Health

The ovarian response is how the ovaries react to the hormonal medication and quality eggs produced during IVF. It is vital to IVF success since too little or too much response can lead to cycle cancellation, decreased oocyte production, a lowered probability of pregnancy, and even trigger health risks. Thankfully, you can improve the way your ovaries respond to stimulation in many ways. Here are some tips on how to improve your ovarian response during IVF.

• Boost Your Ovarian Reserve

To successfully respond to ovarian stimulation, a woman must have enough eggs available to respond to treatment. This store of eggs is typically referred to as the ovarian reserve. As such, if you have a diminished ovarian reserve, you may not have a robust response or stimulation and, in rare cases, produce no response at all. Your fertility specialist can identify whether you have a diminished ovarian reserve by checking to see if you have high blood levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), low antral follicle count, and finished blood levels of anti Müllerian hormone (AMH). If you indeed have a diminished ovarian reserve, you can invest in DHEA supplements, one of the most recognised treatments for diminished ovarian reserve. DHEA is a mild androgen produced naturally in your body, and taking in DHEA supplements can boost your ovarian reserve and, subsequently, your ovarian response.

• Try A Different Medication

It is possible to have the necessary eggs but lack the right pituitary hormones to respond. Under these circumstances, consider using a different medication like Letrozole for your treatment since it is more effective than Clomid for ovarian induction. Also, you can use other medicines that contain both luteinising hormone (LH) and FSH to promote a better response.

• Lifestyle Changes

It is common knowledge that weight, diet, and stress levels can affect fertility in numerous ways. Therefore, making some fundamental lifestyle changes might be the way to go when seeking to improve your ovarian response during IVF. As such, you can lose weight, eat healthier, and manage stress to boost your ovaries chances of responding to stimulation during IVF. Additionally, you can also cease alcohol, tobacco, and recreational substance use to improve response to ovarian stimulation.

 

• Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture is widely believed to boost ovarian reserve and reproductive outcomes in women undergoing IVF treatment. Therefore, it has gained popularity among the many complementary drugs and modalities suggested as co-treatment to improve ovarian response during IVF treatment. A study conducted at the Pusan National University Hospital evaluated the effect of network-optimized acupuncture before IVF on the oocyte yield in women demonstrating poor ovarian response. The study found that a combination of acupuncture and IVF treatment significantly increased the number of mature oocytes in women above 37 years and those undergoing two or more controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles. As such, the findings suggest that doctors can consider acupuncture for the treatment of women with poor ovarian response who are above 37 years or are undergoing multiple IVF cycles.

When it comes to responsibilities at work, it is crucial to be as efficient and productive as possible – but such a thing is easier said than done. While it is entirely possible to put all of your focus on getting the job done, it can be all too easy to burn out from the effort. Maintaining a balance is crucial, and in a year where so many people are forced to work from home, it is harder than ever before to strike a balance between work, rest, and even play.

That said, if you are serious about prioritizing your health, it is all about maintaining the proper mindset. A lot of people think that maintaining a focus on work requires you to pull all-nighters or spend every waking moment considering responsibilities. However, such behavior can be counterproductive. Here are just a few ways to prioritize your health while simultaneously maintaining focus on work.

Managing your work efficiently

The advantage of prioritizing your health is the fact that everything else falls into place provided you take the necessary steps. For example, those who are working from home would do well to set a schedule similar to working in the office. Setting aside enough hours to work while strategically placing break times to make the most of your energy is a good start for anyone working from home.

It would also be a good idea to set aside any potential distractions by decluttering the room or workspace so you can focus fully on the task at hand.

On the topic of home responsibilities

Having responsibilities at home can be challenging, especially if you are already dealing with work. All the more reason to work on an efficient schedule that provides you enough time to get the job done while providing time and effort toward your responsibilities at home. Let the family know of your working hours so you can finish the job as soon as you can.

Focus on having as much fun as you can in your free time

Making the most out of your off-hours is not necessarily about physical well-being, but your emotional and mental state as well. If you allow too little time to do the things you want to do, it will only be a matter of time before you burn out.

