When afflicted with cancer, along with the patient the entire family is emotionally affected. Cancer can be categorized as an ailment that directly affects the cells. If not detected in its early stages, cancer is known to spread very quickly through the lymphatic and bloodstream. This happens because the abnormal cells divide and grow. Cancer can also be present in the form of malignant tumors. The stress factor associated with cancer is the root cause of a number of related side effects, trauma and depression. Depending upon the type of cancer, patients may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, cytotoxic or hormonal chemotherapy, drugs or immunotherapy. Treatment of cancer is expensive and the disease is associated with a relatively high mortality. Complicated treatment, therapy and strong medication, causes drastic hair loss in a number of cancer patients. Apart from coping with the disease, hair loss can lead to chronic depression and loss of confidence. An effective method to combat such incidents is to make use of cancer patient wigs.

People who are undergoing continuous treatment after having been successfully treated also use cancer patient wigs. This is because even when the disease is under control, hair loss that has already occurred, takes a longer period to grow back. For the duration of this interim recuperation period, most people prefer to wear cancer patient wigs. Individuals who presume work and daily chores prefer them as it helps them fit in without having to continuously reply to curious onlookers about their condition.

It is possible to select cancer patient wigs that are almost identical to the affected persons original hair texture, color and length. Cancer can cause people to lose a considerable amount of weight, which makes them appear small, weak and frail. For this reason, short cancer patient wigs are popular, as they don’t get in the way and dot look out of place with a patient’s petite framework.

Arthritis, and its numerous forms, is just one of the conditions that some believe is directly affected by the weather and changes in barometric pressure. Weather and Arthritis Pain Research
In the 1960s, a famed arthritis specialist named Dr. J. Hollander orchestrated a study to demonstrate how high levels of humidity along with low barometric pressure increased stiffness and joint pain in patients who suffered from arthritis. The fibromyalgia sufferers in this study indicated more pain only during days of high pressure. At the end of this study, no significant links between changing weather patterns and an increase in arthritis pain were ever found. Why Weather is Believed to Affect Arthritis Pain
Cold and rainy weather is often accompanied by a distinct drop in air pressure. The Types of Weather Changes That May Affect Arthritis Pain
Barometric or air pressure: Although rising barometric pressure, which is the amount of force or weight exerted by the air around us, may also affect some types of arthritis pain, more often than not it is a rapid decline in air pressure, such as the drop that’s associated with stormy weather, that causes an increase in aches and pains.
Humidity: The amount of water vapors in the air is referred to as either humidity, absolute humidity, or relative humidity. – Temperature: Cold weather has long been associated with arthritis pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as triggering a host of other conditions such as migraine headaches or circulatory problems. For example, in one arthritis pain study, people living on the western coast of the United States in a milder climate reported just as much pain as those living in the eastern, colder portion of the country.

Does the Weather Really Affect Arthritis?

For as long as man has been aware of the changing weather, there has been speculation that it may also affect one’s health and certain ailments besides simply altering the temperature.

Hippocrates, the ancient Greek “Father of Medicine” suspected as long ago as 400 B.C. that different weather conditions have a great influence on how our bodies feel. A few thousand years later, the modern world of science and medicine is still divided on whether or not fluctuations in the weather actually affect some health conditions.

Arthritis, and its numerous forms, is just one of the conditions that some believe is directly affected by the weather and changes in barometric pressure. A great majority of people diagnosed with arthritis say they can easily predict the weather based on how they’re feeling, or how sore or tender their joints may be, making perfect sense of the saying “I’m feeling under the weather.”

Although there are many people with arthritis who swear by this meteorological method of gaging the severity of their pain, there still is no actual scientific evidence to back up the claims.

Weather and Arthritis Pain Research

In the 1960s, a famed arthritis specialist named Dr. J. Hollander orchestrated a study to demonstrate how high levels of humidity along with low barometric pressure increased stiffness and joint pain in patients who suffered from arthritis. He indicated that neither of these weather changes individually had an impact on pain, but only when they occurred simultaneously.

Dr. Hollander concluded that when barometric pressure drops, the swelling around inflamed joints increases, causing more irritation to the surrounding nerves, which then also increases the amount of pain felt. This particular study has been refuted by many scientists as inconclusive due to the small number of patients (12) who participated.

One similar, more recent study also examined the association between arthritis pain and the weather involving people diagnosed with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, which is another rheumatic disorder causing sore, tender joints. All of the participants lived in the same, warm climate and kept a log for one year, recording any changes in their level of pain. These logs were then compared with daily changes in the weather such as the relative humidity and temperature.

In this study, some people with rheumatoid arthritis seemed to be most affected by high levels of humidity and air pressure, while others in the osteoarthritis group felt more pain when only the humidity was high. The fibromyalgia sufferers in this study indicated more pain only during days of high pressure. However, none of the findings were strong enough to rely on just the weather itself to predict impending changes in pain levels.

Yet another research study involved over 100 people living in Florida who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis. For two years participants were told to score the severity of their arthritis pain so that researchers could match the results with local temperatures, whether or not there was precipitation, and what the barometric pressure was for each day. At the end of this study, no significant links between changing weather patterns and an increase in arthritis pain were ever found. However, some women did report experiencing more pain in their hands when barometric pressure was its highest.

Why Weather is Believed to Affect Arthritis Pain

Cold and rainy weather is often accompanied by a distinct drop in air pressure. One theory exists that this drop in pressure causes the body’s tissues to expand, causing the already inflamed areas to swell more and increase pain. And then there are those doctors who argue that just a gloomy, rainy day itself may cause some to feel as if their pain is worse than it actually is.

