Health and wellness Archives

Recognising the Signs of Mental Health in Young People

September 21, 2017 by admin

A recent study has revealed that 1 in 10 children, between the ages of 5-16 suffer from a mental health condition. This is a shocking statistic, and equates to around 3 children in every classroom. If this is true, then why aren’t we doing more to help?

The truth is that so many of us are unable to differentiate between bad behaviour or young age and potential mental health problems. We need to take it upon ourselves to familiarise ourselves with the conditions and signs and set into motion a support system for those who need us.

So many children are being left undiagnosed and untreated, so whether you’re a caregiver, parent, foster parent or teacher, it’s important to be able to help these children out.

This infographic was created by www.lorimerfostering.com

Changes in behaviour:

It’s completely natural for children to push the boundaries and your patience when they are growing up, this is part of the learning process. When you say no, it can often be difficult to process and accept, which leads to acting out, this is completely normal. There is a real difference between learning right and wrong and how to behave correctly, and those who suffer from behavioural problems or other mental illnesses. Acting out can be a learning stage, which is nothing more than a passing phase; whereas if a child continuously acts out and misbehaves, with no real impact when reprimanded, then this is a big red flag.

If a child’s behaviour changes drastically, or they seem out of control, then it’s in their best interest to seek advice from a medical professional. Some of the most common symptoms are being aggressive, fighting with other children, and continuously trying to distract people at school. As a parent, it can be equally frustrating to be making no progress and to continually have to deal with a child who misbehaves, but it’s necessary to remain strong and to empathise with how your child is feeling.

Recognise the signs:

The signs can often be staring you in the face, but as this is new territory, it can be easy to dismiss them. It’s obviously easier to be able to recognise any sign with your own child, as the way they think, act and behave, is ingrained into you. Whether you’re a teacher, a child minder, or you have decided to foster a child, then it can be less apparent and it’s easier to dismiss the signs. If these symptoms of mental illness seem familiar to you, then you must ask your child about their feelings and behaviour and make them feel safe, understood and that you are there to help.

What to do next:

Educate yourself: Make sure that you are fully educated about the warning signs and ways to help people who suffer from mental health before you start to try and educate others. In order for you to be able to correctly communicate with the child’s caregivers or mental health professionals, or even to be able to help and child understand themselves, it’s important for you to be aware of the correct terms to use, what symptoms to look out for, the possible causes and also how to act.

Create awareness: By building up awareness of mental health around a school, at a social club, play group or any other place, you reduce the stigma attached to it. This means that students and children will be more likely to open up and come to terms with their feelings. Creating a safe space where feelings and troubles can be discussed, will mean that a child is more likely to open up about a subject. This is also a good way of introducing the symptoms to children so they themselves can become aware of symptoms and even recognise them themselves.

Speaking with a child: If you recognise any of the warning signs of mental illness within a child, whether they are your own or one of your students etc. it could be beneficial keep a diary of their symptoms, to ensure that they are. Having a record will allow you to spot any trends, show the reasons that have led you to believe there may be a problem, and that you haven’t just jumped to conclusions. Remember to be positive by reiterating things they’ve achieved and positive qualities before discussing your concerns. It’s also very important not to label them with any terms that could indicate a diagnosis, and instead stick to the symptoms.

Speak to someone: You need to take time to stop and think about how this is affecting you. Although the child in question and their family will be going through a stressful time, you are also likely to put a lot of strain on yourself. Rather than concealing your feelings or thoughts it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, who will be able to help diagnose or rule out any potential conditions.

Balancing fatherhood with having a healthy lifestyle

September 11, 2017 by admin

You don’t need to be told that becoming a father is a life-changing experience. The fact is telegraphed from a thousand different directions. Your time will never be your own again, your sleep patterns will be messed up beyond recognition, you’ll have scant time to see your buddies, you’ll know more about children’s TV shows than what’s happening in the NBA or the NFL. But you already knew all that, right?

Of course, you did. But you probably didn’t know the 100 other ways in which parenthood changes your life. The good news is that most of these are incredibly positive, which is why most new dads reel off lists like the one above with a smile on their face – who cares who’s making the playoffs this year, you’ve got more important things on your mind now, and you wouldn’t change it for the world.

However, there are some things that can creep up on you that are not so life-affirming – for example, the dreaded phenomenon that the Brits have dubbed the dad bod. Let’s find out how you can keep in trim, particularly when there is a rapidly growing ankle biter to keep up with.

Eat properly

The problem stems from a combination of the fuel that you are putting in and the exercise that you are doing to keep in shape, but the single largest issue with new dads putting on some extra inches concerns diet. Many are quite certain that they eat less as they find themselves rushing off to work without having had breakfast due to lack of time, and then bolting something quickly in the evening.

Therein lies the problem. Skipped meals do not help – they just mess with your metabolism and increase the temptation to grab something fast and unhealthy to keep hunger at bay. The body likes routine, and by eating regular meals at regular times, you will metabolize food faster and more effectively.

