IMPORTANT DUTIES OF THE HUMAN SKIN

The skin, which is the largest organ in the body, performs several important duties. One of the most important is excretion. This fact could be easily demonstrated if a coat of paint or varnish were applied all over the body, for a person would die almost as quickly as if a dose of poison had been given. The millions of little sweat glands, located just beneath the surface of the skin, are constantly engaged in separating impurities from the blood, which if retained would cause disease and eventually death.

The skin is also an organ of respiration. It absorbs oxygen and eliminates poisonous gases, although by far most of this work is done by the lungs. In some of the lower animals, all the work is done by the skin. The skin not only absorbs oxygen but it also absorbs liquids to a great extent. Absorption through the skin is increased when it is warm and moist. If a person stays in a warm bath for some time, the weight of the body may be increased. Seamen, when adrift on the ocean and deprived of fresh water, have been known to wet their clothing with seawater, since the skin will absorb some of the water without absorbing the salt.

The skin is a great help in the regulation of body temperature. It is non-conducting and dense, which prevents to a considerable degree the escape of essential body heat. When the body becomes overheated from strenuous vital activity, fever, or external heat, the skin relieves the tissues by favoring the escape of heat. This is exactly what happens in fever when you drink plenty of water or do anything to produce perspiration. The moisture passes from the sweat glands out onto the skin surface where it evaporates, resulting in a powerful cooling action.

The skin is also an organ of touch; in fact, it is the largest organ of sensitivity in the body. Through an extensive network of nerves, the skin is very closely connected with all the great nerve centers in the body. That is why water treatments applied to the body surface are so beneficial and have such a good effect in disease affecting the nervous system.

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USING WATER TO PRESERVE HEALTH

Water, so valuable for remedial purposes, is fortunately one of the most abundant elements in nature. The human body is composed of about two-thirds water. The fluid secretions and excretions are more than nine-tenths water. Perspiration and saliva are both close to 100 percent water, while blood is 90 percent and muscle is between 80 and 90 percent water.

Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Healthy people meet their fluid needs by drinking when thirsty and drinking with meals. Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and beverages you drink. However, you can get some fluids through the foods that you eat. For example, broth soups and foods with high water content such as celery, tomatoes, or melons can contribute to fluid intake.

Here are six reasons to make sure you're drinking enough water or other fluids every day:

6 Reasons to Drink Water

WATER AND THE HUMAN BODY

With the exception of pure air, there is no other element in nature that is so important for sustaining life or that has such an important relation to the human system as pure water. A person can live a week or sometimes even much longer on water alone, but dies quickly if he is deprived of it. A large proportion of our food is composed of from 15 to 90 percent water.

Water undergoes no change in the body, but its presence is absolutely essential for the performance of the vital functions, as it enables various organs to perform their work so that life is sustained. The circulatory system is especially dependent upon water. Water composes a large percentage of the fluid portion of the blood that suspends the blood corpuscles as well as the nutritive and waste elements. With the aid of water, nutrients enter the blood and are conveyed to critical areas of the intricate human mechanism where repair and growth are needed.

There is no other substance that is so well adapted for this exact purpose as water. It circulates through the most delicate capillaries without friction, and even passes through membranes into parts of the body that are not accessible by natural openings. Water is continually passing out of the body through one or more of the organs of elimination - skin, kidneys, lungs, or intestines. If the kidney become obstructed, we all know there will be serious trouble. The dry air constantly entering the lungs during normal breathing absorbs moisture from the pulmonary membranes. Therefore, it is necessary to supply the body with an abundance of pure water at all times. The average person eliminates about five pints of water in twenty-four hours, and an equal new supply must be provided in order to preserve the fluidity of the blood. People who work hard physically and perspire profusely naturally require more water than others.

It should also be noticed that the diet has a great deal to do with the amount of water demanded by nature. People who eat largely of animal products and use salt, pepper, spices, and condiments freely, require considerably more water to dissolve and cleanse the system of these unhealthful things. On the other hand, people who eat mostly fruits, vegetables and grains, and avoid the use of stimulating foods and drinks, require less water as a great many vegetables and fruits are composed of more than half water.

Also read; water in the diet

Water is the only substance that really quenches the thirst. Other beverages will relieve thirst only in proportion to the amount of water they contain. Most of these drinks are unwholesome because of the injurious substances that are added.

AMOUNT OF WATER NEEDED DAILY

The average person does not drink enough pure water. At least six to eight glasses must be taken daily. More is better depending upon the kind of food eaten. Cool water is good, but ice water should not be taken. Babies and delicate patients should be given water as carefully as food.

Also read; Why should I monitor Total Body Water?

When one drinks an abundance of pure, fresh water the blood and tissues are bathed and purified, thereby being cleansed of all poisons and waste matter. Water is also an essential constituent of the tissue cells and all body fluids, such as the digestive juices, etc.

Water dissolves nutritive material in the course of digestion, so that it can be absorbed into the blood and carried to various parts of the body to repair and build tissues and remove waste.