Another theory simply suggests that people’s threshold for pain drops along with the air temperature. Therefore, colder weather affects one’s mood, making people less likely to be outdoors, remaining active, and getting the exercise that helps keep some arthritis pain under control.

There are also those who believe that arthritis sufferers look to the climate as an explanation for their increase in pain simply because there is no other plausible reason, only noting when the weather is inclement, but not noticing weather conditions as much when their pain is under control and stable.

The Types of Weather Changes That May Affect Arthritis Pain

- Barometric or air pressure: Although rising barometric pressure, which is the amount of force or weight exerted by the air around us, may also affect some types of arthritis pain, more often than not it is a rapid decline in air pressure, such as the drop that’s associated with stormy weather, that causes an increase in aches and pains.

- Precipitation: Precipitation, meaning any form of water reaching the ground, includes not only rain and snow, but hail and sleet as well, and is accompanied by changes in air pressure and humidity.

- Humidity: The amount of water vapors in the air is referred to as either humidity, absolute humidity, or relative humidity. Increases in absolute humidity, which measures the amount of water vapors in relationship to the amount of moisture the air can hold at that particular temperature, are said to cause an increase in arthritis pain especially during the summer months.

- Temperature: Cold weather has long been associated with arthritis pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as triggering a host of other conditions such as migraine headaches or circulatory problems. Temperatures that quickly rise or fall are again the result of changes in barometric pressure.

It’s important to remember that although certain types of weather may adversely influence some of the symptoms of arthritis such as pain and swelling, there is no scientific evidence that those climate changes are what causes one to develop arthritis in the first place, or to suffer from joint damage.

While it’s true there is some evidence that some people living in drier, more arid places have fewer episodes of arthritic pain, there is no type of environment that guarantees complete relief from arthritis pain. It is also known that temperature and climate changes do not affect the actual course or progress of the disease.

People considering relocating to a warmer climate may want to consider the fact that most scientists believe that the body acclimates itself to its new environment over a relatively brief period of time. Which means that moving to a dry climate may seem to provide relief at first, it isn’t believed to be beneficial over the long-term. For example, in one arthritis pain study, people living on the western coast of the United States in a milder climate reported just as much pain as those living in the eastern, colder portion of the country.

If you aren’t able to spend time outside for exercise, be sure to compensate by exercising and remaining active indoors during times of inclement weather.

In many Asian countries and parts of Europe, homeopathic treatments are rather common for dealing with the pain associated with arthritis. Various herbs and natural substances are often combined to create remedies for arthritis pain as opposed to using traditional medications. Of course, as is with any type of disease or condition not just arthritis, a proper diagnosis by a qualified medical professional is imperative for any successful pain relief treatment plan.

When it comes to supplements, is a multivitamin with iron important or is iron something the body can do without? Of course, iron is important to the body but why are there some multivitamin with iron content while some don’t have this mineral?

To be able to determine whether a multivitamin with iron is truly important, let us first take a look at the role of iron in the body.

Iron is a mineral that plays a role in the different metabolic functions in the body. It is also part of the hemoglobin, which is the part of the blood responsible for carrying oxygen. It is an important co-factor in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

There are two forms, namely the heme and non-heme. Heme iron comes from meat, fish, liver, and poultry while non-heme iron includes beans, lentils, cereals, flour, and other grain products.

Non-heme iron is not as well absorbed by the body like heme iron. Other sources of iron include strawberries, nuts, green leafy vegetables, peas, and asparagus.

Iron deficiency anemia is one problem caused by lack of iron. It is characterized by severe fatigue and weakness, pale skin, and a weakened immunity. Anemia is common in pregnant women, children, and those who consume a diet low in iron.

While a lack of this mineral can be a problem, an excess amount can be harmful too. Too much iron in the body is called hemochromatosis and this can lead to diabetes, skin irregularities, and damage to the liver.

An excess of iron can also cause heart and brain damage, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. The risk for too much iron is actually greater than lack of this mineral. The body only accumulates iron, with only minimal loss through hair, fingernails, and skin cells.

The dangers of too much iron are real and are very serious. Anemia, though caused by a lack of iron, is not treated with iron but with B-complex vitamins, specifically folic acid, B6, and B12. The body can get much iron from the diet, that is why a multivitamin with iron just doesn’t seem to be the worth the risk.

A multivitamin with iron can cause your iron levels to increase and can place you at risk for the harmful effects of this mineral.

Rather than take a multivitamin with this mineral, make it a point to eat foods rich in iron everyday so you won’t have to worry about iron deficiency. Of course, a natural multivitamin with other important nutrients is also crucial as well.

Arthritis comes in many forms and types. Medical researchers have tallied more than one hundred ailments that fall under the umbrella term “arthritis.” There are many conditions that lead to a person developing arthritis. Of these, two are most common: osteoarthritis, which arises from the wear and tear of joints; and rheumatoid arthritis, which results from the body’s immune system attacking the cell lining of the joints.

Regardless of the wideness of the range of forms, types and causes surrounding arthritis, there is one fact that nonetheless remains true for all. This fact is simply that if arthritis, in all its types and forms, is left alone and untreated, then it can cause not just excruciating pain, but also disability. It can also lead to the development of other grave illnesses.

