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Archive for the ‘Internet Gender Issues’ Category

The prostate is an important segment of the male reproductive system. It is a land that is located in the lower abdominal cavity, just below the bladder, in front of the rectum and behind the pubic bone. It partially surrounds the urethra. The urethra is the channel that carries urine to the penis from the bladder and it runs right through the prostate. A healthy prostate is about the size of a walnut, weighs approximately 1 ounce and is shaped similar to a donut.
Symptoms Of Prostate Problems
Enlargement of the prostate is called benign prostate hypertrophy, or BPH. While this growth is usually considered a nuisance, if a man experiences problems with burning, or difficult urination at any time, the prudent course of action is consulting a urologist.

Other symptoms may be:

* A feeling of having to push out urine

* A sensation that the bladder is not emptying

* Increased urinating, especially at night

* Intermittent starting and stopping of the urinary stream

After a diagnosis of BPH, many men will just continue to live with the symptoms and subsequent discomfort. It is not a life threatening condition, and there are treatments. In some cases surgery might be considered if the enlargement is significant.

Ignoring BPH can be extremely dangerous and lead to other disease such as kidney infections or damage as the urine can back up into the kidneys because of the blockage of an enlarged prostate. There can also be an occurrence of bladder infections.

There is a huge difference between BPH and prostate cancer. BPH is a normal part of aging. Prostate cancer is a condition where prostate cells grow exponentially and out of control. These cells create tumors that may spread to any part of the body.

Numerous health organizations report that 1 in 6 men will experience prostate cancer. However, if the condition is diagnosed early, approximately 99% of
them will survive. The key is early detection.

Michael Morgan publishes a personal blog about prostate cancer and other prostate problems at: www.my-prostate-cancer.com He also has written the men’s guide to prostate health. You can read more about it at:

www.men-prostate-health.com

Throughout the 9 months of your pregnancy, nature ensures that your body will be prepared to breast feed your baby. Breastfeeding will give your baby the best source of nutrients, and result in a good healthy start for your baby.

Breastfeeding and nursing your baby is an acquired skill. For both mom and baby, this will require time and patience on both parts. Breastfeeding comes more natural for some mothers and babies, but don’t feel pressure to perform.

If you happen to experience some difficulties in breastfeeding your baby, you can contact your local La Leche League and they will be happy to supply a local lactation consultant. They specialize in helping a new mother to breastfeed her baby, and have a lot of resources to ensure your breastfeeding success!

The First Two Days After Giving Birth

Most healthcare providers will encourage a mother to begin breastfeeding her baby as soon as possible. Some instances when breastfeeding a baby isn’t encouraged is when there was a difficulty in delivery such as a cesarean section. You will find that many babies immediately take to the breast, and find themselves breastfeeding with little to no effort. However, there are some cases such as a premature birth of a baby where the mother has a problem while trying to breastfeed her baby. If this is the case a mother can still stroke her baby, and encourage the baby to begin breastfeeding when it is ready.

Having Success in Breastfeeding

The best way to start breastfeeding your baby is to create an environment that is as calm as possible, as it will help provide both you and baby a soothing atmosphere to breastfeed. Keeping a drink nearby is a helpful tip to breastfeeding, as it will keep up your fluid intake.

One key to a successful breastfeeding is being in a comfortable nursing position. In general, most new mothers nurse and breastfeed their baby while sitting upright on a chair. Some women breastfeed with their feet raised and a pillow (or boppy pillow) on their lap, as that creates a natural, comfortable position for the breastfeeding of baby to take place. If you find that you are tired when you need to breastfeed, lay down on your side. Some women who are experiencing fatigue after their pregnancy find this to be the most relaxing way for them to begin breastfeeding.

An important thing to remember while breastfeeding your baby is to ensure that the baby is held close to your whole body, facing your breast. The baby’s chest should be next to your chest, and you should be able to bring your baby close to your breast easily, to allow an simple position for breastfeeding.

Positioning Your Baby Before Breastfeeding

Before you begin breastfeeding your baby, make sure both you and baby are comfortable. If the position you choose to breastfeed your baby is upright, make sure that baby’s head is supported by either your forearm or hold her head and shoulders with the hand that you have free. While your baby is breastfeeding, their head should be at the same level as your nipple, as this will allow the proper angle for you baby to suck and breastfeed successfully.

Another thing that might assist you in breastfeeding is to cup your breast with your hand. By supporting your breast with your fingers against your ribs, you provide your baby the most opportune ability to breastfeed. One thing to avoid is to pinch your nipple between two fingers, as it can prevent your baby from breastfeeding successfully. Some babies have the natural breastfeeding instinct, where the automatically begin to suck on your nipple as soon as they feel your breast on their cheek.

Ensure that Your Baby Has Latched On

Although it may feel unnatural, make sure your baby is breastfeeding with as much of your breast in their mouth as possible. Your baby is properly positioned if they are breastfeeding with a “mouthful” of breast, including your nipple and perhaps most of the areola.

While breastfeeding, your baby’s bottom lip should be curled back, as their jaw muscles will work almost rhythmically. If you notice that your baby’s cheeks are caving in while breastfeeding, then they aren’t suckling properly, and might make the breastfeed unsuccessful. If this is the case, to ensure proper breastfeeding you should reposition yourself or your baby and try again.

Changing Breasts if Necessary

Most babies breastfeed with various sucking patterns – from short sucks to longer bursts of sucking and sometimes with pauses in between. Your baby will let you know if your breast is empty by falling asleep or letting your nipple fall out of their mouth. This means that it’s time to breastfeed with the other breast.

