Health Beauty & FitnessHealth, Beauty, Fitness Tips

An annual gynecological examination is an important step in preventative care in women’s health. Going to the doctor every year can ensure that there are no existing hidden health concerns and if there are, that they are addressed right away in order to keep them from getting out of hand. Here are some steps to take so that this annual visit is the most productive possible.

Pick a month of the year that is the most convenient and stick to that month. Teachers may choose to have their annual exams in the summer, for instance, when they have a freed up schedule from work. Busy times of the year, such as the holiday season, are often so filled with social events and holiday preparation that squeezing in one more appointment isn’t feasible.

Choose the most stress free time and schedule a year in advance or mark your calendar with a “make annual exam” notation on the appropriate month.

If a woman has young children, it is best to make other arrangements for their care during the appointment. Having to tend to one’s youngsters is challenging while being examined by the gynecologist. The doctor’s offices often frown on it, as well. This is an important time to focus on one’s self and the care of health.

It’s best to schedule the appointment one or two weeks after a menstrual period. If your cycle is not very regular, it may be best to make the appointment one month before in order to be aware of an impending cycle.

Do not douche or use any feminine deodorant products that will upset the natural chemical balance in the vaginal area. This is important prior to an exam and probably as a good rule in general. Discuss the merits of these products with your physician.

Abstain from sexual intercourse for twenty-four hours before your appointment as it may alter the outcome of routine tests and end up giving an inadequate result.

Come with a written list of any questions or concerns you may have. During the appointment, you may become flustered and forget important queries that you had. It’s also a good idea to write down the date of your last menstrual cycle, as this is information that the doctor will need. An annual gynecological exam is essential in keeping a woman healthy. Keep that yearly appointment and keep in tip top healthy shape.

Tapestry weaving was introduced into France around 1525 by Francis I at Fountainbleau but it was not until the Henry IV took the throne in 1589 that tapestries became serious decorating items.
Within a very short time (25years) Henry IV established 5 weaving locations for tapestries in and around Paris. But it wasn’t until Louis XIV ascended the throne in 1643 that all the weaving locations for French tapestries were merged into one grand production house called the ‘Gobelins’.
The reign of Louis XIV (1643- 1715) was considered historically a period of enlightenment. He became known affectionately as the Sun King in France.
He encouraged the development of all the arts and craftsmen throughout Europe flocked to Paris to be part of it.
All the ateliers (crafts houses) were consolidated under one roof – the Gobelins . At its peak 250 craftsmen and their families were housed at the Gobelins.

and set to work on decorating Versailles and other Royal buildings.
Famous artists were employed to make paintings (known as cartoons) for wall hanging tapestries. One famous artist would paint animals, another figures, another landscape and another architecture. These fine pieces of art work in themselves were all slated for one final destination- tapestries. The most popular artist employed for French tapestries was Rubens. His influence was felt throughout Europe and in France he became famous for rubenesque designs for French tapestries.
During the height of wall hanging tapestry weaving, one set of tapestries created was the months or Royal Residences. Each French tapestry depicted a royal chateau, viewed through a set of columns, and each tapestry represented a month of the year designated by a zodiac sign.
Several of these tapestries were lost during the French Revolution when tapestries were destroyed or burned to extract their silver/gold content which had been woven into the weft threads. Of those French tapestries remaining, several have been reproduced today and can be found on the Heirloom European Tapestries website at www.tapestries-inc.com.
The Chateau Versailles , Chateau Monceau, Chateau Chambord, Chateau Fontainebleu, Chateau St Germain, Chateau Blois, Chateau Vincennes are some of the tapestries that Heirloom European Tapestries carries and have been reproduced as close to the original wall hanging tapestries as possible. Heirloom European Tapestries employs skilled trained weavers that hand weave these tapestries in 100% New Zealand wool on looms similar to those used in weaving of the original French tapestries. The result is exquisite.

By 1684 tapestries had reached their pinnacle in popularity throughout France, and were now being shipped to other monarchies in Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and Russia. The Gobelins tapestry weaving had become a permanent hallmark in the pages of history.