Treating and managing arthritis largely depends on the type the patient is suffering from. But all systems of treatment and management of the ailment have the same goals. These goals are:

1. To ease and abate the symptoms the patient is experiencing;

2. To arrest the possible aggravation of the disease;

3. To maintain function and mobility of affected joints; and

4. To prevent damages to affected tissues, or stop the damage from turning into a disability for the patient.

The first step towards treating arthritis always involves seeing a physician that specializes in this disease. Such a specialist is called a rheumatologist. Upon taking note of symptoms and the medical history of the patient, the rheumatologist may require laboratory tests to figure out what kind of arthritis is afflicting the patient, and what type of treatment is most appropriate. Such tests include examining blood and urine samples and joint fluids, as well as X-rays.

Once the rheumatologist completes his or her diagnosis, the treatment for the patient is then prescribed. Traditional treatments for arthritis include such medications as:

1. NSAIDs. NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are the most common medications prescribed for treating arthritis. These drugs work by relieving pain and reducing the inflammation of the joints.

2. Analgesics. Analgesics are painkillers. They provide relief from pain by either stopping the brain from recognizing pain signals as pain signals, or by stopping the pain signals from going to the brain.

3. Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, or steroids for short, are extremely powerful drugs used to treat pain and prevent the body from producing the chemicals that lead to inflammation. Because steroids can stop the body from producing white blood cells, they are administered only in small doses.

On the other hand, many arthritis patients also seek alternative treatments for managing the ailment. These alternative treatments include acupuncture and acupressure, chiropractic therapy, therapeutic massage, tai chi and yoga. Taking supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are also popular methods of managing arthritis.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are considered to be very effective in treating arthritis. Not only do they help in reducing pain, but they also help in renewing the synovial fluid cushioning the joints. Moreover, it has been shown in recent studies that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate assists in repairing the damaged cartilage on the affected joints from osteoarthritis.

Tis the season of the New Year’s resolution. Now is the time that most of us are un – doing all of the damage that we did during the holiday indulgences and finally starting the diet that will finally work. Diets don’t work, however, we all know that, right? Why then, does the American population spend 33 billion dollars per year on dieting aids, programs, equipment and such? After 15 years in this business, I have come to the conclusion that failure to achieve your health and fitness goals is due to a fundamental lack of information about health, exercise and nutrition. Several recently released studies show that many people beginning a fitness program will quit within 6 weeks, 1/2 will quit within 6 months and less than 1/3 will still be exercising by the end of their first year. Make this the year that you join the ranks of the lifelong exercisers.

.Now, you will have at your disposal all of the information that you need to get the most of your fitness program and put an end, once and for all to torturous fitness programs and crazy, unhealthy starvation diets. First let’s take a look at the 6 components of a fitness program which must be considered. Studies show that attention and partial compliance in each of these areas will give you better long term results than 100% compliance in just 1 or 2.When you discover the science of fitness, you will discover a diet-free life without the stress and frustration of the hit or miss approach. Who knows, you may even enjoy the process!!

1. Proper Caloric Intake – Eat smart not less

2. Cardiovascular Training based on your individual fitness level – Train smarter not harder

3. Proper Nutrient Supplementation – For your body to thrive not just survive

4. Effective Resistance Training – It’s not just about weights & reps

5. Behavior Modification – A healthy body starts with healthy habits

6. Constant Support and Motivation – To never let you lose sight of your goals

1. Proper Caloric Intake -

Basal Metabolic Rate – is the rate at which your body burns calories at rest to maintain normal body functions

Resting Metabolic Rate – is simply your daily caloric expenditure calculating in daily activities.

Precise calculations based on such factors as age, lean body mass, activity level and past dieting history can be used to determine the amount of calories your individual body needs to survive. From this number you can create a weight reduction program custom tailored to your body that will not leave you hungry, tired, ill or feeling out of place because “you can’t eat” this or that and that will produce consistent results.

Diets too low in calories cause loss of lean muscle tissue and a subsequent slowing of your body’s metabolism. Low calorie, restrictive diets can also lead to binging as your body fights to get the nourishment it needs. Insufficient caloric intake can also cause your body to store fat.

2. Cardiovascular Training -

This is the quickest and easiest way to ‘jump start” your fitness program for quicker results. Due to the prevalence of “age/intensity charts” plastered on every piece of cardiovascular equipment and outside of every aerobics room, most people are not training as effectively as they could be. These charts are quite generic and do not take into account your individual fitness level or training preference The most accurate customized way to reach your fat loss goals (sans expensive testing in a clinical setting) is to use the Karovean formula to predict optimum training heart ranges. Using less precise formulas or lack of attention to training intensity can cause your body to use sources other than fat for energy. This can lead to excessive hunger, lethargy and over training. Not to mention, not training hard enough can lessen the results from the time you spend exercising.

To calculate your optimum heart rate:

1. Find your resting heart rate – take your pulse for 1 full minute upon waking

2. Apply the following formula:

220 – 34 = 186 220 – your age = maximum heart rate

186 – 52 = 134 maximum heart rate – resting heart rate = base

134 X .70 = 93.8 base x desired intensity

93.8 + 34 + 52 = + age + resting heart rate =

179 – `180 your optimum training heart rate

3. Use the following percentages based on your goal, fitness level & training duration:

Spaying and neutering can make for a better and more affectionate family pet. It is a medical fact that spaying and neutering can prolong the life of our pets and may reduce the number of health problems in later life. Females can benefit from spaying by reducing the incidence of uterine, mammary, ovarian cancers and uterine infections such as Pyometria.

Neutering a male reduces the risk of prostate and testicular cancer. They are less likely to develop unwanted behaviour’s such as marking, sexual aggression, and mounting, and are less likely to escape, roam, or fight with other dogs.