Water keeps all mucous membranes of the body soft and prevents friction of their surfaces.

Water aids in regulating body temperature and body processes.

Make a special effort to obtain the purest water available. Recent scientific evidence suggests that elderly people may not feel thirsty even when their bodies are actually in need of water. It was also found that, despite the body’s need for more fluid as would be expected under these circumstances. These factors may lead to the formation of kidney stones and contribute to constipation, an all-too-common problem in the elderly. Therefore, as you grow older, it is even more important that an adequate supply of fluid be obtained every day.

If you think you are not getting enough water, these tips may help:

• Carry a water bottle for easy access when you are at work of running errands.
• Freeze some freezer safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
• Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. This can also help with weight management. Substituting water for one 20-ounce sugar sweetened soda will save you about 240 calories. For example, during the school day students should have access to drinking water, giving them a healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Choose water when eating out. Generally, you will save money and reduce calories.
• Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste and help you drink more water than you usually do.

9 BENEFITS OF DRINKING WARM WATER EVERY MORNING

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Healthy Home Delivery: Giving Birth at Home

Giving birth at home is a safe and satisfying choice for families who want the best possible start for themselves and their babies.

Families who choose homebirth have a much higher chance of enjoying a natural, physiologic birth, and a much lower chance of experiencing unnecessary medical procedures, with outcomes that are just as safe, compared to healthy mothers and babies birthing in hospital.

Other homebirth benefits include:

• Fathers can have a closer and more intimate involvement in labour and birth, which can be difficult in a hospital setting.
• Siblings or other family members can be present and involved. In contrast, hospitals may not offer the flexibility that families seek.
• Homebirth mothers may want to avoid hospitals because of a previous bad experience, or fear of a bad experience, which may even be brought on by a visit to a hospital or medical professional.
• In special circumstances, hospitals may be unable or unwilling to offer gentle or personalized choices, such a preference to avoid routine monitoring and drugs; accommodating the needs of older or younger mothers who want a natural birth (and tend to be subject to higher intervention rates); families seeking a natural birth after cesarean.
• Women who book for a homebirth have an exceptionally low chance of needing a cesarean.
• Many homebirth families may have an awareness of the baby’s experience of birth, and a desire to provide the most gentle start possible for the baby
• Families may be seeking the personal and intimate support provided though one-to-one care with their chosen midwife, Midwifery care usually begins early in pregnancy and lasts through to several weeks after birth
• Staying home is usually a much more attractive option in labour than a cramped car ride to hospital!
• According to a recent US survey, safety is the number one reason that couples give for choosing homebirth.

Reasons why some mothers deliver at home

• Some mothers do not make it to hospital to have a baby.
• Reason vary from lack of money, ignorance, belief, taboo or distance; and sometimes emergency delivery occurs before getting to hospital. In any of the above cases, it is important to alert a local traditional midwife. If possible months ahead of time in order to prepare for the delivery.

Most midwives are known to do a good job and most can detect signs of danger before it is too late. In such cases they recommend hospital delivery. Some traditional midwives help the mother with housework and also with the baby until the mother is strong enough to be on her own.

Whether the mother delivers at home or in hospital, the environment must be very clean. All things needed before and after delivery must be prepared ahead of time and stored in a safe place.

Preparation for home delivery

Requirements:

• A clean sterile razor-blade or a pair of scissors for cutting the umbilical cord.
• Sterile clean thread for trying the cord.
• Sanitary towels or home-made pads for the mother.
• Plastic material or mackintosh for protecting the beddings during delivery.
• Clean clothes for midwife and her helper, to change into.
• Plenty of boiled water which has been cooled and well-stored to keep sterile.
•  A bed where the mother will lie during delivery, although some mothers deliver on the floor.
• Some antiseptic for use in cleaning the hands, equipment and mother’s private parts.

NOTE: The birth attendants must be healthy and clean. They must tie a clean cloth around the mouth and nose when delivering. Before delivery the woman should be cleaned with antiseptic especially around the thighs and pubic area. She should be monitored very carefully. After the head is out, the midwife should make sure that the cord is not coiled around the baby’s neck. After the baby is born, mucus should be cleaned from its nose and mouth to prevent it from choking.

Assisting in childbirth--First Aid Guide

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Toilet training guide for toddlers

Helping your child start to use the potty (or toilet) is a big and very exciting step for you both. If you stay positive and calm, your child will be more likely to settle into things. The secret is to wait for signs that your child is ready for toilet training.

Children usually learn to use the toilet between 18 months and 4 years. Not all kids are ready at the same age. Your child may show signs that they are ready and there are things you can do to help them move out of nappies.

