General hygienists know the value of good oral health which is why they encourage women to visit the dentist before they become pregnant.  Likewise, it is highly recommended to encourage and keep good oral health in women who are thinking about having a baby.  Dental problems are common during pregnancy and it has been estimated that over 75% of all women suffer from gingivitis and/or gum infections, the worst part about this type of diseases is that they are virtually painless so a pregnant woman may not be fully aware about the fact that their dental condition may be hurting their baby.

Complementary studies have shown that women with gum disease have a higher incidence of preterm low weight babies, obviously the better shape your mouth is thin before a woman becomes pregnant and less chances she will have a having a severe gingivitis which may affect the overall health of the baby.

Today’s dentists are trained to look at the big picture as the mouth can show telltale signs of eating disorders, bone problems, diabetes and cancer, plus some research have linked gum disease to stroke, heart disease, pneumonia and more.  There are so many links that have recently been discovered that it is imperative for the dentist considered not only oral health at one’s overall health.

While a visit to the dentist is no substitute for a general checkup many diseases and conditions can be discovered and treated at an early stage because of the results shown after an oral exam.  The mouth is said to be a mirror image of what it’s really going on with the rest of the body so keeping a healthy mouth goes hand-in-hand with a healthy body and also with the ability of women to give birth to healthy babies.

Previous studies have shown that bacteria which is found in a person’s mouth is able to interact with other organs after being transported by the bloodstream which is why constant bleating of the mouth should be treated at an early stage in order to prevent heart conditions, stroke and the many other diseases we have previously mentioned.  Taken in consideration of this last statement will create a better understanding of the reason why having good oral health will dramatically increase the chances of women to deliver healthy babies.



By: Robert

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Most pregnant women will get all the nutrients they need for their body and developing baby from their diet, however a good quality supplement with the right amount of vitamins and minerals can provide a safeguard in case the foods they eat do not supply a critical nutrient that the baby needs.

It is important though to note that some supplements are not necessary and could even be dangerous if taken during pregnancy.

Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal vitamins are similar to normal vitamins but they have been adapted to suit a pregnant woman’s needs by having slightly higher levels of vitamins and minerals such as folic acid and iron.

If vitamins are taken during pregnancy they should be purchased them from a large, reputable manufacturer at a retail pharmacy as they are monitored for quality,

Ensure supplements that are especially designed for pregnant women are purchased and never exceed the stated dose. If there is any doubt about requirements or whether a supplement is suitable for pregnancy usage or not a doctor should always be consulted.

Folic Acid during Pregnancy

If you are planning on getting pregnant the you should take folic acid before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy.

Fish Oil in Pregnancy

Fish oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which provide the building blocks to form a healthy brain and body for a baby.

It is advisable to try and have extra omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy but guidelines must be followed on the amount of fish to consume when pregnant.

Fish oil supplements are safe to take during pregnancy and a number of brands have been designed purely for pregnant women.

Fish oil does affect how blood clots so they should not be taken a couple of weeks before the mother is due to give birth.

Herbal Supplements during Pregnancy

Herbal supplements still have some concerns during pregnancy as even though herbal additives are promoted as “natural” any herb has the potential to be toxic or harmful.

Herbs and herbal supplements are generally safe when taken in teas or in flavourings for food, however they should be avoided in concentrated doses or pills.



By: Jack Prime

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First of all, it is not only possible to buy health insurance when you’re self-employed, it’s absolutely critical … afterall, your health is one of your most important business assets.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you shop for your best health insurance plan. And remember, when it comes to health insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all policy. You’ll need to consider your individual circumstances as you compare options.

1. If you’re relatively healthy, consider a high-deductible policy that covers only catastrophic events, such as surgeries and major injuries. The premiums are much lower than traditional health insurance policies, but that means you’ll be paying out of pocket for check-ups and minor medical care.

2. Take advantage of the HSA (Health Savings Account) that allows you to put pre-tax dollars into a bank account and use the money later to pay for your medical care. An HSA can either be a stand-alone insurance plan, or you can combine it with a catastrophic policy and use your HSA funds to pay for the medical care not covered by your insurer. (Remember, you don’t buy an HSA from an insurer, you set one up yourself with the help of your accountant.)

3. If you want more coverage than the catastrophic policy offers, consider a comprehensive policy and then choose the highest possible deductible that you can afford, even if that deductible would be a financial stretch. The dollars you save on the premiums will likely exceed the deductible in the long run.