Some vets recommend that our dogs are spayed or neutered anywhere between 5 to 16 months. In America some are being done at 8 weeks old. Many rescue centres such as Battersea Dogs Home and the RSPCA/ASPCA spay and neuter as a matter of course, whatever the age. My colleagues and I at PAACT The professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers, have some serious reservations about this advice and practice.

There have been many scientific studies on the beneficial outcome of spaying and neutering on a physiological level, but none I can find on a psychological and behavioural level.

As behavioural consultants and obedience trainers, we find that we are treating many more cases where dogs are displaying (paedomorphic) tendencies. That is puppy like behaviours in adult dogs, which we believe could be related to the incidence of early spaying and neutering.

We have also observed that bitches spayed too early may be far more interesting to intact males; unwanted male attention may cause the female to become aggressive and protective of this attention in adulthood.

With regard to neutering, we believe that males should not be castrated until they have been cocking their leg for at least one month, and should be at least 10 to 16 months of age (depending on breed and size), unless there are medical or serious behavioural issues. In females, we believe that they should have at least one season first, though preferably two; then wait approx 3 months before considering spaying.

Many vets and rescue centres will neuter a male dog before they have cocked their leg. It is at this point dogs start to seriously mark territory. Not the half-hearted attempts we see in immature dogs. The immature castrated dog may squat for the remainder of it’s life, and may be more interesting to intact males, the dog may also show low attention spans and frustrative puppy like behaviour.

There appears to be a testosterone surge at between 10 and 16 months depending on breed and size, which clearly turns on a dormant, hard-wired program that establishes this cocking behaviour, many hard-wired behaviours are not isolated to just one action, therefore other functions that are not so obvious may be switched on at this time. These may have social implications and behavioural effects that aid in the development of dogs psychological and physical growth. If we switch these off by neutering or spaying too early, we may be denying the opportunity to achieve both mentally and physically our dog’s full adult potential.

It has also been observed that young female dogs that show aggressive tendencies towards owners may demonstrate increased aggression after spaying. Spaying removes the production of progesterone, which is a natural calming hormone.

Progesterone receptors are found in brain cells, in nerve sheaths and in bone cells, indicating that progesterone is involved in their function. It also appears to be involved in a range of other biological activities. Therefore spaying before both physical and psychological maturity may have other long-term detrimental effects.

Many dogs that have been neutered early appear to retain far more juvenile characteristics than those neutered when mature. In other words, they retain perpetual puppy like characteristics, whilst this may initially appear endearing, who would really want a dog that shows low concentration levels and frustrated puppy like behaviour for the remainder of its life.

Because early neutering removes sex hormones, this delays maturation of “osteoclasts” resulting in delayed closing of the growth plates of the long leg bones, thereby increasing the risk of numerous orthopaedic disorders such as cruciate ligament disease and possibly bone cancer.

It can also significantly increase the risk of urinary incontinence in bitches. Early neutering also increases risk of urethral sphincter incontinence in males (A. Aaron et al., Vet Rec. 139:542-6, 1996.)

In conclusion, as an organisation we are for spaying and neutering, but at the right time, thereby allowing your dogs to reach full maturity in both body and mind.

These findings have been borne out by observation and experiences of behaviourists and trainers who are members of PAACT”The Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers” An organisation dedicated to enhancing and bringing together the two main canine disciplines of obedience training and behavioural therapy. It is PAACT’s belief that to be able to work with dogs on a professional level, you need to be versed in both of these disciplines.

Article written by Stan Rawlinson
Chairman of PAACT
The Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers

Arthritis in General

Almost one in three adults within the United States alone currently suffers from chronic joint symptoms, also known as arthritis. Arthritis affects over twenty-one million American each year and this number continues to grow. Arthritis is not just one disease, in fact it is so complex that it has more then one hundred different types of conditions that are all very different from each other but affects people from all walks of life, at any stage and age. The two most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These two types of arthritis as well as many others all will have different risk factors, different causes and the way they affect the body. However, all types of arthritis have a shared common symptom and that is persistent joint pain.

The Pains of Arthritis

Arthritis can appear in more than one joint and for the most part will show up as wrist pain, hand pain, hip pain, knee pain and various other areas of the body. Arthritis symptoms include stiffness, inflammation and joint pain. A few signs of the onset of arthritis could include a stiffness, swelling or pain in the joints. The symptoms generally last for four or more days in a week for a one-month period. Another sign of arthritis could be joint stiffness when you have had any movement for an extended period of time or an injury in one of your joints and pain is present. If these or other symptoms last for more than two weeks you may be at risk for having arthritis and should consult your doctor or health care professional for an appointment to discuss your concerns.

A Few Facts about Arthritis

Arthritis strikes women more often than it does in men due to the genetic make-up of the bodies. Arthritis is the most prevalent chronic health problem and is the number one leading cause of disability of people aged fifty years of age and older and is only second to heart disease among all disabilities. The baby boomer generation is now at prime risk for these painful complications and more than half of them that are under the age of sixty-five today. Half of those people that suffer with arthritis think that it cannot be dealt with and there is no way to ease the pain due to the lack of information that it had ten years ago.

Arthritis is just one of the many diseases one can get later on in life. There are over a hundred different types and an individual may experience one or even a combination, which will really hurt.

Scientists have not yet figured out the cause of arthritis. The information available can only prevent it from happening and provide temporary relief. Here are a few great ways that can ward off this chronic disease.

