. They might even remember to factor in the cost of sterilizing bottles and nipples. But few women who decide not to breastfeed consider the cost of baby formula on their baby's health and their own health.

Women who use baby formula breastfeed very little or not at all. The lack of breastfeeding, which is a natural physiological part of the pregnancy and childbirth process, results in increased health risks for women. Women who do not breastfeed, or breastfeed for shorter duration, have:

Increased Risk for Breast Cancer

Women who do not breastfeed have increased risk for developing breast cancer. Those who breastfeed longer have greater protection. The association between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk reduction is so strong that the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research listed breastfeeding and being breastfed as one of 10 recommendations to prevent cancer.

Increased Risk of Being Overweight

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, every month of breastfeeding brought a reduction of 0.44 kg among postpartum women. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for various diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Therefore, by helping to control weight, breastfeeding helps protect women from diseases linked with weight gain.

Increased Risk of Developing Diabetes

According to a study published by the American Medical Association, each year of breastfeeding reduced mothers' risk of developing diabetes by 15%. Therefore, the longer a woman breastfeeds, the higher her protection against diabetes.

Increased Risk of Endometrial and Ovarian Cancers

Women who have never breastfed have higher incidence of endometrial cancer than women who breastfed. Women who have breastfed longer and more children have lower risks of developing ovarian cancer.

Increased Risk of Osteoporosis

Women who have more children and longer periods of breastfeeding tend to have higher bone density and lower risk of bone fractures than women who have never had children or never breastfed.

Increased Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

A study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism found that breastfeeding for at least 12 months reduced women's risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Increased Stress and Anxiety

Formula-feeding mothers reported fewer positive moods and positive events and more stress than breastfeeding mothers, a study in Biological Research for Nursing found. Those using baby formula also experienced more depression and anger than breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding floods the mother's brain with oxytocin, a hormone that is responsible for creating positive emotions and increased trust. It is also known as the "feel good" or "love" hormone.

Reduced Natural Child Spacing

Exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months after birth reduces a woman's fertility, enabling her to avoid pregnancy. In a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, none of the breastfeeding mothers got pregnant six months postpartum. Formula feeding mothers do not receive this natural contraceptive benefit.

The health impact of baby formula listed above brings about additional costs to women and their families in the form of medical expenses, lost productivity and even loss of life. To fully understand the cost of baby formula, one must consider the health risks to women who do not breastfeed and to their children who do not receive breastmilk. Parents should be aware of the real cost of baby formula in order to make an informed decision about how to feed and nurture their babies.

Alexis Rodrigo is a work at home Mom to 3 kids, certified childbirth educator and breastfeeding advocate. Get more breastfeeding tips. Sign up for the FREE Natural Parenting Newsletter to receive natural parenting info in your Email. Go to http://www.naturalmomsblog.com

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Womens Health with Rose Otto Pure Essential Oil

By KG Stiles

A wonderful woman's oil!

Rosa damascena may relieve mood swings from hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and is one of the most helpful oils to use during labor and delivery.

Rose oil eases labor pains and relieves postpartum depression!

True Rose is good for the genito-urinary system and is known to have a balancing and regulating effect on the female hormones and the menstrual cycle.

Rose oil cleanses the uterus and may be helpful for relieving premenstrual tension (PMS), as well as menopausal symptoms.

Use Rose oil in dilution as an Aromatic Mist to purify your auric field or to clear the atmosphere of a room. Creates a lovely ambiance!

AROMATIC BIRTHING MIST: This is a favorite way of mine for using aromatic oils. You may use your aromatic mist as a facial toner to soothe your fevered brow during labor or as an all over body freshener, or as an air freshener for your birthing room. The amount of oil you use depends on the purpose of your aromatic mist.

To 4 ounces of pure water add your pure Rose essential oil, shake well and spray! You can allow the oils to synergize into the water briefly, or for 1-3 hours or longer as time permits.

1) Face - 8-10 drops

2) Body - 30-40 drops

3) Room and air freshener 80-100 drops

CAUTION: Please avoid during pregnancy due to its hormonal effect. If you do want to use Rose oil while you are pregnant please consult a qualified professional aromatherapist, as some can be especially beneficial in certain situations.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary health care system used for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA. PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic essential oils.

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More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!

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Can Menopause Affect the Heart Health?

By Mike Selvon

For many years researchers believed that hormone therapy was beneficial for heart health. Medical practitioners routinely prescribed hormone replacement therapy to women as a preventative measure for heart disease. However, several important studies, such as the Women's Health Initiative, have cast significant doubt on this practice. In fact, there is substantial evidence that proves hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of heart disease. With such information, how can woman protect her heart during menopause? In this article, we'll answer this critical question.

A woman has a reduced rate of heart disease before menopause compared with men her own age. After menopause, however, a woman's rate of heart disease increases considerably, until by the age of 65, her risk is equal to that of her male peers. Recent research has found conclusively that there is no coronary health benefit for women with a history of heart disease, who take estrogen alone, or estrogen plus a progestin.

