Most nightmares usually occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep , which is usually between four and six o’clock in the morning. Sometimes a nightmare may repeat itself on different instances. Nightmares are frightening for children, and they may resist falling asleep if they are afraid.

Children may perceive nightmares as real, and it is essential for parents to help children to make them feel secured. A child would usually share details regarding his nightmare. Thus parents should try to probe further, and help the child perceive nightmares as unreal. You can also be creative by editing your child’s nightmare through a story, and turning it into something pleasant and non-threatening.

Since children who are stressed out are prone to having nightmares, parents should try to examine what may be bothering the child. Young children may still not handle stress properly, and parents need to do their part in helping the child cope with the stressors. Provide support and comfort the child, in order to make him feel secured.

A child who is often bothered by nightmares, may no longer want to sleep alone. It is essential that parents try to be very supportive during this time. Sometimes it can help if you ensure that your child has his security object, in order to make him feel safe. A night light can also be reassuring, in case your child wakes up in the middle of the night. Opening your child’s bedroom door as well as the door to your room, can also give reassurance to a frightened child. Your child may be comforted at the thought that he can go to you freely in case he is terrified. Parents should also avoid giving a child snacks before bedtime. Eating before bedtime can boost metabolism and brain activity, which may lead to nightmares.

Although nightmares are common, parents need to ensure a child’s safety under these circumstances. Ensure that safety gates are in place on top of stairs. Children who wake up in the middle of the night may still be groggy, and parents need to address safety issues accordingly.

Medical consultation due to nightmares is very rare, but parents need to seek medical advice if a child’s nightmares disrupt his sleep patterns. Likewise, it is also necessary to report any signs and symptoms, which accompany your child’s nightmares. Medications are rarely used for the treatment of nightmares, and it is usually given to suppress REM sleep. Although nightmares are unreal, it can be really frightening for a child. Parents just need to keep in mind that children need all the support that they get during this trying time.

Some women who are resolved to lose weight may even enroll in fitness programs. Although this is a good step in tackling weight issues, it can be hard to stay motivated. Sometimes results may come slowly and gradually, and it can affect one’s resolve to lose weight.

A lot of individuals drop out from their fitness programs for varied reasons. One way to stay motivated is to set realistic goals. As much as a lot of women would like to lose weight quickly, the fact remains that it will take some time. Try to come up with short term goals that you can accomplish in a week. You can either increase the length of time you spend doing your workout. Whatever goals you set, it has to be achievable in a week, in order for you to feel a sense of accomplishment. Setting unrealistic goals can only frustrate you, and it can make you feel that you haven’t achieved anything after all the hard work.

A good slow start is always best. Some women may want to lose weight so abruptly that they start their program with a bang. Although having that firm resolve is good, your motivation may wane if you can’t keep up with the pace that you started with. Do not attempt to exercise to the point of overexertion because it may only lead to pain or injury.

Some people may find it hard to stay motivated if they are so bored with their exercise routine. Other people may even rationalize excuses just to skip an exercise schedule. Try to modify your exercise routine so that your will not be bored in doing it. If your workout in the gym bores you, try to modify your routine. Try using other exercise machines, or you can sign up for aerobics and other related classes. You can also do a lot of physical activity even when you are out of the gym. Try to modify your usual daily activities in such a way that it will involve some forms of exercise. You can take your child for stroller walks, take stairs instead of elevators, or you can walk to a nearby destination.

It may also help if you keep an exercise record. This should include your goals, the physical activity that you did for the week, and the weight loss that you have achieved so far. Keeping track of your progress will help you work towards achieving your goals. Seek support from family members or friends. Sometimes it helps if you know another person doing the same program. You can both boost each other’s morale, when you are not feeling motivated to stick to the program.

Trying to lose weight can be a long process, and women should never be too hard on themselves. If you have successfully managed to lose some pounds, go ahead and reward yourself. You can purchase new walking shoes, or you can reward yourself with a new top. Setting goals and rewarding yourself after, can help keep you motivated. Weight gain during pregnancy is normal, and although it may be hard to lose the pregnancy weight, it is but a small price to pay for a lifetime of joy that motherhood brings.