The truth is that babies and kids thrive on routine, so there should really be more reason to eat properly and regularly than there was before.

Get out there

You have more in common with your kids than you might realize. Not only do you both need regular healthy meals, but you also need fresh air and exercise. The archetypal image of the dad out there kicking a soccer ball or throwing some catches with his youngster are great to put into practice, but the important thing to remember is that it is never too early to start.

Your three-month-old baby is not going to be throwing a ball like Joe Montana, but get out there every day with the stroller, take a walk, and get into the routine of venturing out together. The time will disappear faster than you know, and the transition from those first tentative steps to you struggling to keep up will happen in the blink of an eye.

Get checked out

A healthy diet and regular exercise will put you on the right course, but if you are still feeling less than 100 percent, it is always worth getting checked out medically. As we enter our 30s and beyond, there are a number of potential ailments that can crop up, and almost all can be alleviated quickly, just as long as you get them diagnosed.

Even the healthiest dads can find their cholesterol level creeping up as middle age approaches, while a testosterone blood test can be booked online and can identify issues such as calcium deficiency.

Don’t forget your social life

Despite all the tongue-in-cheek comments earlier, it is important for dads to have a little time out and remember that they are still one of the guys, just as much as moms need their girl time.

Schedule something, even if it is just a couple of times a month, and take the opportunity to do more than sink a few beers. This is an ideal moment to relive those youthful days and throw a ball around in the park for half an hour. Chances are, your friends are in a similar position to you, and they will love the idea – and you can always have a beer or two afterwards!

A schedule that works

Most things in life are about achieving a balance, and keeping fit in fatherhood is no difference. The most important thing to try to achieve is routine so that the good habits are convenient and become second nature. If they are a chore, they will end up being dropped, and that’s a guarantee. Good luck!

Top Reasons Baby May Not Be Sleeping Through the Night

August 10, 2017 by admin

Has getting your baby to sleep or having your baby sleep through the night become an issue? Though it can take a while for an infant to sleep a full 6-8 hours at night, there are other underlying factors that could be contributing to their inability to fall asleep or stay asleep very long. The truth is, your baby’s issues with sleep may have a lot of similarities to your own. Poor sleeping conditions can impede on someone’s ability to get good rest, no matter what age they are.

Too Much Light

Have you ever tried to take a nap during the day? While you may have been able to fall asleep at some point, getting there was likely a lot more challenging than it would be if it were nighttime, or you were in a dark room. When putting your baby to sleep, check to see how many lights are on at the time. Too many lights can keep the baby up longer than you’d like. If you want the baby to take a nap or get a good night’s rest, turn off all the lights and even consider solutions like darkening curtains to block natural light from getting in the room.

A Bad Mattress

When your mattress is in bad shape, your body feels the impact shortly thereafter. Tossing and turning, back aches, neck pains, and more can result from the wrong type of mattress or an old one. The same can be said for your baby’s crib mattress. If you have a used mattress or one that is cheap or poor quality, you may need to invest in a new baby mattress. As you shop, look for quality materials, good support, and great reviews.

Room Temperature

When you’re too hot or too cold, getting to sleep is a struggle. You toss and turn half the night trying to get to a comfortable temperature. If your baby’s room temperature is cold or really hot you will need to make some adjustments so they can get to sleep at night. You can try things like moving the baby crib from the window, installing a ceiling fan to keep it cool, or investing in a heater to increase the temperature in the baby’s room.

Noise

As you get older, you kind of learn how to fall asleep in any environment. It’s a lot easier to go to sleep in a quiet space than it is one that’s noisy. When it’s time for baby to go to sleep, try taking them into their room and ensuring that their surroundings are quiet. If you have younger children, try to get them to wind down when you’re putting the baby to sleep so that they’re not disturbed. When you put the baby in the crib, turn off the television and even close the door so that they are not awakened by sounds from the house.

Sleepwear

When dressing your infant for bedtime, often, less is more. Just as you would probably have a hard time going to sleep in something with a lot of lace, snaps, or buttons, the same is true for your baby. You also don’t want to overdress them because this can increase their body temperature, making it difficult for them to get to sleep. Dress your baby in light, minimal clothing to get a good night’s rest.

Routine

Your infant needs a sleep routine to get to sleep each night. There needs to be a clear indication of when you’re winding down, when their last feeding is, and when it’s time to go to sleep. Poor routines that might include playing with the baby, making lots of noise, or being out and about can confuse the baby and throw off their sleep pattern. Try to get some consistency by feeding, bathing, and winding down at the same time each day.

Clearly, the same things that keep you from getting the sleep you deserve also keep your baby from getting a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, since your baby can’t voice these things for you, it will be up to you to figure out which of these factors is playing a role in your baby’s inability to get to sleep and stay asleep each night. With time and a few changes, your baby should eventually give you a good window of opportunity to get some much needed rest yourself.

