Know the Common Birth Control Side Effects of Pills

Any form of medication, whether it is a prescription or over-the-counter drug, has certain side effects. As for the intake of birth control pills, the side effects commonly experienced by women are either negative or positive. The effects, however, can be considered negative or positive, depending on a woman’s condition.

Among the positive effects of using birth control pills are lighter flow of menstruation, less cramping, and more precise duration of menstrual period. These benefits are regarded by most women as relief in their everyday lives and productivity. For these reasons, young girls and women talk to their gynecologists to get birth control pills prescription even if they don’t need the pills for its primary purpose of preventing pregnancy.

Despite the benefits brought by using birth control pills, these medications also have adverse side effects that many women find really annoying and distressing. These side effects may trigger a few months after use or after a few years of usage.

To become aware of the most common negative birth control side effects, below is a list to help women decide if they will still pursue going on pills once they know its disadvantages:

1. Headache

Once headache triggers, women who are taking pills are advised to monitor the pain using the pill pack. What needs to be noted is when the pain is worst; whether it is during the active pill intake or in the last week of intake. Remember that estrogen is known to trigger headaches, thus, requiring women to take pills that only contain progestin. Also in some cases, headaches occur when hormone level decreases during the last week of the pill pack, hence, requiring women to change their pill brand.

It is recommended to women who are experiencing headache attacks to track and time the intervals of pain before consulting to their gynecologists. This will help the doctors determine what to prescribe and recommend.

2. Nausea

It is normal for women to feel nauseous on the first few days or weeks of their pill intake. Common advise to most women is to start off with a new pack or to wait for the feeling of nausea to pass.

Best way to deal with nausea is to take the pills on time everyday. Not taking the pills on time will only make the feeling of nausea worse as one needs to double the intake. Many gynecologists recommend the intake of pills before going to bed so that nausea will occur while sleeping.

3. Abnormal bleeding

It generally takes a few months for the menstrual cycle to regulate itself when a women is on pill.

In the first few months, most women may experience small amount of bleeding or a full blown period in between cycle. Although some think that these are indications that the pill is not working, such effects are considered normal. However, when a woman fails to regularly take the pills, irregular bleeding may persists. When this happens, it is highly recommended for women to immediately consult their gynecologists.

TMJ And Ear Pain-Dont Ignore As Getting Older Pain

We really make things harder on ourselves than they need to be. How many times have you dismissed some little ache or pain, or worse, just chalked it up to getting older? Headaches, neck aches, ear aches, these are all common ailments that people routinely ignore. But they shouldn’t. It could be TMJ and Ear Pain.

TMJ or temporemandibular joint pain is caused when there is inflammation in that joint. Many people look for remedies for the wrong problem. They try to get relief for a sore neck or an ear ache when in reality they should be looking for treatments for TMJ. There are two forms of TMJ muscle related or joint related.

Muscle related occurs when there is tension in the jaw and the muscles around the jaw. The joint related version of TMJ occurs when the tissues start to deteriorate.

Some of the most common symptoms are these:

1. Frequent ear aches
2. Soreness of the face
3. Soreness along or below the ear
4. Popping when opening or closing your mouth
5. Soreness and difficulty with chewing
6. Chronic headaches
7. Ringing in the ears

If you have one or more of these symptoms on a frequent basis you should talk to your doctor or dentist and ask them to perform tests to find out if it is TMJ. Your doctor will want a full medical history because one or more of these symptoms can be a sign of some other, potentially more serious medical condition

Once your doctor has established that you do have TMJ, the next step is to find the best treatment for you. There are several options for treatments:
changing your posture, eating softer foods, avoiding chewy foods and eating smaller size bites are some of the simple day to day changes you can make that may offer you some relief.

Other slightly more in depth treatments might be to use hot or cold compresses, anti inflammtory medications to keep the swelling down, pain pills, mouth guards to prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth at night and even some exercises can all help alleviate the pain and in some cases stop the pain in the first place.

Another thing that has provided relief to a lot of people is relaxation techniques. Allowing people the time to de-stress can go a long way to helping prevent one of the main causes of night time teeth grinding. Simple things can often make a big difference so start small and try to relax a little more. Your whole body will thank you, not just your jaw.

In extreme cases TMJ may require surgical treatment, but that is pretty extreme. In most cases a combination of one or more of the simple, non invasive treatments listed above will be enough to provide relief.

If you suffer from chronic ear pain, don’t just dismiss it. It could very well be a sign of a bigger problem. TMJ and ear pain are very common and very commonly mis diagnosed.