4. If you choose to go with a comprehensive policy, make sure it doesn’t include coverage you don’t need like: pregnancy, mental health, chiropractic or unnecessary prescription drug coverage. On the other hand, if any of those coverages are important to you, ask your insurer to include them in your policy.

5. Consider a supplemental insurance policy to help cover your deductibles and out-of-pocket medical expenses that aren’t covered by your primary insurance policy. This type of policy can even pay a cash benefit is you are unable to work because of illness or injury, an important feature for the self-employed.

By deciding up-front what type of insurance is best for your situation, you’ll feel more confident as you shop for the best policy.

If you would like to receive multiple quotes for health insurance for the self-employed, please visit the website recommended below.



By: Barb Dearing

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Are you thinking seriously about sexual health? The last thing we want to admit is that we’re not doing everything we could or should to protect ourselves from sexually transmitted diseases, sexual dysfunction or unwanted pregnancy. “I didn’t know” is never an excuse, so whether you’re 15 or 45, it’s time to give yourself a serious once-over and be sure you’re taking the right steps to live a healthy lifestyle.

Recent studies suggest that trust is a large factor in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, and it’s not just teenagers who put too much blind faith in their partners. Adults need to take their sexual health more seriously, health experts say.

New research suggests that the number of sexually transmitted diseases has doubled in less than ten years for people over 45 years old. Approximately 45% of older adults with an STD suffered from genital warts specifically, and 1 in 5 had herpes.

Older adults are less likely to use condoms, which explains the 127% increase in incidences. Teenagers most commonly contract things like genital warts, HPV, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Some say the increased access to birth control and the ease of treatment for many STDs has led to a rise in teens having sex, while other health experts argue that our society has changed and teens will live dangerously regardless. At any rate, sexual health is contingent upon education; not just from a class at school, but from at home. Parents should heed their own advice as well.

Male and female sexual health plays a role in pregnancy. Reproductive health problems go beyond the ability to have a healthy, happy baby, and get right down to brass tacks and the sense of personal fulfillment in a relationship. Differing expectations or inability to perform can cause a partner to stray; thus, leading to divorce, or may create depression from continual disappointment.

There are many factors that influence reproductive health, such as age, lifestyle, genetics, habits, medication and environment. The good news is that many of the sexual problems adults face can be corrected.

As we age, sexual health becomes more and more important. For women, not only does the risk for cervical and breast cancer increase, but women also undergo “the change of life” with menopause in their fifties to sixties. For men, the risk of erectile dysfunction, testicular or prostate cancer and irritable bowel syndrome can increase.

“If I could highlight one significant change from over the past five years, it would be the greater willingness of midlife and older adults to discuss sex as a health issue with their health professionals,” said Linda Fisher, research director at AARP. A survey done by AARP reported that more people consult their health care professional about sexual health topics, more than twice as many men use performance enhancing drugs and more people feel that both sexual and overall health is a critical part of a good relationship.



By: MIKE SELVON

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The Do’s

Follow these helpful hints to ensure your spouse a healthy pregnancy:

• Get all her essential vitamins and minerals every day. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, women need a lot more iron when pregnant. And sometimes it’s hard to get enough by eating alone. Ask your doctor if your spouse should be taking a daily prenatal vitamin or multivitamin.

• Get 400 micrograms (or 0.4 mg) of folic acid daily in her diet. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, getting enough folic acid (or folate) reduces the chances of some birth defects. Some women eat lots of certain foods and others take multivitamins to get enough folic acid during pregnancy.

• Eat a healthy diet. Load her up on fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains (such as whole-wheat breads or crackers). Eat plenty of calcium-rich foods (such as non-fat or low-fat yogurt, milk, and broccoli) that your baby needs for strong bones and teeth. If you live in areas where fruits and vegetables aren’t in season, frozen vegetables are a good option. Avoid giving her a lot of fatty foods (such as butter and fatty meats) to eat. Choose leaner foods when you can (such as skim milk, chicken and turkey without the skin, and fish).

