Add Constipation to Postpartum List of Problems

New moms are often surprised when they experience a bout of constipation after giving birth, unaware that this is actually a very common postpartum complaint.

Many women may experience constipation following childbirth, due to the slowdown of the digestive system and temporary loss of muscle tone in the abdomen. But there are other explanations. Factors that may contribute to constipation include: medications administered for postpartum pain, prenatal vitamins continued while breast feeding and anesthesia administered during labor.

A fear of pushing can also cause a cycle of constipation. New moms may be hesitant to strain themselves because of post-childbirth tenderness, fear of tearing a stitch or pain from hemorrhoids. C-sections can also contribute.

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A Straining Issue for Postpartum Moms

Five words or less(NewsUSA) – New moms are often surprised when they experience a bout of constipation after giving birth, unaware that this is actually a very common postpartum complaint.
Many women may experience constipation following childbirth, due to the slowdown of the digestive system and temporary loss of muscle tone in the abdomen. But there are other explanations. Factors that may contribute to constipation include: medications administered for postpartum pain, prenatal vitamins continued while breast feeding and anesthesia administered during labor.
A fear of pushing can also cause a cycle of constipation. New moms may be hesitant to strain themselves because of post-childbirth tenderness, fear of tearing a stitch or pain from hemorrhoids. C-sections can also contribute.
Mothers should know that this situation is very common. In one survey of about 1,000 new moms conducted by Russell Research in collaboration with Purdue Products, the makers of Colace Capsules, it was found that 47 percent of new moms experienced constipation or other digestive issues after giving birth, and 89 percent of those mothers experienced problems with bowel movements in the days immediately after childbirth.
There are many ways to combat this issue. While it may be hard to get back into gear after the ordeal your body has just been through, it may help to exercise a little each day once you have been told by your doctor that it’s okay. Adequate daily fiber is also key to keeping away constipation. Eating bran muffins, high-fiber cereal and lots of fruits and vegetables is a great way to make sure you’re getting your daily intake. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
According to the survey, 77 percent of new mothers with constipation took a stool softener, such as Colace Capsules. Since the active ingredient is docusate sodium, Colace Capsules help avoid the painful straining associated with occasional constipation. Colace Capsules is the leading product recommended by doctors and pharmacists to provide reliable relief. Of course, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult with your doctor before use, and remember to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
The survey also revealed that a startling 67 percent of new moms were not warned about postpartum constipation. For more info, check out www.colacecapsules.com. Read through the “prevention” section to get tips on natural ways to combat postpartum constipation.

Women See Greater Risk of DVT

Five words or less(NewsUSA) – In Beaverton, Ore., Stephanie Glyzewski’s first blood clot went unnoticed for three weeks after routine knee surgery. Following days of excruciating pain and swelling, Glyzewski’s doctor discovered the clot lodged in her leg, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The blood clot in Glyzewski’s leg broke loose from her leg and made a beeline for her lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), a complication of DVT that nearly killed her. Years later, Glyzewski’s second DVT emerged a month after her daughter was born. A complicated labor led to a fever and a DVT more agonizing than the last.
“DVT has changed my life forever. I can’t have any more children, I’ll be on clotting medication for the rest of my life and I have to watch my diet religiously and avoid any strenuous activity,” says Glyzewski. “However, I feel extremely grateful to be alive.”
Glyzewski, a young, athletic woman, almost lost her life to DVT, and thousands like her aren’t so lucky.
According to the Vascular Disease Foundation, 600,000 Americans are affected by DVT and PE each year with more than 100,000 fatalities. Shockingly, DVT and PE cause more deaths a year than breast cancer, car accidents and AIDs combined.
“For women, the risk of getting DVT is even higher. Pregnancy, birth control products and hormone therapies are risk factors, plus extended hospitalization, recent surgery, family history of DVT and obesity,” says Suman Rathbun, MD with the Vascular Disease Foundation. “Anyone can develop DVT. Young, old, athletic — it doesn’t discriminate. But the more risk factors you have, the greater the likelihood of developing DVT.”
To raise awareness about DVT and its related issues, health organizations partnered to create a national health campaign, “This is Serious.” Developed by the Vascular Disease Foundation in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the multi-media campaign seeks to educate women about their gender-specific risks for DVT and PE and motivate preventative action.
Physicians recommend getting checked if you have symptoms or more than one risk factor. Common symptoms are redness of skin, recent swelling in limb, unexplained pain and hot or warm skin.
Since these symptoms can mirror other minor aches and pains, there’s often a delay in diagnosis, which opens the door for a potentially fatal PE. Whether it’s a small piece or the entire blood clot that travels to the lungs, it can be deadly. PE causes shortness of breath, sharp chest pains and coughing up blood, all of which signal an immediate need for medical attention.
Get more details and support at www.ThisIsSerious.org.