The existing premise of why women are especially prone to osteoporosis is not a myth. It has long been scientifically understood that the hormone estrogen, which is high in females before menopause, suppresses bone resorption. But when estrogen becomes depleted, as in menopause, bone mineral and matrix becomes rapidly lost, leading to increasing bone fragility and high risk fractures. The life-time fracture risk for any skeletal region in women older than 50 years old is 40%. [1]

There have already been many prevention and treatment options for postmenopausal osteoporosis like estrogen hormone replacement therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulators for bone (e.g. raloxifene), bisphosphonates, and calcitonin. All of these inhibit bone resorption. Estrogen replacement and raloxifene are the first-line therapies, but unfortunately, they also share the same adverse effects such as thromboembolic events and exacerbation of menopausal symptoms. Because of this, scientists are continually looking for natural products that could possibly have fewer side effects.

Recent studies suggest that plant estrogen (phytoestrogens), specifically isoflavones, could be one alternative.

• Isoflavones are natural products that could be used in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis because they are structurally and functionally related to 17B-estradiol (a form of estrogen)

• Interestingly, soy foods are the most significant source of dietary isoflavones, followed by lentils, kidney beans, lima beans, broad beans, and chickenpeas. [1]

• Isoflavone content in soy products are altered during defatting, fermentation, and ethanol extraction. These processes yield lower isoflavone content. Low-fat and nonfat soymilk have significantly lower isoflavone content, while soy foods which do not undergo fermentation liker roasted soybeans and soy powder have 2-3 times more isoflavone content than the fermented foods. Baking, however, does not alter isoflavone content in soy flour.

• Most clinical studies showed that taking isoflavones from soy products have beneficial effects on bone mass density in postmenopausal women.

• Soy isoflavones are now available as supplements, but its efficacy on bone fractures and long-term safety still needs to be established by further clinical testing. Hence, up to this date, there is no precise estimate with regard to the dose of isoflavones needed to treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Although further clinical studies are needed to assess recommendation guidelines for the use of isoflavones, it is good to know that it is a promising alternative which could possibly replace estrogen therapy. And as a natural plant estrogen, soy isoflavones are expected to bear lesser side effects than the synthetic estrogens currently used.

Reference:
1. Aysegul Atmaca, et.al. (2008). Soy Isoflavones in the Management of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/580688_1

The usual cause of constipation in children is their diet. Inadequate fluid intake and too much cow’s milk can cause constipation. Likewise, too much consumption of processed foods can also lead to constipation. A child who is so engrossed in playing may put off a bowel movement, which can also cause constipation. Lack of physical activity and a sudden change in the child’s environment are also culprits. Rarely, constipation is caused by medical conditions affecting the thyroid gland and the intestines. In order to prevent constipation, here are some simple tips:

1. Make sure that your child gets enough fiber in his diet. Add more fruits, vegetables, bran muffins, oatmeal, whole-grain cereals and breads because they are good sources of fiber. Fiber is bulky and it can soften stools, thereby preventing constipation.

2. Increase your child’s fluid intake. It is important that parents offer liquids from time to time, and not depend solely on a child’s requests for water. It is particularly important to offer more fluids during hot days, or when your child is engaged in a physical activity. You can also offer prune juice because it can effectively promote a bowel movement.

3. Set a routine time for bowel movements everyday, preferably after a meal. A child can easily get caught with the activities during the day that he will put off defecating. When this happens, stool builds up in the lower bowel and may become larger and harder to pass. Condition your child to go to sit in the toilet for at least ten minutes, in order to promote regular bowel habits. Praise your child for the effort in sitting at the toilet, even if he was unable to defecate.

4. Encourage your child to engage in active play because it can increase peristalsis. Lack in activity has been found to cause constipation, and it is important that parents help in modifying sedentary practices at home.

5. Be certain that your child is not consuming too much dairy products. Although dairy products are good for children, too much of it can also cause constipation. Dairy food sources include milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. A one year old child typically needs four servings of dairy in a day. This is equivalent to ¾ cup or six ounces of milk, or one ounce of cheese.