Studies have shown arthritis happens more often to people who are overweight or obese. Reducing the excess pounds can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis in the spine or on the knees. This can only happen by going on a diet and exercising regularly.

The person should eat food that is rich in vitamins A, C, D and E. This means loading up on carbohydrates to get energy as well as adding some protein and fat that can be acquired from meat, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables.

One way to get enough vitamin D for the day is by staying out for a few minutes under the sun. The rays help in bone formation, which is something parents do to kids early in life that can also be beneficial again as one gets older. It will be a good idea to put some sun screen first to avoid getting sunburn.

There are different exercises that can help prevent arthritis. The first are low impact ones such as lifting weights and doing push ups. This is because the human body has a maximum limit that it can carry before this will give in and being overweight causes strain to occur in the back, shoulders and knees.

An exercise that works well to improve flexibility is Pilates, Tai-Chi and Yoga. Those who want to increase the heart rate can participate in a high impact workout such as aerobics, running and swimming.

Arthritis may also occur should one work too hard while exercising. This can be avoided by stretching, warming up and cooling down after each session. It will be a good idea to drink a lot of water so dehydration can be avoided.

There must be time for the body to also rest after a workout to repair those torn muscles and ligaments so doctors recommend exercising three times a week or every other day.

Having a nice pair of breasts thanks to implants may sound cool at first. Research has shown that some women got arthritis after the operation because of the antibodies that attacked the collagen.

The patients who experienced arthritis had to remove the implants so those who are thinking of changing the natural ones for those that are bigger should think twice before doing so.

Arthritis is caused by many things and the only way to prevent it is still by eating right, getting enough rest and exercise. When the chronic disease is there, the only thing the person can do is look for ways to get temporary relief from the pain.

This can happen by using some pain killers and applying it over the affected area or getting someone to give a massage. There are also tablets, which the individual can take orally, and if these don’t work, it is time for the patient to get something more effective such as prescription anti-inflammatory medicines that may have some amounts of steroids.

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Most women would agree that drugs are to be avoided during pregnancy. Many over the counter remedies, especially antihistamines, acne medicines, and laxatives, have been shown to cause birth defects in animals or humans. Antibiotics may cause fetal abnormalities and sulfur drugs can cause neo-natal jaundice. Tranquilizers and painkillers can cause birth defects and addict the fetus. Antacids can cause muscle problems in the baby and edema in the mother. (In addition, they mess up a woman’s calcium metabolism; see discussion following.)

And it is well accepted that the drug-like actions of alcohol, tobacco, and coffee are best avoided both before conception, during pregnancy, and while lactating.

Few women, however, understand that vitamin/mineral supplements are more drug-like than food-like. Though they are widely recommended, even by orthodox MDs, supplements are problematic for pregnant women and ought to be avoided. A study of 23,000 pregnant women, reported in The New England Journal of Medicine (1995) found 4.8 times more birth defects among the children of women who consumed 10,000 IU or more of vitamin A in supplemental form. And if that isn’t enough to make you hesitate before reaching for the pills, consider this: the amount of iron in four prenatal-formula tablets can kill a child under the age of three.

In addition to drugs and supplements, many common herbal remedies, including golden seal, and flax seed are best avoided during the weeks of gestation. See below for herbs that may be problematic during pregnancy.

Nevertheless, there are many simple, safe home and herbal remedies available to ease the discomforts of pregnancy. The remedies of wise women, or “old wives,” have persisted for centuries, passed from woman to woman. They are not strict protocols designed to work with the greatest possible number of women. Rather, they are part of the ever-changing wisdom ways of women, meant to be applied to the unique individual in unique and ever-changing ways. Although they have not been subjected to double blind studies, they are not superstition and dumb custom, but the results of millions of careful observations over thousands of generations. These remedies are the gifts of our foremothers. They are gifts from women who were deeply intuitive, immersed in day-to-day practice, and in tune with women’s needs – emotional and spiritual, as well as physical.

Wise women believe that most of the problems of pregnancy can be prevented by attention to nutrition. Morning sickness and mood swings are connected to low blood sugar; backaches and severe labor pains often result from insufficient calcium; and varicose veins, hemorrhoids, constipation, skin discolorations and anemias are also related to lack of specific nutrients.

Excellent nutrition for pregnant women includes not just vital foodstuffs and nourishing herbal infusions, but also pure water and air, abundant light, loving and respectful relationships, beauty and harmony in daily life, and joyous thoughts.

All nutrients are needed in abundance during pregnancy as the gestating woman forms two extra pounds of uterine muscle; the nerves, bones, organs, muscles, glands and skin of the baby; several pounds of amniotic fluid; the placenta; and a great increase in blood volume. In addition, extra kidney and liver cells are created to process the waste of two beings instead of one.

Wild and organically grown foods are the best source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed during pregnancy. All the better if the expectant mother can get out and gather her own herbs: stretching, bending, breathing, moving, touching the earth, taking time to talk with the plants and to open herself to their spiritual world.

Red Raspberry (Rubus ideaus and other species)

For centuries herbalists have relied on the leaves of red raspberry to nourish pregnant women and relieve difficulties during pregnancy and birth. Scientific herbalists are baffled by these claims, as they find no chemical constituents in raspberry leaves that are capable of inducing these purported effects. Nonetheless, “if pregnant women believe that it provides relief from various unpleasant effects associated with their condition, no harm is done,” says Varro Tyler in The Honest Herbal.