Toilet training tips

• Learning to control the bladder and bowels is an exercise which should be carried effortless during early childhood.
• Toilet training should be approached with a lot of patience and care.
• By one year, some children have been training successfully on toilet manners, while others get their training at one-and-a-half years of age.
• Some children may take up to two years before achieving this goal.
• It is important for mothers to realize that some children are ready for toilet training much earlier than others. This means that there should be a lot of understanding between the mother and the child and there should be no fuss about it.
• The mother can start toilet by observing the times when the baby normally opens the bowels and then keep a record of this. If this is done the mother will get a definite pattern established. Thus, by the time the baby is one-and-a-half years old he is aware when he needs to go to the toilet. And at two years the baby may be able to do it alone without coaching.
• The baby should not be put on the potty for more than five minutes nor be left alone because he may associate the potty with loneliness.
• Bladder training follows a similar pattern, though it comes much later after bowel control.
• Toilet training should not be accompanied by emotional tension, scolding or punishment.
• If the child is having difficulties in training, it may mean that he is not ready for it.
• It is important not to expect immediate perfection after starting.
• Sometimes children revert to soiling themselves. The adult-in-charge should try to find out the reason and should be supportive and encouraging to the child. 

Toilet training: when to start?

Children learn to tell when they need to do a poo or wee at different ages. 

Generally, signs that your child is ready for toilet training appear from about two years on, although some children show signs of being ready at 18 months. Night-time training can be as late as eight years, although most children stop wetting at night by the time they’re five.

Before introducing the toilet or potty, it helps a lot if you have an established daily routine with your child. This way, the new activity of using the toilet or potty can be slotted into your normal routine.

Your child is showing some signs of being ready if he:

• is walking and can sit for short periods of time
• is becoming generally more independent when it comes to completing tasks
• is becoming interested in watching others go to the toilet (this can be awkward or make you uncomfortable at first, but is a good way to introduce things)
• has dry nappies for up to two hours - this shows he’s able to store wee in his bladder (which automatically empties in younger babies or newborns)
• tells you (or shows obvious signs) when he does a poo or wee in his nappy - if he can tell you before it happens, he’s ready for toilet training
• begins to dislike wearing a nappy, perhaps trying to pull it off when it’s wet or soiled
• has regular, soft, formed bowel movements
• can pull his pants up and down
• can follow simple instructions, such as ‘Give the ball to daddy’
• shows understanding about things having their place around the home.

Not all these signs need to be present when your child is ready. A general trend will let you know it’s time to start.

What to do if your child starts wetting or pooing their pants again

This is especially common if something new is happening, such as a new baby in the house. It is normal and the right time will come, but if it does happen:

• Try to understand what caused it.
• Change your child in a calm manner and avoid telling them off or punishing them.
• Remind your child to go to the toilet, as some busy children forget.
• Praise them when they go to the toilet. 
• Introduce fun things for when they use the toilet, like being allowed to choose the toilet paper at the shops or a star or sticker chart. 
• They may need to go back into nappies for a while.

Setbacks and accidents when toilet training

Your child has only just developed the amazing physical ability to manage this body process. As a grown-up, you might not remember, but this takes a while to get right. You can expect accidents and setbacks - these are all just part of the process.

If your child gets upset because of an accident, reassure him that it doesn’t really matter and there’s no need to worry.

To help avoid accidents:

• Pay attention to your child if she says she needs the toilet straight away. She might be right!
• If you’re sure your child hasn’t done a poo or wee in a while, remind him that he might need to go. He might get so caught up in what he’s doing that he doesn’t realise he needs to go until it’s too late.
• Check if your child wants to go to the toilet during a long playtime or before an outing. If she doesn’t want to go, that’s fine.
• Try to make sure the potty or toilet is always easy to get to and use.
• Ask your child to wee just before going to bed.

Try to stay calm if toilet training seems to take longer than you expect. Stay positive about your child’s achievements, because he’ll get there eventually. Too much tension or stress can lead to negative feelings and might result in your child avoiding going to the toilet.

Health problems

You’re probably well tuned in to how your child is feeling and how regular she is. But it’s still worth keeping an eye out for possible problems connected with toilet training. Signs to look for include:

• a big increase or decrease in the number of poos or wees
• poos that are very hard to pass
• unformed or very watery poos 
• blood in the poo or wee (sometimes appears as cloudy wee)
• pain when your child goes to the toilet.

If you feel there might be a problem or you’re worried about how your child is adapting to toilet training, check with your doctor or child and family health nurse.

Huggies have developed a FREE downloadable Toilet Training Guide.  The guide contains helpful tips and ideas to help support you and your child through the toilet training process.  You can access the guide from their website.

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Types of weaning foods

It advisable that you start with something that tastes just like breast-milk and just as nutritious. There are commercially prepared flours that are enriched with vitamins A, B and D, and soya. It is advisable to speak to a pediatrician for advice because weaning as a process introduces a life-long feeding to the child.

Factors to consider when weaning a baby.

