Sex, Health, Diet Info

My best friend grew a mustache when he was 13. And, as I remember, Debbie in middle school looked a lot older than her 12 years suggested. How did that happen? It’s all about puberty, of course.

As adults, we know puberty is part of growing up. Our children, however, still have to face the physical and emotional changes it brings. And whether they admit it or not, every child has questions about the process at some point. That’s where parents come in.

Puberty isn’t as tough if your kids understand a few basics. To kick things off, here is a short article for that young man or woman in your house. For more information, we recommend getting your child one of the many great specialty books about growing up that are available these days. Good luck!

“Puberty is the name for the time when your body begins to develop and change. Growing up to be an adult means that a lot of big changes are on the way. It also means taking responsibility for the care and health of your body.

The big changes will probably start when you’re 10 to 15 years old. But that’s not true for everyone. You could get started earlier or even a little later. Don’t worry if your best friend looks older and more grown-up. You’ll catch them. Puberty starts and finishes on its own schedule—not yours.

Once puberty does begin, your body will seem to have a mind of its own. Your body will change and at times you’ll grow so fast your shirtsleeves and pant legs will always be too short. Some young men and women can grow 4 or more inches in a year and suddenly stop. But, wait! Even after you think you’re done, you could still grow a little more.”
You probably wonder what you’ll look like after all the changes are over. Heredity is what determines the shape of your nose, how big your feet are, and how tall you’ll be. If your mom and dad are tall and thin, then you’ll probably be tall and thin, too. But, nothing is for certain. To know for sure, you just have to wait and see.

Author and publisher, Frank Hawkins, is passionate about helping young people grow up healthy and wise. It’s no surprise, then, that he co-founded Boy’s Guide Books in 2007 to do just that. What started out as a single book Frank wrote for his son has turned into a popular and respected series of “how-to” books trusted by young men and women everywhere.

Boy’s Guide Books publishes “how-to” books for children and teens. Through our books, blog, and social network, we offer practical, straightforward, no-nonsense information and advice about health, hygiene, fitness, nutrition, and everything in-between.

Give the gift of knowledge. http://boysguidebooks.com

Visit our blog Growing Up Smart. http://boysguidebooks.blogspot.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/puberty-who-needs-it-growing-up-smart-body-fact-20-1335129.html

How can you tell if your child has autism?

This is a question that has perhaps puzzled many parents, especially those with children showing unusual red flags pointing to autism. However, knowing whether one has autism or not can be a very difficult, strenuous, and often emotional task. The person involved, after all, can be loved one, a child, a relative-and, naturally, you wouldn’t want them to be afflicted by this horrible disorder. Still, the task must be done, no matter how difficult it is. Unfortunately, the signs are not as clear cut as they could be. For one, autism is not like a simple ailment like a fever where you can use a thermometer to measure whether one is inflicted by autism or not. Experts do tests do determine the presence of the ailment, of course, but how do you determine if you need to bring your child to the professionals for a more comprehensive analysis of the situation.

Many say that autism cannot fully be assessed until the child has reached the age of two. At this age, certain developmental signs can become more pronounced, hence making the assessment easier. But there are certain signs that can help you determine early on.

For instance, by the age of six months above, you can detect early signs of the disorder by checking the child’s social and oral skills. When the child does not coo or babble, does not make eye contact, or does not smile, your “red flags” should be raised, although might say you should wait for a few more months to check for other signs. Other “signs” at this point include: non-participation or non-response in any vocal activities and non-response to any game or activity that require their reaction (a peek a boo game, for instance).

At the age of one, the child should show attempts to speak, point, wave, respond when being called by name, grasp-or, basically, just to simply react. One of the main and most assuring sign of autism is indifference, the lack of reaction to any activity, sound, or visual elements around him. An autistic child, in turn, may also be overly sensitive to certain smells, sounds, and/or textures. Furthermore, if the child is prone to making repetitive actions or motions, along with other signs, parents should bring their child to experts right away. Other red flags: resistance to chance and an unusual attachment to a particular object.

