How to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis during Pregnancy

Several physiological changes take place when a woman becomes pregnant. From morning sickness to swelling ankles and feet, the glow of being pregnancy also comes with less than ideal side effects. While most health conditions related to pregnancy are temporary and have a minimal impact on long-term health, expectant mothers are at risk of developing various medical issues that can be more serious. Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is one condition that requires some understanding and attention throughout one’s pregnancy.

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms, most often in the deep veins of the leg. When clotting takes place, the legs can become more swollen than usual, and women can experience ongoing pain or tenderness where the clot occurs. While DVT is not a serious threat to the well-being of an expectant mother, should the clot break off and travel to the lungs, the results could be life-altering. In the UK, deep vein thrombosis affects one in every 1,000 pregnancy women, and although this may not seem like an astonishing amount, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing DVT than those who are not expecting. Here’s what pregnant women and their partners need to know about deep vein thrombosis, from the risk factors and symptoms to strategies for prevention.

High-risk Patients

Deep vein thrombosis can affect anyone at any point in adulthood, but pregnant women are at a much higher risk than others. Part of the increased possibility of developing DVTs can be linked to the rapid shift in hormones pregnant women experience from the beginning of their pregnancy up to six months after giving birth. Additionally, a growing baby places pressure on the pelvis which causes compression that could lead to clotting. In some cases in pregnant women the blood’s clotting agents change early in the process, creating a greater risk of developing DVsT later in the pregnancy.

In addition to these common physiological changes within pregnant women, individuals may be more at risk of experiencing deep vein thrombosis when they have previously been diagnosed with a blood clot, if they have recently had a caesarean section, or if they smoke. Women who are over the age of 35, those who have a body mass index of 30 or higher, or those who have undergone fertility treatment are also more likely to develop DVTs during pregnancy. Being immobile for extended periods of time and carrying multiple children during a single pregnancy also increase the risks.

Warning Signs

In most cases when a pregnant woman develops deep vein thrombosis, the warning signs are similar regardless of the cause. DVT is most often found in a single leg, not both, and can cause swelling of the legs or ankles, pain at the site where the clot occurred, or tenderness of the leg. Some may also experience a warming of the skin on the leg or redness that appears below or behind the knee.

Pregnant women should note that some of these symptoms are similar to other issues that naturally take place while carrying a child to term, many of which may not cause any harm aside from the occasional discomfort.

When any or a combination of these symptoms occur, and they seem out of the ordinary, medical attention should be sought out as soon as possible. Speaking with a medical professional about the discomfort that is taking place, when it began, and what’s being done to minimize the symptoms is pertinent to getting the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Ways to Prevent DVT during Pregnancy

While deep vein thrombosis has the potential to cause a variety of symptoms during one’s pregnancy, there are several steps to prevent it from taking place from the start. Eddie Chaloner, vein specialist at Radiance Vein Clinic, explains that preventing blood clotting throughout pregnancy always begins with ensuring the blood is flowing on a consistent basis. Regular exercise that is doctor-approved during one’s pregnancy, and walking or stretching a few times a day helps keep the blood flowing as it should. Similarly, not allowing the legs to be idle for extended periods of time is beneficial in preventing DVTs from developing. Lifting the legs while sitting or lying down helps in this regard.

If routine physical activity is not an easy option, Chaloner states that some doctors may prescribe compression stockings to help with consistent blood flow. Compression stockings are easily worn on the legs during the day, working to put slight pressure on the veins to reduce idle time. In addition to compression solutions, a doctor may also provide a preventative dose of an anticoagulant throughout the pregnancy, especially when a woman carries multiple risk factors.

When deep vein thrombosis is diagnosed and treated early on, the potential for a blood clot to break off and travel to the lungs is greatly reduced. Pregnant women and their partners can work to prevent DVTs from developing in the first place by focusing on being active during the pregnancy and speaking to a doctor as soon as any of the warning signs begin to show.

This is a guest blog entry.

Know Your Blood Pressure Apparatus: The parts of a sphygmomanometer

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant health condition. Not treating it correctly can have fatal consequences. As an indicator of a patient’s state of health, one’s blood pressure must be monitored accurately.

And here’s where the sphygmomanometer—the equipment used to measure blood pressure—enters the picture. It allows the medical practitioner to listen to the flow of blood through the artery.

How does a sphygmomanometer work?