Things To Avoid To Keep Your Teeth White

June 22, 2017 by admin

There is something about a shiny white smile that just seems healthy, but our teeth take a lot of punishment over the years with the food that we eat, and the liquids that we drink. There are some foods which can help maintain healthy white teeth but there are also a lot of things that you should not overindulge in if you want to keep your teeth looking beautiful and white.

Tomato Sauce

If you like ketchup on your burgers, then the sauce does a lot of damage to your teeth. If you want to avoid dull looking teeth, then you should consider not adding this sweet tomato sauce to your food.

Sweet Drinks

Sweet drinks including carbonated drinks are not only bad for the waistline, but also for our teeth. These drinks often have a high sugar content which is already bad enough for the teeth, but the acidity of the drinks is also not good if you want your teeth to remain sparkling white. If you have undergone teeth whitening in Sydney, or anywhere else, but just cannot resist your sweet and sugary drinks, then drink them through a straw so that the liquid goes past your teeth.

White Wine

Drinking white wine can also stain our teeth, so if you enjoy a glass of wine on occasion but want to keep that winning smile, try switching to another tipple. Avoid drinking spirits with soft drinks and fruit juices, as the acidity and sugar are just as bad for your teeth.

Coffee And Tea

Our daily dose of caffeine is something that a lot of us think we cannot do without, but if you want to avoid staining and discolouration of your teeth, it is something that is best avoided. Our cups of coffee and tea, and even fruit tea, can have a significant impact on the colour of our teeth and abstain from drinking them and using advanced whitening toothpaste for a month could show you some remarkable changes in the colour of your teeth.

Smoking

Smoking is also something which stains not only the fingers and smells bad but also can stain your teeth. If you want to keep your teeth white, then you should give up the habit which will also have many added benefits to your health, and also your wallet.

Indian Takeaways

The heavy spices that are used in Indian cooking smell and taste amazing, however, they do also stain your teeth. To keep them looking pristine and white, next time you are thinking of a takeaway choose something that will not discolour your pearly whites.

Soy Sauce & Balsamic Vinegar

Anything acidic will be bad for your teeth, and these are two things that will change your smile from dazzling white, to dull and dirty.

All Kinds Of Berries

As much as they are tasty, the berries that we eat also can stain our teeth, as well as our hands and face when we eat them.

You do not have to avoid any of these foods entirely to keep your teeth shiny and white, but you should make sure that you only consume them in moderation. Clean your teeth thoroughly after eating or drinking, and you can help to keep your smile beautifully white for many years to come.

Debunking 3 Myths about Tubal Reversal Surgery

June 21, 2017 by admin

Tubal reversal — which is also called advanced tubal reversal, tubal ligation reversal, microsurgical tubal reanastomosis, and tubal sterilization reversal — is a surgical procedure that restores fertility after a woman has undergone tubal reversal (i.e. has had her “tubes tied”). While the process is complex, it essentially involves reconnecting the blocked segments of the fallopian tubes, so that eggs and sperm can once again travel through them, and under the right circumstances fertilization has the chance to occur.

While tubal reversal has been around for decades, as with many health topics — particularly those that are personal, intimate and sensitive — there is quite a bit of misinformation floating across the web; especially on discussion boards and chat rooms. This isn’t to suggest that people are deliberately going out of their way to confuse or mislead others, because they aren’t. But as the old saying goes, “a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.” Unfortunately, this applies to the topic of tubal reversal surgery.

To point you in the right direction — which, of course, is not to advise you on what to do, but simply to help you separate fact from fiction so that you can head towards making an informed decision — below I debunk three enduring myths about tubal reversal surgery:

Myth: You’ll have heavier and more painful periods after tubal reversal surgery.

Fact: Actually, the opposite is the case. Tubal ligation is what typically leads to painful, heavy periods, along with unease and moodiness. Tubal reversal diminishes or eliminates these symptoms.

Myth: The recovery period after tubal reversal surgery lasts for months.

Fact: As noted by WebMD, most women go home the same day they have surgery (which takes about 2-3 hours), and return to their normal day-to-day activities in about 2 weeks.

Myth: Getting tubal reversal surgery is a virtual guarantee that you’ll get pregnant.

Fact: The pregnancy rate for tubal reversal is 40-85 percent, and when conception happens, it usually does so within the first year after surgery. While these are good odds (especially since the chances of pregnancy after tubal ligation but before tubal reversal is zero), it is clearly not a guarantee. There are many factors involved, including the male partner’s sperm count and motility.

The Bottom LineX

Naturally, this article — or any other for that matter — cannot cover everything that you need to know about tubal reversal surgery. The best person to speak to is your OB/GYN, who may then refer you to a microsurgeon for more information (note some OB/GYNs are also microsurgeons).