At age two, the signs should be more pronounced. Along with the cited warning signs, other autism red flags include lack of joyful expression, indifference to social activities, loss of speech (by the child’s 24th month, he should be able to at least say two-word phrases that are meaningful or not simply imitated from someone else), among others.

Generally, the three main criteria of these sign are: impaired social interaction, restricted movement and interests, and impaired communication skills.

Obviously, as one could tell from these signs, it may be possible to tell if a child has autism at an early age, although it is not a possibility for most children. The signs that become apparent are not constant, and they are differently not standard to every child with the disorder. In any case, once these signs are detected, you should bring your child to medical experts who can treat the symptoms and help your child live a normal life.

For more information on <a rel="nofollow" href=http://autism-supplements.com title=”Autism Vitamins”>Autism Vitamins, and Autism and Fish Oil, please take a look at our Supplement Guide for Autism.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/recognizing-the-warning-signs-of-autism-1329160.html

Women that suffer from menorrhagia are not only inconvenienced each month, they may experience pain, emotional turmoil and difficulty getting pregnant. Menorrhagia is excessively heaving bleeding during menstruation. It is believed that this is one of the most common menstrual disorder, but it is often hard to diagnose because measuring menstrual flow is difficult. Women may experience a variety of other symptoms as well, and sometimes the heavy flow is a symptom itself. It is more common amongst women suffering from fibroids or cysts on their reproductive organs, and there may be a link to obesity and menorrhagia. In severe cases of menorrhagia, a woman may choose menstrual surgery to cope with her condition.

What Is It?

There are different surgical procedures commonly associated with menorrhagia. Hysteroscopic surgery places a small telescopic instrument into the uterine cavity for examination. There are no incisions during the procedure and the tool is inserted through the vagina into the uterus. The doctor is able to remove scar tissue, polyps, and small fybroid tumors. This procedure stops or reduces menstrual flow and preserves fertility. It is safer than a traditional hysterectomy, and in most cases, has less side effects.

A second minimally invasive option is laparoscopic surgery. In this procedure a thin, fiber-optic tube with a tiny video camera on the end of it is inserted into the uterus through a small incision in the navel. It is then guided to the problem area. The surgeon then inserts tiny surgical instruments through another small incision to perform the operation.

A third form of surgery, which is known as Uterine Balloon Ablation, or roller ball surgery, destroys the uterine lining of women that suffer excessive blood flow. It is an outpatient procedure, and many women experience only minor cramping as a result of the surgery. Some require only a 24 hour recovery period and most are back to a relatively normal life within a week. It is necessary to refrain from exercise and strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks. This procedure does carry the risk of sterility, but if someone intends to be sterile following the procedure, it is recommended that a tubal ligation be performed simultaneously.

Who Needs It?

Women that suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding are prime candidates for the surgery. While menorrhagia is not often a dangerous condition, severe cases of it can lead to anemia. Women suffering from fibroids and polyps are also candidates for the procedure. In the case of hysteroscopy surgery, women that still have a desire to conceive will most often be recommended for that procedure in lieu of other options.

Benefits

The major benefit of menstrual surgery is that more often than not, it will put an end to the condition. Women that suffer from a variety of menstrual disorders will benefit from surgery. The effects of suffering from fibroids, polyps and scar tissue can be limiting and unpleasant. Women may see a boost in their sex lives, confidence, and overall health once they have remedied the menstrual disorder that was plaguing them.

The majority of the non-invasive procedures is that there is minimal recovery time and many women are able to return home the same day. There is less pain and because there are no incisions, the risk of infection may be reduced as well.