Most of the benefits associated with regular use of raspberry throughout pregnancy can be traced to its astringent, strengthening, and nourishing powers. Raspberry leaves contain tannins and fragrine, which give tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus. They also contain nourishing vitamins and minerals. Of special note are the concentrations of vitamins A, C, E, and B, plus generous amounts of easily assimilated calcium, iron, phosphorous, and potassium salts.

A strong infusion of dried raspberry leaves increases fertility, tonifies the uterus, aids in easy birthing, helps prevent miscarriage, alleviates morning sickness, reduces muscle/leg cramps and backache, and counters fatigue.

To make it:

Put one ounce of the dried raspberry leaves in a quart jar; fill it to the top with boiling water, and cap tightly. After steeping for at least four hours, strain the leaves out of the infusion. Drink the liquid hot or cold, with honey, or anyway you like it. Refrigerate left-overs.

Capsules, tinctures, and teas of raspberry are not as effective.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Some people dislike nettle because of its strong sting, but it is an herb with myriad benefits for the expectant mother. A strong infusion (prepared by brewing one ounce of dried nettle leaves in a quart of boiling water for at least four hours) helps prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids, eases leg cramps and backache, reduces the incidence of hemorrhage after birth, and increases the richness of breast milk.

Every cup of nettle infusion supplies amazing amounts of energy as well as huge amounts of calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, D, C, B, and K. It prevents folic acid anemia and iron deficiency anemia, and is also a digestive aid, a strengthener to the lungs, an ally of the kidneys, and a restorative to the hair and skin.

Capsules, tinctures, and teas of nettle are not as effective.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

As a keeper of dairy animals, I was introduced to this herb as an ally to keep my goats’ fertility high and their milk production generous. It took only a little imagination for me to begin to use it for women, too. Red clover blossoms are best taken as a strong infusion (one ounce of dried blossoms brewed overnight in a quart of boiling water). The tincture is a sedative; pills and capsules have very little effect.

To date, I know of dozens of women who, unable to conceive, have found success after drinking up to a quart of red clover infusion every day for at least six weeks. The generous amounts of minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens in red clover restore health to the entire reproductive system. It’s great for men, too. Most notable are the amounts of vitamin E and the presence of selenium and zinc. Red clover has ten times more plant hormones than soy.

Don’t stop drinking red clover infusion once you get pregnant though. The infusion prevents and eases the constipation so common during pregnancy. It also strengthens the liver and improves appetite, especially when morning sickness is a problem. And it relieves anxiety.

And keep on drinking red clover once your child is born. There is no more valuable herb to keep breast milk rich and the breasts healthy then red clover. In fact, it is the world’s most respected anti-cancer herb, acting not only to eliminate cancer but to stop its occurrence as well.

Seaweeds (including kelp, nori, dulse, kombu, and wakame)

One of the best green allies for women in their fertile years is seaweed, both for its mineral richness, and for the special substances it contains which directly counter birth defects. Algin or alginic acid, found in many seaweeds, absorbs radioactive neucleotides and heavy metals. When eaten by the prospective mother and father, seaweed protects them from cancer and protects the fetus from faulty genes. Seaweeds also protect the fetus and parents from the harmful effects of chemicals and carcinogens.

Seaweed is one of the most nutritious plants known. Earl Mindell, in his book Vitamin Bible notes that kelp contains vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as choline, carotenes, and 23 minerals including calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. He recommends it especially for nourishing the brain, spinal cord, and nerves of the fetus. Eating seaweeds regularly improves the fertility and the health of the pregnant woman, too, strengthening her digestive system, increasing her overall energy, and helping to prevent constipation, muscle cramps, backaches, anemias, hemorrhoids, and depression. For healthy skin, hair, and bones, there is no better food or herb than seaweed.

Capsules, tablets, and powdered seaweeds are not as effective as eating seaweed as a vegetable several times a week. In addition to buying seaweed at your health food store, you can harvest it yourself. There are no poisonous seaweeds. For more information on harvesting and using seaweeds, consult the Lewallens’ Sea Vegetable Gourmet Cookbook.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)

This common weed of suburban lawns is one of the best liver tonics known. All parts of the dandelion are medicinal: the roots, leaves, and flowers are brewed into tinctures, medicinal vinegars, cordials, wines, and bitter infusions.

If you dig your own, use them to make a mineral-rich vinegar: Fill a jar with cut dandelion, then fill the jar to the top with pasteurized apple cider vinegar. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap held on with a rubber band. Label, with the date; it’s ready to use in six weeks. Try it as a salad dressing, or a condiment for beans. Some women like to drink it first thing in the morning: 1-2 tablespoonsful in a glass of water.

Nourishing the liver is critical during pregnancy. Lack of strong liver functioning is implicated in morning sickness, hemorrhoids, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, lack of energy, headaches, and mood swings. If using the tincture, try a dose of 10-20 drops in a small glass of water just before meals.

Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare)
Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum)
Dill Seed (Anethum graveolens)
Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)
Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum)

The aromatic seeds are members of the “carrot family” of plants and are used around the world to ease indigestion, freshen breath, and increase milk supply. As the medicinal value is found in a volatile oil, the seeds are quickly and easily brewed: add a heaping tablespoonful to a mug and fill it with water just off the boil, letting it steep for 2-5 minutes. A spoonful of honey is a delightful addition.

For a somewhat more complicated brew, midwife Elizabeth Davis (in her book Heart and Hands) relates this old wives’ remedy to increase milk supply: Boil 1/2 cup pearled barley in three cups water for 25 minutes. Strain and refrigerate. Heat (but do not boil) one cup of barley water and pour it over one teaspoon fennel seeds. Steep no longer than thirty minutes.

