If having a family has been in your mind for some time now, is 2016 the year you officially start down that path?
For many women (couples too), wanting to start a family can be quite challenging.
While financial issues oftentimes dictate whether or not one (or a couple) is ready and able to have kids, medical issues can be just as big (oftentimes bigger) as a roadblock.
With that being the case, have you looked at in vitro fertilization as a possibility if you’ve had medical matters preventing you from having kids in the distant or recent past?
Medical Options to Having Children
When medical challenges have stopped you from starting a family, the idea of in vitro fertilization at the Utah fertility center or others of that kind, can make the difference in bringing or not bringing happiness into your world.
For starters, IVF is the medical technique whereby a woman receives medication and is able to grow a number of eggs through the ovaries. Once the eggs have been gathered, they are then mixed with sperm in order for them to take shape.
According to a Business Insider report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projected that nearly 2 percent of U.S.-born children will be conceived with what is known as Assisted Reproductive Technology. This leading form of this type of reproduction is best-known as IVF.
Whether or not you (and typically your partner) are ready to try in vitro fertilization or not depends on a number of factors, some of which include:
· Finances – Having a child through IVF is not inexpensive, though you should certainly check with your health insurance provider to see what will and will not be covered. In some cases, the diagnostic testing required prior to going through with IVF may be picked up by your health insurer (check with your employer or your health insurer if you are self-insured). The American Society for Reproductive Medicine notes that the typical cost for going through with in vitro fertilization is in the area of $12,400, though that number can certainly be more depending on the ultimate needs of bringing the baby to term;
· Health – What is your overall current health situation like and have you had health issues to deal with in the past? Even for women not needing IVF, their health history is of the utmost importance when considering whether or not to become pregnant. A woman’s current medical condition, along with whether or not she takes an active role in having a good diet and exercising, are all the more important during a pregnancy;
· Centers – Finding the right fertility center to ultimately go through with such a procedure can be challenging, though there are many fine facilities nationwide to select from. It is very important that women looking at IVF do their homework in finding the best facility to meet their requirements. Look at a number of factors when selecting a center such as how long it has been in business and what its success rate is with in vitro fertilization, who the doctors are and their staff, what former and for that matter current patients have to say about the facility, and whether or not the center has had any issues with malpractice etc. Being 100 percent confident in the site you choose goes a long way in your ability to successfully bring a new life into the world;
· Pregnancies – It is advised that you talk to other women (friends, family etc.) who opted for in vitro fertilization. What were there experiences like? Is there a center and/or doctor and team of medical personnel that they recommend? Would they choose IVF again if need be or is it something they found not to be successful for them? You can and should also look at patient testimonials from any fertility center you are considering using. Hearing what those who have had the procedure have to say can go a long way in persuading or dissuading you from making such a choice.
When it comes to IVF, it may or may not be your answer to starting a family.
Just know that there is medical help out there if you’ve had trouble conceiving in the past, help that could start you on the way to bringing that new baby home.
People wake up each and every day hoping that this is the day their health doesn’t take a turn for the worse.
From heart issues to myriad of other health problems to deal with, having a healthy outlook on life plays as big a part as any, especially on the psyche.
With that being the case, how can medical professionals and individuals in general better position themselves to help one another when that day comes and one’s health is in jeopardy?
One of the ways to do this is by making sure you know what to do if someone starts showing signs of heart stress, most notably a heart attack.
While there is a plethora of online literature to address such health issues, being medically certified to deal with such matters can make all the difference between life and death, including in the lives of children.
Even though children live in a world oftentimes void of major responsibilities, their health can never be taken for granted. This proves all the more reason why Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is of such importance for both the medical professional and the child.
With a PALS certification in Phoenix, Arizona or a host of other locations nationwide, individuals are better positioned to help children in their time of need.
Such certification involves coursework that is available for purchase for any medical professional or such group, accepted in Arizona and across the country.