A good tip would be to make use of products that help make it easier to work or rest. For example, a hot cup of tea at just the right time can make all the difference. You can even experiment and purchase edibles online, provided you do your research, and pace yourself, edibles are an excellent way to calm frayed nerves.

Aside from the tips above, it would also be a good idea to get a bit of exercise to help motivate you for the rest of the day. Something as simple as taking the time to do chores as a form of exercise will trigger a dopamine response and put you in a good mood throughout the day!

Online pharmacies are nothing new. They’ve been around for some time and are gaining popularity. There are plenty of reasons to consider buying medicine online. First, it gives you added privacy and convenience. However, there are still some risks associated with buying prescription drugs online. If it’s your first time, here are some recommendations to guide you in transacting safely.

What’s the trade-off if you want privacy?

Many people prefer buying from an online pharmacy to avoid getting assessed by a physician. Also, some think that alternative medication advertised online are worth trying – when it’s potentially harmful to their health. Unfortunately, there are online pharmacies with dubious practices – most of which are located overseas.

The first thing you need to ensure is to choose a pharmacy that engages in legal practices. For example, if you want to buy antibiotics online here, the seller should be locally based and comply with regulations. Also, the pharmacy should verify your prescription, or at least have a process of gathering information from their buyers before allowing them to buy any medicine. What are some of the risks you need to avoid when buying medicine from a pharmacy based overseas?

• You could end up buying counterfeit drugs or one that contains a controlled substance.
• The medicine isn’t approved by the FDA and may have harmful side effects.

A legitimate online pharmacy will always follow the standard practices of your regular brick and mortar pharmacy. You’ll know you’re dealing with a reputable store when it’s part of their protocol to ask for your doctor’s script.

Another alternative: buying medicine through mail order

Prescription drugs don’t come cheap, and that’s why some look for more affordable options online. Indeed, there may be better deals online, but if you aren’t entirely comfortable with the idea, another alternative would be buying your medication through mail order. Some health insurance companies partner with pharmacies that transact through mail order – which is another option for those taking medicines for chronic ailments.

Buying prescription drugs online safely

In conclusion, there are several ways to ensure that you’re buying prescription medication online safely:

Search for an online pharmacy verified by local health regulatory bodies. You may need to conduct more thorough research by calling these agencies to ensure that the company is listed.

• Look for an online pharmacy with good reviews and feedback from customers. You may also check third-party customer review sites to verify if you’re dealing with a legitimate online store.
• Don’t buy when a pharmacy doesn’t ask for your prescription before selling drugs. OTC medication is acceptable, but for controlled substances such as pain meds, the store must verify your doctor’s script first.
• Never transact with a pharmacy based overseas. The lower prices may tempt you, but it’s never worth the risk when your health is on the line.

Buying medication can be a hassle-free experience if you know what to do and what to avoid. By taking some extra steps to ensure safety, you can enjoy the benefits of convenience and privacy of buying prescription drugs at the comfort of your home.

When you are setting your fitness goals you might want to lose weight, gain muscle, learn to run a marathon, or have more energy to get through the day. There are a few essentials listed below that you need as you get fit. You can add any of the items on the list to your routine, and you will see better results. Fitness is a lifelong journey, and you should try to add these essentials to your daily routine instead of trying something just once.

1. Get Plenty Of Sleep

When you are working out or exercising every day, you need to get a good night of sleep. Use an app on your phone to determine what time you need to go to bed so you can sleep well, and set an alarm that allows you time to get ready in the morning. If you are working out in the morning, you need energy for your workout. If you are working out in the afternoon or evening, you need to be rested so that you can get through the day.

2. Drink More Water

People who start working out need to drink more water. If you are hydrated, your body can flush out toxins that are bad for you. At the same time, water will help balance your electrolytes. You should carry a water bottle with you when you go to work, and you can refill that bottle when you get to the gym. Replace most of your drinks with water so that you can remain healthy.

3. Set Small Goals

You need to set small goals that you know you can achieve. You might want to run a marathon, but you should not plan to run 26 miles all at once. You need to learn how to run one mile, two miles, three miles, and more. If you are lifting weights at the gym, you should start with the lightest weights you can find. You can run on the treadmill for five minutes before building up your stamina. You might also want to write your goals on a calendar so that you can see the progression of your goal.