Although there are a lot of stool softeners that can readily be bought, it is never wise to use them without your doctor’s consent. If a child is used to having stool softeners often, it may not help in promoting regular bowel habits. Constipation is common among kids, and it takes time to establish regular bowel habits. No matter how frustrating it can be, parents need to be supportive so that a child will not develop negative behavior because of it.

Children during this stage are very eager to explore their surroundings. Parents need to provide the right stimulation, so that a child can develop his cognitive skills. Play is a big part of a toddler’s life. Thus, providing him age-appropriate toys are essential for his reasoning, thinking and memory skills. Providing him the right toys is essential because if a toy is too advanced, it may only frustrate a child. Ideal toys include building blocks, sorting and pounding toys, thick-paged picture books, and art materials. Choose pencils and crayons suited for little hands or for a toddler’s fisted grip. Moving toys are also recommended because it promotes eye –hand coordination.

Since establishing routines are ideal for this age, try to spend time with your child in doing a particular activity each day. The activity has to be short but stimulating because toddlers may not be able to sit for long periods of time. An example is by allowing your child to scribble on paper with crayons or pencil. You can also help him out in coloring a simple pattern on a coloring book. Always praise your child for his work, and provide reassurance whenever he feels frustrated. Try to modify the activity as time passes so that your child will not grow tired of doing it.

Reading to your child is also an ideal activity. Research has shown that children, whose mothers read to them daily, had better language comprehension, higher cognitive scores, and more expressive vocabularies. Other activities that may improve your child’s cognitive skills are singing songs, and playing pretend games. Play activities that involve classifying objects and recognizing patterns are also recommended.

Children learn quickly especially if they are given all the opportunities to explore. Parents can do a lot in order to help a child develop the skills needed during this stage. Toys need not be expensive, in order for it to be educational. Sometimes the most important thing for parents to do is to spend time with the child. Try to make each bonding moment a learning activity as well.

The growth and development of each child is different. Some children can be advanced while others may have a slow start. Parents should not push their children too hard, as to what they are capable of doing. While it may be good to have learning activities, too much stimulation may also not help a child at all. Children are wired differently, and parents need to be supportive, as they accomplish tasks in their own ways.

Preterm birth is an absolutely undesirable condition, which your obstetrician and pediatrician are trying to prevent from happening. Delivering your baby too soon will significantly decrease your baby’s potential for survival due to lung immaturity and low birth weight. Aside from survival, another important issue if the child is delivered preterm is the quality of life achieved by immature infants. Considerable physical and intellectual complications afflict many such children. Most of them manifest neurologic disabilities, including cerebral palsy. The last but not the least important issue is the economic impact of preterm birth. The dollar cost of successful perinatal intensive care and medical interventions are ballooning. Added to that, additional expenditures have to be incurred for long term outcomes and developmental handicaps during the remainder of childhood for many preterm infants.

Here are some things you can do lessen the risk for preterm delivery.

1. Seek prenatal care early or have more prenatal visits. Prenatal visits provide more window of opportunities for the expectant mother to be regularly examined by the health professional, counseled about nutrition, and educated about the entire process that she will go through.

2. Increase pregnancy spacing There is a heightened risk for preterm birth in pregnancies within close time proximity to a previous delivery. In fact, a greater than two-fold increased risk is noted for inter-pregnancy interval of less than 6 months. One explanation is that the uterus takes time to return to its normal state, along with its inflammatory status. Second, short interval pregnancy decreases the time to replenish the depleted maternal reserves of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, consumed during the previous pregnancy.

3. Aim for a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (body mass index) The normal pre-pregnancy BMI is 19-25 kg/m².

4. Have adequate nutritional supplements Low concentrations of vitamins, minerals, proteins and calories in the body are associated with decreased blood flow and increased maternal infections, which both can potentially increased the risk for preterm delivery.

5. Avoid periodontal diseases Periodontal disease refers to any bacterial infection that destroy any tissues and supporting bone that hold the teeth in the mouth. In some studies, periodontal disease is linked with preterm birth. This is based on the idea that oral microbial pathogens may be transmitted hematogenously (carried by blood) to the female genital tract, triggering inflammatory reactions that culminates in preterm delivery.