The weaning period if not well-monitored could affect the health of the child. The following points should be put into consideration:

• If weaning is done prematurely, the body may become malnourished and the mother’s milk insufficient.
• The baby should be weighed regularly during weaning to ascertain that growth rate is acceptable.
• The nursing mother should continue to get a nutritious diet to stay healthy.
• Give food before breast-feeding. If the baby is reluctant, try after breast-feeding.
• Initially the food should be moist, gradually becoming less soft.
• Start with a few spoonful and gradually increase the amount.
• Once a type of food is accepted, give it fairly frequently and gradually increase the amount.
• As the baby grows, allow him/her to handle food and to feed himself.
• Start by feeding her/him weaning foods once per day in a clean environment, using clean utensils set aside for the purpose.
• Let milk continue to be a very important part of the diet throughout the weaning period.
• If the child reacts to food with stomach cramps, diarrhea, stomach upsets, skin rashes, eye irritation, etc., discontinue and put her/him under strict observation.

Choosing and preparing weaning food

One of the nutrients that needs to be catered for a weaning is Vitamin C. This may be given in the form of orange juice mixed with water. It should, however, not be given on an empty stomach. Plenty of clean boiled water should be given in between feeds as this flushes the digestive system making it ready to function more efficiently.

At 3—4 months the baby needs to be put on supplementary feeding as growth is faster and more food is required. Commercial-made foods are available, if not affordable, and come with complete instructions on how to use. However, fresh foods, well-cooked and strained to compete smoothness, should be preferred.

Food rich in iron, e.g. vegetable and meats in puree form or finely minced meat, should be given from about the sixth month. Milk does not contain adequate amounts of iron to meet the baby’s demands at this stage.

Suggested food for weaning

• Fresh vegetables, e.g. sukumawiki (kale), terere, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, to supply vitamins A and C and mineral salts like iron.
• Fruits such as pawpaw, oranges, ripe banana, and avocado - these give vitamins A and C.
• Meat, liver, soya beans, egg, fish, give first class proteins.
• Nuts, e.g. cashewnuts, peanuts, groundnuts and macadamia, are a good source of fats and proteins.
• Pulses like peas and beans provide proteins.
• Carbohydrates can be given in the form of rice, pumpkins, porridge and potatoes.
• Suitable foods for weaning at different ages

Age (months)	Weaning foods
4—6	Vegetables puree, vegetable soups, mashed bananas, pumpkins, potatoes, pawpaw and avocado. Lightly-cooked egg, custard sauce.
6—12	Minced meat, liver, fish, ugali, whole fruits. Mashed pumpkins, bananas, potatoes.
12—15	All kinds of well-cooked soft foods, well-cooked vegetables, food from the family meals and plenty of milk.

Recipe: Fish, rice and vegetable puree

(Recommended for babies from six months old)

Add a slice of variety to your baby's food! This recipe is a complete meal on its own.

Ingredients

1 fillet fish (sole or threadfin)
2 tablespoons well-boiled rice
1 piece sweet potato
3 slices steamed zucchini

Method

1. Steam fish for 20 minutes until cooked
2. Boil sweet potato until tender
3. Steam zucchini for 10 minutes
4. Blend all ingredients together
5. Add water (boiled and cooled) if the mixture needs to be thinned down

Variation

For a change, replace the fish with a piece of chicken breast.

Recipe: Pear rice

(Recommended for babies four to six months old)

This dish can be done in a minute. All you need is a baby cereal and pureed pear from a bottle.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon rice cereal
1 tablespoon pureed pear
Boiled water or formula (both cooled)

Method

Mix all ingredients together and you're done!

Variation

You can replace the pear with apple, grapes, prunes or other pureed fruit.

Problems during weaning

Experts generally agree that from the age of six months, a baby needs something more substantial than milk. However, infants who have not grown to the expected size or lack iron (anaemic) may be weaned earlier, between the age of four and six months.

However, weaning too early, for instance when the baby is two to three months, could lead to digestive disorders. There is also a higher risk of the child developing a food allergy. On the other hand, if the baby is weaned too late, he or she may not get enough nutrition and this may lead to growth retardation.

 

There are problems that are common during the introduction of supplementary feeding. Some of these are:

Stomach upsets and diarrhea

This can be lessened by ensuring that all utensils and equipments used for preparing the food and feeding are in very clean and that clean, safe water is used. Leftover food should not be kept for long and should instead be given to the older children.

Malnutrition due to delayed weaning

The timing of when a baby is to be put on weaning food should largely be determined by the health of the baby as opposed to age. It is generally agreed that as soon as the baby is 7 kgs, weaning should be started.

Baby’s reduced appetite

This is mainly because the food, juices and water satisfy his thirst and therefore he does not want to suckle much.

Decreasing breast milk

The baby is suckling less at the breasts and thus milk production reflexes are less activated.

See: Top 10 Baby Weaning Foods

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WEANING THE BABY

One of the biggest challenges facing mothers is when and how to wean their babies. In practice, a mother has only two months maternity leave after child-birth and has to return to her normal duties in order to earn a living for her family. Therefore breastfeeding must be supplemented with solid or semi-solid food through a process called weaning—gradual introduction of other feeds into the baby’s diet to supplement mother’s milk.

