Tips

The 5 Things To Do To Avoid Vericose Veins While Pregnant

Posted on January 9, 2018

Guest Post

Whether it’s your first or your third, pregnancy is an exciting time for you and your family. There are a lot of changes going on in your body to prepare it for the delivery of new life. As part of this, your body has an increased amount of blood flow, which is why you have a higher chance of developing varicose veins during pregnancy.

However, there are a few things that you can do to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy:

1. Create healthy habits. Healthy habits help to prevent varicose veins, and promote good health all around for you and your baby. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet with substantial vitamin C, as it helps promote good blood flow.

In addition, exercise each day. Cycling, swimming and walking are low-impact exercises that help move blood through your veins.

2. Invest in compression socks.

Compression socks provide constriction to your legs, where varicose veins are most likely to develop. This tight fit can help to promote blood flow to prevent blood from pooling in your veins, which causes varicose veins to form.

3. Dress smart. While compression socks are recommended, other tight-fitting clothing is not. Instead, make sure you are wearing loose-fitting apparel.

Wearing high heels while you are pregnant is also not recommended, as it can result in circulation issues. Avoiding both of these types of clothing will make you and baby more comfortable during your nine months.

4. Pay attention to your legs.

Whether you stand or sit for a long period of time, it can have the same effect on your legs. A stagnant position can lead to blood pooling in your veins. Make sure you are moving around throughout the day and spending time elevating your legs as well.

Propping your legs on a chair or stool can help to promote good circulation. Add ankle flexes for extra blood flow benefits.

5. Avoid heavy lifting. Lifting heavy objects while you are pregnant can be challenging, resulting in straining. This straining can increase vein visibility and your chance of forming varicose veins.

After pregnancy, the appearance of varicose veins may diminish. However, you may want to consider consulting a medical professional for treatment. There are several treatment options available and a doctor can help you determine what works best for you. If varicose veins are left untreated, they can lead to health complications that can be life threatening.

Dr. Yan Katsnelson has more than 20 years of experience in surgical treatment of cardiovascular diseases and currently practices at USA Vein Clinics. He specializes in non-surgical treatment of vein disease to oimprove and enhance the lives of his patients.

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Tips

Kick Off Your New Year With These Two Post-Pregnancy At-Home Workouts

Posted on January 2, 2018

Healthy mother and baby making gymnastics

Getting back into shape after having a baby can be a challenge but it doesn’t have to be. I think the hardest thing is starting. With new parenting responsibilities and fatigue from lack of sleep, many new moms struggle to find time to even work out and to go to the gym. Having an in-home routine you can do when you first wake up or perhaps after dinner or an hour before bedtime, perhaps while watching TV may do the trick.

But everything takes time.

“I believe that embracing your current shape while working towards a more toned one is the best approach, especially if you want to stay motivated and engaged with an exercise and eating plan.” says Samantha Clayton Senior Director of Fitness Education at Herbalife.

Clayton, who is also a mom herself, offers two basic workouts will help you to kick start working towards having a more toned, strong and healthier physique all around.

Setting a realistic goal and time frame will help you avoid feelings of failure and allow you to actually enjoy the body changing process, Clayton advises.

FULL CORE ROUTINE – Follow these 5 moves to strengthen your entire core

Time: 20 Minutes

Equipment: Exercise Mat or Comfortable area on the floor

Start the workout with 15-20 perfect form CRUNCHES. Begin by lying face up on the floor with your knees bent. Contract your abs to curl your shoulders towards the pelvis, keeping your hands behind or beside the neck or crossed over your chest. Be conscience to use your abs and not your head to lift your shoulders off the floor, hold for a second then return to starting position.

Next, 30 seconds of BICYCLE AB CRUNCHES. Remaining on the floor, stretch your legs out straight and place your hands behind your head. Raise your legs one at a time so that your thighs are perpendicular to the ground, and your calves are parallel to the ground, but keeping your feet together. Contract your abdominal muscles alternate bending your right leg and straightening your left similar to the motion you’d make while pedaling a bicycle. Use your abdominal muscles to crunch your body forward so that your elbow can reach your knee.

