Be Yourself - Pregnancy Advice

After announcing I was pregnant with my first child I realized that I must be horrible at being pregnant. My doctor thought everything was going great, but the world in general seemed to disagree. People I knew and people I didn't overwhelmed me with a list of things I needed to do and things I needed to stop doing. “You need to read this book.” “You need to stop wearing heels.” “You need to keep a journal.” “You need to stop eating spicy food.” “ You need to take a birthing class.” “You need to stop exercising.” The list goes on and on. I wasn't doing the things everyone seemed to think was supposed to be doing. The worst part was the attitude I got if I dared to mention I wasn't going to be following the suggestion. People got mad. They seemed to feel that I was doing them some harm by not being pregnant the way they thought I should be. I heard story after story of why I should do this or shouldn't do that. When did all these people become an expert on my life.

I didn't read the books. What growing up on a farm didn't teach about what to expect, my nursing degree did. I didn't take a class. I read up on the principles behind the different birthing methods and talked to a close friend, my mother, and my nurse. We all agreed that I probably wouldn't get that much out of the classes. Being a life long student of various martial arts and yoga, I already understood the concepts. Why waste the money and even more importantly my time. I have never kept a journal and I was too busy with baby planning to start. I kept eating spicy food, wearing my heels, and kept my exercise routine with a little modification. Of course I talked to my physician about anything that might be dangerous, like the exercise. Instead of doing all the things people thought I needed to be doing, I did what fit my life. My pregnancy was great. The baby was born healthy after a brief four hours of labor. Everything was fine. Now, I am going to ignore most of the advice on how to raise my son. I am sure he will turn out great, even if I let him stay up late of watch T.V.

Necole Ivey

Are the MMR vaccine links to autism unfounded

When making a decision you need to look at all the evidence. From scientific experiments to empirical observation. Often times you find the evidence is very conflicting. On the issue of the link between autism and the MMR vaccine we fortunately do not find such conflict. The body of evidence shows that there is not a link between the two. I wouldn't expect you to take my word on such an important issue. So, please follow me through experiments and the observations.

Let's start at the beginning of the controversy. A report in the British medical journal Lancet by Dr. Andrew Wakefield on February 28th 1998. The report was on a study conducted by Dr. Wakefield and twelve other practitioners. The study was conducted on twelve children with developmental disorders accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. The interpretation of the results as listed by the researchers was “ We identified associated gastrointestinal disease and developmental regression in a group of previously normal children, which was generally associated in time with possible environmental triggers.” In other words no link had been proven.

So, why all the controversy? Because before the paper was published Dr. Wakefield went to the media with a statements warning against the vaccine. He warned that children had drastic behavior changes shortly after receiving the vaccine. Of the twelve children nine has autism. Of the children diagnosed with autism seven had parents that associated the onset of the child’s symptoms with receiving the vaccine. Please note that the link between the symptoms and the vaccine was given by the parents alone. The small amount of evidence was enough for Dr. Wakefield to speak out against the combination vaccine. Going so far as to call for the  vaccines suspension until more research could be done. I would like to mention that Dr. Wakefield never said that his study had proven a link, he merely stated that more research needed to be done. So that is the beginning of the controversy, but it gets better.

In 2004 Wakefield was accused of a conflict of interest. This conflict of interest allegation is based of a proposed lawsuit against the manufactures of the vaccine. Documents arose that Royal Free Hospital was paid by UK's Legal Aid Board to conduct the study. Furthering the conflict of interest Dr. Wakefield himself received money from the lawyers that he did not disclose. This of course does lead to a lessening of Dr. Wakefield's credibility. A bigger blow to the credibility of the research was that some of the parents of the children in the study were recruited by the lawyers. 
 
