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The Health Benefits of Green Tea

If you haven’t been hiding under a rock, then you’ve probably read or heard about the benefits of drinking green tea for your diet and overall health. Green tea has been used for centuries as a healing herb that can protect your digestion, prevent cancer, and calm anxiety. Mostly used by the Chinese as a healing drink, green teas come in all different varieties nowadays.

Tea, in general, is used to soothe us when we’re sick, keep us warm in the winter, and can even protect against certain viruses, accelerate digestion, and aid menstrual cramps. Green tea, however, has special properties that make it even more of a healthy addition to your diet.

Many researchers and enthusiasts would say that green tea is by far the healthiest beverage you can drink. Most of this is owing to the high number of antioxidants, and the natural ways in which drinking a cup a day can improve several aspects of your health and body. You won’t want to go back after you see how green tea can help you stay on the right health track.

Which compounds make up green tea?

The reason that green tea is so good for you is that it naturally contains certain compounds that stimulate parts of the body and digestive system in very positive ways. For example, one of these nutrients is called polyphenols. These specifically act to reduce inflammation in the body and can even work toward preventing cancer. If you have a history of cancer in your family, or if you suffer from chronic pain or any other ailment that includes inflammatory side effects, think about implementing green teas into your diet.

Other healing properties in green tea include catechins. These protect free radicals from spreading in the body. They also have a whole range of positives. Catechins act to protect the cells from damage by eliminating free radicals that could potentially hurt existing cells. Free radicals are responsible for any adverse side effects in the aging process and the spread of diseases.

Green tea can improve your brain functioning!

Some more good news about green tea? It doesn’t just help your body in staying healthy. It also helps your brain! Green tea does contain caffeine, which allows the body to stay alert (and doesn’t have as much as caffeine, which can have negative effects on the brain).

Beyond caffeine, green tea also has an amino acid called L-theanine, which acts in crossing the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine increases the flow and activity of neurotransmitter GABA, which also works to calm anxiety. It also increases dopamine! You can be so joyful while sipping your tea.

L-theanine appears in several different products besides teas, like Zach Attack Supplements, which also helps the digestive system for the better.

Make green tea your newest obsession.

Just like “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” a cup of green tea a day can drastically improve brain and body functioning. If you don’t believe us, try it yourself! You don’t have to worry about staining your teeth through frequent tea consumption as you can always get teeth polishing by the cosmetic dentist in Alhambra.

Latest Celebrity Workout Trends

The good news is that the world as a whole is becoming increasingly aware of how healthy our lifestyles have become. This means that we are taking our health into our own hands and trying to do something about it, starting with a much cleaner diet and exercise regime. And different celebrities are paving the way for us by sharing on social media all different kinds of exercise regimes that have been gaining in popularity over the past few years. So, if you want to train like a celebrity, here’s how to do it.

Step up to the barre

One specific kind of exercise has been sweeping the fitness world for the past year, and that is ballet exercise. It actually has nothing to do with dancing, but a lot to do with the shape of the body. Dancers’ bodies are not only very strong and flexible, but they are also shaped beautifully, and that comes from a lot of small, repetitive movements that they do in every warmup and every class. If you think you will do a few plies and call it a day, you have another thing coming, so make sure you bring a towel to wipe the sweat off your face after the first few minutes. You might notice that you are activating some groups of muscles that have never been used before, like in your feet and ankles, which is perfect for models who have to keep their balance in very high heels.

Private and tailored

It’s no secret that all of our bodies are different. And not only in shape and looks, but the way they react to different forms of exercise as well. Add on top of that the fact we’re all living different lives and have different needs and you’ve got a clear solution. Nearly every celebrity has a private trainer (or team of trainers) who creates a custom workout plan for them to suit their needs and their bodies. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to do that – just ask around in your local gym and see if there are any coaches that would like to take on a new client. These routines are usually a mix of strength and cardio, but it can also be dance classes, boxing or anything else. On the other hand, if you don’t have time for this kind of training, you should try waist trimmers.

Have a machine do it for you

Technology has been a part of our exercise routines for a long time now, but the newest innovations are machines who either help increase the work you’re doing or even do it completely for you. Take for example this amazing whole-body vibration machine which helps warm up all of your muscles and joints and simulates a stronger gravity field below you, making all of your usual exercises that much more effective. For most people, it’s something that you’d use in your gym if your gym had one, but you can also buy it for your home if you are serious about your exercise.