Moving on to a 45-60 second SIDE PLANK. Place your hand on the floor under you and straighten your supporting arm, raising the top half of your body off the ground. You can raise the other arm straight over you or let it rest on your side to help with balance. Keep your legs straight, letting the lower half of your body rest on the side of your bottom foot. Repeat on the other side for another 45-60 seconds.

The LAYING DOWN LEG RAISE works the deepest of the core muscles. Begin lying on your back on a mat. Place your hands under your butt to stabilize your pelvis, then without letting your lower back lift, pull your knees toward your chest, and then straighten your legs back to the starting position. To increase the difficulty, do leg raises on an incline bench. Do 10 raises 3 times.

The VACUUM can be done almost anywhere: sitting up, laying down, in bed, at the office or even while driving your car. All you have to do is suck your belly in as far as you can, and hold. Make sure you are pulling your abs in as if they are meeting your back. When you hold your tummy in hold it in for 10 to 15 seconds then release. Try to continue breathing and don’t hold your breath. Gaining muscular control is the key of this move.

ULTIMATE BODY WEIGHT ROUTINE – To burn calories, build muscle and effectively improve your cardiovascular fitness level, training in a circuit style is the way to go.

Time: 30-40 minutes. 3 sets, repeated 2-3 times.

Equipment: Just your body weight

SET #1 = “Simple 20’s” Perform 20 of each exercise, do a modification if necessary, no rest in between each move but you can rest for 2 minutes after the set.

20 squats

20 modified push-ups.

20 lunges alternating legs

20 Burpees without jumping

20 bicycle- abs.

SET #2 = “Tough 10’s” This second set is a more advanced version of each exercise but for less reps, try to push yourself to do 10 of each move with no rest. Rest for 3-5 minutes after the set.

10 holding squats (hold at the bottom for a count of 5)

10 Full push- ups

10 walking lunges

10 burpees with a jump

10 straight leg toe touch abs.

SET #3 = “Holding 15’s” For the third set hold each move for 15 seconds, remember to breathe while holding.

Wall squats

Plank holds

Hold lunge position

Bridge pose holds

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Khloe Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez Dominate Hot Celeb Mama Weekend Winning Looks

Posted on December 30, 2017

Jennifer Lopez and Khloe Kardsahian win this weekend’s hot mama looks!

J.Lo was spotted out doing matronly chic in a Brunello Cucinelli Lurex Striped Knitted Sweater smartly tucked into a long dark denim skirt while sporting her signature black Hermes bag and wearing cute Jennifer Fisher silver hoops.

Newly admittedly pregger Khloe hit the town in a comfy yet stylish Adidas sweatsuit, juxtaposed Timberland Boots but made feminine by her own croc Hermes bag, a Cartier bracelet, Jennifer Meyer necklace and Celine shades.

Lopez made a second appearance also in Timberland boots with distressed ripped at the knee jeans and tee under a long white with signature Gucci Embroidered chunky cable knit striped cardigan sweater with matching Gucci shades and a Valentino bag.

Love it!

If you would like to cop some of these pieces, check out my Weekend Mom Collection here:

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Tips

The 15 Things To Do To Avoid the Flu this Winter

Posted on November 2, 2017

As we head into flu season there are many things we can do to “flu proof” ourselves. Regardless of whether you choose to get a flu vaccine or not, there are things we can do to heighten our chances of not getting sick this winter. Dr. Christopher Calapai, a New York based Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine provided us with a comprehensive list of 15 to do’s to fight the flu.

1. Keep your surroundings clean, wipe surfaces at work, keep your cell phone clean. According to the CDC viruses can survive on a surface for up to 8 hours

2. Wash your hands frequently and use a hand sanitizer. Remember the workplace and public spaces are a hotbed for germs. This is where the hand washing comes into play.

3. Increase intake of vitamin D, C, E and A. Include foods such as red bell peppers (add to salads), sweet potatoes, chicken soup, salmon and garlic. Research shows that keeping vitamin D levels at 80 ng/ml or so decreases the risk of catching the flu and swine flu.

4. Bring your own lunch to work where you can control food prep and ensure surfaces are clean.

5. Get a full night’s sleep. When you feel run down you’re more susceptible to illness.

6. Work from home when feeling sick. These days it’s easier for people to work from home at the slightest signs of cold or flu.