The coursework includes:
1. Full online study material (no other material is mandated to successfully pass the exam)
2. Online PALS exam consisting of 50 questions
3. 3 free retakes with the exam
4. Instant PDF PALS provider card that will be emailed to the individual once they have successfully completed the exam
5. Hard copy PALS provider card that is shipped anywhere in the nation
If you are not presently PALS certified and are looking to do just that, keep in mind that the time and effort to do so could end up one day saving one or more people’s lives.
According to one report, some 84 million Americans deal with one form or another of cardiovascular disease on a regular basis, leading to approximately 2,200 fatalities on a daily basis.
When it comes to younger Americans, they can be equally susceptible to heart and related problems.
Given that alarming information; being PALS certified can certainly come in handy at a moment’s notice.
For parents looking to give their little ones the best chances possible to lead relatively normal and healthy lives, remember these tips:
· Eating and drinking healthy – What foods and drinks your children put into their bodies is critical to maintaining their good health. When it comes to food, it is important that children learn from an early age they need to avoid eating too many fatty foods, foods high in sugar and salt, and an over-abundance of fast-food. As it relates to beverages, keep your kids from getting too much sugar in their systems, most notably through sodas. Not only are sodas bad for their diets, they can create myriad of problems with teeth;
· Exercise regularly – Even though you may think your little ones are getting plenty of exercise with being kids that is oftentimes not the case. Make sure your children partake in regular exercise activities, preferably with other kids, which will keep their interest levels high. You can enroll them in local team leagues (baseball, softball, football, soccer etc.), along with having them take part in classes at the local gym or YMCA. Whatever you do, never force your kids into any such activities, as they are likely to not want to participate if they’re being told they have to.
· Cigarettes – Drive by a local school or mall and it isn’t uncommon to see kids with a cigarette hanging out of their mouths. While it is all but impossible to monitor your kids’ activities 24/7, you can instill in them the fear of what smoking can do to their hearts, lungs, brains and more. Even just a few years of smoking as a kid can have negative lifelong effects, so be sure you and they say no to cigarettes early on in their lives.
Getting PALS certified and educating children along the way is a win-win situation for both adults and the little ones in life.
When a loved one is struggling with an addiction, it can be difficult to determine how to best help them. In many cases, those who are battling an addiction are not open to help, and can actually be staunchly against help from a loved one.
Because addictions can overtake a person’s life, it can be challenging to sit on the sidelines when all you want to do is help them break free and get their life back on track. As an outsider, you can see the potential they have and the future they could have if they could remove the addiction from their life; however, it is not always that easy for the one going through the addiction to see past their dependency on their vice.
Helping a loved one is not always the easiest task, but there are ways you can support, encourage, and love them as they go through this process.
Find a Recovery Facility
One of the best things you can do to help a struggling loved one with an addiction is to find them a recovery facility that can help them through this trying process. Facilities like Balboa Horizons offer people battling an addiction the support and tools to break free. These recovery centers not only help keep people away from their addictions, they help give them a confidence and renewed outlook on life.
Recovery programs are often based on the type of addiction and are gender specific, which can help keep people feeling safe as they complete the program. Moreover, for those who have children or a spouse, there are often family programs where you can work on rebuilding any strained relationships.
Do Not Blame Yourself
One of the traps many people fall into is blaming themselves for the addiction of their loved one. Many believe if they saw the signs earlier or did something differently then this would not have happened. However, blaming yourself will not help matters—nor will it help your loved one in their current situation.
You are not responsible for their actions, and focusing on yourself and questioning what you did right or wrong is not helpful to them in this moment. They need love, support, and encouragement.
Do Not Aid in Their Addiction
One issue many family members face is unintentionally aiding in their loved one’s addiction. Enabling them is not helping them. Lending them money can often feed their addiction, and while it might be difficult to cut them off, it is not always helpful to keep enabling them. Hindering their progress toward recovery is not helping them or their life.
Manipulation
Many people dealing with addictions are masters at manipulation. Because an addiction can overtake their entire lives, in order to get their next fix, it can be easy to manipulate a loved one into giving into their addictions.