6. Thoroughly inform your physician of your obstetrical, gynecologic, and medical history Women with history of previous preterm birth have increased risk of recurrence for preterm birth. Women should also alert their physicians of any suspicious symptoms of genital infections like vaginal discharge, so it can be treated early on. Some women also have incompetent cervix (painless cervical dilatation causing premature expulsion of the fetus). In such case, they are diagnosed by cervical ultrasound and may need a circumferential stitch around the cervix (known as cerclage) at the early stage of pregnancy. Furthermore, women should also alert their obstetrician for any medical illnesses they may be having like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and seizures for appropriate management in order to prevent complications such as preterm birth.

7. Know the signs and symptoms of preterm labor These include contractions, pelvic pressure, back pain, and vaginal discharge.

8. Bed rest and hydration Adequate bed rest and hydration promote good circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus.

9. Avoid psychological and social stresses Depression, marital problems, and stressful conditions such as severe material hardship have been associated with preterm birth.

10. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and other substances of abuse Tobacco smoking is associated with increased inflammatory response that trigger the pathway leading to labor. It is also a powerful vasoconstrictor that compromises blood supply to the fetus, leading to fetal growth restriction and abruptio placenta, and consequently indicated preterm deliveries. Alcohol, on the other hand, can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome characterized by multiple physical defects, cardiac defects and intrauterine growth restriction.

It is important to remember that once preterm labor begins; there is not much a doctor can do. Hence, the best way to thwart the onset of preterm labor is for the pregnant woman to avoid risk factors associated with it.

Doctors may recommend some interventions to combat the flu, but there are ways that can be done at home, in order to attain a speedy recovery. Since your body is trying to battle flu symptoms, it is important to consciously consume the foods that can help boost your immunity. After all, a healthy immune system can help prevent or fight infections.

Proteins are important because it can strengthen your body. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults consume 50 grams of protein each day. Pregnant and nursing women may even need more protein daily. It is particularly good for people with the flu because high in protein foods, also contain Vitamins B6 and B12. These vitamins are good immune system boosters. Rich sources of protein include poultry, lean meat, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, and nuts. You can also eat turkey, beans, spinach, potatoes and enriched cereal grains because these are good sources of Vitamin B6.

Research has also shown that flavonoids found in some fruits can also help in the immune system response. Flavonoids can be found grapefruit, lemons, oranges and limes. It may also be wise to eat watermelon because it contains glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and it can help strengthen the immune system. It can also be found in food items such as broccoli, cabbage and collards.

Chicken soup is also very good for people with the flu. Research has shown that chicken soup can help reduce symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Thus, chicken soup can help boost one’s immunity and help ward off infection faster. It is also necessary to increase your fluid intake. However, try to stay away from dairy products like milk because it may increase mucus production. Aside from that, it may worsen symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.

Since vomiting may occur with the flu, increasing your fluid intake is necessary. Orange juice is good because it is a rich source of Vitamin C and folic acid. These nutrients are essential to promote a speedy recovery. You may also increase your fluid intake by consuming Gatorade, ginger ale, clear broths, ice pops and gelatin. Try to take in small amounts at intervals. If you are able to tolerate it, gradually increase the amount of fluid you take in. Warm drinks should also be preferred over cold drinks because it can help in opening congested airways.

Some individuals with the flu may also have diarrhea. It is then important not to consume foods, which may aggravate your upset stomach. Try to stick with clear liquids first in order to allow your stomach to settle. As your condition will improve, you can try general liquids then the BRAT diet. It is short for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. The BRAT diet is good for your stomach because it can easily be digested.

Many individuals including children get the flu because it is very common. In order to prevent its occurrence, immunizations are necessary. To add to that, it is also wise to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, and plenty of rest and exercise. Most of the time, it is better to prevent an illness from occurring than to suffer its myriad of symptoms.

Parents need not to prepare something really fancy in order for the child to eat his meal. Sometimes it helps to let your child be involved in choosing which food items he prefers. You can then work your way on preparing lunches with his preferences. Besides, packed lunches should never be boring in order for your child to like his meals.