Weaning should be done with a lot of care and consideration so as not to hurt the bond developed between the baby and the mother. It is cruel to suddenly stop the child from breast-feeding. It is worse to let it stay with relatives or with a house help. This could have far-reaching psychological, emotional and nutritional effects that are harmful to the child. This should therefore be done gradually for the baby to accustom itself.

Also read Infant feeding guidelines

Types of weaning

Abrupt weaning

This type of weaning takes place when the mother suddenly stops breast-feeding. This can cause an emotional trauma for the baby as breast-feeding is not only a source of food but also a source of security and emotional comfort. Therefore taking it away abruptly can be very disturbing and should not be done. In the case of the mother the breasts will respond by becoming enlarged and one may develop a breast infection or abscess. The hormone level drops abruptly and depression can result.

Gradual weaning

This type of weaning is where breast-feeding is replaced with solid food and breast-feeding is done once or twice a day. The mother encourages the baby to wean by providing interesting distractions and other nourishments in place of breast-feeding.

In gradual weaning, the mother limits breast-feeding to a few times and gradually replaces the other time with forms of nutrition such as porridge and fruits. When weaning is done over a period of weeks or months, the baby and the mother are unlikely to be affected.

Partial weaning

At the age of two years, the baby is ready to stop breast-feeding entirely. With this method the mother only allows the baby to breast-feed once e.g. when going to sleep or when waking up. After several weeks or months the baby stops as he can now eat a proper balanced meal.

Natural weaning

This means allowing the baby to outgrow breast-feeding entirely on his own. Most mothers choose to wait for this type of weaning. When the mother chooses natural weaning, it is important to lovingly guide the baby through the process. The baby should not be teased, threatened or laughed at. The mother should ensure that the baby is eating well and having a balanced diet.

How to identify when the baby is ready for solid foods—weaning

Most babies are ready to start semi-solid foods from the age of 3-6 months. Introduction of solid/semi solid food should not start earlier than this age as the baby might develop problems with the digestive system or develop allergic reactions too early.

Individual babies have their own telltale signs of indicating their readiness for solid foods. Some signs of readiness are:

• Baby is no longer interested in breast-feeding.
• Baby is able to sit with support, reaches out or grabs and tries to put hand or toy into the mouth.
• The baby tries to reach for the food on your plate.
• The baby mimic’s your eating behavior such as opening the mouth wide when you open your mouth to eat.

The mother should expect mixed signals during this time as the baby is also learning to communicate.

How to start the weaning

This process of introduction supplementary feeding is full of joy and pains but can be enjoyable of you watch and follow the baby’s cries. If you are introducing solid food at an early stage, say 3 months, it is advisable to start with porridge or something easily mashed, like ripe fruits.

As the baby grows older, you can introduce other foods such as mashed potatoes, meat and rice. Use your finger to feed the baby since they are at the right temperature and the baby is familiar to it. Encourage the baby to open his mouth and when he does it place the food on the edge of his tongue. Watch your baby’s reaction and if the food comes back to you, keep trying or wait to try again at a later time. As the baby grows, you can use a small plastic spoon with a smooth rounded edge.

INFANT FEEDING

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Banana Bread

I have been searching for a good banana bread recipe for over a year and I finally found it! What a super simple recipe with excellent results!!! Try it - You'll LOVE it!!

This banana bread has been the most popular recipe on Simply Recipes for over 10 years. Thousands of people make it every day. Why?

Because it really is the best banana bread recipe, period. You can mix everything in one bowl, you can vary the amount of sugar or bananas. And the secret to its great flavor? Melted butter. So get your tastebuds buzzing for this for this best banana bread recipe - simply make, bake and watch it go!

Nice moist banana bread. My husband was especially impressed with the nice way the banana flavor comes through. 

Nutrition: per slice (10)

• kcal268
• fat13g
• saturates8g
• carbs34g
• sugars24g
• fibre1g
• protein3g
• salt0.5g

Banana Bread Recipe

This is an easy recipe that gives perfect results every time. Be sure to use overripe bananas and the right sized tin.

0:15 To prep

0:50 To cook

9 Ingredients

EASY Difficulty

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cup Flour 
1 cup granulated sugar 
½ cup Butter or margarine
4 ripe Bananas
2 Eggs 
1 tsp. Soda 
½ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Vanilla

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350F (180C)
Peel the bananas and mash well with a fork. Break the eggs into a bowl and beat well. Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla together in a mixing bowl. Fold in the beaten eggs and then the mashed bananas, ensuring that the mixture is well combined. Sift the dry ingredients (flour, soda and salt) together and fold into the creamed banana mixture.
Lightly grease a loaf tin and dust the greased surface with flour. Pour the banana bread mixture into the loaf tin and place in the preheated oven.
Bake for 60 minutes
Allow to cool. Remove the Banana Bread from loaf tin
Serve the banana bread sliced as is or buttered. Can obviously be eaten cold, but is absolutely delicious eaten slightly warm

NOTE:
No need for a mixer for this recipe! Clean-up is easy too, if you want, you can mix everything in one bowl.