7. Eat kimchi! It’s delicious and a great probiotic which boost immunity.

8. Add mushrooms to your meal. Packed with selenium they’re an immunity booster.

9. Sip green or black tea rich in polyphenols and flavonoids which ward off illness as well as L-theanine,

an immunity boosting amino acid. Green and black tea are also packed with polyphenols and flavonoids.

10. Munch on sweet potato fries which are high in vitamin which helps us fight off bacteria and viruses.

11. Don’t touch your face especially the eyes. The average person touches their face around 15 times

per hour! It’s something we do unconsciously so if we can be more aware of face touching the more we can stop.

12. Soup it up! Chicken veggie noodle or ginger garlic soup fights flu and sinus infection.

13. Exercise regularly! Doing 30 minutes of moderate cardio per day is optimal to enhance the performance of infection fighting white blood cells.

14. Go hands free on the smartphone. When we put our phones down and then pick them up or touch them this is where viruses can spread. Using earbuds and cleaning the phone with a devise friendly cleaner will help.

15. Lose the booze. You really want to cut back on alcohol consumption during flu season. It dehydrates us and lowers our immunity so our ability to fight off virus is impaired.

About the Doctor: Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham’s, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

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Pregnancy Complications To Keep On Your Radar

Posted on September 26, 2017

Don’t worry because the majority of pregnancies go along without a hitch. Aside from the morning sickness and constant peeing, it’s a smooth transition. Still, it’s always a good idea to be on the alert when you and your baby’s health are in question. One way to stay on top of things is to watch out for the complications which can occur. After all, not every birth is plain sailing. The following are by no means guaranteed to happen, yet it is helpful to know the signs.

Here is a quick guide to the complications to watch out for during pregnancy.

Premature Labor

On average, pregnancies should last up to 37 weeks. However, some women give birth way before the nine-month mark. It’s called an early pregnancy, and it occurs to around 12% of babies in the States. So, it isn’t an issue to worry about because it is by no means uncommon. Still, a premature labor needs addressing as soon as possible to make sure the baby is safe. The best way to tell is to time your contractions. Regular ones which occur before 37 weeks are a sign you are going to give birth.

Heart Problems

Of course, pregnancy puts a strain on a woman’s body which can affect the heart. Quite simply, one of the most vital organs in the body has to be able to pump enough blood around the body for both the mother and child. Unfortunately, some women have hearts which aren’t up to the task. Aside from high blood pressure, it can also lead to heart failure. Women who suffer from palpitations or excessive fatigue should contact their doctor ASAP. Even if you don’t exhibit the symptoms, you can ask for a simple test to be on the safe side.

Diabetes

Another cause of the pressure on the body is gestational diabetes. Because the body has to share food and water, it can often go without sufficient nutrition. When this happens, blood sugar can plummet or skyrocket depending on the circumstances. Thankfully, there are tests on hand to ensure the experts don’t miss a diagnosis. A birth injury lawyer would insist on a glucose screening between 24 and 28 weeks, and so should you. If the result is positive, it’s essential to keep your blood sugar in check by maintaining your diet and not missing a meal.

Breech Birth

Last but not least, there is a breech baby. Usually, this is when a child spins around in the womb and comes out feet first. The reason this is an issue is the umbilical cord. Sometimes, the cord can wrap around the neck and lead to complications. There is no way for a mother to tell if the baby is breech without a consultation. Babies move and kick that much that it’s impossible to tell what movement is what. If the doctor spots it before the birth, they should be able to turn the baby back to a normal position.

Hopefully, none of these will occur, but it’s still a good idea to watch out for the signs.

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Celebrity

Awww, Rudy and Theo Huxtable Became First-Time Parents This Year

Posted on August 4, 2017

Man, can you believe Theo and Rudy Huxtable both became parents for the first time this year?

Yup, in January, Keshia Knight-Pulliam the actress that played the adorable youngest daughter on the popular 1980s sitcom The Cosby Show welcomed her first child, a daughter she named Ella Grace with her estranged husband, former NFL player Ed Hartwell.