It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate — Get Your Flu Vaccine Today

Five words or less(NewsUSA) – When you see “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here” signs and banners after November outside pharmacies and in doctor’s offices, you might think, “Isn’t it too late for that?”
The answer is “No!”
“Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as May,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “We are encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”
For millions of people each year, the flu can bring a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue and miserable days spent in bed instead of at work or school. However, you may not realize that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States from flu complications each year. The flu also can be deadly. Between 1976 and 2007, CDC estimates that annual flu-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of about 3,000 people to a high of about 49,000 people.
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. It’s available in two forms: shots and a nasal spray. The flu shot options include the regular flu shot, the new intradermal flu shot and a high-dose flu shot. While the regular flu shot can be given to just about everyone, the intradermal flu shot is approved for use in adults 18 through 64 years of age, and the high-dose flu shot is for people aged 65 years and older. The nasal spray vaccine is approved only for use in healthy people ages 2 to 49 years who aren’t pregnant.
Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. For those at greater risk for complications, getting the flu vaccine is especially important. People at greater risk include:
* Children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old
* Pregnant women
* People with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2) or heart and lung disease
* People 65 years and older
It’s also important to get the vaccine if you’re a caretaker for anyone in one or more of these high-risk groups, or for babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the vaccine.
Children 6 months through 8 years of age getting vaccinated for the first time need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected. If a child has not received his/her first dose, get them vaccinated now. For children who are 6 months through 8 years of age and have been vaccinated with one dose, parents should check with the child’s doctor to see if a second dose is needed.
“Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” says Schuchat.
Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers. They’re offered by many employers and are even available in some schools. So next time you see a sign that says, “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here,” stop in. Or, make an appointment with your doctor. Visit www.flu.gov and use the Flu Vaccine Finder to find the nearest location.
For more information about influenza or the flu vaccine, visit www.cdc.gov/flu, www.flu.gov or call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Do You Take Drinking Water for Granted?

You turn on the tap, and water comes out. Period. Safe, plentiful and affordable drinking water is one of our nation’s most precious resources and something most of us take for granted.

But what if you turned on the tap and nothing happened, or if the water you drank made you sick?

While pouring a glass of water may seem simple, before it arrives at your tap there is a complex process of collecting, storing, treating and distributing the water that helps ensure its availability and quality. In fact, water utilities implement comprehensive water management plans to ensure that adequate amounts of drinking water are available. These include conservation and reuse, reclamation and sourcing strategies.

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Fresh Mussels Make 2012 Wellness Goals Taste Great

Every January, our focus turns to kicking off the year with a renewed commitment to healthy eating. We join gyms and invest in the latest protein powders and high-fiber shakes in pursuit of a healthier life. But did you know there’s a delicious powerhouse food that’s easy to make and won’t break your wallet just waiting to help us meet our goals?

“Fresh mussels are packed with important health benefits. They are rich in nutrients without adding significant calories or fat to meals,” says registered dietitian Lois Ferguson, as he explains the benefits of fresh PEI mussels compared to other proteins like meat and poultry. “This makes them the perfect food for people who aim to live a life of fitness and health.”

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Diabetics Beware: Valuable Tips to Prepare for a Cough, Cold or Flu