Some blood pressure monitoring devices are battery operated, while others are operated manually. To get an accurate measurement of your patient’s BP using a manually operated sphygmomanometer, follow these  steps:

1.    Prepare your stethoscope and sphygmomanometer
2.    Let your patient relax for at least 5 minutes before you check his or her blood pressure.
3.    Put the BP cuff/gauge around the patient’s upper arm.
4.    Check his or her pulse.
5.    Place the stethoscope on his or her pulse (wrist).
6.    Slowly inflate the gauge/cuff while listening to the pulse.
7.    When the cuff is fully inflated, slowly deflate it while listening to the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
8.    Repeat the process to double check the BP result.

What are the basic components of a sphygmomanometer?

BP Cuff—a cloth-like material attached or connected to the valve and bulb. It is positioned on the patient’s upper arm and held in place using the Velcro strap. It is designed to fit all body sizes.

Bulb—an egg-shaped piece of black rubber used to pump air that inflates the cuff to check the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is designed to pump different cuff sizes.

Manometer–a meter that displays readings of blood pressure measurements. It comes in different designs, with aneroid, mercury, or digital meters. The medical attendant can choose which manometer type he or she prefers.

Valve—a silver-like metal piece attached to the bulb to control the inflation and deflation of the cuff.

Inflation/Deflation Bladder—rubber or elastic tubes that are connected to the cuff, manometer, bulb, and valve. It must be kept free of holes to avoid air leaks; otherwise, it won’t inflate and deflate the cuff. 

A sphygmomanometer is a very practical, portable medical instrument. In less than a minute, you can check your patient’s blood pressure. You don’t even need to be qualified medical personnel to use it. Just operate it according to the instructions. Buy the sphygmomanometer only from a reliable supplier.

This is a guest blog post.

The Many Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is arguably one of the most important minerals in the body. It is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body, mainly including energy dependant activities. It is required for healthy bones, muscles and nerves and is helpful in treating migraines/headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia and anxiety. Magnesium deficiency is common and many Australians may not be aware they are low in this essential mineral.

Causes of magnesium deficiency

•    Use of certain medications and chronic diseases

•    Reduced magnesium in foods due to soil depletion and processing techniques

•    Digestive diseases, leaky gut and poor absorption of minerals

The four most common at-risk groups include:

1.    People with gastrointestinal complaints

2.    The elderly

3.    People with type 2 diabetes

4.    Alcoholics

Unfortunately, magnesium is not an easy mineral to test for and deficiency will not show up in a simple blood test. Like calcium, only 1% of magnesium is found in the blood and often doesn’t give an accurate representation of total levels.

What you can use magnesium for

Because magnesium depletion is associated with a myriad of different deficiency signs and symptoms it can be used for a wide-range of health effects. Here are some of its most common uses.

Reduces anxiety and insomnia

Magnesium can help to calm the body, relax our muscles and improve mood. It’s no wonder people who are stressed have been found to have lowered levels of magnesium in their body. A 2012 article found that lowered magnesium can reduce the GABA cycle in the body which can lead to extreme anxiety and in more severe instances depression and hallucinations. In addition to anxiety, magnesium can be used to help with insomnia without any nasty side-effects. Bioceuticals Ultra Muscleze Night powder is an example of specific magnesium to reduce stress and promote a good night’s sleep. It can be taken twice a day to reduce daytime anxiety and before bed for insomnia.

Migraine headaches

Daily intake of magnesium has been linked to a reduction in migraine headaches, even ones that are related to the menstrual cycle. It achieves this by reducing muscular spasm—aiding relaxation and dilation of blood vessels. Magnesium also helps to alter the balance of neurotransmitters. An imbalance of these, particularly serotonin, has been linked to the pathogenesis of migraines.

Heart Health

Magnesium helps to regulate calcium, potassium and sodium which are important for healthy heart function and rhythm. Without sufficient amounts of magnesium in the body people are at higher risk of high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat), cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. An article published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that “circulating and dietary magnesium are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk”. This means that the lower your intake of magnesium and the lower the magnesium you have circulating in your body the higher your risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

Low magnesium levels have been associated with thicker plaque in arteries, an increased risk of stroke and a decrease in blood flow. Although there are many different forms of magnesium available, magnesium orotate is the preferred form for heart and cardiovascular health. Nature’s Own Magnesium orotate is available in two different strengths.

Muscle function

Two of the most obvious symptoms of a magnesium deficiency are muscle cramps and spasms which most people experience in the feet and calves. Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation and can work very quickly to provide relief. Supplementation is suitable for people suffering from fibromyalgia, muscle pain and restless leg syndrome. Even athletes and people who work out and experience a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles can benefit from magnesium. An example of good all-round magnesium is Cabot Health’s Magnesium Complete. It contains four different kinds of well-absorbed forms of magnesium—covering everything from muscle pain to headaches.

