I've been reading a couple of fertility blogs....they are personal stories that inspire and give you hope as well as let you feel empathy for couples going through this same journey. I thought I would share their amazing stories of bravery and their dedication to never give up!
The first one is Sonja from Philadelphia On her second IVF she found out she was pregnant with quads...three boys (two of them identical) and one girl. She delivered her babies at 27 weeks and updates frequently about their progress.
On (In) Fertile Ground
The other blog is written by Brook from Seattle. After one IVF and one FET she faced a tragic miscarriage but is still hopeful. My heart goes out to her and her husband.
Scifibaby
These women give me hope and help me to know that I am not alone. Thanks so much for sharing your stories!
xoxox
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Nine Practical Tips...
Tips that I think need to be passed along...for you and your future babies...
From the EWG.org:
According to a new report from the President's Cancer Panel, environmental toxins play a significant and under-recognized role in cancer, causing "grievous harm" to untold numbers of people. EWG's own research has found that children are born "pre-polluted" with nearly 300 industrial chemicals, pesticides and contaminants that have been found to cause cancer in lab studies or in people.
Four of every 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and two of every 10 will die from it. Beyond talking to your doctor about lifestyle changes that are known to make a difference -- stopping smoking, reducing drinking, losing weight, exercising and eating right -- there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
From the EWG.org:
According to a new report from the President's Cancer Panel, environmental toxins play a significant and under-recognized role in cancer, causing "grievous harm" to untold numbers of people. EWG's own research has found that children are born "pre-polluted" with nearly 300 industrial chemicals, pesticides and contaminants that have been found to cause cancer in lab studies or in people.
Four of every 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and two of every 10 will die from it. Beyond talking to your doctor about lifestyle changes that are known to make a difference -- stopping smoking, reducing drinking, losing weight, exercising and eating right -- there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
- Filter your tap water. Common carcinogens in tap water include arsenic, chromium, and chemical byproducts that form when water is disinfected. A simple carbon filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of these contaminants. If your water is polluted with arsenic or chromium, a reverse osmosis filter will help. Learn about your tap water and home water filters at EWG’s National Tap Water Database. http://www.ewg.org/tap-water
- Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets.Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing. Learn more at http://www.ewg.org/reports/allhandsondeck
- Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals. “Fluorochemicals” related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellents on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast foods. Some of these chemicals cause cancer in lab studies. To avoid them, skip greasy packaged foods and say no to optional stain treatments in the home. Download EWG’s Guide to PFCs here: http://www.ewg.org/Health-Tips
- Stay safe in the sun.More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin from the sun’s cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, seek shade, wear protective clothing and use a safe and effective sunscreen from EWG’s sunscreen database. http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen
- Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products. Long-lasting cancer-causing pollutants like dioxins and PCBs accumulate in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat. Eat EWG’s Clean 15. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating from EWG’s Clean 15 list of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables will help cut your pesticide exposures. (And for EWG’s Dirty Dozen, buy organic.) Learn more at EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides. http://www.foodnews.org/
- Cut your exposures to BPA. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles, canned infant formula, and canned foods. It may increase the risk of reproductive system cancers. To avoid it, eat fewer canned foods, breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA. More at http://www.ewg.org/bpa/tipstoavoidbpa
- Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. Use EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetic database (http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/ to find products free of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer. When you’re shopping, don’t buy products that list ingredients with “PEG” or “-eth” in their name.
- Read the warnings. Some products list warnings of cancer risks – read the label before you buy. Californians will see a “Proposition 65” warning label on products that contain chemicals the state has identified as cancer-causing.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Salty Salty
Natural remedies are great...I consider all of them and try most of them. Another one was sent to me today by my mum. Its about the many health benefits of Epsom salt
According to a story on Care2.com by Melissa Breyer...soaking in Epsom salt is a great way to give your body a boost.
Soaking in Epson salt, which is high in magnesium, will help with many deficiencies.
Studies indicate that our magnesium levels have dropped by half in the last century due to changes in agriculture and diet. While you maybe thinking that taking a magnesium supplement may be easier than soaking in a tub, studies have shown that it is not easily absorbed through the destive tract.
xoxo
According to a story on Care2.com by Melissa Breyer...soaking in Epsom salt is a great way to give your body a boost.
Most of us know about the importance of iron and calcium for our bodies, but what about magnesium? It is the second most abundant element in human cells and the fourth most important positively charged ion in the body. It helps the body regulate over 325 enzymes and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, like muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.
Soaking in Epson salt, which is high in magnesium, will help with many deficiencies.
According to the National Academy of Sciences, American’s magnesium deficiency helps to account for high rates of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain, digestive maladies, stress-related illnesses, chronic fatigue and a number of other ailments.
Studies indicate that our magnesium levels have dropped by half in the last century due to changes in agriculture and diet. While you maybe thinking that taking a magnesium supplement may be easier than soaking in a tub, studies have shown that it is not easily absorbed through the destive tract.
Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council:Now I know that all of you could use some de-stressing ...so go out and get a tub of salt and make a night of it. Happy Bathing!
•Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
•Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
•Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
•Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
•Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
•Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
•Improved oxygen use.
•Improved absorption of nutrients.
•Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
•Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.
xoxo
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
More On Sunscreen....
More about sunscreen and what the FDA is not telling you. Chuck Shumer (D-NY) is pushing the FDA's buttons and telling the truth.
Check out the story here
What You Can Do:
Keep using sunscreen, but know what SPF really means, and buy products that don't contain questionable chemicals like vitamin A.
Monday, June 21, 2010
PSA Time....Listen Up!
My dear blog readers...I don't want to be preachy but I am going to be. I must pass this story along. The video below is my friend Pam. She was hit by a truck while riding her bike and survived because she was wearing her helmet. We thank god she is alive today to tell us about it.
There are two lessons here...First, obviously, if you or a family member, friend, dog, whoever are riding a bike, rollerblading, on a tri-cycle, motorcycle, scooter...wear your helmet!! Second (and Oprah would second this) DO NOT TEXT while driving. Pam doesn't mention it here but the teenager who hit her and dragged her down the street under his truck was texting his girlfriend at the time of the accident and wasn't paying attention.
If you are so inclined...be a part of Oprah's No Phone Zone!
There are two lessons here...First, obviously, if you or a family member, friend, dog, whoever are riding a bike, rollerblading, on a tri-cycle, motorcycle, scooter...wear your helmet!! Second (and Oprah would second this) DO NOT TEXT while driving. Pam doesn't mention it here but the teenager who hit her and dragged her down the street under his truck was texting his girlfriend at the time of the accident and wasn't paying attention.
If you are so inclined...be a part of Oprah's No Phone Zone!
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