Five words or less(NewsUSA) – Each year, an average of 200,000 Americans are hospitalized because of flu complications, but people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are three times more likely to face complications that may be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The best step is prevention, and anyone with diabetes should seriously consider getting a flu shot in the fall.
But for those who do get sick, it’s important that people with diabetes be prepared. The following sick-day plan is designed to help diabetic patients suffering from a cough, a cold or the flu.
* Get plenty of sleep, and even when awake, do resting activities (reading, watching TV, online shopping) as long as you don’t find it stressful.
* “Feed a cold, starve a fever” is not advice you should follow. Eat plenty of healthy items that are also easy to digest, like soups, sugar-free Jell-O and fruit juice mixed with water and yogurt. Dehydration will cause your blood sugar to drop, so drink one cup of sugar-free, caffeine-free liquid per hour.
* Medicine cabinets must go beyond a glucose meter and thermometer. You should also have
ketone-testing supplies and appropriate medications for cold and flu symptoms.
“When suffering from a cough, cold or flu, it’s important for people with diabetes to treat their symptoms with medicine that doesn’t have a negative effect on their diabetes,” says Debra Spector, registered dietitian and certified nutritionist.
“Most people don’t realize that cough syrups can contain up to 50 percent sugar, and cold and flu medicines may contain alcohol, both of which can raise one’s glucose, possibly to dangerous levels. Diabetic Tussin has been trusted by the medical community for years because it is sugar and alcohol-free, so it’s 100 percent safe for diabetics. It’s even recommended for those on a sodium or gluten-free diet,” says Spector.
* Take your insulin and diabetes medicine on schedule, even if you experience nausea or haven’t eaten. Check your blood glucose at least four times a day.
* If your symptoms worsen, contact your doctor. Learn more about medicine for people with diabetes along with additional sick-day advice and nutritional recipes at www.diabeticproducts.com.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Five words or less(NewsUSA) – Cold winter months often result in summertime births. July, August and September are the most common birthday months according to the 2010 National Vital Statistics Reports. Between 50 and 55 percent of American women experience varicose veins during pregnancy.
“It’s more than just a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can be painful and can lead to more serious health problems,” said Eva Rzucidlo, MD, chair of the Society for Vascular Surgery Women’s Leadership Committee.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health states that the following factors contribute to varicose veins.
* Pregnancy: The growing uterus puts pressure on the veins.
* Hormonal changes: During puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
* Medical history: Family members with varicose veins.
* Obesity: Extra weight adds pressure on the veins.
* Lack of movement: Sitting or standing for long periods of time may force the veins to work harder to pump blood to the heart.
* Increasing age: Veins may weaken with age.
Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can often reduce varicose veins. Suggestions to ease the discomfort include:
* Sunscreen
* Regular exercise
* Proper weight
* Not crossing legs when sitting for long periods of time
* Elevating legs when resting
* Not sitting or standing for long periods of time
* Wearing elastic support stockings
* Avoiding high-heel shoes for long periods of time
* Eating a low-salt, high-fiber diet.
“The first line of management for varicose vein treatment is medical management with compression stockings worn daily,” said Rzucidlo. “Another option is sclerotherapy, the sealing off of the veins — mainly done for spider veins. Radiofrequency and laser treatments are also options which are minimally invasive procedures often performed in a doctor’s office. For very large varicose veins, a surgical procedure known as vein stripping is available.”
Moms-to-be can view VascularWeb.org podcasts that explain the condition.

Healthy Living Tips to Whip Mind, Body Into Shape

Five words or less(NewsUSA) – So, you’ve made the resolution to start living a healthier lifestyle. Obviously, all you need to do is jog a few miles each day, right?
Wrong!
Healthy living is all about making smart choices for your body, diet, mind and overall well-being. The following tips can help you stay active and grounded to promote your goal of happiness and a healthier lifestyle.

Discover a new hobby.
Outdoor activities are great ways to get regular exercise that’s enjoyable and rewarding. Cold-weather sports are exhilarating hobbies, and the slopes are open until March or April. Other uplifting physical activities with hobby potential are biking, running, rock climbing, horseback riding, dance and martial arts.

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For Healthy Babies, Yum-Factor Matters

(NewsUSA) – Taste matters when it comes to baby food.Erin Jarvis was getting desperate. Her 7-month-old daughter Autumn simply wasn’t eating any store-bought food. Like so many moms and dads, Jarvis was worried her baby wasn’t getting the nutrition needed for proper growth. Then she tried Baby Gourmet, a new arrival to the U.S. market and available at Walmart."As soon as we tried Baby Gourmet, Autumn made a sound like ‘Mmm’ and ate the whole pouch in one sitting," Jarvis says with a smile. "We’ve tried a lot of different brands, but this is the only one she now finishes every time."Baby Gourmet was created by a mom who, like so many others, was worried about her child’s well-being. "When Findlay wouldn’t eat, I was frantic that she wasn’t getting the nutrition she needed to be healthy," says Jennifer Broe.That duel concern over nutrition and taste is why she started making her own baby food and founded Baby Gourmet to help other mothers feed their children healthy, organic food.With flavors like Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp, Vanilla Banana Berry Risotto and Sweet Potato Pie with organic cinnamon, Baby Gourmet offers taste, variety and nutrition.Each package of Baby Gourmet passes strict nutritional and food safety guidelines and passes all USDA and organic requirements. But Baby Gourmet goes a step further — every recipe starts out in Broe’s own kitchen and ends with a personal taste test at the manufacturer.Now, relieved moms everywhere are starting to express their personal joy. "My daughter is just over 1 year old and has refused absolutely all food for seven months. She tried the sweet potato pie today and ate the entire thing in two sittings. I was so happy," Abby Ferris recently shared on Facebook.Another mother, Kristen Ellison, also posted "I have a 12 1/2-month-old who has refused all solids until we tried the pear and garden greens. It literally brought tears because we have tried everything!"Mothers interested in putting Baby Gourmet to the test can find nine choices at Walmart. Find stores near you, and learn more at www.babygourmet.com.

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