Bone health

Most people think of calcium for bone health but did you know that the majority of magnesium is found in bone. Supplementing with magnesium has been found to slow the development of osteoporosis in as little as 30 days. Magnesium is important for the health of our teeth and its magnesium (not calcium), that is vital for the hardening of our tooth enamel. However, if you’re supplementing with calcium it’s important to take magnesium also in a 1:2 ratio.

Diabetes

Magnesium deficiency is common among those with type 2 diabetes as it is vital for healthy blood sugar balancing. A diet rich in magnesium and magnesium supplementation has been shown to significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Even a low dose of 100mg per day lowered the risk by 15%. As diabetes causes damage to nerves and is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, magnesium is a nutrient that provides protection in these areas. Even those with insulin resistance and prediabetes would benefit from increasing their magnesium intake.

Increase your energy

Weakness, low energy and fatigue are all common deficiency signs of magnesium. While magnesium can improve muscle relaxation and aids anxiety it is on the other hand important to produce energy on a cellular level. ATP is a coenzyme that is responsible for transporting energy within our cells for metabolism and healthy cell division. Magnesium is required in the production of ATP and this is why magnesium deficiency can leave you feeling sluggish and droopy eyed. So next time you feel like that next cup of coffee for an artificial energy hit, why not try magnesium instead and experience a wide-range of other health benefits.

Need to get more magnesium in the diet? 

High magnesium foods include dark leafy greens, avocados, nuts, seeds, beans, fish, bananas, dark chocolate, dried fruit and wholegrains. Try eating a few serves from a variety of magnesium rich sources for healthy muscle, bone, nerve and heart health.

This is a guest blog post.

Instagram Guiding a New Resurgence in Plastic Surgery

Social media is changing things for plastic surgeons around the world. More and more people are interested in this beautification process in order to look better in selfies. A very popular platform that is driving this social change is Instagram since the app relies solely on images through Facebook and other social media platforms have surely had an effect on the intensified focus on outer-beauty.

Why are Social Media Platforms Vital for Plastic Surgeons?

It may not be believable at first but, yes, many plastic surgeons are using social media to advertise their results and to entice others by perpetuating a new standard of beauty. This is something that some will not want to hear, but beauty has a way of changing with time and, now, with social platforms like Instagram.

This social platform allows users to create a photo album for the rest of the world to see. It would be one thing if these photographs were natural, but many people use specific angles, makeup, and filters that allow a person to look like an enhanced version of themselves.

Filters, for example, can sometimes help a person look younger than they are by softening their skin. The issue is that people on platforms like Instagram are catching on to filters and are calling people out. This drives some people to seek a solution for premature wrinkles finding Botox injections in Gold Coast or other regions.

Botox creates the filtered look without having to blur a photograph, which is quite beloved online. Furthermore, the new standard of beauty that is hard to match is making others feel they have no other option but to get plastic surgery, too.

Social Media and Beauty

It is easy to see that beauty is changing due to social media platforms like Instagram, but how it is shifting is interesting. For example, one of the major changes that some people in the field are seeing is the rise in lip fillers and lip augmentation.

More women are interested in enhancing their lips than before. This could be due to the number of celebrities and reality TV stars who have full lips. Some women want to appease their desire for this type of beauty and also want to take fabulous selfies.

There is no doubt that some things remain the same, like how most women and men want to stay young, which keeps a lot of people interested in wrinkle reduction procedures.

Plastic Surgery Becoming More Accessible

There is no doubt that social media platforms, celebrities, and the ability to use fillers on a picture are having an effect on people. This is undoubtedly helping many people turn towards plastic surgery or procedures.

Some of the people who now covet plastic surgery might have never been able to afford it before, but times have changed. Plastic surgery is more accessible to people from all types of economic groups. This is possible due to different options like financing.

There are also options that are less invasive and a lot more cost-effective for those looking to spend as little as possible beautifying their face. Botox is the most famous and relatively inexpensive procedure, but there are others such as chemical peels and fillers just to name a few.

It is clear that having different payment options is giving plastic surgery a way to continue growing. All those people influenced by social media platforms like Instagram will be happy to know that what they wish for can actually come true. Great and amazing photographs are possible just as long as women find an experienced plastic surgeon specialist to help them with their beauty goals.

This is a guest blog post.

Tips For College Students On Dealing With Daily Challenges

When it’s time to set off for college, there are a lot of emotions; making your way through the campus, fitting in with new friends, and making the grade. It can be very overwhelming, even if you’re in your last year of school. Challenges arise and so do situations in which you may be tempted to turn to bad decision making in order to cope with daily stressors.