Get the stress out

Many celebrities, like Gigi and Bella Hadid, have said that their favorite way to blow off steam and to get their exercise in is boxing. It’s a great mix of cardio and strength, as you need to be very quick on your feet and keep moving around, as well as hit hard. Just make sure that you are working with a coach, especially when you’re starting out, to make sure you are doing everything correctly because you might literally break your hand if you do not know how to position it properly.

Yoga

Of course, save the best for last. There is rarely a celebrity who doesn’t indulge in some yoga, either every morning or a few times per week. From Ashley Graham to Felicity Jones, these celebs say that yoga is a way to build up strength, without building too much muscle mass. It’s similar to what we said about ballet, how it shapes the body in a much different way than lifting weights would. And you don’t need to have access to a personal trainer and in-house studio. There are free yoga classes all around you, you just need to find them.

This is how the celebs like to stay fit, but once again, you’re much more likely to have great results if you find what works best for you and makes you feel good, rather than copying someone else.

Healthy Habits – 5 Simple Steps to Improve Your Overall Health

It’s very simple. The way you treat your body will determine how well it will function as you grow older. Most of us are aware of this and also of what exactly we should do to keep our body and mind healthy well into our golden years. So, why aren’t we all doing what we should? Mostly because it’s much easier to reach for fast food than to cook a proper meal, it’s faster to get somewhere by car than on foot, and sitting in front of the TV with a huge bag of chips is often more convenient than going jogging. Plus, when you think of all the things you should change about your lifestyle, you can get overwhelmed. The key is to do it gradually, one small but firm step at a time. Here are five steps towards better overall health and improved quality of life.

Keep your drinks sugar-free

When it comes to hydration, it’s very important for your wellbeing. However, not everything you drink is good for you. The best choice is, obviously, plain water, and about eight glasses of it per day. If the taste of water bores you and you want something different, you can always infuse it with some fresh fruit. Squeeze a lemon or a grapefruit, or even some pomegranate for that refreshing flavor. Another option is to boil some tea, especially green tea. Whatever you choose, just don’t let it be sugary drinks, such as soda or fruit juice. Those are loaded with sugar which can lead to obesity and some even more serious health issues, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Even those drinks which are advertised as healthy and with antioxidant properties usually contain too much sugar to actually benefit you in any way, so try staying away from them.

Commit yourself to a physical activity

Regular physical activity keeps you fitter and improves your immune function, and that can lower your chances of getting hypertension, stroke or heart disease down the road. Also, it enhances your strength, flexibility, and stamina, allowing you to perform your everyday tasks with more ease. Exercise is also beneficial to your mental health, as it boosts your mood and your self-esteem. Therefore, if you’ve been living a sedentary life and haven’t been active for a long time, start with short walks and then keep adding distance and speed to them as you gain back your strength. Also, there are many types of workout which you could find joyful. If gym exercises aren’t your cup of tea, try yoga, dancing, or get a bike and ride it instead of driving your car whenever possible. Once you get a hang of it, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to start.

Reconsider your choice of protein sources

When you mention protein, most people’s minds instantly wander towards meat. However, there are some great options which don’t originate from animals. In fact, there are multiple vegan protein sources you can rely on for proper nutrient intake, and it’s a common misconception that vegans don’t get enough protein. For instance, soy products, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and beans are loaded with protein. If those don’t interest you, how about potatoes, spinach or broccoli? So, instead of gorging yourself on steaks and deep-fried chicken, try switching to these plant-based foods, which will most likely make you feel light and energetic.

Get enough rest

Sleeping enough is another requirement for good long-term health, but one that we often don’t pay enough attention to. This is something you should work on. Getting your eight hours of sleep is crucial for your body, and especially your brain to work normally. When you’re sleep deprived, you could easily become nervous, irritated and have trouble concentrating on anything, which then decreases your productivity. This can even lead to stress and anxiety. It’s up to you to create a routine which will have you in bed and out of it at the same time every day, including weekends, and one which won’t include you staring at your computer, phone or TV until the moment you close your eyes. The lights from those screens send your brain the signal that it’s not time to sleep yet, which can make it difficult to fall asleep. Instead, have a cup of chamomile tea and get some uninterrupted and restful sleep every night.