It is recommended that a child’s lunch should include foods from at least three food groups. A simple example is a sandwich, fruit and milk. However parents need to explore other food items on the same food group, so that a child will not tire with your usual fare. Try to pack whole grain crackers, yogurt, or even leftovers from the previous night’s dinner. You can always spice up your usual peanut butter sandwiches with bananas or apples. Also make it a point to choose the whole-grain variety when choosing food items like bagels, breads, crackers or pasta.

It is also important for parents to pay attention to the proper food portions in a packed meal. If you pack too much food for your child, it is also like conditioning him to eat more than what he may need to consume. Schools also allow a midmorning snack for school-aged children. Try to pack healthier alternatives like whole-grain breads or crackers, fruits, sandwiches with healthy fillings, bagels or tortilla.

Children have different preferences, and it can be hard to please their palate. If your child loves sandwiches, try to make a couple of sandwich fillings in advance before the week starts. This will ensure that although your child doesn’t mind eating sandwiches, he will have a different variety each day. Try to incorporate vegetables like shredded carrots or chopped celery to usual favorites like egg and tuna sandwiches. Salads are also healthy lunch options. It is also easier to have food items from the three food groups in just one meal preparation. An example is by adding some fruits like grapes to a chicken salad recipe. Your child may not mind the added ingredient for as long as it tastes the same.

It can also help if parents try to make packing lunches exciting. It may help if you let your child choose his lunch bag, and involve him in the food preparation. Try to prepare his food the night before so that you will both have extra time. Ensure that the food you prepare can be eaten easily because your child may only have a limited time to eat at school.

Your child’s beverage also matters because some drinks may only provide too much sugar and empty calories. Milk and fortified 100% juice are the best choices for drinks during lunch. Children still need three eight-ounce glass of milk everyday until they reach nine years old. After that, they will need four servings per day. Parents need to ensure that children drink milk because it is the easiest way for them to meet their dairy requirement in a day. You can give your child money for milk, or you can make it appetizing for a picky child by sending low fat chocolate milk. If your child doesn’t want to drink milk, 100% fortified fruit juice can provide him the needed calcium and Vitamin D.

Children crave junk foods from time to time. While it may not be wise to deprive them completely of it, you can definitely offer healthier alternatives. These include baked potato chips, pretzels, nuts, graham crackers, and raisins. You can pack this along with their meals so they won’t have to go out of their way to eat junk foods at school.

Healthy eating habits start at home. Although parents would like to encourage healthy eating habits in children, sometimes it can be hard considering the circumstances. Preparing your child his lunch can go a long way, in terms of ensuring that you are not predisposing your child to obesity, and other ill-effects of poor nutrition.

Labor pain, like any acute pain, has two components. First is the sensory or physical component, wherein the pain stimuli is transmitted to the brain; second is the affective component, which refers to how an individual subjectively interprets the painful stimuli through the interaction of external factors such as emotional, social, cultural, and cognitive variables distinct to the individual. [1]

Nowadays, any pregnant woman can opt for a painless labor and delivery by utilizing conventional medicine. If available in the hospital, she has a choice from epidural anesthesia, inhalation anesthetics, or administration of injected drugs. All of these procedures have the same mechanism of action – to block the first component of the pain pathway, the physical side.

However, due to the limited availability of these conventional methods, complementary and alternative methods exist. These are theories and practices that wish to address the second component of pain. These alternatives do not necessarily replace the conventional medicine, but only attempt to supplement it.

Here are some known alternative ways to lessen the pain during labor.

1. Psychoprophylactic Methods
This is based on physiologist Ivan Pavlov’s concept of classical conditioning. The pregnant woman is taught the anatomic and physiologic facts of childbirth and she is familiarized with the process. She is then instructed to do some mental relaxation techniques which may include focusing on certain breathing patterns or a specific concentration point, such as a mark in the wall. Employing such techniques could possibly block pain messages to the brain.

2. Leboyer’s Method
Instead of the usual environment where there is so much noise and light, this method offers comfort to the mother during delivery by providing serenity and a calm atmosphere during labor.