This allegation lead to numerous responses. The immediate response to this was for the Lancet to publish a retraction. They listed a very simple and polite reason. The article would never had been publish based on the grounds of bias if all the information had been presented to them. The twelve other researchers also quickly responded by making statements that the study had never suggested a causal link between autism and MMR. Finally the UK General Medical Council responded by examining Dr. Wakefield and two colleagues on charges including the conflict of interest issues, conducting test on children without pediatric qualifications or approval, and conducting test on children contrary to the child's needs and without medical history or symptoms to support the test. These investigations began in July of 2007. On January 28^th of 2010 the Council ruled against Wakefield. On May 24^th of the same year Dr.Wakefield's license to practice in the UK was revoked. 
 
So the study that started the scare was found to be biased and fraudulent. Well, more correctly, the doctor that started the scare was found to be fraudulent. As mentioned before the study never said there was a link between the vaccine and autism. Subsequent test also could not find any link. That should have been the end of the story right. If it was you wouldn't be reading this no would you.

Dr.Wakefield still has adamant supporters that believe that he was wrongly persecuted by a corrupt medical establishment. Even if this is the case Dr.Wakefield's study never showed a link. The supporters of this belief do not need the research study however, they have observation.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that MMR can cause Autism. However observation is powerful and science is not always right. I have included a link to Autismspeaks.org where you can see a list of many forum post related to MMR. These are not scientific research papers, just information from parents with Autistic children. I know that the decision about vaccinations is difficult. It has become a hot button issue and you fell like no matter what you do you are not making the right choice for your child. I hope knowing how all of this got started and seeing the reports yourself will help your choice. I also want to leave you with the most important thing I found while researching this topic. Many parents with Autistic children do not regret the decision to vaccinate for one reason, their child is living with Autism, but may have died if not vaccinated.

1998 Lancet Article 
Actual Research Data 
Autism Speaks  

Android 3.0 Honeycomb - Technical Guide

Are android tablets ready to challenge the iPads?

The first next generation Google Tablet, the Motorola Xoom, has hit the market. Giving everyone a hands on look at the new Android 3.0 Honeycomb. With 9 more Android tablets rumored to be hitting the market this year, we have to wonder are Android tablets really ready to challenge the established iPad?

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

With the success of the Android smartphones Google proved themselves a worthy opponent to Apple's iPhone. The next step is to take on the tablets. Google's new Operating system the Android 3.0 Honeycomb is defiantly competition for iPad. Apple has a one size fits all attitude, using iOS, the OS designed for iPhone on the iPad. Android 3.0's Honeycomb was designed for tablets.

The separate Operating systems will not effect application design. Honeycomb recognizes the file format used by Android applications. The application will be able to tell if it is on an Android phone or a Honeycomb tablet and load the features for that device. Your Android phone and Honeycomb tablet will be using the same applications.This is apparent from the beginning. You can sync you new tablet with your existing Android phone. On top of importing settings the tablet will download and install all the apps from your phone. After the initial set-up applications downloaded to one device will automatically show up on the other device.

Honeycomb is more complex than the iOS. Though that means there is a little bit of a learning curve, but the flexibility and usability of Honeycomb make it worth the time to learn. Numerous homepages are customizable and loaded with information. Check your inbox, social networking feeds, news and other information at a glance through informative widgets. The email widget for instance not only shows the number of emails you have waiting but show the subjects and a few lines of the message. A touch expands the widget to full screen. One touch also allows you to view apps you are running. The live view tiles that appear on the left hand side of the screen make keeping an eye on your apps and switching between them easy.

With Honeycomb notifications cause a small notification pop in the right hand corner. Ignore the notification if you wish or tap it to expand. This is an obvious improvement of the iPad's notification system, which takes up a large portion of the screen and require action to ignore.

Honeycomb does a a few down sides. First the Adobe Flash 10.2 that was released 03/18/2011 only a beta version for Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Google is working with Adobe to design a version of Flash optimized for Honeycomb. Expect Flash support later this year through an over-the-air-update.

Secondly there are less application in the Android Market than in the App Store. With Android being fairly new to the scene this really is no big surprise. The Android market has more free content available and is growing at a rapid pace.