Choose fresh over-processed foods

Processed foods can be very tasty. Actually, that’s how they’re made. The companies who sell them want you to buy their products, so they make them so desirable to your taste buds, that you simply can’t resist them. However, these foods are usually full of sugar, or even worse, high fructose corn syrup, salt, bad fats, and various artificial ingredients. More often than not, they contain a high count of empty calories, meaning that they don’t contain the nutrients you need to stay healthy. They are the primary cause of obesity and they can damage your metabolism greatly. This is why it’s always a good idea to choose real food over the processed, especially fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, avoid eating junk food during the day and visiting restaurants that serve it. Rather make your own meals at home, from scratch. Nowadays, there are so many quick and simple recipes for healthy meals online, that you really don’t have an excuse to keep eating something which could harm you and eventually make you sick.

Nothing’s as precious as health, so invest your time and effort in yourself by following these five steps. You’ll be glad you did once you’re older.

How To Monitor Your Kids Without Spying on Them

Sometimes, the world seems scary. Things such as global warming, crime, famine, war, disease make us want to keep our kids indoors or to hire a private investigator to follow them around all day. According to the latest statistics, more than 2ooo children are reported missing every day.

Despite these horrible facts, it’s nearly impossible to forbid your kids to play outside on the plastic playground, spend a night over a friend’s house, follow Kim Kardashian on Instagram or dye their hair. They might do all this without you knowing it. Well, eventually, you will see their rainbow hairstyle.

According to PDPlay, playing outside contributes to cognitive and emotional development, improve sensory skills, and increase attention spans in children.

Kids want to explore, become part of the community, and express their individuality. They are going to do something not very thoughtful anyway ( just like you when you were a kid). Making mistakes is part of the learning process. As a parent, you should figure out whether you want to be with them when they are in danger, or you want to be the last to know about their ‘adventure’.

Indeed, monitoring your kids is like walking on thin ice. On the one hand, it would be great to know every little thing about your children in order to help them avoid getting into trouble. On the other hand, they will never agree to you reading their diary just the way you read your Sunday paper.

Get to know their friends

Being aware of what your kids are doing and who they are hanging out with is the first step. Most kids want to be social because that’s the way they learn and explore the world. You will not always like their friends, but it doesn’t give you the right to speak badly about them and forbid your child from playing with them.

Make sure to invite their friends to your house from time to time. Also, don’t hesitate to get to know their parents. First of all, you might be able to find friends for yourself. Secondly, being on good terms with other parents makes the monitoring process easier.

If you see that your child’s friend behaves inappropriately (swearing, stealing, lying, etc.), talk to your kid about it. It shouldn’t be a negative conversation. All you need to do is to describe the situation and ask your kid about their honest opinion. That’s how you can help your children understand where the line good and bad is and develop their critical thinking.

Have an honest discussion

If you really want to protect your children, warn them about the potential danger. For instance, small kids should be aware that their body parts are private, and no one except a doctor can touch them.

Also, tell them what to do if a stranger starts speaking to them on the street and offering something. Before you start this kind of conversation with your child, tell them that you love them, and want to protect them. It is a much better tactic than using a commanding tone.

Be their friend

The best way of keeping track of what’s happening in your child’s life is to build trust and become their friend.

Make sure to have one-on-one time with them every day, accept them for who they are, and involve yourself in their interests. It’s important to listen to what they are saying even though you are not the biggest fan of Justin Bieber, Monster High, or League of Legends.

Also, if you want to know your child’s secrets, consider telling them yours as well.

Talk about the media

Some kids have their Instagram profiles before they learn how to walk and speak. Your child is going to have an online presence one day. Maybe they already have, and you just don’t know about it. So, before they create their first Facebook or Instagram account, let them know what they should be aware of. If your child is not even twelve, you might want to ask them for their passwords. Once again, don’t be bossy and respect their decision (in case they refuse to give you their social media account passwords).

Explain to them how they should behave on the Internet. Let them know that they should keep their personal information private, avoid sending their photos to strangers and repost when someone else misbehaves. Encourage them to think twice before they text, post, and share content. The ugly truth is that everything people do on the Internet might stay there forever and even go public.

Consider monitoring programs

If your kids go to school alone, consider installing monitoring programs. Before you do that, let them know about it. If they don’t agree to this, suggest to ‘spy’ on you as well (so that your kids are going to see where you are).

The bottom line

If you want to protect your kids without spying on them, make sure to establish a trustworthy relationship and become their best friends. Consider inviting their friends to your house so that you can get to know them better.