The best bananas to use for banana bread are those that are over-ripe. The yellow peels should be at least half browned, and the bananas inside squishy and browning.

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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ULTRASOUND SCANS DURING PREGNANCY

Most hospitals will offer women at least two ultrasound scans during their pregnancy. The first is usually around eight to 14 weeks and is sometimes called the dating scan because it can help to determine when the baby is due. The second scan usually takes place between 18 and 20 weeks and is called the anomaly scan because it checks for structural abnormalities.

Ultrasound scans use sound waves to build up a picture of your baby in your uterus. They are completely painless, have no known serious side effects on mothers or their babies, and may be carried out for medical need at any stage of pregnancy. If you have any concerns about having a scan, talk it over with your midwife, GP or obstetrician.

At the scan

You may be asked to drink a lot of fluid before you have the scan. A full bladder pushes your uterus up and this gives a better picture. You then lie on your back and some jelly is put on your abdomen. An instrument is passed backwards and forwards over your skin and high-frequency sound is beamed through your abdomen to the uterus and pelvis.

The sound is reflected back and creates a picture that is shown on a screen. It can be very exciting to see a picture of your own baby moving about inside you.

Ask for the picture to be explained to you if you cannot make it out.  It should be possible for your partner to come with you and see the scan. Although scans are medical procedures, many couples feel that they help to make the baby real for them both. Ask if it’s possible to have a copy of the picture. There may be a small charge for this.

What do scans tell us?

• Check your baby’s measurements. This gives a better idea of when your baby was conceived and when it is likely to be born.  This can be useful if you are unsure about the date of your last period or if your menstrual cycle is long, short or irregular. Your due date may be adjusted depending on the ultrasound measurements.

• Check whether you are carrying more than one baby.

• Detect some abnormalities, particularly in your baby’s head or spine.

• Show the position of your baby and your placenta. Sometimes a caesarean section is recommended - for example if your placenta is low lying in late pregnancy.

• Check that your baby is growing and developing as expected (this is particularly important if you are carrying twins or more).

Fetal movement

You will usually start feeling some movements between 16 and 22 weeks. Later in pregnancy your baby will develop its own pattern of movements - which you will soon get to know.

These movements will range from kicks and jerks to rolls and ripples and you should feel them every day. At each antenatal appointment, your midwife will talk to you about the pattern of movements. A change, especially a reduction in movements, may be a warning sign that your baby needs further tests. Try to become familiar with your baby’s typical daily pattern and contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately if you feel that the movements have changed. 

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Delicious Stewed Lamb in Vegetable Oil

This is a good recipe for a basic stew. You're going to love it because it's so simple and gives consistently good results. It's delicious as a simple stew served with mash and greens, or you could go on to add a topping to it - check out the accompanying recipes.

This is a dish that's meant to be easy and stress-free. After all, you deserve a break. I like to prepare it during the day while I'm working at home, but if you don't work from home, you can pull it together on a weekend day or even after you make dinner one weeknight. It will be ready for the next night's meal and all the better for its time in the fridge.

Stewed Lamb Recipe

Nutrition: per serving

• kcal397
 
• fat20g
 
• saturates8g
 
• carbs19g
 
• sugars8g
 
• fibre6g
 
• protein38g
 
• salt1.15g

Try our delicious Stewed Lamb Recipe, Simply delicious. 

Serves 6 people!

Ingredients

6 lamb leg steaks
50g plain flour, for dusting
6 tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 ½ garlic cloves
1 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
150ml white wine
3 potatoes, cut into small chunks
100-150gm peas (frozen are fine)

Method:

Salt the lamb steaks and dust them with flour. Fry in the vegetable oil for approx. 10 minutes each, in a large pan with a lid, until they are a little golden on both sides. Set to the side. Tip the leftover vegetable oil into a small bowl and save for the potatoes.

Crush the garlic and parsley and stir in the wine. Add it all to the pan and wait about 1 minute until bubbles appear on the surface. Pour in 150ml water and wait until bubbles appear again. Now return the steaks, cover and let it simmer over a low heat for 45-50 minutes or until tender.

With 30 minutes to go, fry the potatoes in a separate pan in the leftover vegetable oil for 5 minutes or until golden. Sit them on kitchen paper to absorb any excess Top Fry then add them to the lamb for the remaining cooking time. Once the lamb and potatoes are tender, add the peas and simmer for 5 minutes before serving.

Eat up and enjoy!

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Grilled Lemon & Herb Tilapia With Avocado Salsa!

Mouth-wateringly good Grilled Lemon & Herb Tilapia With Avocado Salsa!