Regardless of how difficult it is to stay strong, it is important to not give into their manipulations no matter how much guilt they lay on. The addiction becomes so strong that it becomes the most important thing, and often times they will go to great lengths to get what they want. Stay strong against their demands and seek help for them if you need it.
Focus on Yourself
Many people who have loved ones going through an addiction tend to spend so much time worrying about their loved one that they forget to care for themselves. While it can be difficult to change your focus, caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one.
Moreover, if you have children, it is important to make sure they feel loved and cared for as well. Many children who have a sibling or other family member dealing with an addiction feel as if they are not as important. Because they are not dealing with an issue like addiction, it is easy to assume they are fine and that they know you love them. But they need focus and attention as well, thus it is important to help them understand that even though your attention may be focused on another loved one at times, you do care about them just as much, and you can show your children love in little ways.
Helping a loved one with an addiction is not easy, but offering them your support can truly help them.
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With the arrival of fall comes cold weather and busy schedules. Between that and the onslaught of fall drinks and desserts that are available nearly everywhere, it can be extremely difficult to stay in shape during the season.
However, despite the sun setting earlier and the hectic schedules, fall is a perfect time of the year to get active and develop a fitness routine.
Here are six ways to stay fit during the fall:
1. Get Outside
While it is often easier to stay in shape during spring and summer, as there are plenty of outdoor activities that double as fun and exercise, such as swimming, fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and as such, you should use it to your advantage by getting outside and enjoying the weather.
The cooler air is great for your body, and can actually make exercise more enjoyable. Look for bicycle paths, university stadiums that are open to the public, and hiking spots nearby.
2. Dress Accordingly
Because of the cooling temperatures and the darker lighting conditions, it is important to dress properly while you are outside, such as to dress in layers, wear gloves, beanies, and thermal socks. Not only can it keep exercise more enjoyable, it can help your immune system stay healthy.
However, if you find yourself feeling ill, do not hesitate to visit your local health facility, such as Doctors Express, an urgent care clinic in Tampa, where you can get checked out right away.
3. Convenience
One of the best ways to get into a routine and stay in one is to find an exercise or exercise facility that is convenient. Is there a park nearby? A gym? A neighbor who is also looking to get in shape and will exercise with you? Anything that is convenient will be far easier to stick with than something that takes time and effort during your already busy schedule.
4. Prepare
When it comes to fitness, it is easy to find any excuse possible to get out of exercising. If you prepare ahead of time, such as laying clothes out the night before, or packing your workout clothes in a gym bag to take with you to work, you eliminate your ability to make an excuse to get out of exercising.
5. Children’s Practices
If you are watching your children’s sporting practices, use that time to your advantage by exercising yourself. Walk the perimeter of the park, run at the track, or do calisthenics, such as lunges, squats, and push-ups while you wait for their practice to end.
6. Goals
A great way to get in shape is to set a goal for yourself. Give yourself a dollar for every time you work out, and once you meet a certain amount, you reward yourself by going shopping. Or, purchase a new clothing item, and work towards fitting into it. Goals can help you stay on track.
These six tips can help you stay in shape during this fall season.
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Exercise is a very important part of overall health. Most healthcare professionals will recommend some type of regular exercise to anyone in order to help them maintain their health and wellness over time. However, every workout program comes with its own set of risks.
One of the risks of exercise that people commonly do not think about is decreased fertility. This is not always a result of a normal workout routine, but some people who exercise frequently will find that they can have difficulties conceiving. Here are some ways exercise can affect a person’s fertility and what people can do to prevent these issues.
Regular, moderate intensity workouts can improve fertility
Before any hopeful parents-to-be stop their workout routines all together, everyone must remember that a normal workout routine can be beneficial not only to overall wellness, but also to help promote fertility in most people. Regular exercise around 3 to 5 days a week at light to moderate intensity can help anyone improve their chances of getting pregnant. There are, however, some circumstances when exercise can actually decrease fertility.
Past sports injuries can cause complications
Many people will play sports as a way to have fun and stay in shape. All sports have their share of risks, and in some rare cases, an injury that a person can sustain from a sport, even those that may seem minor at the time, can actually make it more difficult for that person to conceive. Be sure to where all the appropriate protective gear before hitting the field or court and use IVF treatment to help combat the effects of an old injury on fertility.