It’s essential to warn your kids about potential danger and explain to them why you forbid certain things. Before they create their social media account, teach them how to behave online, and how not to develop a social media addiction. Also, consider installing monitoring programs so that you know where your kids are playing.

Parenting is a real challenge, but you should know that you are doing a great job so far!

3 Survival Tips for Moving Your Elderly Loved One

Making the decision to move your elderly loved one is never easy. They’re going to be attached to the home where they’ve spent most of their adult lives.

Whether you’re moving your elderly relative to another family members home or to a senior housing community these survival tips are sure to make moving day run smoothly.

Plan the Move

As with any other move you want to make sure you have the entire move planned.

I’m talking about from the organizing, packing, repairing, cleaning, and unpacking.

The moment the moving becomes something that’s happening, you should get quotes from a few moving companies, such as Hudson Movers, so you can budget.

It can help to write everything down in a notebook and important dates on a calendar to make sure everyone involved knows what needs to be done and what the current status is.

Ask Other Relatives for Help

Don’t think you can handle the entire moving alone? Maybe you overestimated the amount of time you could dedicate?

Whatever the reason, go ask your relatives for help.

In the case of parents, siblings and cousins are great options. Alternatively, see if your spouse and the kids wouldn’t mind donating a few hours to help you.

They could have a clear schedule to help and in return, it would help take some of the pressure off you.

Decide What to Do with Their Home

Deciding on what to do with your elderly relatives home is something that needs to be determined the moment it is time for them to move.

Maybe you want to renovate it and rent it out. Maybe some other relatives want to move in. Perhaps it’s time to sell it to be able to afford their expenses.

Whichever options you may be considering make sure to discuss them with your elderly relative, if possible, and other authoritative family members.

Keep in mind, you just don’t want to have the house sitting empty or it could lead to squatters setting in or even vandalism.

Make Sure They Have Keepsakes

It’s not easy on your elderly loved one to move. Their new location will probably be a downgrade, which means they’ll have to leave a lot of their belongings behind.

Therefore, if possible, allow them to pack a personal bag that contains some of their memories throughout the years. If they can’t pack their own bag, take a few minutes to put together some keepsakes for them that you’re sure they wouldn’t want to be without.

Conclusion: You Can Survive Moving Your Elderly Loved One

Moving at any point is going to be stressful and not something that you’re looking forward to. With these tips, moving your elderly loved one should go smoothly and it won’t feel like such a burden for you.

Have you ever had to move an elderly loved one? If so, what made the moving process go the easiest?

A New Mom’s Guide to Using Breast Pumps

Being a new mom can be both exciting and scary. There are many things that you must learn as you navigate through all the do’s and don’ts of parenthood. One of the first things that every mom takes on is breastfeeding. After all, breast milk is dubbed as the “superfood” for a reason.

However, every once in a while, you will be unable to breastfeed your baby. You might think that you will always be around 24/7, but eventually, reasons will appear. You may have to go back to work or perhaps your little one is unable to latch on properly. The good news is, you can use a breast pump to collect milk and store it for future meals. Because you can create a stash of milk, your baby will not have to skip this nutrient-filled food.

There are 2 types of breast pumps, electric and manual. Manual pumps are less expensive than their electric counterparts and are travel-friendly because they don’t need an outlet to work. Electric breast pumps, on the other hand, take no effort to use and are more efficient in expressing milk. But if you’re worried about portability, according to CuteLittleDarling.com, you can now find an electric breast pump that is rechargeable. What this means is you can also take your unit with you wherever without worrying for a power source.

When Can You Start Pumping?

Some moms immediately start pumping right after their baby is born. The reason for this is because pumping can help encourage their milk supply. If the child is born premature, his/her mom can start early on pumping as well.

However, do note that it is crucial that you have established breastfeeding first before bottle feeding. This usually happens around your baby’s 4 to 6 months of life, and after this, you can pump in between your feeding sessions. The back and forth expressing of milk in breastfeeding and pumping allows you to drain your breasts more efficiently and prevent engorgement.

If you have to leave for a long duration, you can start pumping 2 to 3 weeks beforehand to get more comfortable. Pumping this early also lets you collect enough milk for your baby.

When is the Best Time to Pump?

The short answer is during the day, or better yet, in the morning. Your breasts are going to be naturally fuller during this time, which can help you pump more efficiently. If you are interchangeably breastfeeding and pumping, you can do your session an hour after you breastfeed your baby in the morning. However, you can also pump during the evening if this is more convenient for you.