Making positive choices is the best way to ensure that you can be successful throughout your college career. Here are a few examples of issues that may arise and some positive coping mechanisms in which to handle these situations.

Stress and Anxiety

Checking the academic portal frequently to see if you’ve passed a test, or worrying about dealing with a forthright roommate can lead to added stress and anxiety.  That’s why it’s important to deal with problems as they come up in a healthy manner. Some ways to go about it include:

•    *Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise or aerobic activity daily.
•    *Sleeping at least 8 hours every night.
•    *Eating a healthy diet and avoiding junk food.
•    *Connecting with a counselor through student services.
•    *Using positive coping mechanisms to work through anxiety and stress.

Stress and anxiety affects college students daily, and in some cases, it’s easy to turn to illicit drug use, prescription pills and alcohol to get through tough times. This isn’t the answer, and can greatly affect your lifestyle on campus, as well as your grades. You can easily be disqualified for scholarships and possibly be expelled from school and sports if you’re found with certain substances. If you feel you have a problem with substance abuse, contact your local rehab center for help. Similar to inpatient drug rehab center Utah-based facilities, a facility in your own area will be able to help you detox safely and give you the right tools for a complete recovery.

Social Issues 

Are you having a lot of peer pressure placed on you in college? Maybe you’re finding it hard to fit in with the group of kids in your dorm. No matter what the social issue is, it’s important to understand that many college students experience the same thing. Social issues can quickly lead to feeling anxious and frustrated with your college experience. There are a few ways to try to get past this problem and turn your anxiety into something positive, such as:

•    *Joining more social groups at the college.
•    *Volunteering on and around your campus.
•    *Connecting with your professors and discussing your obstacles.
•    *Staying in touch with family and friends from home.

Social issues can lead to isolation and sometimes destructive behavior, such as over or under eating and sleeplessness. Don’t let anxiety cripple you. If it becomes an ongoing issue, talk to your family doctor right away about getting help.

Tuition Concerns

Another problem that some students face when they attend college is how they are going to pay for everything that school entails, notes Jeff Grabmeier from the Ohio State University. This ranges from books, computers, room and board, tuition, food and daily living expenses. The best place to start is with your school’s financial advisor. From there you will be able to sit down, review your financial aid package and determine if you’re getting the maximum of loan coverage for your living situation. Your advisor may offer tips, such as working on campus or borrowing certain materials in order to save money on your tuition costs. There are a lot of programs you may not realize are readily available until you ask about them or sit down and talk with a financial advisor face-to-face.

Daily Living Costs

Whether you’ve been saving up money, have student loans or your parents are helping you with tuition and housing expenses, it can still make it tough to make ends meet on your own. There are some ways that you can pinch pennies to make the dollar stretch each month, including:

•    *Sharing and preparing quick and cheap meals with your friends or roommates.
•    *Utilize a campus meal program to cut back on food costs.
•    *Ditch your car and use a bike or public transportation to get around town.
•    *Apply for extra scholarships to earn more money for tuition costs.
•    *Avoid going to clubs and bars. Take advantage of on-campus concerts and events instead.

Utilizing small things can actually save you big money in the future.

College doesn’t have to be a time of stress and high worry. Reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed and utilize the resources readily available to you.

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

We Can’t Live Without Protein Research

We don’t really discuss protein and protein research very much. Most of us are left even wondering what it is and why it’s so important. Companies like NanoTemperTech.com and the research they do have been instrumental in medical advances for a number of health issues.

Focusing intensely on natural environments helps keep the samples authentic and creates better data. Furthermore, they can provide a higher density of data points which translates into better data quality and seeing more in the data that other technologies could miss. Before we get into the fantastic ways we have benefited from protein research, let’s actually discuss it just a little bit further.

Proteins Are What I Eat, Right?

It’s true that we eat proteins in our diet but we are not talking about those proteins. We are talking about the building blocks of the cells within our bodies. All of our life information is encoded within our DNA; proteins manage the process of our life maintenance, defense, reproduction, and replication. They are often studied individually so that if we were to clone a cell, we would get the protein structure correct. When all of the proteins are cloned individually, they then come together in the cell. This suddenly makes cloning sound a lot more complicated, doesn’t it?

Why Do We Study Proteins?