High heart rates can make conception difficult
Many people believe that in order to get the best results from their workout, they need to get their heart rate up past a certain point. This can be very beneficial for cardiovascular health, but it also can be dangerous for a person trying to increase their fertility. Check with a healthcare professional to see what range would be safest for your body.
A low body fat percentage can cause infertility
It is all too common for people to use their body fat percentage as a determining factor of how healthy or fit they are. Though a low body fat percentage is beneficial in many respects, percentages that are too low can also lower a person’s fertility. People who are considered underweight, or have a body fat percentage lower than about 20 percent, usually have more trouble conceiving.
Each exercise routine needs to be coupled with a healthy eating regimen
Being healthy means so much more than just working out every day. Many people will cut calories along with their exercise routine in order to lose weight or meet certain fitness goals. Though this may be effective to an extent for weight loss, it can lead to health complications that will lower a person’s chances of getting pregnant. Make sure to eat a balanced and healthy diet to replenish the calories lost in each workout.
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, otherwise known as CPR, is a series of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing that can restore oxygenized blood to the brain.
CPR could be needed for a variety of reasons. When someone is suffering from cardiac arrest, or a heart attack, is the number one time that CPR is needed. Learning how to perform CPR can be a benefit to you, your loved ones, and even strangers.
Whether or not you are considering pursuing a career in a medical field, becoming CPR certified is for everyone. You never know when your knowledge of the procedure will need to be put into action.
You will learn a lot from taking a CPR training course. Here are some of the key things you will learn during training.
1. The Purpose of CPR
If someone is suffering a heart attack, CPR won’t restart the heart, but it can keep blood flowing until medical professionals arrive.
This is very important as you can prolong the life of someone in cardiac arrest and keep them alive long enough for them to be admitted to an emergency where a doctor can try to save them.
2. How to Perform CPR
Trained instructors will take you through the steps required to perform CPR. Instructors will use training valves for cpr classes so that students don’t all have to share the same mask or mannequin being used to practice on.
In a CPR class, you will learn how to perform CPR on both adults and children. The way to perform CPR on children is slightly modified.
3. How to Respond in the Event of an Emergency
CPR classes will also give you the guidance you need to learn how to respond in the event of an emergency. You may not feel like you will ever be in a situation that constitutes as an emergency, but a surprising number of people fall ill in public every day. While many bystanders may feel panicked or extreme anxiety, it is best to remain calm and collected.
Some emergency responses include calling or delegating someone to call 911 as soon as a medical emergency arises. Never leave your victim, and speak calmly to the 911 operator so that they can get all of the required information. Try your best not to get frustrated with the amount of time it’s taking for first responders to arrive. Time seems to slow down in moments that require emergency attention, so it’s best to stay on the phone with the operator and continuing CPR until help arrives.
Ensure that exits are cleared and entrances are open so that emergency responders can get direct access to the person as soon as possible.
If you are around someone who is suffering a heart attack, it may be hard to tell if you should start CPR. CPR training will advise you of when to utilize the procedure.
Even if you don’t feel comfortable administering CPR, your knowledge of it can help coach somebody else through it which can be instrumental in helping someone suffering.
2,200 Americans die every day from cardiovascular diseases. This is a number that needs to be lowered. By being CPR certified and confident in practicing the procedure, you can save a life.
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We all know fitness is important. With expensive gym memberships that lock you into a contract, you may not be feeling any motivation to hit the treadmill. Don't fret! The great news is you don't need a gym to get fit! You can work your muscles just as hard for a fraction of the cost (or free) from the comfort of your own home. Here's how!
Lunge with Household Items
It may sound strange to lunge around the house carrying two gallons of water, but it works! Incorporate walking lunges into your regular day, and see how quickly the repetitions add up.