3. Hypnosis
Hypnosis seems to reduce awareness of pain, fear and anxiety; and raise pain threshold during labor. Here, the pregnant woman is initially subjected to hypnotic experiences making her relatively unaware, but not completely blind, to her surroundings. Few negative effects reported include headache, nausea, and dizziness. There can also be failure to dehypnotize the patient properly. Its use must be avoided in patients with psychotic decompensation.

4. Yoga
Yoga has an Indian origin, which suggests control of mind and body. It involves special training of breathing, which achieves relaxation and inner peace. Although there has been no scientific confirmation for these assertions, users of yoga noted decrease in pain sensation and lesser need for analgesic medication.

5. Music Therapy
It is believed that pregnant women can achieve sedation and relaxation during the early stage of labor by playing a slow and restful type of music. On the other hand, music with a continuous beat is a stimulant that can promote the active stage of labor.

6. Acupuncture
This includes stimulating specific anatomic parts of the body with the use of needles. It is hypothesized that by stimulating acupuncture points, the level of chemical neurotransmitters in the body is altered. For instance, there is an increase of endorphin level, which like morphine, has analgesic property.

7. Therapeutic Touch
This refers to application of hand pressure to the pregnant woman’s back, hips, abdomen, thighs, sacrum or perineum. The purpose of therapeutic touch is to communicate caring and reassurance.

8. Hydrotherapy
Women who used water immersion during the early stage of labor reported statistically significant less pain than those not laboring in water.

9. Herbal Medicines
This includes the use and application of plant materials which are believed to have a calming and relaxing effect. The downside of herbal remedies though, is that they have less scientific inquiry regarding its pharmacologically active ingredient and toxicity potentials.

10. Aromatherapy
This uses essential oils extracted from botanical sources. Combined with massage, it enhances relaxation and helps relieve anxiety and stress.

Alternative methods may be useful during the early stage of labor. As a distracter, it diverts the woman’s attention from the source of pain. But during the delivery itself when physiologic pain is at its peak, a woman may need additional conventional intervention.

Reference:

Tournaire, Michel (2008). Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Pain Relief During Labor. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/570648

When it’s about time for bed, try to keep things down in the other areas of your home. Your child may not want to go to sleep because he still wants to watch television, or he still wants to play with his toys. Turn off the television and computer so as not to tempt the child to stay awake. Likewise, keep his toys in order to get him to the proper mindset of sleeping. Encourage other family members to engage in quiet activities while you are trying to put your child to sleep.

At the end of a tiring day, there is still a need for parents to set aside a time for a child’s bedtime routine. These activities may include a refreshing bath, reading stories and playing bedtime music. Try to determine which works best for your child, so that you can establish a particular pattern each day.

Children have active imaginations, and some children may not want to sleep on their own bed because of their fears. The use of a night light can help if a child is afraid of the dark. Some children may need comfort objects in order to feel safe and secured. If your child is attached to a stuffed toy, make sure that it is with your child during his bedtime.

If your child still doesn’t want to sleep in his own room, promise your child of frequent checks. Your child may be comforted of the thought that you will be coming in to his room every ten minutes. Provide positive reinforcement by praising the child for every interval that he is quiet and content in his own bed. Try to avoid staying on your child’s bed because your child may expect that you will do that every night.

As children grow past infancy, parents may assume that middle of the night arousing is no longer an issue. However children may still awaken in the middle of the night, needing reassurance. Offer calm reassurance then tell your child to get back to sleep. These incidents can be quite common and it may help your child if you wait longer each night before you go to his room to comfort him. Eventually, your child may no longer need you to be in his room to go back to sleep.

There will be times that a child can test a parent’s resolve in trying to promote good sleeping habits. However, parents need to be firm and consistent in following the bedtime routine. If a child is so awake because of late daytime naps, try to adjust your schedule in such a way that you will be able to follow the set bedtime. During this phase that you are trying to promote independence in your child, expect whining, crying and pleading episodes. Although it may be hard in the beginning, all efforts at promoting good sleeping habits will eventually pay off as your child gets used to sleeping alone.