4. Work Out With A Partner

You should work out with a partner so that you have some accountability. You can work out with your partner every day, and they can help you set your goals. Your partner can serve as your spotter when you are lifting weights at the gym, and your partner will notice how much progress you have made.

A partner is also good for you when you are running or swimming. You want to have someone with you who can keep you safe. Joining a gym might also help you find a workout partner.

5. Eat A Lean Diet

When you are eating a lean diet, you need to know which proteins to use. A lean diet includes lean proteins that are low in calories, and you should add carbs and healthy fats to each meal. You can count your calories, but you also need to remove processed sugars and foods from your diet.

When you eat lean protein three times a day, your body can process that food faster. Your diet should also include greens that are healthy for you. You can also eat healthy fats that come from vegetables like avocados.

6. Do Not Weigh Yourself Constantly

You do not need to weigh yourself constantly when you want to lose weight or get in shape. You can check in with your weight every few days. If you have a partner, they should weigh you. Your partner can see your progress, but you do not need to be burdened by the number on the scale every day.

7. Take Supplements When Needed

You can use vitamins and supplements to remain healthy. You might go to the doctor for tests that will reveal any vitamin or mineral deficiencies that you have. You can take supplements to fill in the gaps, and you will be much healthier. You might prefer to take supplements in the powder form, or you can mix them into shakes that you use as meal replacements in the morning. You might also consider a multivitamin as recommended by your doctor.

You Can Start Working Out And Reach Your Goals Today

You can start working out and reach your goals today by using these tips. You can work out with a partner, set reasonable goals, and reach those goals with your partner’s help. You can start eating a lean diet, and you can add supplements to your diet as needed. Drink more water so that you can remain hydrated, flush toxins, from your body, and balance your electrolytes. You can get off the couch, learn to run a marathon, or gain muscle at the gym using these tips today.

 

There are some people, who despite their actual age, don’t look a day over 30. And then there are those who tell you their age, and you’re startled because they look about 20 years older than that number. So, what is the secret to looking younger, and what is it that people are doing to age themselves?

The truth is that aging comes down to knowing what you should be doing to slow down the effects of aging, and perhaps more importantly, what you should not be doing.

Take a look at some of the most common reasons that people look much older than their true age.

They Don’t Use Sunscreen

Even though the sun has certain benefits that do favors for our body, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. There are certain harmful rays that not only increase the signs of aging on your face but can even increase your chances of developing skin cancer.,

People who don’t apply sunscreen when they go outside are adding years of aging to their faces over time. In fact, it’s not only advisable to apply sunscreen on sunny days, but even on overcast ones. Always apply a layer of at least 30SPF before going outside, even on cloudy days.

They Don’t Exercise

Exercise is something that does more than just release endorphins and burn fat. Exercise releases all sorts of toxins and hormones that can make you feel and look younger.

People who have failed to keep up with exercise over the years usually show the effects in their posture and body composition. If you want to keep your body looking young and fresh, it’s important to get at least a few hours of exercise in a week. Doing so will build muscle and increase your overall strength.

They Smoke

Cigarettes contain a significant amount of toxins. The more that you smoke, the more toxins that you’re releasing into your body that are known to age your skin. One of the most notable toxins that cigarettes contain is carbon monoxide, which is particularly harmful for your body.

From age spots to an increased likelihood of broken bones, cigarettes aren’t doing you any favors. Not only are you aging yourself significantly by smoking, but you’re also putting yourself at risk for cancer.

They Don’t Pay Attention To What They Eat

As the saying goes, you are what you eat. The more processed and refined foods that you put into your body, the more likely that you are to develop obesity.

In addition to causing weight gain, unhealthy foods also lack vital micronutrients that keep your body working the way that it should.

With the sheer amount of options available, it’s often difficult to choose the right health care policy. You want one that covers unforeseen medical expenses but you don’t want your insurance company to nickel and dime you. You’re not sure about coverage under the Affordable Care Act and are wondering what monthly share of your income your health insurance might take.

If you are dealing with cancer, you probably had several types of treatment that were considered when it was first diagnosed. One of the most usual types of treatment for cancer is chemotherapy, a drug-based regimen that might be meant to cure or to prolong your life and ease symptoms.