The proper way to perform a lunge is to stay on even ground, and do an even amount of repetitions per leg. Start in one room in your home, and work your way to the furthest one from you. Take a big step forward, and then bring your hips down and bend your knees to a 90 degree angle. Return to your starting position, and repeat the lunge with the opposite leg. Remember, the knee in front during your lunge should never extend past your toes, and your back knee should not be touching the ground.
As mentioned, you can add weight to this exercise by using household items, such as one or two gallons of water, or other heavy objects like bottles of laundry detergent.
Cycle!
Do your friends brag about their various early morning cycle classes at the gym? Feel free to cycle on your own time to an actual destination, and not be cramped into a sweaty room with 50 other people.
If you don't already own one, there are many bicycle brands to choose from. To start setting cycling at home in motion, begin taking your bike in place of times where you would take your car (within reason.) Errands will be done in a breeze, and your body will receive an excellent cardio workout in the process!
If you're able to bike to work, consider doing so. Biking to and from your work day will be an excellent form of exercise that will keep you energized and help to get you in shape! Whether or not your workplace is equipped with showers, plan to arrive a little early to freshen up.
Watch Fitness Videos
Buying fitness DVDs can be expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of free apps you can download to your smart phone or tablet, and millions of videos you can watch for free online.
Instead of sitting in front of the TV during your daily downtime, set yourself up with a fitness video! Search for workouts targeting parts of your body that you're ready to tone, and begin.
All you need for this is a room with some space to move around, a flat surface, and comfortable clothes. You can invite your family members or friends to join you, and create a group exercise class in your own living room, no gym fees required.
When it comes to fitness, just take it back to basics. Staying active is so important, and if you don't have the budget or time to incorporate a gym into your busy life, make sure to compensate at home. Whether you're lunging during household chores, cycling to the supermarket, or participating in a squat challenge via YouTube, increase your activity by any means possible. Not only will you feel great for taking care of your body, but you'll be amazed at the surge in energy you experience!
Going on vacation and seeing the sites is usually the thing most people look forward to during the summer months. However, most vacations, especially if they are extended vacations, can lead to poor health habits.
While there is nothing wrong with indulging every now and again, as well as taking time to relax, there are still smart, healthy choices you can make to maintain your figure while on vacation:
1. Doctor
For those who have a personal family physician through their health care plan, it can be a great idea to keep their phone number nearby while vacationing, especially if any member of your family has a pre-existing health condition. In case you or a family member gets sick or has a reaction to something while on vacation, you can quickly give your doctor a call and they can provide you advice or information about a local hospital nearby.
If you do not have a health care plan, consider looking into one before you head off on your trip. Having healthcare not only alleviates the health care tax penalty, but also gives you the ability to find a doctor you can trust to help you maintain your health and fitness.
2. Sightsee
If possible, when it comes to sightseeing, try to walk or bike the sites instead of driving by car. Not only will it keep you active and breathing in the fresh air, it also allows you to truly see and feel the sites. For instance, if vacationing in the mountains or by the beach, take the time to walk the trails and bike around the beach paths. You will miss out on a lot of experiences by simply driving through the areas.
3. Water
Not only is staying hydrated important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is also important to your overall well-being. Water energizes the body, helps the body’s metabolism, and also keeps your mind alert and balanced.
4. Nutrition
Because many vacations are spent eating the local cuisine, most people end up eating far more and far less healthy than normal. Instead of eating all meals out at restaurants, try to limit your meals to only one restaurant meal a day. For the other meals, try to plan well-balanced meals packed full of nutrients so that your body is receiving some nourishing foods. If you have to eat all meals out, look for healthier options, such as swapping out breakfast potatoes for fruit and French fries for a side salad. Lastly, pack healthy snacks, such as nuts, fruit, and protein bars, as they can help you feel energized.
5. Exercise
Regardless of where you are vacation, try to add in some form of physical exercise in the trip. For instance, if you are vacationing at a beach house, take a walk along the beach each morning. Walk around outside of your hotel, or swim laps in the hotel pool. Exercising will help keep your body fueled and energized for the day.
These tips can help you stay healthy while relaxing.