Motorola Xoom

Motorola Xoom comes out of the gate with an impressive specs list. The first tablet to feature NVIDIA's Tegra2 Dual processor. This processor gives the Xoom an obvious speed advantage over other tablets. It features 32GB of memory plus microSD expansion slots. Though the microSD support is currently disabled a soon to be release over-the-air update will correct this problem. Motorola Xoom features two cameras. The rear camera is a 5 megapixel with auto-focus and dual LED flash and supports 720p video capture. The front camera is 2 megapixels and more geared toward video chat. Another features of the Xoom is the micro-HDMI port to allow easy hook up to a HDTV.

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Samsung will be releasing two Android tablets this year. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 which will be released June 8, and the Galaxy Tab 8.9 which should arrive sometime this summer. Both tablets will utilize Honeycomb's multitasking capabilities through a Live Panel and a Mini Apps Tray. Allowing users more customized content at their fingertips. The hardware includes a 1GHz dual-core processor, front and rear facing cameras, HD video recording and motion sensors.

LG Optimus Pad / G-Slate

LG will launch its new tablets at an unspecified date this year. The tablets LG Optimus Pad and the G-Slate appear to be the same, except the name and target market. LG Optimus Pad is expected to be lauched in Europe and the G-Slate will be marketed in the US. LG's tablet comes with the impressive spec sheet we are seeing with the new Google tablets, such as 1GHz dual-core processor and high-resolution display. The real attention grabber here is the camera. LG should be the first to launch a tablet with a 3D camera.

1. Acer Iconia Tab A100 and Acer Iconia Tab A500

Rumored to be hitting the market as early as April Acer's new tablet seems geared at gamers. A 10.1 inch screen that is expected to have a 1280p by 800p resolution, Tegra 2 dual-core processor, 10 point multitouch screen, and a gyroscope. The built is HDMI port will allow for 1080p video output to HDTV. Acer is keeping this one under wraps for now, providing very little confirmed information. Still no word on an exact release date or price.

Toshiba's 10 inch unnamed tablet

Toshiba may not have named it new Android tablet yet, but it is loaded with impressive hardware. The 10.1 inch wide screen display will utilize Ambient Light sensor technology for an adaptive display that automatically adjust for light conditions. The HD quality and 1280p by 800p resolution combined with the adaptive display give superior visual quality in any light. The tablet comes with the front and rear cameras and 720p HD video recording. The tablet will be loaded with ports, USB and Mini USB for storage, HDMI for mirroring to HDTV, and a SD memory card slot.

Dell Streak 10

Not much official news on Dell's addition to the next generation Google tablets. Some sources have placed it to come out as early as April. Many are expecting the Streak 10 to be similar to the Streak 7. Dell's Streak 7 is a multi-platform tablet that can utilize Android or Windows. Other than the enlargement of the screen to 10.1 inches, nothing else is known about what to expect with the Dell Streak 10.

2. Sony 'S1' Playstation Tablet

Though still under design Sony has released quite a bit of information about what to expect with it's tablet later this year. Scheduled to be released in September with a rumored price tag of $599. With a 9.4inch 1280p by 800p display screen and an IR emitter for controlling Sony TV's the S1 will be the tablet most optimized for gaming. The 'S1' will also feature the front and rear facing cameras, USB port, HDMI port, and SD card slots that seem to be a must have for Google tablets. Playstation is hoping to add a revolutionary twist on the tablet scene. The 'S1' is designed with a curve to mimic the way one would hold a book or magazine. On top of adding to the elegance of the tablet the design should allow for easier one hand control.

Nexus

Rumors about the Nexus-branded Honeycomb tablet by LG, hitting the market this year are also floating around. This is Google's project tablet. Everything is being kept quite, but anticipation is high.

Price

Last a word about the price. With iPad 2 claiming a low price of $499. 00, the Motorola Xoom's price of $799.99 might cause a shock at first glance. That low price on the iPad is for 16GB wi-fi only tablet. The iPad that comes close to competing with the Xoom, the 32GB with wi-fi and 3G, is $729.00. That iPad doesn't have microSD cards, 4G upgrade, and AirPlay only works with Apple HDTV's.

One thing is sure, the next generation Google Tablets are something to keep an eye on.