13 Things Every First Aid Kit Should Have

Everyone should have a home first aid kit ready to go in case an emergency should arise. If you have small children, being prepared with an up-to-date first aid kit becomes even more important. Keeping a first aid kit within easy reach will provide you with considerable peace of mind. Here’s a handy checklist of the items that your first aid kit should, at a minimum, contain:

1. An Antiseptic (such as Bactine): Cleaning scrapes or wounds is important for preventing infection. If soap and water are not on hand, using an antiseptic will help flush out debris and provide a mild pain relief. Antiseptics may come in cream or spray form. Many, such as bactine, also provide pain relief.

2. Bandaids and gauze pads. Bandaids help treat injuries of all sizes. Your best bet is to buy a large package that comes with a variety of sizes.

For gauze pads, buying larger sizes works best, because you can always cut them down to the size you need. Gauze pads work well for more serious injuries.

3. Scissors. Speaking of cutting, scissors are often overlooked in many first aid kits. Scissors come in handy not just for cutting gauze pads, but for cutting clothing, adhesive tape, and anything other materials or obstructions that may present themselves in an emergency.

4. Ace Bandages. Ace bandages come in handy in a variety of situations, such as sprains and breakages.

5. Instant Cold and Hot Pack. These packs are for one-time use only, so it’s a good idea to stock up your first aid kit with them. They can be applied on sprains, bruises, and bumps to reduce swelling.

6. Adhesive Tape
Adhesive tape can be used to form splits, tape gauze, and secure any other bandages.

7. Tweezers. Like scissors, tweezers are often overlooked, but come often come in handy. They can be used to remove stingers, ingrown hairs, splinters, and hang nails.

8. Latex Gloves. Latex gloves are a helpful addition to any first aid kit. Latex gloves will provide a clean and sanitary way to protect you against bacteria, blood, bodily fluids, and other potential contaminants that you may encounter in an emergency situation.

9. Analgesic. An analgesic is a pain reliever. Include a small bottle of aspirin or ibuprofen to combat headaches, migraines, or pain due to injury.

10. Antibiotic Ointment. A small tube of antibiotic ointment can go a long way. Antibiotic ointment can be used on scrapes, cuts, wounds, and other injuries to prevent infection.

11. Rubbing alcohol and disinfectant. These are helpful for cleaning insect sting bites or for cleaning wounds. Alcohol wipes are particularly convenient to have in your first aid kit because they don’t take up much space.

12. Antihistamine. In the case that someone may suffer from severe allergies, having some sort of antihistamine on hand is a good idea.

13. A list of emergency phone numbers. Keep an index card with the numbers of your doctor, the national poison center, and all other emergency contacts. Also, it’s a good idea to write down the name of members of your family who have allergies, and any medication they take on a regular basis.

Is it better safe than sorry?

Our society is beginning to accept non-traditional methods for different needs, since being liberated is naturally acceptable nowadays. Women today are a lot more independent and smart about their decisions in life. It is essential for them to think about their work, family, and particularly their health. A woman’s health is mainly important, since they give birth and would have to manage with nurturing a baby in nine whole months.

Although women would want to give birth at some point in their lives, it is wise to achieve a certain state of preparation for both their mind and body. Most women are now more informed about several methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy, especially for teenagers, and those women that adheres to family planning.

Since 1960, acceptance for the use of oral contraceptives or birth control pills have gradually increased. At present, there are more than forty different birth control pills to choose from, depending on the woman’s health preference or need. These oral contraceptives are medications that women take in order to prevent pregnancy. These medications include a combination of estrogen and/or progestin that restricts the release of hormones which has a key role in developing the egg and for the preparation for embryo implantation.

The three most common kinds of birth control pills are Progestin-only pills (POP), combination pills which include monophasic pills, multiphasic, and continuous use pills), and the emergency contraceptive pills, or ECP. All these three have different purposes in achieving birth control. The progestin-only pills do not have estrogen. Also called the “mini pill” — this certain birth control pill is ideal for breastfeeding women or those who cannot take estrogen. Effectiveness would result by taking it everyday for a certain time. Combination pills, however, have combined both estrogen and progestin all in one pill. The third kind would be the emergency contraceptive pills, or ECP. This is specially designed for use right after unprotected sex for preventing possible pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved one emergency contraceptive pill named Plan B, a drug that women over eighteen can buy even without a prescription. Following a two dose regimen, the Plan B pill would be effective 120 hours after unprotected sex.

The number one use for this kind of medication is for the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. In using certain birth control pills specified above, this can also improve a woman’s menstrual cycle, also increasing the woman’s health by regulating the menstrual cycle patterns. The pill is also reportedly useful in reducing the risks of uterine and ovarian cancer. This medication also helps in improving bone density for women, as well as prevention from ovarian cysts.