Some moms even use a manual pump type called a milk catcher. Pumping using a milk catcher is also called passive pumping because it only catches the milk from your breast as you breastfeed with the other. Passive pumping is an efficient way to avoid wasted milk and expand your stash.

Speaking of expanding your milk stockpile, pumping every 2 hours in-between breastfeeding can also help in increasing your milk supply. Milk production works in a supply and demand scheme, which means, to maintain your production level, you have to keep your demand.

If you’re not with your baby, you can pump at the same time with his/her breastfeeding session. This way, you can keep your milk supply level high. If you are replacing missed breastfeeding sessions, it is best that you pump every 3 or 4 hours similar to a baby’s milk demand.

How Long Should It Take Using the Pump?

The duration of each mom using a pump will vary individually. Some women only need 15 minutes to express the right amount of breast milk, while some take twice the time. Once you notice that your breasts feel drained and the milk flow is slowing down, you can stop your session.

As we have said earlier, you can pump every 3 or 4 hours. This takes a total of 8 to 10 times a day and usually gives you more than a thousand milliliters of milk. Pumping for this duration can boost your milk production and allows you to drain your breasts with milk efficiently.

How to Prepare for a Pumping Session

It is essential that you feel relaxed and comfortable before pumping. Some people even suggest thinking of your baby as it contributes to stimulating your body to produce milk.

You can also massage your breasts before (and during) pumping or put a warm compress on them to stimulate milk let-down. Besides these methods, check if you have the perfect flange size will make pumping more effective and comfortable.

How to Use a Breast Pump

Each model may have a specific direction unique to it, which is why it is best to read its manual first. However, some general things that you must know in using a breast pump involve the following:

Check if you have the right flange size. You can also moisten the flange itself with water to create a good seal.
Your nipple must be in the center of the flange before you start pumping.
Start with a low suction level. Most pumps on the market mimic a baby’s suction rhythm, which involves 2 phases; stimulation and expression.
After each use, make sure that you clean your pump. Closed system pumps are easier to clean because it has a barrier between the pump mechanism and the collected milk.
Pay attention to the pump parts that are in contact with the milk and your breast. Clean and scrub them with hot water and liquid soap and then air dry. You should also check if the unit you have is dishwasher safe to save time.

How to Store Breast Milk

First, fill your milk bottles only three-quarters full. The reason for this allowance is because frozen milk can expand. You should also never freeze milk in large quantities as they will be difficult to thaw.

You can store freshly expressed milk for as long as 4 hours in room temperature. Keep in mind that they must be away from any sources of heat. If you put your milk in the fridge, its lifespan can last up to 4 days. But if you want a longer preservation period, you can opt to put your stash in the freezer for as long as 6 months. Pro tip: Label each milk bottle to keep track on which you should use first.

Making high-end fashion meet technology – The secret of success of Casio Singapore shock-resistant watches

For men, it is no longer enough to be dressed to impress but knowing how to wear a watch correctly and choose a brand and style that upholds the personality should never go amiss. And to this extent, Casio has an answer for all fashion needs for men that also supports their ambitions to perform at their peak with proper technological support from watches. Watches, though small, can make a significant impact on the style that makes a world of difference because people notice even the smaller details to evaluate a person.

Casio had aimed for developing a watch that never breaks and, in their endeavor, landed up discovering its shock resistant range of watches G-shock that have become an icon in fashion and functionality. The watch that has become synonymous with toughness is not only for tough guys but also for those who want to display it as a valuable fashion accessory. Although it is hard to say which comes first, fashion or functionality, it will be safe to assume that both go hand in hand in Casio Singapore watches.

What G-shock really means?

To say that G-shock watches are shock resistant would be an understatement because only when you know about its wide-ranging resistive abilities that you will realize the power of the small devices. Remember that the watch is the toughest device ever made, and naturally, it can resist every type of shock. Correctly speaking, these watches have 7 elements of shock resistance – it can resist electric shock and water and even low temperature, gravity, shock, vibration, and toughness. Casio packs the watches with its technologies and innovations to achieve the desired level of shock resistance. Typically, protective urethane for internal components and suspended timekeeping modules keep the watches completely unaffected by shocks.