Acid Reflux - Alternative Remedies

The causes of acid reflux are numerous. Once you know that your acid reflex is not caused by a more serious problem all you want to know is how to make it stop. There are many prescription and over the counter products to alleviate the pain. So how do you stop the pain without paying an arm and a leg.

Herbal remedies have become more popular over the years because of their affordability. Licorice is a wonderful treatment. Licorice tea taken in the evening can reduce the frequency of attacks and licorice candy can soothe the pain when an attack does occur. If you are not a fan of the taste of licorice do not fret there are many other herbs waiting for you. A tea of peppermint, chicory root or fresh basil are just a few of the other herbal option.

Even more affordable than herbs are home remedies using common household ingredients. One of the most common home remedies is apple cider vinegar mixed with water. That may sound confusing using an acid to treat acid reflux, however it is successful for many people. On the exact opposite of vinegar is the second most common home remedy, baking soda. A small amount of baking soda dissolved in water to stop the burning. A less know home remedy is cinnamon. Slowly eat a piece of cinnamon toast, when you have an attack.

No matter what treatment you choose lifestyle changes should be included. Losing wait and quitting smoking are two big but important changes. Smaller changes include avoiding foods that trigger an attack, eat smaller portions of food, and eating more frequently. Lifestyle changes are not only effective but also free.

Rheumatic Disease - Alternative Remedies

Rheumatic disease covers a spectrum of disorders from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to lupus. Each condition has a different mechanism and is therefor treated differently in eastern, western, and folk medicine. . Unfortunately there is no totally effective treatment for rheumatism. All treatments have limitations and risk.

I am sure that you already know about the conventional western treatments. So I will not go into any of them. Instead I will focus on the traditional eastern and folk treatments. If you do have any questions about conventional treatments that you feel the doctor has not addresses fully please ask. I will briefly recommend two dietary supplements that often go unmentioned but are incredibly effective.

Though many physicians recommend calcium very few recommend vitamin D. This is more of a oversight than a lack of faith in the effectiveness of vitamin D. Vitamin D is as crucial to strong bones and joints as calcium. People over the age of 55 often lack in vitamin D. As people get older they often spend less time in the sun. On top of this the body’s slower production level means it take longer sun exposure for a 55 year old to produce vitamin D than it does for a 20 year old. Sun exposure is the best way to get vitamin D, however that is not always possible. You can purchase up to 5,000UI Vitamin D supplements over the counter at most pharmacies. Large amounts are available by perscription. Speak with you physician to get a recommended dosage.
Omega three fatty acids reduce inflammation by reducing the bodies inflammatory immune response. It acts very similar to an immunosuppressant. Of course it is not nearly as effective as an immunosuppressant, it also doesn't carry the side effects. Simply eating omega three rich food such as fish, nuts and healthy oils can greatly reduce the pain and inflammation. I saw a difference in first morning pain levels two weeks after switching from vegetable oil to olive oil.

Eastern medicine at its most basic is about living a health well balanced life. The concepts seem exotic and foreign simply because they are based on foreign beliefs. Fully understanding the concepts that drive the diagnosis and treatment of illness requires one to learn a completely different order of the universe. No one can give you a detailed Chinese treatment plan online because the treatment of an illness requires determining the patients body type and the underlying cause of the condition. Both of those require very detailed analysis. If you would like full treatment, I recommend finding a good practitioner. On a personal note I tried acupuncture. It did offer me some mild relive of pain and increased mobility for a short time. I quite going because for me the benefits I was receiving from the treatment was not worth the amount of time, not to mention money, I spend receiving the treatment.

If you Google herbal anti-inflammatory you will get a long list of herbs that can be used to help treat rheumatism. I will only mention a few that I have tried with some degree of success. Peppermint as a tea and as a poultice (crush it, wet it, warm it, wear it). Parsley as a poultice. Ginkgo Biloba as a tea.