Of course, the reason why we study proteins can vary. The simplest answer is so that we can understand the DNA better. The interesting thing about DNA is that a protein can be modified without ever affecting DNA. So simply studying DNA can leave us with questions on why something happened. When we research the proteins, we can see a clearer map. When proteins are modified and we can identify it, it will tell us how that specific protein worked and can lead to why it was modified. This point was really driven home when researchers studied dinosaur proteins. The proteins were able to identify the age of the sample, which could affect changes in when we thought a particular species existed, and what the environment was like that the dinosaur lived in or was buried in. Not all DNA evolve for evolution but proteins certainly do!

So, How Does It Help Us?

Studying proteins helps us in a myriad of ways. Medicines are often designed around the proteins within our bodies and learning how to affect the protein isn’t easy. Often they have to build a structure of a specific protein as a template in a computer program and bind it to a natural molecule. The natural molecule works sort of like a key, it unlocks the biological action of the protein. When designing certain medicines, they will want to either unlock that action or block it all together. The more response they get from the proteins, the easier it is to create these types of medicines. When they don’t work, they know to go back to the proteins and research some more.

One of the more popular examples of how protein research has helped us is when researchers were stumped on how to understand the structure of a particular protein. However, they employed video gamers to assist in the research. They were able to successfully replicate the structure and understand why some viruses, like HIV, could spread. When we have that type of information released, it makes finding the medicines and treatments easier to eradicate some diseases all together.

As we continue researching proteins, we expect to find a lot more treatments and a few cures along the way. We will also be able to notice genetic tendencies towards certain types of illnesses and disorders. Nothing but good can come from protein research!

This is a blog post by Nancy Evans.

6 Things Family Caregivers Should Remember to Bring to Doctor’s Appointments

For family caregivers, doctor’s appointments are one of the most important and time-consuming tasks. Whether it’s helping an aging parent with a ride to the doctor or taking a medically complex relative for their check-up with the specialist, the preparation, travel, and appointment time can all add up.

Don’t forget to bring these 6 things to your loved one’s next doctor’s appointment to make sure your time and effort is counting for something:

Bring a Medicine List
The doctor will always check in with each visit to see what medicines your loved one is still taking, which have changed, and what new ones they have started taking. Especially important for patients who see multiple doctors, keeping one central list of all medications (both prescriptions and over the counter) equips all your loved one’s doctors with the information they need to make sure nothing is over-prescribed, interacts with other medicines, or can cause complications.

Bring Your Questions
It is so easy for patients and their caregivers to feel overwhelmed with information, flustered, or simply forgetful of concerns you wanted to bring up with the doctor. Bottom line, write them down and bring them in. Not only does referencing a paper (or your phone) with your questions show the doctor you mean business, but it also holds the doctor accountable in a way to the time you are looking to spend discussing your loved one’s condition. Voice concerns over non-visible changes in mental state, attitude, and physical things like skin breakdown or difficulty swallowing.

Bring Something to Drink (and Eat)
Anyone who has ever been to the doctor knows that appointments can be right on time, or you can end up waiting for 45 minutes in the waiting room before being taken to a patient room to wait another 30 minutes to see the doctor. You never want your loved one to get dehydrated, so make sure to bring water and small snacks to keep energy levels up and everyone feeling at their best for the visit with the doctor.

Bring Hand Sanitizer
Chances are your doctor’s office will have hand sanitizer or antibacterial soap handy, but just in case, carry a small bottle with you to sanitize you and your loved one’s hands after an appointment. Oftentimes, people who see the doctor aren’t necessarily sick with contagious viruses, but it is always better to be safe (especially when visiting the family doctor or general practitioner during cold and flu season).

Bring Your Calendar
When leaving an appointment, unless a specific procedure or follow-up is scheduled, the doctor’s office will try and schedule your next ‘regular visit.’ Make sure to bring your calendar (or have your digital calendar handy on your smartphone) so you can find a good date and time for your next appointment. Even though most offices write it down on a little card for you, chances of that getting lost and you forgetting to put it in your calendar when you get home are high.

Bring Your Appreciation
Do you just love the doctor whom you take your loved one to see? If they have gone the extra mile and really supported you as a caregiver and your family member for whom you care, make sure and let them know how much they mean. A small handwritten note, homemade treats, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant or movie theatre are all super sweet but not ostentatious tokens of gratitude - especially givable around the holidays.

Saving time and getting more answers in regards to your loved one’s condition, treatment, and care helps ease up on the stress many caregivers feel, and so can helpful tools and devices like a hospital overbed table (see more here). When it comes to caregiving, preparation can go a long way, and this is never more evident than at doctor’s appointments. Don’t forget to ‘bring’ all the things you need to make your next appointment an even greater success.

This is a guest blog entry.