Last month, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played the only son of the family, Theo Huxtable, and his girlfriend, reportedly a Connecticut attorney,announced the birth of his first child as well. At the time, the star didn’t share the sex of the baby but recently, he posted a photo of himself cradling his newest addition and revealing that she is a girl.

“Man, if ANYBODY else disrespected my St. Louis Cardinals shirt like this while I was wearing it there’d be problems!” Warner captioned the Instagram photo. “Only a dad in love walks around with his daughter’s spit up on his shirt like it’s a badge of honor! #droolandstool #happydaddy #happymommy #happybaby #lovedbabiesarehappybabies #alovinghomeisahappyhome.”

When he made the birth announcement, he also shared the most adorable daddy-daughter photo.

“Peaceful time with family takes on a whole new meaning now,” the new dad captioned the skin-to-skin image cuddling with his newborn.

Warner famously dated one of our blog faves Regina King for a long time in the late 2000s before breaking up.

Photo: Instagram, YouTube Screenshot

h/t Celebrity Baby Scoop

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These Are My Chic Work-At-Home Fave Looks

Posted on March 28, 2017

As a work-at-home mom, I live in casual clothing. My school drop off gear usually include yoga or sweatpants, a tee shirt, a baseball cap and slip on sneakers. For casual lunch dates with other mom friends, a coffee shop meet up with a consultant client, or running errands, I try to dress it up a little bit more but not by much. I share some of my favorite looks on my Instagram account @WAHMStyle. (Follow Me There!)

My go-tos during the winter are chunky sweaters over denim jeans, or a silk turtleneck with a blazer. In the Fall, I live in lined leggings under collared shirts. Summer is for sundresses and maxi dresses; and Spring, I’m all about cute and frilly blouses with cropped pants.

I was going through our Pinterest outfits board and spotted a few looks I think represent the look of a casual work at home mom.

I love a Converse high top sneakers. A pair in mint green is ideal for summer and for breathing life and energy into a casual outfit. Distressed jeans are great because you don’t have to bother to press them out which is essential for a hurried mom blogger. A comfy casual screen tee tops off this casual look. Because I work for myself, I am free to experiment with color! So turquoise or Tiffany blue nails are among my favorites. GET THE LOOK!

In the Spring, cropped boyfriend jeans are perfect because they’re loose and not too snug for when the temperature is warmer but still provide ample coverage for cooler Spring days. Ballet flats are a comfy option for quick trips because you can leave them by the door and slip them on easily as you head out. I love yellow because it lifts the mood and is overall a good color match for me. I like this Aztec print black and white shirt because of the interesting pattern detail. Chunky jewelry are signature for my style and this bright yellow necklace is to die for! GET THE LOOK!

For casual meetings or casual happy hours, a nice dark colored dress under a blazer or denim jacket work. Wedges or Espadrilles give me height so I can see eye to eye to who I am networking with and a brown slouch bag is a nice in between of super casual and upscale chic. Gold jewelry, wooden cuffs and unique earring are also conversation pieces. GET THE LOOK!

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News

Researchers Studying High US Maternal Death Rate Seek Survey Participants

Posted on March 27, 2017

Surprisingly, the United States has become the most dangerous industrialized nation in which to give birth, recent data supports.

Scary, huh?

In fact, American women are more than twice as likely to die of pregnancy-related causes as British women, three times as likely as Canadians and six times as likely as Norwegians and Poles, according to 2015 data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington.

While other wealthy nations reduced maternal deaths in recent years, the U.S. maternal mortality rate jumped more than 25 percent from 2000 to 2014, researchers reported last August.

For every expectant or new mom who dies in or shortly after child birth, there are as much as 100 moms who came close to dying and were left with crippling long-term physical, emotional and economic effects. Yikes!

Think hemorrhages, strokes, aneurysms, clots, sepsis infections, cardiac arrest, organ failure and other life-threatening complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

Truth.

The Centers for Disease Control report that these problems have been on the rise, and now exceed 65,000 a year.

There are also frightening disparities also at play. African-American mothers are 3 to 4 times more likely to die or nearly die than whites.