Risks

Aside from the typical risks of surgery, such as a negative or severe reaction to anesthesia, menstrual surgery holds limited risk. There is some danger to the uterus, as any time instruments are inserted near tender tissue, the patient could suffer perforation. This, or other poor reactions, could lead to sterility. Some women desire sterility when having the operation, but young women that want their reproductive organs to remain functional should understand there are risks associated with the procedure. Granted, women that opt to undergo menstrual surgery often find it difficult to get pregnant due to their pre-existing conditions. Surgery may be the only hope a woman has for conceiving, and she is willing to accept the risk.

The options for women suffering from menorrhagia or other menstrual disorders are varied and safe. Depending upon a woman’s age, condition, and desire to have children, she and her doctor will choose the procedure that will work best for her. If you believe you have a condition that could be remedied through menstrual surgery, discuss your options with your doctor as soon as possible.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

Kelly Brown is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a Surgeon or more Health and Medicine articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Menstrual Surgery Options Available to Those Suffering from Menorrhagia

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/menstrual-surgery-options-available-to-those-suffering-from-menorrhagia-1307625.html

Humans are omnivores. An omnivore can process a high variety of foods. We consume not only meat and protein like carnivores, but also plants and carbohydrates like herbivores. This gives our bodies a substantial amount of chemical alternatives which it can utilize to build healthy tissues throughout our infrastructure.

However, the process only works well if we actually consume the variety of foods our body is capable of processing. Unfortunately, in our modern world we seem to bypass much of that diversity, especially our children. When children are thirsty many drink soda pop which is basically processed sugar and water with a little artificial flavor. When they are hungry many gravitate toward junk foods or the same foods much of the time with little variation. This does not give their body enough selection of raw materials for it to complete the tasks necessary to grow and maintain itself correctly.

Are vitamin supplements the answer? If we admit to the reality of our eating habits, yes. Are they the best answer? Not really. The best answer would be for all of us to eat a perfectly balanced diet made up of a combination of foods containing all the minerals and vitamins necessary for our bodies to maintain themselves and remain healthy. Will this ever happen? Not likely. Vitamin and mineral supplements are the next best thing.

Have you ever noticed how many species of pets can live a long healthy life eating almost exclusively one type of food? Nutritionists have studied specific genres of animals and determined what combination of vitamins and minerals must be consumed by each particular animal to survive. Its food is then prepared using these ingredients and contains everything necessary for that animals health.

Doctors and scientists have undertaken the same studies regarding humans, determining the best combination of vitamins and minerals necessary for our survival. The minimum amount of these is contained in a one-a-day vitamin. If we are not going to eat a perfectly balanced diet, taking these supplements can give us some of the minerals that are absent from our insufficiently diversified food intake, thus providing our bodies with the necessary building blocks to remain healthy.

Children especially need a diverse intake of vitamins and minerals as their bodies are not only maintaining themselves but growing into adulthood. A one-a-day vitamin contains many of the chemicals necessary to form good healthy organs, bones and other tissues. Sometimes a specific vitamin or mineral is deficient in certain children due to diet or heredity. Once this deficiency is discovered, specific supplements can be utilized to correct it.

Therefore, every child who does not eat a perfectly balanced diet should consume a one-a-day vitamin. It will most likely lead to less health problems for children who take one versus children who do not.

</span>

There is a wide incidence of women in the Western world who experience breast changes that are a direct consequence of their menstrual cycle and it is believed that as high as 70 percent of women are so afflicted. These women may find their breasts have become very uncomfortable due to their becoming tender, swollen or lumpy. This is one of the many women’s health issues that need to be studied and understood if one is to be able to treat the ailment and provide much needed succor to the patients. It is important to find an explanation for the condition and know which natural and medical treatments are available for this women’s health issue.

Breast Health: The Facts

Broadly speaking, women’s health issues can be categorized into several important concerns, of which include: breast problems, cystitis, endometriosis, fibroids, heavy periods, hysterectomy, irregular periods, menopause, miscarriage, no periods, osteoporosis, ovarian cysts, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy, prolapse, thrush and vaginal infections. Women also face problems such as weight control and infertility.