Grilled Lemon & Herb Tilapia With Avocado Salsa Recipe

Ingredients:

4 whole Tilapia Gutted, cleaned and descaled
Lemon Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon
2 tbsp cooking oil
2 tbsp Dania, chopped
2 Ripe Avocados, chopped
3 Tomatoes, diced
1 tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce

Directions:

Preheat the grill/bbq to medium high.
Slit each side of the tilapia and place in a grill pan/on bbq.
Mix together the lemon zest and juice, oil and parsley, season and pour over the fish, coating evenly.
Grill for 10 minutes, turn the tilapia over and grill for a further 5 minutes or until the flesh is cooked.
Meanwhile, mix the remaining ingredients together and serve the salsa with the grilled tilapia.

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Signs That Your Kidney Is In Danger

The following vitals have a location right under the rib cage. They are responsible for cleansing & detox i.e. filtering 10-150 quarts blood daily. This is essential for all the body functions & keeping the blood healthy too. The kidneys are responsible for excessive fluids or waste materials from the organism. They regulate the levels of electrolytes & keep bones healthy & strong, make more red blood cells & stabilize the blood pressure.

If the kidneys are in trouble & can no longer function, as usual, the health is in big trouble. You should be able to recognize & prevent problems linked to kidney damage or failure.

When it comes to chronic disease, your kidneys aren’t always top of mind. But knowing about kidney disease can save lives. Show your kidneys some love!

Know if you are at risk for kidney disease. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease or a kidney disorder, you are at risk.

Get Screened.

Share the love. Tell your family and friends about kidney disease.

Swelling

When kidney starts to fail at their job, they can get rid of excess fluids less & less & this will make the face bloated & swollen, also the joints & limbs.

Urination Changes

Trouble urinating. Pressure during the process. Dark urine. Less frequent urinating & with small amounts. Pale color of urine, frequent & large amounts. Foamy urine. Urge to urinate during the night. Skin rash. The waste build up in our body can be linked to kidney failure-- the skin gets a lot of rashes & itching. All the waste gets piled up in the blood & makes the skin look unhealthy, dry & irritated.

Fatigue

If the kidneys are healthy, they produce EPO (Erythropoietin), a hormone that makes more red blood cells which bring oxygen to where is needed. If the red blood cells number is lowered, fatigue will occur & it will have an impact on the brain & muscle too. This is also a sign of severe anemia.

Shortness of Breath

If the body doesn't have enough oxygen, it is because of low number of red cells that deliver the oxygen everywhere. The amount of these blood cells is connected to the harmful piled up toxins in the lungs.

Taste of Metal in the Mouth/Metallic Taste

The waste accumulated in the blood will change your taste to foods & even cause bad breath all the time. Another sign of Kidney damage is a severe change in certain foods or poor appetite.

Pain

The ache in the upper back is another symptom of this condition -- That is the same area more or less where kidneys are placed. Pain can be triggered even more by infections or kidney stones.

Bad Concentration & Dizziness

Bad oxygen flow to the brain is a clear sign of serious anemia, but also kidney failure. It will mess up the focus & concentration, make you light headed & dizzy & cause memory troubles.

Incorporate healthier foods in your diet & have more antioxidant foods or supplements so your kidneys will work at their best & process good material too.

Foods to avoid for keeping kidneys healthy

  CHEAPEST WAY TO CLEAN YOUR KIDNEYS

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Reason Why You Should Get a Foot Massage Every Night before Bed

We all know that foot massages can feel great and make you feel more relaxed and comfortable however do you know why that is? Here are the reasons why you should get a foot massage every day and some of them may surprise you.

Massage therapy is more than just relaxing your body- through pressure points you can relieve tension & heal in numerous ways. This is also known as Reflexology - is the practice of applying pressure to certain parts of the body. This works especially well on the feet as your feet contain several nerve endings. Reflexology works by stimulating the thousands of nerves in the hands & feet, thereby increasing blood flow. Human feet have about 15,000 nerves & they all connect to form a network that reaches different areas of the body. This form of healing occurs when pressure is applied to certain body parts (hands & feet) & as a result a separate body part has a positive reaction.

The feet are connected to the organs when they are massaged & can also increase your sexual drive & stimulation. The big toe is connected to your Lungs & Brain, while the second, Third & Fourth Toes relieve Tooth pain. Ear aches can be cured through the Pinky toe.

Disease is prevented, blood circulates properly and your sleep is approved when massaging the feet. So basically, play with your puppies each night to gain better health!

Health Benefits of  Feet Massage before Going To Sleep

• Improves Blood Circulation. 
• Affects The Muscles Mass. 
• Helps Against Numerous Diseases. 
• Beneficial For Your Skin. 
• Eliminates Lactic Acid. 
• Reduce The Effects Of Edema (During Pregnancy). 
• Restless Leg Syndrome. 
• Stimulates The Perspiration. 
• Eliminates Fat By Facilitating Digestion. 
• Improves Blood Flow Through The Tissues. 
• Boosts Metabolism. 
• Alleviates Pain & Stiffness Caused by too much Exercising. 
• Prevents & Cures many Symptoms such as Stress, Asthma, Headache, Sinusitis, Constipation & Migraine.