Unfortunately, the use of these birth control pills have more health risks, including different side effects for different pills, than getting benefits. Health hazards such as heart attacks, migraines, strokes, worsening of diabetes, and the increase in the possibility of gallbladder disease, among many others. Side effects are also a concern for the woman’s health, since the use of these pills can increase chances of more discomfort. A talk with your physician is recommended for further information regarding the use of these medications.

The Essential Guide To Aromatheray

So What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the art of applying essential oils to suit individual needs. The oils work directly on the chemistry of the body via the skin. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials, more commonly known as essential oils. Essential oils are extracts that contain the substances that give plants and trees their smell. The oils are produced by small glands in the petals, leaves, stems and bark of many plants and trees. In nature, the scents are released slowly, but when heated or crushed, the oil glands burst and release the plant’s aroma much more powerfully.

It isn’t exactly known when or where the art of aromatherapy began. It is believed that the Chinese knowledge of medicinal oils may have reached the west from the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. A French chemist called René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term aromatherapy to describe the process of using plant oils therapeutically. The story goes that, while working in a perfume factory in the early 20th century, he burnt his hand and instinctively grabbed some lavender oil and poured it onto the burn. He was so impressed by how quickly and cleanly the burn healed, he began studying the healing powers of plant oils.

The first recorded use of plants in England was in the 13th century and from then on essential oils have become widely used as perfumes, antiseptics and medicines.

So how does Aromatherapy work?

Aromatherapy usually works by massage. Massages are usually given as a relaxing treatment covering the stress areas such as the back, shoulders and legs. Aromatherapy oils can also be inhaled, either by using an oil burner or by using them in the bath. Aromatherapy is believed to be suitable for people of all ages. It is claimed that aromatherapy can treat many conditions such as nervous disorders, depression, anger and stress.

What are some of the plants used in Aromatherapy and what are their benefits?

Eucalyptus oil is often used in combination with Mint to provide relief for the airways when suffering from a cold or flu.

Black pepper has a sharp and spicy aroma. It is Commonly used for muscular aches and pains and for stimulating the circulation . It is also useful for bruises, since it stimulates the circulation. Combining Aromatheray with a sensual masage or sex toys is both safe and recommended.

Lavender oil is used as an antiseptic, to soothe minor cuts and burns, to calm and relax, and to soothe headaches and migraines.

Yarrow oil is known to reduce joint inflammation and to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang-ylang oil are used as aphrodisiacs.

Lemon oil is used to relieve stress due to its uplifting properties.

So, does aromatherapy work?

Despite a lack of good research proving that essential oils could work by either stimulating your sense of smell or being absorbed through your skin, in theory it is possible to predict the effects of the oils based on their chemical make up. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that the theories are true, or false, and there has been little research to try and prove them right or wrong.

Looking For Help With Stress? Find The Help Here!

Stress is a common problem that all people suffer from. Stress can have a negative effect on your health. The more stress you experience in life, the more discomfort your body will have and the more likely you are to suffer from headaches or worse. If you want to combat stress, then read this article.

Try a positive affirmation to reduce stress. Positive affirmations help to calm that nagging voice inside of us all that can cause anxiety. Your affirmation can be as simple as “I am capable of this” or much more complex, if you choose. Memorize your affirmation and use it anytime that little voice starts to get you down.

You cannot please everyone all the time, and you cannot do everything. You must learn to pick and choose, set boundaries, and you must be able to say no to people. If you do not do this, then you will consistently be overextending yourself into a completely daily grind that is extremely stressful.

If the weather is nice outside at night, look up at the stars in the sky. This will help you to realize how large the universe is and why the problems you have should be put in perspective. Also, this beautiful scenery can help to improve the way that you feel.

In order to keep your stress under control, it would be wise to stay away from caffeine. This is important because this drug is known to cause anxiety in some people, therefore making stress harder to deal with. It can be hard to break away from, but you will feel better once you learn to live without it.

To battle stress, make sure you schedule “me” time into each and every day, where the only goal for that time period is to engage in something that has no deadline that must be met and allows you to decompress for a few minutes. If you get into the habit of scheduling just a half hour a day all to yourself, it gives you something to look forward to in an otherwise busy day.

Stress is a basic and necessary human emotion and it can be used properly at some times. That being said, if you are experiencing stress on a daily level than you are not using stress correctly. It should be something that only comes out during the hardest and most dramatic situations.

Stress is a double-edged sword that can cause extreme exhaustion while also causing the inability to fall asleep. To get a good-night’s sleep, take a nice warm bath immediately before bed. Relax your body in the water one bit at a time and let your cares drain away with the bath water when done.

In conclusion, people suffer from stress. Stress has a negative impact on your health, by causing discomfort, headaches, and worse problems as stress accumulates. If you remember the tips found in the article above, then you can combat stress in your life and prevent your body from experiencing its negative effects.