In the case of breast cancer, one can safely say that it is widely prevalent in women living in the United States. This means that such an important women’s health issue needs to be better understood and this involves knowing the stage of the disease, new diagnostic methods versus recurrence, the woman’s age as well as prior treatments. Mostly, different women would respond to the crisis of having breast cancer in different ways but what is most important is for them to know and obtain as much information as possible so that they are better educated about the disease.

It is important that this women’s health issue be taken notice of, and a study of the risk factors involved with contracting breast cancer needs to be undertaken as some factors may have stronger links to breast cancer than others. These important risk factors are: gender, age, personal history of breast cancer, family history of cancer, high breast tissue density, breast hyperplasia, long term estrogen exposure, menopausal hormone replacement therapy, not having children or having first child after age 30, exposure to radiation, Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, genetics as well as diet, environment, and smoking. There is no denying the fact that breast cancer is an important women’s health issue for which no amount of research and development can be said to be enough.

One of the advantages of reaching midlife is that we are finally finished with all those issues that make childhood and adolescence such a pain in the neck, such as needing set bedtimes as well as  regular dental and eye checkups; having to worry about using protection during sex and about cigarette smoking; getting all those shots to prevent diseases and wearing helmets to prevent sports injuries; needing to eat all our vegetables and avoid sugar as well as not missing gym class. What a relief to let these issues fade right along with our memories of tetherball on the school playground!

Not so fast. Would it surprise you to know that you still have to be aware of each and every one of the above so-called “child/adolescent” health issues?  

For instance, what about set bedtimes? The obvious reason that we needed enforced, regular  bedtimes each night was so that we would get enough sleep. Being tired and sleepy the next day in school caused everything from lousy concentration to crabby moods. Now that we’re in midlife, many of us believe that sleep is no longer an issue. This is not the case at all. It’s still essential to our health and wellbeing. Recent studies have shown that not only do sleep disturbances often indicate a serious health problem, but that lack of sleep can actually cause health problems, such as weight gain. Polls have shown that nearly two thirds of adults over the age of sixty-five have sleep complaints, but that less than 15 per cent of them have been formally diagnosed with a sleep problem. Why? Because we don’t mention sleep problems to our health care providers. Our mothers were right — we still need to be concerned about our bedtimes.

Once we’ve gotten the glasses we need and all our baby teeth are gone, we no longer need to get regular eye and dental checkups as we did in our younger years, right? Again — no. Although our vision does remain stable from young adulthood until we need bifocals, there are common eye diseases that begin to occur in midlife, and that can lead to blindness if not diagnosed.  And even though we no longer have our baby teeth,  other dental issues take the forefront upon reaching midlife, such as gum inflammation which has been shown to be associated with diabetes and heart disease. So, continued regular dental and eye checks are as important as in our younger years. 

And what about sex at midlife and beyond?  We’ve moved from groping and being groped in the backseat of the car to more sophisticated maneuvers in a comfortable bed, and finally, finally no longer have to worry about pregnancy. So we don’t need protection; or so many of us think. Although it’s true that once menopause arrives one can’t get pregnant (warning: make sure you have completed menopause before assuming this as diagnosing menopause can be tricky),  protection is still needed during sex because of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Yes, we can still get those, and in some cases are even more prone to becoming infected after menopause, even after a hysterectomy. And even though we’re past the childbearing years and our reproductive organs seem to have no further use, we still need regular pelvic exams and Pap smears. It is also important at that exam to discuss with our healthcare providers the need for testing for STIs; if there is a new partner or the worry that the current partner is not monogamous, this testing is a must.

STIs are not the only threat held over from our adolescent years; so is cigarette smoking. Many women in midlife think that there is no reason to stop smoking cigarettes at this age, since they wrongly assume that the damage is already done from all the prior years of smoking. This is not the case. No matter how many years one has smoked, stopping can prevent further damage to the heart, blood vessels, and lungs, and in some cases can reverse some of that damage.  