If you feel that you need to stop your baby from breastfeeding, the easiest and most effective way is to break the breastfeed with your fingers. If your baby refuses to breastfeed with your other breast, let some time pass and the try breastfeeding again with the other nipple.

Engorgement

You may notice that a few days after you deliver your baby, your breast might begin to feel swollen. This is called engorgement of the breasts, and might even feel painful with accumulations of blood and milk. Breastfeeding as much as eight times within a 24 hour period might help alleviate this pain. One thing you can do is to make engorgement of the breast feel better, is to express a little bit of breast milk before you baby begins breastfeeding.

The Combination of Breast Milk and Bottle

At some point it might be necessary to give yourself a break from breastfeeding by pumping breast milk into a bottle. If you find yourself out on the run, or are returning to work, then pumping your breast milk will provide your baby with the same nutrients that they receive when the breastfeed. Breastfeeding is the best way to ensure your baby is getting what it needs – after all, the saying “mother’s milk is best” is definitely the case. At some point, you will need to stop breastfeeding altogether – but do this gradually, to provide proper transition.

Brian Gardner is the Founder of PregnancyEtc.com – An Online Pregnancy Resource For 9 Months & Beyond. Having recently experienced pregnancy firsthand with his wife Shelly, Brian has dedicated his efforts towards pregnancy research. The development of http://www.pregnancyetc.com was to ensure that expecting parents had a place to find information on pregnancy and babies.

Celebrate the month of your birth by having a mammogram – toast your life with this fast, easy and noninvasive test.

A first mammogram is a right of passage for most women at forty. 66.9% of women over the age of forty have had baseline mammograms to establish and document their breast health. But 30% of women have somehow missed this important message and it is an especially important one for the Hispanic and Asian communities who have the lowest average screening rates among American women.

There has been much confusion and controversy in the media about the benefits of mammography in the last two years. In a Danish study that was released in 2001 researchers concluded widespread mammography screening was unjustified. This study along with the numerous ensuing counter arguments criticizing the studies methodology has left many women unsure of the benefits of mammography.

On May 14 of this past year The American Cancer Society released its guidelines emphasizing the role and important benefits of mammography. The panel of independent experts reconfirmed that regular mammography screening reduces breast cancer deaths.

Mammography screening is endorsed by The American Cancer Society, The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed female cancer in the United States. One out of every 10 women will be diagnosed with the disease and 40,000 women will die from breast cancer in the United States this year.

According to The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations web site, “Although some breast cancers are found by women themselves, the vast majority are now detected by mammography at early stages, and at a size too small to be felt.”

Almost every woman should have a baseline mammogram done at age 40 and every two years after that until age 50 (75% of all breast cancers are found in women over the age of 50). Some practitioners even suggest yearly testing for all women over 40. At age 50 and beyond a mammogram should be done yearly. Those with a family history of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about the possible need for earlier testing.

It is an uncomplicated, non-evasive procedure that literally takes a few minutes of your time but it could very well be the test that saves your life.

What if you can’t afford screening?

Most medical insurance policies cover mammogram screenings and for those without health insurance there are may low cost and no cost programs available. Check with your local chapter of The American Cancer Society, the women’s health center at your local hospital or Department of Human Services for low or no cost programs offered in your community.

What To Expect

It is always easier to keep a medical appointment when you know what to expect and information is so important in having a relaxed and comfortable procedure.

First of all, for menstruating women, schedule you appointment shortly after you have finished your period. This is a time when you are least likely to have breast tenderness and sensitivity or additional swelling of the breast tissue from fluid retention.

It is best to avoid wearing underarm deodorant the day of your test because the chemicals in some products can mimic calcification spots on the highly sensitive x-ray film.

You will be asked to undress from the waist up and will be given a hospital gown and robe to wear.

The technician will explain the procedure to you. She will gently position your breast on the small, adjustable machine platform, a metal square of about 12″ X 12″. Many thoughtful technicians will warm up the metal with a heating pad for a few moments before starting your test.

It is necessary to flatten the breast tissue as much as possible and this is typically done with a clear Lucite panel or paddle. It can be a little uncomfortable but it is necessary and shouldn’t be painful. The flatter the breast tissue the less radiation is needed, resulting in less exposure to your body and the best possible picture. Some screening sites will allow the patient to adjust the pressure herself to minimize discomfort. Ask about this if you feel it will help to minimize any anxiety you may be feeling.

Then you will he asked to stand very still and hold your breath, as the x-ray is taken. The machine will automatically release pressure on your breast as soon as it is done. It takes about 10 seconds from the time the pressure is applied until you’re released.

Typically two different views of each breast will be shot for a total of four 10 second periods of breast compression.

You shouldn’t experience breasts pain during the test. If this happens tell the technician and together you should be able to find a suitable position to make it comfortable for you.

Celebrate Your Life!

Make mammography a part of your yearly health physical along with your blood pressure and cholesterol screening, Pap test and eye checkup. Think of it as nurturing yourself. Each birthday is a time to celebrate the life you’ve lived and ensure that you continue to live healthfully ever after.

For more information please see these web sites :

The USDA site form Mammography
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/

The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
http://www.nabco.org/

The American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

About The Author

Angela Butera Dickson is a full service, freelance copywriter offering some of the best prices on the web. From articles to brochure copy, ghostwriting to marketing letters, she can help you cultivate a polished, professional business image. www.angeladickson.com

angela@angeladickson.com