Nutrition For Kids

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Posted by admin | Posted in Kids' Health | Posted on 26-06-2010

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Managing children’s nutrition can be a bit of a juggling act. With many Australian children overweight and many young Australians getting less than their recommended dietary intake of essential vitamins and minerals, it’s more important than ever to be aware of what kids need to start the year well.

According to the latest Dietary Survey…

• Kids 4 – 7 years
50% of boys get less than the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for calcium
75% of girls get less than the RDI for calcium

• Kids 8 – 11 years
20% of boys get less than the RDI for vitamin A
75% of girls get less than the RDI for calcium
70% of girls get less than the RDI for zinc

• Kids 12 – 15 years
84% of girls get less than the RDI for zinc
62% of girls get less than the RDI for iron
31% of boys get less than the RDI for vitamin A

What do your kids need these essential vitamins and minerals for?

• Calcium is essential for growing bones and teeth
• Vitamins A and C, zinc and iron help build a strong immune system to protect your kids from illness
• B group vitamins help them get energy out of their food
• Iron, folate and vitamin B12 are needed for growth and development
• Vitamin A is essential for eye health
• Iron deficiency can be associated with impaired physical performance as well as affecting memory, concentration and performance.

How can you tell if your child is nutrient deficient? While there is no simple test for identifying all nutrient deficiencies in children, fussy eaters and kids that often indulge in convenience foods and snack foods would certainly be at risk. Your child’s behaviour may give you clues that they are not getting all they need. Things to look out for include:

• Any behaviour that is out of character
• Irritability
• Sleep problems
• Physical symptoms such as slow-healing wounds or frequent infections

What you can do about it…

1. A dynamic diet
The main objective for a balanced diet is variety. Constantly introduce your kids to new foods, ensure there are plenty of different “colours” on their plate, take them shopping with you so they can help you select the different foods available for their meals. Zinc can be found in wholegrains and eggs; yellow and orange vegetables like carrots and yellow squash are brimming with vitamin A, dairy and soy products will ensure your child gets plenty of calcium, and red meat and leafy green vegetables transport iron into growing bodies.

2. Essential exercise
Though we’re constantly warned about the dangers of the sun, it remains the best source for vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for the body’s absorption of calcium. Spending ‘responsible’ time in the sun, 15 minutes without sunblock 4 times a week either early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the sun is kinder, provides your child with all the vitamin D they need. Exercise helps children build a positive image of their body. It also boosts immunity, gives your kids a better appetite, and is necessary for growing strong and healthy bones.

3. Consider supplementation if they need a boost after their diet and exercise needs have been addressed
Let’s face it – we’re not always going to be able to control everything our kids eat and do. If you are concerned that your child is lacking in essential vitamins or nutrients, talk to a health expert to discuss the options for your child. Try the Blackmores Online Naturopath or talk to your healthcare professional.

Choosing Ambien for the right type of sleep problem

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Posted by admin | Posted in Articles | Posted on 14-06-2010

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When a person experiences sleep problems it is quite discomforting to say the least. Not getting enough sleep can over-exhaust you and become the cause of more serious psychological problems such as anxiety or depression.

However, for most people sleep disorders doesn’t seem to be a big problem at all, as the majority of those troubled with them think that popping over-the-counter pills is just enough to make the problem go away. Fact is that sleep problems are not something usual and won’t be treated with occasional medications without a professional doctor’s help.

If you have problems with falling asleep and spend a lot of time tossing and turning before actually drifting off to seep, rest assured that you aren’t the only one. It is estimated that about 60 million of US citizens have different sleep disorders. A third part of them have recurring and occasional sleep problems, while two thirds suffer from chronic and even constant insomnia and irregular sleep patterns.

Determining the type of sleep disorder

When speaking about sleep disorders, specialists divide them into three main groups:

  • complete inability to sleep
  • irregular sleep
  • excessive sleep

Each group is outside the range of normal healthy sleep and affects the individual in different ways. It is known that an average adult needs about 6-9 hours of good consistent sleep to feel refreshed and energized throughout the day. The actual duration of healthy sleep depends on the individual, types of activities he or she performs and the conditions of sleep itself. The main criteria of good healthy sleep are the feeling of energy and renewal the next day, not the actual time spent in bed.

The first group of disorders is also known as insomnia. This problem is quite common in occasional forms, as stress and fatigue from daily activities can result in lack of sleep the night after, and many people go through that on a regular basis. However, if the problem persists and lasts to be permanent, it is a cause of serious concern. Not getting enough sleep affects the overall condition of the body and mind, and will surely affect your everyday activities. So you feel that insomnia is here to stay with you, don’t hesitate and consult with your doctor. There are drugs like Ambien that can help you with the condition, so discuss the matter thoroughly.