And how delightful that the ease imparted by the brew influences the infant through the breastmilk, relieving colic, turning fretfulness into slumber, and countering teething pain. For best results drink your brew, hot or cold, while nursing your baby. Herbalist Juliette de Bairacli Levy advises mothers of infants and young children to always carry some aromatic seeds in their pocket for the children to chew should they be car-sick or become argumentative.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)

When it comes to quelling nausea or morning sickness (motion sickness, too) there is no better herb than ginger root. Whether you use it fresh or dried, a little ginger goes a long way toward warming the belly and relieving queasy feelings. Some books mistakenly list ginger as an herb that can cause a miscarriage. This misinformation no doubt got started by a hopeful woman who had noticed that drinking ginger tea made her menses flow more easily. But midwives agree that ginger is safe, even in early pregnancy.

In addition to quelling morning sickness, ginger helps prevent constipation of pregnancy, keeps the pelvic muscles warmed and toned, relieves intestinal cramping and gas (in infants, too), increases digestive force by encouraging the secretion of digestive enzymes, lowers blood pressure, and restores vitality.

Calcium

Of course calcium is a mineral, not an herb, but it is so important during pregnancy that it deserves our attention. Lack of adequate calcium during pregnancy can cause muscle cramps, backache, high blood pressure, intense labor pains, severe afterbirth pains, loss of teeth, and pre-eclampsia. Lack of calcium also contributes to feeble fetal heart action, a difficult birth, and “cranky” babies with easily irritated nervous and digestive systems. For optimum health of mother and child, eat plenty of foods rich in calcium and other minerals.

The calcium found in foods and herbs is metabolized by the body far more effectively than the calcium in pills. Calcium in plants is found in the form of minerals salts, which are naturally chelated. In addition, the varied forms of these salts aids in assimilation. And, of course, no plant contains only one mineral. The multitude of mineral salts found in herbs and foods act synergistically with the calcium salts, improving utilization by all the body’s tissues.

In general, to improve calcium assimilation, women are advised to consume it with acidic foods (antacids interfere with calcium absorption), plenty of vitamin D (which can be produced by sitting in the sun for 15-20 minutes), magnesium, and daily exercise. Stress, use of antacids, consumption of coffee, use of steroids, drinking fluoridated water, and too much phosphorous in the diet also interfere with calcium assimilation.

Getting 1500 to 2000 milligrams of nourishing calcium salts every day is not hard with the help of Wise Woman ways.

Many wild greens are exceptionally rich in calcium and other mineral salts. The leaves of lamb’s quarters, mallow, galinsoga, shepherd’s purse, knotweed, bidens, amaranth, or dandelion, when cooked until tender, supply more calcium per half-cup serving than a half-cup of milk. Herbal teas and tinctures contain little or no calcium salts. For mineral richness, make herbal infusions by steeping one ounce of dried herb (such as raspberry, nettle, or red clover) overnight in a quart of boiling water. Or make mineral-rich vinegars by steeping fresh herbs in apple cider vinegar for six weeks. The long steeping of the water infusion releases minerals, the acid of the vinegar does it too. A cup of herbal infusion can have 150-300 milligrams of calcium salts. A tablespoon of medicinal herbal vinegar can contain 75-150 milligrams of calcium salts. Cultivated greens are good sources of calcium, better if they are cooked thoroughly, and best if they are organic. Kale, collards, mustard greens, oriental greens, broccoli de rape, turnip greens, even cabbage supply 100-250 milligrams of calcium salts per half-cup serving. Fresh dairy products are the best place to get mineral salts, especially calcium, but there is controversy about the assimilability of calcium from pasteurized milk. Fortunately, raw milk cheeses are now easily available; look for them as a reliable source of nutrients. When milk is made into yogurt, it becomes superbly digestible and the calcium content increases by fifty percent (up to 450 milligrams of calcium in just one cup). A daily cup of plain yogurt not only prevents pregnancy problems, it also counteracts vaginal and bladder infections. Women who eat yogurt regularly are far less likely to be diagnosed with cancer as well. When buying yogurt, I look for plain yogurt that contains only milk and culture. I absolutely avoid dried milk powder, skim milk powder, pectin, and other thickeners. Other great-tasting sources of calcium include goat milk and goat cheese, canned fish eaten with the bones such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, and tahini (ground sesame seeds). There are roughly 200 milligrams of calcium in two ounces of nuts (excluding peanuts), one ounce of dried seaweed, two ounces of carob powder, one ounce of cheese, half a cup of cooked greens, half a cup of milk, three eggs, four ounces of fish, or one tablespoon of molasses. Many fruits are rich in calcium (though not as rich as the above foods). Dried dates, figs raisins, prunes, papaya and elderberries are the best. Avoid foods high in oxalic acid such as spinach, swiss chard, beet greens, rhubarb, and brewer’s yeast. They interfere with your ability to absorb calcium. Do not use bone meal or oyster shell tablets as sources of supplemental calcium. They have been found to be high in lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxic metals, which can cause birth defects in your child.
HERBS WOMEN MAY WISH TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY AND WHILE LACTATING