Comfort, style, and functionality

Casio G-shock watches are examples of superior workmanship and technology that has helped to create the devices considered tactical timepieces that never compromise on toughness while ensuring comfort and style. To look for an item that perfectly blends comfort, style, and functionality, there is no need to look beyond G-shock watches that have become the benchmark for the fashion seeking males. Every piece of the watch has its own appeal and meets the aesthetic criteria of fashion-conscious men who are also keen to flaunt a technologically superior watch that meets their high aspirations.

Wearable technology devices

Watches have evolved over the centuries, and now what men wear on their wrists does a lot more than mere timekeeping. To be precise, watches are no more the simple chronometer but aptly named wearable technology devices that can do everything from tracking your health to monitoring your movements and measuring altitude and much more. Men are fond of wearable devices, just as women are fond of jewelry.

Those involved in extreme activities like adventurers and explorers would like the watches that pack a host of technological features to make the devices work in the most severe environment, and Casio could meet their expectations with watches that never fail to thrill.

How to Choose the Perfect Senior Housing Option

Finding the right senior housing options for you can be a challenge. Retirement is a major life change, and the reality is often a major surprise compared to what people expect as they reach retirement age. But when it comes to senior housing, there are more options today than there have ever been.

Starting in 2035, an estimated 2.5 million seniors plan on moving out of their homes, and today’s seniors have very different expectations about what senior housing should look like. The industry has taken notice and they’re coming up with innovative solutions to give seniors more choice.

The Senior of Tomorrow

There are some major differences between today’s and tomorrow’s seniors and older adults in the past. For one, many Boomer seniors are actually financially better off than their children. They’re going to have to rely more on their own resources for senior housing. Second, they’re generally healthier and living longer, expecting to live independently for longer. Finally, many are hoping to find retirement residences with a comfortable atmosphere and a focus on community engagement and social life.

What to Look for in a Retirement Community

#1 Independent Living

Independent living is housing designed for seniors – ranging from separated houses to apartments – that’s friendlier to older adults, easy to navigate, more compact, and requires no maintenance or yard work.

There may be options where you don’t have to worry about cooking, cleaning, or laundry, and most offer amenities like swimming pools or tennis courts. There are also likely to be no shortage of events and activities like exercise programs, holiday gatherings, gardening, movie nights, art classes, and more.

#2 Smart Design

Although moving into a smaller home or senior living apartment may mean less space, it should be better designed. You will need wider hallways, accessibility fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen beyond grab bars such as walk-in bathtubs, non-slip floors, and levers instead of doorknobs. These will make navigating easier even if you require a walker or wheelchair, and they will reduce the risk of injury later.

#3 Location

How close is it to your community? To family and friends? Is it convenient for doctors’ offices, shopping, parks, and other amenities? The most important factor in location is whether or not it’s close to communities, places, and people that are important to you.

You should also consider whether or not alternative transportation options are available, as older seniors drive less. Is the location walkable, close to transit, or do the facilities offer shuttle buses?

#4 Prepare for Changes in Your Health

Many consumers don’t think about changes in their health when they find a new place to live in. There are increasingly senior living options that provide flexible care options: nursing care or even memory care available in senior living apartments so that you don’t have to move again. Once is enough.

#5 Affordability

Finally, there’s affordability. While many seniors would prefer to stay in their homes, it may not be practical given the costs of retrofitting – or the fact that many of today’s retirees have most of their net worth in their homes. Selling is the most effective way to tap into that equity reliably.

You’re going to have a lot of options for senior housing. Look at your finances and consider your priorities before you make your decision.

Edwards Syndrome: Overview, Diagnosis, and Risks

Edwards syndrome, or trisomy 18, is a rare genetic condition in which an individual has one or more extra copies of the 18th chromosome. For the most part, Edwards syndrome occurs randomly as a result of an error during meiosis, which is the process of sex cell division, but it may be possible for someone to be a partial carrier of this condition. (A partial carrier is someone who has the genetic mutation which causes Edwards Syndrome but doesn’t show symptoms and is at risk for passing it on to their children.)

Trisomy 18 is associated with significant developmental problems, and babies born with it will usually have a reduced life expectancy. However, if you are pregnant, it is possible to find out whether your baby is affected by Edwards syndrome in the womb. This knowledge can help you to make important decisions about your prenatal care, and your baby’s care after birth.

How is Edwards Syndrome Detected?