The proper way of rubbing your feet is to rub oil into the tops of the feet before running your thumb across the sole in a circular motion. It’s important to focus on each toe individually to exercise each connective part.

TIP: USE LOTION, CREAM OR OIL WHEN MASSAGING. THEY WILL HELP WITH THE TREATMENT ESPECIALLY THE OIL WHICH WILL SOFTEN THE ROUGH CALLUSES ON THE FEET. MASSAGE FOR AT LEAST 10-15 MINUTES FOR BETTER EFFECT.

What did you think of this video? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and SHARE with your friends!

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Coconut and sweet potato pudding

A new twist on the old standard of sweet potato pie but no crust. This has just a hint of coconut flavor and is not overly sweet. You will love it! Great side dish for your Thanksgiving feast!

Excellent dish! I made this for dessert and, after just one spoonful, my wife insisted "you gotta make this for my mother!"

Even my kids ate his one! It could be less sweet, but the coconut flavor is fantastic!

Coconut and sweet potato pudding recipe

This recipe pairs the sweet starch with fresh ground coconut and cinnamon for a velvety texture and a nutty sweetness.

Ingredients (serves 6)

1 cup fresh ground coconut
1 ½ cups sweet potatoes , boiled or mashed
2 eggs
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup milk
½ cup water
4 tbsp melted butter
½ tsp mixed spices
½ tsp cinnamon

Method

Mix sugar, sweet potatoes and coconut together with a spoon until smooth. Add butter, milk, and water and beat thoroughly. Beat the eggs slightly, then gradually beat them into the mixture. Add the spices and cinnamon. Continue beating until the mixture is creamy and very smooth. Pour the mixture into a greased dish and bake for 30 minutes in a hot oven, until golden brown. You can serve it hot or cold.

Alternatively:

Ingredients

3 lg. potatoes
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. shredded coconut
3/4 c. milk
3 eggs
1 pie shell

Method

Boil potatoes and blend with mixture. Add ingredients to mashed potatoes; mix well. Pour into pie shell. Bake 30 minutes in 350 degree oven.

This recipe is excerpted from the Kenya-Information-Guide.com website’s Kenyan Desserts page.

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Exercises for a fitter pregnancy

Are you pregnant? Try to fit these exercises into your daily routine. They will strengthen your muscles so that you can carry extra weight, make your joints stronger, improve your circulation, ease backache and generally make you feel well.

Stomach-strengthening exercises

These strengthen your stomach (abdominal) muscles and ease backache, which can be a problem in pregnancy. As your baby gets bigger you may find that the hollow in your lower back becomes more pronounced, which can lead to backache.

•  Start in a box position (on all fours), with your knees under your hips, your hands under your shoulders, your fingers facing forward and your stomach muscles lifted so that your back is straight.

• Pull in your stomach muscles and raise your back up towards the ceiling, curling your trunk and allowing your head to relax gently forward. Don’t let your elbows lock.

• Hold for a few seconds then slowly return to the box position.

• Take care not to hollow your back - it should always return to a straight or neutral position.

• Do this slowly and rhythmically 10 times, making your muscles work hard and moving your back carefully. Only move your back as far as you can comfortably.

Pelvic tilt exercises

Stand with your shoulders and bottom against a wall. Keep your knees soft. Pull your belly button towards your spine, so that your back flattens against the wall.  Hold for four seconds and release. Repeat up to 10 times.

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises help to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which are placed under great strain in pregnancy and childbirth.

The pelvic floor consists of layers of muscles which stretch like a supportive hammock from the pubic bone (in front) to the base of the backbone. During pregnancy you may find that you leak urine when you cough or strain. This is known as stress incontinence of urine and it can continue after pregnancy. By performing pelvic floor exercises, you strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and this helps to reduce or avoid this problem after pregnancy. It is important to do them even if you are young and not suffering from stress incontinence now.

• Close up your back passage as if trying to prevent a bowel movement.

• At the same time, draw in your vagina as if you are gripping a tampon, and your urethra as if to stop the flow of urine.

• First do this exercise quickly - tightening and releasing the muscles straight away.

• Then do it slowly, holding the contractions for as long as you can before you relax. Try to count to 10.

• Try to do three sets of eight squeezes every day. To help you remember, you could do them once at each meal.

As well as these exercises, you will also need to practise tightening up the pelvic floor before and during coughing and sneezing.

Ask your midwife or doctor about these exercises.  Your local maternity unit should run classes where a specialist physiotherapist attends.  They can instruct you in groups or individually. Feel free to ask them for advice and help.

Foot exercises

Foot exercises can be done sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles and prevent cramp in the calf muscles.

• Bend and stretch your foot vigorously up and down 30 times.

• Rotate your foot eight times one way and eight times the other way.

• Repeat with the other foot.

To protect your back

• Sit up straight with your bottom against the back of your chair. Tuck a small cushion behind your waist if you wish.

• When you pick something up, bend your knees, not your back.

• Try to stand tall

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