Irregular or inconsistent sleep can be a problem as serious as lack of sleep. Experiencing disruptions in sleep can result n stress, fatigue, anxiety and irritability that will affect your daily activities. The most widespread kind of irregular sleep is called obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by snoring and blockage of the airways. In some cases it is known to cause heart strokes. It is likely that drugs like Ambien won’t be of a much effect here and you will require special treatment.

Excessive sleep also known as narcolepsy is characterized by recurring sleep that can take place any time of the day and last from a couple of minutes to half an hour. The person suffering from narcolepsy cannot control their state of being awake or asleep and that of course poses a serious danger when operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks. Narcolepsy can be treated, however sleep aids like Ambien are definitely not the type of drugs you should discuss with your doctor.

How to make Ambien even more effective?

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Posted by admin | Posted in Articles | Posted on 27-03-2010

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Those who have sleep disorders encounter many problems in virtually all aspects of their lives. Sleep problem affect the activity and productivity of a person, and decline in grades if you are a student or job productivity if you are employed are what to expect with insomnia. And such problems can have long term effects on your life, especially if you regard yourself as an active person. However, there are medications like Ambien that can relieve your sleeping problems effectively.

Still, take note that young people have to be very cautious when taking Ambien because it’s a very potent drug and is aimed at overcoming stress and anxiety that adult people face every day. When a grown person faces stress at work the effects are usually more profound than those the teenagers face. And things like insomnia can lead to more serious consequences like decline in productivity and ultimate unemployment. Needless to say, when such risks are involved it is very important to know how to overcome sleeping problems and what drugs can help you effectively without harming your overall health.

Having sleep problems is quite common. People are used to having short term sleep disorders because rarely a person has a strict sleeping schedule that he or she doesn’t break every now and then. A simple travel into a different time zone or weekend parties can ruin your sleep pattern for some time and cause insomnia. And it’s quite normal to have trouble with sleep for a night or two. Don’t rush off to buy Ambien in such a case because it’s completely natural. Doctors usually tend to not prescribe any medications when there are such occasional sleep problems, as it is not insomnia. Insomnia is when a person can’t get a good sleep for more than three nights in one week and such disorders are persistent. This is when you should start thinking about drugs like Ambien as they are used only when your doctor has diagnosed you with insomnia.

But Ambien is not the only thing you should think about as a solution to your sleep problems. This drug is usually taken for short periods of time as it can develop addiction over long term consumption. And it’s really important to know how to maximize its effectiveness and employ some alternative methods of relieving your sleep disorders. Lifestyle changes are definitely one of the most important things you can do in order to improve the effectiveness of Ambien. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoid taking daytime naps and improve your sleeping conditions by adjusting the bedroom temperature and reducing the light and sound levels in the room. It’s hard to fall asleep in a hot humid room with much light and noise, so tend to the contrary.

Your daily activity also influences the quality of your sleep. Moderate physical activity in more than a couple of hours before going to bed can be very beneficial for the quality of your sleep. Minimizing your stress is also very important, as you should be relaxed when going to bed. Learn special relaxation techniques that you can use before bedtime and never go to bed if you are agitated. Eating much before bedtime is also not a very good way to have healthy sleep, so follow the two-hour rule with your meals if you want to get rid of sleep disorders.

PMS Symptoms and Pregnancy Symptoms

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Posted by admin | Posted in Pregnancy | Posted on 23-01-2010

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PMS symptoms and Pregnancy Symptoms share some of the same symptoms. The degree of effect is different for every woman. For one woman, the symptoms may vary from month to month and in intensity. Ladies, the good news is there are treatments available to help relieve symptoms especially of PMS. Pregnancy symptoms may be treated but only under the direct care of your OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology). There may be a chance that any medication you take could affect your baby.

PMS Symptoms

The general belief is that symptoms of PMS may be caused by one of two things – low levels of Serotonin – a brain chemical that helps control mood, sleep cycles, and appetite. Serotonin also helps signals to travel from nerve to nerve. The other possible cause is the variations in hormone levels that occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle.

If Serotonin levels are suspected, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms. Mood changes, irritability, anger and aggressive behavior may occur. Anxiety, Depression, and sleep problems might also occur as well as fatigue. Food cravings and an increased appetite may also be a symptom.

If hormonal levels are believed to be the cause, then you may experience head aches or migraines. Sore breasts and back aches have been noted. Bloating and weight gain have also been experienced by some women.