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Creating a healthy body is no easy task. There are so many different facets of health and it is difficult to 
know if a person has any deficiencies. One of those areas that people commonly do not think about until it is too late is bone strength.
Having strong bones is a crucial part of an overall healthy body, but few people know how to increase their bone density. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks anyone can practice daily to keep their bones strong. Here are some of the best ways to build strong bones at any age.
Get a more restful night’s sleep
Getting more sleep is beneficial for a person’s health in so many ways, and it can also help people create stronger bones. Those who suffer from restless sleep or sleep apnea might develop other osteoporosis risk factors later on in life, so it is important to find a way to get a good night’s sleep every night.
Build some muscle
Building muscle is no new concept in fitness, but building muscle can actually help to the contribution of building bones too. People who have more dense muscle mass will not only support and protect their bones with this muscle, but will also aid their bones in repairing themselves after trauma. Incorporate a couple strength training sessions into every week’s routine to notice a difference.
Get sufficient vitamin D, C and calcium
A lot of bone loss is due to lack of certain vitamins and nutrients that the bones need to repair and grow stronger. The most common things people are lacking to cause bone loss are vitamins D and C and calcium. Many healthy foods like dark leafy greens and nuts can help people replenish these nutrients every day and maintain a healthy level in their body at all times.
Get hormones balanced
Hormone imbalances are a lot more common in people of all ages that one might think. It is easy for a person to get a little off balance, causing their body to react and even create imbalances elsewhere in the body to compensate. It is important, especially for women going through menopause, to get tested to make sure all hormone levels are even and where they should be.
Limit alcohol
Excessive alcohol can have a lot of negative effects on the body. One of those effects is a loss of bone mass over time. Alcohol can mess with hormone levels and lower a person’s immune systems, making bone strength decrease over time. Limiting to one drink a day is best to keep bones strong and healthy.
Keep moving every day
Staying active is great for many aspects of health, but the bones are one of the areas that can benefit the most. Daily stress on the bones can actually help them rebuild and protect themselves from future damage. Get out and walk every day to see the best results over time.
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Gaining muscle mass is a goal that many people are striving for today. There are still a lot of people who obsess about losing weight, but gaining muscle is by far the most popular request people have when they look to get the help of a personal trainer.
There are a lot of different ways to build muscle, but everyone should know the most effective and safe ways to gain muscle the healthy way. Here are six essential tips for building muscle that can help anyone achieve their ideal body shape and fitness level.
Talk with a doctor first
Before starting any new fitness routine or nutrition plan, everyone should check with their doctor to make sure they are healthy enough to do so. This is a quick appointment that will help ensure a safe and healthy start to the program. Anyone can look for the best doctors in Las Vegas to make sure they are getting the best advice possible before starting.
Learn how to eat
It may sound silly, but a lot of people need to learn how to eat again if they want to gain some healthy weight. Gaining weight in a healthy way is not something that comes easily to anyone, so everyone will need to learn what foods will help them build muscle, and which foods will only cause them to gain fat.
Know when to eat certain foods
In addition to learning what foods can help promote healthy muscle gain, people also need to learn when to eat certain foods to get the best results. It is essential that people fuel their muscles properly to give them energy for their workouts and the nutrients they need to repair after each session. For example, many people believe it is important to have some protein after each workout.
Work the biggest muscle groups
Many people will look for programs that will work one specific muscle at a time. Though these may be effective for some people, it is more effective for more people to find a routine that will work big muscle groups of more than one muscle at a time. Try a few exercises that engage multiple muscles, like pull-ups and overhead squats.
Get the rest the muscles need to recover
Another common mistake people make is working their muscles too hard right away, or working the same muscle groups numerous times in one day. Though more workouts might seem like the best way to build muscle fast, it is not usually effective. Everyone needs to give their muscles time to rest and recover, allowing them to build and get stronger.
Stay consistent
It is easy for people to want to give up after a few weeks when they do not see the results that they want. Even though it is tempting to throw in the towel, it is important for everyone to remember that building muscle takes time and it will be a long process to get to the ideal shape they are looking for.
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