Also relevant to the lungs is the fact that asthma can begin in midlife, where once it was thought to only begin in childhood.  The two major causes seem to be occupational exposure to substances that damage the lungs, and the recreational exposure to air pollution by adults who run predominantly outside. So, a new onset of shortness of breath at this age — even if it occurs only with exercise — does not necessarily mean heart disease; remember that we can develop asthma now.

Did you think you were finished with all those horrible shots you had to have in childhood and adolescence? Sorry, you’re not. There is a recommended immunization schedule for adults in midlife and beyond, just as there are for children. At certain ages over 50 and at certain intervals, you’ll need shots against the flu, certain types of pneumonia, tetanus, and in some instances, shingles and hepatitis.  Ask your primary care provider about these.

And did you pack away your helmet when you gave away your bike with training wheels? Probably ok to have done this since now you will need a bigger size helmet. But you do need a helmet. A recent report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission stated that sports-related injuries in the Baby Boomer population was on the rise, with over 1 million injuries in this age group in 1998 alone, most of the injuries being due to bicycling and basketball.  The same report said that the many head injuries associated with bicycling were probably due to the fact that Baby Boomers use helmets less than younger people do.

The fact that exercise and proper nutrition are as important in midlife and beyond as in childhood may not come as a surprise. Regular exercise at this age has been shown to increase longevity and wellbeing, postpone and possibly prevent dementia, strokes, heart disease, and diabetes, and aid in the treatment of depression. Important to know as well is that several different types of regular exercise are recommended at this age, including aerobic (cardio) exercise, weight-bearing exercise or strength training, and exercises to improve balance and flexibility.

What we eat as we get older is every bit as important as it was in our younger years. One particular healthy way of eating, the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to stave off dementia, prevent heart disease and diabetes, maintain a healthy cholesterol level, and improve longevity. One study showed that this diet even improved sexual function in certain women! This diet is exactly as expected given its name: lots of natural whole foods, like vegetables, fruits, and nuts, lots of fish and olive oil, moderate amounts of wine, and limited amounts of foods containing refined sugar. Controlling the portions of the foods we eat is even more important at this age. Our metabolic rate decreases with age, making it easier to gain weight while eating the same amounts of food as in our younger years.  

So, as you are rummaging through your mother’s attic looking at your old dolls, baseball bat and Ouija Board, and breathing a sigh of relief that you no longer have to worry about being picked for a baseball team or that your best friend copied your paper doll’s dress, don’t get lulled into complacency about your health. Although you once may have thought that taking care of yourself  health-wise would get easier as you get older, you know now that that’s not true. Make your appointments for regular checkups, get more than 5 hours of sleep a night, use protection when having sex, particularly with a new partner, stop smoking no matter how old you are, get the recommended immunizations, be careful and wear your helmet and seatbelts, and exercise regularly and eat well. Your mother’s recommendations from your childhood continue to apply!

©2008 Janet Horn, M.D.

Author Bio
Dr. Janet Horn is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, with training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She spent many years on the fulltime faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she published articles in medical journals on her research interests, including sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and women’s health. She was also the primary author of several chapters in medical textbooks.  She started her solo private practice in 1990 while continuing to teach as an Associate Professor of Medicine on the part time faculty at Hopkins. She has been selected by Baltimore Magazine as one of the “Top Doctors in Baltimore” and by the Maryland Daily Record as one of the “Top 100 Women in Maryland.”   She is included in the books Consumer’s Guide to Top Doctors (in the US) and Best Doctors in America, Southeast Region.  She is the co-author of The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife and Beyond, which will be available this September from New Harbinger Publications.