The chemotherapy itself is not supposed to cause pain, though there might be tenderness at the site of the transfusion. However, one of the side effects of the drugs can be uncomfortable and severely decrease your quality of life. We’re going to teach you how to deal in the best way with these side effects and live your life the way you want to live it.

1. Pain

Receiving chemotherapy can cause a lot of pain, in the form of muscle pain, a headache, or unexplained stomach pains. There are many ways of dealing with the pain caused by undergoing chemotherapy, including using over the counter pain-relieving drugs, adjusting or tweaking the levels and proportions of the drugs you take as a part of your regimen or using nerve therapies to block the pain signals from going to your brain. Getting rid of the immediate pain is the simple part of this, but you may experience pain years later.

2. Loose or Watery Stools

Some chemotherapy regimens, whether administered at a public hospital or in private chemotherapy treatment, may cause bowel issues like diarrhea. It is important to treat and prevent diarrhea in order to prevent yourself from becoming too dehydrated. Eat a diet which is high in fibre and take supplements designed to aid bowel health.

3. Sores on Your Mouth and Throat

A lot of the drugs standardly prescribed for chemotherapy cause damage to the cells of your throat, creating an irritating disease, mucositis. This causes sores in your mouth that can easily become infected. To prevent this from happening, eat a clean, healthy diet free of ingredients like sugar or oil that will clog these already open wounds. It is also recommended to clean your teeth and gum regularly.

4. Upset Stomach

This is the most common side effect associated with chemotherapy. A lot of patients complain about feeling sick to their stomachs and throwing up regularly. To treat this side effect, many people take a carefully coordinated cocktail of medications before each chemotherapy session that they have. This medication often consists of an ‘antiemetic’, designed to stop the body from expelling its contents, and some pain relievers to help with the queasy feeling. Your doctor can work with you to design a regimen of medication for you to take both before and after each treatment. This is palliative care or care that is designed to bring you comfort.

5. Nerve Damage

While nerve damage is a lot like pain in that it can cause you to suffer pain, it is not so easily treated. For some people, nerve endings may be damaged even years after their chemotherapy sessions, or may never be healed again. Experimental treatments like acupuncture have been used to treat this nerve damage, but there is no certified way of helping it. Most often, the treatment includes intensive therapy that sometimes takes a really long time to work.

6. Mood Swings

Your bone marrow is there to make new cells, but chemotherapy is designed to disrupt this. Sometimes not having enough new cells can cause severe mood disorders. Usually, the amount of blood cells in your body return to normal after you are finished with chemotherapy, but you may want to plan a mood-stabilizing treatment plan with your doctor. It may include medication, talk therapy.

 

Congratulations! You’ve finally made it to the end of your pregnancy that you felt was going to last forever. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor by enjoying your little one in your arms. The first few weeks, and in some cases, months may feel overwhelming. It may take some adjustment to seeing your new shape, and accepting the changes that your body has gone through as a result of the pregnancy.

However, before you rush into trying to lose the baby weight, it’s important to give yourself the time to get back to good health. Once your doctor feels that you’ve waited long enough to be able to start working out again, then you can start getting your pre-baby body back.

Once you’re given the green light by your doctor, here are some of the best tips for getting your figure back.

Start A Light Impact Exercise

The best way to get back into an exercise program is to gently ease into it. Doing something low-impact like swimming or walking will start to get your muscles warmed up again. Unless you were one of the women who made an effort to continue exercising up until the final moments of your pregnancy, chances are that you may feel a little rusty when it comes to being active. A light impact exercise is the best way to start without rushing and potentially injuring yourself.

Avoid The Scale

Even though you may be curious about how much you weigh, it can be disheartening to weigh yourself too much. Although doctors urge women to gain up to 35 pounds maximum, it’s not always the case. Some women gain much more and may feel like they’ll never be able to get back to a normal size again.

However, obsessing over it isn’t going to do you any good. If you must weigh yourself, only do it once a month. Some specialists say that just as it took you nine months to gain all the baby weight, it will take the same amount of time to lose it again. Be kind to yourself!