Treatment of PMS symptoms may include prescribed medications including ant-depressants, pain relievers-prescribed and over the counter, and in some cases a woman may be put on birth control to help stabilize her periods. Your doctor is the best source of information about various treatments.

Pregnancy Symptoms

Early pregnancy may cause a woman to feel a variety of things and is usually indicated by missing one or more periods in a row. If you suspect you are pregnant, see a physician as soon as you can. This is to confirm your pregnancy and if you are not pregnant determine the cause for your missed periods.

Pregnancy symptoms include nausea and/or vomiting, morning sickness, and sore breasts or nipples. You may experience headaches and fatigue as well. Mood swings also can occur in early pregnancy and through out. Frequent urination also is a bothersome symptom of pregnancy. Cravings and aversions may occur around food and smells.

Treatments of pregnancy symptoms can be tricky. There are medications that are known to have some effects on a developing baby. Good pre-natal care for both you and your baby will help keep both healthy. It is important that you do not take anything without talking to your doctor for your sake and your baby’s sake.

Possible Treatments for PMS symptoms and Pregnancy Systems

Due to the many serious side effects associated with many prescribed medications, many women are seeking out more natural treatments such as herbal supplements. Herbal supplements have few if any negative side effects. Whether you are pregnant or have PMS, herbal supplements may benefit you. It is strongly recommended that you do not take anything without checking with your doctor because some herbs can affect the performance of any prescriptive medications.

The best herbal supplements are those that have undergone intense testing. The ingredients’ metabolic paths at the molecular level will have been evaluated. Interactions between the ingredients are also studied. They should have been made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards. This guarantees that the quality of the supplement is the same throughout the bottle and in subsequent bottles. The consumer is guaranteed that they are getting what the product label says they are.

Conclusion

It is known that PMS symptoms and pregnancy symptoms are similar. They may include headaches, back aches, and nausea/vomiting (morning sickness). Treatment of PMS symptoms includes prescribed drugs or herbal supplements. Treatment of pregnancy symptoms is a bit more difficult because many medications can harm your unborn baby.

Herbal supplements then may be an option, but it is important to check with your doctor before taking anything.

Lack Of Sleep Quotes – Effective Tips to Help You Sleep Better

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Posted by admin | Posted in Gaston Cantens | Posted on 28-09-2009

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Lack Of Sleep Quotes

“The repose of sleep refreshes only the body. It rarely sets the soul at rest. The repose of the night does not belong to us. It is not the possession of our being. Sleep opens within us an inn for phantoms. In the morning we must sweep out the shadows.” Gaston Bachelard quotes.

In this postmodern world, people are forced to live in the fast lane. You wake up early to get to work, spend at least eight to nine hours at work, go out with friends and office-mates, go home only to do some more work, sleep late, and repeat the cycle again on the next day. Because there are more important things to do, people tend to forget the need for sleep. However, aside from reduced output and concentration, the lack of sleep can lower the immune system making people susceptible to diseases.

The problem with missing out on sleep it that is becomes a habit.

In the long run, you find yourself with sleep problems such as insomnia. Thus, when you do want to sleep, you find yourself awake because your body has adapted to your new lifestyle. It is never too late to break the bad habit, and you do not have to resort to taking of sleeping pills which you can become dependent on. Here the five tips to help you sleep better: Lack Of Sleep Quotes

1) Exercise. Have at least thirty minutes of exercise, three to five times per week. Because of the increased activity, you will find this as a natural sleeping antidote.

You will find yourself sleeping like a baby in no time.
2) Have a light dinner early. Eating causes your metabolism to speed up as your body works to send the nutrients to their rightful places. In fact, when you eat, your blood supply is channeled to your gastrointestinal system. When you eat late, you actually increase the processes of your body, which will be a hindrance to getting the needed sleep.
3) Make your bedroom comfortable. Invest in creating the right ambiance for sleep. Have some dim lights installed. Or you can even put some scented candles and light them a few minutes before sleep to create a soothing effect. Play some mellow music.
4) Avoid watching TV late and in your bedroom. Television can stimulate your senses and perk up your mental processes. Plus, if you really like the show or movie, then you will forget the feeling of sleepiness altogether.
5) Use relaxation techniques before your sleep. You can do some breathing exercises and progressive relaxation technique to eliminate muscle tension which can hinder sleep. There are a lot of relaxation techniques which you can use to sleep better.

The University of Cambridge suggest that people who suffer from insomnia tend to be less confident and have lower self-esteem than others. It is important, therefore, to increase your confidence or improve your self-esteem and you will more likely to sleep better.

“If you can’t sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there and worrying. It’s the worry that gets you, not the loss of sleep.” Dale Carnegie quotes. Lack Of Sleep Quotes