Now for two folks remedies. I put these last because there are the best. The first is quinine. In ancient Rome quinine was discovered and used to treat malaria. It is still used to treat malaria to this day and is also used to treat arthritis and lupus. Quinine is a proven pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. You can get quinine from your doctor or from tonic water. Tonic water contains a very low level of quinine, whole litter of quinine is less than a single dose of the prescription. Still drinking a few glasses has an effect. This is something that you need to discuss with your physician. Though the levels in tonic water are generally safe, quinine can aggravate some conditions and can interfere with certain medical test.

Last is poke weed. Pokeweed can be found all over the US. If you live in the southern united states go to the smallest county store you can find and ask about pokeweed or pokesalad. Someone should be able to point you to someone who knows how to properly prepare it. If you do not live in the south, it is a remedy used by voodoo/hoodoo practitioners, if you can find one. Pokeweed can be deadly if not handled properly. The harvesting of the plant is as important as the preparation. The plant should be harvest when it is young. The preparation includes boiling, rinsing, and boiling again. Though pokesalad is consumed in the south often, you should never ingest pokeweed unless you know how to handle it. A poultice of pokeweed is effective for pain and inflammation. Though a poultice is safer, toxic levels can be absorbed through the skin. The poultices work great for me. I grew up in the south and was eating pokesalad before I heard of rheumatism. I used to use the berries to make a mock lipstick. Needless to say I am comfortable with pokeweed. Being comfortable with you treatment is important. Attitudes can greatly effect your how your body responds.

I know this is a quick article. If you need an more information on this or anything else just ask. 

Guanethidine - Technical Guide

Guanethidine is a medication commonly prescribed in the past to treat difficult cases of high blood pressure. Though no longer used as a long term treatment because of it side effects, it is still used as a quick acting antihypertensive. It works by reducing the levels of certain chemicals in your body. Specifically it lowers the levels of norepinephrine.

One of the functions of norepinephrine is to increase the tone or muscular pressure on blood vessels by stimulating the nerves, which increases blood pressure. Working in much the same way as certain drugs that help end addiction guanethidine targets the norepinephrine receptors. By replacing norepinephrine in the nerve the blood vessels relax. It is very important to note that guanethidine does not prevent the emergency, or fight or flight, release of norepinephrine.

As mentioned earlier guanethidine has many side effects. Most of the side effect of gaunethidine are mild, but newer medications available have smaller rates of side effects. General weakness, diarrhea, sexual disfunction, and slow heartbeat are all common side effects. The most common side effect is dizziness or fainting. This side effect will occur more frequently in hot weather or with the consumption of alcohol. Some of the other side effects include blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain or tremors.

Jalapeno- Technical Guide

The jalapeno is one of the worlds most popular peppers. From stuffed jalapenos to jalapeno jelly, we love this pepper. With its blend of sweetness and spicy this little pepper seems to compliment any meal. However this pepper can be confusing for the home chef. One time you buy jalapenos from your local market and they have no more heat than the average bell pepper. The next time you buy them they are so hot your mouth burns for a week. How can the same pepper be so different?

The heat of a pepper is caused by capsaicin. The Scoville heat scale is the measurement of capsaicin or heat in peppers. On this scale jalapenos are between 2,500 and 8,000. That is a wide range. Some factors that determine the heat levels in jalapenos are variety, age, and preparation. Unless you grow your own plants you will not be able to control the variety, but you can control the age and preparation.

The older the pepper is the hotter the pepper is. Jalapenos start green and get red as they ripen. Jalapenos also get striations as they age. These marks and blemishes are similar to stretch marks. So if you want a mild jalapeno look for a smooth skinned green one. If you want the hottest jalapeno look for a bright red on with lots of “stretch marks.” Now that you picked out your peppers it is time to cook them up.

Most of the capsaicin of the jalapeno is located in the seeds and the white membrane around the seeds. To get a milder jalapeno remove as much of the seeds and white membrane as possible before cooking. If you would like a little more kick from your jalapeno consider whole roasting or sauteing to release the caspsaicin into the flesh of the jalapeno before you deseed and add it to your recipe.

Now you know how to get the most consistent results from your jalapenos. Following these few tips your love for the versatile jalapeno will grow stronger. So, enjoy one of the worlds most popular peppers.