Research has also found that women without a previous history of heart disease may also face an increased risk for heart disease when taking hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy is still a safe, short-term option for some women, but numerous other therapies also are available to help you manage menopausal symptoms and protect your heart during this important phase of your life.

There are many things that menopausal women can do to reduce their risk of heart disease. First, quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake. This will almost immediately reduce your blood pressure. Secondly, eat a diet low in saturated fats and plentiful in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in cold water fish, can prevent heart disease.

Cold water fish include salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and halibut. Fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help to prevent blood clots, can decrease inflammation in the blood vessels, and can promote a regular cardiac rhythm. Increasing dietary fiber by eating a whole foods diet high in vegetables can lower cholesterol levels and can have a positive effect on the health of your heart.

Exercise is a most beneficial activity for women during menopause. Before you cringe, remember that the exercise does not have to strenuous and painful. To get the benefits to your heart health, you have to get your heart rate up for twenty minutes. Gentle exercises that promote mobility, flexibility and relaxation, while decreasing stiffness and soreness are best. Vigor and energy are usually enhanced with regular exercise. Using stairs whenever possible and increasing daily walking time are two of the very best exercises.

Since women often struggle with insomnia and fatigue during menopause, the last thing they may be thinking about is going out for a walk. However, besides improving your heart health, regular exercise has a number of other benefits. Once you get into the habit of exercising, you'll notice that your body feels more relaxed, your mood will improve, and you'll even feel more alert. You don't have to get an expensive gym membership and pump iron until you drop. A brisk walk several times a week is all you need. Before you know it, exercise will become a part of your routine that you will look forward to every day.

A free audio gift on menopause treatments awaits you at Mike Selvon portal site, where you can enrich your knowledge further about the heart health and menopause.

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How To Deal With Bad Circulation During Pregnancy

By R. Sharp

The circulatory system undergoes several changes during pregnancy. One of the most frequently-encountered problems which women face during the second and third trimesters is bad circulation in pregnancy, particularly leg cramps. This sudden stiffening of the leg muscles can sometimes be very painful. The reasons for developing such cramps during pregnancy are not clear; however changes in blood circulation during pregnancy, the stress on the leg muscles caused by carrying the extra weight of the baby are cited as probable factors contributing to the cramps.

While bad circulation in pregnancy does not pose a threat, if it is accompanied by redness, swelling or a warm feeling, you should consult your doctor. There are very simple exercises which could help you prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. Stretching your legs before you go to sleep could help in the reduction of stress on your leg muscles. When you straighten your legs, you must stretch your heels first and do some circular motions with your toes, clock and anti clock-wise. While doing the exercises, avoid pointing your toes.

The other thing you need to avoid is to remaining one position, standing or sitting, for a long period of time. Being in one position would restrict the blood flow and can cause circulatory problems. During pregnancy, some simple but effective exercises like walking promotes blood circulation. Leg cramps can also be treated with gentle massage or application of a warm towel round the legs

It is not uncommon to feel a bit light-headed during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that during this period, the cardiovascular system can undergo some very quick changes, with heart rate going up and the heart pumping more blood per minute. Even the quantum of blood in your body increases by 40 to 45%. During normal pregnancy, you would experience a reduction in blood pressure during the early stages. This reaches its lowest point some time in the middle of pregnancy and then starts to rise till it reaches normal level at the end of pregnancy. While the cardiovascular and the nervous system can handle these changes, at times it fails to do so and it can result in a feeling of dizzy and light-headed. So long as you do not faint as a result of this light-headedness there is no cause for worry. You just have to lie down so that you do not fall down and hurt yourself. If you are in a place where lying down is not possible, you could sit down for some time and try to put your head between your knees.

One of the ways you could prevent this feeling of light-headedness during pregnancy is to always try to lie down on your left, as then it is easy for the blood to flow to your heart and the brain. Here is some more information on the causes of light-headedness during pregnancy and how you can prevent them:

Never change your body position too fast. For instance, if you are lying down, do not get up too fast and if you are sitting, do not stand up with a jerk.

When you are stationary in one position, keep on twirling your legs from one position to the other. This will promote circulation.

Avoid lying down on your back during the second and third semesters. This affects the blood circulation negatively. Your heart rate will increase, blood pressure may drop and you may feel light-headed, dizzy or nausea. Instead it is safer to lie on your side than flat on the back.

Drink enough fluids and eat properly. When you do not eat well, your blood sugar level drops and result in your feeling dizzy and uneasy. If you do not feel like eating at the right time, keep on having small quantities of food at regular intervals.

Iron deficiency anemia is responsible for having fewer amounts of blood cells to carry the oxygen to your brain. Make your diet iron-rich so that you have enough blood to feed your heart and brain.

WARNING: Do you or someone you know suffer from cramping in the legs/buttocks, swelling of the legs, tingling or loss of feeling in the legs, arms or feet? If so, it may be due to Poor Circulation If so, you MUST read The Self Care Guide To Circulation Problems Don't delay, as circulation problems can be life threatening. Visit now, to find out: http://www.womans-health.net/selfcare-guide-to-circulation-problems.htm

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