Agave and Yucca (Agave species): contain large quantities of irritating saponins
Aloes (Aloe species): purging cathartic
Birthroot (Trillium species): contains oxytocin
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): may irritate the uterus
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides): contains oxytocin
Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnus frangula): purging cathartic
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana): purging cathartic
Castor oil (Ricinus communis): purging cathartic
Comfrey (Symphytum uplandica): alkaloids in roots are dangerous to the liver; leaves are safe to use
Cotton root bark (Gossypium harbaceum): contains oxytocin
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis): contains coumarins which may irritate uterus and liver
Ephedra (all species): increases blood pressure; may cause heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches
Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis): used by midwives to initiate labor
Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium): may cause headaches, irritability, insomnia
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): contains irritating alkaloids which stress liver and kidneys
Juniper berries (Juniperus communis): very harsh on the kidneys
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): increases blood pressure; large doses can cause heart failure, headache, lethargy, water retention, and excessive excretion of potassium
Ma-huang (another name for ephedra)
Mistletoe (Viscum album): large doses can have detrimental effects on the heart
Mistletoe, American (Phoradendron flavescens): raises blood pressure, causes uterine contractions
Rue (Ruta graveolens): contains essential oils that can damage the kidneys and liver
Senna (Cassia senna): potent purging cathartic
Thuja (Thuja occidentalis): contains essential oils that can damage the kidneys and liver
Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum): purgative; may cause uterine contractions
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): essential oils can adversely affect brain

WOMEN WHO MISCARRY EASILY MAY ALSO WANT TO AVOID THESE HERBS

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): also known as saffron; large doses can cause miscarriage
Basil (Basilicum species): see mints
Bearberry (Berberis vulgaris): bark contains similar alkaloids to goldenseal; berries and leaves OK
Catnip (Nepeta cataria): see mints
Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum): large doses may stimulate uterine contractions
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium): contains essential oils that can damage liver and kidneys
Ground ivy (Hedeoma hederacea): see mints
Mints – such as basil, catnip, rosemary, thyme, savory, peppermint, oregano, ground ivy, sage, and spearmint – contain essential oils that, used internally (or extracted into a tincture) may harm the kidneys and liver; the infusion, taken in large enough quantity, may stimulate uterine contractions
Mugwort/Cronewort (Artemisia vulgaris): used to help bring on labor
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): a large dose of this spice contains the essential oils that could adversely affect the brain, liver, and kidneys
Oregano (Oreganum species ): see mints
Osha (Ligusticum porterii): may irritate the uterus
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): a well-known, and quite effective, abortifacient
Poke root (Phytolacca americana): large dose (more than 4 drops) may stress kidneys
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegiodes): essential oil may harm kidneys and liver; also see mints
Peppermint (Mentha piperita): see mints
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): see mints
Sage (Salvia officinalis): see mints
Savory (Satureja hortensis): see mints
Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum): essential oils, similar to those in wormwood, are easily extracted into tinctures and can adversely affect the brain
Spearmint (Mentha spicata): see mints
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): essential oils in tincture may damage kidneys and liver
Thyme (Thymus species): see mints

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

For more information about herbs and pregnancy, including herbs to use during birth, to improve lactation, and to help the newborn infant, see: Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, by Ash Tree Publishing. To receive a free brochure of classes and correspondence courses available from Susun S Weed, contact her at:

How to Self Examine

If you like to sun bathe and you realize you are an addict then it’s wise to do a self examination of your body. Look, monthly exams are fair enough. Check for new growths or skin change. You can use a mirror to take a peek at your backside and a fan or blow dryer to check the scalp. LOOK EVERYWHERE if you know what I mean

HOLY MOLEY! Got a mole then check that too! Sometimes the mole will start to become discolored or split. Get a biopsy on that sucker it could be cancer. Moles are usually round but if you see one that is asymmetrical that that could be a good indicator that you spend too much time tanning. Moles also tend to be a little more round and smooth and even colored, so if you find a winner with shades of brown, tan or black then you have found the first indicator of -ta-dah- Skin Cancer! Moles also get larger with cancer so if you have a super wide mole then you found another indicator. Get out of the sun, use SPF sun blockers or get cancer. It’s up to you.

So what types of skin cancer are out there? Well there is Basal Cell Carcinoma (I think I wrote it right – Gotta love spell checker!) BCC is the most common. Its slow growing doesn’t spread and appears as small round or oval patches. Colors can vary from white or gray consistent shades. Pink red or scaly too.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma or SCC is the #2 most common form of skin cancer. SCC is a fast mover and spreads moderately. It’s small, round elevated red & Crusty. (Eeew)

Malignant Melanoma is the extreme bad boy of skin cancer from sun burns or tanning. Get this treated or your dead meat…Guess what? UV rays also cause cataracts, premature aging, and even damage to your immune system!

Top Ten Skin Protection Tips Guard your body!

If possible avoid hanging out in the sun between 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. This tends to be the peak time for UV radiation. Wear sunscreen people, It’s not going to kill you to apply the stuff. If you’re that lazy you can go to Wally mart and get the spray. Wear hats, long sleeved shirts, and of course your awesome Shades. Drink water; Keep yourself hydrated while playing in the sun. You don’t want to get dehydration and get super sick. Are you bald or have thinning hair. Get yourself a hat to cover that sensitive skin called your scalp. (I know you were already aware) Keep sunscreen available. Stash some in the car, purse and around the pool. Do your self exam monthly if you hang in the sun for a long time. Do you mow lawns in the summer, or have a green thumb? Guess what even though your intentions aren’t to sun tan you still need to guard your skin. Use sunless tanning lotion if you really have to be super popular and have the world worship you. Teach your kids about how UV and the sun can be harmful. Preventive maintenance people preventive maintenance.