Breastfeed If You Can

Although it’s not the case with everyone, some women find that they lose a considerable amount of weight as a result of breastfeeding. For some lucky women, breastfeeding doesn’t just burn off all of the baby weight, but it leaves them even thinner than they were before. By regularly breastfeeding as well as consuming a sensible amount of calories, you should be able to recapture your pre-pregnancy body within a reasonable amount of time.

Some women may not be able to get back to their ideal size for up to several years following the birth of their baby. Be patient with your own individual process, and remember, the most important thing is to focus on the healthy development of your baby.

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for plastic surgery. Since there are so many factors that go into plastic surgery, it’s important to know that it’s right for you before going under the knife. For some people, plastic surgery may be the only option for whatever it is they’re trying to fix.

However, for others, it may not necessarily have the same effect. If you’re considering plastic surgery, but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice for you, here are some of the telltale signs that it is.

 

You Found a Reputable Surgeon

 

Finding the right surgeon is a critical step. Not all plastic surgeons are created equal. Don’t assume that any surgeon you find will be able to complete the surgery that you hope they will achieve. If you know someone that can refer a surgeon in your area that they’ve had a positive experience with, then you’re already on the right track.

They’ll be able to answer any questions that you have as well as explain what kind of results you can expect. They’ll be able to advise you whether your expectations are realistic or not.

Plastic surgeons can’t always work the miracles that people hope they can. However, the best chance you’ve got is making sure that you find a board-certified and highly recommended plastic surgeon.

 

You’ve Done a Considerable Amount of Thinking

 

Making the decision to get plastic surgery isn’t something that you wake up one day and suddenly decide to do. It should be something that you’ve thought a considerable amount about. It’s critical that you’re doing it for the right reasons and that you are clear about the sort of results you want to achieve.

Thinking about your plastic surgery for a long time ensures that you won’t make the mistake of doing something you’ll regret later on.

 

You’ve Saved Your Money

 

Plastic surgery isn’t something that everyone can afford. Although it is more affordable than it used to be a decade ago, it’s still something that requires several thousands of dollars. It’s important that you put money away in savings to ensure that you can pay for it.

Remember, if you find a surgeon that’s willing to complete your procedure for considerably less then their competitors, you might want to ask yourself whether they’re as qualified as you might like to think.

 

Your Schedule Allows You Recovery Time

 

Most plastic surgery procedures require a period of recovery. This time can range between weeks or even months, depending on what you’ve had done. It’s important that your schedule is able to allow you the waiting time that you need to heal.

Rushing back to your normal activities too soon following plastic surgery can lead to serious health risks.

 

 

 

 

 

Across nearly every human culture, hair is an important attribute. The hairs on our head can symbolize strength, power, freedom, spirituality, or physical attraction, to name a few. Connotations and beliefs surrounding hair date back to ancient times, making this facet of the human form seem to have innate meaning. Undoubtedly, we’ve all seen or heard some of the stigmas, stereotypes, and gender norms surrounding hair: blondes have more fun, brunettes are sultry and smart, redheads are feisty, bald men are loud and obnoxious, women with long hair are sensual, and so on.

It’s no surprise that hair loss or stunted hair growth can make us feel down and out. Our hair is a part of our identity and therefore can affect our mood greatly; even a reversible tragedy, like having a bad hair day or winding up with an unfavorable haircut, can be enough to put us in a funk—or bring us to tears, if we’re really not feeling it. When it comes to preventing hair loss and increasing hair growth, there are a whole host of tips and tricks out there, 8 of which are curated below to help you get through your hairy situations.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT, FROM YOUR HAIR TO YOUR FEET

The first two modifications on the list both prevent hair loss and increase hair growth, and both focus on our consumption. Making changes to our diet (meaning what we eat, generally, rather than an attempt to cut back) has been shown to make substantial differences in our overall hair health.

A diet containing lots of raw vegetables, leafy greens, fresh herbs, nuts, fish, and complete proteins will provide our bodies with all the vitamins and nutrients needed to promote healthy, growing hair. Each of these staples provides different necessities; for example, sweet potatoes and spinach are rich in Vitamin A, while nuts, beans, and lean meats or fish will help us meet our protein quotas. A whole host of vitamins have been proven to positively affect hair growth, so balance is key.