Famous Autistic PeopleHow do autistic children cope in family environments? This is one of the pertinent subjects one wants answered, when one has learned, such a child has been heard given the diagnosis of autism. How will this impact the family life, and how can they take in livlihood manageable, for the child with autism? Autism studies show that, at least one in one hundred people are diagnosed with autism. Autism is a challenging and mysterious disorder, and affects each and every child differently. Diagnosis is difficult, and treatment is long term, as every autistic individual reacts differently. It becomes a challenge for your child to feel safe in their surroundings, without shutting them out from the rest of the world. The home is where one wants to focus on making it feel safe and comfortable for the child with autism, and the entire family. Family dynamics is different for everyone. Some autistic children find loud noises and interacting with others to be stressful. In addition, having multiple children in the household can make it harder for the child with autism to communicate. Having other children in the household may be overwhelming for the senses of the autistic child, but it can be advantageous for he or she, to be aware of new stimulus and activity that may create a healthy environment. Other children in the family can be taught to respect their needs, their space of an autistic child, and try to understand certain behaviors they have. These behaviors are manageable. Many parents with autistic children have experienced times when their child may not be as interactive, ‘cuddly’, and communicative as a well-balanced, functioning child. The parent should not feel left out, if the child does not want to interact with them, or with other family members. Autistic children enjoy playing alone, being in a safe area, such as a corner, or a specified comfortable area. Loud noises, bright lights, flashing lights, new people, and different environments may cause more stress for the child with autism and confusion. Understanding that this is not part of the lack of love from the child, is important, and will allow you to make the child feel comfortable and safe. Famous Autistic People Extended family could create unexpected stress and negative behavior patterns for a child with autism. Relatives may not understand that an autistic child might want to be alone, and they may try to force the child to interact or socialize. This will result in issues and tantrums. It is extremely important to educate extended family, on the disorder of autism, and why the child may behave in certain ways. Everyone who interacts with the child, needs to respect their boundaries and choose ways that the child feels is comfortable for his or her personality. Don’t let your love ones suffer anymore! Lead them out through Famous Autistic People program now!

Feeling lost without solutions? Famous Autistic People is a proven Autism Solution for your Child.

Try The Program and change child’s life forever!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/famous-autistic-people-coping-with-autistic-children-in-a-family-environment-1786214.html

Deaf AutisticIf your child has autism when that happens you’re a walking intention for friends, relatives and much strangers to give unsolicited advice. You come to find they have desired intentions but it’s still a very hurtful experience. We’ve compiled a list of average mistakes who people make. When operating to parents whose children have autism, right here are some conditions you provided never say. AUTISM DOES NOT MEAN DEAF You’re chatting to your friend and you notice her child engaging in some strange behavior. You’re curious and you ask “What is he doing? Does he always do that?” Questions like these place a parent in a very difficult situation. They are also very damaging to the autistic child’s self esteem. The child might not look up at you but he heard what you said. A common misconception is that people with autism don’t comprehend the world around them. Nothing could be further from the truth. People with autism might not respond or react in typical ways. They might not have much speech but they do understand what’s being said. Keep in mind that many of them have acute hearing and can hear what you’re saying clear across a room. Deaf Autistic ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS You’re standing in line a busy store. The woman in front of you is struggling to keep her sanity intact. Her child is running off and pushing items off the sales racks to the ground. “What an insolent child” you think to yourself. “His mother should discipline him better!” Don’t jump to conclusions just yet. It’s very possible the child has autism. Even if you’re tempted, do not roll your eyes and shake your head in disdain with other customers. This mom faces judgment at every turn. You will make her day if you smile broadly at her. Then offer to keep her place in line so that she can redirect her child. DISCIPLINE ADVICE You’re visiting a friend whose child has autism. Her child is painstakingly building a tower and he accidentally knocks it over. Devastated at his mistake, he flies into a rage and hurls the blocks through the air. Your friend quiets the situation but you don’t approve of the way she handles it. Shocked at her son’s inappropriate outburst, you offer some well meaning advice and share your discipline tactics. Don’t let your love ones suffer anymore! Lead them out through Deaf Autistic program now!

Feeling lost without solutions? Deaf Autistic is a proven Autism Solution for your Child.

Try The Program and change child’s life forever!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/deaf-autistic-dont-say-this-to-parents-whose-children-have-autism-1769780.html