• Let her gain a healthy, not excessive amount of weight. Research shows that women who gain more than the recommended amount during pregnancy have an elevated risk of obesity. On average, 25 to 30 pounds is a healthy weight gain over the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Check with your doctor to find out how much weight your spouse should gain during pregnancy

• Make sure she gets enough sleep (seven to nine hours every night). Aches, pains, anxiety and bathroom runs keep many pregnant women awake at night. To get some sleep, try getting your spouse to eat any large meals at least three hours before going to bed, get some easy exercise (like walking) and avoid long naps during the day. Make sure she sleeps on her left side and uses pillows between her legs and under her belly to help her get comfortable

• De-stress. If she can, your spouse should control the stress in her life. When it comes to work and family, she should figure out what she can really do. She should set limits with herself and others. Tell your spouse that she should not be afraid to say NO to requests for her time and energy

• Get Her Moving! Getting regular, low-impact exercise is good for your spouse and your baby. Talk to your doctor about what is safe. Get more guidelines on pregnancy exercising while pregnant.

• Get a handle on health problems. Talk to your doctor about how your spouse’s health problems can affect her and the baby. If she has diabetes, make sure she controls her blood sugar levels. If she has high blood pressure, monitor it closely. If she is overweight, talk to the doctor about whether she should lose weight.

• Ask your doctor before taking any medicines. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines all can harm your baby. Find out if your spouse should continue taking prescription medicines.

• See your doctor regularly. Prenatal care can help keep your spouse and the baby healthy, spot problems if they occur and prevent difficulties during delivery.

• Consider getting a flu shot. The flu can be dangerous for some moms-to-be. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests vaccinations for all women who are at least 14 weeks pregnant during the flu season. Ask your doctor if your spouse should get a flu shot.

• Make sure she wears her seat-belt correctly. Seat belts used correctly protect your spouse and your unborn baby during a crash. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that pregnant women use seat belts that have a lap belt and a shoulder strap (3-point restraint). Seat belt straps should never go across her belly. The lap strap should go under the belly, across the hips. The shoulder strap should go off to the side of her belly and between her breasts. If she are not driving, the back seat is the safest place for her to sit.

• Ease the aches and pains. Don’t just accept discomfort as a necessary part of pregnancy. Your spouse can easily be helped with problems related to hemorrhoids, heartburn, and leg cramps.

The Don’ts

Help your spouse steer clear of these pregnancy no-nos to help keep her and the baby safe and healthy:

• Avoid fish with lots of mercury in her diet. Get correct information from your dietician on what fish to eat and what fish to avoid when she is pregnant.

• Don’t disregard food borne illness. Eat, cook, handle and clean food safely! According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, food borne illness can cause serious health problems - or even death for both mother and baby.

• Protect her from using chemicals. Products including herbicides, pesticides, paint, stains, and some cleaning solutions may be harmful to your baby. If she must use these things, make sure she wears gloves, a mask, and keeps the room well-ventilated.

• Don’t let her clean or change a cat’s litter box. This could put her at risk for an infection called toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that cats can carry in their feces. Toxoplasmosis can harm a fetus.

• Don’t let her take very hot baths, hot tubs, or saunas. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, high temperatures can be harmful to the fetus, or causing the mother-to-be to faint.

• Discourage her from using scented feminine hygiene products. Pregnant women should avoid scented sprays, sanitary napkins, and bubble bath. These products might irritate your spouse’s vaginal area, and increase her risk of a urinary tract infection or yeast infection.

• Don’t let her douche. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, douching can irritate the vagina, force air into the birth canal and increase the increase the risk of infection

• Avoid optional x-rays. X-rays are a form of radiation that is linked to a very small risk of cancer for an unborn baby. But x-rays are usually safe during pregnancy. So if your doctor says your spouse needs x-rays for a health problem you should follow her advice. But sometimes doctors can use other tests in place of x-rays. And other times, x-rays can wait until after the baby is born.

• Don’t let her smoke tobacco. Tell your doctor if your spouse smokes. Quitting is hard, but she can do it. Ask your doctor for help. Smoking during pregnancy passes nicotine and cancer-causing drugs to your baby. Smoke also keeps your baby from getting needed nourishment and raises the risk of stillbirth and premature birth (a small baby born too early).

• Discourage her from drinking alcohol. Your spouse should stop drinking alcohol if she drinks it regularly. Experts are still unsure of the exact amount of alcohol needed to cause problems in your baby. But, both drinking every day and drinking a lot of alcohol once in a while during pregnancy can harm the baby.

• Don’t let her use illegal drugs. Tell your doctor if your spouse is using drugs. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, speed (amphetamines), barbiturates, and LSD are very dangerous for your spouse and the baby.

If you and your spouse are planning to have a baby, an pregnancy calculator is an excellent tool to help you increase your chances of a successful conception.



By: Paul Banas

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