Certain diets, such as vegetarianism and veganism, may need a bit of a supplement to provide the body with all it needs for luscious locks, which is where vitamins may come in to play. For some, a multivitamin may be the easiest route, while others may need specific hair vitamins or a biotin boost. When dealing with dietary supplements, it’s important to note that these products are not regulated by the FDA, so doing research and finding a reputable manufacturer is of the utmost importance.

SPA DAY

How we care for our hair is also worth examining. When dealing with hair loss, or working to prevent it, the general rule of thumb is to wash hair daily but with a very mild shampoo. It’s important to keep the scalp clean in this situation, but over-drying hair with an intense shampoo/conditioner is also unfavorable. For those looking to increase hair growth, skipping a few days between washes can help natural oils treat hair, protecting it from breakage and other damage that will slow or stop long growth.

While you’re washing away, don’t skip the opportunity to give yourself a nice scalp massage. Research shows that using your fingertips to palpate in circles around the scalp improves circulation to the area, which helps to promote new hair growth. The massage also functions as a stress reliever—and stress can be a huge contributor to hair loss!

STYLIN’ AND PROFILIN’

For all heads of hair involved, being gentle in the styling process is always a good idea. Heat treatments, color treatments, and products will damage hair. Some folks have strands that are more resistant and can handle more processing stress, but the healthiest tresses will always be the ones most left to their own devices. Let your hair air dry as often as possible, work to avoid hairsprays and gels, and ditch the hats for a while.

Next, try experimenting with different oils. Coconut oil and olive oil have been found to help condition hair, protect it from damage, and potentially even slow genetic hair loss. A wide variety of essential oils can also target conditions you may be looking to treat in your effort to prevent hair loss and/or increase your hair growth. Be sure to apply oils as directed, as a little goes a long way and can make hair look greasy in a hurry, especially with fine or typically oily hair.

On another note you may have heard before, getting regular hair trims is encouraged. While it may terrify us to think about giving up some of the precious hairs we’ve worked so hard to grow, trims remain important for both looks and growth. Hair can take on a stringy and lank look as it grows out, and a good professional trim can help create an optical illusion of fullness in its place. Furthermore, hair naturally develops split ends and endures environmental damage over time (and even more damage for those who style regularly), all of which will eventually cause hair to break. Trimming halts this process and gives your hair a chance to grow long and strong.

SLEEP STUDY

Our nighttime routine can also impact our hair growth and loss patterns. Research shows that there are a number of things we can do to protect our mane overnight. Before bed, healthy, natural oils that have accumulated throughout the day will build up around our scalp, and we can harness these to our advantage; invest in a boar bristle brush to help distribute oil down from the scalp into the shaft of hair strands and detangle styles before sleeping on them.

Although it may seem extra, sleeping on a silk pillowcase has also shown to protect hair as we toss and turn throughout the night. Other pillowcase fabrics can cause our hair to snag, knot, and tangle, which promotes early breakage and bedhead that might take some serious elbow grease to fix come morning time. Sleeping on silk may be a hoity-toity move, but the hair benefits are down to earth.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

There’s no shame in reaching for a product that is proven to prevent hair loss and increase hair growth. We constantly see marketing for shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and leave-in products that allege to do just that, so why not go for the FDA-approved, truly tried and tested option? Minoxidil may not sound familiar to you, but Rogaine likely does. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine products, which are made both for men and women and are available over the counter.

There may be a stigma or discomfort associated with bringing hair growth products through the checkout line, but only because hair is so important to us! I think it’s well worth five minutes of discomfort to be able to walk around daily with a head of hair that doesn’t give you the blues every time you touch it, think of it, or see it. This treatment can be used all over, or to help in patchy areas, specifically—just be sure to read and follow the package directions.

GOOD TO KNOW

Finally, keep in mind that there is a myriad of reasons why each of us may be experiencing hair loss or slow hair growth. Stress levels, cancer treatment, styling choices, diet, medical conditions, pregnancy, hormones, and medication changes can all be factors at play. We naturally lose 50-100 strands of hair each day, but if you’re experiencing greater hair loss, thinning patches, or other noticeable issues, you may want to consult your doctor to find the true cause of the issue before trying to treat it alone.

by Violet Knight