Edwards syndrome can often be detected in a fetus within 7 days of undergoing the MaterniT21 PLUS prenatal screening. This non-invasive blood test poses no harm to the developing child but can inform of the baby’s likelihood to be born with a number of genetic abnormalities. If a prenatal screening test shows signs that a baby has a chromosomal abnormality, additional testing will be necessary. Prenatal genetic screening is not considered a diagnostic test.

How is Edwards Syndrome Diagnosed?

Trisomy 18 can be diagnosed before and after birth. The only way to diagnose this condition before birth is by undergoing some form of prenatal diagnostic testing, including amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. These tests involve inserting a needle into the uterus to remove a small sample of the placenta or the baby’s amniotic fluid. The DNA from the sample is then tested in a lab to confirm any genetic abnormality.

Edwards syndrome can also be diagnosed after birth when symptoms of the condition become apparent and the doctor performs a physical exam on the child. This diagnosis will always be confirmed with DNA testing in order to verify the presence of an extra 18th chromosome.

What are the Symptoms of Edwards Syndrome?

Depending on the location of the extra 18th chromosome, symptoms of Edwards syndrome will vary in severity. Babies with this condition will often be low in weight, cry softly, and will have difficulty growing. They may also be born with underdeveloped organs and abnormally small body parts.

What are the Risks of Edwards Syndrome?

Due to the wide range of developmental problems in these children, only 5-10% live beyond their first year. Those who survive past the first year often face considerable health challenges and intellectual disability that can make independence difficult.

Females are more likely to survive longer with this condition, though lower mortality rates have been noted for those with higher birth weights of both genders.

Speak with Your Doctor

Remember that most babies are born healthy, but if you are concerned that your baby may be born with a genetic disorder, speak with your doctor. They will be able to recommend specific testing options that are right for you and your medical history, as well as answer any questions you may have about the condition or the process.

If your child is found to have Edwards syndrome while still in-utero, you may have additional questions about their condition and their future care. A genetic counselor may help make this news more manageable by helping guide you and your family through the pregnancy and planning for the future.

6 Easy Tips for Entertaining at Home This Summer

This summer is set to be a blazing hot one. In fact, June this year was the hottest on record. So, it all points towards high temperatures persisting all the way through summer. And that means there’s never been a better time to help people cool off by entertaining them at your home.

But you need to keep everyone comfortable, so they have the best possible time. Here are a few easy tips for you to make your next event a memorable one.

Do the Work First

Don’t be that person who tries to prep and plan in the minutes before your guests arrive. Prep and plan well in advance so everything is ready and you don’t have to worry about anything.

After all, don’t you want to join the party and enjoy it with your friends and family?

Decorate with Your Flowers

Nothing says summer like flowers. But before you decide to waste money on buying them from the store, look closer to home.

Take a glance at the leaves and flowers in your garden. A few minutes spent making some strategic cuts can create a few small bouquets for your event. Tie them together with some pretty ribbons and you have your decorations ready to go.

Invest in Some Outdoor Cookware

Some people decide to pull out the grill. But why not do something different and consider pulling out an outdoor pizza oven from Forno Venetzia instead?

Other options might include a premium grill or a minibar so guests can serve themselves.

Keep Your Guests Cool

The latest heatwave has been blamed for at least six deaths already. It’s important to keep cool if you’re hanging out this summer.

Make sure you have a lot of ice on hand. Have more than you need if the temperatures start to soar.

Offering some summery cocktails to your guests is an excellent way of making sure everyone is comfortable.

Make Things Cozy at Night

Maybe you decided to hold an event in the evening instead? During the summer season, people always underestimate how the temperature can change at night.

Nothing creates some awesome summer memories like a campfire or a firepit. They are a great way to end events that you may host as the summer season ends.

Just make sure you check to make sure your local town or city doesn’t prohibit fires on residential property to avoid being fined.

Keep the Bugs Away

Unfortunately, summer also brings bugs. Mosquitoes are perhaps the biggest nuisance, especially at sunset.

Not all your guests are going to be well-prepared for this apocalypse. Try to have lots and LOTS of insect repellent to stop your guests from becoming uncomfortable and packing up early.

There are plenty of insect repellents on the market, but you should choose only EPA approved repellents, so you know that they’re safe and that they actually work.

Last Word – Creating the Best Summer Gathering Ever

Good friends, good food, and good drinks are the only real things that people expect when they go to a party.

Provide all these things and your party is always going to be a success. Do everything you can to make your guests comfortable and they’ll want to return every weekend!

Have you started planning your summer party yet?