What gives? ProPublica and NPR and Special Correspondent Renee Montagne have launched an investigative study to try to understand why so many American women die and nearly die because of pregnancy and childbirth—and how the health care system can be improved to protect more mothers from harm.

They’ve heard from 2,500 women since launching their study this past February but they are in search of more voices.

If you or someone you know passed away or nearly did during pregnancy, childbirth, or within a year after delivery, they want to hear from you. Do your part to help researchers get to the bottom of this crisis. Pretty please!

Go to this link and fill? Please tell us your story.

You can also reach the study group by email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Thanks much!

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Fashion

5 Steps to a Chic Saint Paddy’s Day Look

Posted on March 16, 2017

Are you an expecting fashionista who is planning on hitting a Saint Patrick’s Day party tomorrow or simply wants to be festive for the Irish holiday and dress in green?

You might not want to go with a big bright green top but there are creative ways to work the color green in your outfit. We’ve got your 5-step Saint Patrick’s Day Fashion Tips:

Step 1: The easiest option is to throw on a green duster, cardigan or jacket in any shade. We like mint, olive and Army greeen.

Step 2: Alternative to outerwear, you can sneak green in your accessories like his a clutch, medicine bag or tote.

Step 3: Mix it up with red ballet flats or go bold with leopard print pumps, clutch or scarf.

Step 4: Add some chunky jewelry and a funky hat, maybe.

Step 5: Polish it off with a lucky ? shamrock and you’re set!

Have fun!

Photos: Seraphine , Shopping K Blush, Harpers Bazaar

Lauren McBride, Outfitted 411, Little Blonde Book, Northeast Girl

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People Have Been Adopting Leftover Frozen In Vitro Embryos; and Bringing Them to Life

Posted on February 18, 2017

There are now well over one million embryos frozen in storage in the United States, many left over by people who have completed their families through IVF. Rather than discarding the frozen embryos or donating them to science, many families are now choosing to put their embryos up for adoption to give them a chance at life.

Embryo adoption is the newest nationwide trend in adoption and is gaining a lot of popularity. In fact, the 500^th baby was born last month to a loving and adoptive family as part of the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption program. This program allows couple to adopt embryos, some of which have been frozen for more than a decade, to become healthy, happy babies and children!

Couples who have used donated embryos to achieve pregnancy have learned that genetics really don’t matter at all, says Kimberly Tyson, director of the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption program. What matters is they experienced what it was like to be pregnant and give birth to their child, the child they adopted just nine months earlier than ‘normal’.

The babies born this unique and special way to their adoptive parents are known as “Snowflake Babies“. The Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program is celebrating its 20th anniversary since being first established in 1997 as the first program of its kind in the world.

Since that time, more than 1,400 babies have been born to families following an embryo adoption model. Working with fertility clinics, the program allows couples to place their remaining embryos from their in vitro fertilization treatment with a family of their choice, just like with traditional adoption of a live child.

The difference is actually a bonus: the woman who gives birth to this non-genetic child is declared the legal mother of the child on the birth certificate and the man to whom she is married is declared the father. No court finalizations are necessary to affirm parentage, as with adoption.

There is a higher cost than simple frozen embryo transfer at a clinic.

“That’s because the adoption agency is providing both families with security of the placement,” Tyson declares. “The agency is encouraging an open relationship between two families who are both parenting full genetic siblings. The agency is helping the right two families connect with one another. No secrecy.”

Many embryo adoption organizations have embryos waiting for families to adopt them, she adds. “Families placing their embryos for adoption are attracted to the fact they can have some control regarding who receives their embryo gift.”

If you are interested in learning more about embryo adoption visit www.embryoadoption.org or www.snowflakes.org.

Editor’s note: In vitro fertilization, surrogacy and other artificial means of impregnating a woman who eventually gives birth to a human child are excellent ways for couples struggling to have a baby achieve their dream.

However, these processes are also controversial for Catholics, pro-lifers, like myself, and others who struggle over the fact that fertilized eggs that would otherwise develop into a human child, but are leftover or unwanted are destroyed every year.

Embryo adoption provides some comfort in knowing that the leftover eggs are saved and donated to other couples who cannot conceive on their own; or women who want a baby but are without a partner. Bravo!

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